USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1885-1891 > Part 22
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118
Females,
9
Amount received for the same,
$281 00
CHARLES MANSON,
Town Clerk.
SCITUATE, Dec. 31, 1890.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
OF THE
TOWN OF SCITUATE,
FOR THE YEAR 1890.
38
School Statistics.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Greatest number
any one term.
Average
Membership.
Average
Attendance.
Per cent.
Lewis T. McKenney,
Preston Smith,
58
52
47.5
.91
High School.
Henry A. Macgowan,
Mrs. J. A. Neely, Assistant, S. Ellen Brown,
71
58
50
.86
West Gram.
( Castella E. Vinal, Assistant, Lizzie H. Sheppard,
62
49
45
.92
N. Main St.
Mrs. Mary L. Newcomb,
28
26
24
.92
Willow St.
Carrie W. Litchfield,
35
31
29
.94
Brook St.
Gertrude Gardner,
37
35
32
.91
Hyland St.
Mabel Cole,
26
24
22
.92
South St.
Mrs. Hattie M. Ferguson,
22
17
15.2
.89
Minta C. Bowditch,
Central St.
H. M. Boynton,
19
15
14
.93
Mrs. Hattie M. Ferguson,
Charles St.
Maggie F. Sullivan,
16
14
13
.93
Grove St.
Amy F. Gardner,
14
12
11.5
.96
High St.
¿ Vesta A. Bean,
25
14
12.8
.91
Beach St.
Agnes I. Merritt,
10
9
8.5
.94
East Gram.
Sarah L. Young, Assistant,
Sarah R. Damon,
Alice E. Colson,
E. H. Livingston,
§ Elizabeth Stevens,
enrolled during
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Financial Statement.
Funds available for school purposes :
General appropriation, .
$5,500 00
For Superintendent,
300 00
Incidentals, .
200 00
Public Buildings,
200 00
State Fund,
169 77
Dog Tax, · ·
256 00
State for Superintendent,
200 00
" Teachers,
215 05
From Ginn & Co.,
6 67
Books Sold, ·
11 10
Total, .
·
$7,058 59
Bills paid during the year :
Teachers' Salaries,
$4,706 39
Superintendent, .
480 40
School Books and Supplies,
353 04
Fuel, Fitting, and Janitorship,
401 41
1
Incidentals,
190 14
Transportation of Scholars,
47 00
Repairs of Public Buildings,
559 48
$6,737 86
Unexpended,
$320 73
Estimated Value of Books and Supplies on hand, $200 00
10
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the Committees of Scituate, Marshfield and Duxbury :
In presenting my second annual report, I have thought it best to speak first of those matters which concern the schools of this district as a whole, and then those which are of importance to each town.
SCHOOL SUPERVISION.
During the year I have made 396 visits to schools, as follows : to the schools of Scituate 151 visits; to the schools of Marsh- field 123 visits, including those made to the private school at Brant Rock ; to the schools of Duxbury 122 visits. I have held teachers' meetings in each town, on an average once a month. Instead of the separate half-day meetings, for the months of October and November, an all-day meeting was held in the Congregational Church at South Marshfield village, October 9, at which the speakers and subjects were as follows :
The Superintendent, " Suggestions on the School Work."
George H. Martin, Agent State Board of Education, " School Management."
Henry T. Bailey, Agent State Board of Education, " A Course in Drawing."
Mr. M. W. Misener, " Music."
George H. Martin, " Language and Nature Study."
