USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1894-1896 > Part 29
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·
1,063 22
Balance, .
$117 50
SUPPLIES.
Appropriation,
$1,500 00>
From tuition,
46 77
Dog tax,
263 71
Total,
$1,810 48
.
·
.
.
12
Expended,
1,810 48
Balance unexpended from dog tax, .
$117 50
" tuition,
108 00
Total,
$225 50
Bills outstanding Feb. 1, .
675 00
The statistics herein given present a somewhat lengthy state- ment of the population, census of children in town for several years, school buildings and accommodations, school attendance during the year, list of teachers, appropriations and financial statement, and other matters of interest connected with school affairs.
These facts while of themselves interesting, have a particular value in this, the anniversary year of the settlement of Wake- field. They have also an immediate value in fixing a basis on which to make plans for the future.
The population of the town in 1890 was 6982, in 1895 it is estimated at 7875. The increase during the next ten years is, of course, a matter of speculation but the most conservative admit that it will be considerable.
I refer you to a preceding table for a detailed statement of school houses and locations, seating capacity and largest number of pupils in attendance at any time during the past year, and I want to call your attention to the fact that in most of the schools, the number has gone beyond that point where even our strongest and most efficient teachers can do justice to their pupils. Fifty is a very large number for one teacher, and I wish to protest against teachers having more than that number with the expectation on the part of parents that their children are learning as much as in those towns where a more reasonable number is admitted to the several classes. .
The question presents itself to you and the citizens of Wake- field, how shall a possible increase in applicants for school privi- leges be met at the beginning of the next school year,-September.
The changes in the corps of teachers during the year from January 1, 1894, to January 1, 1895, are nine withdrawals, twelve appointments and one transfer. The list is as follows :
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WITHDRAWALS.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
DATE.
East Ward, High,
Mabel P. Whitman,
April 13.
Florence M. Locke,
June 30.
Franklin,
Harriet R. Dowe,
June 30 ..
M. Ada Brown,
June 30 ..
Hamilton,
Blanche I. Cooper,
June 30 ..
East Ward,
Rebecca O'Connell,
June 30.
Lincoln,
Annie Balch,
June 30.
High,
Carrie E. Strong,
Oct. 20.
Lincoln,
Mabel F. Packard,
Dec. 1.
ELECTED IN 1894.
SCHOOL.
TEACHERS.
EDUCATED WHERE.
SALARY. DATE.
High,
Carrie E. Strong,
Boston University,
$700
Jan. 1.
Drawing,
Annie B. Parker,
Prang's,
400
Mar. 16.
Lincoln®, Annie Balch,
Wakefield High,
200
66 16.
High,
Grace Stevens,
Smith College,
600
Sept. 7.
Woodville, Lillian Whitney,
Gorham Normal,
400
7.
Franklin,
Edith R. Marshall,
Wakefield High,
400
7.
66
Mattie A. Bangs,
Provincetown High,
400
66
7.
Hamilton, Sarah E. Aldrich,
Nichols Academy,
450
66
7.
Lincoln,
Catharine Kelley,
Salem Normal,
200
66
7.
High,
Emilie de Rochemunt, Wellesley,
700
Oct.
20.
Lincoln,
Rebecca O'Connell,
Salem Normal,
200
Dec. 21.
TRANSFERRED.
East Ward, Catharine Johnston,
$360 Apr. 16.
Mabel F. Packard,
Bridgewater Normal,
200
66
10.
While most of the resignations have come at a time when the vacancies could be most easily filled it not infrequently happens that a teacher accepts a position in some other town or city and leaves with insufficient notice. It is a trite but true saying that the teacher makes the school, and it is equally true that the se- lection of new teachers, especially Normal graduates with little or no experience, is in the nature of an experiment.
