USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Medfield > Town annual reports of Medfield 1900-1909 > Part 35
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of both sexes, but especially to men, in order to make it worth their while to take up the profession, not merely as a duty, but as a remun- erative occupation."
HIGH SCHOOL.
The provisions for high schooling established by vote of the town have been continued to the present time. The distribution of pupils is as follows :-
Medfield, first two years 26 Dedham, last two years 4
Walpole last two years 4
It will be noted that there are three times as many pupils in the first two years at home as in the last two years out of town. It is customary to have fewer pupils in the upper classes, but the differ- ence here is larger than it ought to be, and perhaps larger than it will be again. Yet it is the testimony of educators who have given attention to high-school arrangements like ours that membership falls off more rapidly in the last two years when the work of those years is pursued in some other school than the one where the studies of the first two years are taken. Many parents will not send children of high-school age away from home, preferring rather to take them out of school altogether.
It seems to me that the question is not whether Dedham or Walpole can furnish a better education to those that feel disposed to attend, but whether Medfield cannot, with the same or slightly increased cost, reach more pupils and do more good to the town educationally with a full four years' course at home. It is my opinion that those arrangements for high schooling are most to be desired which will result in the greatest good to the greatest number.
With very little additional expense a third year can be introduced. The two teachers who now have the ninth grade and two high-school classes would have under the proposed plan the first three years of high-school work and the ninth grade would remain in the grammar school. The first five grades of the elementary schools would be taught on the lower floor. Upstairs in one room would be the sixth and seventh grades, in another the eighth and ninth grades, while the remaining two rooms would be used by the high school. To me this plan seems feasible. Its adoption would be another step towards securing a high school at home. If Medfield had four years of high school, the enrolment ought to be not less than 45 or 50. Isn't it
69
fair to assume that such instruction as could be given to this number by three teachers (the town is now paying tuition and transportation charges in excess of a teacher's wages) would be a decent substitute for the instruction that five teachers (the number at Walpole) can give I10 pupils (enrolment at Walpole) ?
SPECIAL SUPERVISION.
Music and drawing have won their way to general favor, and nearly all schools in the State are under the supervision of experts in these two subjects. Medfield the past year has employed a special teacher of music. The first teacher's visits were so infrequent that progress was slow and results inadequate. The present director of music goes to all schools weekly. The gains made from week to week are plainly apparent. For an account of what is being done you are referred to the supervisor's report.
The work in drawing suffers because the teachers lack that expert guidance which only a competent director can supply. No marked improvement in the drawing can be looked for until we treat the sub- ject with as much consideration and fairness as is now shown to the music.
In reality there is more reason for employing a drawing supervisor, for drawing is a subject required by law to be taught, while music may or may not be, as the Committee decide.
Believing it wise to do well whatever we attempt, I strongly recom- mend the employment of a special teacher of drawing on the opening of the next school year.
LOWELL MASON SCHOOL.
Conditions have changed in this school since the last report was written. At that time it seemed best to the Superintendent to close the school on account of the small number of pupils. To-day there is an enrolment of 39, and the teacher finds it difficult to minister to the needs of so many. Should the membership go much above 40, a measure of relief would be necessary. This might be had by sending one or two classes to the Ralph Wheelock School or by open- ing a school in the lower room. It is not reasonable to require one teacher to instruct more than forty pupils distributed in six classes.
It would be conducive to better school work to replace the double desks with single desks of a modern adjustable pattern.
70
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Attention is called to the new rules and regulations for the govern- ment of the schools, adopted recently by the School Committee. It is hoped that the wisdom of these requirements will be apparent to all, and that the school authorities will have the heartiest co-operation in their observance.
The rule relating to written excuses is very important, since the teacher must know whether absences and tardinesses occur with the consent of parents. Parents who decline to send excuses may think this matter of little moment, but those who are responsible for good management and control are agreed that such an attitude is detri- mental to good discipline. No rule has been adopted until after most careful consideration.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding, I wish to say that this report makes no claim of being exhaustive in its treatment of the subjects with which it has dealt. It is the writer's hope that the suggestions made may con- tribute to educational achievements suited to the needs of the times.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERIC W. KINGMAN, Superintendent of Schools.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
MR. F. W. KINGMAN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:
Dear Sir,-I present the following report on the work in music of the schools for the months of September, October, November, December, and January.
