USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Mendon > Town annual reports of the officers of Mendon, Massachusetts 1858-1899 > Part 43
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Frank H. Wood, . . ..
No. 5.
50 65
A. P. Scribner. express
23
J. W. Harris, supplies, No. 2 .. $2 58
Edward Dixon, services as school book agent. 25 00
Edward Dixon, fare to Boston and postage. 2 16
Edward L. Smith, use of well for No. 2 7 00
$401 22
A careful inspection of the financial statement contained in the Superintendent's report. will show that the town appropriations for support of schools last year has been expended ; for if we had received no money for out-of-town scholars, the balance remaining in the treasury would be smaller this year than last. Under the present organization of our schools. and with the same length of school year, we do not see how they can be supported for a less sum this year. We therefore ask for the same amount as was ap- propriated last year.
According to law, the committee has furnished scholars all necessary text books and supplies, at the cost of the town.
There has not been one text book purchased from the town this year.
It was thought best not to put the town to the expense of printing the school book account in detail, as was done last year. but, instead, to abbreviate it and place the agent's books at the dis- posal of any citizen who would like to examine his account with the different schools. We ask for an appropriation of $200 for text books and supplies this year.
We regret to say that toward the end of the year Mr. Samuel H. Taft, who has served the town on the Board of School Commit- tee so efficiently for the past ten years. tendered his resignation. which was reluctantly accepted by the committee. Being so near the end of the year, it was not deemed advisable to appoint anybody to the vacancy.
For the Committee, EDWARD DIXON, Treasurer. FRANK H. WOOD, Chairman, EDWARD DIXON. Secretary, WILLIAM W. NELSON, FREDERICK BATES, LOWELL C. COOK,
School Committee.
24
SCHOOL BOOK AGENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of Mendon :
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit the school book account for the year :
DR.
To books and supplies on hand May 1,'85. ... $100 10
To books and supplies purchased this year .. . .. 243 33
$343 43
CR.
By books and supplies furnished :
High school .
$121 42
Grammar school 33 07
Primary school 26 22
North school
38 63
South school
20 12
East school .
28 66
West school.
19 73
Albeeville school
17 52
Practice drawing paper. $1.80 ; erasers, $1.50 :
sponges, $2.00 ; writing paper, $1.05; draw- ing paper, $5.12 ; for all schools.
11 47
Pens and one bottle of ink for selectmen
73
Books and supplies on hand.
25 86
$343 43
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES ON HAND.
One Franklin new fifth reader 70
One Franklin adv. third reader 40
Four Franklin adv. second readers 1 20
Eleven Franklin adv. first readers
1 83
Three Franklin fourth readers. 1 35
Fourteen Franklin third readers 4 90
2.50
Two Franklin first readers.
30
Four English Grammars.
2 20
One McGuffey's speller
15
Two doz. Penmanship.
2 00
Ten Franklin second readers
25
Two doz. No. 4 drawing books.
$2 92
Three doz. No. 3 drawing books 2 00
Four doz. rulers
58
Four bottles of ink.
1 20
Two bottles of ink
71
Three slates
15
Three slates
12
Paper
50
and
furnished school committee
Ink
15
$25 86
EDWARD DIXON, Agent.
26
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
TO THE CITIZENS OF MENDON : - Time's onward march again makes it necessary that the annual school report shall be submitted for your consideration. It is presented with the conviction that, on the whole, the year about to close has witnessed as great a de- gree of advancement as any year of late has marked. It would be difficult to measure with exactness the increase of prosperity during the year, but I have the assurance that there has been a good, healthy progress, and believe that on inspection our schools will compare favorably in work done. with those of other sma I towns and with those of the same grade in larger towns.
Our teachers, as a rule, are progressive and very readily adopt improved methods.
From term to term existing faults in the work and government of the schools are found, which are corrected when possible : but sometimes the remedy is in the hands of the parents, and then we need their co-operation, which is not always easy to secure.