As this was the first general meeting of the teachers, there was some question about such meetings being as profitable as the time taken for them would demand. The results, however, showed beyond a doubt that they are very helpful, and it is intended to hold others during the coming year. The subjects are chosen so that the teachers get direct aid and advice from experienced instructors where they feel the most need of help. There was no extra expense incurred by the towns. Thanks are due the church trustees for the use of the church and chapel, and to the teachers
41
some that a great favor has been granted the teachers. This is a mistaken idea and does great injustice to the teachers. The dinner served by them. When the children are freed from school attendance on the occurrence of these meetings, it may seem to of Marshfield and the ladies of South Marshfield for the excellent most energetic and successful teacher feels the most need of these meetings. She must keep up with educational progress. A large part of her time out of school will be occupied in study for this purpose. She reads the educational periodicals which come to her weekly or monthly, and studies such books as she is able to purchase. But, besides this, she feels the necessity of guid- ance and help in systematizing the facts gained by study. She needs helpful criticisms on her work and frequent suggestions as to how she can improve and make her efforts most effective. She needs to meet with others and get inspiration from them. To give the teachers this help and guidance, in the most profitable way and with the least possible expenditure of time, is the object of these meetings. They are not times of relaxation nor holi- days. It is here that the teacher does some of her hardest work and acquires that which is of lasting benefit to her pupils.
CONDITION OF THE SCHOOLS.
At the beginning of the fall term the course of study was 'revised and extended to eight years, or grades, below the high school. In the Scituate and South Marshfield schools, pupils of the first four years are in the primary schools, and those of the last four years are in the grammar schools. In the other schools, the classes have been so arranged that no school has more than five of the eight grades. In this way the work in all the schools has been graded and systematized, and the schools are now work- ing on the same basis and by the same methods as those of cities and large towns, so far as it is possible under present conditions. The course of study will remain as now arranged for some time, subject only to such modifications as the needs of the schools and a due regard for educational progress may dictate.
LANGUAGE.
The study of language has received the attention which its im- portance demands. Every pupil, before leaving school for the
42
active duties of life, should receive such instruction as will enable him to write and speak the English language with a fair degree of accuracy. As a means of teaching language, and at the same time to awaken the child's interest in the phenomena which he sees around him daily, nature study has been introduced. One of the chief objects of school instruction is to develop the child into a thoughtful, independent being. The facts with which we seek to store the mind have no value in themselves. It is the power of thought developed in the mind which results in the right use of these facts and which gives them their value. I can conceive of nothing better adapted to stimulate and develop this power of thought than a study, however superficial, of the myriad facts of nature, animate and inanimate, in the midst of which the God of nature has placed us. In connection with this study, the necessary instruction in technical grammar is given.
READING.
There has been considerable improvement in reading, especially in the first four grades. There is still great room for further improvement. We need more supplementary reading matter.
MUSIC. .
Progress in music has been very slow, not because of any lack of effort on the teacher's part, but because this subject is not as' well understood by them. There is great need of special instruction in this branch. If the committees would unite, a competent instructor could be employed at a small cost to each town.
In other studies good progress has been made. The schools are not yet in the condition in which it is desired they should be. Still it is certain that they are advancing in the right direction and by right methods. There is more thought development and less of merely mechanical work.
ATTENDANCE.
Severe storms and sickness have interfered much with the regular attendance of pupils. The cases of non-attendance due
43
to the carelessness or indifference of parents are less than last year. There are still some instances. The only way in which such persons can be reached is by subjecting them to the penalties of the law, which imposes a fine for each case of negligence. It is much better that the parent should suffer than that children should grow up in ignorance. I believe that, where such cases occur, after due warning has been given, extreme measures should be taken. The cases of truancy have been less than here- tofore. The officers have attended faithfully to their duties.
SUPPLIES.
In the purchasing of text-books, especially readers, I have been able to save considerable by exchanging old, wornout books in part payment for new, and, in some instances, book for book, an old for a new. By the plan just adopted for the coming year, of purchasing the ordinary supplies, for all the towns, for the whole year, at one time, there will be quite a saving of expense to each town.
In closing, I wish to thank the teachers for the faithfulness and energy with which they have seconded my efforts to improve the schools, and bring them to a proper standard of excellence. To the committees, I wish to express my gratitude for the confidence and trust which they have seen fit to give me. I can also bear witness to their faithfulness to the interests of the schools, to the sacrifices made and the time spent by them, in many instances without compensation.
To the Committee of Scituate :
In addition to the general report of the schools, I wish to call your attention especially to one other matter.
