USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1875-1881 > Part 38
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Worcester's Pro. Speller, 335 " 10c., 33 50
66 Primary “ 65 " 8c., 5 20
Total amount paid in exchange, $168 76
SOLD AT INTRODUCTION PRICES.
Franklin Written Arithmetic, 65 at 65c., 39 00
66 Elementary 118 " 25c., 29 50
66 Primary 66 77 " 15c., 11 55
Worcester's Pro. Speller, 160 " 18c., 28 80
Primary “ 122 " 15c., 18 30
Amount paid for books at introduction prices, $127 15
It is fair to assume that nearly all of those scholars who purchased the new books would have purchased the old ones, had they remained in use, and paid therefor the regular re- tail price, which is probably forty to fifty per cent. over the introduction price, so that the net expense caused by the changes in text-books exceeds but little, if any, one hundred dollars.
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CHANGES IN TEACHERS.
Just prior to the annual examination in June last, Miss- George, who had been the teacher at Greenwood for some time, resigned to accept a more lucrative situation in Melrose. Had the opportunity been given the Committee to negotiate with her to continue in her position at an advanced salary, she would probably have remained. Through her acquaint- ance, the Committee were enabled to secure the services of Miss Hattie M. Tucker of the Winthrop schools, to complete the term, and conduct the public examination, which she did in a most satisfactory manner. At the commencement of the present school year Miss Elizabeth J. D. Kennard of Cam- bridge was engaged to take charge of this school. Miss Kennard was young and without experience in teaching, but had had special training in reference to it, and gave promise of brilliant success, but the promise was not fulfilled. She failed for a time to find a home among the people of that vil- lage suited to her tastes, which possibly contributed to fail- ure in other respects. Under more auspicious circumstances, and with increased experience, Miss Kennard might become a successful teacher. At the close of one term's service her place was filled by the election of Miss Mary F. French of Sandown, N. H., who, at the present writing, is giving a good degree of satisfaction.
At the close of the summer term, Miss Coney, of the Woodville school, informed the Committee that unless she could have a substitute for a large part of the first term of the year, she must resign on account of a disease which for- bade her living in this latitude during the months of Septem- ber and October. The Committee felt that justice to the school demanded a permanent teacher, and they accepted her resignation. Miss Kate L. Brown of Reading was appointed to fill the vacancy, and has remained in the position since, discharging her duties with zeal and fidelity.
The Franklin street school lost both its teachers. Miss Upham, who had taken such faithful charge of the Primary
93
Department for six years, resigned, to carry into effect a de- sire long cherished of consecrating her life to the service of the Master in foreign lands. She sailed for India in Septem- ber, accompanied by the warmest wishes of all who knew her. Miss Field, the teacher in the Intermediate Depart- ment, felt her health declining during the summer term, and at its close declined to continue longer as teacher of that school. She was subsequently elected to the position of teacher at the First Intermediate school in the Centre Dis- trict, which was re-established at this time, which position she still holds. The vacancies thus occasioned were filled by the choice of Miss Sarah C. Hervey, a lady of long expe- rience in the public schools of Lawrence, in the Intermediate school, and Miss Eva E. Howlett of this town, who had given for several years unqualified satisfaction in the schools of Peabody, in the Primary school. Both are sustaining the reputation which preceded them.
At the time of writing our last report it was expected that Miss Dearborn would be able to resume her connection with the Second Intermediate school in April, but this ex- pectation was not realized, and she resigned her position at the end of the school year. Miss Emerson, who had been acting as substitute for some months, was elected in August, teacher of the school, entered upon the discharge of her du- ties in September, and is now carrying on her work with thoroughness and success.
When the result of the annual examinations for promotion was ascertained it was found that the First Grammar school contained sixty-eight scholars, and the Second Grammar school one hundred, many of whom, in each school, were poorly fitted in some branches. To the First Grammar school came sixty-two scholars from four different schools, twenty-eight of whom passed upon recitation mark, while the average of the whole was surprisingly low. To the Second Grammar school came eighty-five scholars in addition to the
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fifteen who failed to obtain a promotion, twenty-eight of whom also passed upon their recitation mark.
