USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1894-1896 > Part 56
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School boards and teachers are not the only factors in good schools. Parents are a much stronger factor than is gener- ally realized. Children are good indicators of their home training and of their parents' feelings toward a teacher. Many a good teacher has been a failure in some school en- tirely from lack of sympathy and good will. We have at times been more than surprised at the course pursued by some parents, who have shown not only a want of sympathy but actual hostility to teachers, starting from some real or fancied wrong against a child. By the liberal use of com- mon sense and charity between parents and teachers the mountains of trouble would shrink into mere mole hills.
And now a word to the boys and girls. Don't be afraid to confide in your teacher in relation to any trouble or perplex- ity in your school affairs. You will be benefitted and your teacher will appreciate you more for having done it.
Many a boy and girl has drifted through life without definite purpose simply for want of advice, and many a scholar has been helped to a decision by the teacher's advice and counsel.
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A case of this kind recurs to us. A high school boy, who did not expect to continue his studies after graduating, as the result of a few words from the teacher will now graduate from the Institute of Technology. Will either of these parties ever regret those few words ? A very small thing often affects one's whole life for good or ill, and we wish to emphasize the fact that parents as well as teachers are very strong factors in making or marring the success of a school as well as the lives of their children, and if teachers and parents work in harmony the result cannot help being beneficial to the entire community.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS.
As stated in the superintendent's report, the crowded con- ditions of our centre schools will be relieved upon the com- pletion of the new building on Converse street. The ad- vanced grammar school can then be transferred to the Lincoln building, where it can be accommodated for the next few years at least. This will allow the High School to occupy the entire building. By this change two hundred or more pupils can be accommodated and the school work done to much better advantage than under its present crowded condi- tion. In relation to the growth of the Greenwood district, which is also referred to in Superintendent Hussey's report, we would call the attention of the town to the necessity of pro- viding better facilities for communication between Boynton- ville and Greenwood to give more convenient access to the new schoolhouse when completed. This can be done by ex- tending Cooper street west to the Boston and Maine railroad and connecting this street with Myrtle avenue by a bridge across the tracks.
We understand an article is to be inserted in the town warrant relating to this matter. It should receive favorable consideration.
Another district needing relief is the Junction or Franklin
228
street district, where the school accommodations are inade- quate. The other districts, except possiby the North ward, are for the present well provided for.
EXPENSES. .
This is always an interesting subject, though perhaps the results are not entirely satisfactory to all.
Last year, by request of the school committee, the town voted to allow us to transfer, when necessary, the unex- pended balance of one account to another, as this would often prevent over-running the total appropriation, and we fully be- lieved we should not exceed the amount appropriated last year, but the best laid plans sometimes fail. Matters came up which the committee had not foreseen. Owing to the increased number of pupils considerable school furniture and supplies had to be purchased. The roofs of two school build- ings, which the committee had only intended to repair by. patching, were found to be in such poor condition that it was necessary to shingle the entire roof of each. Two buildings were also painted, water was put into the Montrose school building and a new school formed in that district. This work aggregated over $500, which should have been provided for by a special appropriation. We question if the citizens of the town realize how much work has been done the past five or six years without asking for special appropriations. All the district school buildings, six in number, have been painted, roofs shingled, rooms enlarged, two new schools formed and the rooms furnished. If it is realized it seems as if the voters failed to appreciate it, and so, notwith- standing the increase in schools and school buildings the appropriation for incidentals is kept at the minimum, which we believe to be unwise, to say the least. In last year's report we spoke of the inevitable increase each year in the school appropriations. Thus far there has been a propor- tionate increase in the town's valuation, but how is it to be in
229
the future? Will the demand for increased school accommo- dations outstrip the natural increase in valuation? We trust not; in fact, good schools and modern school build- ings are one of the best preventatives of such an undesirable condition of things, being among the best promoters of a town's prosperity.
The increase in the estimates for the coming year result al- most wholly from the new schools which will be formed upon completion of the buildings now under way and for janitor- ship and fuel.
The High School building needs considerable repairing on and about the roof, and the underpinning and stone steps, though not in a dangerous condition, need a thorough over- hauling, which should be done in the near future.
