USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > Town annual report of the officers of Wakefield Massachusetts : including the vital statistics for the year 1905-1907 > Part 20
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In the third and fourth grades proficiency has been at-
390
tained in reading and singing exercises written in nine keys, writing the signatures and placing the keynotes in their proper places. Chromatic tones (sharp four and flat seven) have been studied and their relation to the scale tones estab- lished, sight reading practiced at each lesson. The first, second and third time form in two, three and four part measure written and practiced, ear training exercises, two part singing in all keys, and songs by note and rote from good composers have been learned, so that the children may have high ideals of the best in music. Great care is taken to make the voices flexible and sweet by proper exercises.
I am pleased with the work of the teachers in these grades in tone and time.
In grades five and six more difficult exercises in time and tune have been studied as to rhythm and melody. The chromatic scale as a whole and the tone relations of each sharp or flat to the scale have been taught. All time forms are taught in these grades. Exercises in two and three parts, containing more difficult intervals, in every key, have been sung, and voice and ear training have been an important part of the work.
Grades seven, eight and nine have accomplished the usual amount of work arranged for them for the year, con- sisting of a review of the chromatic scale, the major and three forms of the minor scale in all keys. Intervals, triads and their inversions have been sung and written. Also three and four part exercises and songs, and the F clef established, thus fitting the pupils for advanced choral or harmony work in the High school.
Excellent work has been done in these grades.
In the High school the pupils are enthusiastic in the music, no pupils are excused, and there seems to be a good interest in the work. The selections used are from the best composers and a taste for good music is cultivated.
391
A girls' glee club has been formed and they hold weekly rehearsals with good results.
A boys' glee club is soon to be formed.
A Cantata is about) to be rehearsed the proceeds being to furnish a Pianola to be used to illustrate the work of the great masters, in connection with a brief history of their lives.
A new Book must be furnished this school, and if seats are put in the upper hall 160 copies would be enough to fur- nish the whole school. I recommend the Laurel Song Book. for that purpose.
It is my desire to introduce into our music course The Individual sight singing and reading course. I hope it may be adopted next year.
The teachers have at all times supplemented my work with their best efforts to make the study of music a success.
The music in our schools for the past year has been very satisfactory. The pupils are enthusiastic and][enjoy the work most heartily. As I visit the different rooms I am delighted with the spirit shown and with the attention and interest which prevails and the progress that has been made.
Thanking you for your words of encouragement and the committee for their hearty support, I respectfully submit this report.
G. F. WILSON,
Supervisor of Music. .
DRAWING.
The work in drawing moves steadily on, and with the time given and the facilities for work is making commend- able progress. However, the subject might be of greater value to the schools, and to the community if we could have
392
more of the time of our supervisor. At present we have the supervisor but two and one-half days per week, and of this time she gives one entire morning to the High School. Owing to the size of our High School the number of pupils preparing for technical schools requiring a knowledge of drawing, and others having a talent for drawing who pursue the subject further than the grammar schools, more time should be given the subject in this department. In fact the work is much cramped here, and should require the time of a teacher at least one day a week. This would leave us only one and one-half days of the supervisor's time. In or- der to get the required results in the lower schools each room should be visited as often as once in two weeks. There are fifty rooms to be visited, and an average of one- half hour to a room, together with the necessary work in the High School, would easily require the whole time of the supervisor, and give to the Wakefield schools what is needed.
I would therefore advise that the Committee take this matter into consideration. The report of the Drawing Su- pervisor, Miss Parker, needs your careful attention. Miss Parker's work with the time at her disposal has been very successful, and the recommendations she makes are worthy of attention.
Report of Supervisor of Drawing.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- The fundamentals of a course in drawing must necessarily remain the same from year to year. The amount of time devoted to freehand and mechanical drawing, to design and nature drawing is also practically the same as last year, but the exercises vary in character, different med- iums are used in execution, principles of design are applied
393
in different ways to a variety of subjects, and these insure continued interest and increased facility.
The conditions of high school work are less satisfactory than in primary or grammar grades. Two or more classes are obliged to work at the same time on entirely different lines of work, solving diverse problems, with different med- iums, thus forming a complexity which is detrimental to progress and to a high standard of accomplishment. Owing to the increased size of the school, the room previously used for drawing alone has been reseated and is permanently oc- cupied by a class. This has added several problems to the already confused program, and make the conditions still more difficult. More time for instruction, a room suitably lighted and furnished for drawing, with running water and abundant closet room for storage of materials, are most de- sirable and long needed improvements in the high school drawing course.
Several of the schools have increased the number of pic- tures in their rooms this year.