Difficult questions at once suggested themselves. It was thought possible that as in former years some of the scholars would drop out, but at the opening both schools had increased their numbers. It was at once determined to furnish an as- sistant in the First Grammar, and Miss Alice Freeman, a graduate of our High school of the class of 1878, and for a year a student at Wellesley College, was selected, and she entered upon her duties the second week of the term. By the re-establishment of the First Intermediate the Third Grammar was left without pupils. So its grade was changed to a Second Grammar, and the scholars in that school di- vided about equally in point of numbers and scholarship be- tween the two teachers, Mr. Cutter and Miss Warren. In view of the evident unfitness of some in that school for that grade, and for the purpose of raising the standard of the schools above, it was directed by the Committee, that at the end of the second term an examination should be had of all the scholars in the school, and the best half should thereafter constitute the Second Grammar school with the expectation of promotion, and the remainder should make up any appa- rent deficiencies, and if reasonable should have the opportu- nity to take the examination for the First Grammar school at the end of the year ; if not, they should remain and consti- tute the Second Grammar school for the ensuing year. That examination has just been finished, with results so satisfac- tory that at this writing the Committee are unprepared to de- termine just what shall be done with the scholars now in Miss Warren's room. A portion, at any rate, will have the privilege of being examined for Miss Perkins's room. The fifty-three scholars obtaining the highest rank in arithmetic, grammar and geography now constitute the school in charge of Mr. Cutter. The average per cent. obtained by them in the examination just given is 90.5, and the average of those now at Miss Warren's room is 71.5 per cent.
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In the schools not specially mentioned the same teachers as last year remain. It is a source of gratification to us to be able to retain in the employ of the town a corps of such earnest, faithful and pains-taking teachers. They differ in style, disposition and success, but all merit the kindliest re- cognition and the warmest sympathy.
MUSIC.
A few years ago the subject of music in our public schools was a debatable one, but under the wise administration of Mr. Wilson, it has passed from debatable ground, and become a permanent portion of our curriculum. " As to the benefit of such instruction, if properly carried out, - its agency in the formation of a refined and melodious speech, its efficiency as a means of recreation and of discipline in the school-room, and its humanizing influence upon both teacher and pupil, the best educators, in other countries and our own, are now agreed. The almost universal ability of children of the school age to appreciate the sounds of the scale, and acquire some knowledge of music in its simpler forms, has been abundantly proved."
A late master in one of the Grammar schools in Boston speaking upon this point said : " In my school of about 1000 girls, less than a dozen were unfitted from all causes for at- taining a fair degree of success in this department of cul- ture." Probably the percentage of children in our schools is not so large, but one not versed in the facts would be pleasantly surprised to find how many " can sing." Mr. · Wilson has labored zealously in his department, and his ef- forts have been faithfully seconded by the various teachers.
WRITING.
Probably no branch of our common school education is cared for so unscientifically as writing. Good penmanship depends largely upon a few elementary principles which can be easily learned, but which as a rule are sadly neglected.
1
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The underlying principles which govern the correct formation of letters are rarely understood except by those who have given the subject some special attention. We hope in the coming year to have this subject assume its proper place in our schools, and for the sake of correctness and uniformity, it would be a wise expenditure of money to employ some thoroughly competent person to instruct all our teachers in the principles, and require them to follow this instruction in their teaching.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION.
The exercises of graduation took place as usual in the Town Hall, in the evening of the Seventeenth of June. This was the first graduation under the charge of the present prin- cipal of the High School, and was also the first graduation of scholars in the Business Course. The exercises were varied in character, and of a high order, prepared not so much for entertainment, as for the purpose of giving some idea of the standing of those who participated in them. The following is the programme and the names of the scholars graduating in the different courses :
PROGRAMME.
1. Chorus-"O Thou, My Hope, My Country," . Franz Abt
2. Salutatory-Macbeth, Nellie F. Walton
3. Essay-The Influence of Nature on Man, Lyman E. Sweetser
4. Declamation-The Black Regiment, Melvin W. Boardman
5. S Quartette-Hark ! I hear the Organ Peal.
Invisible Chorus-Santa Maria.
