USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1853-82 > Part 8
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forth the praise of her employers, the approval of the committee, and the love of her school. The im- provement, behaviour, and general good appearance of the school, were sources of great satisfaction to all interested in the welfare of the school and the success of the teacher.
The Winter school was taught by Willard S. Heath, of Dartmouth College. This school has not been managed in the best possible manner for a series of years. For a number of terms, it was governed on the knock down principle, with great noise and bluster. The next effort was quite in the other extreme -all gentleness, good will, and kind words-the result of which was a failure. Mr. Heath, forewarned and so forearmed, went to his work prepared and determined to rule supreme, at whatever cost of labor or pains. This decision being fairly set before the school, entire submission and implicit obedience was im- mediately and cheerfully rendered to all requirements. The result of this action on the part of the teacher, joined with a hearty effort on the part of the scholars, was an excellent school from beginning to end. Good order, and earnest study, were the leading marks of this term. The attention of teacher and school were directed to the common branches, as it should be. Mr. Heath is, without a doubt, the best teacher this district has had for many a year, and with him, or such as he, whatever may be its history, the present is fair, and the future full of bright and glorious promise. The examination was very pleasant and satisfactory. The classes in physiology and grammar deserve particular notice ; while other exer-
3
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cises were generally good, these were excellent. Ap- propriate and well-spoken declamations happily closed this interesting day.
The Primary school was taught by Miss Charlotte Faulkner, of this town, and this district. Her record as a teacher is all unwritten, save in the hearts of her scholars. We rejoice in the glad duty we now per- form, and only wish we could write the beginning of her history, just as it lies, all fair and beautiful in our memory. We felt perfectly sure, from the first day of her labor, that this school would be one of great value. Well educated, earnest in her nature, prompt and decided in government, fond of school and apt to teach, she cannot fail, but must be an eminent teacher. Her school was large, perfectly governed, and thoroughly taught. It was a delightful school; and so thought not only the committee, but the crowd of interested visitors. The examination was a pleasant time for all concerned -teacher and scholars, parents and visitors. We earnestly hope this teacher may have abundant opportunity to labor in her vocation as long as she desires.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
T. G. F. JONES, Prudential Committee.
The Summer term of this school was placed in care of Miss Jennie Harris, of this town. She is . favorably known as the teacher in the primary school last year. Although comparatively young, she is an active and efficient teacher, a good governess, and well fitted for the difficult and responsible station in which she was placed. Her school was very large, many of the children small, some too small for the
19
school-room. She was at the same time teacher, governess and general overseer of her interesting little company ; in each of these capacities she ac- quitted herself in a manner which met the expecta- tions of her employers. She labored faithfully, and her school manifested all that improvement in mind and manners which we would expect from earnest, well directed and long continued effort. The ex- amination was well attended and highly satisfactory to all concerned. The spectators expressed their gratitude to teacher and scholars for the pleasure they had enjoyed, the evident improvement made, as well as the fair promise of future progress.
The Winter term of this school was taught by A. S. Ingalls, now of Westminster Academy. He taught an admirable private school here in the Fall, and after much urging, and frequent solicitation, finally con- sented to undertake this difficult work. Mr. Ingalls entered this school with a great desire to go through the Winter without resort to corporal punishment, and succeeded generally in doing so. He won the love and good will of his scholars, very early in the term. We saw one morning a blooming girl, tripping lightly up to the desk, with a beautiful annual in her hand-the girl's gift-and with a blush on her chcek as beautiful, presented it to the teacher. We saw in that act a fair promise of future good, and in the course of the Winter it was fully realized. Besides this, and other kind mementos, during the term, there was presented by the young men, at the close of the school, a fine copy of Shakespeare. In many schools the teachers awakened interest, and excited to study by beautiful and appropriate gifts of books ;
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here the scholars spoke out their good will, their heartfelt thankfulness, and their enduring love, by these same tokens. This school was a marked
success. The teacher was particularly happy in directing the course of his scholars, in exciting them to study and thought, by placing before them the necessity of preparation for the great battle of life ; clearly showing that work, labor, effort, and not rest, is our calling and our glory ; that this, too, is to be done as a duty, because it is right, and not for the pleasure or the praise. In this way, the Centre school was kept up to the working point ; so govern- ment was casy, and obedience natural. It is par- ticularly to be noted that, in this school, the common branches were pursued with ardor. Reading, spelling and defining, spelling by writing the words in a book, were excellent exercises and pursued with great profit. Many a scholar, who will spell quite well orally, when called to write, his mind divided, will hesitate and blunder, but practice makes perfect. Arithmetic, grammar and geography were taught orally and on the black-board, by explanation both terse and diffuse, so clearly that even the most dull and inattentive must have known and understood. Other teachers may have been cqual in labor, in tact and aptness, to Mr. Ingalls, but certainly nonc superior. Others may have had better material, but none did more with such as they had. The ex- amination was very spirited and satisfactory, and, for the Centre district, was attended by an unusual number of visitors.