The appropriation for incidentals, notwithstanding tuitions and the transfer of nearly $200 from the supply account has been overrun for reasons above stated, leaving this account with about $500 of outstanding bills.
IN GENERAL.
The establishment of kindergartens as recommended in Superintendent Hussey's report, would, we believe, be hear- tily supported by all parents, if once established. Children enter these schools at the age of four and four and a half years, and it is astonishing how quickly they learn by this play work, and how they enjoy their unconscious education. In the new Brookline High School building one room is occupied by one of these schools, which serves as a school for observation by those pupils who intend to teach, and is also an interesting object lesson when compared with the High School. We be- lieve all schools should be conducted as much as possible on the general principles of the kindergarten, making study a pleasant rather than an irksome duty.
The change contemplated last year in the High School of allowing members of both the English and classical courses to
230
compete for honors at graduation has been adopted. This change was considered a year ago, but the announcement was not made until the beginning of the present school year.
The pleasure of the graduating exercises last June was somewhat marred for many by the fact that the principal and three of the excellent corps of teachers were to sever their connection with the High School, where they had done such good work .in the past. That they were all elected to more remunerative positions in much larger schools is more ex- pressive of their abilities than any words of ours.
The High School this year has the largest membership in its history and under the management of Mr. Howe has a promising outlook for its continued prosperity.
In view of the contemplated changes in the town hall building, it is a question if the repairs will be completed in time for the hall to be occupied for the graduating exercises next June, in which case other arrangements will be neces- sary. No hall or church in town will accommodate the num- ber that usually attends these exercises.
On Nov. 14, 1895, the committee received a letter from Mr. Greenough tendering his resignation as a member of the school committee. The matter was laid on the table and a vote passed requesting him to reconsider his action, but at a subsequent meeting a communication was received requesting the committee to take action upon his former letter, and it was with deep regret that we acceded to the request and accepted his resignation.
The terms of office of Mr. S. S. White and Miss E. M. Greenwood expire in March. These, with the resignation of Mr. Greenough, will make three vacancies to fill at the an- nual meeting, two for three years and one for two years.
The committee, in accordance with the custom of years past, respectfully present their estimates for the expenses for the coming year :
231
General, for superintendents, teachers, janitors
· . $27,500 and fuel,. . ·
Text books and supplies, .
·
· 2,000
. . 2,000 Incidentals, .
$31,500
The appropriation committee, perhaps wisely, recommend a reduction from this as follows :
For general, $27,000 ·
" text books and supplies,
2,000
" incidentals, .
1,500
$30,500
The increase asked for by the committee over last year is owing largely to the expense for the additional schools next fall, including teachers, janitors and fuel. As the outstand- ing bills amount to $500, a reduction of $500 from the in- cidentals will leave but $1,000 for that department for next year, which we do not believe will be sufficient.
Again asking that a careful perusal be given the superin- tendent's report and statistical tables, we respectfully offer this report. 1
A. H. THAYER,
S. S. WHITE, M. J. HILL, W. B. DANIEL, MISS E. M. GREENWOOD,
School Committee.
232
1
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
To the School Committee :
I have the honor to submit herewith my third annual report as Superintendent of Schools.
STATISTICS.
Population, census of 1880, 5547
" 1890, 6982
66 " 1895, 8304
Number of children in town between five and fifteen
years, according to school census in May, 1891, 1223
Ditto, 1892,
. 1249
Ditto, 1893,
1336
Ditto, 1894,
1341
Ditto, 1895,
males 733, females, 700, 1433
Not in school for various reasons, 97
Number between eight aud fourteen years, 1255
Length of school year, , 40 weeks
Days lost-stormy weather, holidays, etc., . . 62 days
Actual length of school year,
38.7 weeks
PUPILS.
Total enrollment of pupils from Feb. '93 to Feb. '94, 1570
60
Feb. '94 to Feb. '95, 1680
66
66
Feb. '95 to Feb. '96, 1882
in May,
1425
1534
66
66 66 " October,
Average number belonging in May,
66 66
" October,
1481
66 " year,
1499
daily attendance for year,
.