6. Essay-Strikes, George P. Aborn
7. Declamation-Hannibal at the Altar, Alonzo D. Moran
8. Chronicles-Written by Miss Mansfield.
Masters G. P. Aborn and C. H. Stearns.
Read by Clinton H. Stearns
9. Piano Duet, Misses Balch and Walton
10. Reading-The Diver, Margaret Kirk
11. Recitation-The Dutchman and the Yankee,
. Wm. D. Wright
12. Calisthenics.
13. Essay-"Rome was not built in a day," . Jessie F. Mansfield Solon O. Richardson, Jr
14. Declamation-The Spanish Duel, .
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15. Song-Whippoorwill, White
Rosa L. Bridge. Celia P. Nott
16. Prophecy,
17. Poem-The Harbor Bar. Written by George W. Martin. Read by Clinton II. Stearns
18. Valedictory-The Value of Classical Study, Fannie P. Bucknam
19. Parting Hymn. Words by Geo. W. Martin. Music by Geo. F. Wilson
Through many long and pleasant years Our pathways have together lain ; But now, within a few short hours, We step aside-we break the chain Which held us fast in times of school ; But though our paths are widely bent,
Our memories long will treasure up The days of school together spent.
So let us clasp our hands once more, And sing one last sad parting song ; And softly sing it- softly dwell Upon the accents, low and long. Farewell ! dear schoolmates, tried and true, Farewell ! now, school days, loved so well ;
Farewell ! O faithful teachers, all ; In closing whispers, breathe "Farewell !"
20. Presentation of Diplomas.
GRADUATING CLASS. " Boutez en Avant." BUSINESS.
GEO. P. ABORN, ALONZO D. MORAN, MELVIN W. BOARDMAN, SOLON O. RICHARDSON, JR., LYMAN E. SWEETSER.
ENGLISH.
MARGARET KIRK, JESSIE F. MANSFIELD, WILLIAM D. WRIGHT. ENGLISH AND CLASSICAL.
FANNIE P. BUCKNAM, NELLIE F. WALTON, CLINTON H. STEARNS, GEORGE W. MARTIN.
Rosa L. Bridge completed the Business Course, with the exception of Trigonometry and Surveying.
Celia P. Nott completed the English and Classical Course, with the exception of French.
98
SCHOLARS.
It is with no ordinary degree of satisfaction that we mark an improvement in the tone of the scholars of the town ; in general characteristics, an elevation. Among the boys, young life and spirit without turbulence, manliness without " old-manishness," dignity and a sense of responsibility without assumption. Among the girls, sprightliness without rudeness, grace without affectation, womanliness without prudishness, a growing moral sense of the privileges, rights and duties of all. These are some of the qualities which characterize the children who are to fill the responsible posi- tions in the world, and occupy the places of trust and emol- ument among their fellow men. To you, scholars, who are now in our schools, are soon to be committed the great trusts of life. To you are now open the widest prospects and most magnificent possibilities. Because of this, those of us who are now bearing the heat of the day are looking to you with eager and anxious eyes. Because of this, we view your course, as you lay the foundations of character and learning, with profound attention. In you and with you rest the hopes of the future.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
At the last annual meeting, the town appropriated five hundred dollars to be expended in painting some of the school houses. The Committee advertised for proposals for painting all the school houses in town, and were favored with the following offers :
George H. Teague, $1,203 00
Bacon & Sweetser,
.
.
1,140 25
Z. F. Fairbanks,
975 00
Albon W. Parker,
612 00
The Committee accepted the offer of Mr. Parker. The buildings were found to be in very bad condition, and needed more than one coat, but in view of the appropriation the
99
Committee did not feel at liberty to contract that liability. They did, however, have a second coat put upon three sides of the High school house at a cost of $125, which makes the entire cost of painting nine school houses one coat and three sides of the High school house an extra one, seven hundred and thirty-seven dollars. The improved appearance of the buildings is very gratifying, and in view of the fact that it would be wise economy to keep them well covered with paint, we recommend an appropriation this year of at least five hundred dollars for painting.
