USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1853-82 > Part 12
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EAST SCHOOL.
The Summer and Fall Terms were taught by Miss S. Augusta Davis, of this town and district. This teacher assumed the control of the school in the South-East District, some three years since, and we shall not be accused of exaggeration in saying that, while under her care, its condition was greatly im- proved.
The Summer Terms, in the East District, had for the five previous years enjoyed the advantage of the continuous instruction of a successful and accom- plished teacher ; and, as might have been expected, the result was an advanced and desirable school. The teacher, the past year, has labored faithfully and de- votedly, has received the active co-operation and sympathy of the parents, and, it is almost superfluous to add, that the school has made good progress under her care. The examinations of both terms were well attended by the mothers; - in this district, so far as schools are concerned, the term " better half" may be taken in its literal signification, - and the usual exercises of declamation, recitation, and singing, were so combined as to render the occasion enjoyable to all concerned.
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Mr. Eben H. Davis commenced the Winter Term under favorable prospects for the school, having al- ready secured the confidence of the district by his connection with the school the former winter. Hav- ing then become acquainted with the temperament and capacity of each scholar, he was fully prepared to proceed at once to the work of the term. We have seen few schools where greater or even equal har- mony of purpose and feeling existed between teacher and taught than there did in the East School for the Winter Term. This school excels in Reading; and the clear, confident tone heard, especially from the classes throughout the afternoon of examination, added much to the effect, and elicited hearty com- mendation. We mention this not only as one of the most promising features of the school, but as an ex- ample well worthy the attention of other schools, some of which may profit by it.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL.
The Summer Term was taught by Miss Emily L. Whitney, of Harvard. This was her first attempt at teaching ; and, as with all beginners, the administra- tion of the daily routine of school duties contains much that is novel and new. Miss W. was interested in her school, and exerted herself to awaken a corre- sponding feeling in her pupils. The exercises at the close showed fair improvement in the studies pursued.
The Fall Term was committed to the care and tuition of Miss Lucy A. Goodrich, of Lunenburg, a teacher of experience, and one who had enjoyed the advantages of a course of study at one of the State
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Normal Schools. In these schools, the business of teaching is made a study, and particular attention is given to the elemental principles that underlie and form the basis of language and the mathematics. And we cannot avoid saying, that we fear too many of our teachers are content to plod along in the same old, beaten track, forgetting that in nothing at the present time is improvement so constant and rapid as in the methods of imparting knowledge to and ex- panding the minds of the young. Too many teachers have no regular system in presenting to the attention of the scholar the dependence and connection of the several successive steps in any of the branches of study.
The teacher in this school made diligent efforts to improve its condition and interest the pupils in the studies pursued. A particular feature, worthy of imitation, was an exercise in drawing maps on charts prepared for the purpose. Some of these maps were not only accurately drawn, but preserved with neatness and care.
The Winter Term was taught by Mr. Oliver Wether- bee, of Boxboro'. The teacher and scholars were not strangers at its commencement, and therefore could organize and proceed to their labors without delay.
This school, when visited by the Committee, has presented a studious and orderly appearance, and at examination gave evidence of respectable progress. Some compositions were read at the close of the school that were creditable to the youthful authors.
If all our schools were to imitate this feature, we believe much good would result. Such as desire to wield the pen with facility and ease cannot begin too early to write their thoughts.
17 NORTH SCHOOL.
The Summer Term was taught by Miss Clara Wetherbee of this town. Although this teacher entered upon the duties of her situation with little practical experience, she fairly earned the reputation of being one of our most earnest, energetic, and ac- ceptable instructors of youth. Her government was judicious, and her efforts for the improvement of her scholars faithful and unremitting. The closing exer- cises elicited warm encomiums from a goodly number of interested visitors. One little girl, of the age of eight years, performed the unusual mental feat of re- citing the multiplication table up to twenty times twenty.
The Fall Term was instructed by the teacher of the former year, - Miss Sarah A. Rouillard. This term of the school was very brief, its commencement being delayed by the occurrence of a fatal case of a con- tagious disease, near the school-room. This teacher had some difficulties to encounter, such as many ex- perience who teach in their own district. All that could be effected by kindness of manner, by patience and perseverance in her work, and by the introduc- tion of pleasing and novel methods of instruction, she attempted, and, to a very commendable degree, accomplished. And your Committee deem it an act of simple justice to one whose success in this and other places, (being now engaged to teach a fourth consecutive term in an adjoining town ), certainly entitles her to the reputation of a good teacher, to say that, upon personal examination, they have found
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· no such deficiency in intellectual qualification, or judgment in practical management, as would justify them in withholding their approbation. The average attendance during the term was good, - half of the scholars not being absent during the term.