1405.26
Per cent. of attendance for year, .
92.65 .
1405
233
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
RECOMMENDATIONS BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1895.
We would respectfully recommend the following appropriations for schools for the ensuing year :
For superintendent, teachers, janitors and fuel,
$24,570
For books and supplies,
2,000
For incidentals,
.
.
.
1,500
$28,070
APPROPRIATIONS GRANTED.
General, for superintendent, teachers, janitors and fuel,
$24,570
Text books and supplies,
2,000
Contingent, repairs, furniture, etc., .
1,500
Total,
$28,070
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.
General appropriation, ·
. $24,570 00
From tuition, ·
108 64
Total,
. $24,678 64
Paid teachers and supt. of schools,
janitors, . 1,592 00
" fuel,
1,728 37
$24,678 64
Contingent appropriation,
$1,500 00
Transferred from approp'n for books and supplies, . 194 60
Received from tuitions, etc., .
773 66
$2,468 26
Expended,
. $2,515 76
Overdraft, .
47 50
·
$2,515 76
·
.
.
.
.
$21,358 27 ·
.
234
Appropriation for books and supplies,
$2,000 00
Expended, .
1,805 40
$194 60
Transferred to contingent account,
194 60
Bills outstanding Feb. 1st, $500.
STATISTICS AND REPORTS.
Your attention is called to the foregoing statistics for facts as to the enrollment and attendance of pupils in the schools during the past year, and for a financial statement, both of which may be found more in detail in the appendix of this report, and in the auditors' report.
A report concerning the condition and needs of the High School is here given from the Principal of that school, and simi- lar reports from the Supervisors of Drawing, Music and Calis- thenics, and from the Truant Officer. An abridgement from the report of the school census is here presented.
In the report of 1895, considerable space was given to the dis- cussion of the crowded condition of the several school build'ngs, and the pressing need of further school accommodations. The in- crease in the school attendance based upon the report of the school census taken in May last, indicates an increase of nearly one hundred children of school age. If the increase during this year from May, 1895, to May, 1896, is in the same ratio, it will prove that the recommendation of the School Committee made two years ago to have been presented to the town none too early, As and the proposed buildings can be ready none too soon. matters now exist it wil be impossible to allow new classes to be formed in some of the districts in April as has always been the practice. This may meet with disapproval from parents who have young children whom they desire to begin attending school, but I do not see how it can be avoided, and in September it is hoped that there may be ample room for all.
PLANS FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
To fix definitely the arrangement of classes for next Septem- ber, a date so early that many things may come in to change
235
them is, of course, untimely ; still, in a general way, it may not be open to too much criticism to outline roughly.
The High School (see High School statistics) is so large that the entire building is needed for High School uses. The number now enrolled in the High School is 142 and in the advanced grammar school is 94. Taking into account the natural and usual falling out of certain present members, for various reasons, it may be safe to say that in September next the High School will number 175 pupils. This being the case, the advanced grammar grade must be transferred to the Lincoln building, and the changes in- cident upon this will fill five or six rooms in the building to be erected on Converse street.
I want also to call your attention to the school report of last year, in which I discussed, somewhat at length, the kindergarten. I advise that provision be made, in September, for a kindergarten for young children living west of the railroad; also a kindergar- ten in the Lincoln school, for the children in the centre of the town. The time has come, I believe, for taking a positive stand for establishing this branch of educational work, and that such a course would have the cordial support of the citizens of the town.
GREENWOOD SCHOOL.
Heretofore it has been necessary for pupils living at Green- wood, and in grades above the sixth, to come to the centre of the town to go on with their proper classes. For children to be away .
from home from 8 o'clock a. m. to 5 p. m., every school day, to travel two miles, to eat a cold lunch in a school-room, constitutes, I believe, a genuine grievance, and the objections to such a ne- cessity are substantial. Plans for a four-room brick school build- ing are drawn, which together with the estimate of the cost of building, will be presented to the town at the next town meeting. The proposed building will be erected on the Main street lot, bought some time ago. The lot seems well located, and will be convenient for all. It is hoped that in September a building may be ready for occupancy.
