USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual report of the officials of Oakham, Massachusetts 1900 > Part 8
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These reports show that "the three R's," and the other standard utilities, are not being neglected, but are receiving their full share of time. The "enrichment" of the element- ary course by the introduction of new subjects and new phases of old subjects has certainly not gone to extremes in our schools, however it may be with others which are charged with devotion to "fads."
Hand-work in school, nature study, and the reading of stand- ard literature, have passed the "fad" stage, and are now re- garded as solid and valuable additions to the school course, to be correlated in sensible ways with each other and with the older work. Our teachers are giving attention to these lines with increasingly valuable results.
In reading, we are trying to extend the use of the public libraries by taking sets of books to the schools at a distance, and otherwise to develop a taste for the good things in point.
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Our exhibits during the coming term will show considerable advance in the line of hand-work. In nature study, we are trying to shape our practice in accordance with the ideals of Dr. C. F. Hodge, of Clark University. Dr. Hodge regards the subject as "learning those things in nature that are best worth knowing, to the end of doing those things that make life most worth living," and says that for elementary study "we must select those things that stand in fundamental associations with life and about which the children can find something worth while to do."
This last statement really expresses the growing ideal among educators in regard to the selection of matter to be taught from all the great fields of knowledge. It is the ideal of your superintendent, an ideal imperfectly realized, it is true, that the matter and the method of all school instruction should be mainly determined by the consideration of what will best enable the pupil to live and to enjoy living, as a worthy citizen of our democracy.
TEACHERS' MEETINGS.
In September, an Institute was held at Jefferson, under the direction of the State Board of Education. All the teachers of the district attended, together with many others from neighboring towns. Hon. Frank A. Hill, secretary of the Board; Messrs. MacDonald, Prince and Bailey, agents of the Board; Misses Allen and Bragg of the Fitchburg and Lowell normal schools, respectively; and Miss Lovejoy of Malden, were the speakers. . This meeting proved of much practical help to our teachers.
In October occurred the annual meeting of the Worcester County Teachers' Association. Nearly all our teachers at- tended, as usual.
As'in former years, I have planned to hold five meetings in each town during the year, devoting a half day to each. Our teachers being so widely separated, it has been considered wise to limit the meetings to the number mentioned. The plan of each meeting includes work by the teachers in prepa-
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ration, active participation in the meeting, and further study of the topics after the meeting. "The Teacher as a Student," and "A Study of Interest" were the topics for the last two meetings. "Waste in School Work" will be considered at the meetings in April. As usual, all persons interested are in- vited to meet with the teachers.
PATRONS' DAY.
This day was observed in all the schools during the months of May and June, in accordance with the plan outlined in my last report. In Oakham, the main features of the day were combined with the established custom of "Examination Day." Special invitations were sent to every parent and to many others to visit the school on the afternoon of a particular day. At the school, a programme of exercises selected from the usual day's work was presented. This programme aimed to show fair samples of the regular teaching and recitation in the leading school subjects, and also to show the general spirit and method of the school management. A careful ob- server could easily discover the merits and defects of the school. As a further means of promoting thorough acquaint- ance with the quality of the work being done, specimens of the pupils' drawings, written papers, and other handiwork were displayed in a form planned for easy inspection. A part of each pupil's work was mounted on a large sheet of card- board, which he was afterward allowed to take home. After the early closing of the session, and the inspection of the ex- hibit, the visitors were invited to participate in an informal conference on matters of common interest to patrons and teachers.
The teachers' monthly report includes a mention of the number of visits received during the month. The reports for October, 1902, a favorable month for comparison, show a total of 171 visits. But for the month which included Patrons' Day the total was 825. It will be seen, therefore, that the attempt to bring together the schools and their patrons for the pur- pose of mutual acquaintance was fairly successful. The at- tempt will be repeated during the coming term. and it is
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hoped that a much larger attendance may be secured. We ex- pect to show that decided progress has been made during the year. Patrons are reminded, however, that the schools are theirs all the year round, and that visitors are gladly wel- comed at any hour of every day.
THE TOWNS IN PARTICULAR.
HOLDEN.