The teacher for the Winter Term, in this district, takes this opportunity to express his gratitude to the parents and others, for their generous cooperation, and for the many courtesies extended to him during the past five years. He would offer his sincere thanks to the scholars for their uniform kindness, for their respectful behavior, and for their zeal and interest in study, And he feels that he can truthfully say, that he leaves the school with the warmest wishes for the moral advancement and worldly prosperity of each and every scholar who has attended it, while under his care.
SCHOOL EXPENDITURES FOR 1859-60.
The amount of money appropriated by the Town, for the schools, the past year, was seventeen hundred dollars ($1700 00). The amount received from the State Fund was eighty-one dollars and six cents (81 06). Fifteen hundred dollars and the State Fund were to be divided as before ; that is, giving one hun- dred dollars more to the large District than to the others. The division of the other two hundred was left discretionary with the School Committee. We endeavored to make this division in a manner to give each District an equal length of school, as nearly as possible. The amount paid to each teacher may be found in the statistical table.
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CENTRE DISTRICT.
Their share of appropriation was Balance due from last year,
$360 18 10 65
$370 83
Paid teachers, $339 75
J. Atwood, for wood, 23 00
building fires, 3 00
66 pail, dipper, brooms, and lights, 91
6 Town of Littleton, for tuition of one scholar, 2 50
Balance due the District, March
31st, 1860, 1 67
·
370 83
WEST DISTRICT.
Their share of appropriation, 360 18
Balance due from last year, 10 19
$370 37
Paid to teachers, $328 00
66 to J. Reed, for wood, 27 58
66 for building fires, and care of room, 6 00
66 H. Rowell, for brooms, dip- per, and pails, 2 55
66
for washing house, 50
Balance due the District, March 31st, 1860, 5 74
370 37
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SOUTH DISTRICT.
Their share of appropriation, $360 17
Paid teachers, $328 25
to George Wright, for wood, 23 85
" for building fires, 3 00
for brooms, pails, and dipper, 99
Balance due the District, March 31st, 1860, 4 08
360 17
EAST DISTRICT.
Their share of appropriation, $233 51
Paid to teachers, $208 00
to N. Brooks, for wood, 15 50
6 for building fires, 2 00
for sawing rubbish left after repairs on house, 75
pail, broom, and dipper, 73
Balance due the District, March 31st, 1860, 6 53
233 51
SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT.
Their share of appropriation, $233 51
Paid to teachers, $214 50
" for building fires, 2 00
Balance due the District, March 31st, 1860, 17 01
233 51
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NORTH DISTRICT.
Their share of appropriation. $233 51
Paid to teachers, $212 00
to J. R. Putney, for wood, 14 53
for building fires, 2 00
Balance due the District, March
31, 1860, 4 98
233 51
Whole balance of appropriation in the hands of the Committee, March 31st, 1860, $40 01
The whole number of children in town, between the ages of five and fifteen years, on the first day of May, 1860, as officially reported to the Committee, by the Board of Assessors, was three hundred and eighty-four.
Paid Male Teachers, $681 00; to Female Teach- ers, $949 50. Average Wages, per month, of Male Teachers, $41 00. Average do. of Female Teachers, $16 663. Months taught by Male Teachers, 165. Months taught by Female Teachers, 624. Greatest number of Scholars attending School in Winter, 413; do. in Summer, 336. Average in Winter, 365; do. in Summer, 27220. Ratio of attendance for the year to the whole number of children in town between the ages of five and fifteen, expressed in decimals, .81.
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The Committee have thus, as briefly as possible, re- viewed the situation and progress of the schools placed in their charge during the year which now closes. That much remains to be done, they will not affect to deny, but that something has been effected, they claim with equal confidence. Some scholars have lost much the past year, from irregularity of attendance. Every child will need all the advantages that our means of instruction afford, to fit them for the duties that may devolve upon them. We would remind the parents of this town, that the education of their children is going on all the time, and that but a comparatively small portion of the information one gains in life, is acquired in the school room; and it is possible that what children learn in the streets, in society, and, we fear we may say, sometimes by the fireside in their own homes, is not always better than that which is taught in the public schools. All of us, whether we wish it to be so or not, are teachers, exerting our in- fluence upon the young with whom we are in contact ; and the reflection of the consequences and durability of this influence should warn us to guard our words and actions well.
