USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1882-1886 > Part 43
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of last year would meet the difficulty. The far-sighted and the right thing to do is to build a four-room building, into which the Advanced and the First Grammar Schools can be, as soon as possible, transferred, and use the other two rooms as occasion requires. They will be needed in a short time. This arrangement will leave the whole of the High School Build- ing for the use of the High School'; but this plan cannot be carried out in season for next fall, and it is apparent that some expedient must be adopted, and the matter is in the hands of the town. During the year, upon the petition of all the boys in the High School, supplemented by the approval of the teachers, military drill was made a part of the regular work of the school, and at the request of the Committee the Selectmen of the Town petitioned the Gov- ernor to allow the High School Cadets to drill and parade in public, which request was readily granted. A Company has been organized, uniformed and armed, and have a regular drill under the instruction of Mr. Herbert W. Walton of this town as drill master. The Company has been enthusiastically supported by the school, and we have no doubt will result in the formation of good habits of position and carriage, as well as a good training in those things which tend to make citizen soldiers. The whole expense of the military drill is borne by voluntary subscription.
GRADUATING EXERCISES.
These took place in the Town Hall on the evening of June 25th, and would take favorable rank with any which have preceded them. The careful and painstaking drill of teach- ers was apparent throughout. The class requested that their friends should not present them with bouquets, and their entire absence was noticeable ; a departure which we heartily commend. Now, if the next class will graduate in calico, they will merit the approbation of every right-
182
minded person. In years past it has been a heavy burden upon many of our citizens to meet the demands of fashion when a daughter graduated. Let money be expended for the essentials of an education, but not upon the frivolities of fashion. As usual we append the programme for the even- ing and the roll of honor for the year.
PROGRAMME.
SALUTATORY .- "Character."
DECLAMATION .- "Henry V. at Agincourt." H. S. Moran.
Miss O'Hea. Shakespeare.
THE SEASONS.
Miss Baker,
E. F. Emerson,
" N. F. Emerson,
Hill.
POEM .- "A Vision of the Future." Miss Griffin. DECLAMATION .- "How Mr. Covill counted the Shingles on his House." Bailey. A. E. Atherton.
CALISTHENICS.
PRESENTATION TO SCHOOL.
REPLY.
ESSAY .- "Thermopyla." . Miss Casey.
CONCERTED READING .- "Song of the Forge." Miss Cooper, Miss Houston, Miss Perkins, Miss Walsh, A. E. Cooper, F. C. Patch.
PIANO DUET .- "La Balladin :. "
DECLAMATION .- "The Murderer's Secret." Miss Kalaher.
VALEDICTORY. ·
Miss Young, A. W. Flint. Webster.
.
Miss O'Leary.
PARTING HYMN.
S
Music by Prof. Wilson,
Words by Miss Cooper.
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS.
BENEDICTION.
. Miss Gowing. Richard G. Eaton.
183
NAMES OF GRADUATING CLASS.
CLASSICAL COURSE, FOUR YEARS.
Ellen Frances Casey, Mary Ellen O'Leary,
Martha Theresa O'Hea,
Horace Sheridan Moran.
ENGLISH COURSE. THREE YEARS.
Mabel Baker,
Mary Ann Kalaher
Blanche Ione Cooper,
Emily Folsom Emerson, .
Susie Olive Perkins, Julia Frances Walsh,
Eleanor Frances Emerson,
Grace Young,
Minnie Evelyn Gowing,
Arlon Edward Atherton,
Addie Rena Griffin,
Ashley Elwood Cooper,
Alice Woodbury Hill,
Albert Woodbury Flint,
Elizabeth Addington Houston, Fred Curtis Patch.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Pupils neither absent nor tardy for the year.
Nellie E. Fay,
Nellie L. Fitzgerald,
Julia L. Flanley,
Mary J. Hurley,
F. Addie Mansfield,
Jennie R. Tyzzer,
Lilian T. Wilkins,
George A. Bancroft,
Otis M. Cutler,
Ernest A. Knight,
Albert J. Madden,
Arthur N. Mansfield,
William R. Mansfield,
George A. Packard.