In Greenwood and vicinity there are now one hundred and fifty children in grades I to VII. These will fill three rooms at least, and possibly it may be wiser to open four. The classification can be better determined in September, but it probably will be best to
236
put grades I and II together, III and IV in a second room, and V, VI, and VII in the highest. This takes care of the first seven grades, and if it should be decided to continue the eighth grade here, a different adjustment must be fixed upon. You will, I think, be forced to refuse admission until September to any child- ren just entering the school age who may apply for permits to at- tend school in April, as has been the custom for some years. More pupils cannot be accommodated in the present building.
MONTROSE SCHOOL.
In the report of last year, it was intimated that the increase in the number of pupils in the East Ward might compel the fitting up of an additional room in the schoolhouse of that village. Such was the case, and during the summer vacation a new floor, new blackboards and furniture were placed in the building. Water was also taken from the street and carried to both school rooms. The two schools thus formed are of good size, one of which, with grades I and II, numbers thirty-six pupils, the other, with grades III, IV, V, VI, has forty-eight pupils.
CHANGES OF TEACHERS.
The changes of teachers during the year have not been as many as in 1894, and have occurred at the close of the year, in June, thus not interfering very much with the progress of the classes. The high school corps was unusually broken into. Mr. Whitcomb, whose energetic and wise administration of high school affairs for seven years had won him the affection of his pupils and the respect of the citizens, accepted a more remunerative and more re- sponsible position as head-master of the English High School at Somerville. Miss Merrill and Miss Batt who had been in the High School for some years, and to whom much credit is due for their valuable and unselfish aid in the administration of the school details and in raising the standard of scholarship in that school, also accepted positions in Somerville. Miss de Rochemont, though in our school only a year, proved herself a very superior teacher; so much so that Springfield, Mass., offered her a posi- tion at an advance of $250 more than she received here, with the usual result, an acceptance.
In the securing of teachers to fill these important places, the committee saw more than a hundred applicants and have spared
237
neither time nor effort to get teachers of successful experience, of superior scholarship, and of excellent executive and adminis- trative ability. The list was finally made up by the choice of Mr. Chas. H. Howe, of Adams, Mass., a graduate of Dartmouth Col- lege, and for seven years principal of the Adams High School; Mr. Howard M. Ballou, of Melrose, a graduate of Harvard Uni- versity, and for two years a teacher in Louisville, Kentucky, High School; Miss Harriet L. Hutchinson, a graduate of Bridge- water Normal School, and the Boston Normal School of Gym- nastics, and who has had several years' experience as a teacher.
Together with Miss Strong and Miss Stevens they have entered upon their work and with such good will and energy on the part of all concerned that a mid-year judgment confirms us in the opinion that they will not only maintain the present high standard of the school, but will be able to advance it still higher. To this end your active interest and advice and encouragement is solicited.
The complete list of changes is as follows: -
WITHDRAWALS.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
DATE.
High,
.
C. T. C. Whitcomb.
June 30.
66
A. Marion Merrill,
66
A. Laura Batt,
66
Emilie de Rochemont,
Advanced Granmar,
Lillian T. Wilkins,
Lincoln, 66
H. Ella Charles,
Mary E. Emerson,
6 6
ELECTED IN 1895.
SCHOOL.
TEACHERS.
EDUCATED WHERE.
SALARY. DATE.
High,
Charles H. Howe,
Dartmouth College. $1800 June 22.
Howard M. Ballou,
Harvard Univ. 1000 29.
66
Harriet E. Hutchinson, Bridgewater Nor-
mal and Boston
School of Gym- nastics. 850
Sept. 2.
Lincoln,
Susan M. Hosmer,
Framingham Nor'l. 400
22.
Montrose,
Alice B. Cherrington,
Boston Girls' High. 360 2.
Adv. Gram.
North Ward.
Abby Willis Howes,
Wellesley College. 400
Oct. 18.
Boston Univ. 450
June 29.
Franklin, Grace G. Howard,
Wellesley College.
400 Sept. 2.
Adv. Gram., Grace B. Day,
238
CALISTHENICS.