CONCRETE WALKS
Have become an established institution in this town, and their cleanliness and durability commend them to the house- holder. The same considerations which induce private citi- zens to make these walks about their dwelling houses weigh with added force to their desirability about public buildings. We hope a reasonable appropriation will be made each year for this purpose, until the walks about all the school houses in town are laid with concrete.
· OTHER APPROPRIATIONS.
We recommend the town to raise for regular school pur- poses the sum of eleven thousand, five hundred dollars, and for school contingent fund the sum of one thousand dollars.
CONCLUSION.
We append hereto the usual statistical tables in relation to our schools and the course of study adopted the present year, and submit the whole as our annual report.
SAMUEL K. HAMILTON, Chairman, LUCIUS BEEBE, GEORGE W. ABORN, THEODORE E. BALCH, Treasurer, E. P. COLBY, WILLIAM N. TYLER, Secretary.
100
NAMES OF PRESENT TEACHERS, SALARIES, AND DATES OF ELECTION.
Names of Schools.
Teachers.
When Elected
Salaries.
High
Abbott Sanford,
Sept .. 1879.
$1100 pr. yr.
66
·
Martha Keith, .
April, 1878.
600
Lucy P. Greenough, .
Sept., 1879.
400
Advanced Gram'r,
M. E. Wentworth, ·
Mar., 1871.
700
Ctr. Gram. No. 1,
Abbie S. Perkins, ·
Sept., 1873.
550
Ctr. Gr., 1, Asst.,
Alice Freeman,
·
Sept., 1880.
200
Fred'k S. Cutter, ·
Jan., 1878.
800
M. Annie Warren,
·
Dec., 1871.
500
Interme'ate, 1,
Alice Field, ·
Jan., 1879.
380
66 2,
3,
Alice G. Currier,
·
Mar., 1880.
360
Centre Primary, 1,
Myra A. Stearns,
·
Sept., 1875.
360
66 2,
Mary I. Hersey,
·
Dec., 1876.
400
West Intermediate
Nellie A. Miller, ·
Sept., 1877.
360
Primary,
L. J. Mansfield, ·
Sept., 1871.
360
Franklin St. Int.,
Sarah C. Hervey,
Aug., 1880.
380
Primary,
Eva E. Howlett,
July, 1880.
360
North Ward,
Francella M. Evans,
April, 1862.
380
East Ward,
Annie R. Killoran, ·
Sept., 1873.
380
Woodville,
Kate L. Brown, ·
Aug., 1880.
360
Greenwood,
Mary F. French, .
Nov., 1880.
380
" 2,
66 2,
Clara E. Emerson, · Dec., 1879.
360
Number of Scholars between 5 and 15 years of age, May 1st, 1880, 914.
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TABLE OF ATTENDANCE.
SCHOOLS.
Average whole number.
Average daily attendance.
Average per cent. of atten-
Number over fifteen years:
of age;
-
High School,
58.3
57.2
97.2
60
Advanced Grammar,
43.4
40.9
94.2
43
First Grammar,
62.8
60.3
96
25.
Second Grammar, (Mr. Cutter,)
57.7
54.3
94.1
3
Second Grammar, (Miss Warren,)
52.3
49.8
95
Third Grammar,
58
53
95
First Intermediate,
45.6
41
89
Second Intermediate,
47.7
43.4
91
Third Intermediate, .
44.6
40
89.6
Centre Primary, No. 1,
45.9
41.7
90.9
Centre Primary, No. 2,
62.4
53.7
85.8
North Ward,
34
30
88
East Ward,
44.4
38.4
87
Woodville,
37.8
30.3
80
Greenwood,
.
45.7
38.7
85
Franklin Intermediate,
51.9
45.3
87
Franklin Primary,
49.7
42.5
84,3
West Intermediate,
45.4
39.2
86
West Primary, .
·
43.4
42.3
83
.
·
.
dance.
TOWNS.
of 1880.
Population-Census
Arlington,
4100
$4,533,128.00
812
872
732
20.936
.00375
Malden, .