ADVANCED GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
At the beginning of the year the number in this school was too large for one teacher, and the small room, known as the apparatus room, was taken for an assistant's room, and Miss Hattie M. Emerson, a graduate of our High School and
184
of the Salem Normal School, was appointed assistant, a . position in which she did good work to the first of March, when she resigned, and Miss Luella A. Leavitt of Saco, Maine, a graduate of Framingham Normal School was chosen to fill the vacancy. The present number of the school is sixty-seven, of whom fifty-five have signified their intention of entering the High School, and there is every reason to expect that number will be promoted. The two First Grammar Schools are expected to promote the most of their number into this room at the end of the summer term, and the school another year promises to be as large as the present. The room used by the assistant is small and poorly ventilated, and the best work cannot be done there. If there should be any large increase, it would be impossible even to pack them into the present accommodations. The work of the year has been done better than we could expect with the accommoda- tions, but the town owes this result to the indefatigable labors of Mrs. Wentworth, whose name is so indissolubly connected with the life and growth of the school.
CENTRE PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
At the close of the June term, in accordance with our expectation during the year, the Bank Building Primary School was abolished. This we were enabled to do by pro- motion. We hoped that all the scholars in the Centre could be cared for without further teaching force, but in this we were disappointed, and early in the fall term we were obliged to furnish an assistant for Miss Thompson in the Second Primary, and Miss Emily F. Emerson was selected for the place, where she still remains. During a small portion of the time it is possible her services might have been. dispensed with, but only for a few days at a time, and it has been thought best to retain her for the present. If the usual influx occurs with the opening of the spring some other arrangement must be made.
185
OTHER CHANGES.
At the close of the spring term Miss Danforth, of the North Ward, resigned, in order to keep a matrimonial engagement, and at the close of the summer term Miss Den- nett, of the East Ward, followed her example. Both were faithful teachers, and they won the respect and confidence of the Committee and those who had knowledge of their work. During the summer vacation Miss Sweetser, of the Franklin Primary, yielded to an inducement, perhaps not quite so alluring, but which she could not resist, a material increase of salary offered her in Malden, where she continues to exhibit those traits of character and that capacity for teaching which made her services to this town so valuable. The vacancy in the North Ward was filled by the choice of Miss Mary J. Kelly, who had been an assistant of Miss Danforth, and a graduate of our High School in the class of 1884, as principal, and Miss Elizabeth R. Sanborn, a graduate in the same class, as assistant.
Upon the resignation of Miss Dennett and Miss Sweetser, Miss Kelly was transferred to the East Ward, Miss Bishop of the Woodville School to the Franklin Primary, and Miss Sanborn was appointed to the Woodville School. The vacancy created by the transfer of Miss Kelly to the East Ward was filled by the appointment of Miss A. C. Dicker- man of North Easton, Mass., who still holds the position and is doing good work.
We are pleased to note the earnest determination and the hard work displayed by the graduates of our own High School. They are bound to succeed.
COURSE OF STUDY.
During the year the entire course of study has been re-arranged. It represents the observation and thought of the Committee coupled with the experience of the teachers
24
186
in the different grades. We believe it to be more complete and better adapted to the wants of the town than any form- erly prescribed. We append a copy to this report.
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION.
