USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1879-1894 > Part 27
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
For the Trustees,
LUTHER CONANT.
21 24 ×
2
750
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 1891-92.
44
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
To the Town of Acton :
In the retrospect of the year we have first to remind the citizens that God has been having what seems to have . been a special oversight of the youth for the few months past. No contageous diseases have been prevalent. The grippe, so disastrous in its attacks upon the adults and the aged, has turned to the right and left when meeting the boys and girls on their cheery path to and from the school work. The average percentage of attendance for all the schools for the year is 91, which is better than was feared, and better than the general average for the State. There has been no approach to a failure on the part of any of the schools or teachers. There has been but little change in the personnel of instruction, and no desire for a change by the committee, except where stern necessity demands. The same is true of text books, the policy being to hold fast that which is known to be good rather than imperil appropriations upon doubtful experiments at the solicitation of every new-comer. Some extra expenses have been incurred in the way of repairs of school buildings, but they have been in the line of practical economy and not of wasteful extravagance.
What is regarded by private individuals as only decent and prudential foresight in the case of their houses, barns and premises has the same claim for approval where the con- dition of the school house is in question.
45
TOWN OF ACTON.
If a school house worth preserving for future use needs shingling, it is not economy or sense to Jet it remain long without protection. Damages from neglect are more expen- sive than repairs judiciously planned.
Public buildings, from the necessity of the case, are more exposed to wear and tear than private structures, and the school house is no exception to this statement.
A delapidate condition here proclaims at once a muni- cipal stigma, demoralizing within and beyond the school en- closure.
A contemplated heavy expense upon a change in our school structures for a more satisfactory ventilation, ordered by the State Inspector of Public Buildings, has been de- ferred for the present.
There was a hearing before the Selectmen, who are ex- officio the Board of Health for the Town with power to modify or annul the State order.
The State Inspector appeared in person, presenting the claims of the order.
A. A. Wyman, Esq., appeared for the School Committee on an appeal to annul the order.
After due deliberation upon the immediate necessities of the case, the Board of Health finally decided to an- nul the order, leaving the whole subject for future deliber- ation and action.
The ventilation episode, it is hoped, will not be without its advantage to all concerned, and may ultimately lead to tangible results. We have a magnificent system of ventila- lation, provided by the higher powers, going on all around in these parts, without any extra charge, especially in the month of March, and it is a great pity if we have not brains nough in some way to secure our full share of the gratuity.
46
ANNUAL REPORT
GRADING THE SCHOOLS.
The experience of years, and the careful investigations and decisions of the wisest experts appointed by the highest authorities in matters of education, pronounce in favor of the grade. Have your grade, by all means, is their verdict. Make it as complete as your local conditions will permit. Give it a generous and loyal support. If it has its defects any other plan has defects more numerous.
But what for the Town of Acton ?
We are not situated in the central, northern and east- ern sections of the Town for making the grade so cheaply and easily as at the south and west villages.
Nor are the West and South villages so favorably con- ditioned as they would be it united in one. What is wanted for all the scholars in town is an approximate equality in the advantages of a graded system.
The most feasible plan for securing this in the present and prospective conditions of the Town seems, after mature and impartial thought, something like the following, leaving the High School as now :
Take the average membership of the past year in the west, and have three grades-the Grammar, Intermediate and Primary :
Average membership of the Grammar, 35.1
Primary, 40.
3)75.1
25.3
The average membership for each school at the West.
47
TOWN OF ACTON.
South village, average membership of Grammar,
29.5
66
Primary, 35.7
South-east, 66
8.2
3)73.4
24.5
Average membership of Primary, Intermediate and Grammar at the South, providing transportation for each scholar at the South-east from his home.
Combine the North and East schools at the Centre, furn- ishing transportation for each scholar from his home to the Centre :
Average membership of the North,
19.9
East, 24.
66 66 66 Centre, Grammar, 16.8
66
66
66 Primary, 13.5
3)74.2
24.7
Average membership of Grammar, Intermediate and Primary at the Centre.
This arrangement would give the same number of schools and teachers as at present, the advantages of a graded system for all the town, the stimulus of numbers, for scholars and teachers, in every school, without the confusion of an excess.
