USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1887/1888-1890/1891 > Part 24
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Florence A. Morse, Dora Taft, Alice Holmes, Maud Oldham.
Intermediate.
Mary E. Clemence, Mary E. Meagher, Mary P. Lara. Jane Farquhar.
Primary.
Mary A. Pellett, A. Rebecca Rowley, Mrs. S. M. Knight, Annie F. Morse, Agnes M. Meagher, Mary J. Delehanty, Isabella P'. Taylor, Mary A. Ellis, Emma S. Barrett, Cora F. Mo- Cambridge, Olive J. Hale, Georgia F. Drake, Nellic J. Wattie, Ida M. Plimpton. Lucy W. Harden, Mary E. Me- C'abe.
Ungraded. Susan M. Corbin, Valetta M. Paine, Alice B. Aldrich, Jennie M. Keyes, Martha Plimpton. Special Teacher of Drawing, Jennie E. Chamberlain.
REPORT.
IN THE CITIZENS OF SOUTHBRIDGE:
Many things might profitably be said in a report upon the educational interests of the town, but the space which it is un- derstood such a report is to occupy permits only brief reference to most important matters. During the past year the schools of the town have been in a fairly prosperous condition, and though peculiar difficulties have been encountered, good work has been accomplished. We have been successful in obtaining a good corps of teachers, and these have been well supervised by our efficient Superintendent. It is a matter of simple justice to say that he performs the many duties of his office with fidelity and zeal. Since this method of supervision was adopted by the town the schools have steadily improved. This method is no longer an experiment with us, and the results are such that none who desire the highest prosperity of the schools will entertain the idea of returning to the old method. The old method has had its day, and towns with a progressive spirit are fast discard- ing it for the newer and more successful method. Recent acts of the legislature favor and strongly encourage this method of supervision by a superintendent, and it is probable that in the near future it will be made obligatory.
The closing of the French Parochial School made it neces- sary during the past year to provide for about five hundred more scholars than have been under our care in previous years. Suddenly called upon to provide for so many extra pupils, the
71
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Committee could do no better than to hire the Parochial build- ing on Pine street. This building lacks the appointments and facilities for good school work, but as the children who were thus provided for were accustomed to attend there, probably nothing was missed by them, and it was the best provision that could be made to meet the emergency. It was however impos- sible, either in compliance with the laws of the state or the laws of health to confine as many scholars in that building as had « been in attendance there previously, and it was therefore neces- sary to provide room for a large number in other places. Even with all the extra room thus secured many of the schools have been crowded in a manner which has made the best work im- possible and endangered the health of the pupils. All this too has of course greatly increased the school expenses and neces- sitated asking for extra appropriations. We are happy to report, however, that the expenses of the year have exceeded those of the preceding year by only about three thousand dollars.
In our last report it was intimated it might soon be neces- sary to provide larger school accommodations in the vicinity of Elm street. The Committee had hoped that the request for extra room might be delayed until the town had removed some of its debt, but soon after the opening of the schools in the fall it became apparent that the need for more room was im- perative. Reluctantly the Committee requested the citizens to provide for this need by erecting a larger building on Elm street. The request was reasonable, the plan suggested feasible, the need real and imperative. A matter of so great importance should have received other treatment than apathy and unreason- able opposition. The need still exists and ought to be immedi- ately met. The citizens of Southbridge could do no more humane or Christian act than to immediately erect a modern school building with modern conveniences and appliances for the rising generation. The school buildings of the town do not compare favorably with other public buildings, and do not indi- cate a commendable degree of interest in educational matters
72
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
on the part of the citizens.