Whatever has to do with the health of the children and the care of their bodies at a time when proper care means a long and happy life-and the lack of care and knowledge means weakness and de- sease-finds a hearty response from all.
The present study of physiology in the schools, the teaching of the injurious effects from the use of narcotics and stimulants, the statutes of the commonwealth in regard to the heating and venti- lation of public buildings, the regulations of the board of health with reference to the spreading of contagious diseases, the closing of the schools in stormy weather,-all have in view the public health. Excellent as these things are, they are not sufficient, and with rare exceptions the best schools devote a few minutes each day to systematic, progressive and regular exercises in calis- thenics.
This was undertaken in Wakefield in the High School during the early part of last year by Miss Batt, and reference was made to the same in my report of 1895. It has been continued in the High School and was introduced into all the schools last Septem- ber under the direction of Miss Harriet L. Hutchinson, a graduate of the Boston Normal School of Gymnastics. Miss Hutchinson seems especially well fitted for this work and it is a pleasure to say that the system employed and the methods used seem to meet with almost universal approval. Miss Hutchinson gives regularly to all teachers class exercises, accompanying the exercises with a lesson in physiology and hygiene of such a nature as will give to the teachers a better knowledge of these subjects and a keener apprecia- tion of the necessity of pupils having vigorous bodies as well as trained minds. Miss Hutchinson visits regularly all the schools in town, gives class exercises and directs the teachers in the work of each succeeding week.
The faithfulness of the corps of teachers deserves your notice, and it is hoped that the work done, both in its thoroughness and substance, may be such as to merit your approval.
Respectfully submitted.
CHAS. E. HUSSEY,
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HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S REPORT.
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I take pleasure in submitting to you the following observations regarding the work of the High School for the past five months :
As would naturally be expected, my time has thus far been largely occupied in acquainting myself with the details of my work, so that many of the larger problems affecting the efficiency of the school have received as yet little or no attention at my hands. My report, therefore, can deal only with those facts which lie nearest the surface and are the most patent.
It is gratifying to note that there has been no falling off in the patronage of the school, the whole number of pupils in attendance since September having been one hundred and forty-nine, a num- ber larger than for any previous year in the history of the school. The seating capacity of the school room has been insufficient to accommodate this number and the use of one of the recitation rooms as an assembly room has been resorted to, an awkward arrangement at best, and one that results in something of con- fusion and consequent decrease of efficiency.
The excellent average daily attendance as printed in your report of Feb 1, 1895, has been fully maintained by the school during the year just closed, reaching 96.7 per cent. Not so much, how- ever, that is commendatory can be said of the record of punc- tuality. The number of cases of tardiness mounts into the hun- dreds and is far greater than it ought to be. A proper estimate of its value fails to be put upon the habit of punctuality. It is one of the mechanical virtues, valuable in itself because of its influence upon the character of the individual himself and no agency takes a larger share in its inculcation than the public schools.
The habit of being tardy is a slovenly one and is followed by slovenly and inaccurate thinking. No one can afford, either from
240
mercantile, intellectual or moral considerations to acquire it. For the sake of the individual himself, to say nothing of the ethical consideration of the harm done others, punctual attendance should be insisted upon by parents, as well as by teachers. It is a wrong done the children to do otherwise, and when the time comes that all parents emphasize this virtue, I believe the number of tardy names on our register will be materially lessened.
In common with most high schools, our course of study is undergoing revision, with a view to bringing it- more nearly into line with the movements going on in the educational world. In this revision a question arises, which has been, I believe, pre- viously under consideration, viz. : the question of incorporating a business or commercial course in the school curriculum. There is a demand for such a course, beyond question. In the popular mind a business course contemplates bookkeeping, typewriting and stenography and such preparation as will enable young men and women to become clerks and amanuenses. Such a course practically narrows itself down to a course in a trade school, and it is this sort of a course that has been grafted upon the curricu- lum of the high schools of the country. In current thought, however, upon this topic a change for the better has occurred within the past few years. If a commercial course is to be adopted for our school allow me to state two or three principles which, it seems to me, ought to govern and which will at least aid in deter- mining its character.
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