USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1879-1894 > Part 17
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suggestive hints and profitable criticisms. Cordial thanks were given him for his interview.
TEXT BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
No change of text books is reported for the year, and there has been a marked falling off in the supply account,-$347.71 against $568.06 the preceding year. The amount for the coming year can hardly be estimated beforehand.
VENTILATION: ATMOSPHERIC AND MENTAL.
The janitor is an important factor in the school arrange- ments. He should have all his fine senses in full cultivation, so that he can scent an impurity in the air ; see a very small pile of dust on desk or floor ; feel the temperature of the room without a thermometer ; but have one all the same for his reference book, and consult it often. He must have a special fondness for the black diamonds during the zero mornings and nights, and handle them with discretion. He must remember that vigilance is the price of victory every time.
But a janitor's faithful services must be supplemented by the teacher. In the absence of the janitor the teacher is ex-officio master of the situation, and his comfort and success, and that of the school, hangs largely upon the temperature and quality of the air in which the work is done.
No amount of zeal or tact in conducting recitations will over- balance a vitiated atmosphere. One good current of air from the outside world will often settle problems in discipline and in arith- metic all at the same time.
By mental ventilation is meant a clarifying the minds of teachers and pupils by frequent and timely inspirations of good humor and noble sentiment.
Now and then let the mental windows be lifted wide open, and one good gust clear the room of that vile brood of evil sur- roundings, jealousies, irritations and low ambitions, which so be- little and becloud the mind. These occasional drafts must not, however, be the main dependence of the teacher. He should have about him an air which shall itself be a perpetual ventila- tion of all the genial elements within his range.
The expression " taking on airs" is not slang. It is not an
34
Americanism. It has the sanction of classic Greece, two thou- sand years ago, and it is just as apt for the school-room and the teacher of to-day.
The tone of the teacher among the susceptible minds of the young is pervasive, contagious, influential, and it is the all-im- portant key to the best results.
THE MODEL TEACHER AND HIS REWARDS.
He should be born under the right star and bring his creden- tials from the skies.
He should have a mind of large volume, stored with the. earliest and latest decisions of science.
He should have an eye far-sighted and near-sighted; quick to catch the first signal of disorder, and an ear sensitive to the faintest undertone of rebellion.
He should have a judgment which finds at once the equipoise of justice amid conflicting claims.
He should have an arm ready to fling out the banner of "Excelsior " on the heights, and in the valley the same.
He should have a mother's love and a father's care for the lowliest of his flock.
He should be alert from the first stroke of the bell to its last reverberations.
He should be a martyr in spirit all the time, and a martyr in fact at any time, rather than betray the precious trust committed to his charge.
You ask : Where is he ? What is his name ? Find him if you can, and hold him fast when found. If you find even one who approaches the standard, be thankful and think twice before parting company. He has a value above rubies.
Let not the teacher be discouraged. He has enough to de- press the most sanguine temperament. Granted. But he also has enough to inspire the most desponding moment. .
He may be arousing an ambition for good which is to make the difference between a citizen whose name the people will never let drop from their loving remembrance, and one whose memorial will only be, that he lived and that he died.
He may be really quarrying from the rough marble the block
35
destined to stand in the high places of power, when his own dust has gone back to its native dust and his name is forgotten.
The teacher cannot gauge at the time the subtle magic of his looks, and words, and example, but if he stops to think he knows, and if he is a man of common sensibility he feels that he is doing a work of untold value to the great future.
His words of cheer, his patience, his noble bearing in mo- ments of trial, his fidelity, will not be forgotten, but will have new exhibition in the lives of those whom he loved and taught.
If he knows he is doing the best thing for his pupils, his prohibitions, his reprimands, his earnest pleas, his probing in- quiries, his wearisome drills, will have an equivalent in the end.
The time will come when they will thank him, if living, or bless his memory, if dead, because he stood firm, when to yield would have been the easiest course for him, but the fatal one for them.
TEACHERS :
You are irritated to-day ; you can hardly refrain from utter- ing the bitter word of impatience at the constant annoyance which that vicious and heedless youth is giving you as you seek to turn him towards the right. He is the more bent on folly as you ply him again with the higher motives. He taunts you, when he should thank you. You judge your labors more than lost ; but distrust · that hasty judgment. Repress that impatient thought. Ten years hence that wayward lad may accost you on the streets of some distant city, or greet you in the cars, or call at your door, and with a warm grasp of the hand and a tearful eye, ask your forgiveness for his stupid and unfeeling conduct. He may tell you but for your kind, earnest efforts in his behalf, he would have gone down in ignorance and vice to an unhonored grave. You can afford to wait for these incidental testimonies. They are sure to cross. your path and sweeten many a cup which, at the time, you thought to be only bitter.