The occupation of teaching has without doubt its advantages and compensations. It is also attended with anxieties and cares which wear upon the physical and mental forces. The teacher may have the respect, confidence and sympathy of the community. She gives in return for this the best of all her powers. There is no danger that she will ever be spoiled by a too liberal compensa- tion for her services in this town or elsewhere. It is not a question with her of rendering so much service for so many dollars ; the better the pay the better the service. Still I believe
1
44
she is entitled to a fair return for her services, and so I feel it no more than right that the salary of our primary teachers should be increased. The Committeee have taken one step in this direction. One more is necessary. If good work is demanded, we should be willing to pay for it. If we wish to employ competent teachers, we must offer sufficient inducements. If we wish to retain the services of competent teachers, we should offer a reasonable return to them for their labor. It is true that most of the teachers are residents of the town. It is fortunate for us that such is the case. I sincerely hope that it may always be so. They should, however, be paid as much for an equal service as the stranger within our gates. The salary paid in the towns adjoining us is, in almost every instance, higher than that paid our primary teachers. When it is necessary to employ teachers, we are obliged to engage those of little or no experience who, as soon as they have practiced enough with us, accept better positions elsewhere. I am aware that the town is carrying a heavy debt and that other projects call for large expenditures. The same can be said of the towns around us. In many instances the tax rate is higher than in Scituate. Good schools always serve to attract residents to any town. Good schools demand competent teachers. Competent teachers command reasonable compensation.
This matter is respectfully submitted for your consideration.
E. H. WATSON,
Superintendent of Schools.
45
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee herewith submit their annual report.
The results of the new system of education are beginning to be felt in our schools. The teachers are working more faithfully and with better understanding. Much of the listlessness and idleness in the primary schools has been changed to interest and attention by the plans for " busy work " introduced by superin- tendent and teachers. Language is systematically taught. Pen- manship, story-writing, and map-drawing are receiving more attention than formerly. Industrial drawing does not receive that attention the Committee would desire. Reading in the primary classes has gained in expression and fluency, as well as tone. We confidently expect that this good work will be con- tinued in the grammar schools during the coming year.
SUPERINTENDENCY.
The Committee hope that the office of Superintendent may be continued another year. The future of the town depends on the character of the children, and shall not the town give to them the best mental, moral and physical training that the times afford ? This can only be done by employing trained teachers and competent supervision.
In regard to the distinctive duties of Committee and Superin- tendent, the law says nothing ; but it would seem advisible that the Committee should retain the charge of the prudential affairs. Professor John Fiske, in his book on Civil Government, says : " The School Committee must visit the schools once a month at least, and make a report to the town every year. It is for them to decide what text-books are to be used. They examine candi- dates for the position of teachers, and issue certificates to them. If the amount of work to be done seems to require it, the Com- mittee appoints a superintendent of schools. He is a sort of lieutenant of the School Committee, and, under its general direc- tion, carries on the detailed work of supervison."
1
46
VENTILATION.
This subject has received considerable attention during the year. All the school-rooms have been furnished with window- boards, which afford good and inexpensive ventilation. The East Grammar school-house has been furnished with an improved system of ventilation, as ordered by Chief Wade of the District Police, at an expense of about two hundred dollars.
Where there is insufficient ventilation, Chief Wade suggests the necessity of suspending study at frequent intervals, opening all the windows, and exercising the children in marching and light gymnastics. He says this is a poor substitute for proper ventila- tion, but it is better than nothing.
CONSOLIDATION.
Is the efficiency of our schools in proportion to their cost? This is a question often asked in all towns, and to which much thought is given.
The Beach Street school, consisting of four pupils, was, in September, united with the North Main Street school. The cost of transportation has been about seven cents per child each trip. The plan has proved a complete success, notably in the improve- ment in attendance and punctuality, interest and enthusiasm, besides a saving of money. Parents and children speak heartily in favor of it.
The average yearly expense of educating a child in a school of six or eight pupils greatly exceeds the amount paid in the large cities and towns, where the best educational facilities are pro- vided.
Accordingly, in the interests of economy, to say nothing of the superior educational advantage to the children, your committee recommend the union of Central Street, Grove street and High Street schools ; also the joining of Egypt school to the North Main Street school. These changes would lessen the general expenses of schools, but would call for a special appro- priation for transportation.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The High School is now under the efficient management of an able and accomplished master, Mr. H. A. Macgowan, whose ability in teaching and discipline are highly thought of by all who are familiar with his methods.