Specimens of the drawing and art work of different grades have been offered in the competitions conducted by the " School Arts Book," a magazine devoted to the service of those who teach drawing, and which stands for beauty in school work. Several prizes, many " honorable mentions " and special words of commendation in the publication were gratifying results.
Respectfully submitted,
ANNIE B. PARKER, Supervisor of Drawing.
MANUAL TRAINING AND SEWING.
The value of Manual Training work in our schools was ably set forth by my predecessor in his last report, and I am
394
in full accord with what was said. This subject is none the less valuable today, and the results show its usefulness. However, it might well be said that its continuance as a sub- ject in the High School course would be a distinct advantage to the community. I trust the time may come when this can be done.
The value of sewing to the girls has been clearly demon- strated in the years past. The fact that the girls are taught the various kinds of stitches, patching, darning, cutting, fitting and making garments for wear is certainly a feature not to be overlooked. There is indeed a practical side of this instruction which is exceedingly useful, the satisfaction of making something useful, and the pleasure of accomplish- ing something which is real teaches the importance of patience, accuracy and self control. It is hoped that in the near future it may be considered feasible to give the girls instruction in cooking and the care of the home.
Reports of Manual Training and Sewing are herewith given.
Report of Supervisor of Manual Training.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- I have the honor to submit my second annual report as supervisor of Manual Training.
There are two hundred forty pupils registered in this de- partment, an increase of thirty over last year's attendance.
During the year there were twenty-three applications from High School pupils to take manual training.
In making the program it was found difficult to make pro- vision for these pupils without serious detriment to the work of the lower grades.
The work of the year has been characterized by intense enthusiasm and interest; this, coupled with perseverance
395
and hard work along with habits of carefulness, patience and accuracy is accomplishing good results.
In justice to the pupils both boys and girls, it is only fair to say that in manual training they do the work they love to do.
The highest faculties are not developed by distasteful work. The friction is too great. Work in harmony with the boy's nature, co-operate with his desires, and you have his interest and will power to help you.
" Hand and brain, body and mind, says the new educa- tion. All must work in harmony to produce the normal, healthful, useful individual."
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR W. TRUBEY.
Report of Supervisor of Sewing.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- Five grades, commencing with the fifth, re- ceive instruction in sewing. Each class averages a fifty minute period excepting four classes, which it is necessary to alternate, causing them to receive but one period in two weeks, while the other twenty classes receive one period every week. It would be well if some plan could be ar- ranged that would obviate the necessity of this alternating, and give each class the same amount of instruction.
The plan of work includes all the varieties of plain sew- ing, and in the upper grades some fancy stitches. Last year applied design was tried with good success ; the girls in the ninth grade designing collars and cuffs, and then working the design on linen, thus correlating the drawing with their sewing. All stitches taught are applied in a prac- tical way, as the articles made in our schools are such as
396
can be worn when finished. As sewing is taught by accu- rate rules, the pupils efforts to follow directions in prepar- ing, beginning and finishing their work necessarily give training in self reliance as well as in patience and persever- ance.
I would suggest that a system of marking be introduced that will place sewing on a par with the other branches of school work.
Respectfully ·submitted, MARY J. WILSON, Supervisor of Sewing.
The work of Battalion in the High School needs your at- tention, and Mr. Brockbank's report below is worthy of perusal.
Report of Military Instructor.
WAKEFIELD, FEB. 1, '06.
Mr. J. H. Carfrey, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir :- My report as Military Instructor W. H. S., is as follows :
Strength of Battalion.
Major, Adjutant, Sergt .- Major,
. 3
A Co., 3 officers, 5 Sergts, 5 Corpls, 37 Pvts.
Total, 50
B Co., 3 5 5 37
60 66 50
Total, with Field and Staff, . 103
The work of the Battalion, for the past year, has, as a whole, been very satisfactory ; but as in last report would suggest that more time be given to this work, say two peri- ods per week. The idea of unquestioning obedience to proper authority and strict attention to the duty in hand, as
397
taught in the Drill regulations, is of great benefit to the stu- dent, having, I think, a very beneficial affect on all his school work, also deportment. The showing made by the Battalion, both at Prize Drill and on Memorial Day, was very pleasing to me, meriting hearty thanks to all con- cerned for their earnest and willing endeavor on both occa- sions. I wish at this time to especially thank Mr. C. H. Howe, Principal W. H. S., for the interest he has taken and the moral help he has been to us in our past year's work.
Yours very respectfully, HARVEY G. BROCKBANK, 1st Lieut., Military Instructor.
ATTENDANCE.
