USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1901-1905 > Part 20
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Your attention is again requested to the need of better accom- modations for the High school and for the common schools in South Acton. In the report of the School Committee for 1886, written by the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. C. L. Roades, there appears this paragraph : "In the schools at the West the average attend- ance has been 66, while that at the South has been 62. These school rooms are crowded ; more room is needed. The classes are too large and difficult to teach the few minutes the teacher has for each when all the classes must be heard. An Intermediate school is recommended for each of these districts, and in the opinion of the Committee and Superintendent needed for the best interests of these schools."
In the report for 1887 the Committee say : " And it is now, as it was last year, urged upon the town by its School Committee, that it take speedy action to provide for the necessity now before us. The South Primary school, with its membership of 52, and the West, with its membership of 46, would have presented difficulties that your Committee could not have answered for, had not sickness taken many from their desks and given room for others."
In later years this matter has at intervals been presented for your consideration.
In their report for 1895, the School Committee recommended the enlargement of the school building at South Acton for the bet- ter accommodation of the High and common schools, and that the Board of Selectmen be appointed a committee to consider the sub- ject and report thereon. At the annual meeting in that year the committee was appointed and instructed agreeably to this request. At the annual meeting in the succeeding year, 1896, the committee of the Board of Selectmen requested an extension of time, and that the School Committee might be joined to it. Both requests were complied with, and the town thereupon instructed this committee to procure plans and estimates of cost of the proposed addition to
11
TOWN OF ACTON.
the school building at South Acton, and to present them to the town at an early date.
Acting under these instructions, the committee procured plans for an addition to the South school building, which in their judg- ment provided for the needs of the High school and for those of the common schools of South Acton for a term of years, and at a cost well within the resources of the town.
The committee reported at the special meeting in June, 1896, in favor of the purchase of a tract of land of about one and one quarter acres in the rear of the school building, and of the erection of an addition to the latter, which should provide upon the lower floor accommodations for an Intermediate school and upon the up- per floor recitation rooms and a laboratory for the use of the High school. The price of the land was $600, and the cost of the ad- dition to the building was estimated by Mr. John S. Hoar of West Acton, who drew the plans at $2,250.
The report was laid upon the table.
A generation of pupils has entered and left your schools since your attention was first invited to this subject, twelve years ago. It may fairly be assumed that definite and favorable action upon it will presently be taken."
The report for 1899 reads : "We again urge upon the town that it provide adequate accommodations for the common schools at South Acton and for the High school."
In September 1899, the town having taken no steps towards providing the accommodations so long and urgently asked for, the only available hall in South Acton was rented for the use of the Grammar school and an Intermediate school was established there, thus reducing from four to three the number of grades in the Primary school. Notwithstanding this reduction in the number of grades in this school we are, in consequence of the increase in the school population of South Acton, again confronted with the old conditions and the Primary grades are again overcrowded. Moreover, the hall · now used for the Grammar school, which was most kindly placed by its owner at our disposal at a time when it was the only hall in South Acton available for public purposes (an action taken with the full assent of the public), though serving the purpose very well so far as the room
12
SCHOOL REPORT
itself is concerned, is nevertheless thoroughly unfit for such use be- cause of its location-very near the railway, in a public and much used business square, without grounds and consequently without proper sanitary arrangements. We desire to point out that the fore- going statement presents to the town a very serious condition of affairs and one which should have its careful and immediate con- sideration.
There appears to be two feasable methods of overcoming the difficulties of the situation at South Acton.
1st, and preferably, by providing accommodations elsewhere for the High school, thus permitting the use of the whole of the school building for the common schools.
2d, By such additions to the grounds and building at South Acton as will provide for the necessities of both the Common and High schools.
Otherwise than as above stated we are able to report your schools to be in good condition and quite the equals of many schools in larger and, in some respects, more fortunately situated places.
Notwithstanding the extreme and long continued severity of the winter, the school houses have at all times been thoroughly heated, a fact due in a large measure to the unfailing care and watchfulness of the janitors of the several buildings, of whose services in this respect especially we desire to record our thorough appreciation.
It is, perhaps, needless to say that the consumption of fuel has been very much greater than in years of ordinary temperature.
