Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1853-82, Part 9

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Publication date: 1853
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1072

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Miss Harris was continued in this school during the Fall and Winter terms; and we had good evidence, not only in our monthly visits, but at the final exam- ination, that good progress had been made in all the studies pursued, and that the teacher had been faithful and devoted to the interests and welfare of the pupils under her care.

The Primary department of the Summer term, was placed in care of Miss Mary J. Burroughs, of this town, who met with good success. This teacher, by her kind and affectionate manners, gained the love of her youthful charge, and assisted them in making a very fair beginning in the rudiments of an education.

In consequence of the failure to obtain a High School in this District for the Fall term, there being many advanced pupils desirous of attending school, your Committee, acting under the advice of gentle- men who understood the circumstances of the case, concluded to remove from the Primary school a suffi- cient number of scholars of advanced grade, to reduce it to the number which could be advantageously in- structed by one teacher, and to obtain a teacher of experience and qualifications sufficient, as far as pos- sible, to compensate for the absence of the High School. Through the aid of a former member of the Committee, Miss H. B. Eaton, a young lady who had enjoyed a course of study at the State Normal School, was secured to take charge of this Department. On visiting the school, your Committee were satisfied with the experiment, and from the tact and energy displayed by the teacher, anticipated good results.

Unfortunately, after teaching a couple of weeks, she was compelled to relinquish the school, which was taken in charge by her sister. Considering the age and attainments of the scholars in this school, and the very liberal salary, (a large portion of which was generously contributed by the inhabitants of the Dis- trict,) allowed the teacher, we felt that we had reason to expect a school of more than ordinary excellence. We are sorry to say, that these expectations were not

fulfilled ; and that the school of which we had reason to expect most, obtained the lowest degree of success of any one in town, for the Summer and Fall terms. It is sometimes difficult, justly to assign the blame in cases like this, but considering the excellent deport- ment of the scholars under trying circumstances the succeeding term, we cannot do less than to express the opinion, that with some teachers, this would have been an excellent school.

The Winter term was placed in charge of Mr. Sum- ner T. Smith, who is pursuing a course of study at Meriden, N. H. This teacher, as well as the teachers in the South and South East Districts, presented themselves for examination on the morning appointed for the commencement of all the Winter Schools, thereby rendering it compulsory upon the Committee to give them certificates, or to delay the commence- ment of the schools, with the certainty that it would be very difficult, and perhaps impossible, to obtain ex- perienced teachers so late in the season. This de- partment of the school, consists mostly of pupils of advanced age and scholarship, and should be com- mitted to the management of teachers only of tried excellence and ability. We were not satisfied with this teacher on our first visit to the school, and plainly intimated to him that unless the Committee were con- vinced that decided improvement would be made, it would be advisable for him to relinquish the school. But the teacher so earnestly requested a further trial, and stated that he was laboring under severe indispo- sition, which disqualified him from doing justice to himself, that after strongly urging upon him the ne- cessity of increased energy and effort, we consented

to let him proceed with the school. For sometime it seemed to improve, and gave us hope that it might obtain a fair degree of success. But after continuing eight weeks, we found it diminishing in numbers and interest, and felt it to be our duty to bring it to a close. We did this reluctantly, well knowing that a teacher must be poor indeed, who cannot secure the support and sympathy of a few friends. The teacher seemed aware of his ill success, and dismissed his school on the morning appointed for examination be- fore the arrival of the Committee, thus proving pretty conclusively, that they had placed a correct estimate upon the value of his labors.

SOUTH SCHOOL.

FRANCIS DWIGHT, Prudential Committee.