The advantages our schools afford children ought to be thor- oughly appreciated by every parent, and they should take an inter- est in the work of the school board and co-operate with its members in making the schools as good as possible. They should see that their children, when in good health and members of a school. attend every day, and, in case of any " unpleasantness." should give the subject their personal attention. It is hardly just to form conclu- sions without making any investigations.
The record of Attendance and Roll of Honor will be consid- ered up to the 16th inst., the Grammar, Albeeville and West schools each having three days, the North eight days, and the High four weeks and three days, longer to keep. Thus the report is, of ne- cessity, an incomplete statement of the condition of our schools for the year ; but in order that it may be printed with the annual town report, it is necessary to prepare it now. The term of school ( High excepted) of the different districts ought to be so regulated that the Superintendent should have at least a week, after they are all fin- ished and the registers collected, in which to prepare his report for publication.
In the Spring term our schools were visited by Mr. Geo. A. Walton, agent of the State Board of Education. His criticisms of the work done in the different schools, were productive of much good to our teachers.
In the Fall term a teachers' institute was held, under the aus-
27
pices of the State Board of Education. Over two hundred teachers and friends of education from the surrounding towns were present to witness the exercises. In these institutes the best methods of teaching the common school studies are presented, and teachers who attend them seldom fail to obtain ideas which are a benefit to themselves and their pupils. Our teachers were given the day to attend the institute, and the best interests of the town were served in their doing so.
ATTENDANCE, ETC.
The whole number of scholars enrolled, is twenty-four less than last year ; but as many have left town since the commence- ment of the year, the actual number now in all the schools is much less. The difference in the number of scholars in each school, this year and last, will be found on another page. The highest yearly percentage was in the Grammar and East schools, being 96 per cent. in each. The smallest yearly percentage of attendance was in the North school, being (approximately) 85 per cent. The per- centage of attendance for the year, compared with the correspond- ing terms of last year, is the same. The number of tardy marks has decreased 31 per cent., while the roll of honor has decreased only 18 per cent. The supply of diplomas having been exhausted in the Fall term, a number sufficient for several years was purchased under vote of committee.
28
ROLL OF HONOR.
Exhibiting the names of scholars who have attended school one or more terms without being absent or tardy.
HIGH SCHOOL.
FALL TERM. Clifton E. Bates.
WINTER TERM.
William L. Beals. W. Edward Dixon,
Fred H. Brown, Franklin Freeman,
Minnie D. Gaskill,
Moses W. Gaskill,
C. C. P. Hastings,
Percy I. Kinsley,
Evelyn J. Nutter,
Annie Quigley,
Jennie L. Nutter, Annie Scriven,
Grace F. Smith,
Grace Taft, Bessie W. Wilcox.
John M. Towne, One Year -* Percy T. Kinsley.
Two Years -* Fred. H. Brown.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
SPRING TERM.
Harold Wheeler, Sarah J. Kelly.
Newton J. Nutter, Annie Quigley, .Abigail Taft,
FALL TERM. Harold Wheeler, Mary Staples.
WINTER TERM.
Alfred T. Dixon, Lena Wheeler, Harold Wheeler, Florence Snow,
Joseph Dudley, Morton Holbrook, Newton J. Nutter, Mary Staples.
One Year-Harold Wheeler. Two Years-Florence Snow.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
SPRING TERM.
lola M. Wheeler, Jerry Driscoll, Morton A. Holbrook, Norman E. Wheeler,
Harry Dixon, Everett F. Darling, Ernest L. Tucker.
FALL TERM.
Bertha E. Hastings, Ethel Williams. Everett F. Darling,
Clare W. Hastings, Lillie B. Wheeler, Jerry Driscoll.
John M. Towne, Nelly M. Kelly, Jennie L. Nutter,
29
WINTER TERM.
Bertha E. Hastings,
Lillie B. Wheeler,
Harry C. Dixou, Jerry Driscoll, Archibald Gunn,
Walter F. Towne,
One Year-Jerry Driscoll.
