USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1881 > Part 2
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DEATHS .- (Continued.)
AGE.
DISEASE.
Nov. IO
Emily L. Noyes,
16 yrs. 2 mos. II days.
Consumption.
Nov. 12
Mary S. Knapp,
84 yrs. II mos. 15 days.
Pneumonia.
Nov. 16 Joseph L. Breck,
43 yrs. 9 mos. 2 days.
Meningitis.
Nov. 17 Henry P. Bruce,
72 yrs. 4 mos. 17 days.
Heart Disease.
Nov. 28 Sarah Bosworth,
70 yrs. 6 mos. 24 days.
Apoplexy.
Dec.
13 Caroline E. Rhodes,
49 yrs. 8 mos. 25 days.
Canc'r's Tumor.
Total, 34.
Over 90 years, .. I Between 20 and 30 years, 4
Between So and 90 years, .
7 Between 10 and 20 years, 3
Between 70 and So years, .
9 Between 5 and 10 years, . 2
Between 50 and 60 years, .
2
Under 5 years,
3
Between 40 and 50 years, .
3
CHAS. C. SEWALL, Registrar.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The law of the Commonwealth makes the following require- ment upon us : -
"The School Committee shall annually make a detailed report of the condition of the several public schools, which report shall contain such statements and suggestions in relation to the schools as the Committee deem necessary or proper to promote the in- terests thereof."
In obedience to this statute, your Committee beg leave to pre- sent the following report :-
At the last annual meeting, the town voted to reduce the num- ber of members of the school board from six to three. This left no new members to be chosen, as the terms of three of the former board were unexpired. While we missed the presence and aid of those with whom we had been so pleasantly associated, and who had rendered long and efficient service, the present board entered upon the year with a somewhat intimate acquaintance with the condition and needs of the several schools, and have used their best judgment and endeavors for the improvement and greater efficiency of the school work.
TEACHERS.
We believe there is much truth in the adage, "As is the teacher, so is the school." Whatever facilities, plans, and methods are pro- vided, without efficiency on the part of the teacher, nothing very valuable can be accomplished. Our first and most earnest care, therefore, is to secure the best teachers at our command. There is always some risk in the employment of a new teacher. Much that enters into the qualifications that fit one for this delicate and responsible position, no examination can discover. The judgment
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and insight of the Committee are liable to be at fault, even with the greatest vigilance ; and written recommendations are not al- ways to be relied on.
How much to the advantage of all concerned, then, it is, when teachers possessing the requisite gifts and qualifications have once been found, if we are able to secure their continuance with us. The work of each succeeding term is rendered more valuable by the acquaintance of the teacher with the conditions and peculiar- ities of the pupils, and by the increasing confidence and esteem which they feel toward an able and a considerate teacher. The bane of our small country schools has long been the frequent change in teachers. A large portion of the year is spent in acquiring that familiarity with the needs of the school which is preparatory to its intelligent management. Each new incumbent necessarily ignores something that had been nurtured by the efforts of a predecessor, and rears that which is, in its turn, to be similarly ignored by the next comer. It is true that progress, on the whole, is made ; but it is very much less than it might be without these drawbacks. Economy, in general, consists not merely in the fact of small expenditures, but rather in obtaining an equivalent for what is expended. Economy in school affairs should induce us to retain those teachers who, after trial, prove themselves able to render valuable services.
The Committee bear cheerful testimony to the faithfulness and devotion to their work, on the part of the present corps of teach- ers. Their entire loyalty, and the unanimity of feeling which exists, greatly enhance all our efforts for the advancement of the schools. The character of the discipline was never better than at present ; and we feel confident that the personal influence exerted upon the pupils cannot be otherwise than beneficial.
AIDS TO SUCCESS.
The best of teachers, even with extended terms of service, need to be aided by the adoption of the best plans of working, and by suitable appliances. Though these, in the absence of talent and energy on the part of the teacher, can accomplish nothing, yet it is by no means true that the best of teachers can do as good work without system and without proper appliances as with them. Every manufacturer knows that it is for his own advantage to provide convenient work-rooms, and to put the
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best tools which modern skill can produce into the hands of his employés. No general, however brave his soldiers, goes into battle with smooth-bore muskets in these days, when arms of pre- cision may be had. And, with skilful and persistent efforts on the part of teacher sin our schools, we invite failure or defeat, if we neglect to provide the necessary aids.