Not a little comment has been made upon the amount of money expended for school purposes. So far as this has been intelligent and fair minded comment the Committee have given it a listening ear; but to mere fault finding and political bun- combe we have given no heed. The question has been frequent- ly asked, "Why do our schools cost so much more than they used to cost?" It ought not to be difficult for a thoughtful and fair minded person to find satisfactory answer to such a ques- tion. This question might be sufficiently answered by asking another question, namely, "Why for many things does the town pay so much more than it used to pay?" Because these things are now so much better in quality that they cost more and are worth more. In.comparing the present with the past it must be considered that whereas formerly all books and material used in the schools were furnished by the parents, now they are fur- nished by the town. Practically, the source from which the money comes for this purpose is the same now as formerly, but. coming now through the town treasury, it looks as though the town expended much more for the schools than under the for- mer plan. Comparing the past few years with former years it must be considered that in recent years there has been the ne- cessity for extensive repairs. Much as we would like to have them. buildings will not last forever, and when they have been neglected a little too long the expense of repair is large. Again it must be considered that ever advancing standards of educa- tion, and ever improving methods and means of instruction make necessary an increased outlay of money. However, the results fully justify the investment. We should desire and seek 'the most approved methods and means, and the best re- sults in education. Money spent in securing these is not extrav- agance. It is wise investment that will yield rich returns. In affairs of education, as well as in other matters, it is true that "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
73
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Following will be found an account of the expenditures for the past year, and estimates for the ensuing year, together with the report of the Superintendent:
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Balance from last year,
$ 401 95
Appropriation, 2400 00
Tuition from other towns, 69 00
$2870 95
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Balance from last year,
$ 301 13
Appropriation, 10,300 00
Special appropriation, Nov. 4.
3400 00
From State fund,
66 64
== $14.067 77
CONTINGENT ACCOUNT. .
Balance from last year,
$ 73 72
Appropriation, 2500 00
Special appropriation, Nov. 4, 1100 00
Books, supplies, etc., sold,
30 92
$3704 64
APPARATUS ACCOUNT.
Balance from last year, $164 02
From State fund, 22 00
$186 02
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
Appropriation,
$600 00
Total resources,
$21,429 38
The Committee have expended :
HIGH SCHOOL.
Teachers' salaries. 52352 50
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Salaries of teachers and superintendent. 811.049 50 Fuel. 745 45
Care of buildings.
786 65
Rent.
100 00
Tuition.
16 00
-$12,697 60
CONTINGENT ACCOUNT.
For books.
$819 79
For supplies.
907 48
For repairs.
710 32
For furniture.
710 77
Incidental expenses.
561 72
$3710 08
APPARATUS ACCOUNT.
For apparatus and books of reference. $103 57
75
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
Teachers,
$433 50
Care of rooms,
59 25
Fuel and light.
28 72
Books and supplies.
28 08
Incidentals,
16 90
Rent of Room,
32 00
$598 45
Total expenditures. $19,462 20
Balance in hands of Treasurer, 1967 18
Books and supplies on hand, not distrib- uted.
713 50
APPROPRIATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR.
For High school,
$ 2100 00
Common schools,
10,600 00
Contingent schools-
Books.
$700 00
Supplies,
600 00
Repairs,
500 00
Incidentals.
600 00
$2400 00
Apparatus.
100 00
Evening schools,
600 00
$15,800 00
In behalf of the Committee, GORHAM EASTERBROOK.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. :
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF SOUTHBRIDGE:
MRS. WELLS AND GENTLEMEN :- In presenting this my fifth annual report, the same being the sixth of the series of the annual reports by the Superintendent, I realize the inadequacy of words to measure the practical workings and progress of an organization so complex in its relations and interests as the school system of a large and growing town. Whatever may be said, that which is best in our schools must be seen in its devel- opment from day to day to be rightly interpreted.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS.
Population of the Town, State census, 1890, 7747
Valuation of the Town for 1890, $3,260,540
Number of children between 5 and 15 years of age, 1589
Number enrolled in public schools during the year, 1615
Number under 5 years of age,
11
Number over 15,
79
Number between 5 and 15,
1525
Number between 8 and 14,
1016
Average number belonging,
1185.62
.Average daily attendance,
1092.01
Per cent. of attendance,
92.1
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
77 4
Number enrolled in St. Mary's Parochial school, 199
Average membership, 191
COST PER PUPIL.
