USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1883/1884-1886/1887 > Part 15
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2 74
Darand, George,
2 00
Fiske, Fred J.,
2 00
Dufant, Pierre,
2 00
Felton, William L.,
2 00
Dolan, John,
2 00
Flewry, Lawrence,
2 CO
Delehanty, E. J.,
2 00
Fountain, Lucian,
2 00
Davis, Mason,
2 00
Fortier, Pierre,
2 00
Deslauriers, Alfred,
2 00 Farland, Eugene,
2 00
Deslauriers, Antoine,
2 00 Farley, Henry,
2 00
Degrenier, Desire,
2 00 Fallows, Alfred,
2 00
II3
UNPAID TAXES.
Gervius, Isadore,
$2 00
Grencier, Nazarmi
$2 00
Gleason, Mrs. James,
25 90
Gregorie, Jouchien, 2 00
Gaumond, Francois,
2 00
Gowan, John,
2 00
Gaudette, Hercules,
2 00 Guillette, Michael,
2 00
Geriourd, J. B.,
2 00
Grant, Edward,
2 00
Gauthier, Stanislas,
2 00
Graid, Frank,
2 00
Grant Michael,
2 00
Graid, Louis,
2 00
Giroux, Louis,
2 00
Galipeau, J. B.,
2 00
Gravel, Xavier,
2 00
Hoben, John T.,
2 74
Gerouard, Francois,
2 00
Houghton, A. B.,
15 32
Gravel, Louis,
2 00
Howard, Lewis A.,
3 85
Gagnon, John,
2 00
Hogan, John,
2 00
Gravel, Elphege,
2 00
Homer, Louis, 2 00
Gagnon, Moise,
2 00
Holden. Daniel.
2 00
Garceau Moses,
2 CO
Harrigan, Patrick,
2 00
Geer, J. M.,
2 00
Holden, Thomas,
2 00
Geer, Frank H.,
2 00
Holden, James T., 2 00
Grant, James,
2 00
Hayes, John,
2 00
Grank, William,
2 00
Hooker, L. L.,
2 00
Grant, Bernard,
2 00
Hayes, Pierre,
2 00
Galipeau, Alfred,
2 00
Horton, Charles, L., 2 00
Gilbert, Antoine,
2 74
Hall, John O.,
2 00
Gilbert, Pierre,
2 00
Henry, William S.,
2 00
Gagnon, Pierre,
2 00
Howe, F. E.,
2 00
Goddeu. Edmond,
2 00
Hall, William L. D.,
2 00
Guilmet, Eugene,
2 00
Hanson, Daniel, 3 16
Gregorie, Joseph,
2 00
Hammon, James,
2 00
Garseau, Pierre,
2 CO
Hetu, Louis, 2 00
A
Hemmingway, Judson, 2 00
Grandchump, Joseph.
2 00
Hogan, John W., 2 00
George, James,
2 74
Hill, Henry M.,
2 00
Gaumand, Abraham, 2 00
Houle, Theophile,
2 00
Gaumand, Raymond,
2 00 Holmes, Albert,
2 00
Gregorie, Charles,
2 00
Horton, David K., 2 00
Gagnon Lucien,
2 00
Hogan, Edward, 2 00
Gauthier, Amable,
2 00 Hartshorn, Albert,
2 00
Grant, George W.,
2 00
114
UNPAID TAXES.