A school-room must be of convenient size, well lighted, warmed, and ventilated, and ready always at school time. The health and cheerfulness of the children, their regularity and punctuality in attendance, and their promptness in school duties, are greatly influenced by these conditions. Everything which is to be used in school work must be kept in order, so that there shall be no time wasted. Things broken, lost, or destroyed, must be replaced at once, that work may not be interrupted for the want of them. Carelessness in regard to these minor matters soon bears fruit in the slipshod character of the school work.
Such appliances for class study as maps, globes, charts, also supplementary reading for the younger classes, and proper books of reference for those more advanced, are needed in order to the best results, and are now found in every well-ordered school. There must be also a few extra copies of the regular text-books at the teachers' desks, for the temporary supply of pupils whose parents, from pecuniary inability or neglect, fail to equip their children with a school outfit. Otherwise, there will be great annoyance to the school, and great loss of time and opportunity on the part of those who can least afford that loss.
GRADING THE WORK.
We have found it indispensable to satisfactory results that there be a general scheme of work embracing the schools as a whole. In the last report, we gave what seems to us the only feasible plan for the solution of the high-school question at pres- ent, an " advanced class " in the Centre School, to which pupils from all parts of the town are to be admitted on passing the requisite examination. It becomes necessary to fix upon a stand- ard of admission to that class, so that those entering it may pursue their studies profitably together. But here a difficulty confronts us. No general plan or course of study has been fol- lowed heretofore in the teaching of the lower classes ; and it is found that, the instruction having been left to the judgment of
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the several teachers, very unequal results have been attained. While in one school, for instance, arithmetic and grammar have received the principal share of attention, in another geography* and spelling may have been the favorite studies; so that pupils may be found well advanced in those studies which were the spe- cialties in the school from which they came, while very low in others. This condition of things necessarily proves a great hin- drance to the advanced class.
To obviate this difficulty and to prevent neglect of any impor- tant branch of study in the lower classes, the Committee, during the summer vacation, set about preparing a general plan of studies for all the schools. This was not so easy an undertaking as might at first appear. To decide what studies to include in a practicable scheme, when to introduce them, how far to continue them, and how much the average class might reasonably be expected to traverse in a year, required careful thought and comparison of courses of study adopted by cities and towns where the subject has received close attention.
It was evident that much of what is found in printed courses of study is not adapted to the conditions and wants of our schools. It was equally evident that whatever plan we might devise must be made quite elastic at first, so as to be applied somewhat gradually. In cases where any branch of study has been much behind what it ought to be, it is plain that we cannot expect to bring it fully up in a single year. But we were satisfied that we ought not to delay any longer making an attempt to systematize the teaching.
A starting-point was made by dividing the instruction below the advanced class into eight grades, corresponding with the eight years from five to thirteen ; pupils to pass from one grade to the next, as they, in the judgment of the Committee and teachers, by exam- ination and otherwise, should be found prepared to do so. Of course, whatever work might be laid out for each grade, an occa- sional pupil will be found who is able to stretch forward, skip a grade, and so take his examination for the advanced class earlier. And the opposite will doubtless sometimes occur. But, on the average, perhaps eight years is about the proper time to spend in school before entering upon the work suitable to the advanced class. In cities generally, a course of nine years is laid out prior to the high school.
In forming this plan, the three fundamentals, reading (includ- ing spelling), writing, and arithmetic, claimed the first attention.
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These are the things which are first, last, and all the way through. Language comes in early, with correct forms of speech, making of sentences, oral and written, advancing to grammar ; though tech- nical grammar is not contemplated at as early an age as has some- times been advised. Provision is made in the younger classes for incidental instruction upon various subjects of importance to them, by way of conversations or object lessons. Geography is com- menced in the fourth and United States History in the seventh year.
The course which has been prepared is not considered as a finality, and is subject to such changes as the experience of the year may suggest. It was put into the schools on the first of September, and very soon showed its usefulness in pointing out to the several teachers those branches that needed to be emphasized in their instruction.
That part of the year's work which was taken up during the fall term was tested in November by a written examination in all the branches, the questions being prepared by the Committee. This examination embraced all the classes above the third-year grade, including the advanced class. Though written examination was something new to the younger pupils, they acquitted themselves quite creditably ; and the results in the higher classes were, for the most part, satisfactory. This examination was also useful to the teachers in deciding the comparative standing of their pupils, and enabling them to strengthen the weak places in subsequent teaching.
In the North and South Schools, it is not practicable or desir- able to maintain the eight grades : indeed, the case would never occur, probably, when representatives of all these grades would be found in either of them.
It is the intention of the Committee in preparing and applying this course of study that it shall be made helpful to the interests of the schools in the ways indicated above, and that it shall not prove to be repressive to any or take away the individuality and freedom of the teacher within reasonable limits. It has been submitted to the Secretary of the Board of Education, and, with a modification or two suggested by him, approved.