12017
10,747,905.00
2153
2688
2029
14.631
.00293
Melrose,. .
4560
3,650,384.00
840
912
770
14.88
.00342
North Reading, .
900
535,723.00
156
169
153
11.071
.00322
Reading,
3181
2,457,816.00
478
607
523
15.40
.00305
Stoneham,
·
4891
2,978,355.00
872
949
779
13.303
.00389
Wakefield,
·
5548
3,435,205.00
866
997
807
12.124
.00306
Watertown, .
5426
7,409,050.00
872
960
788
17.614
.00207
Winchester. .
·
3802
3,602,501.00
584
748
593
18.835
.00305
Woburn, .
.
10938
8,239,859.00
2424
2238
2238
10.313
.00303
Quincy,
10529
7,528,096.00
1704
1910
1551
15.539
.00352
1879.
Valuation in 1880.
teen years, May 1st,
ages of five and fif-
town between the
No. of children in
in school,. 1879-80.
No. of diff. scholars
school 1879-80.
Average number in
of age, 1879.80.
five and fifteen years
each child between
Sum appropriated to
to public schools.
ation
appropriated
Percentage of valu-
102
·
Norfolk Co.,
.
103
COURSE OF STUDY, ADOPTED AUGUST, 1880.
(EXCEPT HIGH SCHOOL.)
SECOND PRIMARY.
Reading .- Object and word method, chart reading, black- board lessons, slate exercises in script, Franklin Primer, and such supplementary reading as is desirable,
Numbers .- Count to one hundred, write the Arabic nu- merals, add and subtract numbe rsas high as twenty.
Writing and Drawing .- Copy from the black-board casy combinations of straight and curved lines ; frequent exercises on the slate in Roman and Script letters and words.
Oral Lessons .- Daily talks about familiar objects with il- lustrations and examples ; read suitable selections and stories.
FIRST PRIMARY.
Reading and Spelling .- Franklin Second Reader, includ- ing enunciation and punctuation, with desirable supplemen- tary reading, free use of the black-board. Worcester's new. Primary Spelling Book to page 40, and the lessons in the Reader.
Numbers. - Franklin Primary Arithmetic to page 72, Walton's charts, black-board exercises.
Writing and Drawing .- Capital and small letters with the elementary principles, and short sentences on the slate. Exercises from cards or the black-board, showing the circle, ellipse and polygon, and how they may be divided into parts by straight lines, etc. ; simple plans of houses and other fa- miliar objects.
Oral Lessons. - Conversations upon articles caten and worn ; upon colors illustrated by colored papers and fabrics ; upon various natural objects, their uses, etc. Teach how to tell time by the clock. Read suitable selections and stories.
104
THIRD INTERMEDIATE.
Reading and Spelling .- Franklin Third Reader with daily drill on exercises from page 8 to page 13, with suitable sup- plementary reading; Worcester's New Primary Spelling Book from page 40, including abbreviations.
Numbers .- Walton's Charts ; Franklin Primary Arithme- tic (entire book) ; Franklin Elementary Arithmetic to page 37 ; black-board exercises.
Writing and Drawing .- Copy from the black-board cor- rectly written and punctuated stanzas or paragraphs, and correct improperly written sentences ; Primary Writing Book, No. 1; Primary Drawing Book, No. 1.
Oral Lessons .- Points of compass, measures of length and capacity, divisions of time, some account of various domestic articles, as grain, fruit, vegetables, cotton, etc., with illus- trations and examples.
SECOND INTERMEDIATE.
Reading and Spelling. - Franklin Third Reader, from page 106, Franklin Fourth Reader to page 125; suitable supplementary reading ; Worcester's New Pronouncing Spel- ling Book to page 59.
Numbers .- Walton's Arithmetical Charts ; thorough drill in the multiplication table ; Franklin Elementary Arithmetic from beginning to page 81; black-board work.
Writing and Drawing .- Second Primary Writing Book, and Writing Book No. 1; Daily writing from dictation ; con- stant practice in the combination of straight and curved lines ; Drawing Books No's. 2 and 3.