The Primary school was taught by Miss M. Jennie Harris. This is her third successive term in this
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school, and shows the estimation in which Miss Harris is held in the district. She is at home among the little ones composing her schoo!, and the familiarity and kindly feeling existing between them was pleasant to witness, and beneficial in its influences. The attendance was admirable, ten having been neither absent or tardy during the whole term. The examination was well attended, and showed in a very acceptable manner the order and progress of the school. The performances were all quite interesting, the singing especially, which was all the more pleas- ant because unexpected.
NORTH SCHOOL.
J. R. PUTNEY, Prudential Committee.
The Summer school was taught by Miss Susan A. Davis. Miss Davis passed a remarkably good exami- nation before the committee, and commenced her school with a strong desire to do well, performing her duties faithfully and carnestly. The term was marked by good order, zealous study and thorough instruction. It was always a cheering spot, this North School, for there we had little to do but enjoy the visit - everything was so quiet, gentle and thoughtful, all around. The examination was a fine display of a very profitable Summer's effort. It does ones heart good to witness an examination where everything is just what we like to see in teacher and scholars, in behaviour and recitations. All the exercises met our hearty approval. Were we to mention anything in particular, we would say the reading and the classes in grammar merit a first rate notice.
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The Winter term of this school was taught by Luther Conant, Jr., who, although a young man, is an old teacher. He has been in the business some eight years ; and we can truly say of him, what can- not be said of many, that, while he was a good teacher from the very first, has been growing in know- ledge, capability and power in the profession ever since. Some men attain their highest point of ex- cellence in their first effort, and, satisfied with their position, rest contented with honor already won, and so keep along, just one degree above mediocrity. It is not so in this case. Mr. Conant is emphatically a working man. While he can do anything, his proper place is found in the school-room ; there he is thoughful, earnest, thorough and progressive. This school, under Mr. Conant's care, is no ordinary school, and the parents are just up to the mark, interested in the progress of their children, supporting and encour- aging the teacher, by cheering words and pleasant deeds, especially by seeing that the school is well attended every day. With such a school, and such support, you may well ask, how can a man fail of success ? Rather ask, how much earnest labor and anxious thought is called for to meet this great demand of such a case. The government of this school was of the most desirable order. Corporal punishment was entirely set aside for a better way. No little fellow was made to suffer pain, with the hope that penitence would follow the infliction. The pleasant fact is, there was such a continued and joy- ous interest in study, there was no time for play, much less for idleness or roguery ; the relation of teacher and scholar was something like a good
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family, and just like a perfect school. The exami- nation was a great day. The committee had the best evidence they could ask of the success of the school, in all the performances, and in the crowd of visitors assembled to witness them. The reading merits particular praise. It was done in a full, clear, and distinct tone of voice, inflections and cadences skilfully made and correctly placed, and, finally, words selected at random, in lessons not read pre- viously, were spelled and defined with a rapidity and clearness which would have done honor to older heads. In this fact, we saw one of the reasons why they read. so well. They read with the understand- ing as well as the eye and voice. The grammar classes were excellent, showing very clearly that even little fellows can have a good knowledge of grammar. We can mention only one other class, that of physi- ology ; this was a fine company of girls. Their recitations gave great satisfaction. The day was closed, on the part of the school, by a good selection of appropriate and spirited declamations and recita- tions, and, on the part of the spectators and com- mittee, with more hearty expressions of satisfaction and praise than we often hear - all of them richly deserved. The attendance was excellent, being a fraction more than ninety per cent. Number of visitors at the examination, 68; attendance, 35; whole number, 38 ; average number, 34 26-31.