We must have good teachers and would like their term service to be a long one, but it is far better to have a good teacher for a year than not to have had her at all. An inefficient teacher is a. misfortune to a class. A teacher who can do only fair work is almost equally a misfortune, and it is a most perplexing task to
14
determine what to do in the case of the teacher somewhat defi- cient in scholarship, or not strong in administrative skill, or lack- ing a little of having a pleasant way of getting along with pu- pils and parents or wanting in force, or not the possessor of that indescribable attribute that inspires the pupil to be manly, to be respectful, to be studious, that power to control without friction, that which the true teacher has as an innate qualification and which many seem unable to acquire.
To remedy the disastrous interruption caused by the resigna- tion of a regular teacher, the unsatisfactory instruction and man- agement of a substitute for a brief period, and the experiment of a new teacher, some school committees have made use of a contract with teachers for the entire school year; and inasmuch as teachers always have ample warning and opportunity to im- prove in their failures, it seems nothing more than justice to a school that the teacher when employed, should accept the po- sition in good faith to continue till the close of the school year. In any event, four weeks notice should be insisted on (of course this does not apply to requests for leave of absence or resignation arising from serious illness or death of friends), and I suggest that the notice and acceptance of an election to the public schools of Wakefield read as follows:
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
WAKEFIELD, 189
.
M
At a meeting of the School Committee held 189 , you were elected a teacher in the School under the Reg- ulations of the Public Schools of Wakefield, for the year ending June 30, 189 , at an annual salary of dollars.
Should you decide to leave the service of the Town before the end of the period for which you have been elected, a four-weeks' notice of your intention will be expected.
Please fill the blanks below, affix your signature, and send it to the Secretary of the Committee. If not received by him within ten days from date, the position will be considered vacant.
Respectfully,
Secretary of the School Committes.
15
189
To the School Committee of Wakefield, Mass :
Gentlemen : I accept the position of teacher in the
School to which I was elected on the day of 189
, under the regulations of the public schools of Wakefield for the year ending June 30, 189 , at an annual salary of dollars.
It is my present expectation to continue in the service of the Town to the end of the period for which I have been elected.
Signature,
THE WORK OF THE SCHOOLS.
To speak at length of the work of the schools is not quite po's- sible ; to speak briefly has an incompleteness that is often mis- leading or open to misconstruction ; but it may not be out of place to refer to some changes already made and now going on in the schools.
It is the intention also that changes shall be made so quietly and gradually that a class may be well started on new lines with little interruption to many excellent existing methods and impor- tant branches of studies already pursued. It may be added that at present a most intense light is turned upon educational theo. ries and practices, and that antiquated pedagogical notions are rapidly disappearing and nothing but improvements will be wel- come or tolerated. In these changes and additions to the course of study the schools have been aided by the replacing of the old and worn out text books of the past eight years with new ones constructed on a more modern plan.
In the primary schools (grades I to III) a great deal of at- tention is now being paid to Reading and Language, with the getting of ideas from the printed page and with correctness and facility in expressing in simple language the ideas thus obtained. In these grades there is a fairly good supply of supplementary reading books and a child in grade II or III and upward should read readily in properly graded books at sight, the selections there given, with pleasure both to himself and to his hearer.
In the higher classes, from grades IV to IX, the reading is comparatively not so satisfactory, for lack of suitable material and because energy has been turned into other channels.
The same may be said of singing, as of reading. Most pupils
16
with the systematic training now at their disposal should sing at sight, in any key, music adapted to their years. This is quite possible by the thorough and regular work of the teachers, under the supervision of the special teacher of that department.
Prince's Arithmetic by grades and Southworth & Goddard's series of Language books have been adopted, also Blaisdell's Physiology has been added to the regular list of text books .. The books are well graded, showing each teacher the lines of work she is expected to follow, and still leaving enough freedom for extra work of similar kinds without the seeming probability of departing unwisely into too difficult fields or becoming too contracted in her instruction.
In the arithmetical work of primary and lower grammar grades accuracy, rapidity and neatness are to be the chief objects to gain, thoroughness in the knowledge of tables and skill in the using of small integers and fractions are sought for, leaving for maturer years the more difficult problems calling into use the reasoning faculties.