Hetu, Eleazer,
$2 00
Lavoice, Pierre,
$2 00
Harrigan, Daniel,
2 00
Lee, Richard, 2 00
Hourigan, James,
2 00
Lynch, Thomas, 2 00
Holden, Daniel,
2 00
Lataille, Alex.,
2 00
Hinchcliffe, William,
2 00
Lavalle, Louis,
2 00
Hanley, Patrick,
2 00
Lucier, Thomas,
17 56
Henshaw, George H.,
2 00
Langvin, Pierre, 2 00
Irwin, Stephen P., Jr.,
2 00
LeClair, P. Narcisse, 2 00
Johnson, Thomas N.,
2 00
Langvin, Alphonse, 2 00
Jack, William,
2 00
Lavonge, Louis,
2 00
Joubet, E.,
2 00
Larivier, Pierre,
2 00
Jennison, Charles L.,
2 00
Laughlin, John,
2 00
Julbert, Deendom,
2 00
Lusignan, Adolph,
2 00
Julbert, Ornegum,
2 00
Lavalle, Joseph, Jr.,
2 74
Kelly, James H.,
2 00
Lavalle, Louis, 3d,
2 00
King, Augustus,
2 00
Lavalle, J.,
2 00
Keough, John,
2 00
Lamothe, Felix, Jr.,
2 00
Kind, Fred.,
2 00
Lyon, Otis F.,
2 00
Kirk, Thomas,
2 00
Lamothe, Olivier,
2 00
King, Paul N.,
2 00
Lucier, Magloin,
2 00
Kenny, John,
2 00
Lucier, Alfred,
2 00
Keough, James,
2 00
Lucier, Joseph,
2 00
Keyes, Thomas,
2 00
Lucier, William,
2 00
Keating, Martin,
15 32
Lynch, Thomas,
2 00
Keating, John,
2 00
Leduc, Moses,
2 00
Kelly, William,
2 00
Lavalle, Gaeus, Jr.,
2 00
Keeler, Seth,
2 00
Lataille, Cyrille,
2 00
Leonard, Bernard,
2 00
Lee, James, 2 00
Litchfield, Edward M.,
2 00
Loranger, J. B.,
2 00
Langvin, Joseph,
20 35
Lusignan, Charles,
2 00
Lavally, Michael,
2 00
Lamothe, Henry,
2 00
Lucier, Geląs,
2 00
Lamothe, Dennis,
2 00
Lavoice, Telesphore,
2 00
Lacasse, Alfred, 2 00
Lamothe, Felix,
2 00
Lavalle, Albert, 2 74
Lynch, Patrick,
2 00
Lusignan, Clement, 2 00
Lachapelle, Narcisse,
2 00
Lusignan, Clement, Jr., 2 00
115
UNPAID TAXES.
Leduc, Telesphore,
$2 00
Labossier, Stanislas, $2 00
Lavalle, Pierre,
2 00
Lavalle, Paul, 2 00
Landry, Paul,
2 00
Ledere, Geoffacy, 2 00
Lavalle, Pierre,
2 00
Lacasse, Arthur, 2 00
Lynk, Frank,
2 00
Lacasse, Francois, 2 00
Loomis, Augustus,
2 00
Larivier, Louis, 2 00
Lachapelle, Joseph E.,
2 00
Lapiene, Joseph, 17 76
Laplante, Louis,
2 00
Lapiene, Joseph, Jr., 2 00
Laplante, Joseph,
2 00
Lapiene, Napoleon, 2 00
Lagesse, Adolph,
2 00
McCullum, Douglas,
2 75
Lachapelle, J. B.,
2 00
Mansfield, Thomas,
2 74
Larivier, Louis,
2 00
Mckinstry. Alfred, 2 CO
Lescarbo, Febien,
2 00
Monett, Moiss,
2 00
Lescarbo, L.,
2 00
Mulhulland, Nicholas, 2 00
Laroche, J. B. D ,
2 00
Murray, Augustus, 2 00
Longvin, Paul,
2 00
Murphy, Michael, 2 00
Lavalle, Pierre,
2 00
Murphy, James,
2 00
Lavoice, Henry,
2 00
Moore, Robert T.,
2 00
Laparde, Joseph,
2 00
Marchessault, Moise,
2 00
Livernois, Jules,
2 00
Morris, Owen,
2 00
Laroche, Julien,
2 00
McKinard, Patrick,
2 00
Laroche, Charles,
2 00
Martland, John,
2 00
Lavedier, Joseph,
2 00
Mullen, Patrick,
I 85
Larivier, Joseph D.,
2 00
Metevin, Napoleon,
2 00
Laplante, Osias,
2 00
Minns, James, 2 00
Lavoix, Calints,
2 0 )
McQuirk, William,
2 00
Livernois, Olivier,
2 00
Moulton, George V., 2 00
Lavalle, Thomas,
2 00
Murphy, Thomas, 2 00
Lippu, Napoleon.,
2 00
Martin, J. B.,
2 00
Laroche, Ladger,
2 00
Macomber, A. L., 6 44
Larochelle, Pierre,
2 00
Marshalsault, Narcisse, 2 00
Laliberty, Maxime,
2 00
McGilpin, John C., 2 00
Laplante, Norbert,
2 00
Mansfield, John,
2 00
Lezotte, Edward,
2 00
Murphy, Dennis, 2 00
Labossier, Pierre,
2 00 Melloney, Louis M., 2 00
Labossier, Philias,
2 00 Myers, Augustus,
2 00
TI6
UNPAID TAXES.