THE HIGHEST AIMS.
The best and highest part of the true teacher's work does not consist in merely imparting the elements of an intellectual educa-
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tion. Character in the teacher impresses itself upon the pupil, and is as essential a part of the teacher's qualifications as scholar- ship. In its absence, a school may be well instructed and orderly, while yet the pupils take on ill-natured, uncharitable, untruthful ways.
The training of young persons should have as its constant aim the development of good citizens. To this end, a wise discipline must be preserved, punctuality and regularity be encouraged, and pupils led to suppress self-will and inclination. " Self-control is the basis of all moral virtues." We often hear that " knowledge is power "; but, if it only serves to make shrewder rascals, it does not increase the number of good citizens. This does not form an argument for less education, but for education of a more compre- hensive character, - something beyond the mere imparting of information. And very much of this higher training comes through the daily intercourse of children with a generous, upright, and noble-minded teacher.
The impressions made in early childhood are among the latest to fade from recollection, and are rightly held to be important on this account ; but the period of life between the ages of ten and eighteen full as surely gives character to the vigorous activities of manhood and womanhood, and the current of life then takes a direction which determines whether it is to flow in the channels of honor and integrity or swell the tide of corruption and criminal- ity. During these years, no degree of care and solicitude on the part of parents and teachers can be too great.
ATTENDANCE.
The winter term in the Centre Primary and South Schools has been seriously interrupted by the prevalence of disease among the children. The other schools have also suffered in some degree from the same cause ; but we have been spared the mortality that has visited other towns in the vicinity. Aside from these interrup- tions, the attendance has been generally good. We, however, urge upon parents the importance of effort to see that their chil- · dren are present every day, in order to obtain the full benefit which the schools are capable of affording.
TEXT-BOOKS.
A few changes in text-books have been made during the year, and those in the direction of the principal studies, and with a
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desire for a smaller number of books in the series. It has been thought advisable to expend a small sum for supplementary read- ing for the middle and lower classes ; but this is made the prop- erty of the school department, the books to be interchanged and used in succeeding years.
Of all the regular text-books, an occasional change in the geog- raphies is the most imperative. The progress of discovery and political changes necessitate a change in the map. The taking of a new census in our own country induces publishers at this time to issue new editions. In order to uniformity of books in the classes, some change is unavoidable ; and we find that it can be made quite as economically by adopting a new series. The Com- mittee have decided to adopt, therefore, the excellent work just published by D. Appleton & Co. No farther changes of text- books, it is thought, will be needed at present.
SCHOOL-HOUSES.
No great outlay upon the school-buildings has been made during the year : only such minor repairs have been attended to as are necessary for the comfort and success of the schools. All are well accommodated at present, with the exception of the Primary and Intermediate Schools at the Centre, to which we called the attention of our fellow-citizens in the last report. The plan of making two rooms out of one, by a partition through the centre, was never satisfactory, and should have been but a temporary arrangement ; and yet the Committee cannot do otherwise than allow it to remain while there are upwards of eighty pupils to be provided for there. We again ask the attention of the town to this subject at an early day, and that some additional accommoda- tions may be provided.
CENTRE PRIMARY SCHOOL.
This division is under the management of the same teacher who has been so successful in it during several preceding terms. The pupils are here early brought into those diligent and orderly habits which form the best foundation for progress in subsequent years. The results witnessed in the examination at the close of the year were most gratifying to the large number of parents and friends who gathered on that occasion.
Under the new arrangement, the school embraces three classes, those of the first, second, and third year grades.
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CENTRE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
During the spring term, Miss Woods, who had so long and faith- fully served us in this school, failed in health, and was absolutely compelled to close her connection with it.
Miss Lizzie D. Richards was engaged to finish the term, which only lacked a few weeks of completion. The position, though a somewhat difficult one, was filled so successfully that the Com- mittee unanimously desired her to continue in charge of the school ; and she was elected for the present year.
This division includes the fourth, fifth, and sixth year grades.
UPPER SCHOOL.
In this, as in the primary department, we reap the advantages to be gained in the re-employment of a teacher whose ability had been tried and proved.
The spring term, though closing with diminished numbers, as has been, unfortunately, the custom in this school, verified the promise of a successful year's work ; and the examination showed commendable progress.
The fall term opened with an increased attendance. A number of pupils from the North and South Schools were admitted to the advanced class. A class was promoted from the room below; and several, who had left school in the spring, were induced to return. The work so well begun last year by Mr. Bentley has been prose- cuted with augmented success by means of the more intimate acquaintance with the condition and needs of the pupils, which time alone could enable him to form. His efforts to promote the welfare of the school have been untiring, and the results are manifest, not only in the progress made, but in an improved feel- ing of loyalty to the interests of the school, a more hearty acqui- escence in wholesome requirements, and in a proper diligence and scholarly behavior.