The making of bills, the keeping of a cash account is begun in grade VI, continued in simple personal accounts in grade VII, and carried on as bookkeeping through eighth and ninth grades. Unless a thorough business education is desired here should end instruction in this subject, and pupils should have acquired a fair knowledge of the theory of bookkeeping and sufficient skill to put to use in a practical way what they have learned.
The study of geography is begun in the primary schools and a text book will be used in the last half of the fourth year, and is to be continued through the eighth year of school.
The text book, in use-Frye's-is entirely different from any before made and with it in the hands of a superior teacher, the possibility of anything except enthusiastic and profitable in- struction does not seem possible. It is a book that will require a great deal of preparation on the part of the teacher, and to one devoted to question and answer methods will prove a sharp thorn.
The study of American History, heretofore begun in grade VIII, is now taught in grade VII by the use of biographies. As soon as resources will allow, the work in history will commence in the lowest grammar grade, consisting of the reading of histori- cal stories and short biographical sketches, these to continue
17
with more extended material through grades V and VI, and in grade VII to be taken as a regular study from a text book, as far as the causes which led to the Revolutionary War, including a study of all the principal discoverers and early explorers.
The introduction of Latin and Algebra into the advanced Grammar School during the last year,has met with cordial recep- tion and is fully equalling our expectations. The intention is to have a recitation of one half hour each day in Latin, and the preparation of the lesson be made at home. Since the date of introduction of these studies into Wakefield schools, most of our neighbors have done the same, which is an added proof that the argument in favor of these studies in grammar schools is well grounded.
It is well not to be
" The first by whom the new is tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."
There are many things which no doubt would be advantageous to the schools and which will be brought to your notice as soon as an opening for them is apparent, but there is one respect in which great improvement should be made, and that too without delay. I refer to the introduction of Swedish gymnastics into the Grammar and Primary schools, and I wish to speak in hearty praise of the instruction in this specialty by one of the high school teachers, who has gone to considerable expense and great trouble to fit herself to teach in this department. The character of the instruction and the drill in calisthenics in the High school is of a high order. The superiority of this system over the one used two years ago is evident to all. The necessity for some system cannot be successfully denied. Health is to be kept at all hazards and nothing conduces more to it than well directed physical exercises.
KINDERGARTENS.
It may seem a trifle strange to speak of new departments, in view of the present crowded condition of the schools and the great need of more school rooms. My excuse or reason is that you may have an opinion as a basis of action, and that the peo- ple you represent may know what the children are provided with in neighboring towns. It may be added that innovations are seldom acted upon favorably in New England municipalities un-
.
18
til careful investigation, having passed through several stages of discussion, is succeeded by popular demand for adoption and gen- eral use.
This has been the history of most of those practical blessings which have come to the school children within the past score of years. Pressure from without among the practical and philan- thropic have forced into narrow quarters the ultra conservative element predominating among us.
Representative of the many reports of school committees con- cerning kindergarten training, I offer the following :
" The benefits of such a training to the child are self-evident. His heart is the first object, and all its waiting affections are stirred towards his teacher and his companions. He is taught to be considerate and generous ; to respect those about him ; to ac- quire or mature habits of politeness, cleanliness, and general good-behavior; and all the while that he is learning these most important lessons, he is also learning to use his eyes, his hands and his mind ; to know forms and colors, numbers and relations ; to exercise his constructive powers, and thus to be getting ready for the work of older schools."
The above was written in 1887, and five years later, Kindergar- tens having been in operation for this time, the superintendent says, " We take a justifiable pride in our admirable system of Kin- dergarten Schools. Every year gives added proof of their inesti- mable value. It is the alphabet of our whole manual training system, educating the head, the heart and the hand."
This is the sentiment unanimous and conclusive wherever in- corporation into the school system has taken place, and an enum- eration of the committees which so value the Kindergarten schools embrace the most substantial and progressive portions of the Commonwealth.