Current expenses, including teaching. fuel and care
of buildings, $15,050 10
C'ost per pupil, based on total enrollment. 9 32
Cost per pupil, based on average enrollment. 12 69
Total expenditures, less permanent repairs, 17,831 01
Cost per pupil, based on whole number, 11 04
Cost per pupil, based on average enrollment. 15 04
ATTENDANCE BY SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS.
Whole No. regis-
tered during year.
Average number
belonging.
Average Attend-
ance.
Per Cent. of At-
tendance.
Average tardiness
of each Pupil.
Number of weeks
of School.
High School,
·
79
69.9
65.4
93.6
4.14
39 6
Higher Grammar-Main street, .
48
36.79
34.88
95
.77
37.4
School street,
29
25.06
23.25
92
2.24
37.0
Lower Grammar-Main street, .
54
44.23
41.09
92.89
1.00
37.6
School street,
28
20.21
19.45
96.20
2.00
37.6
Intermediate-Main street.
81
56 66
53.18
93
3.27
37.6
Union street,
55
37.53
35.76
95.28
.45
37.6
River street,
28
25.01
24.41
97.60
4.96
25.6
Pine street,
14
35.98
33.2
92.28
1.34
25.6
Higher Primary-Elm street,
86
55
49
89
2.28
37.6
School street,
89
57.67
53.03
93.90
1.64
37.6
River street,
36
30.82
29.93
91.11
2.61
25.6
Carpenter,
79
50.72
45.07
88.86
3.52
37.4
Pine street, .
37
31.13
37.89
89.59
2
25.6
Lower Primary-Elm street,
70
45
39
86 67
7.24
37.6
Main street,
74
61.09
54.86
89.80
2.23
25.6
Main street,
54
49.39
45.17
91.46
1.74
37.4
School street, Carpenter, .
100
62.53
56.65
96.14
1.85
37.6
Grade 1 .- River street,
52
39.63
38.13
96.51
1.84
37.6
Grade 2 .- River street,
45
32.65
30.91
94.67
3.58
25.6
Plimpton street,
29
23.82
22.39
94 83.84
.5
25.4
Grade 2 .- Pine street.
44
38.75
33.68
86.92
1.43
25.6
Grade 2 .- Pine street.
13
38.78
37.23
96
1.95
25.6
Mixed Primary -- Sumner, Ammidown.
40
26
20.49
78
1.4
37.4
Ungraded-Bacon,
15
11.6
10.11
87
3.6
37.4
Hooker, .
15
7.56
6.57
86.90
10.8
37.4
Dennison,
5
5
4.50
90
7.8
24.8
Total.
.
1615 1185.62 1092.01
92.1
2.01
995.8
.
.
.
---
89
57.67
53.03
91.90
1.64
1.72
25.6
Grade 1 .- Pine street,
107
72 25
60.58
60
37.20
33.17
89
1.36
37.6
.
.
37.6
.
79
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The following pupils are reported as perfect in attendance, having been neither absent nor tardy during the year:
Rosa Letcher,
Carroll W. Holmes,
Jacobina Taylor,
Laura Edwards,
Mabel Murdock,
Albert Freeman,
Robert Sanders,
Lizzie Kelly,
Marion Bickerstaffe,
Fred Laplante,
Peter Laplante,
Flossie Toppan.
Perfect in attendance two terms :
Arthur Senecal,
George Senical,
Myrtie J. Vinton,
Joseph Paul,
Edmund Bergume,
Peter Proulx,
Wendall W. Sherman,
Nellie Toppan,
Chas. I. Tumey,
Fred. N. Gelineau,
Albert R. Blanchard,
Lizzie Rumrill,
Julia Barrett,
Arthur Boyer,
Stella Brainard,
Wilbert Corey,
Amity Angell,
Geo. B. Edwards,
James Bickerstaffe,
Cheney Wells,
Corinne Tetrault,
Annie Luther,
Wilson Sharp,
Eva Connor.