Teachers .- The principal at Jefferson, the assistant in the high school, and the teachers at Dawson, Springdale, and North Woods resigned during the year, all but the latter to accept better educational positions.
The number of children in the Unionville district having increased and their location making transportation impracti- cable, the school there was reopened in April. The teacher secured resigned in October to accept a better position. All the new teachers are proving efficient.
It is intended to change the time for the annual election of teachers from the March meeting of the committee to the meeting held the first Monday in June, and hereafter to elect for the natural school year beginning in September and end- ing in June. In order to make the change, the elections in March this year will be for the spring term only.
Repairs .- The five rooms in the Jefferson building were much improved by kalsomining the walls in a proper tint, and by redressing the woodwork. The halls should receive a sim- ilar treatment during the coming year. The outside of the building is in need of paint, and some leaks in the roof de- mand attention.
The wornout furnace at Quinapoxet was replaced by a new one, which has done its work satisfactorily during the win- ter. The Quinapoxet building was also improved with new paint and paper.
The interior of the building at Unionville was renovated in preparation for the reopening of the school. The roof of this building will need new shingles during the coming year.
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The Ninth Grade .- In September, 1901, all the ninth-grade pupils of the town, twenty-two in number, were placed in the high school building to be instructed by the high school teach- ers. The fact that the high school comprised but two regular classes for that year made this plan entirely feasible. It was designed in this way to secure a better preparation on the part of pupils for the regular high school work, and thus eventually to raise the standard of work done in the high school. The class pursued the work of the year with interest and good results, and every member returned in September, 1902, all but two to enter the high school, and these to repeat the ninth-grade work. Another ninth grade, comprising eight- een pupils, was gathered last September and is now pursu- ing its work with the three regular high school classes. The subjects pursued are arithmetic, grammar and composition, history, elementary physics, and drawing. The success of the present plan for the instruction of this grade would seem to justify making it permanent.
High School .- In accordance with the plan approved last year, a choice between a course of study including Latin, and a course without that subject, was offered the entering class in September. All chose the Latin course.
The new course, approved by the Committee in September, requires each pupil to take four subjects instead of three, as heretofore, besides drawing one day in the week. Thirty minutes are added to the former school day.
The small high school has unavoidable limitations. As Secretary Hill remarks, "Its work must be reduced to the simplest and most manageable forms." Even then, the work of the teachers is very difficult, and more than ordinary zeal, industry, and teaching power is required to secure results that compare favorably with those of the larger schools. The people of this community know the sterling qualities of the principal who has served them so efficiently for nearly twenty- three years The scholarship and character of his assistant, a resident of the town, are also familiar to all. Both are deep- ly devoted to their work, and are in perfect accord with the committee and superintendent in the effort to make a course
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of study at the Holden High School as broad and thorough as the conditions will permit.
There was no graduating class last year. In the place of the usual graduation exercises, a lecture was given by Rev. George L. Perrin, D.D., of Boston. There are nine pupils who expect to receive diplomas in June next. A graduating class is expected in 1904, but not in 1905, as no class entered in 1901. In 1906, the four regular high school classes will all be represented, and in that year the instruction of these class- es and that of the ninth grade will make necessary the em- ployment of a third teacher.
Miss Mabel E. Dickinson of Worcester continues her work as teacher of drawing, spending one day each week at the school. By special arrangement with the principal, Mrs. L. L. Holden of Worcester has given instruction in singing for a few weeks in the winter term, and under her direction a very creditable public concert was given on the evening of Feb. 27.
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Attendance .- The South school retains the best record of attendance in the town, though this year it takes second place in the district. The attendance at Jefferson and Quin- apoxet was decreased materially in the winter term by the prevalence of measles. The opening of the schools at the Centre for that term was delayed two weeks for the same cause, and the time will be made up in March.
One of the truant officers reports no calls from teachers for his services, though he has sent to school several children found on the street. The other officer has made eight visits at the request of teachers. The superintendent has made several calls on delinquent parents, when such calls could be made conveniently.