This subject is rapidly gaining a hold upon the public mind, and eliciting the attention of teachers and school officials, It is based upon the idea that the child should be taught in the public schools to do, as well as to think and to be ; should be taught the possibilities and results of action, as well as of thinking and being ; the training of the eye, the hand, the arm and the foot, as well as the finer organs of thought and speech. It is argued that the tendency of the schools is to lead youth to seek an occupation and liveli- hood among the professions or in mercantile life, who from natural fitness should seek them among the trades, mechan- ical arts, or in agriculture ; that all children are given the same class and course of study instead of so arranging the curriculum as to afford scope to the natural inclination of the pupil. These arguments are unquestionably true, in part, but so long as reading and writing are pre-requisites to voting there is a point in mental culture to which all children should be educated alike, and the important question is at what time and place should the natural bent or inclination of the pupil be allowed its course. This is a question which has hardly reached us in connection with our schools, but is agitating higher institutions of learning, and is as practical with us as with them. There is no reason why, if a boy has a taste for mechanics, he should not be allowed to cultivate that taste and receive instruction in the public schools, as well as a boy who expects to become a physician or a lawyer should be instructed in the Latin language. The time is · upon us when towns should provide a place where the rudi- ments of mechanic and industrial arts may be taught, not in
1
187
substitution for, but in connection with the regular school work. It is far better to turn out good mechanics and far- mers than poor doctors and lawyers. The objection made is that it will tend to make classes or castes in society, but that is a matter which will regulate itself in a land and under a government like ours, where the possibility of any position in life is open to every boy and girl.
SUPERINTENDENCE.
Upon this subject we have expressed our opinion so fre- quently and strongly we can do little more than refer to former reports. The schools of the town demand a good superintendent and they will never reach the point of excel- lence which they ought until they have one; and the town has no moral right to complain of schools or committee, when it refuses to avail itself of one of the most effective means of improvement. Ten per cent. added to the expenses of our schools for a good superintendent will yield twenty- five per cent. return in their character. The figures given on a former page of this report upon the cost of Superin- tendence in the towns with which we have made some comparison, will prove a suggestive bit of reading to those who complain of the extravagance of the School Committee.
NEEDS.
In this report we have placed before the town the condit- ion of matters at the High School Building. The parents of the more than two hundred pupils in that building, are at least as much interested as the School Committee, and those who have nine hundred children in the lower schools, cannot fail to see where their interest lies. It is too much to expect of any Board of School Committee, unless they are more than human, to continually place before the parents of schol- ars whom they are trying to benefit, their needs, things which
8
are absolutely necessary for their life, health and growth, physically, morally and mentally, and be met only by lack of co-operation or posit ~~ ~ hoff. It is for the town to consider.
. We have made the lowe estimates for which we think it possible to carry on the schools in their present efficiency for the ensuing year. It will only be by the most extraordinary good fortune if these figures are not exceeded, and we have made them relying upon that good fortune. We recommend for general school purposes the sum of sixteen thousand and five hundred dollars, for school incidentals fifteen hundred dollars, and for books and supplies fifteen hundred dollars. We have ten in our corps of teachers who are receiving less than four hundred dollars per year salary, most of whom have been in the schools years, or long enough to entitle them by every consideration of fairness and decen- cy, to an increase of twenty or forty dollars per year, as the case may be. Without much question another teacher will be required in the High School, at the beginning of the fall term, for whom we have made no provision in this estimate, nor have we made any provision for additional school room or furniture. To raise a less sum would be demoralizing to the schools, and we trust that the good common sense of the town will prevail as it has so many times before.
PERSONAL.
With this year the Chairman closes nine years' service upon the School Committee, three of which he has served as Secretary and six as Chairman, and in consonance with his expressed determination at his last election, he wishes to be relieved from further duty. In severing a connection so long established, he desires to place on record his grateful appreciation of the confidence his fellow citizens have reposed in him, and of the high honor which they have conferred in
189
associating his name with one of its public school buildings. The duties which have devolved upon him have been fre- quently onerous, but never irksome. The association with the various members of the Committee, the teachers and others connected with the schools, has been uniformly pleas- ant and agreeable, while to the hundreds of scholars who have passed along under his supervision, he owes a debt of gratitude for their sunny smiles and pleasant words which he can never pay. His most fragrant memories are of the scenes in which he has endeavored to lead some wayward child to a better conception of his duty and perhaps to a nobler life.
COMMITTEE.
The town will be required at the coming election to elect two members of this Board for three years next ensuing in place of Messrs Thayer and Hamilton whose terms expire.