The attendance is kept up to a high standard in the dif- ferent schools, and reflects much credit, not only upon the interest of the pupils, but also upon the teachers, principals and truant o fficer for the attention given to the great im- portance of regular attendance at school on the part of the children.
However, in many cases according to the report of the Truant Officer which is given below, parents fail to recognize what the laws of the state demand. In the majority of cases of absence and truancy the fault can be traced to the pa- rents. For their benefit extracts from the laws are given.
Every child between seven and fourteen years of age shall attend some public day school in the city or town in which he resides during the entire time the public day schools are in session, subject to such exceptions as to children, places of attendance, and schools as are provided for in Section 3 of Chapter 42, and Sections 3, 5 and 6 of this Chapter : provided, that teachers acting under authority
1
398
of said superintendent of schools or school committee may excuse cases of necessary absence .- Sec. 1 of Revised Laws, Chap. 44.
A child between seven and fourteen years of age who wil- fully and habitually absents himself from school contrary to the provisions of Sec. 1 of Chapter 44, shall be deemed to be an habitual truant, and upon complaint by a truant offi- cer and conviction thereof, may, if a boy, be committed to a county truant school for not more than two years, and if a girl, to the state industrial school for girls, unless such child is placed on probation as provided in Sec. 7 of this Chap- ter .- Sec. 3 of Revised Laws, Chap. 46.
Every person having under his control a child between seven and fourteen years of age, shall cause him to attend school as herein required, and if he fails for five days ses- sions or ten half-day sessions within any period of six months while under such control, to cause such child whose physical or mental condition is not such as to render his at- tendance at school harmful or impracticable, so to attend school, he shall, upon complaint by a truant officer, and conviction thereof, be punished by a fine no more than twenty dollars.
Whoever induces or attempts to induce a child to absent - himself unlawfully from school, or employs or harbors a child who, while school is in session, is absent unlawfully from school, shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars .- Sec. 1 of Revised Laws, Chap. 44.
A child between seven and sixteen years of age who may be found wandering about in the streets or public places of any town or city of the Commonwealth, having no lawful occupation, habitually not attending school, and growing up in idleness and ignorance, upon complaint by a truant offi- cer or any other person, and conviction thereof, may be committed, if a boy, at the discretion of the court, to a
1
399
county truant school for a period not exceeding two years, or to the Lyman school for boys, and if a girl, to the State industrial school for girls .- Sec. 4, Revised Laws, Chap 46.
The report of Truant Officer is herewith given.
Truant Officer's Report.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, J. H. CARFREY :
DEAR SIR: - I herewith submit my report as Truant Officer for the year ending Jan. 31, 1906 :
Whole namber of cases investigated 127, of which 23 were cases of truancy, 56 cases of negligence of parents, 11 cases of sickness and 37 miscellaneous cases.
Once more I wish to thank the Sweetser Charity for the favorable responses received from my appeals for shoes, rubbers and clothing for needy children.
One case of parents neglecting to send their child to school was taken before the court; this case was placed on file by parents agreeing to place the child in school.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Superintendent, and also the teachers, for many courtesies shown me during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
H. A. SIMONDS,
Truant Officer.
GIFTS TO THE SCHOOLS OF THE TOWN.
The following gifts to our schools have been reported ;
We wish to thank the donors in behalf of the schools, and assure them that the School Department and the citizens feel grateful to them for their generosity :
To the High School : "The Lifeboat," by Haquette,
400
"The Gleaners," by Millet, "The Duchess of Devonshire," by Gainsborough, given by Class of 1905.
To the Lincoln School : A portrait of Lincoln from the Woman's Relief Corps. To Grades IV and V, portrait of Van Dyke. Mrs. George Dunbar. Two paintings by Landseer ; mineral cabinet, pupils of the classes. To Grade V, Sir Galahad, from pupils. To Grade V, portrait of Lincoln from Richard Foster, Wakefield.
To H. M. Warren School: History of the Stars and Stripes from Woman's Relief Corps. "Landing of Colum- bus," from Teacher and Class of 7th Grade.
To Greenwood School : "Portrait of Lincoln," "The Angelus," "Washington Crossing the Delaware," from grades five and six, 1905.
To Franklin School : "History of the Stars and Stripes" from Woman's Relief Corps. Portrait of Washington, "The Ford," and "The Red Snapper," from Mrs. E. A. Rich, Yale avenue.
To Montrose ; Six Ivy Plants-Montrose Reading Club.
During the fall term the Franklin School held an Art Ex- hibition in conjunction with the Horace K. Turner Art Loan Association. From this exhibition $63 was realized. With this amount the following pictures have been purchased and hung :
Two Lovers, by E. Munier.
Cat and Kittens at Play, by Wm. Verplank Birney.
