USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1873 > Part 2
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The present committee regard the
HIGH SCHOOL
As laboring under the very great disadvantage of not being properly graded. If suitable rooms and sufficient means could be furnished, so that the pupils could be separated into a High and Grammar school, it is thought the arrange-
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ment would be promotive of a much higher standard of scholarship. As the schools are now constituted, the Prima- ry, in order to make room for the little ones just entering, is obliged to send up a class of the older pupils before they are fitted for the regime or instruction of the High school .. This evil is measurably remedied by placing some of the recitations of the younger pupils in charge of those more ad- vanced. This system is both a necessity, and if judiciously ordered, a virtue. In the present case it is a necessity, un- less a permanent assistant teacher is employed. The range of scholarship is too great to classify the pupils so that one teacher can devote sufficient time and care to all. It is also a virtue, inasmuch as it initiates the older pupils into the art of giving instruction, while yet under the eye of an experi- enced teacher who can correct their errors and give them right views of the profession to which they may devote more or less of coming years. Or even if these assistant pu- pils do not intend to teach in the future, much present advan- tage is derived from this practice. It not only gives them self-reliance, but matures their scholarship by leading them more certainly to master the principles which they are called upon to explain. Such results are quite noticeable in those upon whom this responsibility is placed.
But little need be said specifically of the High school. From the unusual interest manifested by the public generally, it would be legitimate to infer that they were quite familiar with its history. Mr. William L. Whittemore, according to last year's report, entered upon his labors as one " whose success is almost assured, coming to us with a large experi- ence and the highest testimonials." The circumstances, how- ever, in which he found himself at the very beginning, were extremely unfavorable. His immediate predecessor " en- tered upon his duties with the school in a disorganized and demoralized condition, the two teachers preceding him having
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utterly failed in discipline "; but he, as if by magic, reduced the troubled elements to the most perfect order, winning the confidence and love of every one. Of course no one could fill his place ; and had he been removed by the committee there might have been some show of reason in the position taken that his successor never would and never could be acceptable. But the former teacher, notwithstanding the most earnest effort to retain him, left in the midst of the term, and Mr. Whit- temore, taking his place, felt at once the difficulties of his work. Both pupils and parents, to some extent, predicted an utter failure, and brought an embarrassing pressure to bear upon the committee to discharge the teacher without delay. The most positive opinions were expressed by those who never looked in upon the management of the school. Mr. Whittemore has given special attention to the morals of his pupils as well as their habits of study ; and in both these respects there has been an improvement upon the past. Sel- dom have we seen so many students so generally doing their own work without interfering with those around them. The committee have no desire to exalt this school to a po- sition higher than the merits of the case will warrant, but would invite any who may feel inclined to find fault to look in upon it, and then to pass an impartial judgment.
The school is susceptible of a decided improvement in the manner of reading. The habit of "rapid reading " is ac- quired by the reading of fiction in an altogether undue pro- portion to mathematics, or any other class of books requir- ing close thought. Good reading is a rare attainment, and the ability to read well is worth an earnest and persistent effort.
We regret to say that some of the members of this school have spent a portion of the regular study hours in the culti- vation of muscle instead of brain, and earnestly hope that parents will unite their efforts with those of the teacher and
32
committee to break up this truant habit where it so manifest- ly interferes with the best interest of the scholar.
That portion of the school that have given attention to geology, astronomy, and philosophy, have done both them- selves and their teacher credit.
THE CENTRE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Has been under the care of Miss Lizzie E. Packard through the year, who has fully sustained the reputation given her in the last report. Her quiet but earnest manner has inspired like traits in her pupils. No one could desire so large a number of little ones to be kept in more perfect order. They have manifested much enthusiasm, not only in their regular studies, but also in learning isolated facts about many things, those " flowers of science," which may be brought within the comprehension of very young children. We have noticed with pleasure the care bestowed upon reading, and predict an enviable eminence in this very desirable science on the part of many of these pupils, if they persevere in the way they have begun. During the winter term the whooping cough took quite a number of children from the school, which considerably reduces the average of attendance.