Two Years-Everett F. Darling.
NORTH SCHOOL. SPRING TERM.
Alice Quigley, J. Grace Taft,
Mabel P. Ballou, A. Dwight Davenport,
Ora P. Davenport,
Alice Quigley, Ora P. Davenport,
FALL TERM. A. Dwight Davenport, Willie Warner.
WINTER TERM.
James Powers.
SOUTH SCHOOL.
SPRING TERM.
Jessie E. Cook, Solon Parkhurst, Willie Martin,
Grace C. Cook, Horace Parkhurst.
Ida M. Barrows, Willie Martin,
Irving E. Pearson, Harry J. Martin.
WINTER TERM. Willie Martin.
Francis A. Bebo, Harry J. Martin, One Year-Willie Martin.
EAST SCHOOL.
SPRING TERM.
William Rockwood.
Waldo A. Rockwood, Anna M. Staples,
Jessie L. Bates, Frank G. Collins, Waldo A. Rockwood,
FALL TERM. John D. Bates, Oscar A. Newhall, George A. Rockwood,
Sabrey N. Moores, Fred H. Crawford, Everett F. Darling, Edward E. Gunn, Clarence H. Moores, Paul F. Wheeler.
Grace Darling, Julia Grady, Mary E. Foley, John Grady.
Joseph HI. Lury, Ora P. Davenport, Two Years-Ora P. Davenport.
FALL TERM.
30
William Rockwood, Annie E. Collins, Sallie S. Collins, Bertha V. Horton,
Anna M. Staples,
Arthur B. Sprague, Grace E. Collins, Hannah S. Gaskill, Bertha L. Sprague, Alzie R. Staples.
WINTER TERM.
Jessie L Bates, Waldo A. Rockwood.
Hannah S. Gaskill,
One Year- Waldo A. Rockwood.
ALBEEVILLE SCHOOL.
SPRING TERM.
Cora Taft, Hattie Albee.
FALL TERM.
Cora Taft, Estine Taft, James H. Morris.
WINTER TERM.
Bertha Albee, Estine Taft,
Cora Taft, Hattie Albee.
One Year-Bertha Albee, Estine Taft, Hattie Albee.
Two Years-Cora Taft.
WEST SCHOOL.
FALL TERM. Waldo Thayer. WINTER TERM.
Josephine Burnham,' Mary L. Wood.
*In Grammar School until this term.
Oscar A. Newhall, Sallie S. Collins, Marion E. Howe.
Bertha Albee, Estine Taft, F. Ina Taft,
Bertha Albee, Hattie Albee,
F. Ina Taft. Mason F. Kinsley,
3 1
STUDIES.
The importance of good Reading, is fully recognized by our teachers ; and instead of the old method of teaching children to read a letter at a time and drawl out each word in a listless and misun- derstanding manner, the teachers endeavor to have their scholars read intelligently and without hesitation, first teaching words that stand for ideas, instead of letters that, to the young scholar, rep- resent incomprehensible sounds. The supplementary Readers have been of great assistance to them in this work, as they furnished the younger scholars with more extensive reading of the same grade.
In Penmanship, there has been a decided improvement this year, and the same may be said of Drawing.
The results obtained by the study of Arithmetic, are not at all satisfactory. More time is probably devoted to this study than to any other, and scholars pass the poorest examination in it. We are too apt to hurry scholars, instead of giving them time to master one subject before proceeding to the next, which may require still greater mental development. The teachers are. no doubt, some- what influenced by the desire of parents to have their children ad- vance rapidly in their books ; but the knowledge one has acquired of any study pursued, cannot be measured by the number of pages he has gone over. There is an opportunity for great improvement in this study.
