USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1891/1892-1894/1895 > Part 17
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144
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
broad and firm the foundations of a sturdy, well-proportioned manhood. Progress should be the motto, buc _it should be for- ever on the old foundations and never from them.
We invite your attention to the pressing need of somc im- portant school-house repairs as presented in the report of our sub-committee on that subject.
The town is to be congratulated on having secured an excel- lent lot for a school house. The most urgent present necessity is the erection of a suitable building. The crowded, insufficient accommodations impress every one who examines the matter. The conclusions of your special committee of last year gain force with every passing term. The town is burdened with debt and taxes are high, Every reasonable man recognizes the propriety of economy in town affairs. But when retrenchment must be made, it should certainly begin at the least important points. Public indignation would be roused against parents who should build a new piazza, or repaint their house, or buy Easter bonnets, while their children were crying for bread; or those who, in straitened circumstancs, should refuse to take of the little money in their possession, to supply their children with food. Whether in families or towns, retrenchment should not begin with the very necessities of life. Luxuries, even great conveniences, can be put by for a time. In comparison with the education of our children, it is of very little importance whether we be growing richer or poorer. Every municipal interest, save the public health, should be set aside, if need be, for the welfare of the schools. He only is wise who persistently pursues that which is highest and most important.
Information in reference to the work and condition of the schools will be found in the financial statement, and the report of the Superintendent, herewith presented, as a part of our report.
Financial Statement.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Balance from last year, Appropriation, Tuition from other towns,
$544 96
2,800 00
140 01
$3,484 97
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Balance from last year,
Appropriation,
$99 28 11,500 00 --- $11,599 28
CONTINGENT ACCOUNT.
Balance from last year,
$28 20
Appropriation, Books, supplies, etc., sold,
2800 00
29 90
$2,858 10
APPARATUS ACCOUNT.
$36 20
Balance from last year, Appropriation, 100 00 $136 20
146
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
Balance from last year,
$3 05
Appropriation,
600 00
$603 05
Total resources,
$18,681 60
The committee have expended :
HIGH SCHOOL.
Salaries of teachers,
$2,375 00
Janitor and fuel,
500 00
$2,875 00
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Salaries of teachers and superintendent,
$9,835 10
Care of buildings,
754 50
Fuel,
722 58
Rent,
15 00
---- $11,327 18
CONTINGENT ACCOUNT.
For books,
$550 62
For supplies,
487 20
For repairs,
1,152 15
For incidentals,
664 89
-
$2,854 86
147
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
APPARATUS ACCOUNT.
For apparatus and books of reference,
$120 42
EVENING SCHOOLS.
Teachers,
$443 75
Care of rooms,
45 55
Fuel and lights.
32 59
Books and supplies.
30 20
Incidentals,
15 96
Rent,
35 00
$603 05
Total expenditures.
$17,780 51
Balance in hands of treasurer, 901 09
Books and supplies on hand, not distributed,
673 50
APPROPRIATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR.
For High school-
Teacher,
$2,300 00
Janitor and fuel,
500 00
$2,800 00
Common schools-
Teachers and Supt ..
$10,000 00
Janitors,
750 00
Fuel.
750 00
Contingent schools-
Books,
$600 00
Supplies,
600 00
Repairs, ordinary.
500 00
Special repairs,
500 00
Incidentals,
700 00
$11,500 00
- $2.900 00
148
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Apparatus,
Evening schools.
100 00 600 00
$17.900 00
Respectfully submitted, In behalf of the Committee,
SILVANUS HAYWARD.
Southbridge, Mass .. March 13. 1894.
Superintendent's Report. FOR 1893-4.
GENTLEMEN OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE :
The report of the schools herewith submitted is the ninth of the series of annual reports of the Superintendent and the eighth of the present incumbent.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS.
Population of the Town, State census, 1890, 7.747
Valuation of the Town for 1893. $3,437,865
Number of children between 5 and 15 years of age, 1,783
Number enrolled in public schools during the year, 1,187
Number under 5 years of age,
18
Number over 15 years of age,
99
Number between 5 and 15,
1070
Number between S and 14.
572
Average number belonging,
745.35
Average daily attendance, 694.98
Per cent of attendance, 93.24
COST PER PUPIL.
Current expenses, including teaching, fuel and care, of buildings, $14.187 18
Cost per pupil, based on total enrollment, 11 96
Cost per pupil, based on average enrollment, 19 03
150
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Total expenditures, less permanent repairs, 16,273 20
Cost per pupil based on whole number, 13 72
Cost per pupil. based on average enrollment, 21 83
Cost per pupil in High school, 39 93
Through the courtesy of the instructors we are able to give the following statistics of the parochial schools :
.