FELLOW CITIZENS :
. No true lover of his country can contemplate the elements which are striving for ascendency in this land, without at times feeling a deep solicitude for the result.
The question which comes back upon us is the old question
36
which troubled our fathers, and which they have handed down to us as their legacy. Whoin this contest between ignorance and culture, between anarchy and order, between organized fraud and organized integrity, is to win ?
Shall the dear old flag of the past remain the symbol of con- stitutional, stable, enlightened freedom, or shall it be trailed in the dust as the synonym of shattered hopes and basest crimes ?
Potent among the agencies which have saved the nation thus far, potent among the agencies which are to save the nation in the coming conflicts, is the teacher's humble work.
In great crises the men and women who have been taught and disciplined in our schools have been the ones to stand in the surging waters, and tide the ship of state over and through the breakers.
Let us idealize in our minds the future of America, as the best desires and hopes of patriotism and intelligence would give it, and then let us be content to have a part, however humble, in assuring to unborn millions this grand and happy fruition.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The school has remained in charge of Mr. A. W. Armstrong during the year. He has performed his duties as Principal with a growing interest in his work, and with marked improvement in methods of discipline and instruction. Monthly written tests, applied to the whole school, have been a stimulus to better schol- arship and more studious habits.
The written test given to the candidates for admission to the school in June, was not only a great advantage to the grade of the High School, but also to the grade of all the other schools in town.
Nearly fifty per cent. of the 29 applicants failed to reach the required standard. Those not admitted have continued their studies in the Grammar school, and the prospect now is that the candidates next June will be older, more numerous, and better qualified than those of the preceding year.
The average age of those admitted in June was 13 1-2, mak- ing them on an average nearly 17 at the completion of a three years' course,
37
The first thought of the Committee, after the decision of the town in the spring, was that no admissions could be granted. Upon further consideration, a unanimous conclusion of the Board was reached that it would be an injustice to these applicants to give them no chance for a trial when they had reached the age and qualifications required, for the sake of those who proposed to continue on a four years' course with separate lines of study in Latin and French.
If an assistant had been provided these special privileges could be granted, but without one it did not seem practicable to the Committee, or just to the masses. This conclusion was reached without knowing who the three pupils concerned were.
Some say reduce the school to twenty-five and the difficulty is solved, and these advanced courses can be taken. That de- pends upon the classification of the school. Twelve scholars, if not properly graded, will involve difficulties which no teacher can match, and give proper time in the brief school day to each recitation, while forty scholars can be easily handled and have ample time for each class, when the proper grade is secured. Here is the advantage and justice of the graded system.
Again, some say : " Abolish the High School, and let these higher branches revert back to the Grammar department." This proposition only complicates and multiplies the difficulties.
Granted that the demand for these higher branches must be met, how can these High school scholars be dispersed among the districts, and take their three years' course with them, and leave anything but fragments for the Grammar and Intermediate schol- ars?
Who have the first claim upon the generosity of the citizens if not those who are studying the fundamental branches in our Primary, Intermediate and Grammar departments ?
One of the main arguments for the High School, in the way of economy and fairness, is that it protects the other departments from this intrusion of the higher branches, and gives the teacher time and nerve to deal fitly with his younger scholars.
The graduating exercises in June, in the Town Hall, showed the intense interest of the public in the school, and were a happy
38
omen of good things to come. The programme is printed as a memento of the occasion.
PROGRAMME.
CLASS MOTTO, 1887: " AIM AT THE HIGHEST."
MUSIC,
PRAYER, - -
Rev. Mr. KNOWLTON. BERTHA H. DUPEE.
SALUTATORY AND ESSAY,
" Despise not Small Beginnings." ERNEST E. WETHERBEE.
HISTORY,
MUSIC,
I
ESSAY,
BERTHA E. HOSMER.
" By-ways and Nooks of Acton."
ESSAY,
SADIE E. SAWYER. " Abilities without Exercise cannot Ensure Success."
MUSIC, ESSAY,
ALBERTINE M. PRESTON.
" Suffer no Part of Life to Remain Unimproved."
SUSIE E. CONANT. ESSAY, - " What Girls can Do."
MUSIC,
ERNEST E. WETHERBEE.
ESSAY,
" Science and Art."
" Lift the Latch.". HATTIE L. TUTTLE. ESSAY,
MUSIC, -
VALEDICTORY, -
ALBERTINE M. PRESTON.
MUSIC,
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS,
BY SUPERINTENDENT.
The three years' course is also appended, as now adopted, subject to changes which may hereafter be made, according to the judgment of the Committee and the light of experience ..