Beside the advanced class, this school embraces the seventh and eighth year grades of pupils residing nearest the centre of the town.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Dr. Burns closed his connection with the North School at the end of the spring term, much to the regret of parents and friends. His experience and maturity of mind enabled him to give very
33
valuable instruction to those under his charge, and he exerted a marked influence upon the character of the school.
For the fall term, the Committee engaged Mr. F. B. Hall as teacher. He, however, left our employ at the end of eight weeks, and entered other business. Miss Elizabeth B. Bowers, an expe- rienced teacher, was then employed, and entered at once upon her work. Her success has been entirely satisfactory, and leads us to hope for excellent returns from the year's labors. It is safe to say that the school is now in a better condition for effective work than for a long time past.
This school includes pupils of the first, second, fourth, and seventh year grades.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
Mr. Sylvester, who taught the South School with a good degree of success last year, left us in June ; and Mr. Samuel N. Bentley, a recent graduate of Acadia College, was engaged to commence the fall term. The best of feeling appears to exist between teacher and pupils, and the Committee have reason to anticipate very profitable results from his teaching. The written exami- nation at the end of the fall term showed exceptionally good work.
This school includes pupils of the first, second, third, fifth, and seventh year grades.
APPROPRIATIONS.
The Committee desire to conform to the wishes of their fellow- citizens in regard to the sums expended for the purposes of edu- cation, believing that they are disposed to afford a generous sup- port to this important interest. Our aim has been to expend not a dollar more than, in our judgment, the interests of the schools actually require.
To place the financial affairs of this department upon an ample basis, we ask, as an appropriation, the same sum as appropriated last year,- $2,400.
TRUANCY.
In accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of the truant laws adopted by the town as required by the statutes of the Commonwealth, truant officers have been appointed ; and the school at Lowell has been designated as the place where those found guilty of truancy are to be committed for confinement, instruction, and discipline.
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SCHOOL STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1880-81.
Whole number of children in the town of school age, 201.
Name
Length of School in Weeks.
Wages of Teachers per Month.
Whole No. of Scholars.
Average No. of Scholars.
Average Attend- ance.
of School.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter .
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
Spring.
Fall.
Winter.
No. of Scholars over
15 years of age.
Upper, .
II
13
14
$70.00
$80.00
$80.00
37
51
49
32
5℃
47
28
48
41
92
O
12
Grammar,
II
I3
13
36.00
36.00
36 00
4 1
40
40
39
40
38
34
38
33
90
O
O
Primary,
13
133
36.00
36.00
36.00
39
39
39
38
37
35
34
34
25
84
1
O
North,
II
I3
14
36.00
36.00
36.00
35
32
29
30
28
27
2
24
24
84
O
4
South, .
11
I3
14
36.00
36.00
36.00
29
27
25
25
27
25
25
19
19
85
O
O
ROLL OF HONOR.
Not Absent or Tardy for Three Terms.
Affie Hanks, Cassie Sullivan, Ensign Baker, Florence Pettis, Mamie Babcock.
Not Absent or Tardy for Two Terms.
Willie Morse, Mary Meany, Lena Allen, Allie Clark, Orra Guild, Delano Hamant, George Bullard, Vettie Allen, Fred. Dix, Alex. Daniels, Annie Guild, May Hamant, Waldo Kingsbury.
Not Absent or Tardy for One Term.
Willie Gilbert, Harry Franks, Eddie Franks, Cora Crosby, Marion Leeds, Ellen Meany, Annie Morrill, Mary Sweet, Fannie O'Connor, Alice M. Wight, Fannie Gilley, Bertha O'Connor, Katie Whittemore, Warren Newell, Jack Gardner, Alice Mann, Tillie Weiker, Mary Briggs, Lizzie Cromwell, Minnie Crosby, Agnes Crane, Bertie Codding, Minnie Grover, Ada Weiker, Eddie Abell, Jerry Meany, Fred Morrill, Edwin Morrill, Henry Marshall, Fred Wood, Willis Morrill, Ernest Newell, Abbie Strang, William Gil- bert, George Babcock, Arthur Guild, Samuel Guild, Carrie Gilmore.
Respectfully submitted,
J. B. HẠLE, W. S. TILDEN, W. F. GUILD,
1 Committee.
Percentage of Attendance.
No. of Scholars
under 5 years of age.
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