The Rules and Regulations in force for the use and direction of the teachers, janitors, truant officers, superintendent, and gov- erning the action of the School committee itself, have never been compiled from the school records, but are contained in those rec- ords in the form of votes passed at various times as the demands of the occasion have made apparent their usefulness or necessity.
While towns are not large, and while the highest authorities- the several committeemen-take an active interest and are per- sonally acquainted with the details of the school work and the
19
different employees, the necessity for fixed and published rules and regulations for the guidance and control of the different de- partments is not imperative ; but when the management of the schools to a great extent, the selection of teachers and janitors, the purchase of supplies, the adjusting and settling of many minor affairs, the maintenance of a high standard of efficiency, the execution of such measures as the school committee from time to time may deem expedient, is turned over to a single per- son, the advisability of such rules and regulations is evident. All parties concerned have certain powers and limitations and duties, and a comprehensive statement of these powers and limitations and a definite knowledge of one's duties and the assignment of certain limits of responsibility, is a source of satisfaction, a means and guarantee of the supervision and performance of many duties now unsystematically and loosely apportioned.
The compilation and revision of such rules and regulations as are now contained in the school records, the enactment of such additional ones as may seem desirable, occasioned by changed conditions and an increased school population, I hope may re- ceive your early attention.
It would be a pleasure to me and nothing more than an act of justice, to speak in complimentary terms of several of the schools and teachers. That there is no one so essential to a position that the place cannot be well filled, is very true; but it is possible that in the case of those who have been with you for years, their merits may seem to have become commonplace. The necessity at the close of succeeding years of selecting competent persons to take the places of capable and conscientious teachers bring a realization of their virtues.
I wish to express my sense of obligation to all the teachers for their hearty co-operation in entering upon new lines of work and their energy in carrying forward the same; to the School Committee for their courteous consideration of such recommenda- tions as I have had the honor to present to them.
I believe also that the thanks of the town are due to the several members of the School Committee for their unselfish labor for . the welfare and progress of the schools and especially to the chairman of the Committee, who privately and in his official capacity has ever been ready with his time and advice and assis-
20
tance to carefully attend to the many calls that have been made upon him.
Your attention is called to the report of the principal of the High school, and other matters pertaining to the schools in the appendix of this report.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES E. HUSSEY, . Superintendent.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT.
To the Superintendent of Schools,
SIR :- I take pleasure in presenting the following report of the High School for the year ending Feb. 1, 1895.
The whole number of pupils registered during the year is 177, of whom 131 have not been enrolled in any other school. There have been 140 members since September, more than could be seated in the large assembly room, the majority of whom are boys. This is remarkable, especially when one reads in a report of the State Board of Education that " nearly twice as many girls as boys receive the benefit of the full High School course."
The general attendance is a decided improvement over the past five years, the average of which is 95.2 per cent. This year the percentage is over 96.2, a gain of more than one per cent.
Most of the pupils are faithful in attendance and rarely are absent except for sickness. I desire to thank the parents of the pupils for this gratifying result, for it is due in great measure to increased watchfulness on their part. A better result still may be obtained during the coming year, particularly in regard to tardiness, if those in control of a small minority of the school see their duty in this matter. It is not a question of appear- ances or percentages, but of educational loss to each and every scholar of the school, both the thoughtless absentee and the reg- ular attendant.
The general work of the year has been satisfactory. Close at- tention to school duties can be reported of a large number of the pupils, but, as in the matter of attendance, some do not seem to
21
understand what their duty is to themselves, their parents and the school. The poorest work, as a rule, is done each year by the entering class; consequently almost every failure in promo. tion occurs at this time in the course. Although having fewer and less exacting exercises than any other class, some of the pupils of this grade do not seem to adapt themselves to the char- acter of the school nor appreciate its opportunities until nearly a whole year has passed. Undoubtedly, a great deal of this apathy may be due to new studies, the changes from two sessions to one, the novelty of having nearly the whole afternoon free from school, and the impression that the greatest battle is over in the matter of promotion, when the High School is reached. It ought not to take pupils a whole year to adjust themselves to these changed conditions of school life. The first year in the High School is the foundation year, and for that reason very im- portant. As good work should be accomplished at this time as at any period in the course.