With the best wishes for the prosperity of the schools of Acton, and with an earnest desire that they may ever be the means of promoting a sound educa- tion, and of advancing the interests of morality and piety, your Committe would respectfully submit this Report.
LUTHER CONANT, JR., ADELBERT MEAD, JOHN M. MILES,
School Committee.
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STATISTICAL TABLE FOR 1859-60.
DISTRICT.
NAMES OF TEACHERS.
Length of School in
Wages, including Board,
per Month.
Amount of Wages.
Whole No. of Scholars.
Average No. of Scholars
No. over 15 years of age.
No. under 5 yrs. of age.
Visitors at Examination.
SUMMER.
Martha C. Harris,
$16.00
$44.00
40
33
1
0
20
Helen E. Cowdrey,
12.00
33.00
38
34
3
0
18
West,
Ann M. Stockwell,
12.00
33 00
36
32.1
0
2
33
South,
Sarah A. Shattuck,
2
12.00
30.00
46
36
0
8
25
East, S. East, North,
Emily L. Whitney,
23
16.00
44.00
36
32
0
5
10
Clara Wetherbee,
23
16 00
44.00
26
23₺
1
1
30
Total,
24₺
$132.00
$360.00
336
29113 15
19
FALL.
S. Sophia Harris,
23
$16.00
$44.00
40
32
4
0
34
Ellen F. Stearns,
12
12.00
18.00
00
00
0
0
00
Sarah F. Davis,
14
16.00
20.00
37
32.
2
0 20
Ann M. Stockwell,
23
16.00
44.00
33
25
0
0
34
West,
Clara H. Hapgood,
22
12.00
33.00
34
253
0
1
24
Sarah A. Shattuck,
22
16.00
44.00
38
28
0
0
25
South,
Ellen J. Fletcher,
22
12.00
33.00
35
32
0
0 24
22
16.00
44.00
38
32
1
6
27
L. Augusta Goodrich.
2
18.00
49.50
32
29.1
0
1 12
Sarah A. Rouillard,
14
16.00
28.00
18
16
0
3
20
Total,
262 $150.00
$357.50 305
253_1 30
7
11
WINTER.
Daniel W. Hardy,
2중
$12.00 $120.75
62
56
16
0
40
Philo Hersey,
3
42.00
126.00
48
44
29
0
147
South,
Lottie C. Faulkner,
2
32 00
64.00
39
323
15
0
36
East.
Eben H. Davis,
3
40.00
120.00
48
42
14
0 42
S. East, North,
Oliver Wetherbee,
3
40.00
121.00
41
35
9
0
20
Luther Conant, Jr.,
33
40.00
140.00
40
38
11
0
68
Total,
188 $278.00 $745.00.278
2473
94
0
WINTER PRIMARY.
3
$20.00
$60.00
44
40
0
1 25
South,
S Lottie C. Faulkner,
14
20.00
25.00
00
00
0
0 00
12
20.00
35.00
45
37
0
1 15
West,
Caroline E. Lothrop, Ann M. Stockwell,
3
16.00
48.00
46
403
0
0
25
Total,
9
$76.00 $168.00 135
117}
0| 2
22
16 00
44.00
37
343
0
0
37
Lottie C. Faulkner,
23
16.00
44.00
41
35
0
0
27
S. Augusta Davis,
16.00
44.00
36
313
2
5
37
East, S. East, North,
S. Augusta Davis,
J. Bisbee,
14
42.00
53.25
00
00
00
0
:00
Centre, West,
Centre,
Sarah F. Davis,
Months.
Centre,
M. Jennie Harris,
5
.
Centre,
TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1860-61.
BOSTON: S. CHISM, -FRANKLIN PRINTING HOUSE, HAWLEY STREET, CORNER OF FRANKLIN, 1861.
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REPORT.
IT will be remembered by the friends of education that, at the Annual Town Meeting, in March, there were chosen nine School Committee - with one al- ready chosen - instead of our ordinary number.
This was done in pursuance of a proposition for the better regulation of the schools, made by Mr. A. Mead and others.