The upper department of this School for the Sum- mer and Fall terms, and also the Primary department for the Winter, were taught by Miss Charlotte C. Faulkner, a resident of the town and district. Com- bining perfect self-possession with great energy and force of character, Miss Faulkner has, in an unusual degree, the requisite qualifications for a superior teacher. It was always pleasant to visit this school, and listen to the apt illustrations of the teacher, and likewise to admire the mild but perfect government of the school, which seemed to be under her entire control, and all without apparent effort on her part. Under these circumstances, we expected much of the school, and were not disappointed, unless agreeably so, for, on the whole, it rather exceeded our anticipa- tions. This teacher believed in the plan of doing the little things well, knowing that this being the case,

matters of greater importance will be duly attended to without special effort.

The school has made excellent progress throughout the year, each term seeming an improvement upon its predecessor. In cases where every thing is com- mendable, it is difficult to particularize ; but if any preference were to be assigned, we think the classes in Arithmetic and Geography, displayed the most marked improvement. At the present time the Pri- mary department of this school, considering its grade, is one of our best schools, and we are confident that, as regards not only excellence of discipline, but pro- ficiency in attainment, it would safely compare with any school in town.

The Primary department of the Summer and Fall terms, was taught by Miss Caroline E. Lothrop, also of the town and district, and who, though quite young, acquitted herself very successfully, and made a favor- able impression upon both parent and pupil. The discipline was of the very highest order, and good im- provement was manifested on the part of the scholars in all the branches of study pursued. We hope Miss Lothrop may have ample opportunity to display her tact and ability in this occupation, and predict for her a successful and useful career so far as she may be associated with the instruction and management of youth.

The Winter term of this school was placed in charge of Mr. Samuel W. Gleason, of Dartmouth College, who came well recommended by a former successful teacher of this school, as a gentleman well qualified, and who had previously taught with good [success. This is a large school, and one where great firmness

and ability to govern on the part of the teacher are required. Its general appearance, when visited by the Committee, was good, and a pleasant and useful term was expected. After continuing the school eight weeks, the teacher finding his health failing, and, we fear, disheartened by the conduct of some of the older scholars, without notifying the Committee, suddenly closed the school and left for home ; where we hope, under judicious care and kind attention, he may speedily become convalescent. The term was com- pleted by Mr. Oliver Wetherbee, of Boxborough, a veteran teacher, whose experience in the instruction of youth, comprises a period almost equal to the average duration of life in this State. Under the judicious discipline and thorough instruction of Mr. Wetherbee, the school made good progress, especially in Reading, in which exercise we have never seen it display greater proficiency.

NORTH SCHOOL.

JAMES KEYES, JR., Prudential Committee.

Summer Term-This term of the school was placed under the management of Miss Martha C. Harris, a res- ident of the district, and who, but a short time previ- ously, had been a member of the school. From these circumstances, we should be led to apprehend that it would be difficult for the teacher to readily command the respect of the scholars sufficiently, to secure pro- per discipline. Miss Harris, however, experienced no trouble in maintaining excellent order, without resort to corporal punishment, and the scholars seemed to vie with each other in ready obedience to the teacher. and zeal in study. The prominent characteristics of

this school, were good order and attention to study, a careful exactness in the pronunciation and grammat- ical arrangement of words, and a systematic method in all matters relating to the management of the school. In this we think the teacher deserves partic- ular commendation ; for we do not often see schools where equal care is shown in the particulars, which, though minute, still go far to establish the reputation of a school. At the close of the term, marked im- provement was shown in all branches of study pur- sued, and especially in Grammar and Writing. Sev- eral spirited Declamations and Recitations were given at the examination, in a style that would have conferred credit upon maturer minds. A fair attendance of visitors were present, among whom we should have been pleased to have seen more of the parents of the scholars, that they might have shared in the pleasure of witnessing the proficiency displayed by them.

Winter Term-This term of the school was com- mitted to the care of its former teacher; this making his third consecutive Winter term in this school, and as proof of the generous confidence reposed by the parents in him, we may state that not one of them visited the school until its final examination. We would suggest, that the teacher, though no doubt duly grateful, would readily forego the pleasure of this negative compliment, for the positive advantage which his school would gain from frequent visits and prac- tical suggestions of the parents. As regards this term of the school, our remarks will be governed by the spirit of a quotation from Cæsar : " That it is not well for a man to spend any considerable portion of his life in commentary upon his own works."