Morrill, Moses, $2 00
Nadeau, Louis, $2 00
Matte, Damare, 2 CO
Nadeau, J. B., 2 00
McBeth, J. H.,
2 00
Nadeau, Joseph, 2 00
Morse, Ruggles, W'.& A.M., 1 63
Nolan, Thomas, 2 00
Morse, Ruggles W., 23 98
O'Brien, Michael, 2 00
Marchessault, Joseph,
2 00
O'Brien, Martin, 2 00
Marshessault, Henry, 2 00
O'Keefe, Patrick, 2 00
Murphy, Eugene, 2 00
Morrissey, James P.,
2 00
O'Keefe, James, 2 00
McCarthy, John,
2 00
Olds. George C., 2 00
Morrissey, Patrick,
2 00
O'Brien, Jeremiah, 2 CO
Murphy, Thomas, 2 00
Oliver, Hiram, 2 00
Mitchel, Samuel, Jr.,
2 00
Putney, Newton E., 2 00
Martin, John,
2 00
Patton, Thomas L., 2 00
Morrissey, Lawrence,
2 00
Patenaude, David, 2 00
Morrissey, John,
2 00
Pellequin, Pierre,
2 00
Martel, Abraham,
2 00
Pellequin, Pierre, Jr.,
2 00
Mathiew, Felix,
2 00
Proulx, Joseph,
2 00
Murphy, Dennis,
2 00
Proulx, Joseph E.,
2 00
Marsh. George L.,
2 00
Pellet, Charles H.,
2 00
Moore, Octave,
2 00
Paivers, William D., 2 00
Montigny, Charles,
2 00
Phelps, George J., 2 00
Moringo, Eugene,
2 00
Pellequin, Louis,
2 00
McDermott, Joseph,
2 00
Peck, Pierre,
2 00
Mitchel, Samuel, 2 00
Proulx, J. B.,
2 00
Mandeville, Norbert,
2 00
Proulx, J. B., Jr.,
2 00
Merand, Telesphore,
2 00
Pocci, Dominique,
2 00
Murphy, Edward,
2 00
Proulx, Charles,
2 00
Momminy, Hormidas,
2 00
Proulx, Maxime,
2 00
Marander, Charles G.,
2 00
Potvin, Francois, 2 00
Martel, Isadore,
2 37
Proulx, Benjamin, 2 00
Momminy, Jeremiah J., 2 00
Patenaude, Joseph, 2 00
Murphy, Michael,
2 00 Paul, Francois,
2 00
Martland, Charles,
2 00
Pheron, Charles, 2 00
Murphy, John,
2 00
Pager, Pierre, 2 00
Neault, Joseph,
17 02
Patenaude, Exarex, 2 00
O'Keefe, Michael, 2 00
II7
UNPAID TAXES.