47
His efforts to raise the standard of school work are warmly commended by the school committee, who feel that if his services can be retained for a number of years, the High School will take a stand among the best High Schools of country towns.
The largest class ever graduated from the Scituate High School was the class of '90. The graduating exercises were of unusual interest and gave great pleasure to the large audience of parents and friends assembled to hear them.
The most urgent need of a new High School building is now felt. Every resident of the town is aware of the ill-constructed, poorly-heated rooms, and of the long distances travelled by the pupils.
A neat, wooden building of two rooms, well heated, lighted and ventilated, and situated on the line of the railroad, could be procured at a small expense. Will not the town at the annual March meeting take some definite action in this matter?
In conclusion, the School Committee thank the people of the town for the readiness with which, in the past, they have appro- priated the money needed for the support of schools, and hope that the changes herein recommended may meet with their approval.
The schools of Plymouth County have not the place in educa- tional ranks which they should have. Shall we not, in future years, prove more loyal to the mighty purpose of good education and good government laid down for us by our illustrious ances- tors, the Pilgrim fathers.
JULIA E. WEBB. ELLA BATES. Committee. ISRAEL C. DALBY.
NAMES OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES, CLASS OF '90.
Lucius Ellms Bates
Grace Russell Neely.
Hattie Foster Cottle.
Mary Ellen Nott.
William Tucker Colman.
Catharine Elizabeth Sullivan.
Mary Francis Cummings. William Sullivan.
Effie Lawrence Litchfield. Castella Ellen Vinal.
48
TRUANT OFFICERS' REPORT.
To the School Committee of Scituate :
We, as Truant Officers, would respectfully report that we have attended to all complaints of truancy made to us.
HOSEA D. NOTT, 1 Truant WILBUR P. BROWN, S Officers. SCITUATE, Jan. 14, 1891.
REGULATIONS
AND
COURSE OF STUDY FOR SCHOOLS
OF THE
TOWNS OF
Scituate, Marshfield, and Duxbury.
ADOPTED OCTOBER, 1890.
BOSTON : PRINTED FOR THE COMMITTEE. 1890.
REGULATIONS.
Holidays.
All legal holidays and one day of the Marshfield Agricultural Fair shall be observed as holidays. Teachers will also be allowed one day each year for the purpose of attending the Annual Meeting of the Plymouth County Teachers' Association, and one day each term to visit schools under the direction of the superintendent and committee.
Sessions.
The schools are to be kept on the first five secular days of each school week, and at no other time - the morning session to commence at nine o'clock, and close at twelve; the afternoon session to commence at half-past one o'clock, and close at four, except the committee of any town shall order otherwise.
The time, however, of opening and closing the High schools may be determined by the committee of each town.
Punctuality of Teachers.
Teachers must be at their rooms at least fifteen minutes before the time of open- ing their schools, both in the morning and afternoon; the record of attendance to be made at the time of opening.
Tardiness and Absence.
Pupils who do not arrive until after the opening of school, at either session, or who have been absent from school, must bring a written excuse from their parents or guardian, or otherwise satisfy the teacher that such tardiness or absence had the sanction of responsible authority.
Devotional Exercises. X Objec
The morning exercises in all schools shall commence with the reading, by the teacher, of not less than ten verses of some portion of the Bible, or repetition by the pupils of appropriate scripture selections, and the Lord's Prayer; the pupils being required to conduct themselves with propriety during these exercises.
Recess. × Object
There shall be, during each session of the schools, a recess, not exceeding fifteen minutes in duration, including going out and coming in.
4
Pupils to Remain in School.
Pupils shall be required to remain in school till the close of each session, except in cases where a written or personal request from the parent or guardian is made for them to be excused, giving satisfactory reasons therefor.
Care of School Property.
Teachers are required to see that the school-houses, outbuildings, furniture, text- books, supplies, and all that pertains to any part of school property are kept in neat and good order during term time.
Damage.