A. Look Ahead .- I have taken occasion in a public address to suggest what I consider an altogether probable develop- ment of the future. Let me here put on record the sugges- tion. It is the provision at the Centre of a new school build- ing, in a good location, of suitable size, and of a style not contrasting too much with the beautiful Damon Memorial. To this building, when the people provide it, will be carried
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in comfortable conveyances the children of the three small schools nearest the Centre. All will then enjoy the benefits of a graded school in the most attractive surroundings. The development of the town which is expected to follow the advent of the electric railway may lead to an early realization of what is now only a pleasant vision.
OAKHAM.
Teachers .- Miss Lena R. Edmands resigned her position at Coldbrook in June to return to college. Miss Blanche Pack- ard, who had taught the South school during the spring term, was appointed in her place. Mrs. Minnie G. Woodis was ap- pointed to the South school, where she had formerly done good service for several years. No other changes occurred.
In December, Mrs. Woodis, Miss Russell, and Miss Packard were "specially examined," as the required preliminary to an application to the Board of Education for an increase of sal- ary, under the "exceptional ability" law. After an inspection of their schools by Mr. J. W. MacDonald, agent of the Board, the application was approved. Two dollars per week was then added to the salaries of each of the three teachers, and the amount will be refunded by the State. A similar applica- tion in the case of Miss Mellen was approved last year. The town is thus receiving from the State eight dollars per week to apply on teachers' salaries, besides the fifty dollars per year received for the same purpose under the superintendency law. Both of these sums are in addition to its share of the State school fund under the general law.
The School Year .- The generous State aid which the town receives, it seems to me, should render practicable an addition of two weeks to the school year, which is now as short as the law allows. The average length of the school year in the State generally is nine months and six days, or one month and six days more than the legal requirement.
Apparatus .- The set of maps for the Centre Grammar room, recommended last year, has been purchased, and the globes for other rooms, also recommended, are provided for.
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Repairs .- The interior of the "West Brick" is getting very dingy and dilapidated, and should be thoroughly renovated. Mending, paint and kalsomine will make this ancient building renew its youth.
Examination Day .- The closing day of every term has drawn a goodly number of parents and friends to the school, as usual. We wish the number of visitors on that day might be in- creased, and also that frequent visits during the term might be made. At the close of the spring term a special effort is made to show the nature and quality of the school activities by means of an exhibit of the pupils' handiwork. The exhibit in the various schools last June was highly creditable, especially the one at the Centre. It is hoped that much im- provement will be shown by the exhibit next June, and that many more parents and friends will inspect it.
Attendance .- The per cent. of attendance in the town for the year surpasses that of any other town in the district, as has been the case since the district was formed. The primary school at the Centre this year steps above the South school in Holden to the first place in the district, with a per cent. of 95.6. All the schools of Oakham stand at 90 per cent. or above. The truant officer has a sinecure in Oakliam.
PAXTON.
Teachers .- The vacancy in the principalship caused by the retirement in June of Miss Rachel U. Cornwell was filled by the election of Miss Jennie R. Burnham, who had taught witli marked success in an adjoining town. The wisdom of the committee in offering the increased salary required to secure Miss Burnham has been amply justified. Misses Baker and Converse continue their efficient service. Their salary is inade ten dollars per week by the aid of the State grant, under the "exceptional ability" law, designed to aid small towns in securing and retaining good teachers.
Text Books .- The new series of Frye's geographies, and the "Mother Tongue" series of language books have been adopted by the committee. These books, together with the Werner arithmeties, previously introduced, are proving satisfactory.
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Repairs .- The new cement floor for the basement, laid dur- ing the summer, is much appreciated by teachers and pupils. Last year I mentioned two other very desirable improvements, both of them, like the basement floor, usually included in the contract for a finished building. They are the tinting of the walls and the provision of good blackboards. The latter is the more pressing need. The present boards consist of a covering of liquid slating on very rough plaster. An inspec- tion of them will show how defective they are. I recommend placing on the walls a good quality of real slate, three and one-half feet wide. From a measurement of the surface and from prices obtained from responsible dealers, I estimate the expense at about $120. Such blackboards are practically in- destructible and are generally regarded as the cheapest in the end.