The plan was something like this : that six of this Committee should be chosen, one in each of the sev- eral districts, and should perform all the duties and have all the authority of Prudential Committee under the old law, while the remaining three should more especially represent and stand in place of Town Committee.
In this way, it was thought, a deeper and more general interest would be awakened in the cause of Common Schools, and a more vigorous and harmoni- ous action of Committee and all the people be se- cured. This, which was at first only a comfortable hope, has now become a pleasant reality. Every man on the Committee has performed his duties with an earnestness and decision worthy of the great cause in which we are all engaged.
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The Committee was organized, in a meeting called for the purpose, by the choice of Dr. Harris Cowdrey as Chairman, Mr. William A. Wilde, Secretary, and Mr. Luther Conant, Jr., and William A. Wilde, to aid, assist, and counsel the Chairman in the examination of teachers and schools, and in the management of school affairs in general.
It was found that our immediate predecessors had introduced new text-books in reading, geography, and grammar throughout the town; wisely deciding to establish uniformity in all the schools. The conven- ience and propriety of this step is seen at a glance ; and it only remained for the present Committee to follow out the good example set before us, by adopt- ing some one series of arithmetics in the place of the variety now found in most of the schools.
This proposition to change books called forth an earnest and prolonged discussion, opening, as it did, the whole book question.
It was thought by some, that, in order to make our schools equally free to all, not only houses and teach- ers, but books, as well, should be furnished by the town. It was admitted by all that the book expenses bear heavily on the men who, to say the least, have many ways for their money ; on men whose children, like olive plants, spring thick around their table. But then, these are the very people who most highly value the privileges of school, and all the more on account of the effort and expense, and sometimes the sacrifice of comforts needful to secure its full advan- tage to all their little ones - feeling, as such men often do, that an education is all they can give them.
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It was thought, too, that our children are not very careful of their books now, and, if furnished by the town, while some would be very choice of them, the general tendency of the thing would be to heedless- ness and waste.
Frequent changes of books was treated with some severity, as a needless expense, and which should be studiously avoided.
After an interesting discussion, continued through two entire evenings, it was finally voted unanimously to change the books, provided any publishing house could be found which would supply the whole town with an entire series of arithmetics for $50; and further, that the book committee should draw that sum from the treasury, and distribute the books to all the scholars in town free of charge. It was further decided that there should be three terms of school in the year, of about twelve weeks each, with the long vacation during the intense heat of summer. This is in accordance with the recommendation of former committees, and should be regarded as an established custom.
TEACHERS, ETC.
The local committees, either from the great interest they felt in the success of their several schools, prompt- ing them to unusual effort, or favored by a rare good fortune, brought together for examination as fine a set of teachers as we ever saw. After a very pleasant, thorough, and satisfactory examination, and conse- quent approval, they were all advised, instead of commencing school the next Monday morning, to
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take the cars to Waltham, to attend the Institute then to commence there. Past, present, and pro- spective teachers appeared in full force from Acton. They had a pleasant and profitable time, and one which will be gratefully remembered by them as long as memory does its office.
They all, with one accord, thank the good old State of Massachusetts for the rich treat provided for them in that gathering of the earnest and devoted friends of education. They wish, too, to thank most cordially the people of Waltham, who, by their kind- ness and hospitality, made them feel so perfectly at home during their stay among them ; especially they remember the splendid entertainment of Governor Banks, and his constant effort to make the Institute a great success, with more gratitude than they can well express.
That these Institutes are very beneficial to our teach- ers is now gladly admitted by all. They offer them not only many pleasant reunions, and a good time generally, but much valuable information, awaken- ing, renewing, and strengthening, the school spirit in the hearts of all, by general conversation, earnest discussion, and interesting lectures.
The teachers of this year have made a special effort in teaching what are, for their excellence, called the " common branches," viz., arithmetic, grammar, geog- raphy, and reading. To this last exercise has been paid unusual attention ; no more, however, than its great importance demands. It has been practised, not merely as an art, as a means of mental improve- ment, but also as a physical exercise, for developing
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the voice, strengthening the lungs, and giving vigor and life to the system generally.
Singing has been successfully taught in all the Primary Schools, and to some extent in most of the others ; and whatever may be said by amateurs and teachers of music, we have no doubt the Common School is just the place where the culture of music should commence. Singing in the school-room is not to be considered as a pleasant pastime merely, but as an effective means of regulating, enlivening, and in- vigorating the whole round of duties there.