EAST SCHOOL. ELBRIDGE ROBBINS, Prudential Committee.

The Summer term of this school was committed to the management of its former teacher, Miss Celeste J. Robbins. This was her fourth consecutive Summer term in this school. The District, at its annual meet- ing, wisely voted to commence the school at an earlier period than usual, that the first term should be com- pleted before the season for gathering berries should arrive ; thereby securing the school from the loss of some of its best scholars near its close. The excel- lent reputation which this term of the school has en- joyed in former years, was fully maintained, and we think that more rapid progress has never been made than during the past year. The order was superior, and sustained without any display on the part of the teacher; the scholars seeming so deeply inter- ested in their studies, that they had little opportunity for idleness, still less for play and insubordination. The peculiar excellences of this school, were: a clear, distinct enunciation, careful observance of the pauses and emphatic words; and the tone of voice in the reading classes, and recitations, was such that every word could be plainly heard by all in the room. Par- ticular attention was also given to moral instruction. The teacher seemed to understand that, while a knowl- edge of the branches usually taught in common schools, was very desirable, this knowledge alone, does not fit one for the highest duties of life. At the ex- amination, which was attended by a good number of visitors, the school in all respects appeared excellently well, giving satisfactory evidence of the faithfulness of the teacher, and industry of the scholars.

The Fall term of the school was continued by the same teacher, and with equal success. Good im- provement was manifested at its close, and the plea- sant singing of its youthful members contributed much to the enjoyment of those present, and harmonized well with the general appearance of the school.

The Winter term was taught by Mr. F. F. Putney, of this town, who had previously taught one term in an adjoining town, and met with good success. Mr. Putney labored during the Winter with untiring effort, and the result shows that he has not labored in vain. In a school like this, comprising every grade of schol- arship, from the child just beginning its letters, to the oldest and most advanced scholars, some of whom are very fairly qualified to teach, the teacher, if thorough and faithful, however diligent he may be, is rarely through the order of exercises at the hours of twelve and four. In this school, several classes were regu- larly heard after these hours, thereby gaining ample time for explanation and discussion, and also enabling the teacher to drill more thoroughly those that recited during school hours. It did not take a long time for the school to perceive the devotion of the teacher to their interests, and they met it with corresponding effort. They all saw and felt that their own good was his great object, and that he was abundantly qualified to secure their advancement. As might be expected, under the circumstances, rapid progress was made in all the branches of study pursued. Mr. Putney gave entire satisfaction to the district, and this, in most cases, is the best criterion of a good school, and of the useful- ness of a teacher.

SOUTH EAST SCHOOL. JOHN FLETCHER, Prudential Committee.

The Summer term of this school was placed in charge of Miss S. Augusta Davis, of this town, a young lady favorably known as an accurate and thorough scholar. This school in past years has seemed to be unfortunate in many respects, and has had the reputation of being an undesirable one. Under the judicious management of Miss Davis, it has greatly improved; and instead of disorder, inattention, and indifference, a contrary spirit seemed to prevail. The average attendance was remarkably good, prov- ing conclusively, the increased interest felt in the school, by both parent and pupil. The order in this school was all that we could ask, and its general ap- pearance was very satisfactory. At the examination marked improvement was displayed in the various re- citations and exercises. Upon the whole, consider- ing the state of this school at the commencement, we think as decided improvement has been shown, as in any under our supervision the past year.

The Fall term of the school was continued under the same teacher, and from the marked success of the Summer term, was attended by an increased number of scholars. The teacher having become fully ac- quainted with the capacity and advancement of her pupils, was enabled to make still more decided im- provement, and to obtain a higher degree of success.