Believing as I do in the value of music throughout the complete school course, from the child in the primary grade to the student in the high school, it is gratifying to see the interest and development in this branch. Music is acknowledged as a substantial study. The spirit of song in the class room when school begins is obviously whole- some and stimulating. As a mental discipline, it is strong. The pupil is often required to write the music of a familiar song, "Amer- ica," for example. By soplacing on paper a melody sung, he is com- bining drawing, reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic. I be- lieve in aural music training in the schools for three reasons: it trains the ear to be alert in hearing and distinguishing the tones; it discloses to the pupil the inner side and the practicability of the sub- ject; it educates the mass music-wise, and cultivates intelligent appre- ciation in the unmusical pupil.
The conspicuous feature of the Weaver System is its demand for individual work. It trains each pupil in self-reliance, concentra- tion, quick and accurate thinking.
Songs and the mechanics of music are taught in systematic and progressive order from the first to the eighth grade. The children of the first and second grades have a large repertory of songs which are suited to the child mind. They also learn the nomenclature and read exercises. The securing of the perfect scale and the trained perception in the distinguishing of the integral parts of the scale, in the primary rooms, enable the fourth grade to read and learn songs. The advantage of this method over the rote singing is in the independence it encourages in the pupil. A fresh interest and pride is also created by his new achievement. Advancing with pre- scribed scope of work week by week, the fifth and sixth grades take up two-part singing, the seventh and eighth three-part singing. In general, two points are sought: first, good tone quality; second, ability to read music accurately and readily.
72
I have given lessons in the Ralph Wheelock School, the Lowell Mason School, and the high school once a week.
The work in the high school is far short of the standard which we hope by persistent effort to attain. The reason is obvious. If reading were not thoroughly established in the grammar school, the high-school student could not be expected to read intelligently the books required for his study. He naturally would be very self-con- scious and mute if such a thing were demanded. These conditions are true in the music. We have but a half-hour a week to devote to it in this room, but are laboring hard under unfavorable condi- tions, and hope to gain knowledge of the fundamentals and ability to render independently and intelligently interesting music.
My report would not be complete if I should not express my appre- ciation of the most hearty and zealous co-operation of the teachers during the past five months of my work here. Through their con- scientious and efficient teaching, results have been secured.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Superintendent for his encouragement and support, which have contributed in large measure to whatever success I have attained.
Respectfully submitted,
EMMA A. PERKINS.
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
GENERAL RULES.
I. The school year shall consist of forty weeks, beginning Tuesday after the first Monday in September, and shall be divided into three terms of 16, 12, and 12 weeks, respectively.
2. There shall be no school on holidays and the day after Thanks- giving.
3. The morning session of all schools shall begin at 9 o'clock, and close at 12 o'clock, with a recess of 15 minutes from 10.30 to 10.45.
The afternoon session shall begin at 1.15, and close at 3.15, with a recess of 15 minutes from 2.15 to 2.30.
4. There shall be a five minutes' period of calisthenics in each half-session.
5. A "no-school" signal shall be under the direction of the Super- intendent, and shall consist of 5 blasts of the Excelsior Straw Factory whistle given at 7.45 A.M.
PRINCIPALS.
I. Principals are responsible for the care of buildings and grounds.
2. They shall hold teachers' meetings as often as it is necessary.
3. They may make rules for the management of their buildings, subject to the approval of the School Committee.
4. They may suspend any pupil after the parent has been notified of said pupil's refusal to obey the rules of the school, but they must report such suspension and cause therefor immediately to the Super- intendent.
5. They shall practise the fire-drill in the building at least once a month.
6. They are expected to assist the other teachers in discipline.
TEACHERS.
I. Teachers must be in their respective school-rooms at least 15 minutes before the beginning of each session.
2. Corporal punishment must not be resorted to until absolutely necessary.
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3. Teachers must not deprive pupils of a recess for punishment or allow them to remain in for any cause except sickness.
4. Teachers may detain pupils for a period not exceeding one hour at close of afternoon session only, to make up work or for any viola- tion of school discipline.
5. Teachers are expected to go out at recess, and join the pupils in their sports and suggest good healthy games.
6. Teachers are not allowed to give notices in school or to take up collections for any purpose without the approval of the Super- intendent.
7. Teachers, if prevented from teaching on account of sickness, must notify the Superintendent at once, that he may procure a sub- stitute. Teachers, if absent on account of sickness, may draw pay for all absence not exceeding one week during the school year.
8. Teachers have entire control of pupils while on the school- grounds or in the school building.
9. Teachers have joint control of pupils on the way to and from school in all matters affecting the discipline of the school.
IO. Teachers shall require a written excuse from a parent or guardian in all cases of absence of pupils.