The usual statistical tables are hereto appended, which with the forgoing, we submit as our Annual Report in accordance with the provisions of law.
S. K. HAMILTON, Chairman, E. A. UPTON, S. S. WHITE, M. J. HILL, Secretary, PRESTON SHELDON, ASHTON H. THAYER,
Committee.
Wakefield, March 15, 1886.
190
TABLE OF ATTENDANCE.
SCHOOLS. .
Average number belonging.
Average daily attendance.
Average per cent. of atten-
Number belonging to School
No. belonging to school,
Feb. 26, 1886.
High School,
98.
94.7
96.7
90
105
Advanced Grammar,
57.4
54.9
95.6
51
66
Centre First Grammar,
38.6
36.1
93.5
41
39
52.7
49.5
93.9
54
55
First Intermediate,
45.6
43.5
95.4
46
44
Second Intermediate,
45.8
41.3
90.2
52
50
Third Intermediate,
49.1
44.5
90.6
51
48
Primary, No. 1,
43.2
36.2
83.8
40
43
Primary, No. 2,
58.
49.5
85.4
46
61
Bank Building Primary,
20.
18.7
93.5
21
none
North Ward,
35.9
31.8
88.9
53
.33
East Ward,
34.
30.
88.2
32
33
Woodville,
45.2
37.
82.2
44
46
Greenwood, Intermediate,
17.3
16.8
97.1
19
19
Greenwood Primary,
35.8
29.8
82.9
34
39
Franklin St. Intermediate,
44.8
40.5
90.4
31
49
Franklin St. Primary,
49.6
42.4
86.9
42
56
Hamilton First Grammar,
34.3
32.7
95.
41
32
Hamilton Second Grammar,
34.8
33.2
95.4
34
38
Hamilton Intermediate,
50.6
46.2
91.1
55
53
Hamilton Primary,
47.6
43.8
92.
48
53
West Ward Intermediate,
51.3
50.9
89.6
46
56
West Ward Primary,
27.3
24.3
89.
29
31
1055.9 920.1
90.9 1,054 1,082
.6
Second Grammar.
Third Grammar,
45.
42.1
93.5
54
43
dance.
Feb. 28, 1885.
I
Whole Number of Scholars between the ages of five and fifteen years, May 1st, 1885, 1260.
191
NAMES OF TEACHERS FOR THE YEAR, SALARIES, AND DATES OF ELECTION.
Names of Schools.
Teachers,
Elected.
Salaries.
High
Walter C. Hill,
·
Dec., 1881.
$2000
..
.
C. E. Bacon,
.
Sept., 1884.
1000
C. S. Jackson,
Sept., 1885.
1000
Martha Keith,
April, 1878. 700
Advanced Gram'r,
Mrs. M. E. Wentworth,
Mar., 1871.
750
Hattie M. Emerson, asst
Sept., 1885.
200
Luella A. Leavitt,
Feb., 1886.
200
Ctr. 1st Grammar,
Sophia F. Hamblin, .
Sept., 1884.
600
Ctr. 2d Grammar,
Geo. A. Tyzzer,
Dec., 1884.
800
Clara E. Emerson,
Dec., 1879.
450
2d
Lucy E. Evans,
Sept., 1883.
360
" 3d 66
L. J. Mansfield,
Sept., 1875. 400
Centre Primary, 1,
66
.2,
S. E. Thompson,
Feb., 1884. 380
$6
2,
Emily F. Emerson, ass't.
Sept., 1885. 120
North Ward,
Hannah B. Danforth, .
April, 1882.
400
East Ward, 66
M. E. Kelley,
.
April, 1885. Sept., 1883.
400
E. R. Sanborn,
Sept., 1885.
360
Greenwood Int.
S. E. Wilkins,
Sept., 1883.
400
N. H. Thayer,
Sept., 1883.
360
Franklin St. Int.,
Primary,
Clara E. Sweetser,
April, 1884.