Number enrolled at the Notre Dame Parochial school, 788
Average number belonging. 637
Average attendance, 522
Per cent. of attendance, 82
Total enrollment at St Mary's Parochial school 171
Average number belonging, 165
Average attendance, 1.52
Per cent. of atten lance, 92 11
151
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ATTENDANCE BY SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS.
Whole Number Enrolled.
Average Number Belonging.
Average Attendance.
Per Cent. of Attendance.
each Pupil.
of School.
Number of weeks and days
High School,
72
57.43
54.55
94.80
5.16
39-2
Higher Grammar-Main St.
45
38.17
37.15
97.32
.49
37-0)
Lower Grammar-Main St.
68
43.41
41.91
96,50
1.30
37-0
Intermediate-Main St.
82
49.25
45.64
92.67
2.00
37-1
Union St.
56
36.19
34.67
95.82
1.23
37-0
River St.
73
30.43
28.67
94.22
1.93
37-0
Higher Primary-Elm St.
71
17.52
43.83
92.30
1.93
36-4
School St. Carpenter
52
36.18
33.04
91.31
2.36
37-1
Lower Primary -- Elm St. -
52
30.30
28.53
94.12
1.48
36-3
Town Hall
46
36.60
33.10
90.44
1.90
36-4
School St. -
83
50.24
46.95
93.45
1.96
37-1
River St. Carpenter
83
40.56
38 21
94.21
1.50
36-4
Mixed Primary-Sumner -
Ammidown
41
31.90
27.44
86.01
1.36
37-0
Ungraded-Bacon
16
12.80
10.90
85.16
2 33
37-0
Hooker
21
12.28
10.06
90.06
9.19
36-2
Dennison
14
10.40
7.55
72.
7.80
36-4
1187 |745.35 694.98 93.24 1
2.64
37-1
25
20.51
19.81
96.59
1.52
37-1
School St.
45
29.24
28.06
95 96
1.66
37-1
60
35.62
32.28
91.50
1,90
36-4
Main St.
43
24.47
26.61
93.46
6.74
37-1
80
44.41
41.50
93.17
1.43
27-1
59
27.44
24.52
82.06
1.90
37-1
School St.
Per Cent. of Tardiness of
152
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ROLL OF HONOR.
List of pupils reported as perfect in attendance, neither ab- sent nor tardy during the year :
Clifford Chamberlain, Eva Connor, Edna Simmons, Eugene Tet- rault, Henry Tetrault, Joseph Blanchard, Arthur Nichols, Charles Tumey, Robert Sanders.
Perfect in attendance two terms :
John Allman, Louise Dorey, Thos. S. Taylor, Ethel Seavey, Annie Vincellette, Marion Bickerstaffe, Thomas Halpin, Mary Edwards, Nellie Greene, Mary Metevier, Maude Varner, George B. Edwards, Deborah Fallows, Carrie V. Comberbach, George Ashworth, Lillie MeNie, Gertrude Litchfield, Mabel Sanderson, Herbert Ellam.
Twenty-nine others have been perfect in attendance one term.
Last year we were able to report a decided advance in regu- larity of attendance, brought about by persistent efforts of teachers to secure habits of regularity and promptness. This year the reports show a slight improvement over that of last year, and a nearer approach to what it should be. The per cent. of attendance, as is usually throughout the state, is based on the average number belonging. The whole number enrolled is 43 more than last year, while the average number belonging is only 5 more. During the summer term the attendance in all the schools was excellent, giving promise of an improved record for the year; but during the fall and winter there has been an un usual degree of illness among the pupils, especially in the lower grades, but more or less affecting all grades. In two instances the interruption of attendance was so serious as to cause a tem- porary closing of the schools. This irregularity, of necessity, lowers the average enrollment, and has greatly interfered with the ordinary work of the schools. There seems to have been a censurable lack of precaution .on the part of some families, against the spread of discase. Several cases of scarlet fever
-
153
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
have occurred, of mild type, and little notice taken of the illness no physician called, no report made to the board of health, and other children of the families not detained from school. The result has been an unnecessary spread of the disease.
Attention is again called to the extract from the public statutes-printed in the appendix-an act to prevent the spread of contagious diseases through the public schools ; and also, to the laws of the board of health in regard to reporting all such cases.