This proposition will, doubtless, at first strike some in the rural districts with prejudice, reminiscences of the past, old associations, local attachments, the fear of diminishing values because of removal from the school house, will lead to oppo- sition at the outset. But it really brings a better school nearer to the door if transportation is furnished, and, if so,
48
ANNUAL REPORT
how can the farm lose value ? The experiment has been faithfully tried in other towns and the results do not prove the depreciation of estates. If the experiment, after proper deliberation, could be harmoniously adopted by the town, the results would in the end, beyond doubt, vindicate the wisdom of the plan. If, however, the time has not yet come for definite action, without too much irritation and com- plaint, let it abide for the calm moments of a future date. The signs point quite significantly towards the contemplated project. The watchword is forward ! not a cowardly retreat to the rear.
The idea of consolidation is forced upon us by the changed condition within fifty years. Fifty years ago there must have been at least a hundred scholars in the eastern and northern portions of the town. Large family groups were scattered in all that section, some of them counting by the dozen. Now only about half that number can be found in the two schools at the North and East combined. The same is true of the Centre. Within the memory of some now liv- ing, a hundred scholars were in one school, with one teacher. The discipline of the crowd was ordinarilly enough for any master to manage, without wasting his strength on the minor matters of instruction. The little ones on the lower seats were pleased if they had one chance recognition in the course of the long day from the master in the desk. If only these large family groups on the hills and by the brooks could be duplicated, we might drop the question of transportation, and have the grade on the old spot.
In 1826, 412 pupils (227 males and 185 females,) attend- ed schools in town-139 under 7 years, 160 from 7 to 14, and 113 from 14 upwards. The number now reported is 254, with a population nearly double what it was in 1826, and with a valuation more than double what it was then.
49
TOWN OF ACTON.
The logic of these facts argues for a liberal policy in providing for the education of the youth, now entrusted to the town. They are treasures rare in comparison with the past. In their physical, mental and moral equipment-in their ambitions to match the great destinies that are just up- on them, they are not a whit behind their honored progeni- tors. The town will do itself a discredit, and its youth an injustice, if it does not keep step to the music of the times, and say "forward, march."
SENTIMENT IN SCHOOLS.
Ex-President Cleveland, in his recent Washington's birth- day address at Detroit, emphasized the importance of senti- ment in politics. We may not all agree with him in our po- litical views. We may not all vote for him if again a candi- date for the presidency, but we must all sanction with a hear- ty amen, the main thought of that address. Politics is dead and buried without sentiment. So when we pass into the do- main of schools, they are.dead and worse than buried without sentiment.
The dollars will come forth from the pockets of the tax- payers with but half their power to bless the giver and re- ceiver, unless the glow of an enthusiast starts them on their mission.
The well furnished desk of the pupil will be but trash in his presence, unless the sentiment of a bounding heart swathes each book at the touch.
The columns of figures as they are added will be but stupid nothings, tiring the nerves, unless there can be a sen- timent within to feel the beauty of those combinations, to re- peat the charm of ascending and descending the scale, to say at the end how true to themselves and to each other those figures stand-for all times, places and persons, what con- stancy !
50
ANNUAL REPORT
We hear about the hum-drum of the school room, but never from the lips of a teacher whose heart beats quicker at the sight of a pupil whom she is to instruct, care for and bless-whose inspiration starts anew at the stroke of each morning bell that calls her again to her choicest work.
Sentiment has built all our institutions of learning, from the Kindergarten to the University,and when sentiment dies the grandest structures fall, and the vision is no more.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The Acton High School has enjoyed for another year the faithful and earnest instructions of Mr. Armstrong. He has labored in season and out of season for the best culture of his pupils. If in any instance he has missed his high ideal, it has not been for the lack of an ideal. If obstructions have crossed his path, they have only stirred within a higher pur- pose to stand in his lot and place, and await the issues of an- other trial.
This school has already entrenched itself in the confi- dence of the town, as is shown by the continued support of its citizens. It has become so adjusted to the other grades that any misfortune to this must affect disastrously all the others. So, also, any improvement in this will have a tonic, uplifting force, ranging through all the ranks.
The principal needs the efficient co-operation of a com- petent assistant. If this could be had, a larger and more satisfactory course of study could be furnished. If the ques- tion is assistant or transportation, let the vote go for the as- sistant.
The whole number of different pupils in the High
School during the year, · ·
56
The number of pupils over 15 years, . . 40
The number of pupils under 15 years, .