The Shepardess, by Jean Francois Millet.
On the Alert, by Rosa Bonheur.
The Bugler, by Wm. Morris Hunt.
The Windmill, by Jacob Van Ruyrdael.
The Wave, by David Jones.
Signing of the Declaration of Independence, by Col. John Trumbull.
This is a good beginning and worth the effort put forth by teachers and pupils. The interest taken by the citizens
1
401
and patrons of the school in this exhibition was commend- able indeed. May the interest continue, and beautiful school rooms and attractive grounds at this school be thought of as they really are, a necessity.
The pupils and teachers of the Greenwood School recently held a candy sale and realized the sum of $59.55 toward the purchase of a piano. Knowing of their efforts Mrs. Etta Fish Tingley came forward unsolicited and presented her check for the balance necessary to purchase the desired instrument. By this generous gift the school will be able to secure the piano at once. It is desired in this connection to thank the donor in behalf of the school and the School Committee.
It certainly shows that by the gifts as above mentioned people of the community are much interested in the schools ; that the public school is an institution very close to all, and that nothing is too good to be used in the education of boys and girls for the development of character and the training for citizenship.
It would be a step in the right direction were it made pos- sible to enlarge and beautify our school grounds. It is hoped that Arbor Day may see a beginning of tree planting, and landscape gardening. There is not only the possibility of cultivating the art sense of the pupils in such a step, but there is also a wholesome moral effect. Attractive school- rooms and grounds have their effect upon the homes of the children, just as certainly as the education received from books. A beautiful building with attractive grounds will transform the appearance of the entire surrounding com- munity.
In regard to playgrounds it seems to me they should be arranged and enlarged, so that all will have opportunity for play, at all times of the year. There is certainly no substi- tute for the outdoor recess ; but a playground in cramped quarters is at best a poor place even when dry ; then, to
402
have it muddy after a frost or a slight shower is still worse and no place for pupils to get recreation. I would advise a careful consideration of this matter in connection with some of our large buildings.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This report will not be complete without recognition of the valuable services rendered the schools by the trustees of the Beebe Town Library. There are so many ways that the public library may aid the teachers and pupils, and our own library is putting forth such an effort to meet the demands that it is a pleasure to give my testimony in behalf of this effort. Reference books on different subjects to be loaned to different buildings during the time the pupil may be studying certain topics is a great help; it would be well were there several duplicates. Money could be expended wisely in securing pictures-copies of the great masters- and others representing various subjects, and loaned to the schools for a given length of time. A children's room with a graded list of books with several duplicates would add to the efficiency of the library ; this would supplement the reading course in the schools. A teacher's pedagogical library, well selected, would be exceedingly helpful. A full and complete list of reference books on History and Litera- ture-English, French and German-would aid the work in the High School and be generally useful to the citizens. I am fully aware that whatever the demands the Trustees will be only too glad to do all their income will allow.
CONCLUSION.
In closing I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the confidence and hearty support of the Committee, for the cordial co-operation of the teachers and for the help and encouragement received from the community.
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. CARFREY.
Sup't of Schools.
Feb. 5, 1906.
403
STATISTICS.
Population, census of 1880,
5,547
1890,
6,982
1895,
8,304
66
66 1900,
9,260
66
1904,
10,000
Present census estimate, .
10,300
According to school census, the number of chil- dren in town between five and fifteen, on September, 1905,
1,937
In September, 1904,
1,880
Increase over last year,
57
Number between seven and fourteen, Sept. 1905 1,419
66 ..
1904 1,383
Average membership, 1897,
1,597.7
1898,
1,661.8
. .
. .
1899,
1,752.7
6.
..
1901,
1,909.3
. .
6.
1902,
2,047.7
2,053.8
2,087.6
. .
1905,
2,115.6 28
Increase over last year, ..
2,352
Average attendance,
2,012.1
Increase over last year, .
31.1
Length of school year-Sept. 1904 to June, 1905-40 weeks. 7
Days lost, stormy weather, holidays, etc.,
Actual length of school year, 38 weeks, and 3 days.
Number of regular teachers employed, 63
Increase,
1
Number of special teachers,
5
Total teachers employed,
68
.
.
.
.
1900,
1,790.3
..
. 1903,
1904,
Total membership 1905,
Grade.
Teacher.
Average M'm'ship'M'm'ship
Average |Per. ct.of attend'ce attend'ce
Pupils under 5.
Pupils over 15. 7 and 14.
Total 3 days' absence.
Cases! tru- ancy.
Total cases of tard's.
High,
Charles H. Howe,
300
283.