Winter Term-This term was placed under the in- struction of Mr. George Weston, of Lincoln, at pre- sent a member of Harvard College. Mr. Weston is young and inexperienced, and, knowing the require- ments of this school, we endeavored to dissuade him

from commencing it. But, he having strong faith in his ability to bring the term to a pleasant and profitable termination, engaged that no effort or labor should be spared on his part, and it being impossible to procure another teacher without deferring the com- mencement of the school, the Committee reluctantly permitted him to assume its management upon the condition that his salary was to depend upon the amount of labor performed and degree of success attained. This teacher perhaps, on the whole, suc- ceeded as well as would most beginners, but we think that the experience of the last and previous winters, must convince the people of this District, that none but experienced and able teachers should be placed in charge of this school. Whenever we have been present the past winter, the order was good, and some interest was manifested in study, but at its close the lack of skilful teaching was apparent in the reading, which was far too rapid, and without proper obser- vance of the pauses, and also in the absence of tho- roughness in the various branches of study pursued.

GENERAL REMARKS.

And now, fellow citizens, we have presented you with a detailed statement of the condition of the sev- eral schools in our town. We would be glad to state that all had attained unprecedented success. But we are not able to do so; it may be, others see excel- lences or defects where the Committee do not. It is very difficult to ascertain the real condition of a school by a few visits. Schools, like families, know the ad- vantage of keeping up appearance. The Committee

pretend to no infallibility, but report according to the best of their judgment the state of the school as it appears to them. While we rejoice in the general prosperity of our schools, we think they might exert a wider influence and attain a higher degree of success, and will endeavor briefly to submit a few suggestions, hoping they will receive your candid consideration :

1. There should be a more hearty co-operation of the parent with the teacher, in and out of the school- room. We fear that but few parents are fully aware of the extent of the influence for good, that they might, with little expenditure of time or labor, exert upon schools by showing in every proper manner, the interest that they feel in them. There is a degree of confidence reposed in the teachers employed which is placed in no other class of laborers. What farmer would employ a young man of eighteen or twenty years of age, to take care of his cattle at the barn, and neglect to visit his barn during the season ? What merchant would employ a clerk, who may be an en- tire stranger to him, and fail for three months to ex- amine the books kept by him, or to look after the bus- iness he transacted. Yet, every father will say that the common school education that he gives his chil- dren, far exceeds in value any pecuniary assistance he may ever be able to afford them. From statistics collected with care, it has been ascertained that less than a tenth part of the parents in this State have vis- ited the schools attended by their children, once in a year. This throwing all the responsibility upon the Superintending Committee, and, in some cases, do- ing nothing except finding fault with what is done, or complaining that no more is accomplished, is all wrong.

Parents should consider themselves a committee of the whole, and superintend as far as possible their own schools. Let them frequently visit the school- room ; let them always speak well of the teacher in the presence of their children ; let them lend all their influence and authority to uphold good government in school ; let them, if they desire any changes in the studies or discipline of the school, make their requests directly to the teacher, and not through the scholars ; and let them place those strong motives to diligence and application before their children, that parents can best inspire, and results would be arrived at far more important than have hitherto been seen.

2. The irregularity of attendance, and tardiness on the part of the scholars, are evils that must be reme- died before our schools will be what they ought. Pa- rents should remember that the best teacher cannot instruct their children if they keep them at home, or only allow them to be at school occasionally. The average attendance the past year in the schools in town, was a fraction over eighty-one per cent. In one of the schools, the attendance was ninety per cent., and the teacher is confident that had every effort been made by all the parents and scholars, it might have been as high as ninety-eight. Upon the whole, it may be safely affirmed, that not less than one-fifth part of the money expended by the town upon the schools, is lost through absenteeism. There is no necessity for this. It should not be. Parents should feel under moral obligations to have their chil- dren in school every day during term time, and at the hour for commencing the school. Punctuality is a virtue all should cultivate. " Afternoon men," are