Thirty-four others have been perfect in attendance one term.
The registers of our public schools show an enrollment of 1615, of these 1525 are between the ages of 5 and 15, adding to these the number attending St. Mary's Parochial school, the total enrollment in all the schools is 1634, or 45 more than the number -- 1589-found in town by the enrollment officer in May. This apparent discrepancy is readily accounted for in the changing element of the population of a manufacturing town.
80
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Not a few have been in the schools who were not here to be enrolled in May. Great care is taken to avoid duplicate enroll- ments, yet a few may have been twice recorded.
The per cent. of attendance is a decided improvement over that of last year, many of the schools showing an excellent record in this respect.
The disparity between the whole number enrolled and the average membership is accounted for by the fact that a large number of pupils were in the public schools only two terms of the year.
REPAIRS AND EXPENDITURES.
The largest amount applied during the year to any one item of repairs was $136.75 for concrete at the Main street school house. The door leading from the large recitation room in the High school department cost $67. The putting in readiness for occupation the several additional rooms, required for the Fall term was a matter of considerable expense.
Next year the building in the Dennison district should be re- shingled, and the roof of the Main street school house thoroughly repaired. For two years this roof has required frequent re- pairs, and is now in a bad condition. It may be found so old and worn as to be past repair. These are the only items that have come to my notice, to be provided for aside from the ordinary repairs.
81
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
The following table gives the summary of the statistics of these schools :
EVENING SCHOOLS.
Number of
Sessions.
Number
Enrolled.
Average
Membership.
Average
Attendance.
Per Cent. of
Attendance.
Plimpton street, Boys,
38
39
30
27.47
91.57
Plimpton street, Girls,
36
49
40
31.4
78.7
Union street, Boys, .
38
47
38
34.5
90.8
Union street, Girls, .
35
52
47
43.14
91.78
Central street, Boys,
30
59
48
40.17
83.69
Central street, Girls,
32
65
53
45.19
85.26
Police station, Boys,
30
33
26
22.88
8.8
Totals,
344
282
244.75
86.79
MEMBERS PRESENT EVERY SESSION.
Alfred Avery,
Amercine Boucher.
Louis Gilbert,
Alma Jolly,
Charles St. Martin,
Delia Hyatt,
Hormidas Grenier,
Albina Gauthier,
Henry St. Martin,
Josephine Perry,
Evorace Peloquin,
Alexina Derosier.
Napoleon Hyatt,
Delia Perry,
Felix Lovelly.
The evening schools were opened the last week of Septem- ber, those at Union and Plimpton streets in the same rooms as in previous years ; the Center schools in the hall over the Jour- nal office. Later a large number of minors were found who were unable to meet the requirements of the law in regard to
-
82
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
reading and writing in the English language, making it neces- sary to provide additional accommodations. Another school of thirty pupils was therefore opened in the rooms over the police station.
So large a proportion of those in attendance in the several schools were so deficient in knowledge of the English language that it was found necessary to confine the work of the schools, as heretofore, to the most elementary training; and no attempt was made to give instruction in any branches except reading, writing and language.
The attendance was a marked improvement over that of past years-an advance of nearly ten per cent. over last year. Fifteen were present every evening, twenty-five absent only one session, twenty-six lost two sessions, twenty-three lost but three nights. Two hundred and twenty-two attended seventy per cent. or more of the whole number of sessions.
The difference between the average membership and the total enrollment is due not so much to irregularity in attend- ance as to change of residence. The records show that forty- seven members of the schools either left town before the close of term or came to town after the schools commenced, and so attended only a part of the terms.
In the conduct of these schools at least two important points are established and distinctly understood: no one is to be tolerated who shows a disposition to disturb the school, or who comes with other purpose than a desire for improvement; and that the attendance must be regular. By reference to ex- tracts from the Statutes in the appendix it will be seen that an attendance of seventy per cent. of the whole number of ses- sions is required to entitle one to membership, and that the ex- cuse for non-attendance must be the physician's certificate.