THREE YEARS' COURSE OF HIGH SCHOOL.
FIRST .. YEAR .*
First Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping alternating. Eng. Grammar and Composition. General History.
Second Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping alternating. Eng. Grammar and Composition. General History.
39
Third Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping alternating. Rhetoric begun. Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term .- Algebra begun. Rhetoric continued. Physi- ology:
Second Term .- Algebra continued. Eng. Literature begun. Physics begun. .
Third Term .- Geometry begun. Eng. Literature continued. Physics continued.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term. - Geometry continued. Latin begun. Chemis- try begun."
Second Term .- Civil Government. Latin continued. Chem- istry continued.
Third Term .- Physical Geography. Latin continued. Geol- ogy.
Four recitations in each branch per week.
Wednesday an off day, with a different programme, includ- ing Compositions, Declamations, Reading, Spelling, Drawing, and other miscellaneous recitations as shall be deemed most im- portant at the time.
THE: CENTRE SCHOOL. Grammar Department.
MISS FANNIE L. PERRY, Teacher.
The school has counted more in results than in numbers. Owing to change in residence and transient causes the member- ship of the school has been less than in some years. Yet the rare experience, tact and quiet efficiency of the instruction has compensated. The scholars have made rapid and thorough ad- vancement in all branches of knowledge and done it happily to their own credit and that of the Teacher.
Primary Department.
Miss BESSIE M. BALL, Teacher.
The same felicity and fervor in the management of the school which have been noted in former years still remain. The
40
hum of busy and cheery work goes on the same in storm and in sunshine. The day's routine is a pastime, but it is more. Good thorough scholarship is obtained in the essential rudiments which are the basis of progress in the higher studies.
THE NORTH SCHOOL.
Mr. Joseph W. Godfrey has remained in charge through the year. Sprightliness, cleanliness and a rapid succession of classes is the usual programme. More time is needed for thorough drill in the elementary branches. The teacher labors diligently and fervently and has at heart the best interests of the school, and it is always a pleasure to look in upon the happy company.
THE EAST SCHOOL.
Spring Term.
MISS MINNIA E. TENNEY, Teacher.
She spared no efforts to make the school a success. She was a good, faithful scholar herself, and had enjoyed the advantages of Normal training and some experience in teaching. She met with discouragements in the classification and tone of the school. At the end of the term the public examination showed her labors had not been in vain. A very gratifying programme was pre- sented to the visitors, and complimentary remarks were made by gentlemen from Littleton and the Committee.
Fall and Winter Term.
MISS SUSIE A. WETHERBEE, Teacher.
There seemed to be a mutual congratulation between teacher, pupils, committee, and parents upon the return of Miss Wether- bee to :her old stand. She has taken up the reins of government with a firm hand, and the scholars have yielded to her guidance apparently saying, "only steer to some sure station and we will gladly bow to your nod." Real progress has been made. The tests given show it. What is needed in this, and all our schools, is the same,-Drill, drill, drill ; crosswise, up and down, around about, here a little, there a good deal, and some more afterwards. The multiplication table, and all the other tables, must be so in_
41
corporated in the mind that they cannot drop out, or be shaken from their moorings, though fire, music and the blizzard all com- bine to disturb their equilibrium.
THE SOUTHEAST SCHOOL.
MISS LAURA A. BROWN, -
Teacher.
The school was fortunate in being able to retain the services of one so well equipped by experience, natural and acquired re- sources, and a disposition to spend and be spent, for the good of her pupils. The membership of the school, though variable, has made some advance. Let the full co-operation of parents, pupils and committee continue, and the months to come, like the months that are gone, will be full of blessing to all concerned.
THE SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
MISS FANNIE HOUGHTON, - Teacher.
Order combined with agreeable ease and natural freedom, here meet in harmony. The teacher is an enthusiast in her pro- fession, and the scholars are not slow to meet her half way, and join hands for good work. No drones in the hive ? Yes, one or two, and notice is hereby posted ; let them take warning. The truant officer has been appointed, with full powers to clear the premises, if necessary. The desks are too good for any but studious and obedient occupants. It is but a few miles to the Reform School, and railroad conveyance at that. The break of two weeks in mid-winter, from sickness, was well covered, and the different classes are in good position for the next campaign.
Primary Department.
MISS VIOLA S. TUTTLE, - Teacher.
A year of earnest primary work by one who knows how to do it, and does it, is reported, and this would not be if the schol- ars had not said yes. The latest methods which experience has tested and sanctioned, have been tried and the verdict is, "Better try it again." The discouragements of the winter were bravely met by the little sufferers, and the singing of birds is at hand.