Oral Lessons .- Teach, from the globe and maps the gen- eral principles of Geography ; conversations upon short arti- cles to be read from children's periodicals or newspapers.
FIRST INTERMEDIATE.
Reading and Spelling. - Franklin Fourth Reader from page 90, with suitable supplementary reading ; Worcester's New Pronouncing Spelling Book from page 25 to page 93.
105
Numbers .- Franklin Elementary Arithmetic from page 51 to page 115 ; black-board work.
Writing and Drawing. - Writing Book No. 2; Writing short abstracts from reading lessons and short letters from dictation ; Drawing Books No's. 4 and 5.
Geography .- Warren's Primary Geography, (entire book).
Oral Lessons .- Common flowers and plants, domestic an- imals.
THIRD GRAMMAR.
Reading and Spelling. - Franklin Intermediate Reader with suitable supplementary reading ; Worcester's New Pro- nouncing Spelling Book from page 59 to page. 119 ; spelling and defining from reading lessons.
Numbers .- Franklin Written Arithmetic to page 105; Colburn's First Lessons in Arithmetic.
Writing and Drawing .- Writing Book No. 3; Drawing Book No. 6.
Geography .- Warren's Common School Geography from page 22 to page 49 ; outline map drawing.
Language .- Swinton's Language Primer, (entire book).
Oral Lessons .- Conversations upon flowers, plants, do- mestic and wild animals.
SECOND GRAMMAR.
Reading and Spelling .- Franklin Fifth Reader, and suita- ble supplementary reading ; Worcester's New Pronouncing Spelling Book from page 111 to page 163.
Numbers .- Franklin Written Arithmetic from page 88 to page 172 ; Colburn's First Lessons in Arithmetic.
Writing and Drawing .- Writing Book No. 4; Drawing Book No. 7.
Language,-Swinton's Language Lessons, (entire book).
Geography .- Warren's Common School Geography from page 49 to page 80; outline map drawing.
Oral Lessons .- Structure of the human body ; manufac- tures of the United States.
106
FIRST GRAMMAR.
Reading and Spelling .- Franklin Sixth Reader, including the first fifty-five pages of the introduction ; (declamations and readings), suitable supplementary reading, Worcester's New Pronouncing Spelling Book from page 139, spelling and defining from Reader, Geography and other books.
Numbers .- Franklin Written Arithmetic from page 172 to page 234 ; Colburn's First Lessons in Arithmetic.
Writing and Drawing .- Writing Books No's. 5 and 6, composition, Drawing Book No. 8.
Language .- Swinton's English Grammar to page 134.
History .- Barnes' Brief History of the United States to page 147.
Geography. - Warren's Common School Geography to page 22, and from page 80 to page 96; review United States ; map drawing.
Oral Lessons. - Conversations introducing the elements of Botany, Zoology, Geology, etc.
ADVANCED GRAMMAR
Reading and Spelling .- Franklin Sixth Reader, including Introduction, Declamations, Readings and Compositions ; Worcester's New Pronouncing Spelling Book; exercises from Pronouncing Hand Book.
Numbers .- Franklin Written Arithmetic from page 234 to page 299 ; including appendix when practicable ; Colburn's First Lessons in Arithmetic.
Writing and Drawing .- Writing Books No's. 6, 7 and 10 ; Drawing Book No. 9 ..
Language .- Swinton's English Grammar from page 135 ; Swinton's School Composition to page 103.
Geography .- Warren's Common School Geography re- viewed, Special Geography of the United States, Warren's Physical Geography, drawing maps and charts illustrative of Physical Geography.
107
History .- Barnes' Brief History of the U. S. from page 147.
Oral Lessons .- Same as First Grammar, with the addition of State and National Governments and current events.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.
It is expected that the course of study will be completed in the time prescribed, and that other matters will not be allowed to prevent, and no change will be made without the vote of the Committee.
Singing .- As directed by the teacher of music. Teach- ers will devote as much time as can reasonably be spared for that purpose, to singing, and it will be well to occasionally combine this with physical exercise.
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