If we have failed in any degree to do ample justice to all the good schools and excellent teachers, in this report, let it be our excuse that it was written in odds and ends of time, under the pressure of the weariness and anxiety of our business. If we have not been
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sufficiently plain in speaking of faults and failures, it is because mercy is sometimes better than justice-so that while our hearts leap for joy in witnessing a good effort-we would gladly pass lightly over even a com- parative failure.
We now close by a word or two of suggestion and remark. We ought to raise more money and choose a good committee to watch over the expenditure. Let the school-houses be put in good repair at the ex- pense of the town, and see that the excellent rules for their preservation be put in force without fear of favor. Select the best teachers, without too much regard to price. Let them be practically educated, pure in morals, good in life and, above all, capable of governing their schools. Let all parents and guard- ians be more and more interested in the school, and cherish, honor and support the teacher. Let them watch over the evening employment of the children and youth. Draw out the great table, spread it with useful books and good papers, let the children read and think, talk and study, while the father and moth- er sit smiling by, aiding and approving with encour- aging smiles and loving words ; make this home a paradise for them and it will be joy and peace for you. These children will be educated somewhere. Shall they be educated in the schools and around the evening fire-side, or in the street and tavern ?
Let all parents remember there is one thing older and dearer than church or school-a true home. It is to make our New England homes more sacred and more endearing that we plead for the school .- As you value life, liberty and honor, as you value
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your children and your homes, as you value present peace and happiness in the future, give your hearty, carnest and steady support to the common school.
HARRIS COWDREY, LUTHER CONANT, JR., ADELBERT MEAD,
Committee.
District.
Names of Teachers.
Wages per month.
Whole amount of wages.
Whole number Scholars.
Average number Scholars.
No. Scholars over 15 yrs.
No. Scholars under 5 yrs. |
Length of School, months.
Centre,
Mary J. Harris,
$21 00
$89 00
74
53 63-85
0
West,
Martha A. Keyes,
21 00
51 50
72
61 8-21
0
8
South,
Tryphena Clark,
17 00
76 50
68
48
0
0
North,
S. Augusta Davis,
15 00
60 00
37
23 16-43
0
3
4
South East, East,
Mary L. Hosmer,
14 00
35 00
17
11 2-13
1
1
21-2
Celeste J. Robbins,
17 00
63 75
35
26 3-16
0
4
3 3-4
Total,
$105 00 $375 75 303 224 7-37
1 22
23 1-4
Winter.
Centre,
Albert S. Ingalls,
$42 00 $126 00
20
0
3
West,
John C. Hale,
44 00
96 00
54
47 1-55
23
0
2 1-4
South,
Willard S. Heath,
42 00
126 00
43
36 8-10
22 0
3
North,
Luther Conant, Jr.,
38 00
142 50
33 34 26-81
11
0
3 3-4
East,
A. B. Clarke,
42 00
126 00
50
40
19
0
3
South East,
Greenleaf G. Baker,
42 00
136 50
37
24 21-71
9
0
3 1-4
Total,
$250 00 $753 00 278 232 23-91
104
0
18 1-4
Winter Primary.
$16 00
$56 00
51
43 7-76
0
4
31-2
West,
Anna Hayward,
18 00
63 00
42
33 49-75
0
0)
31-2
South,
Charlotte C. Faulkner,
14 00
45 50
49
40 5-71
0
0
31-4
Total,
$48 00.#164 50 142 116 35-42|
0 4 10 1-4
56
48
-
-
Summer.
4 21-2 4 1-2
Centre,
M. Jennie Harris,
Paid to Males, $753 00; to Females, $540 25. Average wages per month of Male Teachers, $41 66 2-3; of Females, $17 00. Months taught by Males, 18 1-4; by Females, 33 1-2. Greatest number of Scholars in Winter, 420; average number, 348. Greatest number of Scholars in Summer, 303; average number, 224 7-39.
TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1857-8.
1858 : BENJAMIN TOLMAN, PRINTER, CONCORD.
REPORT.
He, who would discover whether a people is pro- gressing in true civilization, examines the condition of the fundamental institutions of that people.
One of the most important of those which indicate our own progress, is the excellence of the present po- sition of our system of public schools. For no other institution can claim the importance which this has, in preparing and strengthening the very basis of our gov- ernment. To instruct and educate the masses, is the cardinal principle of a republican government. The whole experience of the past plainly shows, that to estab- lish a free government on a permanent foundation, there must also be established free schools. If a people are to take the reins of government into their own hands, and fill its offices from all ranks in society, they must be fitted for the positions which they are to occupy, and their mental culture must be raised to that standard that will enable them promptly to distinguish right from wrong, the truth from error. Our Pilgrim Fathers understood this, and in 1647, the 17th year of the settlement of Massachusetts Bay, they passed the following ordinance, the most remark- kable on, the page of history, the influence of
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which is being felt to this day throughout our republic, if not throughout the whole world : " It being one chief project of Satan, to keep men from the knowledge of the Scriptures, as in former times keeping them in unknown tongues, so in these later times by persuading from the use of tongues, that so at least the sense and meaning might be clouded and corrupted by the false glosses of deceiv- ers ; to the end that learning may not be buried in the graves of our forefathers, in Church and State, the Lord assisting our endeavors, it is ordered that every town containing fifty families, or householders, shall maintain a school for reading and writing, and every town numbering one hundred families, or house- holders, shall support a grammar school. In 1683, it was ordered, that every town of more than five hundred inhabitants, shall support two grammar schools." This was the beginning of our common school system of New England ; a system which, orig- inated in a love of the Bible, and which was sup- ported as of the highest importance to the well-being of our race. A school system originating in such mo- tives, ought to be well guarded and cheerfully sup- ported, that its original design may be attained.
The age in which we live is one of progress-pro- gress is written on every thing. This is not a mere unmeaning sound. Society is deeply affected for good or evil by it. It leaves its impress on infancy, man- hood, and old age. Our schools feel it. Old forms and old principles are abolished, and new modes of disci- pline and instruction are introduced. This is a matter which should not be passed lightly over. For while we all see much in the history of Massachusetts to admire,
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in the energy and power which has peopled the vast plains of the West with an enlightened and intelligent population ; in that spirit of enterprize which whitens every sea with the spread sails of her commerce; in that benevolence which ministers to the needs of the unfortunate of all classes in her borders ; yet no one will deny that her chief, her crowning glory, is her Public Schools. Such is the perfection and compre- hensiveness of her system of education that every child, born or residing within her limits, receives or may receive, by proper effort, a course of education that will fit them for all the practical requirements of life. Have our schools fulfilled their high behest the past year ? is a question in which all are interested ; a question which your Committee will endeavor to answer by giving a faithful Report of their condition as it appears to them.
CENTRE SCHOOL.
MOSES TAYLOR, Prudential Committee.
The Summer and Fall terms of this School, as well as the primary department of the Winter term, were placed under the care and tuition of Miss M. Maria Tuttle, of this town, who met with good success. Miss Tuttle brought to her vocation a degree of intel- lectual culture, and an enthusiasm for teaching, rare- ly surpassed by those connected with our schools. Her system of teaching is of that character which devel- opes the reasoning powers of the pupil, and as might have been expected, good improvement was made. In this school, the teacher paid much attention to the moral and religious culture of the scholars. At the
6
first glance, some might fear that there is danger that sectarianism may be introduced into our schools. But a moment's reflection will convince any one this is not the case ; for there are certain principles, such as truthfulness, sobriety, temperance, industry, fru- gality, and chastity, which are pronounced sterling by the common consent of mankind, and which cannot be too deeply impressed upon the youthful heart of the pupil. The custom prevailed in this school for each scholar at the close of the day to recite a verse from the Bible, and we have been interested and instructed by the taste and judgment displayed in the selection.