400
66
F. Adelia Bishop,
Sept., 1883. 400
Hamilton 1st Gram
M. Annie Warren,
Dec., 1871. Sept., 1882.
500
Int.,
Lizzie F. Ingram,
.
Sept , 1882.
400
Prim.
Eva E. Howlett,
Sept., 1881.
400
West Ward Int.,
Mary F. Mclaughlin, .
Sept., 1883. 360
66 " Primary,
Elizabeth W. Lang, .
Sept., 1884. 360
Bank Bldg. Prim, Music Teacher,
Anne M. Ransom, ·
Sept .. 1884. 360
Geo. F. Wilson,
Sept., 1876.
550
.
Sept., 1885.
400
Cora E. Dennett,
·
April, 1882.
400
Woodville,
F. Adelia Bishop,
.
.
Prim.
.
Sept., 1884.
360
E. A. Weeks,
.
.66 2d
Mary J. Kelly,
M. E. Kelley, .
April, 1885.
360
A. C. Dickerman,
Sept., 1883. 360
Ctr. 3d Grammar, " 1st Interm'ate,
Ella L Prime,
Minnie E. Emerson,
April, 1883. 380
360
600
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COURSE OF STUDY.
ADOPTED, SEPTEMBER, 1885.
SECOND PRIMARY SCHOOL.
FIRST YEAR.
Arithmetic .- Count to one hundred. Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers as large as ten. Teach the common fractional parts, as halves, thirds, quarters. Teach the use of coins to ten cents. Chart and blackboard exercises.
Drawing .- Draw on slates and blackboards easy combinations of straight lines. Teach names of lines and their positions, as upright (vertical),level (horizontal),slanting (oblique), parallel ; at angles with each other, as obtuse, acute, perpendicular. Divide lines into two equal parts, and sub-divide them.
Language .- Cultivate the power of expression. Accustom pupils to tell what they know in correct language. Use complete sentences in asking and answering questions. Teach to copy words and sen- tences in asking and answering questions. Teach to copy words and sentences from books, from the board, and from dictation. Teach the use of capitals at the beginning of sentences, and the periods and question marks at the end. Require simple stories about the reading lessons, pictures, plants, animals, household articles; and whatever the skill of the teacher may suggest. Carefully correct mistakes. Teach to distinguish form, color, and chief qualities of objects. Re- cite prose and poetry suitable to grade.
Reading .-. Read from charts, blackboard, and First Readers. One half of two, at least, of the following : Franklin, Munroe, Swinton, Lib- pincott, McGuffy, Sheldon or Normal. Teach pupils to understand what they read, to articulate distinctly, and to pronounce correctly.
Spelling,-Spell by sounds and by letters the words in their Read- ers.
Writing. Write on slates daily, small letters, Arabic figures, fami- liar words, and short sentences. Careful attention to position of body and manner of holding pencil.
193
FIRST PRIMARY SCHOOL.
SECOND YEAR.
Arithmetic .- Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers as large as twenty-five (multiplier and divisor not larger than five). Practise multiplication and division tables through five. Use chart and black- board. Mental examinations daily. Franklin Primary Arithmetic to page 66.
Drawing. Draw on slates and blackboard. Teach to improve the work of previous year. Draw straight lines straighter, perpendic- ular and horizontal lines more exact. Draw combination of straight and curved lines, and simple geometric forms atter they have been ex- plained and illustrated by the teacher,
Language .- Continue work of first year, but talk and write about less familiar plants, animals, and things. Teach to distinguish sounds, to test weights, measures, to determine position and distance. Com- bine words given by teacher into short sentences. Teach name- words, action-words, quality-words. Teach common abbreviations, as Mr., Mrs., Dr., A. M., P. M., etc., that names of persons, places, days of the week, and months of the year begin with capitals. Write sentences in which the hyphen is used. Teach plurals. Write re- peatedly all corrected expressions. Encourage children to talk about what they see and know. Require recitations of prose and poetry.
Reading .- Finish Franklin First Reader, and use as supplementary reading either book recommended as suitable for Second Primary grade. Insist on clear and distinct utterance.