II. Requisitions for supplies and books must be handed to the Superintendent at the close of each term.
12. Any complaint or suggestion of teachers in regard to the work of the janitor must be made to the Superintendent.
13. Any teacher intending to resign his or her position shall give two weeks' notice to the Superintendent.
PUPILS.
I. Pupils are under the control of the teachers while upon the school premises.
2. Pupils are not allowed to throw snow-balls upon the school premises.
3. Pupils must throw all waste matter in the rubbish barrels.
4. Pupils must go directly home after dismissal in the afternoon unless otherwise directed by a parent or guardian.
5. Pupils must refrain from loud talking in the school building, and on call from the teacher go quietly to their respective rooms.
6. Pupils shall not leave the school premises during recess except by permission of their teacher,
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STATISTICS.
Population of Medfield, census 1905 * 1,689
Number of children of all ages attending within the year
ending in June, 1905 :-
Boys, 135; girls, 122; total 257
Number under five years of age
5
Number between five and fifteen years of age :-
Boys, 125; girls, 108; total 233
Number over fifteen years of age :--
Boys, 7; girls, 12; total
I9
Number between seven and fourteen years of age :-
Boys, 82; girls, 88; total
I 70
Average membership
232.9
Average attendance 209.7
Per cent. of attendance
89
Number of children in town Sept. I, 1905, between five and fifteen years of age :- 244
Boys, 128; girls, 116; total
Number of children Sept. 1, 1905, between seven and fourteen years of age :-
Boys, 90; girls, 79; total
169
Number of schools
7
Number of teachers
8
Number of special teachers
I
SYNOPSIS OF TEACHERS' REPORTS YEAR ENDING JUNE, 1905.
Average Membership.
Average Attendance.
Per Cent. of Attendance.
Ralph Wheelock School:
Grade I. .
30.9
27.
87
Grades II .- III.
35.6
31.8
88.2
Grade IV.
31.4
28.6
9I.O
Grades V .- VI.
33.8
31.5
92.6
Grades VII .- VIII.
39.4
35.4
90
Grade IX. and high school, 2 years, .
38.8
34-7
89.5
Lowell Mason School:
Grades I .- VI.
23.7
20.7
87
Total
232.9
209.7
89
* Exclusive of patients in Medfield Asylum.
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TEACHERS' DIRECTORY, 1905-06.
Salary.
Where Educated.
High School ) Thos. H. Kenworthy, Prin., $900 Grade IX. Bertha C. Folsom, Ass't, 500
Smith College, Bridgewater Normal.
Grades VII.
Bethia R. Paine. 450
Hyannis Normal.
& VIII.
Grades V. &
VI. Agnes E. Abbott, 475
Bridgewater Normal.
Grade IV.
Grades II. Grace Alexander,
450
Bridgewater Normal.
& II. Mrs. Susan M. Chase,
450
Worcester High.
Grade I.
Lowell Mabelle Gilman.
425
Plymouth (N.H.) Normal.
Mason Grace E. Bent,
475
Framingham Normal.
Supervisor of Music, Emma A. Perkins,
100
RESIGNATIONS.
Inez F. Damon, Supervisor of Music.
Mina G. Bunker, Grade IV.
Ethel Faulkner, Grade I.
Elizabeth O. Kimball, Grades VII. and VIII.
APPOINTMENTS.
Grace Alexander, Grade IV. Mabelle F. Gilman, Grade I.
Emma A. Perkins, Supervisor of Music.
Bethia R. Paine, Grades VII. and VIII.
Brown University.
STATEMENT OF THE MEDFIELD WATER COMPANY
FROM NOV. I, 1904, TO NOV. 1, 1905.
TO THE SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF MEDFIELD:
Capital
$50,000.00
CASH RECEIPTS.
Water rates and service pipes 2,061.13
CASH DISBURSEMENTS.
Maintenance, construction, and taxes 731.55
C. T. Frost (note and interest) 529.65
ASSETS.
Construction of plan $30,462.37
Unpaid water bills 1,851.04
Cash on hand
1,281.23
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock issued $24,000.00
Due E. V. Mitchell & Co., to May 29, 1903 8,473.55
Due E. V. Mitchell & Co., from June 1, 1903, to Nov. 1, 1905 1,950.00
Bills payable (notes) 929.74
Due officials of the company (salaries to date)
435.00
S. E. LAVERTY,
Treasurer.
MEDFIELD, Nov. 1, 1905.