The average enrollment of the school chrildren in May gives 1783 names between the ages of 5 and 15 years, an increase of 82 over the previous year.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
The evening schools have been conducted on the same gen- eral plan as heretofore, with results more satisfactory than in any previous year. These schools are for the instruction of minors in common school branches. They were opened Sept. 11, and continued 14 weeks, each of the four schools having three evenings a week, or in all, from 37 to 40 sessions.
For the accommodation of a few delinquents, whose excuse for not entering school at the opening, was the failure to realize their obligation in the matter, one school was continued a few evenings after the close of the regular sessions to give such the opportunity of making up lost time and securing the percentage of attendance required by law.
The membership of the classes was made up in greater pro- portion than heretofore of those really desirous of improvement, resulting in more orderly schools and more commendable progress. The difference between the total enrollment and the number who attended through the term is mostly due to changes of residence of members, many leaving town while the schools were in ses sion, and others coming to town after the commencement of the term. A large number did not enter until the schools had been in session several evenings on account of the mission in progress at the Notre Dame church.
154
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
On the whole, the work of these schools this year was more satisfactory than before ; the attendance of actual members more regular, and greater interest was manifested. Excellent teach- ers were employed, and quiet, order and industry prevailed.
STATISTICS.
Number of schools, 4
Number of teachers employed, 8
Number of pupils enrolled. boys 156, girls. 133, total, 289
Members, who attended 70 per cent. of the sessions, 231
Average number belonging,
199.10
Average attendance,
186.46
Per cent of attendance,
93.65
Total cost of schools for the season,
$603.05
Cost per pupil, $2.61
REPAIRS.
Last year in addition to the usual appropriation for ordinary repairs, the sum of $400 was called for, to continue the work of providing improved facilities of warming and ventilating and sanitary conditions for the school houses, as the laws now re- quire. This was applied to the improvement of the Elm street building. The Barstow system of warming and ventilating by Jacketed stoves was placed in the two rooms ; water was carried into the basement, an excellent system of water closets arranged in the basement, and the inside, both rooms and halls, painted and kalsomined- The entire cost of this work was $750.18, somewhat more than the committee anticipated.
The Union street building was re-shingled at a cost of $154.08.
155
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
These heavy drafts upon the contingent account made it necessary, in order to keep within the limits of the appropriation, to defer other intended repairs for later consideration.
The matters in the line of special repairs demanding atten- tion this year are mentioned in the following report.
The committee appointed at the meeting on the evening of Feb. 13, to examine the school houses and make report of needed repairs present the following :
The school street, building should be re-painted on the out- side.
We find the tin roof of the Main street school house in bad condition requiring considerable out-lay each year. The roof of the Elm street building is in like condition. Both of these roofs should be re-laid this year.
At a recent examination of our school houses by the state inspector of public buildings, he advised that the closet system at the Main street building be connected with the sewer, for the reason that under certain atmospheric conditions there is a possi- bility of unfavorable currents being diverted from their regular channel and carried to the halls or class rooms. This change would dispense with the cesspool and sever the connection of the under floor ventilating ducts with the foul air gathering room.
With provision for convenient entrance to the sewer. it is estimated that $300 will cover the cost of this change.
An appropriation of $500 above the usual amount for ordi- nary repairs, we believe sufficient to meet these recommendations.
I. P. HYDE, GEO. M. LOVELL, J. T. CLARKE.
The expenses of the school department necessarily increase somewhat year by year, as the number of pupils increase and the public demands upon the schools become greater, demands which insist upon a higher order of service, a broader culture and an
156
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
aggressive, vigorous life on the part of those engaged in school work. No one familiar with the work done today by our teach- ers can fail to see how much more is required of them than was expected even a few years ago ; and no one not actually engaged in the work can realize how great the tax upon the powers of the faithful teachers is the management and discipline of a large school, and carrying on, at the same time, the various lines of investigation and study necessary to successfully teach all the subjects required. and excite due interest in the minds of pupils in the various subjects.
In the report of last year, reference wis made to the ever changing character of a large element of our population as an obstacle to most effective work. New pupils at all times of the year are entering the schools and others leaving. During the past year, of the pupils below the High school, only 45 per cent of the total enrollment, and 74 per cent of the average enroll- ment have been members of the schools all, or a part of each of the three terms.
Attending a part or all of each of the three terms :
Of total enrollment,
Of average enrollment.
64 per cent. In Grammar schools, 71 per cent. 36 per cent. In Intermediate. 59 per cent. 42 per cent, In Primary, 69 per cent.
53 per cent, In Mixed and Ungraded. 84 per cent.