272.9
96.4
0
226
25
3,904
0
492
Lincoln, IX,
M. E. Wentworth,
41
36.8
35.4
96.2
0
2
26
517
0
42
Fannie E. Carter,
39
36.9
34.7
94.
0
11
15
839
2
86
VIII,
Clara E. Emerson,
41
36.6
35.3
96.4
0
2
30
504
0
77
Eunice W. Fobes,
46
43.4
40.8.
94.
0
0
43
944
8
142
Frances Burnham,
58
45.9
43.6
94.8
0
0
44
728
1
38
V,
Jessie S. Dyer,
IV, V,
Lena B. Reynolds,
51
40.9
39.2
95.8
0
1
41
640
1
61
Isabel M. Elliot,
41
35.7
34.8
97.5
0
17
36
321
0
40
L. Josephine Mansfield,
53
44.7
42.3
94.6
0
0
49
916
6
92
II, III,
L. Isadore Wood,
48
43.6
42.2
96.8
0
0
38
507
1
65
Agnes Anderson,
42
38.
36.1
95.
0
0
13
712
1
92
II,
I,
Edith R. Marshall,
39
36.7
35.2
95.9
0
9
21
519
0
21
Warren, IX,
M. A. Warren,
40
35.8
34.3
95.8
0
4
30
563
0
91
Mildred E. Avery,
48
43.4
41.9
96.5
0
0
42
531
1
41
Mary Kalaher,
16
40.6
38.1
93.8
0
0
35
868
1
104
Abbie A. Fuller,
50
43.6
41.2
94.5
0
0
44
845
3
108
III, IV,
Mary A. Grady,
53
45.8
42.2
92.2
1
0
14
1,276
3
182
Hamilton, VI,
Elizabeth Gardner
38
34.2
32.8
95.9
00
0
41
433
2
75
66
IV, V.
Eleanor. M. Maloney,'
17
37.4
36.2
96.8
0
0
44
430
0
122
Mildred M. Moses,
47
34.
32.5
95.5
0
0
1
597
1
122
I, Greenwood, VIII, IX,
VII
Lila P. McCormick,
38
33.3
31.5
94.6
0
1
1
89
1,186
0
156
Lena Harrington,
47
39.2
36.1
92.1
0
0
39
1,122
0
58
Lillian E. Mansfield,
48
43.7
40.7
93.1
0
0
48
938
1
38
Mary I. Hawkins,
35
31.5
29.
92.1
0
0
33
1,271
1
63
Mercie M. Whittemore,
46
38.6
35.2
91.2
0
0
31
1,035
0
68
F. P. Hurd, VII, VIII,
66
V. VI,
Eva E. Howlett,
41 .
33.8
31.7
93.8
0
0
33
804
0
57
-
III, IV,
Isabel G. Flint,
47
38.4
36.3
94.4
0
0
40
794
0
90
Franklin, VIII,
T. Frank Shea,
34
31.4
29.4
93.6
0
1
28
1,080
1
41
VII,
John H. Graham,
41
35.2
32.3
91.9
0
2
28
1,125
0
51
Janet A. Cowan,
16
37.2
35.1
94.4
0
0
42
790
7
58
Agnes C. Grady,
48
43.8
39.8
91.
0
0
43
1,510
4
96
Maude L. Arnold.
35
27,7
26.
93.9
0
0
30
627
0
87
III,
M. Lula Whitney
13
38.9
37.3
95.9
0
0
42
595
1
47
Katharine L. Kelly,
45
40.6
38.3
94.5
0
0
19
840
0
77
66
I,
Hannah J. Ardill,
51
41.8
38.2
91.5
0
0
8
1,320
0
116
Woodville, III, IV,
Mabelle A. Hall
37
28.2
26.5
95.1
0
0
34
510
0
52
Elrah M. Hayes
34
22.8
20.8
91.2
1
0
11
698
0
66
Montrose, IV, V, VI.
M. Eunice Young
29
21.8
20.
95.7
0
0
29
323
0
24
| Marion L. Whitelaw
31
22.6
20.8
92.1
0
0
11
593
0
51
Mabel A. Kernan
36
30.2
29.
91.2
0
0
31
486
1
53
Addie R. Crosman
36
32.5
29.3
90.3
0
16
1,1 4
0
174
Total.
2390
2067.6
1953.9
04.5
9
287
1,475
41,731
57
4,463
.
0
37
500
0
61
Mary E. Kelly,
56
40.1
38.9
97.
0
10
15
538
0
93
Sarah E. Wilkins,
32
29.5
28.1
95.3
28
801
1
117
Vienna L. Hill,
45
40.
37.6
94.
0
V, VI,
I,
Jessie E. West,
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