Pellequin, Adolph,
$2 00
Robert, Louis,
$2 00
Potvin, George,
2 00
Racicot, Louis, II 34
Proulx, Bozile,
2 00
Reed, Joseph, 2 00
Proulx, Francois, Jr.,
2 00
Rowney, James,
2 00
Proulx, J. B., Jr.,
2 00
Ritter, Frank,
2 00
Porrier, Pierre,
2 00
Ramsey, Abram,
2 00
Pelequin, Joseph, Jr.,
2 00
Ritter, Morris,
2 00
Plasse, Henry,
2 00
Ryan, Patrick,
2 00
Polasher, Ernest,
2 00
Renard, Pierre,
2 00
Peck, Theodule,
2 00
Renard, Joseph,
2 00
Peck, Richard,
2 00
Robideau, Augustus,
2 00
Prusanault, Bernabe,
2 0)
Reynolds, George W.,
2 00
Pager, William,
2 00
Rabitaills, Clement,
2 00
Peck, Napoleon,
2 00
Riley, Matthew,
2 00
Potvin, Joseph,
2 00
Renaud, J. B.,
2 00
Place, Theodore M.,
2 00
Ryan, William O.,
2 00
Pelequin, Theotine,
2 00
Richard, Alfred,
2 00
Perron, Phillias,
2 00
Riopelle, Leander,
3 II
Parker, John,
2 00
Riopelle, Eugene,
2 00
Perron, Louis,
2 00
Recher, Joseph,
2 00
Parent, Cleaphase,
2 00
Robert, Louveraim, 2 00
Parent, Victor,
2 00
Robidan, Cyrille,
2 00
Perron, Michael,
2 00
Rheims, Leon,
2 00
Plante, Augustus,
2 00
Reed, F. H.,
2 00
Phaneauf, Paul,
2 00
Smith & Bacon,
59 20
Perreault, J. B.,
2 00
Sayles, Sarah, estate,
2 96
Proirier, J. B.,
2 00
Simpson Daughters,
II 32
Proulx, Joseph, D.,
2 00
Smith, Andrew J.,
2 00
Porter, Hannah L.,
67 Shepard, Frank H.,
2 00
Quirk, John,
2 00
Shesler, John,
2 00
Reynolds, Monroe,
12 12
Senecal Narcisse,
18
Ryan, John J.,
2 00
Sheridan, Patrick,
2 00
Riley, Matthew,
2 00
Savory, Frank,
2 00
Ryan, Thomas,
2 00
Simpson, F. Havier,
2 00
Ryan, James H.,
2 00
Sinard, Aristide,
2 37
Ryan, James W.,
2 00
St. Onge, Vitatien,
2 00
UNPAID TAXES.
Simmons, Samuel,
$2 00
Thereault, Emery, $2 00
Simpson, George,
2 00
Thereault, Joseph, 2 00
Smith, Robert,
2 00
Tyler, A., 2 00
Simpson, Louis, 2 00
Tremblay, Theophile, 2 00
St. Onge, Joseph,
2 00
Thereault, Philip, 2 00
Surprenant, Joseph,
2 00
Vinton, David B., 2 00
Savory, Pierre,
2 00
Vinton, Larkin, 2 00
Sanders, William,
2 00
Varin, Joseph,
2 00
Sullivan, Daniel,
2 00
Walker, Horace,
18 09
Swiney, Joseph,
2 00
Weld, William S.,
76 43
St. Martin, Antoine,
2 00
Ward, Thomas, 2 00
Tobin, Joseph,
2 00
Whalen, Paul, 2 00
Thetreault, Jacques,
2 00
Whalen, Martin, 2 00
Thetreault, Treffle,
2 00
Weld, E. D.,
2 00
Thimblin, Anthony,
2 00
Ward, Patrick, 2 00
Therren, Desire,
2 00
Wesson, James, 2 00
Toppin, John H.,
2 00
Ware, James B.,
2 00
Townsend, F. W.,
2 00
Warren, William,
2 00
Tessier, Pierre,
2 00
Washington, George,
2 00
Tremblay, Theophile,
2 00
Welsh, John, 2 00
Thompson, Eber C.,
2 00
Wesson, Alonzo C., 2 00
Taft, Robert W.,
2 00
Waldron, Joseph H., 3 48
Taylor, Charles R.,
2 00
Wright, George, 2 00
Tremblay, Frank A.,
2 00
Wheaton, Erastus, 2 00
Therien, Julien,
2 00
West, Ernest, 2 00
Tremblay, Treffley,
2 00
Welsh, John, 2 00
Tisdale, Dennis,
2 00
Wright, E.,
29 38
Trudel, Jules,
2 00
119
UNPAID TAXES.
NON-RESIDENTS.