16
51
·
TOWN OF ACTON.
Total average membership, 39.2
Average attendance, .
35.5
Percentage of attendance, .
90.6
Number of applicants in the written examination in June, 42
Number entitled to certificates, .
27
Number of applicants at the written examination in August, 5
Number admitted,
1
The climax of educational interest in town was reached Friday evening, June 12, when the Town hall was crowded with an intensely appreciative audience, to witness the sixth graduating exercises. The past graduates, in a body, accom- panied the school, and took seats near the platform, attesting their hearty good wishes for their alma mater.
PROGRAMME :
1-MARCH.
2-PRAYER, .
Rev. Dr. Knowlton
3-MUSIC. Chorus.
4-SALUTATORY AND ESSAY. " The Phonograph." Charles E. Smith
5-ESSAY AND HISTORY. "Character." Mabel H. Decoster
6-MUSIC. Vocal Duet.
7-ESSAY. " The Education of Women." Lizzie A. Manion
8-ESSAY. " At the Threshold.". Grace N. Houghton
9-MUSIC. Vocal Solo.
10-ESSAY. "The Middle Ages vs. Modern Times,"
Raymond O. Littlefield
11-ESSAY. "Books Well Chosen." Lulu M. Lawrence
12-MUSIC. Vocal Solo.
13-DECLAMATION. " The Battle of Lexington." Bancroft.
Sumner M. Teele
14-ESSAY AND PROPRECY. " Our Grandmothers and We."
Jessie P. Wood
52
ANNUAL REPORT
15-MUSIC. Vocal Duet. .
16-ESSAY AND VALEDICTORY. " Work that Ennobles.'
Etta R. Hall
17-PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS.
18-MUSIC. Chorus.
The floral decorations and tributes were rare and rich. The exercises were every way meritorious, and a great grati- fication and credit to the town.
Three year's course of the High School, subject to changes which may hereafter be made, according to the judgment of the Committee, and the light of experience.
FIRST YEAP ..
First Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating. English Grammar and Composition. ' General History.
Second Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating. English Grammar and Composition. General History.
Third Term .- Arithmetic and Book-keeping, alternating. Rhetoric and Botany.
SECOND YEAR.
First Term .- Algebra begun. Latin begun. Physiology.
Second Term .-- Algebra continued. Latin continued. Physics begun.
Third Term .- Geometry begun. Physics continued. Latin continued.
53
TOWN OF ACTON.
THIRD YEAR.
First Term .- Geometry continued.
Latin continued. Chemistry begun.
Second Term .- Physical Geograhapy. Latin continued. Chemistry continued.
Third Term .- Civil Government. Latin continued. Geology.
Four recitations in each branch per week.
Wednesday, a modified programme, including Compo- sitions, Reading, Spelling, Drawing and other miscellaneous recitations as shall be deemed the most important at the time.
Rhetoric and Literature the second and third years once a week as Wednesday work.
The monthly written test to be continued as the fairest and surest proof of the real progress made.
THE CENTRE SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
MISS CLARA B. HOLDEN, Teacher.
Ten pupils from this school presented themselves as candidates for the High School at the June examination. Eight of them received certificates, an unusual percentage, reflecting great credit upon them and their teacher.
Notwithstanding the loss of so many from the school by promotion, the average membership, also the average attend- ance, has been larger than the numbers reported five years since.
54
ANNUAL REPORT
Order, discipline, thorough instruction, studious habits, have remained as the marked features of the school when visited. Miss Holden has a tact for reaching at once the foundation principles of knowledge. She seeks to plant her pupils upon a solid resting place to begin with, that the superstructure as it rises may fear no disturbance from the collisions of time. The public half day at the close attested to all present the certainty of the good work which had been going on so quietly all the year.
CENTRE PRIMARY.
MISS SARAH E. HAMMOND, · Teacher.
This little craft has been sailing on peaceful waters throughout the year under the same pilot. The decks. have not been crowded with passengers, but those on board have had a jaunty time. They have been well cared for, and have made some fine discoveries among the various inlets of knowledge. They have been allowed to throw out the hook and line into the sparkling waters and some of them have been in luck and caught a string which has more than pleased their youthful ambitions. Father and mother have been de- lighted as the tale of their adventures has been told. Other excursions are planned under the same pilot. It is under- stood that twenty-one are available for the trip, and if they will all secure a passage in season they are sure of a safe and happy return. Those present when the craft came to her moorings wished they could have been on board, but those days are gone. The best that can be done with gray hairs is to let the tint remain, and be glad that the primaries are having their day.