If the scholars become dull and listless, a lively song rouses up their sleeping energies, and everything goes briskly on again. If courage fails, or the heart is sick - with hope deferred, or the body bowed with weariness, a true song sends joy and hope to every heart, and smiles to every face. If troubles come, as come they will sometimes, - if there is obstinacy and disobedience, or any of the ills which school is heir to, a gentle song, loving and tender, is far better than whole bundles of rods The teacher not only should have music in his soul, but should be well able to pour it out freely, whenever needed; and while we would not reject a first-rate teacher because she could not sing, we would consider it a serious defect, and a great drawback on her usefulness in school. Con- cerning the many qualifications of the good teacher, have they not all been written and well set forth in former reports ?
There is one thing which we do not remember to have seen treated with the earnestness which its im- portance demands, and that is, that all teachers should
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have perfect bodily health and a good physical de- velopment. School teaching is an exceedingly ex- hausting labor, and none should undertake it but the firm, the robust, the vigorous, and the active ; and then, the whole time, and attention, and power of soul and body, must be used in the single business of teaching. Those who must have a multiplicity of cares and business on their hands, let them attend to their busi- ness, but by all means leave the school in better care. The teacher must be one blessed with a sound body. Many a sharp word has been spoken - many a keen reproof been given because the teacher's stomach was ill at ease -and his head ached. Then let the feeble and the effete, the hypochondriac and the dyspeptic, seek employment in the field or the shop, but keep away from the school-room. Let no one enter there as teacher, but the buoyant and the hopeful, those whose every vital action sends a thrill of joy through all their frame.
WEST SCHOOL.
ALDEN FULLER, EsQ., Local Committee.
Mr. Fuller made great effort to obtain good teach- ers, and, after mature consideration, gave the care of the Intermediate Department to Miss Emily Hersey. Miss H. has had good experience in teaching; passed a very good examination ; and entered upon her du- ties with good courage and high hopes. We thought her a good teacher, capable, faithful, and willing to labor. She failed, however, in receiving the full sup- port of the parents, and in gaining the love and re-
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spect of her pupils, both of which are indispensable to complete success. The appearance of the school, during the term and at the final examination, al- though not all we could wish, was creditable to the teacher.
The Primary Department was placed in charge of Miss Caroline E. Mayhew. She has had experience in teaching, and brought it to bear effectually on her school; winning the good-will of both scholars and parents. Laboring earnestly and constantly, her company of little ones made good improvement in each of the three terms which she taught. The ex-
aminations at the close of each term were interesting and well attended. Much praise was given to school and teacher by those who best knew the wishes and labors of the teacher, and the progress of the school.
The higher Winter School was taught by Mr. Philo Hersey. He is favorably known as the successful teacher of the last Winter School, also of a Select School in the fall, which was considered by every one a very prosperous effort. In the Fall Term, $50 of the town's money were used for the benefit of those who would have attended a female teacher, had there been no Select School. The examination, in Robinson's Hall, was attended by a throng of inter- ested spectators, - friends of the teacher and scholars. The exercises all passed off very smoothly, eliciting applause and commendation, giving very general sat- isfaction to all concerned.
The Winter Term commenced under very favor- able circumstances, the teacher having already gained the love of his scholars, and the respect and esteem of
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the district generally. It was a pleasant school throughout the whole course. In our visits, we were always gratified and instructed, by the appearance of the scholars, and the matter and manner of the in- struction given by the teacher. The final examina- tion was satisfactory to the Committee and the re- spectable number of spectators who attended, not- withstanding the intense cold of February 8th. After the examination, the teacher read some suggestions for the improvement of this school. Among them, that the fathers should aid the teacher, by assembling their children and giving them direct and personal help in their studies, in the long winter evenings at home ; they might as well be there as anywhere ; by preventing absences and tardiness; and, finally, by keeping the school but five days in the week -thus giving the teacher time to recuperate, and the school to play.
SOUTH-EAST SCHOOL. WILLIAM A. WILDE, Local Committee.
This school, in the Spring and Fall Terms, was taught by Miss Nellie Fletcher, a native of the district. Having the sympathy and hearty support of the parents, it was an easy matter to manage the chil- dren. They all regarded her not only as their teacher, but their friend; this made the work of government comparatively light, and teaching a pleasure. - The school always appeared orderly, pleasant and studious when visited. Miss. F. was successful beyond our expectations; it seems to us
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