The High School is now well supplied with reference books and apparatus and the annual expenditure for this purpose will, hereaf- ter be comparatively small. On the other hand, the demands of the common schools for supplies are constantly increasing, and in no year are we fully able to comply with them. We recommend that. the annual appropriation of fifty dollars for books and apparatus for the High School be discontinued and that the appropriation for school supplies be increased by that amount, such reference books and apparatus as the High School may need to be purchased from the latter appropriation.
The increase in income from the Mass. School Fund will, we hope, enable us, through some increase in their salaries, and without
13
TOWN OF ACTON.
further present charge upon the town, to retain the services of highly competent and successful teachers for longer periods than we have sometimes in the immediate past been able to do and to free our- selves in some degree from the embarrassments occasioned by the efforts of other towns, in some cases towns smaller than our own, to deprive us of the services of such teachers by offers of larger sal- aries.
For detailed statements regarding the schools you are respect- fully referred to the report of the Superintendent, included herein.
The appropriation of $50.00 for books and apparatus for the High School has been expended as follows-
Books,
$41 28
Apparatus,
6 00
Total,
$47 28
The sum of $375.00 has been received from the state on ac- count of salary of Superintendent of Schools for the year ending Sept. 1st, 1903.
The reports of the purchasing agent and of the truant officers are appended.
Receipts and Expenditures.
ON ACCOUNT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1903-1904
Receipts.
Appropriation for Common Schools, $3,800 00
High School, 1,800 00
" School Supplies, 475 00
" Transportation of pupils, 1,360 00
" Books, etc., for High School, 50 00
66
" Salary of Superintendent of Schools, 480 00
Received from Mass. School Fund,
779 85
" dog licenses, 294 34
-- $9,039 19
14
SCHOOL REPORT
Expenditures.
For Common Schools,
$4,516 70
High School,
1,799 37
School supplies,
540 01
Transportation of pupils,
1,313 50
Books, etc., for High School,
47 28
Salary of Superintendent of Schools,
480 00
Unexpended balance, $342 33
$8,696 86
Estimates for the Support of Schools. FOR THE YEAR 1904-1905.
For Common schools, $3,800 00
High school,
1,800 00
school supplies,
525 00
transportation of pupils,
1,360 00
salary of Superintendent of schools,
480 00
$7,965 00
The School Committee of Acton,
By CHARLES J. WILLIAMS,
Chairman.
15
TOWN OF ACTON.
Superintendent's Report.
GENTLEMEN OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE :-
In accordance with the rules of your Board, I hereby submit the following report to you and through you to the citizens of the town for the year ending February 26, 1904. Below are given the school census of September, 1903 and a summary of statistics for the year ending June, 1903. At the end of this report will be found tabulated statistics to Feb. 26, 1904 :
Population, U. S. Census of 1900, . 2,120
Valuation, May 1, 1903, $1,681,710
Number of persons in town between 5 and 15 years :
Boys, 145. Girls, 174. Total, 319
Number of persons in town between 7 and 14 years :
Boys, 107. Girls, 117. Total,
224
66
66 66 7 and 14 years,
241
66
66 over 15 years, 29
Average membership,
312.6
attendance,
288.6
Percent of attendance,
92
Number of weeks in school year,
38
Whole number of different schools,
10
Whole number of teachers,
11
Number of different male teachers during year,
1
66
female
·
13
Normal School graduates,
9
66
who have attended Normal schools,
9
College graduates,
4
Averages wages per month of male teacher,
$100 00
66 66 " female teachers
42 20
·
95를
Aggregate of months all the schools have kept, Average number of months schools have kept, ·
9.55
66
between 5 and 15 years, .
307
Whole number enrolled in all the schools,
351
16
SCHOOL REPORT
IN MEMORIAM.
It becomes our painful duty to record the death of MISS GER- TRUDE E. PEET of Cornwall, Vermont, which occurred Sept. 14, 1903, from typhoid fever. She was the only daughter of Mr. Lyman W. Peet, who for many years was superintendent of schools in Ver- mont, and it was her early ambition to become a teacher. She was graduated from the Westfield Normal school and for the past two years had taught with marked success in Orleans, Mass.
Miss Peet possessed a bright, sunny disposition and her charm- ing personality and sweet influence were felt by all with whom she came in contact. She began her work at the West Intermediate school, Aug. 30. Although her stay in our midst was brief, she was thoroughly devoted to her work and completely won the hearts of her pupils and the confidence and esteem of all associated with her in the work.