We think much credit is due to this teacher for de- votion to the interests in her care, and faithfulness in her duties ; and this was also the opinion of a large number of visitors present at the examination ; the exercises of which, intermingled with recitations of poetry, and beautiful singing, were of the most inter- esting and pleasing character.
During the Fall term, according to the plan adopted by the District at their annual meeting, the school was placed under the care of one teacher. This made it quite large, and consequently the labor per- formed by her was very severe. Sixty-five scholars is decidedly too large a number to be taught with the highest degree of success by any teacher, though in this case the teacher, by laboring with fidel- ity and earnestness, attained a good degree of suc- cess.
The Primary department of the Summer term, was commenced by Miss Helen E. Cowdry, of this town, whose engagements precluded but a short stay in the school. She remained long enough, however, to gain
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the hearty love and affection of her pupils by her firm but gentle system of government, and to display more than ordinary tact and skill in the management of her school.
The school was continued to a pleasant and [prof- itable conclusion by Miss Augusta S. Miles, also of this town, a young lady of rare moral and intellectual worth, who, soon after its close, left town, to enter upon, if possible, still more important duties and re- sponsibilities, and carrying with her the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends who had enjoyed her acquaintance.
The Winter term was taught by Mr. Gustavus D. Pike, of Topsfield, Mass., and at present a member of Dartmouth College. Mr. Pike having taught a successful select school the preceding term, was se- lected as an acceptable and desirable teacher. The Centre District has been exceedingly fortunate for a number of years in obtaining the services of such able and accomplished teachers as Messrs. Dow, Davis, Ingalls, and Pike. The dignified bearing of this teacher in the school room, combined with affability and urbanity of manners in his every day intercourse with his pupils, won their esteem and confidence, and thus secured to him a useful and extended influence. Good order was maintained throughout the term, and the scholars, generally, seemed much interested and manifested gratifying diligence in their studies.
In this school the scholars were expected to commit to memory all the rules, and to adhere pretty rigidly to the text books in most of the recitations.
While this system secures close and attentive study, and thus prevents the pupil from spending much time in
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idleness or mischief, we think, and we believe it is generally the received opinion among those engaged in educational pursuits, that the reasoning powers of the mind should be more frequently and thoroughly exercised, and that the teacher should desire the de- velopment and expression of intelligent thought, far more than any verbal repetition of rules, or any dis- play of the powers of memory. We have not made these remarks to detract from the excellent success which this teacher obtained, not only in the general management, but advancement of the school; but to express our opinion upon the advantages of teaching the pupil to think, rather than to repeat, which opinion coincides with the expressed views of most, or all of the gentlemen in this town, who have been promi- nently connected with your schools.
The examination, which was attended by a large number of visitors, passed off very pleasantly and sat- isfactorily to all, while the correct deportment and bearing of the scholars, as well as their readiness in their recitations elicited warm encomiums from visitors and members from former committees, who kindly lent their presence and assistance to the closing exer- cises of the day.
WEST SCHOOL.
SIMON HOSMER, Prudential Committee.
The upper department of the Summer term, was placed in charge of Miss M. J. Harris, of this town. The excellent reputation which this teacher won in the Centre District, the previous year, was fully main- tained, and improved in this effort. From her pre- vious success in teaching, and from her known energy
1
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and force of character, your Committee were pre- pared to anticipate the happiest results from her con- nection with the school, and their expectations were fully realized. Regularity of attendance, and a good degree of interest, prevailed during the term, and it was pleasant to witness on the part of scholars gener- ally, those tokens of respect and confidence so grati- fying to a teacher, and which exert so useful an influ- ence on the younger members of the school. There was much propriety and decorum in the behavior, and very marked improvement in the studies pursued by those who attended the school during the Summer term.
At the examination, which passed off very smoothly, a large number of visitors were present, among whom we were pleased to see many parents, whose presence indicated on their part an interest in the school, which promises well for its future prosperity. Music, Reci- tations, and Dialogues, formed a part of the exercises, and the amplest evidence was afforded those present, in the readiness of the answers, and in the general proficiency of the scholars, that the time and money had been profitably spent. The scholars presented the teacher with a beautiful book, as a token of their esteem and respect.
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