The results obtained from the study of Grammar, are also unsat- isfactory. The work is not made practical enough. A scholar may analyze a fairly difficult sentence and parse any word in it ; but if called upon to construct an original sentence of equal diffi- culty, he is as likely to fail as to succeed in performing it correctly. Technical Grammar is taught too soon, and the young scholars, be- ing obliged to learn hard, dry, incomprehensible rules. very soon develop a dislike for the subject which often clings to them as long as they remain in school. There is no better way to teach children Language, than to have them make use of it both in oral and writ- ten exercises. Language lesssons should take the place of techni- cal Grammar, until a child is at least twelve years old.
The plan adopted this year of teaching U. S. History as a reading lesson has proved quite successful, the Eclectic Primary History used for the purpose being well adapted to our Grammar grades. Geography is generally well taught, and in written exam- inations scholars usually reach the highest per cent. in this study. Commendable progress has been made in Map Drawing.
In accordance with the law passed at the last session of the Legislature, Physiology has been added to our curriculum. which now consists of Reading, Writing. Arithmetic, Spelling, Geogra- phy, Grammar, Drawing, U. S. History and Physiology. These studies are all required by law. This science is taught orally, so is not a very severe tax on the pupil's mind. The elementary princi-
3 2
ples of other sciences might in this way be profitably taught our young scholars, thus tending to a more general cultivation of their faculties.
HIGH SCHOOL.
This school was taught in the Fall term by Mr. Nason, of Woonsocket, a graduate of Brown University. At the end of the Fall term he resigned. and the school committee secured the services of Mr Volney Skinner, of Watertown. another graduate of Brown, for the Winter term. Under his direction, the scholars are doing good work in their studies. Mr. Skinner evinces a genuine interest in his work, and labors hard for the welfare of his scholars.
There are thirty-six pupils enrolled, of whom seventeen come from the outer districts. Since the school was established there have been five years when the school was larger, eight years when it was smaller, and two years when it contained the same number of scholars as at present. Comparing the cost per scholar with that of a decade ago, and using the number of scholars now in the school (36) for this year's basis. we have the following : In 1875- 1876. number of scholars. 39: teacher's wages. $480; cost per scholar, $12.56. Teacher's wages this year, $360; number of scholars, 36 ; cost per scholar, $10.
In the Fall term, although the class did not enter this school as heretofore, it was brought together in the Grammar school where, under the excellent instruction of Miss Bennett. the mem- bers received a much better training than they would have received in the High school, of which they virtually formed a part. This ar- rangement, for obvious reasons, was a great advantage (which might have been better improved) to the High school in the Fall term, and by it the number of classes was kept down to ten this winter.
This school has been maintained by the town for eighteen years, and its beneficent work has been, and still is, recognized by all those interested in the education of the children of this town. A school that is composed of the best scholars from the different dis- trict schools, as this one is, cannot but be an advantageous one. It not only benefits the scholars in it, but acts as an incentive to greater efforts on the part of those who remain in the other schools. to ad- vance in their studies, so that, in due time, they, too, may reach the distinction of being High school scholars.
All the class that entered this year, were required to take three studies besides miscellaneous work. Some of the pupils who were prepared to enter the Latin class already formed. were permitted to make that study a fourth one, with the understanding that if one was dropped it should be the Latin.
Owing to the admittance of this large class and the re-arrange- ment of the classes this term, the expense for books has been great. It is time the school committee laid out a course of study for this
33
school that should be strictly adhered to. We have books sufficient for large classes in the following studies : Reading, United States History, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Book-keeping. English Grammar, Rhetoric, Latin, Physical Geography, Physiology and Natural Philosophy. With the addition of Civil Government, this list would seem to embrace as many studies as can profitably be taught in a school like this.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
The committee were very fortunate in securing so competent a teacher for this school as Miss Bennett proved to be. A lady of superior intellect, an excellent disciplinarian and a zealous worker in her profession, she enjoyed the full confidence of her scholars, as well as parents and committee, and remarkable progress was made by her pupils. A large class from the North school entered the Grammar in the Fall term, making new demands on the teach- er, which were fully met, and this term was even more profitable than the Spring term. Miss Bennett's resignation was greatly to be regretted ; but the need of rest, with the prospect of a better sit- uation in the Spring, caused her to take that step.