Attendance .- It is gratifying to report increased regularity of attendance. For the first year of my supervision the per cent. of attendance was 82.3; for the second, S6.6, and for this, the third, 88.7. But it should be remembered that the highest per cent. yet reached means a loss of more than one-ninth of the school expenditure. On the average through the year the town has failed to receive a return for the expense of one day in nine, on account of the absence of pupils. Much of this loss is due to the indifference of a few parents, and to the un- satisfactory service of one, at least, of those engaged to trans- port children. It is hoped that losses from these causes may be entirely obviated during the coming year.
RUTLAND.
Teachers. - Mr. Frank P. Ayer, principal of the High School; Miss Jennie R. Burnham, of the Centre Grammar School; Miss Jennie Gilbert, of the Centre Intermediate; and Miss Grace Damon, of North Rutland, re- signed in June. In November, Miss Edith I. Brown, assist- ant in the High school, also resigned. Miss Gilbert re- signed to enter a normal school, and all the others to accept better positions. The names of the new teachers will be found in the table of statistics. All but Miss Newcomb were
without experience. Mr. Ellis is a college graduate, and has spent a year in post-graduate study at Clark University, and lias also done other graduate work. Miss Gleason holds a diploma from Mt. Holyoke, and Miss Claflin one from Smith. All of the new teachers are growing in efficiency through experience and study.
The High School .- A choice between the two courses of study printed in the report of last year was offered the stu- dents in September. and all chose the course with Latin. Three pupils were allowed to change to the English course later. The high school now includes only the first and sec- ond year classes, thirteen pupils in all. The eighth grade, the preparatory class. now numbering sixteen, is also taught by the high school teachers. as last year.
Ethel Blanche Thurston, Bessie Howe Bartlett, Ethel Maria Heald, and Henry Hall King were graduated June 19, 1902. All are now pursuing advanced studies in other schools.
Near the close of the year the class was called to mourn the sad death of one of its members, Miss Nola Dudley, a young lady of fine character and ability.
The State requires of the high school that it "shall be kept open for the benefit of all the inhabitants of the city or town for at least forty weeks, exclusive of vacations, in each year," and the law provides that the town's share of the income of the school fund shall be withheld, in case the town has not maintained its high school for at least thirty-six weeks. Rut- land will now observe the law in this matter to a degree sutti- cient to escape the penalty, and will maintain its high school for thirty six weeks. The eighth grade is this year offered the same length of schooling.
The law of Massachusetts further requires that every town with more than five hundred families shall maintain a high school, and that every other town shall either maintain a high school of its own or pay for the tuition of its properly qualified children in the high school of another town or city. The Legislature of 1902 made two changes in the high-school law which are of importance to the town of Rutland. One of these raised the limit of valuation under which a town is
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eligible to State reimbursement for tuition expenditures in outside high schools from $500,000 to $750,000. Having less than five hundred families, Rutland is not required to main- tain a high school, and, its valuation being $669,332, it may now, if it choose, send its high-school pupils to another town and be reimbursed for tuition expenditures. The other amend- ment provides that towns of less than five hundred families maintaining a high school with two or more teachers each, are entitled to a grant from the State of $300 annually, pro- vided their high-school conditions are approved by the State Board of Education. The sum mentioned is payable after the close of the school year, the first payment being due after Sept. 1, 1903. Should the Rutland High School be approved by the Board of Education, the town would receive this new and welcome grant from the State. At the request of the committee and superintendent, the agent of the Board, Mr. J. W. MacDonald, has inspected the school, with a view to determining whether the conditions justify its approval. At this writing the final decision of the Board has not been re- ceived.
Attendance .- A reference to the "Summary of Attendance" shows that the per cent. of attendance has fallen off from that of last year, and that this town now ranks the lowest in the district in this matter. The "Statistical Tables" show in which schools the greatest losses have occurred. It will be seen that West Rutland has done its part toward making a good record for the town. Parents are earnestly asked to unite with the teachers in a strong effort to greatly increase the regularity of attendance during the coming year.
Repairs and Apparatus .- The interior of the building at West Rutland was renovated in an inexpensive way during the summer. The growth of this school will probably make a larger room necessary in the near future.
A beginning has been made toward equipping the schools with needed apparatus by the purchase of several globes and maps, and of a small encyclopedia for the high school. It is hoped the Committee may have funds sufficient to continue such equipment during the coming year.