55
TOWN OF ACTON.
NORTH SCHOOL.
MISS SUSAN E. CONANT, Teacher.
The school has been fortunate in retaining the services of Miss Conant for the entire year. She has been unsparing in her efforts to make the school a success, and such it has been in all particulars in a marked degree. There has been excellent deportment, a vivacious method in conducting rec- itations, attention to the details in all parts of the daily pro- gramme, and prompt loyalty to the ticking of the clock. The apparent secret of success has been the quick perception of the needs of individual scholars, and the ability and disposi- tion to meet that need. The register shows a high percent- age in the average attendance. Scholars, parents and com- mittee united with the teacher in regrets that the pub- lic day had to be postponed on account of her temporary ill- ness, and these regrets are intensified by the necessity of her relinquishing the charge for the coming term.
EAST SCHOOL.
MISS RENA M. CARR, - - - -
- Teacher.
Miss Carr has remained faithfully at her post for the year, and the result is unmistakable progress in all lines. She has an energetic, practical, common sense way of finding out what needs to be done by herself and pupils, and then seeing that it is done by all the parties concerned before nightfall. When she adds up the columns at the close, though there are some ciphers here and there, the grand total leaves a good balance for another day's start. When all the bal- ances of the year are closed, there is found a surprising amount for the net income. The business has paid, and had better be continued at the old stand and by the same part- ners,
56
ANNUAL REPORT
Three of her pupils passed the written test for the High School. There have been other losses of scholars by remov- al, but there are goodly number of faithful ones left, mostly boys. There have been two public days, one in the fall and one in winter, and the exercises in all the branches have been satisfactory, and a pleasure to the visitors.
SOUTH EAST SCHOOL. Spring Term.
MISS HATTIE L. TUTTLE,
Teacher.
The school maintained its creditable condition during the term, and two of its members received certificates to the High School at the June examination.
Fall Term. -
MRS. A. H. LOKER, I
- Teacher.
Mrs. Loker entered upon her charge with an interest and ambition worthy of her former reputation as a teacher. She spared no pains to do full justice to the trust. She won the confidence of the pupils, and sure progress was made in all the studies. The minutest items belonging to a success- ful school were attended to, but the conditions of her health constrained the relinquishment of her care at the close of the term, much to the regret of the committee and district.
Winter Term.
MRS. ELLA E. DAY, -
Teacher.
The school, disappointed in the departure of other teach- ers, was again favored in being able to secure, at short no- tice, one who had formerly taught the school with special ac- ceptance.
Mrs. Day met expectations, maintained excellent order, and inspired an interest in the studies. The public day at
57
TOWN OF ACTON.
the close of the winter term brought together an appreciating company of visitors, who united in praise of the general man- agement and success of the school.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Grammar Department-Spring Term.
MISS CLARA A. JOHNSON, Teacher.
She retained charge of this school through the spring with her wonted vigor and thoroughness. It is a royal satis- faction to the visitor, when witnessing such a school, to note the quiet, dignified and graceful art with which the elements are kept in control.
The superficial, hesitating answer of the idler, as his turn comes in the class, is at once detected. His head droops with the confession of wasted moments. The united sentiment of the school falls upon the guilty one and he re- solves to do better.
An uncontrollable negative from the home conditions of her friends obliged us to let her go with a God bless you for the work done in Acton.
Fall and Winter Terms.
MISS HATTIE L. TUTTLE, Teacher.
Miss Tuttle stepped from her successful experience in the South-east school into the graver responsibilities of the South Grammar Department.
She has gone through her probationary period with scholars and parents, and now it is confidently hoped bright, peaceful futures await her efforts.
The exercises of the public day gave sure testimony to the visitors of a teacher worthy of their earnest and united co-operation.
58
ANNUAL REPORT
Primary Department.
MISS S. ANNA L. TIRRELL, Teacher.
There has been no change of teachers in this school, and no occasion for a change. In the general care and in- struction of this large company of Primaries the same qualities have re-appeard as reported a year ago-original tact, gentle, patient manners, and a general unpretending habitude of mind.
