USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1896-1898 > Part 27
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Alice B. Aldrich,
36 1889 IIT.
36 1896 III.
*Jane Farquhar,
36 1887 II and III.
36 1885 II and III.
36 1891 II.
Southbridge H. S.
32 1898 II.
Southbridge HI. S. Southbridge H. S.
*Agnes M. Meagher, - Susan M. Knight, - Mabel J. Newell, Mary E. McCabe, -
36 1858 I.
Southbridge H. S. Southbridge H. S. Southbridge H. S.
36 1890 I.
Quincy Training. Southbridge HI. S. Southbridge H. S.
40|1886 Ungraded.
36 1897 66
Southbridge H. S.
32 1897 66
Framingham Norm'l.
24 1896 IIelper.
Southbridge H. S.
24 1896
Southbridge II. S. Southbridge H. S.
Elizabeth Searles,
40 1898 Substitute.
Berwick Academy. Normal Art School.
Anna F. Eager, Mrs. H. N. Carpenter,
yr.500 1896 Drawing. Music.
Bridgewater Normal. Southbridge H. S. Johnson Normal. Worcester Normal. Brimfield High Sc. Quincy Training. Southbridge H. S.
Martha Cutting, Mary L. Boardman, *Nettie V. Stone, * Mary A. Ellis,
36 1883 I.
36 1886 I.
36 1892 I.
36 1893 1.
Margarett G. Butler, Ida M. Plimpton, - Lizzie E. Morse, *Jennie Simpson, - Winnifred M. Kinney, HI. Genevieve Hyde, Ethel Seavey,
40 1898 V.
40 1898 V.
36 1865 IV.
Clara P. Chase, -
40 1887 VI.
Nichols Academy. Palmer High School.
Grammar.
Everett D'. Casey,
800 1898
16 1899
* P. O. address, Globe Village, Mass.
I46
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Attendance Roll of Honor.
List of pupils reported as perfect in attendance, neither absent nor tardy during the year. Others have always been in their places except when detained by sicknes.
Robert Charlton, Charles Wood,
Willie O'Halloran, Mennan Morse,
John Brennan, Joseph Flood,
Mamie Mckinstry, Edward LeClair.
Perfect in attendance two terms:
Harriet Dougherty, Bessie Goodell,
Walter Maguire,
Frank Morrissey,
Guy Olney,
William 'Shephard,
Leona Paine,
Lillie MacNie,
Arthur LaCroix,
Ethel Simmons,
Maud Phipps,
William Flood,
Etta Herber, Leo Dumas,
Delty Delage, Oscar Gatineau,
Earl Payne,
May F. Kelly,
Henry Smith,
Fred Lombard,
Napoleon Senecal,
Lucy Putney,
Persis Rowley,
Everett Simmons,
Hector Blair,
Philip Tetrault,
Marion Simpson,
Armede Delage, Amy Montville, Aldoria Gagnon,
Wilfred Blaine, George McFarland,
Minnie Cook,
Arthur St. Onge,
Bernedette St. Onge, Napoleon Blanchard, Eugenie Tetrault,
Melina Boucher,
Mathew Morrissey,
Tellesfore Leduc,
Amedia Richards,
Florence LaVallee,
Alexina McDermott,
George Tully,
Lienne Tetraulx,
Alberta McDermott,
John Power.
I21 others have been perfect in attendance one term.
In the enrollment of the school children last May the offi- cer found 1685 between the ages of 5 and 15 years, 23 less than in the previous year. In the schools the total number enrolled is 26 more than last year, the average enrollment 125 more, showing less variation between the total and average enroll- ment than in previous years. The per cent. of attendance for
Mabel Cook,
Ray Plimpton, Evelyn Gagnon, Oliver Dumas, Lydia Tetrault,
147
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
the year is 1.59 lower than last year, due undoubtedly to the interruptions caused by the severity of the storms and the un- usual prevalence of sickness.
There are recorded in the school register 544 visits during the year of parents and interested friends, not including those of the Superintendent and special teachers.
Our schools are open to visitors at all times, and parents, especially, are most cordially invited to visit the class-rooms during the sessions, to become better acquainted with the teachers of their children in their daily relations. A better knowledge of the spirit and motives of the teachers and their methods of work will tend to mutual sympathy and helpfulness, and misunderstandings may often be avoided, or more readily adjusted.
The following table shows the statistics for the past seven years.
May Enroll- Total Enroll- Average num- Per cent.of ment. ment in the ber belonging. attendance Schools.
1892-3,
170I
II44
738.94
92.84
1893-4,
1783
1187
745.35
93.24
1894-5,
I73I
III5
777.48
93.66
1895-6,
1678
II25
752.40
94.21
1896-7,
1651
I242
861.36
93.25
1897-8,
I708
1275
$70.62
93.81
1898-9,
1685
130I
995.42
92.22
The financial statement shows a balance to the credit of each account.
There has been received for tuitions of pupils from other towns $350.80, and $68 paid for tuition of pupils of the Denni- son District. The expense of transportation has been $60.