Any damage done to any part of the school property must be paid for by the parents or guardian of the child or children doing it. The General Statutes pro- vide that all wilful and wanton damage shall be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the jail not exceeding one year.
Teachers must notify the committee at once when any damage is done, giving the name of the parent or guardian of the child or children doing it.
Suspension of Pupils.
For violent or gross opposition to authority, or when the conduct of a pupil, either in or out of school, is such that his example is injurious to the other pupils, the teacher may suspend such pupil for not more than five school days; but the case must be reported immediately to the superintendent or committee, for advice and direction, and at the same time notice must be given, in writing, to the parent or guardian.
Grievance.
Whenever any parent or guardian shall feel aggrieved at the conduct of any teacher, the cause of grievance shall either be removed by a private interview with the teacher, or be reported to the committee; but in case denunciatory or excited language be used toward the teacher during a session of the school, or before pupils, notice shall be sent forthwith, to the committee by the teacher.
Admission.
xobjec.
Pupils who have never attended school shall be admitted during the fall term only ; others may be admitted at any time. No child under five years shall be admitted to the school; neither shall a child be allowed to remain in the school who has not been successfully vaccinated.
Detention After School.
Pupils shall not be kept after school for study or punishment duriug any part of the noon intermission. Pupils shall not be detained after the close of the after- noon session longer than three quarters of an hour.
Deprivation of Recess.
No pupil shall be deprived of his regular recess or any part of it for any other cause than abuse of privileges or gross misconduct. All pupils shall be required to be absent from the school-room at recess time, except in inclement weather or in cases of delicate health.
1
5
School Supplies.
At the close of each term, teachers shall make returns of the number and condi- tion of all books, and the amount of supplies on hand. No supplies shall be taken from the school-room under any conditions whatsoever. Teachers may, however, permit pupils to take home such text-books as they may think necessary for the purpose of study.
All text-books which are loaned to pupils for constant use shall be numbered, and charged to the one to whom they are loaned, and said pupil shall be held strictly accountable for all damage done to the same.
Public Notices.
No teacher shall read, or allow to be read, any advertisement, or allow any advertisement to be distributed in school or on the school premises. No agent or messenger shall be allowed to announce any public entertainment, nor shall any one take up the time of the school by lectures of any kind, without the consent of a member of the committee, or the superintendent.
Register.
In every school the register shall be faithfully kept, and at the close of the school year, each teacher shall return the same, properly filled, to the chairman of the committee, who shall withhold the last month's salary until the rule is complied with.
Teachers' Meetings.
Teachers are required to attend the Meetings appointed by the committee or superintendent. Teachers wishing to be excused from attendance at any one meeting, shall obtain permission from the superintendent for such absence, previous to the time appointed for holding the meeting, and shall give a satisfactory reason for such request.
Substitutes.
Substitutes shall not be placed in charge of schools by any teacher, without per- mission of the committee or superintendent. Unless other contract is made be- tween the committee and such substitutes, they shall receive the same compensa- tion as regular teachers, and may render their bills to the town.
Report of Visits.
Each teacher after visiting other schools shall present a full written report of such visit to the superintendent within two weeks after the visit is made.
Suspension of Regulations.
No one or more of these regulations shall be abrogated or suspended unless with the consent of the committee at their meetings.
Failure of Teachers to Comply with Regulations.
A repeated failure or a refusal on the part of any teacher to comply with the letter and spirit of these regulations, shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
6
COURSE OF STUDY.
Reading.
First Year. (First six months) : Teach, by sentence method, a list of three hundred words adapted to pupils of this grade, and chosen from First Readers to be used. The last part of the year read from the first part of First Readers.
Suggestions : Pupils should know the alphabet by the end of the first six months. The articles a and the should always be joined to the following word as if they formed the first syllable of it. Use short sentences. Require the pupil to read the sentence through silently first and then read it aloud in a natural conversational tone. Special attention should be given to cultivating an easy, natural, and pleas- ant manner of expression. BRING OUT THE THOUGHT that pupils may express themselves understandingly. Commence early to teach the sounds of letters and then have new words pronounced by sounds.
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