Horace Cutting, estate, Sturbridge, $7 40
Asa Witter, Woodstock, 5 55
E F. Shaw, Springfield, 8 88
W. A. H Grant, Providence, -
46 68
Winnie Vinton, Woodstock,
I 48
A. L. Bancroft, Woodstock,
2 96
F. B. Grant, Providence, 5 92
Caroline Vinton, Dudley,
II 84
Emily A. King, Douglas, 17 76
G. L. Clarke, Providence,
13 32
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee.
REPORT.
The changes in the schools during the year have been few ; the most important are the closing of the Plimpton street school and the reducing the number of teachers in the High School from three to two. The Plimpton street school has been united with the River street of same grade. If there should happen to be any marked increase in the number of pupils a reopening of Plimpton street school would be necessary. The wretched accommodations in the Town Hall made it desirable, if possible, to discontinue the third recitation in the High School. This was done at the expense of dropping some studies and of necessity shortening the times of recitation in some classes. This is a matter of grave importance to all parents, and especially to those who now have children passing through this school, who are daily suffering from the limited facilities that we are able to provide for them in these quarters ; and it should incite an earnest and intense agitation of the question of immediately securing suitable room for this school.
We suggested in our last report that the outlay under the text book law, would probably be reduced one-half the present year, the figures show $ 1,005 against $ 1,746 last year, taking out the cost of books newly introduced, there will remain a little more than our estimate. This expense will doubtless grow less next year, and reach its level in about two years thereafter. We have endeavored to fulfill our duty of knowing the condi- tion of the schools for ourselves, not trusting to second-hand reports from any one. We regret to say that the condition of
124
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
the schools below the grammar grades is on the whole, less sat- isfactory than a year ago. Among the various causes, we would name the prevalence of the whooping cough and measles, also the condition necessarily incident to a transition period from one form of supervision to another. We hope another year's work under one system will remedy this trouble.
In regard to promotion of pupils, we desire to emphasize our determination to insist upon such a reasonable standard of scholarship to secure admittance to the High School or promo- tion in any grade, as will fully prepare them to take the greatest possible advantage of each succeeding grade, and we hope to be able every year to raise this standard which will be the very best indication that we are making progress in the right direc- tion. We would discountenance the practice of pupils try- ing to skip a grade, believing that the most precocious child will make more solid progress by taking the entire course in time allotted and draw upon the teacher for supplementary work, if capable of greater effort.
It is reported that the State agent who visited our schools last fall, left the impression that our schools were not in as good condition as in other towns similarly situated, and that a great amount of work would be necessary to bring them up. While we would like to believe this to be only a stereotyped remark, made to keep Committees from going to sleep, it would be in- deed difficult for us to reconcile this opinion with the follow- ing facts in our experience. Namely : That we have never had a pupil from any other city or town in the State that has entered our graded schools, that has ever been found in ad- vance of the average of the class, but more frequently behind ; also from common tests that are applied in other places, we have never failed of making a satisfactory showing when tried in our schools.
The town having directed us to employ a Superintendent, we secured the services of Mr. William Harper, of Farmington, . Me., at an annual salary of $1,400. His high recommenda- tions, extensive scholarship, with years of experience in training
125
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
teachers, seemed to point him out as specially fitted for the work ; his report is herewith presented as a part of our report which renders it unnecessary for us to go into particulars as to the schools. With the exception of some slight changes men- tioned in the Superintendent's report, the regulations and courses of study remain as last year, the changes are so few it seems needless to reprint this year.
Once more we urge upon your attention the pressing need of a commodious school building to accommodate all the higher grades. Our school houses are discreditable to a town of our wealth and population, we are far behind the average of towns of like size. There is no other question before the town so im- portant to its permanent welfare as this.
Respectfully submitted, J. J. OAKES, JAMES M. AMMIDOWN, CHARLES HAGGERTY, REV. SILVANUS HAYWARD, E. M. PHILLIPS, A. J. BARTHOLOMEW,
School Committee.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the School Committee of the Town of Southbridge:
GENTLEMEN : In entering on the duties of the office, at the opening of the Fall term, I found the schools generally in good condition, well supplied with books and other necessary appli- ances, and apparently in a state of growth. Indications of recent progress were not wanting, and there appeared to be little that could not be safely used as a foundation for future development.