That so large a number are glad of the opportunity to spend an hour and a half in study for three evenings a week after working all day, shows an interest and perseverance worthy of encouragement. The work of the evening schools
83
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
was good, and the results, on the whole, all that could be ex- pected.
THE SCHOOLS.
The work of the year has been done under exceptional con- ditions. £ The discontinuance of the Notre Dame Parochial school necessitated provisions for 500 or more additional pupils, taxing the utmost resources for suitable accommodations. By renting the Parochial school house and opening several unoccu- pied rooms at River and Plimpton streets, provision was made for all within easy reach of those buildings. For the additional primary children at the Center, the room of the Board of Trade in the Town Hall was secured for temporary use, and a class of fifty placed there. This did not provide sufficient relief, for several of the schools of lower grade have had many more pupils than could be well accommodated. The additional schools or- ganized added ten to the corps of teachers, besides several help- ers or assistants in the overcrowded schools.
In re-opening the Dennison school for the small number of children in that locality, two considerations had weight-the diffi- culty in providing conveyances to the village schools, and the unwillingness of parents to have young children so far from home all day. These small, separate schools are the most ex- pensive element of our school system.
The additional expense to the account of Common schools has been $2429.77; to the contingent account for additional fur- niture, books, supplies and incidental expenses, $1027.29. This latter amount, although expended, represents materials not consumed, but remaining as increased assets of the school de- partment, available for future use.
Fortunately the schools have been subjected to few changes of teachers during the year; and the additional force employed for the Fall term have proved efficient and successful.
84
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The work of this office, while it has been very laborious, has been attended with little satisfaction to the incumbent ; so much attention and labor has been required in adjusting the work to the new conditions and supplying the multitude of wants, that less time than usual has been at command to devote to the most important phases of supervision, that of inspecting the actual work of teaching, giving assistance to teachers and perfecting plans for the greater efficiency in the general work of the schools.
It is announced that the Notre Dame Parochial school will be re-opened in September, and the estimates for next year's appropriations are based upon that expectation.
The Intermediate schools consist of the grades V and VI. The Main street Intermediate receives each year the classes from Elm street, Carpenter and Sumner that have completed the work of grade IV. The sixth grade now numbers 39 pupils ; the entering class from Elm street 37, and from Carpenter and Sumner there are 22, making nearly 100 of the Intermediate grade, for a room with seats for 56. To meet this emergency the room on the third floor of the Library building, occupied by a school two years ago, has been rented and furnished, and all that can be accommodated will be transferred to it. This is a pleasant room and will serve for temporary use, but neither this nor the Board of Trade room should be occupied longer than until suitable accommodations can be provided.
During the coming year the Course of Study should be re-ar- ranged and adjusted, more in harmony with the work now done, and to the demands of progress in educational thought and ac- tivity. In this readjustment it is important to keep in view how few of the pupils ever go beyond the elementary grades, and how small a proportion reach the High school. To give the less favored class, during the short time they are in school, the best opportunities possible in the elements of the most practical subjects, is of the utmost importance ; and the course that will best accomplish this is found to attain the best results with all. "It is found that the child can deal with the
85
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
elements of all subjects much earlier than has been the school custom, and more satisfactory results are attained when the var- ious subjects are arranged side by side, and the work in them differs from year to year in difficulty rather than in subjects. taken up." This does not mean superficial work at any stage, but. rather a greater variety of such subject and processes as are within the reach of the first years, leaving to later years, when the mind is able to take a firmer grasp, the more thorough and exhaustive treatment.
The truant officers in the discharge of their duties, have rendered efficient assistance to the teachers. They report inves- tigating 160 cases of absence and the return of many delin- quents to their places in school
The County Commissioners report the purchase of thirty- one acres of land in West Boylston and arrangements effected for erecting buildings thereon which are expected to be in readi- ness to receive truants next December.