Miss M. F. Briggs, of Mattapoisett, Mass .. a graduate of Bridgewater Normal school, was engaged for the Winter term. Her methods of teaching were similar to those employed by Miss Bennett. so a good opportunity was afforded the scholars to advance in their studies this Winter.
A class of eighteen left this school at the end of the Fall term, and entered the High this Winter ; so it would be difficult to give a fair comparison of the work done this term, with that of the two preceding.
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Miss Mary E Dudley has taught this school throughout the year, in a very commendable manner. Her methods of teaching are constantly improving, and work is now done in this school that would not have been attempted several years ago. She has the love and confidence of all her scholars, and no school in town has done better work than has been done here.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Miss Mary L. Taft has had charge of this school during the year. It is probably the hardest school (High excepted) to disci- pline in town. Miss Taft has succeeded well in this re- spect, and it is in this that many fail ; and all things considered. her school has made praiseworthy progress. But the same difficulty existed this year as last, the non-attendance of scholars. No teacher can do herself justice, unless parents send their children to school regularly.
34
SOUTH SCHOOL.
This school has been in charge of Mrs. Mary A. Barrows dur- ing the year. It was taught in a much more satisfactory manner than last year. There is no doubt that this school has been inter- fered with in an unlawful manner, at different times during the year, and if the teacher makes a formal complaint to the committee they should, by administering a wholesome lesson to those who dis- turb the school, protect her in the discharge of her duties from fur- ther insult.
EAST SCHOOL.
Miss Cora E. Gaskill has taught this school through the year, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. I can only speak of this school in words of praise, and sincerely hope the great interest which the people of this part of the town evince in their school will not in the future diminish, for while it lasts they cannot have a poor school.
WEST SCHOOL.
Miss Lottie F. Cornwell has had charge of this school for the year. It is to be regretted the excellent teacher of last year conld not have been retained, but a larger salary drew her elsewhere. There are some bright children in this school, and, on the whole, fair progress has been made.
ALBEEVILLE SCHOOL.
Miss Dora Taft has had charge of this school during the year, and the scholars under her have made commendable progress in their studies throughout the year. This school, which until lately was considered our largest school, is now the smallest in town.
APPARATUS.
Under the law which gives the school committee authority to appropriate 25 per cent. of the State School fund for the purchase of maps, etc , I have, after consulting with the committee, pur- chased some necessary maps and supplementary readers, and a desk copy of "White's Oral Lessons" for each school. They have been used a great deal through the year, with good results.
TEXT BOOKS.
I would report that the text books furnished by the town have been kept in good condition, and that all the books furnished the scholars this year and last were in the school this Winter term, none having been worn out or lost; that there has been no difficulty in having scholars use books which had been used by other scholars, and that the law works successfully, to the benefit of our schools.
35
COST OF SCHOOLS.
The decreasing number of scholars in town has raised the in- quiry, whether the cost of instruction per scholar is not considera- bly more now than it was, say ten years ago, when the schools were larger. The following table will show the cost per year for each scholar, the average number of scholars and the average wages per month paid teacher this year, and also for the year ending April 30, 1876.
Average Number of
Average Number of
Average Wages Paid
Teachers per Month,
Average Wages Paid
Teachers per Month,
Average Cost
per Scholar,
Average Cost per Schofar,
1886.
North.
30
2.2
$40 73
$25 60
$9 56
$8 73
Primary.
41
32
34 71
25 20
5 92
6 29
Grammar.
33
24
41 78
34 57
8 86
10 08
South.
13
14
28 71
21 33
15 46
11 43
East.
24
23
34 28
26 66
10 00
8 58
West.
11
14
24 00
20 00
15 37
10 71
Albeeville.
32
14
33 71
25 46
7 37
13 28
SCHOOL HOUSES.