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The School Ycar .- Reference has already been made to the addition of four weeks to the high-school year, in order to comply with the law. The year for the other schools remains at thirty-two weeks, the lowest legal limit. Let me call at- tention again to the words of Secretary Hill:
If towns plan for precisely thirty-two weeks' schooling, they ex- pose themselves to a pretty strong likelihood of running short of that length. Would it not be wise for them to add a margin of a week or two for contingencies ? A generous margin thus added would still leave them several weeks behind the State average.
I trust that the voters may grant the Committee sufficient funds to enable them to continue the schools for at least thirty- four weeks.
Again let me record my grateful appreciation of the con- tinned confidence and support of the several committees.
Respectfully submitted, HERBERT J. JONES, Superintendent of Schools.
Holden, Mass., March 7, 1903.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICIALS OF KH
MA
S 1775 ACHUS
FOR THE
Financial Year Ending March 1, 1904.
BARRE, MASS MRS. JENNIE O, SPOONER, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTER, GAZETTE OFFICE.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICIALS
OF
KH
0000
***
100
MA
TTS
1775
E
ACHU
FOR THE
Financial Year Ending March 1, 1904.
BARRE, MASS .: MRS. JENNIE C. SPOONER, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTER. GAZETTE OFFICE.
-
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1903.
TOWN CLERK : JESSE ALLEN.
SELECTMEN :
FRANK S. CONANT, HARRY B. PARKER, CARLOS P. HILL. ASSESSORS :
S. H. BULLARD,. WM. GAFFNEY, FRANK NYE.
OVERSEERS OF THE POOR : JESSE ALLEN, WM. S. CRAWFORD, WM. S. SPEAR. COLLECTOR : WM. S. CRAWFORD. TREASURER (pro tem ) : FRANK S. CONANT. CONSTABLES : WM. S. CRAWFORD, W. C. BLISS, O. D. WEBBER,
HENRY P. AUSTIN. WALTER R. DEAN, WALTER A. WOODIS. AUDITOR : JOHN P. DAY. FENCE VIEWERS :
JESSE ALLEN, LEWIS N. HASKELL, CARLOS P. HILL.
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SURVEYORS OF LUMBER :
D. R. DEAN, C. H. PARKER, W. R. DEAN.
MEASURERS OF WOOD AND BARK :
W. R. DEAN, WM. S. CRAWFORD. C. H. PARKER. SCHOOL COMMITTEE : JESSE ALLEN, MRS. M. L. WOODIS, H. W. LINCOLN.
LIBRARY TRUSTEES :
MRS. M. L. WOODIS, FRANK E. DAVIS, JESSE ALLEN.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE :
D. R. DEAN, WM. S. CRAWFORD, JESSE ALLEN.
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS : WILLIAM A. NYE.
CATTLE INSPECTOR :
SANFORD H. BULLARD.
TREE WARDEN :
CHARLES H. TROWBRIDGE.
SEXTON : JAMES P. FAIRBANK.
FOREST FIREWARD : WALTER A. WOODIS. SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES : WM. S. CRAWFORD. SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT : HERBERT J. JONES.
REPORT OF THE SELECTMEN.
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THE Selectmen submit the following report for the financial year ending March 1, 1904 :
PAID TOWN OFFICERS.
TOWN CLERK.
Paid town clerk, services, $24 10
Copying records, births, marriages and
deaths from settlement of the town to 1850,
62 50
Express,
4 35
Postage,
1 50
$92 45
TREASI RER.
Paid treasurer for services.
$25 00
COLLECTOR. .
Paid collector for services.
$75 00
Collector's book,
1 25
Collector's cash book,
1 75
Printing,
3 25
Postage,
7 00
Discount on taxes,
173 19
8261 44
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SELECTMEN.
Paid F. S. Conant,
$25 00
H. B. Parker,
25 00
C. P. Hill,
25 00
Postage and telephone,
7 63
$82 63
ASSESSORS.
Paid S. H. Bullard,
$26 25
Frank Nye,
25 32
William Gaffney,
$74 07
OVERSEERS OF POOR.
Paid for support of paupers,
$497 73
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Paid for support of schools,
SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS.
Paid for repairing highways,
$1306 71
Opening roads, 1903, 40 03
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