THE SOUTH SCHOOL
Was taught the first two terms by Miss Addie A. Ellis, and the third term, which is still in progress, by Miss Olive B. Young. Both teachers have been faithful and successful, in- spiring as much enthusiasm as could be expected in so small a school. The committee have been specially pleased to find the little ones, in addition to their regular studies, so thoroughly drilled on miscellaneous questions. Such an ex- ercise gives life to a class, waking up dormant energies, and enabling the pupils to master ," set tasks " with greater ease.
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THE NORTH SCHOOL
Has been in charge of Mrs. S. D. Austin during the year. There are elements in this school which render the teacher's work not the most pleasant. With some exceptions it is a backward school. Pupils who should have mastered all the principles of arithmetic, are yet stumbling on the very thresh- old. And about the same is true in regard to the other sciences usually taught in schools of this grade. Mrs. Aus- tin has labored hard to give her scholars some correct ideas of what it is to study, but not with that measure of success which would have gratified both herself and the committee. Some of them seem to understand the work of the school- room, and to teach such gives a peculiar pleasure. The gov- ernment of the school, although an improvement upon the past, is susceptible of being carried to a higher degree of perfection. It requires not a little nerve, and wisdom, and patience, and self-possession, to accomplish such a work in such a school. A quiet word, given without repetition, with- out explanation, meaning all that it would naturally suggest, must be regarded as law, from which there is no appeal, and then the pupil will soon learn who is in authority, and who must be in subjection.
The committee noticed with very special pleasure the sing- ing in this school. Mrs. Austin deserves great credit for the care bestowed upon this exercise. Possessing a rich and cul- tured voice, she has inspired her pupils, almost without ex- ception, with the spirit of song. Much care has also been bestowed upon this branch of education in most of the other schools, and not without happy results.
The committee would urge upon parents the importance of a personal acquaintance with what transpires in the school- room, and feel sure that this most desirable end cannot be gained except by at least occasional visits on their part.
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Such visits would serve not only to satisfy themselves in regard to the progress their children are making in their studies, but also very much to encourage both teacher and pupils.
At the beginning of the report reference was made to the advantage that might be gained by a different grading of the High school. Permit a suggestion in reference to all the schools in town. If it were practicable to bring all our schol- ars into one building, it is thought that their education could be conducted in a much more satisfactory manner, and with- out increased expense. It is difficult to obtain the permanent services of a first-class teacher in a very small school. Neither the compensation nor the work is large enough to fill the am- bition of such. And where the pupils must recite one, two, or three in a class, it is impossible to excite in them so much interest in their studies as where there is a larger number. We do not forget that this would carry the school too far away from some families ; but for such, regular means of conveyance could be provided. The thought is simply sug- gested, but not without premeditation, and the hope that it may start a train of thought in other minds that will lead to the adoption of measures that may in some way accrue to the benefit of our schools.
It has been suggested by one who has had large experi- ence in the care of our schools, that both the safety and comfort of our High-school building would be much in- creased by exchanging the furnace in the basement for stoves in the several rooms.
The foregoing report is respectfully submitted.
For the Committee,
J. M. R. EATON,
Chairman.
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STATISTICS.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
TERMS.
Number of
Scholars.
Average
Attendance.
Under 5
years of age.
Over 15
[years of age.
High
Mr. Wm. L. Whittemore
.
Ist Term, 12 Weeks .
49
44
0 0
7
66
2d Term, 12
66
50
44
0
10
.
3d Term, 14*
60
58
0
19
Centre Primary .
.
Miss L. E. Packard .
1st Term, 13
. .
56
48
4
0
2d Term, 12
67
59
1
0
66
66
3d Term, 14*
53
4€
0
0
North School .
Mrs. S. D. Austin
1æt Term, 13
27
22
0
0
2d Term, 12
22
20
0
0
6
3d Term, 14*
.
29
25
0
0
South School
Mise Addie A. Ellis .
1st Term, 12
.
1.
16
1
0
66
66
2d Term, 12
66
15
14
0 0
0
Miss Olive B. Young
3d Term, 14*
. .
13
12
0 0
0
.
.
.
.
* Only eight weeks reported. The Schools are yet in session. All the Schools in town continue forty weeks.
.
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