The South school house has been newly shingled. and the inte- rior has received a coat of paint and whitewash and some necessary repairs.
The West school room has been enlarged by removing the par- tition between it and the entry, and some other necessary improve- ments made.
In the Centre room, the furniture has been re-varnished and coal stoves put in for the Winter term, as the rooms could not be sufficiently warmed by the wood stoves.
A well, for which the town made a special appropriation, has been dug for the use of the North school,
The East school house needs repairing on the west side badly. The recitation bench is on this side of the school room, and cold westerly winds blow through open cracks in the side of the school house directly on to the scholars, and expose them to the risk of taking cold.
The interior of the Albeeville school house needs renovating. Some method of ventilating the school rooms should be adopted, as bad air is the rule rather than the exception.
SCHOOLS.
Scholars 1876.
Scholars, 1886.
1876.
1886.
1876.
36
CONCLUSION.
The methods of teaching the different studies in our schools should be more uniform, and to this end would suggest that all teachers be required to attend a teachers' meeting. hekl under di- rection of the school committee, some day before the commence- ment of each term, and that the best methods of teaching the dif- ferent subjects there presented should be adopted by all the teach - ers.
Our method of electing teachers should be changed. Each teacher should be elected by the committee as a board Our pres- ent met hod. so I am informed on good authority, is illegal.
Monthly reports should be used in all the schools, as they wouldl keep the parents informed of the progress of their children, and would, perhaps, awaken more interest in their minds concern- ing the progress of the school.
With many thanks for the generous support the School Com- mitte have given me for the last three years, and for the courteous treatment received from teachers. this report is respectfully sub- mitted.
EDWARD DIXON,
Superintendent of Schools.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
RESOURCES.
Amount unexpended, April 30, 1885 $121 22
Town appropriation for 1885. 1,500 00
Received for Milford scholars 6 00
Upton
26 50
Income from dog tax . 98 63
Received from State School Fund 210 60
$1,962 95
EXPENDED.
'Teachers' wages*
$1,684 00
Fuel and care of firet .
100 00
Apparatus from State School Fund 45 64
$1,829 64
Balance in Treasury 133 31
$1,962 95
* Including all wages that will be due this year.
t Including what is estimated to be due.
SCHOOLS.
TERMS.
TEACHERS.
Length of School
Per Month. Teacher's Wages
Whole Number of
Average Attend'ce
of Scholars.
Percentage of
Attendance.
Number of
Tardinesses.
Roll of
Honor.
Number Scolars
Under Five Years.
Over Fifteen Y'rs. Number
Number of Schol-
ars in 1885-1886.
Fuel and Care of
Repairs on
Schoolhouses.
High.
Fall. Winter.
O. C. B. Nason. Volney Skinner.
3
60 60
23 36
17. 34.78
87 97
12 12
16
Spring. Fall.
Mary L. Taft.
21/
24
25
22.52
26
8
North.
Winter.
Mary E. Dudley.
912 272
24
34
26.75
94
33
8
23/
24
32.62
93
20
1
34
Primary.
Fall.
-
21-
28
24
21.40
90
2
12
1
34
Winter.
Sarah L. Bennett.
2
36
24
20.55
94
8
Spring.
29
Grammar.
Fall.
Mary F. Briggs.
215
32
18
17.62
98
3
8
27
Winter.
Mary A. Barrows.
21/ 172
20
15
10 72
89
0
4
70 68
South.
.
Winter.
272
24
15
12.18
13
2
3
1
14
11 00
212
24
20
18.35
97
8
3
2
2.2
Spring. Fall.
4)1/
23
26
24.29
95
11
16
1
20
East.
Winter.
2
20
12
9.62
84
4
Spring.
Lottie T. Connell. .
23/
20
15
12.97
90
1
Fall.
234
20
15
12.67
91
9
2
15
Winter.
212
24
18
15.43
91
2
5
Dora Taft.
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