Spelling .- Oral, written and by sound, words in their Readers.
Writing .- Capital and small letters with the elementary principles. Easy words and short sentences on slates and blackboard. Attend to position of body and manner of holding pencil.
25
194
THIRD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
THIRD YEAR.
Arithmetic .- Franklin Primary Arithmetic (entire book). Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers as large as one thousand (mul- tiplier and divisor not to exceed ten). Practice multiplication and division tables through ten. Mental examples and blackboard exer- cises daily.
Drawing .- Primary Drawing Book, No. 1. Practise on paper and blackboard.
Language .- Test preceding work. Teach letter writing, giving special attention to form and position of heading, to the address, to the body of the letter, and to the subscription. Teach the use of the quotation mark, the apostrophe, the comma after the yes and no. Teach that objectives derived from proper names should be written with capitals. Teach words that tell how, when, and where actions are performed. Correct grammatical errors, and insist on neatness and tasteful arrangement in all written work. Copy selections into blank books. Let the children understand that these exercises are very important, that the blank books are to be examined as their writing books. Recitations as in previous grades. ..
Reading .- Franklin Second Reader with suitable supplementary reading.
Spelling .- Words found in the Second Reader. -
Writing,-Primary Writing Book, No. I. Write sentences with pen and ink on practice paper. Be sure the children hold the pen correctly and sit in a proper position.
195
SECOND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
FOURTH YEAR. .
Arithmetic .- Franklin Elementary Arithmetic as far as page 70. 'Teach multiplication and division, multiplier and divisor to consist of three figures at least. Complete and drill frequently on all the tables. Daily exercises in practical, mental examples. Combine small num- bers rapidly.
Drawing .- Primary Drawing Book, No. 2, with extra work on paper and blackboard.
Geography .- Warren's Primary Geography as far as page 28. Use globes and maps in connection with lessons. Local Geography. Draw map of Wakefield and of Massachusetts.
Language .- Test previous work and continue the same. Write in blank books from memory short stories and descriptions found in readers or given by the teacher. Teach the meaning of sentence, statement, question, command, exclamation, and require pupils to note these in their reading lessons, and to observe the terminal marks. Teach the use of the caret, pronouns, prepositions, conjunc- tions. Require some form of written language-exercise daily. Rec- itations.
Reading .- Franklin Third Reader with suitable supplementary reading.
Spelling .- Oral and written spelling from Readers and from Wor- cester's New Pronouncing Spelling Book as far as page 47.
Writing .- Primary Writing Books, Nos. 2 and 3. Never allow careless work. See that the body and the pen are in proper positions.
197
THIRD GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
SIXTH YEAR.
Arithmetic .- Franklin Written Arithmetic from beginning to page I24. Work mental examinations daily. Colburn's Mental Arith- metic.
Drawing .- White's Drawing Book, No. 2. Extra work on paper
Geography .- Warren's Common School Geography from page 22 to page 53. Outline map drawing.
Language .- Swinton's New Language Lessons, Section I. Train the language faculty according to methods used in earlier grades, Accustom pupils to use the Dictionary. Teach diacritical marks, and marks of accent. Require letters of recommendation, of invitation of acceptance, and of regret, telegrams, bills, receipts, advertise- ments, etc. Review abbreviations and punctuation marks. Recita- tions.
Reading .- New Franklin Fourth Reader with suitable supplemen- tary reading.
Spelling .- Worcester's New Pronouncing Spelling Book from page 59 to page III. Spell and define words found in Reader.
Writing .- Business Standard Writing Book, No. 2.
1
196
FIRST INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
FIFTH YEAR.
Arithmetic .- Franklin Elementary Arithmetic from page 70 to page 115. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of common and of decimal fractions. « Teach principles.
Drawing .- White's Industrial Drawing Book, No. I. Extra work on paper.
Geography. Finish Warren's Primary ,Geography from page 28, if possible. Outline map drawing of New England States. Use globes and maps.
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