The time covered by this report being but little more than half the school year, and it being prepared amid pressure of other duties incident to the first year of service, I assume that a very elaborate paper will not be expected.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.
The average membership and attendance have been materially diminished, especially in the Primary grades, by the prevalence of measles and whooping cough during the Winter term. Some of the schools have had little more than half their usual number for most of the time since the Christmas vacation. The number of truants reported since August 31 is 13; of these one has been reported a second time and another five or six times, making the whole number of cases about 20.
The law requiring attendance for at least twenty weeks each year between the ages of 8 and 14 is unquestionably a beneficent one, securing a fair elementary education to thousands in the
I28
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
State who would otherwise be deprived of it. I wish here to express my hearty appreciation of the co-operation of employers of labor in enforcing the law. Parents are sometimes in error as to the time when the required term is completed. "Twenty weeks " I understand to mean 100 days of actual attendance, less only legal holidays or others granted by the proper author- ities.
TEXT-BOOKS.
The list of text-books with which you had supplied the schools I think could hardly be surpassed. The changes which I have recommended have been with a view of lightening somewhat the work of the pupils, especially in the lower grades, and of supplying them with Supplementary reading. In accordance with votes passed by your board from time to time, Supple- mentary reading has been supplied to five grades, as follows :
Second grade, 40 Johonnot's Friends in Feathers and Fur, cost - $10 00
Fourth grade, 80 Child's Book of Nature, Part I, cost 24 00 Sixth grade, 80 Eclectic Primary U. S. History, cost 33 60 Eighth grade, 40 Child's Book of Nature, Part II, cost 13 20 Ninth grade, 35 Child's Book of Nature, Part III, cost II 55
Total cost, - - - $92 35
The introduction of Supplementary reading is in accordance with the general tendency at the present time, and I think is and will be fully warranted by the results. Pupils make more rapid progress, their interest is greatly increased, and in addi- tion they realize whatever benefits are to be derived from the study of Literature. The child should not and need not go through the common school without acquiring a knowledge and appreciation of good literature.
Parts II and III of the Book of Nature can also be used in lower grades, and should ultimately be placed earlier in the course.
12)
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
In accordance with the new law relating to temperance in- struction, and with instructions of the Committee, Misses Buckalew and Lewis' Practical Work in the School Room, has been placed in the hands of the Primary teachers as a basis for oral lessons, and Smith's Primer of Physiology has been placed by your direction in the Fifth grade; for the present only as supplementary reading. I regard this as, on the whole, the best of the many works of its class for young pupils, and its use cannot fail, not only to promote temperance, but also, by teach- ing a better care of the body in various ways, to contribute to health and happiness. The enactment of the law requiring such instruction was a wise measure, which will in time be product- ive of great results.
Additional Supplementary reading will also be needed. A Reader which may be read at a single sitting of a few hours, as any below the Fifth can be, and which contains much less read- ing matter than a single issue of many daily papers, can not reasonably be expected to interest, instruct, and stimulate a bright pupil for an entire year or more, especially when he has heard the whole of it read many times by others before the book was placed in his own hands. It should also be noted that Supplementary reading does not ultimately add to the expense, for a book read through a second time will be worn more than a new one, being less appreciated, and therefore less carefully used. And though a pupil would improve by going through a reader a second time, he would improve much more with a new one. It is also extremely important that his interest be con- stantly and well maintained.
COST OF BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
The advantages of the free supply of text books and supplies, as required by. the recent law, are obvious. Economy, efficien- cy, and increased attendance are unquestionable results. With the present number of pupils, the net cost per annum will prob- ably be not far from $400 for books, and $350 for supplies.
I30
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The cost the past year is shown by the following statement :
Books and supplies on hand March 1, 1885, $320 00
Books bought during the year, $637 52 Supplies bought during the year, 367 88
-$1,005 40
$1,325 40
Books and supplies in use March I, 1886,
more than last year, estimated, $200 00 Books and supplies on hand March 1, 1886, 368 36
Books and supplies sold during the year, 42 15
$610 51
Net cost for the year, -
$714 89
Net cost per pupil, (average membership), $1 04
As so large a proportion of the books in use are new, the cost of books will probably be considerably below the average for about three years to come. Including, say, $100 for Supple- mentary reading, I think $300 will be ample for next year, and a still less amount for the year following. The cost of supplies, on the other hand, will not vary greatly from year to year.