In the work of the year, a steady progress has been made in improved methods of instruction and management. In many of our schools excellent work is done, and gratifying results at- tained. The teachers take a genuine interest in their work and are unflagging in their efforts in raising the standard of the schools.
For their hearty co-operation, and for the personal courtesy extended by every member of the Board, I desire to express my sincere appreciation.
J. T. CLARKE,
Superintendent of Schools.
GRADUATING CLASS OF 1891.
FLORICE PEARL OAKES, ARTHUR HENRY DUBEY,
CARRIE LOUISE HILL, CARRIE ESTELLE BOOTH.
EDNA BLANCHE LITCHFIELD, EMILY JANE CLEMENCE,
LUCY MCKINSTRY, ALICE MARIA BOARDMAN,
JACOBINA WALKER TAYLOR, JOHN GRAY CLARKE.
ELIZABETH WOOD BOOTH, ANNIE MARIA NEWELL, MYRON BROADBENT CLEMENCE, MATTIE JANE PLIMPTON.
PROGRAMME OF GRADUATING EXERCISES.
MUSIC-Selection-"Amorita," Orchestra.
Weigan
PRAYER-Rev. C. H. Pettibone.
SALUTATORY AND ESSAY-" My Boat is Launched, but Where is the Shore?". Florice Pearl Oakes.
ESSAY-" Little Hinges and what Turn on Them." Carrie Louise Hill.
ORATION-"Oratory," Arthur Henry Dubey. ESSAY-" Triumphs of Thought," Carrie Estelle Booth .*
Emily Jane Clemence.
PIANO DUET-"Golden Spray," - Drumheller Carrie Estelle Booth, Alice Maria Boardman. ESSAY-"Dreams," Edna Blanche Litchfield. ESSAY-"Stitches,"
ESSAY-" Money,"
Lucy Mckinstry. t
87
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ESSAY-"Comedy of Errors," Alice Maria Boardman .*
ESSAY-" Self-Advertising,"
Jacobina Walker Taylor. WALTZ -- "Said Pacha," - Orchestra. - - Wiegand
ORATION-" Invention," John Gray Clarke. EssAY-'The Natural Features of Southbridge," Elizabeth Wood Booth. ESSAY-"One Today is Worth Two Tomorrows," Annie Maria Newell. ORATION-" United States Coins," Myron Broadbent Clemence.
ESSAY AND VALEDICTORY-"The Abundance of Reading," Mattie Jane Plimpton.
MUSIC -- Overture-"Odds and Ends," - Orchestra.
Boettger
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS-Chairman of School Committee. BENEDICTION.' * Excused. ¡ Special.
CALENDAR 1891-92.
Spring Term begins March 23, 1891; ends June 26, 1891.
Fall Term begins Monday, August 31, 1891; ends December 18, 1891.
Winter Term begins January 4, 1892; ends March 11, 1892.
VACATIONS.
June 27 to August 30, 1891, inclusive.
From Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving, the remainder of the week.
December 19 to January 3, 1892, inclusive.
March 12, 1892, to March 20, 1892, inclusive.
HOLIDAYS.
Every Saturday; Washington's Birthday; Memorial Day ; Labor Day; all National and State Fast Days.
APPENDIX.
EXTRACTS FROM RECENT STATUTES.
AMENDMENT TO SECTION 2, CHAPTER 433.
CHAPTER 135, SECTION 2 .- Every person who regularly employs, or permits to be employed, a minor fourteen years of age or over, who cannot read and write in the English lan- guage, providing such minor has been, since reaching the age of fourteen years, for one year continuously a resident of a city or town in this Commonwealth, wherein public evening schools are maintained, and is not a regular attendant of a day school, or has not attained an attendance of seventy per cent. or more of the yearly session of the evening school, shall, for every such offence, forfeit not less than fifty nor more than one hundred dollars for the use of the evening schools of such city or town. -[Approved March 19, 1889.
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