With our present system of grading-with classes one year . apart-it is often difficult to determine what should be done in individual cases in regard to promotions. The welfare of the classes as wholes, must be considered as well as what is best for the individual. Were all our Grammar and Intermediate schools brought together in one building-as it is hoped they will be at no distant day-the classes could be readily arranged in half year grades which would greatly simplify the whole question of grading and promotions.
In a recent article on "Recent Educational Advances," Pres. .dent Hyde, upon this subject, says, "Instead of a cast-iron
157
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
course in which everybody must take the same subjects in the same order and in the same time, we are intro lucing in the lower grades more frequent promotions, in order that the dull scholars may not be made superficial in the effort to keep up with the brighter ones ; and that the brighter ones may not be made stupid by the necessity of going as slowly as the duller ones. For there is a vast difference in the ease and. rapidity with which scholars learn. This is due partly to heredity, partly to home advantages, partly to temperament. It is a fact that children differ in these respects, just as it is a fact that they dif- fer in the strength of their muscles, the size of their feet, the color of their hair, and there is no more reason to be ashamed of the difference in the one case than in the others. Of all the foolish manifestations of vanity, the most foolish is the eager- ness of some parents to have their children forward, It is high time for parents to recognize that some children are by nature quick to learn and some are slow ; that forwardness or 'smart- ness' in childhood is no indication whatever of thoroughness and depth in maturity ; and that it is just as desirable and just as creditable for the boy who is slow by nature to go slowly in school, as it is for the boy who is quick by nature to advance rapidly at school."
Early in the year it seemed to the committee advisable to modify somewhat the plan of ranking pupils in the high school.
It frequently happens that pupils entering the school with a high standard of scholarship, maintain that record during the early part of the course while pursuing the more simple studies, but show a decided falling-off in the higher studies of the latter part of the course. This may happen from a lack of mental . power to grasp the higher work, a lack of continued application, or loss of interest in school work by allowing interest to be di- verted into other directions. Others with perhaps a less favora- ble early record, by diligent attention to business, show a con- stant improvement through the course, and at the end, possess a firmer mental grasp and a higher degree of scholarship. Hereto- fore the record of each year has counted alike. A with the
158
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
record for the four years of 90, 80, 70, 60, has ranked the same as B with a record of 60, 70, 80, 90. Both have an average rank of 75. It is clear that B's record is more deserving of commenda- ble recognition than that of A.
The modification introduced recognizes a continuous good record, and a constant improvement. The rank consists of ten parts. The first year's record is counted once ; the second, twice ; . the third, three times ; the fourth, four times. The sum divided by ten gives the rank for the course. Taking the above ranks as examples, the rank of A is 90 plus 80, 80 plus 70, 70, 70 plus 60, 60, 60, 60 equals 700; 700 divided by 10 equals 70, the rank. In the same way the rank of B would be 80. Our high schools com- pares favorably with other high schools, judging by the attain- ments of those entering our school from the corresponding grades of other schools, and from the fact that those going from here enter readily the compounding grades in other schools, and in some instances, even higher. The graduates of our school are received at some colleges, and other higher institutions on cer- tificates of the principal, without examination.
The grades of our grammar schools are higher than the corresponding grades in many other places. Pupils coming from other schools seldom are able to enter the corresponding grades here, and those going from here, in many instances, enter higher grades elsewhere. This is true not only of the exceptionally bright pupils, but of those who hold only an average rank in class in our schools.
At the close of the summer term an exhibit was made in the selectmen's room and the superintendent's office of work done in the schools. Work was shown in a variety of lines, the most prominent feature being that of Industrial drawing. The exhibibit was designed especially to give teachers and pupils the opportunity of seeing each other's work, and notice was given only through the schools. The exhibit was very pleasing and creditable, and elicited commendation from the many who ex- amined the work.
It would have a good influence to do something of this char-
159
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
acter each year, as this exhibit was unquestionably productive of good .. The schools are fortunate in the continued service of Miss Patterson as supervisor of the department of Industrial Drawing.
Before the interruption in attendance caused by illness of pupils during the fall term, seven of the schools had an enroll- ment ranging from 56 to 72 pupils. This condition demands the earliest possible relief.
In conclusion I would thank you for cordial support, would record my appreciation of the kindly sympathy and hearty co- operation of the teachers in the conduct of the work of the year
Respectfully Submitted,
J. T. CLARKE, Superintendent.
Graduating Class of 1894.
MUSIC .- ( («) Selection. C. Zellers. 2 (b) Comic Opera. "Der-Vogelhandler." ORCHESTRA. .Wiegand.
PRAYER-
REV. WILLIS C. RICHMOND. SALUTATORY AND ESSAY-" Forsan et haec olin meminisse jurabit." ETHEL ESTHER LETCHER.