not the men that make their mark in life. Besides, the loss of time denoted by the register, is not the only, or chief injury that will result to the scholar and the school of which he is a member. How many teachers have entered school full of enthusiasm for their vocation, determined to spare neither time or labor to attain the highest standard of excellence, but who have become disheartened by the indifference displayed by the parents in the best interests of the school. Oftentimes scholars, who reside near the school house, are habitually from one to three-fourths of an hour late ; occasionally scholars are absent from school a whole week without any valid reason; and frequently scholars ask to be excused in the middle of the afternoon, merely to go on some trivial errand which might be performed as well, after the close of school. We fear that parents sometimes give children leave to " get dismissed" merely to be relieved from their importunity. And too often the teacher, dis- couraged by such culpable indifference on the part of the parent, lowers his standard and relaxes his efforts. This is no imaginary display of evils; it is history. And we regret to say that it is the history of most of our district schools.

3. There is a lack of home influence and instruc- tion that seriously impairs the usefulness of our schools. While there is little danger that our Common School System will be too highly valued, it cannot be expected that a teacher having from thirty to fifty pupils under his or her control, can feel that separate interest, or watch the habits of each with the scruti- nizing care of the parent with four or five. A parent even of limited education, but who possesses the gen-

uine parental spirit, is always the person best quali- fied to guide and instruct the child during the first six or eight years of life. Such a parent can instruct his child in all that is usually taught in a district school far better than any school teacher. Parents should remember that the home influence of a child out- weighs all other, either for weal or woe. An eminent English statesman once said that, " The first six years of a child's life were of more importance to him than

all his after years." This is a matter of vital impor- tance to all, and to none more deeply so, than the pa- rents themselves. The position in society and future standing of children, depend in a great measure upon their early home training and associations. By neg- lecting these, many an indulgent parent's fondest hopes have been blasted, and the child, whom he had hoped to have become a useful and respected member of so- ciety, the pride of his middle age and the support of his declining years, he has seen a reproach to his friends, an outcast upon the earth, the associate of fast men and fast women, the companion of drunk- ards, rowdies and desperate characters. It is this class of children that go to recruit what are called the " dangerous classes ;" that fill the ranks of the loafers at places of public resort ; that become the " roughs," thieves and swindlers, that so infest society at the pre- sent time. We hope that every parent will ponder seriously, and act wisely in this all-important matter.

4. The absence of moral instruction in school, has been regularly alluded to by our predecessors in office, and in again referring to the matter, we fear that we are somewhat in the position of the clergyman, who was in the habit of preaching his sermons till his peo-

ple remembered them. The laws of the Common- wealth make it the duty of all engaged in the instruc- tion of youth, to attend to this matter. Many teachers, for reasons not necessary to mention, might not feel competent to attend to the religious instruction of a school. But all teachers should set before their scholars the highest motives for doing right ; the advantages of rigid adherence to, and love of truth ; of sterling honesty and integrity in all their transac- tions with their associates. Scholars should likewise be taught to cultivate pure thoughts, thereby securing purity of action and conversation ; to command their appetites and passions ; to be cheerfully obedient to those to whom they owe allegiance, and gentle to those under their care; never to forget, that respect and reverence are due to age; never to speak in a light and trifling manner of sacred or solemn things ; to assist and raise the unfortunate, and love their neighbors as themselves, and God their Father.

5. And, in this connection, we cannot refrain from saying a word or two as regards the physical education of the young. As a community, it may be safely as- serted, that we have no physical training whatever. And the result is, that the people of this section of the country are deteriorating physically, in consequence of their bad physiological habits. One great cause for this is, the absence of out-door exercise. The Eng- lish are far in advance of us in this respect. In this. country, men (and women too,) seem to think it un- dignified to walk, when they can ride. The English women take long excursions, merely for exercise and recreation, sometimes walking half a dozen miles be- forc breakfast. An American girl would consider

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Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1853-82, Part 9

Author: Publication date: 1853 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1072

Author:
Publication date: 1853
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1072