SCHOOL WORK.
During the past year no new lines have been attempted but faithful, effective work has been done. Our school system is so organized that notwithstanding the many changes in the teaching corps each year, new teachers are enabled to carry on the work with but little interruption. Our teachers are painstaking, conscientious, efficient and we trust that parents and citizens know by personal inspection what is being done in the schools.
To make right motives and right actions habitual is the con- stant endeavor of the schools. The great purpose is not to teach the contents of the book alone but to give the children an all round development, physical, mental, moral and to train them to become worthy and law-abiding citizens.
TEACHERS.
At the beginning of the year the usual number of changes oc- curred. Miss Helen Waterman resigned from the High School, and Miss Ruby M. Atwood, a graduate of Brown University, succeeded
17
TOWN OF ACTON.
her. Miss Bertha Bridges resigned from the South Grammar to teach in Maine, her home state, and Miss Virginia Rowell was elected to the school. We have been unfortunate in being obliged to make frequent change of teachers in this school. Early in the year, Miss Rowell, on account of ill health was obliged to give up her work and was granted leave of absence for the rest of the fall term. She was again obliged to leave school in the middle of the winter term. We were fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. Hosmer and Miss Emma Foster of Fitchburg Normal school as sub- stitute teachers and notwithstanding many changes the work was carried forward satisfactorily. Miss Katherine B. Feeley, a graduate of Fitchburg Normal school, has been placed in charge of the school for the rest of the year.
Miss Jennie Willey of the South Intermediate school, who re- signed to enter a matrimonial alliance, was followed by Miss Martha Fagerstrom, a graduate of Worcester Normal school. Miss Eudora Gould resigned from the South Primary to teach elsewhere and was succeeded by Miss Inez Kilton, a graduate of the Worcester Normal school.
Miss Sadie Collier of the Center Grammar school resigned after two years' successful service to enter a matrimonal alliance and Miss Nancy M. Bucknam of Dorchester, a teacher of several years' successful experience, was chosen for the place.
After the resignation of Miss Blanche Clough from the West Grammar in the spring, Miss Marion Flagg of the Fitchburg Nor- mal school, substituted acceptably for several weeks, and Miss Jennie V. Sargent, a graduate of Worcester Normal school and of Mt. Holyoke College, was elected regular teacher.
Miss Lena Sewell resigned to accept a school in Maine and Miss Gertrude Peet was appointed to the place. After the death of Miss Peet, Miss Agnes Devlin, a graduate of the four years' course at Fitchburg Normal was chosen for the school.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS.
For a number of years the South Primary school has been over crowded, having over fifty pupils last year. With such large numbers it has been impossible to bring the children up to grade work and
2 S
18
SCHOOL REPORT
results were beginning to be manifest in the next room where many of the children were obliged to repeat their grade work.
On account of these circumstances, last September it was nec- essary to refuse admission to all children under six years of age. This has brought no hardship to the children for it is the concensus of opinion sustained by state law that a child who enters school for the first time even as late as seven years of age is at no disadvantage.
The question that will confront us again next September is : What to do with the large class of beginners desiring to enter the school. Overcrowding is especially to be depreciated as little chil- dren just entering school need much individual care with constant direction and instruction.
Another room is much needed for the primary grades and one also for the grammar school, which now assembles in the hall, where conditions are not altogether favorable. Nearness to railroad trains causes frequent interruptions in the work and isolation from the other schools makes the discipline more difficult.
ABSENCE AND TARDINESS.
It may be well at this time to refer to the custom of requiring written excuses for absence and tardiness from parents or guardian of pupils. The object of this regulation is to enable parents to co- operate with the schools in securing punctual, regular attendance on the part of their children and to show that the pupil is absent with the consent of the parent. Teachers are simply doing their duty when they insist upon such excuses.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
The work of the year in the High school has been very satisfac- tory. The spirit of the school has been excellent and the discipline effective. Each year marks an increase in its efficiency, both in point of instruction and general equipment. The numbers in the school have gradually increased making a total membership during the year of about forty.
For a fuller account of the High school, you are referred to the the Principal's report which is appended, and which has my full approval.
19
TOWN OF ACTON.
ATTENDANCE AT HIGH SCHOOL.