The large company of visitors present on the public day made a scene too impressive at the outset. The shattered nerves at last rallied. The palid faces began to glow. The tongues were loosed. They were still living and among friends. Quick answers came back to the questioner on the platform, and they did know something after all. Our re- grets multiply and linger at the decision of Miss Tirrell to leave her charge for one possibly more to her tastes, but not certainly more important or precious in its memories.
WEST SCHOOL.
Grammar Department.
MISS ALBERTIE A. PRESTON, Teacher.
This school has had a year of unbroken prosperity under the leadership of Miss Preston. She has excelled herself, which seems to be her ambition at every sally into the un- certainties. The pupils have caught the idea and they have done what they have seen their leader do-excelled themselves. " In order and general deportment, do you say it?" Yes, that is just what is said. "In loyalty to the different studies pursued ?" Emphatically, yes. There is no dry study on the list. "In obedience to the wishes of the teacher, ex- pressed or unspoken ?" There cannot be a doubt. You can see it in the very style of the movements as they trip to their positions at the blackboards, desk or seats. There seems to
59
TOWN OF ACTON.
be a rivalry through all the ranks to push the standard of merit for the school to the prize point among competitors.
In the percentage of average attendance ninety-four has been reached, which is the highest point touched in town. Miss Preston has not had the advantages of the Normal education, but she has sought to be a Normal Institution in herself, and find, from actual trial, the methods which fit different moods, persons and conditions.
There was a large gathering of interested visitors to watch the proceedings on the public day. There would have been twice as many if the gentlemen had been there. They all chanted the amen chorus at the close.
Primary Department.
MISS HARRIET H. GARDNER, Teacher.
" Is this the West Acton Kindergarten ?" That is the name of it. "Let us go in and take a look. The matron seems to know what she is about. All these plants and flowers to be cared for all the day, and day after day?" Yes, but she knows how to do it, and not whisper a word of complaint. "Isn't that plant off to the right, wilting; it looks like it ?" Yes, but you wait, and the good matron will see the droop of the leaf and be there soon and give the whole plant a sprinkling and stir the soil around the roots, and what a change! No more droop. ' "Does she know all the different kinds of plants, their names, habits, and how to treat each one?" That is the very problem she studies. "Does she not get tired beyond endurance before the day is gone ? " She does not speak it. She does not act it. She can sing, and if she does not hum the tune, there is heart music within, and that is the reason the tired does not come.
There was a public visiting day, and many who came through the gates to see were tempted to pluck some of the beautiful flowers and carry them off to their homes.
Respectfully submitted in behalf of the School Committee,
JAMES FLETCHER, Chairman.
60
ANNUAL REPORT
TABULAR STATEMENT FOR 1891-92.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Length of school in weeks.
Whole number of scholars.
Average membership.
Average attendance.
Percentage ot attendance.
Under 5 years.
Over 5 years.
Over 15 years.
Between 8 and 14 years.
Acton High.
A. W. Armstrong.
36
56
39.2
35.5
90.6
0 56 40 16
Center Grammar.
Clara B. Holden.
36
26
16.8
14.9
89.
0 26
3.23
Center Primary.
Sarah E. Hammond.
36
24
13.5
11.5
85.
0 24
0 10
South Grammar.
Hattie L. Tuttle.
36
39
29.5
27.3
92.5
0 39
4,32
South Primary.
S. Anna L. Tirrell.
36
51
35.7
31.9
89.4
2 49
0 22
West Grammar.
Albertie A. Preston.
36
51
35.1
33.2
94.6
0,51
1 50
West Primary.
Mrs. Harriet L. Gardner.
36
58
40.
37.2
93.
0:58
0 30
North.
Susan E. Conant.
36
32
19.9
18.5
93.
1|31 2 18
East.
Rena M. Carr.
36
31
24.
21.8
91.
0 31
0,20
Hattie L. Tuttle.
South East.
Mrs. A. H. Loker.
36
13
8.2
7.5
91.4
0 13 1 7
( Mrs. E. E. Day.
251.9
238.8
91.
( Clara A. Johnson. }
Number between 5 and 15, as reported by the Assessors for the year 1891-254.
61
TOWN OF ACTON.
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. MIDDLESEX, SS. To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in the County of Middlesex,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.