148
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The total expenses of the year have been $2,900.61 more than for the preceeding year.
Truant Officers.
The Truant Officers have attended to their duties, respond- ing to the calls of teachers to look after absentees, visiting the homes of delinquents and returning boys to their places in school. The excuses generally assigned for absence are illness or lack of clothing.
They report :
Number of visits to schools,
45
Number of calls upon parents,
I43
Boys taken to school, 29
Number taken before the court,
0
Number sent to Truant School,
O
MONROE REYNOLDS,
JAMES BROWN, PETER CAPLETTE, Truant Officers.
Evening Schools.
The four Evening Schools were in session three months, closing the last of December. The two schools for boys were in charge of Mr. Knowles; the girl's school at the Center in charge of Miss Holmes, that at River street conducted by Mr. Carey.
The schools were entirely free from the disorderly element that has usually attended for a few evenings. The attendance
149
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
was commendably regular, requiring but few cases to be reported to employers for irregularity. The average number belonging was considerably less than the total enrollment, due mostly to the fact that many were not in town during the whole term,
At the close of the term certificates were issued to 165 who had attended with sufficient regularity to entitle them to that recognition. Eleven were perfect in attendance ; thirteen were absent only one evening ; twenty-three absent two evenings and nineteen three evenings.
The law requires that during the sessions of the Evening Schools reports shall be made each week to the several em- ployers of the attendance of the pupils in their employ. To carry out the letter of the law would require much time every week in filling out all notices and forwarding the same. To simplify this matter, and cause the least possible trouble to em- ployers, and at the same time, comply with the spirit of the law, notice is sent each week of all delinquents only. Employers understand, if no notice is received, that those in their employ are in regular attendance. This plan is duly authorized.
Number of schools,
4
Number of teachers employed,
8
Number of pupils enrolled, boys 134, girls 85, total,
219
Average number belonging,
179
Average attendance, 161.49
Per cent.of attendance,
90.22
Total cost of the schools for the season,
$645.72
Cost for pupil,
$3.24
Repairs.
The expenses incident to adjusting the school rooms to the changed conditions of this year-the moving into the new build- ing and refurnishing the rooms vacated by the Grammar and
150
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Intermediate grades could not be closely estimated in the call for the year's appropriations. It seemed advisable to put all the furniture in the several rooms to be occupied in the best possi- ble condition. The furniture of the Grammar and Intermediate grades in the several buildings was nearly all of recent and ap- proved pattern. All the desks of suitable size were repaired and dressed over and placed in the new building. The Building Committee furnished a teacher's desk, table and chairs for each room, and for one room, a full set of furniture. To complete other sets a considerable number of additional desks for pupils were purchased.
The vacated rooms in the several buildings were re-fur- nished with furniture for Primary grades. Desks which were stored at the River Street building at the time of the opening of the Parochial schools, were brought into service. One new set, and additional pieces to complete sets in other rooms, were pur- chased. In all the lower grade rooms a few desks of larger size were placed to accommodate the few large pupils who cannot sit comfortably in the ordinary desks of these grades.
The bills for the new furniture amounted to $491.45; for special repairs incident to the above changes $434.17. In ac- cordance with the recommendations made in the report of last year, a jacketed stove was placed in each of the lower rooms at the River Street house, with provision for ingress of pure air, and ventilating registers at the base of the chimneys. The cost of this improvement was $145.62. In the large reception room at the High School, a table with gas and running water for ex- periments in science teaching was placed at a cost of $53.59. The total amount of these special improvements and repairs is $1,124.83.
For the Marcy Street building the following items should be provided for in the appropriations for next year :- to com- plete the grading of the school-house lot; to re-build the fence
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
on the north-east side, and on rear of lot ; to protect the windows of the basement by outside guards, and to complete the cement- ing of the basement floor. It is estimated that the total cost of several items will be $400.
High School.
There are now belonging to the High School 86 pupils. Of these sixteen are in the senior class and will complete the course in June, leaving 70 in the three lower classes. Next year there will be over fifty candidates for the high school and all are expecting to enter the Freshman class. The largest class ever entering the school was 40 in 1890. The present outlook indicates a school of 120 or more for next year. The seating capacity of the department is now 102. The main room admits 63 desks; the large recitation room, usually called the Freshman room, allows 39 desks. The situation demands immediate attention. With present facilities the high school cannot be adequately accommodated next year. The seating capacity of the main room of a high school ought to be suffi- cient for the entire school. The school increases each year and judging from the classes in the several grades of the grammar schools, the ratio of increase will be greater than in the past. The suggestion in last year's report seems to be the most feas- ible provision for the present.
"The rear of the high school room is under a separate, one- story roof, a projection from the main building, and can be ex- tended without affecting the main building. An extension of 15 feet would increase the seating capacity to 108. An exten- sion of 21 feet would admit 126 desks. The extension should be 25 feet, giving an open space of a few feet in the rear of the room."
The large entering class will require that the recitations
152
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
be conducted in two divisions, necesitating the employment of an additional assistant.