An important matter, affecting the standard of the school and "having a vital connection with the pupils' advancement, is the use of time outside of school hours. Home study is an absolute necessity. Proper rest and recreation must as surely be obtained. But the best results follow when the student's time is carefully regulated. Frequently when a pupil is doing poor work or ap- pears to be overworked, investigation shows that he is using a large part of his time in some business employment or in study- ing subjects, outside of school work. For illustration, thirty-five pupils are studying music. From their reports they devote on an average, about seven hours each week to this study, four use fifteen to eighteen hours each week. The writer offers no ad- verse criticism of this, whatsoever, but rather praise and en- couragement ; he is heartily in sympathy with every influence that educates. One suggestion, only, is offered-the need of a careful division of the pupil's time, consistent with the demands of the school and the strength of the individual. The teacher from necessity is obliged to leave the supervision of this home study to the parent.
A number of minor changes in the program and administration of the school during the year will be noted briefly.
Ten minutes of physical exercise is now demanded each day of every pupil, unless excused on account of health.
1
22
A recess of twenty minutes has been arranged immediately be- fore 12 o'clock, during which lunches brought from home or bought at a lunch counter, recently introduced into the building, may be eaten. This arrangement seems to be desired by the pupils as a whole, and it is hoped that it will be beneficial to health.
The Second School Regiment was disbanded last spring by general consent, although the Cadets of this school were in favor of continuing the organization as long as it could be done with success. The school battalion has not made the usual progress this year, being deprived of a drill hall, but the splendid offer of the new armory will present a fine opportunity for good work in the future.
An oratorical league has been organized by the schools, which were members of the Regiment, for the purpose of encouraging the somewhat neglected study of elocution. Two contests will be held each year, one for girls and the other for boys. The con- test for girls will be held in Wakefield this year on March 15.
An office has been arranged in the library, as suggested in last. year's report, by means of a slight change in the character of the room and by the addition of necessary furniture.
Several gifts to the school should be mentioned. A crayon portrait of Washington from H. M. Warren Post, G. A. R., a bust of Shakespeare from last year's entering class, a bust of Franklin from the present First year class, and a set of the En- clopædia Britannica.
The character of the instruction and administration of the school is along the lines described in previous reports. Every- thing that is seen to be for the best interests of the school and its advancement is sought by those in charge. Two new teachers, Miss Emilie de Rochemont and Miss Grace M. Stevens, who have taken up the work left by Miss Locke and Miss Strong, have read- ily made themselves a part of the school and in sympathy with it.
The course adopted four years ago has proved the wisdom of its adoption ; the good results from more system, more complete courses, additional branches of study, and an English course, four years, are easily seen. But a slight revision is demanded at the present time for the following reasons : several High School studies have been introduced into the Grammar grades ; the re-
23
quirements 'for entrance into higher institutions have changed materially ; and expert testimony has been received recently from the so-called Committee of Ten in "the most important education- al document ever published in this country ", a report which pre- sents the results of a careful discussion of the whole field of sec- ondary education as conducted in public high schools and private academies. Also from the fact that many pupils are unable to take the full four years' course and leave after the first or second year, and as many go to business schools for a special training for commercial life, I am heartily in favor of adding a business course of two years to the school curriculum. The school would not be a pioneer in such a movement, but a follower of some of the best high schools in the state. Every effort should be made to make this institution a living force for this community, whether its pupils are fitting for college or business. Whatever path the pupil takes, he is fitting for life, and the largest oppor- tunities consistent with public economy and public interests should be offered to the youth in these wonderful days of social progress.
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