A paper on attendance at High schools given at the National Educational Association in Boston last July by a speaker who had gathered statistics from all over the country, brought out the some- what startling facts that little over 5 per cent. of the pupils who enter the elementary schools remain to enter the high schools; of those who enter the High schools between 20 and 24 per cent. are reported as graduating and of the original number entering the elementary schools only about 2 per cent. graduate from the High schools.
As a possible explanation of this state of affairs attention was called to the fact that many pupils enter the High school simply to get one of more years' additional school training, knowing before- hand that they will not be able to remain to graduate. If all pupils admitted to High schools entered with the intention of remaining to graduate, the dropping out of so large a percentage would mean disappointment and defeat to the majority.
Principals of schools were asked to state in order of importance the causes they considered most potent in taking pupils out of High Schools and the following were put among the first by teachers in Massachusetts, New York, California, Georgia and Texas :
1. Needed for support.
2. Desire to enter factory.
3. Desire to enter business school.
4. Commercial ideals at home and lack of appreciation of education.
5. Laziness.
The speaker stated that one who had made a special study of fifteen selected High schools scattered from Cambridge to Portland, many of very high repute, found that only 16 per cent. of the stu- dents entering these schools remained till the fourth year and hardly more than 12 or 14 per cent. graduated.
In spite of the seeming advantages of these choicest High schools with their liberal, complete equipment, and supposedly superior teaching force, it is shown that the smaller High schools as
20
SCHOOL REPORT
a rule hold their pupils better than the large ones-due in part to the closer personal relations between teachers, parents, and pupils.
In the light of the foregoing statements the Acton High school is to be congratulated upon graduating each year so many boys and girls well prepared for higher education or for the business of life.
I wish to express my appreciation of the loyalty of teachers to our schools and to you, gentleman, for your uniform courtesy and support.
This report and the special reports are respectfully submitted.
HERBERT E. RICHARDSON, Superintendent of Schools.
21
TOWN OF ACTON.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL.
SUPERINTENDENT H. E. RICHARDSON,
Dear Sir :- The work during the current year has proceeded in general along the lines started in our last report. There have been no radical changes, yet we have endeavored to avoid the estab lished ruts and to realize as far as possible, the demands imposed under the present system of education.
With a school building well equipped, and tastefully furnished - we certainly have no complaint to offer, so far as regards our sur- roundings. But we must again call attention to the need of co- operation on the part of the parent with the teacher. During the school life of the child, harmony should exist between the school and the home. Teachers are not always judicious in their assign- ment of home work, sometimes the lessons are two difficult, some- times too much, often times too little help is given. Frequently through lack of sympathy, they not only fail to give the pupils proper encouragement but to comment honest effort.
Each child requires an individual method. If the parent and teacher were to talk over the child's deficiencies and to decide upon some course to pursue to remedy these, there is but little doubt in my mind that a marked change for the better would be noticed.
Lessons that are to be prepared out of school, should be a sub- ject of attention to the parents. Let them take an interest in the daily progress of their children; let the children realize that the home and school are alike interested in, and anxious for their im- provement.
Some children become discouraged when the lesson is assigned without preliminary help, or a subject given for original work. They lack initiation ; are unable to think for themselves. This is the very point education aims to accomplish-to teach the child to think ; to awaken his latent capacities ; to give him ability to work
22
SCHOOL REPORT
alone ; to solve his problems unaided ; to acquire knowledge for himself. The knowledge and information thus secured are but means to the great end.
Especial stress has been laid upon co-operation between home and school, because, during the past year, but one parent has visited the High school.
The school has now its full quoto of classes, and this is reflected in the increased enrollment.
Miss Helen Waterman, the former assistant, resigned to accept a position in her native city, Providence. Her place has been satis- factorily filled by Miss Ruby M. Atwood, a graduate of Brown Uni- University.
In closing I wish to impress upon the parents the importance of regular attendance on the part of the child.
Respectfully submitted,
A. L. FAXON, Principal Acton High.
23
TOWN OF ACTON.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, MR. H. E. RICHARDSON,
Dear Sir :- In giving a report of the work accomplished in music for the past year, in the Public schools of Acton, I am very glad to say that much progress has been made.
In the primary grades a great deal of technical work has been done, for if the rudiments are well mastered, one is pretty sure of success.