42
WEST ACTON. Grammar Department.
MISS SARAH HOPKINSON, - - Teacher.
This is the largest Grammar School in town, requiring all kinds of ability and graces in its successful management. Miss Hopkinson has encountered difficulties peculiar to the situation, and has met them in a brave, heroic spirit, and if she has not ac- complished all that her ambition has sought, she has accom- plished what has laid the committee and the district under last- ing obligation. The methods of instruction have been thorough, the order good, and the progress in the different branches satis- factory. The scholars stand the tests, however put, orally or by written examination in a creditable manner. Let there be mu- tual understanding and charitable judgments between scholars, teacher, parents and committee and a hearty co-operation of all, for the happiest issue.
Primary Department.
MISS C. LETTIE NEWTON, Teacher.
The past commendations of this school and teacher, bear re- peating and that is perhaps enough to be said. Let the good work go on.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES FLETCHER, Superintendent.
43
FINANCIAL REPORT.
To the Town of Acton :
Your School Committee hereby submit their report of the expenses of the schools in town, by districts ; said expenses cov- ering salaries of teachers, the cost of fuel, and care of school buildings.
JAMES FLETCHER, CHARLES J. WILLIAMS,
GEORGE R. KEYES, WILLIAM S. JONES, ANSON C. PIPER, CHARLES H. MEAD.
Centre District.
Paid Rev. James Fletcher for teachers, $700 00
care of house, 68 45
66
fuel, 80 06
66
incidentals,
3 20
66
cleaning school,
rooms, 2 78
$854 49
West District.
Paid C. H. Mead for teachers,
$700 00
66
care of house,
78 17
66
66 fuel,
28 42
66
66
incidentals,
4 21
66
66 cleaning school-rooms, 6 40
$817 20
South District.
Paid Anson C.Piper for teachers,
$700 00
66
66 care of house,
90 25
fuel,
45 35
.
·
66
cleaning school-rooms, 2 25
66
incidentals, 3 78
$841 63
44
North District.
Paid George R.Keyes for teachers,
$338 00
66 fuel,
67 97
66 care of house, 23 50
66
cleaning school-rooms, 3 00
66
66
incidentals, 73
$433 20
East District.
Paid C. J. Williams for teachers
$338 00
66
care of house, 31 70
66
fuel,
48 12
66
66
incidental, 1 60
$419 42
Southeast District.
Paid W. S. Jones for teachers,
$315 00
66
fuel,
38 53
66
care of house,
17 00
$370 53
High School.
Paid C. H. Mead,
$240 00
66
66 care of house,
12 00
66
66
use of organ,
5 00
66 fuel,
4 00
George Gardner for rent of piano and mu-
sic for graduating exercises, 11 04
George Gardner for rent of organ, 6 00
A. W. Armstrong for teaching,
480 00
Rev. James Fletcher, care of house,
8 00
fuel,
4 00
Anson C. Piper care of house,
15 00
60
fuel,
10 00
rent of organ, 5 00
$800 04
School Supplies.
Paid T. F. Newton, C. H. Mead, Rev. James Fletcher,
$14 62
321 19
11 90
$347 71
45
TABULAR STATEMENT FOR 1887-88.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Length of School in
Whole number of
Scholars.
Average Membership.
Average attendance.
Under 5 years.
Over 5 years.
Over 15 years.
Between 8 and 14 years.
Acton High, .
A. W. Armstrong,
36
47
40.3
36
0
47
38
9
Centre Grammar,
Miss Fannie L. Perry, 6
35
18
15
13.3
0
18
1
18
Centre Primary,
Bessie M. Ball,
35
24
19
16
1
18
0
15
South Grammar,
Fannie M. Houghton,
35
32
28
24.7
0
32
1
31
South Primary,
66 Viola S. Tuttle,
35
43
32.1
27.7
0
43
0
22
West Grammar,
66
Sarah Hopkinson,
35
42
35.87
33.98
0
42
4
38
West Primary,
C. Lettie Newton,
35
45
42.5
38.5
1
44
0
17
North,
Joseph W. Godfrey,
35
31
23
2.22
0
35
2
20
East,
Miss Susie A. Wetherbee, " Laura A. Brown,
35
32
26.5
22.5
0
32
1
20
South East,
35
23
17
13.2
1
22
0
23
Weeks.
.
Number between 5 and 15 years, as reported by the Assessors for the year 1887, 269.