ECONOMY IN EXPENDITURES.
The direction of the expenditures for supplies, fuel, repairs, and various incidental expenses, constitutes an important trust. The endeavor has been to exercise the strictest economy by making judicious expenditures, and by avoiding every sort of waste.
The greatest field for a true economy is in getting only what is thoroughly adapted to the purpose required, with due regard to quantity and quality ; and without claiming to have made no mistakes, I believe I am in a position, to welcome the closest scrutiny of every expenditure that has been made under my direction. I estimate the expenses for the ensuing year as fol- lows :
I3]
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
High School, -
$ 1,900 00 -
Common Schools,
Salaries, -
-
$7,250 00
Wood, -
400 00
Care rooms, etc., - -
280 00
7,930 00
Contingent expenses,
Books, -
- $300 00
Supplies, -
350 00
New desks, Main street Intermediate,
150 00
Other expenses, -
- 600 00
1,400 00
Total,
$ 11,230 00
Unless effected by contingencies now impossible to foresee, the expenditures should be within the above figures in every in- stance.
MAPS AND APPARATUS.
These are among the best investments that can be made for the school-room. The schools are well supplied with maps, though some of them are old and out of date and should be re- placed, and in a few instances, additional maps are required. The higher Primaries, on account of the use of an elementary Geography in place of the larger one, each need a full set.
The following maps and apparatus have been purchased since the opening of the Fall term :
For High School,
Classical map, (De Bello Gallico), cost $3 25
Maury's Physical and Commercial Chart, 96
Whitall's Planisphere, (for Astronomy class), 3 00
Map of Europe, (for History class), 2 50
Chemical and Physical apparatus, - For Primary Schools.
42 04
Five outline maps of New England, 5 60
For Lower Grammar Schools.
Two sets Fiedler's Anatomical Charts, 15 40
$72 75
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
At least $100 worth of additional apparatus should be pro- vided for the High School next year, most of it at the opening of the Spring term. Until the recent purchases were made, a few pieces of mechanical and pneumatic apparatus constituted the entire stock on hand, there being no chemical apparatus. But to teach science in a manner at all satisfactory without ap- paratus, is simply impossible. Apparatus of wood and iron will last with proper care for fifty years on an average, and the breakage of glassware and porcelain, with the exception of a few articles in constant use, as test-tubes, evaporating dishes, etc., ought not to exceed one to two per cent per annum, hence there can be no reason on the score of expense for not providing an ample supply, the more so, as apparatus can now be obtained much more cheaply than a few years ago. A few pieces should also be provided for the Grammar schools, to allow of some sim- ple experiments to illustrate the properties of air and water, and some of the simpler principles of light, heat and electricity, such as are described in Part III of the Book of Nature. Twenty dollars or so would provide all that is necessary for both Higher Grammar schools. Including the cost of some new maps it would be desirable to have about $150 for apparatus for next year.
Three six-inch Nims globes were purchased in November at a total cost of $6.88 for the School street Higher Primary, River street Higher Primary, and Ammidown schools. All the schools above the Lower Primaries are now supplied. The new globes are of special excellence.
QUALIFICATIONS OF TEACHERS.
Teaching is essentially a fine art, and, like all fine arts, sus- ceptible of endless improvement. The best teachers grow and develope perennially, each term's work being entered upon with new enthusiasm, and each showing improvement over the last ; others reach high-water mark in a few years or even terms, while a very poor teacher may not improve beyond the second term, or even the first. The common estimate of the qualifications
I33
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
necessary to really successful work in teaching, is too low. A high grade of scholarship, aptitude to teach and to control, and an intimate knowledge of educational principles, and the ability to apply them, are indispensable to the successful teacher. No engineer or master workman was ever in charge of a machine a thousandth part as complicated as the physical frame of a child, no master of harmony ever swept the chords of an instrument so delicate, so sensitive to all surrounding influences, so respon- sive to every touch of the real master of his art, as that union of physical with mental or spiritual nature which constitutes a human being.
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