The children in these grades have spent much time in writing exercises. This form of work, though not an easy thing for a child to do, has brought some excellent results. If a child can originate, and correctly write an exercise, with only the key and time given, it proves very positively that he understands thoroughly any exercise he has to sing.
The work in tone perception has been very satisfactory. Often as many as eight or ten tones sung with "loo," by the teacher, have been correctly recognized by the pupils. All this work, of course, has been done individually, besides much sight reading. In many ways the pupils in the Intermediate and Grammar grades have im- proved this year. They have worked more understandingly, and have mastered difficulties in time and tune, that they have not been able to before. Occasional musical tests and written exercises show just what each child can do.
Nearly all the pupils have bought for themselves little song books, costing ten cents a piece. These books, full of bright little selections, have been enjoyed much, especially as they are each child's own property.
In the High school I wish more time could be spent each day, for music. Now only five minutes a day are given, and those the first thing in the morning, before the pupils that arrive on the train,
24
SCHOOL REPORT
are present. Out of those five minutes, time for the devotional exercises is taken. Considering the number of minutes that are given to the subject, very good work has been done.
The year has been made exceedingly pleasant for me, both by pupils and teachers, and I most cordially thank them for their efforts. The interest shown by the pupils is proof of their love for music, and its development may well prove a part of the school course, for " Music is God's greatest gift to man."
Respectfully submitted,
MARIAN MARSHALL BROWN, Supervisor of Music.
25
TOWN OF ACTON.
Statistics for 1902-1903
SCHOOLS
Grades
Weeks of School
No. Enrolled
Av. Membership
Av. Attendance
Per Cent of
Attendance
No. Between
No. Between
No. Over 15
High
10-13 40
30
28
26
91
1
25
South Grammar
7-9
38
19
18
17
94
15
18
0
Intermediate
4-6
38
39
36
33
91.6
41
41
0
Primary
1-3
38
62
49
44
89
34
56
0
Center Grammar
7-9
38
29
27
25
92
26
26
3
Intermediate
4-6
38
35
33
31
92
35
35
0
Primary
1-3
38
39
31
28.9
93
16
34
0
West Grammar
7-
38
20
19
17.9
93.5
17
20
0
Intermediate
4-6
38
36
33.8
31
91.7
34
34
1
Primary
1-3
38
42
37.8
34.8
92
22
38
0
Totals
351 312.6 288.6
92
241
307
29
7-14
5-15
26
SCHOOL REPORT
Statistics Fall and Winter Terms, 1903-1904.
SCHOOLS.
Grades
Number in
Each Grade
Enrollment
Average
Membership
Average
Attendance
Percent of
Attendance
No. Between
7 and 14
No. Between 5 and 15
Į No. Over 15
High
12
6
40
31
28
92
1
2
37
11
12
10
18 J
South Grammar
00
8
24
21
17
83
20
3
1
South Intermediate
5
9
40
35.8
30
87
38
40
0
4
19 )
South Primary
2
15
42
38
35
89
29
42
0
Center Grammar
8
10
29
28
26
92
20
25
4
7
11
Center Intermediate
5
12
31
28
26
91
31
31
0
4
5
3
7
Center Primary
2
13
32
31
29
92
19
32
O
West Grammar
10
29
27
25
91
20
27
2
West Intermediate'
5
10
30
28
26
93
30
30
C
4
11
West Primary
2
10
41
38
32
83
23
41
0
1
Totals
338
305.8
274
90
231
273
44
~
12
6
12
1
3
17
1
10
9
00
6
14
12
861
5
7
14 )
6
9
3
11
1
20 )
-
-
13
4
9
4
List of Teachers 1903-1904.
SCHOOL,
TEACHER
Appointed
EDUCATED
Salary
HOME ADDRESS
High
Principal Assistant
A. L. Faxon
1900 Yale
1100 | Holbrook, Mass 500 N. Boston, N.H
Ruby M. Atwood
1903 Brown
South Grammar
Katherine B. Feely
1904 Fitchburg Normal
380 Otter River
Intermediate
Martha Fagerstrom
1903 Worcester Normal
380 Worcester
Primary
Inez G. Kilton
1903 Worcester Normal
380 Worcester
Center Grammar
Nancy M. Bucknam Ella L. Miller
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