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. MIDDLESEX, SS. To either constable of the Town of Acton, in said country, GREETING:
You are hereby required, in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, to meet at the Town Hall, on Monday, the second day of April, A. D. 1888, at 1 o'clock P. M., by posting copies of this warrant, by you attested, at the Post Office, at the centre of the town, also, at the stores of Tuttles, Jones & Wetherbee, Mead & Stone, and Isaac W. Flagg, at the Magog House and in all the railroad stations in said town seven days at least before the time appinted for said meeting, then and there to act upon the following articles as they may think proper, viz .:
ARTICLE 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meet- ing.
ART. 2. To fill all vacancies in the list of town officers.
ART. 3. To see what amount of money the town will raise for the Support of Schools the present year, and how it shall be expended.
ART. 4. To see what amount of money the town will raise to repair the Roads the present year, and how it shall be expended.
ART. 5. To see what amount of money the town will raise to defray Town Charges for the present year.
ART. 6. To see if the town will instruct the School Com- mittee to appoint a Superintendent of Schools.
ART. 7. To see if the town will choose a Superintendent of Burials.
ART. 8. To consider and act upon the acceptance of the Jury List as revised by the Selectmen.
ART. 9. To see if the town will vote to accept the reports
of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, School Committee and other town officers.
ART. 10. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money for the town, if necessary, in anticipation of the taxes for the current year.
ART. 11. To vote by ballot Yes or No, in answer to the question, Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors in this town the present year ?
ART. 12. To see if the town will instruct the Selectmen to finish off a room in the lower story of the town house and build a fire proof vault or safe in connection therewith.
ART. 13. To see if the town will prohibit the use of fire crackers.
ART. 14. To hear and act upon the reports of any commit- tees chosen to report at this meeting.
ART. 15. To see if the town will instruct the Selectmen to prohibit coasting and ball playing on the public highways.
ART. 16. To see if the town will appropriate and pay Geo. M. Pike $125.00 for his re-enlistment on Acton quota as a vete- ran in the late war, or take any action thereon.
ART. 17. To see if the town will appropriate the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars for Memorial Day, or take any action thereon.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this warrant to us with your doings thereon at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this sixteenth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and eighty-eight.
J. W. DUPEE, Selectmen T. F. NOYES, of Acton.
H. B. WHITE,
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1888.
Selectmen. THOMAS F. NOYES, . HOWARD B. WHITE.
J. W. DUPEE,
Town Clerk. WILLIAM D. TUTTLE. Assessors.
PHINEAS WETHERBEE, J. W. DUPEE, CHAUNCY B. ROBBINS.
ELISHA H. CUTLER,
Overseers of the Poor. LYMAN C. TAYLOR, (One Vacancy.)
School Committee. Rev. JAMES FLETCHER and ANSON C. PIPER for 3 years. CHARLES J. WILLIAMS and GEORGE R. KEYES for 2 years. WILLIAM S. JONES and one vacancy for 1 year.
Highway Surveyors. CHARLES WHEELER and NAHUM LITTLEFIELD.
Cemetery Committee.
JOHN FLETCHER, WM. W. DAVIS, LEVI W. STEVENS.
NAHUM C. REED.
Fence Viewers. O. W. MEAD FRANCIS HOSMER.
Surveyors of Lumber.
WM. B. DAVIS, E. F. RICHARDSON, L. W. STEVENS,
GEO. H. HARRIS, E. J. ROBBINS,
HERBERT T. CLARK,
JONA. P. FLETCHER, CHAS. A. BROOKS.
Surveyors of Wood.
WM. B. DAVIS, GEO. H. HARRIS,
SOLOMON L. DUTTON,
ISAAC W. FLAGG, CHAS. H. TAYLOR,
JOHN F. DAVIS,
HERBERT T. CLARK, HENRY D. PARLIN, CHAS. H. MEAD,
CHAS. J. WILLIAMS, JONA. P. FLETCHER.
Surveyors of Hoops and Staves.
DAVID M. HANDLEY, AUGUSTUS FLETCHER. Collector for 1887. JOHN E. CUTTER.
Treasurer for 1887. J. K. W. WETHERBEE.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON,
FROM
February 26, 1888, to February 26, 1889.
ACTON : THE ENTERPRISE STEAM JOB PRINT. 1889.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Town of Acton in Account with J. K. W. Wetherbee, Treasurer.
1889.
Dr
Feb. 26. To cash paid, State tax, $1,665 00 66 66 County tax, 934 27
6. on Selectmen's or -. ders, 14,442 13
" Outstanding orders, 1.226 36
" Balance due the town, 1,865 83
-- $20,133 59
1888. Cr.
Feb. 26. By Balance in the treasury, $799 56 Received of Town of Harvard for aid fur- nished Barzillai Lawrence, 17 00 City of Lowell, for aid fur- nished William R. Davis, 51 28
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