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK, ss.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Medfield, in said County, greeting:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the town of Medfield, qualified to vote in elections and in town affairs, to meet in the Town Hall, in said Medfield, on Monday, the fifth day of March next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles :---
ARTICLE I. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
ART. 2. To choose the following-named town officers, under the pro- visions of Chapter 2 of the Revised Statutes of 1902, namely: one Town Clerk, one Moderator, one Treasurer, one Collector of Taxes, three Se- lectmen, three Assessors, three Overseers of the Poor, five Constables, one Tree Warden, one Sexton, one Auditor, all for one year; one School Com- mittee, for three years; two Trustees of the Public Library, for three years; one Cemetery Commissioner, for three years; one member of a Board of Health for one year; one member of a Board of Health for two years; one member of a Board of Health for three years. Also to vote on the follow- ing question: "Shall license be granted to sell intoxicating liquors in the town for the ensuing year ?" the vote to be "Yes" or "No." All the above to be voted for on one ballot. The polls to be opened at half-past nine o'clock in the forenoon, and may be closed at two o'clock in the afternoon.
ART. 3. To choose Fence Viewers, Field Drivers, and Pound Keeper.
ART. 4. To see if the town will accept the reports of the several town officers for the past year.
ART. 5. To grant and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray the expenses of the town for the ensuing year.
ART. 6. To see what action the town will take in relation to hiring money for any purpose.
ART. 7. To determine in what manner the taxes shall be collected for the ensuing year, also determine what percentage shall be allowed the Collector for the ensuing year.
ART. 8. To see if the town will authorize the Collector to use all such means in the collection of taxes as the Treasurer might if elected to that office.
79
ART. 9. To see if the town will accept the list of jurors as prepared by the Selectmen, and posted according to law.
ART. IO. To see what compensation the town will allow the members of the Fire Department for the ensuing year.
ART. II. To see how much per hour the town will allow for work on the highways for the ensuing year, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 12. To see if the town will employ a night watchman for the en- suing year, grant and appropriate money for the same, or do or act any- thing relating thereto.
ART. 13. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to contract with the Edison Electric Illuminating Company for lighting the streets of the town for the ensuing year, grant and appropriate money for the same, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 14. To see if the town will accept as a perpetual trust the sum of one hundred dollars presented by the estate of Sarah D. Perry, the in- come thereof to be used for the care of the "Perry lot" in the public Cem- etery, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 15. To see if the town will accept as a perpetual trust the sum of fifty dollars presented by Mrs. George F. Miller, the income thereof to be used for the care of the "Miller lot" in the public Cemetery, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 16. To see if the town will provide additional electric lights on Harding Street, also one light on Adams Street, appropriate money therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 17. To see if the town will provide and maintain one electric light on Vinal Road, also one light on the lane leading from North Street to Adams Street near the residence of Raymond Weiker, appropriate money therefor or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 18. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to place elec- tric lights on two faces of the town clock, appropriate money therefor, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 19. To see if the town will authorize the Selectmen to sell a piece of land in Millis, consisting of ten acres more or less, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 20. To see if the town will rebuild the wall on the Frairy Street side of the pond in the centre of the town, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 21. To see if the town will purchase one thousand feet of hose for the use of the Fire Department, or do or act anything relating thereto.
ART. 22. To see if the town will rebuild that portion of Main Street lying between Pleasant Street and the railroad crossing, or do or act any- thing relating thereto.
ART. 23. To see if the town will appropriate money to pay deficiency in cost of maintaining the Cemetery during the past year.
80
ART. 24. To see if the town will authorize the Treasurer to take from the funds now in the treasury the sum of five hundred dollars, said sum to be deposited in some institution of savings, approved by the Selectmen, to the credit of the Cemetery Trust Fund, or do or act anything relating thereto.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy thereof, in the usual place for posting warrants in said Medfield, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, unto the Town Clerk at the time and place of meeting aforesaid.
Given under our hands this sixteenth day of February, A.D. nineteen hundred and six.
EDWARD M. BENT, Selectmen NATHAN F. HARDING, - of ALBERT C. SHUMWAY, ) Medfield. ·
9
256th ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TOWN OFFICERS OF MEDFIELD For the Year ending January 31, 1907.
D
1649
L
16 51
CONTENTS.
PAGE
LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS
2
TREASURER'S REPORT
4
REPORT OF SELECTMEN
6
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
I8
ANNUAL MEETING
25
SPECIAL MEETINGS
32
NOVEMBER ELECTION
34
SAN FRANCISCO FUND
38
REPORT OF TAX COLLECTOR
·
39
REPORT OF OVERSEERS OF POOR
43
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
47
REPORT OF ENGINEERS OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
52
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE
53
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS
55
REPORT OF SEALER OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
56
FINANCIAL REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
57
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE .
61
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
63
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
67
SCHOOL STATISTICS .
7I
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
73
STATEMENT OF THE MEDFIELD WATER COMPANY
.
75
WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING .
.
76
LD
.
BOSTON GEO. H. ELLIS CO., 272 CONGRESS STREET I907.
TOWN OFFICERS FOR 1906.
Town Clerk. STILLMAN J. SPEAR.
Selectmen. EDWARD M. BENT.
NATHAN F. HARDING. ROBERT W. BAKER.
Assessors.
WILLIAM F. ABELL. ALLAN A. KINGSBURY. FRANCIS D. HAMANT.
Treasurer. STILLMAN J. SPEAR.
Collector. WILLIAM F. ABELL.
School Committee.
GEORGE WASHBURN
Term expires 1907
C. H. WILLIAMS
1908
WALDO A. FITTS
1909
Overseers of the Poor.
GEORGE W. KINGSBURY .. JONATHAN G. WIGHT. MICHAEL E. GRIFFIN.
Trustees of Public Library.
STILLMAN J. SPEAR
Term expires 1909
WILLIAM H. BAILEY
1907
HERBERT L. MITCHELL
1907
J. HERBERT BAKER
66 1908
GEORGE WASHBURN
1908
ISAAC B. CODDING
1909
Constables.
DAVID MEANY. ALBION C. GILBERT. J. ALLEN COLE. CHARLES BROOKS. ELLERY FRANKS.
Cemetery Commissioners.
WILLIAM W. PRESTON
Term expires 1907
ALONZO B. PARKER
66
1908
ISAAC B. CODDING
66
1909
3
Sexton. ALONZO B. PARKER. Auditor. THOMAS E. SCHOOLS. Pound Keeper. FRANK TRAVIS. Tree Warden. J. AUGUSTUS FITTS. Field Drivers. HENRY J. DUNN. FRANK W. CUTTER.
GEORGE S. CHENEY.
Fence Viewers.
GEORGE W. KINGSBURY. FRANCIS D. HAMANT. ISAAC B. CODDING.
APPOINTMENTS BY THE SELECTMEN.
Engineers of Fire Department.
RICHARD E. CONRICK. WALDO E. KINGSBURY. J. ALLEN COLE. Registrars of Voters.
WILLIAM CRANE
Term expires 1909
LEWIS A. CUTLER
66 1907
GEORGE L. L. ALLEN
1908
STILLMAN J. SPEAR, Clerk, ex officio.
Superintendent of Streets. GEORGE W. KINGSBURY.
Inspector of Animals and Provisions. GEORGE S. CHENEY.
Burial Agent. LOWELL BABCOCK.
Night Watch and Keeper of Lockup. ALBION C. GILBERT.
Sealer of Weights and Measures and Measurer of Wood and Bark. JOHN H. PEMBER. Public Weigher. THOMAS E. SCHOOLS. Surveyors of Lumber. REUTILLUS E. SHERMAN. WILLIAM OWENS.
4
STILLMAN J. SPEAR, Treasurer, IN ACCOUNT WITH THE
DR.
To cash in Treasury Feb. 1, 1906 .
$11,257.81
William F. Abell, taxes of 1902
$64.50
William F. Abell, taxes of 1903
107.76
William F. Abell, taxes of 1904
714.29
William F. Abell, taxes of 1905
1,866.90
William F. Abell, taxes of 1906
14,245.7I
16,999.16
State Treasurer, corporation tax
$3,461.20
State Treasurer, National Bank tax
593.51
State Treasurer, high-school tuition
183.00
State Treasurer, income of Massachusetts State School Fund .
845.63
State Treasurer, Superintendent of Schools .
500.00
State Treasurer, inspection of animals
50.00
State Treasurer, State Aid
196 00
County Treasurer, on account of dog licenses
251.86
6,081.20
City of Boston, on account of schools
$25.00
Town of Dover, tuition of children
50.00
Town of Dover, services of Fire Department
30.00
'Town of Franklin, soldiers' relief
8.00
Liquor licenses
3,900.00
Druggists' licenses
1.00
Billiard licenses .
4.00
Butchers' licenses
3.00
Fireworks licenses
2.00
Vaudeville licenses
9.00
4,032.00
Overseers, for sales from Town Farm
$1,688.33
Engineers, for sales from Fire Department
24.60
School Committee, sales of old material
6.13
Cemetery Commissioners, sale of lots in Cemetery
I70.00
Mrs. G. F. Miller, care of lot in Cemetery .
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