ESSAY-"At School."
CORINNE ANGELINE TETRAULT .*
ESSAY-"Man's Best Friend."
SADIE STEWART CAIRNS. EssAY-"The Naval Review." JOHN MCCABE.
SONG BY THE SCHOOL-"Volunteer Guards." Holcomb.
ESSAY-"Application Gains Eminence." MARGARET MAY DELEHANTY.
ESSAY-"Chinese Exclusion." HAVEN DARLING BRACKETT .* ESSAY-"Self Culture." NETTIE VIOLA STONE.
ESSAY-"Picturesque America." MABEL WHITNEY PLIMPTON, ESSAY-"The Advantages of a Free Government." ALEXIS BOYER SONG-"In Silent Mead.' Emerson.
MALE QUARTETTE. ESSAY-"The Influence of Plants upon Civilization." JENNIE AUGUSTA PLIMPTON.
ESSAY-"Yesterday and To-day." HATTIE GERTRUDE ADAMS .*
ESSAY-"Poison." EDGAR ROSS DURGIN.
VALEDICTORY AND ESSAY-"Habits."
JENNIE HARRIET MORSE.
CLASS SONG.
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS. CHAIRMAN OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
MUSIC-"Resi-Waltzes." Faust.
BENEDICTION. *Excused.
161
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
"SIC VOLVERE PARCAS. "
Once more the spinners have spun their task; The thread is ready to break; The sisters gently lay down their work, The dreaded sisters of fate, For their four years toil is ended quite, And another class will die tonight.
They have spun their thread with silken strands That have bound us friend to friend, Drawing our hearts to the happy past, To be blest till life shall end. For memories fair and friendship true Shall lighten the cares our journey through.
With rainbow colors and sombre shades The delicate thread was spun; Each shadow reveals some grief or care, Each color, some joy or fun. But the shades are few and scarcely seen When the tints flash forth with silv'ry sheen.
Ah! the spinners wrought with frenzied haste, For it seems but yesterday Since the fates began the long hard task Of spinning the years away. But Time sweeps by with its current strong The happy years that appeared so long.
So the class must die that we may live In our widely different spheres, That we may finish what was begun In these flying vanished years. And life looks bright to our untried eyes, As shining seas under fairest skies.
Once more the spinners have spun their task, The thread is ready to break. The sisters gently lay down their work, They will other spinning take. Lingering farewells will soon be o'er, And we shall be called a class, no more,
162
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
CALENDAR 1893-4.
Spring Term, 15 weeks, begins Monday, March 19, ends June 29, 1894.
The Fall Term begins Tuesday, September 4, ends December 21, 16 weeks.
Winter Term begins January 7, 1895, ends March S.
The First and Third terms, the Common schools close one week earlier than the High School.
HOLIDAYS.
Every Saturday; Washington's Birthday; Memorial Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving and the day following.
EXTRACTS FROM THE PUBLIC STATUTES OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
CHAPTER 47.
Concerning Vaccination.
SECTION 9. The school committee shall not allow a child who has not been duly vaccinated to be admitted to or connected with the public schools.
CHAPTER 64. [As Amended. Acts of 1884. ]
An Act to Prevent the Spread of Contagious Diseases Through the Public Schools.
The school committee shall not allow any pupil to attend the public schools which any member of the household to which such pupil belongs is sick of small pox, diphtheria, or scarlet fever, or during a period of two weeks after death, recovery, or removal of such sick person; and any pupil coming from such
163.
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
household shall be required to present to the teacher of the school the pupil desires to attend, a certificate from the attending physician or board of health, of the facts necessary to entitle him to admission in accordance with the above regulation.
CHAPTER 47. [AS AMENDED.]
Concerning the attendance of Children in the Schools.
SECTION 1. Every person having under his control a child between the ages of eight and fourteen years, shall annually cause such child to attend some public day school in the city or town in which he resides, and such attendance shall continue for at least thirty weeks of the school year if the schools are kept open that length of time, with an allowance of two weeks' time for absences not excused by the superintendent of schools or the school committee, and for every neglect of such duty the person offending shall, upon the complaint of the school committee or any truant officer, forfeit to the use of the public schools of such city or town a sum not exceeding twenty dollars ; but if such child has attended for a like period of time a private day school approved by the school committee of such city or town, or if such child has been otherwise instructed for a like period of time in the branches of learning required by law to be taught in the public schools, or if his physical and mental condition is such as to render such attendance inexpedient or impracticable, such penalties shall not be incurred.
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