The high school department of any system of schools is comparatively expensive. The teaching force commands high- er compensation, and the cost of books and general equipment is much greater than in the lower grades. That adequate re- turn be received for the larger outlay, every facility for advan- tageous and effective work should be provided, that the depart- ment may reasonably be held responsible for commendable results in scholarship and character. Comparatively few of the graduates enter higher institutions, the majority closing their schooldays at this stag .. While due attention is given to the few who can go on to a more liberal education, the most prac- tical training should be given to this majority, on the principle of the greatest good to the greatest number, that they may go out from the school with the best possible equipment in mind and character a high school can give, to meet the every day problems of common life.
No element of school training is more important than that which gives a ready command of our own language, that ena- bles our youg people to read intelligently, to write well and to speak well. It should be the aim to give this with a taste for the best in literature. To strengthen work in this direction Miss Wheeler was appointed at the beginning of the school year to take the department of reading, elocution and literature. Favorable results of her work are already apparent.
The Common Schools.
The occupation in September of the new and commodious eight-room Grammar School house on Marcy street, the closing of the Union street and Sunner buildings, the vacating the temporary rooms in the Town Hall and one room at the River
153
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Street house and the consequent re-adjustment of the schools to the improved conditions form an epoch in the history of the schools of the town.
The schools in the new building were organized by bring -. ing together all the pupils of the village classes above grade IV. Of grades VII, VIII and IX, one school of each was formed ; of grade VI. two full classes ; of grade V, there were enough pupils, 145, to fully occupy the three remaining rooms. It was intended to reserve one room for an Ungraded class, where pupils, defi- cient in one or more studies, could be placed temporarily and receive special attention until prepared to enter one of the reg- ular grades ; but so many pupils, outside of the regular classes entered, that all the rooms were occupied on the first day, leav- ing no place for an ungraded class. It is hoped that in a short time all the pupils of these three schools of grade V who are of equal advancement and prepared to work together to advantage, can be brought into two rooms, and the remaining room be used for those who do not now class with any grade. This room will be of great advantage to those requiring special attention, en- · abling them, in many cases, to enter after a time, a class higher than they otherwise would be able to do.
The children and teachers are to be congratulated on the improved conditions under which the schools are this year con- ducted. This applies not only to the admirable accommodations of the Grammar schools but to all Primary grades. All are now in regular school rooms which have been put in the best condi- tion. The rooms are fairly well provided with maps, charts, globes, books of reference and other appliances for progressive work. The books in the hands of the pupils for the various branches of study are all of recent issues; the reading matter has variety and is of the most approved and excellent quality, in part relating to the subjects of study pursued. Upon their desks the teachers have a variety of late editions of books other than the prescribed text books, treating upon the same subjects-
I54
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
These are consulted both by teachers and pupils in the prepara. tion of lessons, and furnish examples, additional facts, illustra- tions and material for the recitation.
Four years ago an elementary Algebra was introduced in the ninth grade as a preparation for the more advanced work of the High school. This year the class has begun Latin in connec- tion with the English Grammar. By those best able to judge, it is generally believed that by this course, the pupils will secure a clearer conception of language construction, than by devoting the language period wholly to the study of English phraseology, In many of the cities and larger towns of the state, these sub- jects have been taught for years in the Grammar schools. It has been found that the rudiments of the Latin are more readily learned by children younger than those of the ordinary High school age.
Arithmetic has always been considered one of the most es sential studies of the school curriculum. In the methods of teaching the subject there has been great improvement in re- cent years. Much of little or no practical value has been eliminated to give place to other work that must receive atten- tion. In our schools stress is laid upon the most practical sub- jects. The fundamental processes are dwelt upon until accu- racy and rapidity are secured. Very early in the course simple forms of fractions, decimals, denominate numbers, percentage, etc., are taken up and much practice given in solving problems suited to the capacities of the pupils. In all grades and in all subjects much oral work preceeds the written work. Long and complex examples and problems are avoided, and some subjects are omitted or briefly treated. Effort is constantly directed to have the children acquire a mastery over the every day problems of life-such as are of use in ordinary business transactions.
Geography is a difficult branch to teach successfully. So much may be included in the subject that is not easy to discrim- inate between that which is really educative and that which has
155
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
little value, learned to be soon forgotten. Instead of the old mechanical way of question and answer relating to definitions and facts learned from the text book or map, our teachers aim, by the topical method, to interest the children in the subject and to arouse the spirit of inquiry and investigation. Contour and relief are learned by map-sketching and moulding. Pictures, objects and every available aid are used to direct the children in acquiring an intelligent knowledge of the earth as the home of man.
Reading is the basis of all the work in the school-room. To be able to grasp the thought of the printed page helps the child more than any other single form of instruction. To read well is an accomplishment. In the first steps prominence is given by our teachers to phonics in connection with the word and sentence methods, thus enabling the child in a short time to get new words without the help of the teacher. Calling words is not reading, so all the way, emphasis is laid upon aprehension of the thought before attempting vocal expression. Constant · attention is directed to correct pronunciation, distinct articula- tion, proper emphasis, and to create and foster a love for in- structive reading.
In History the aim is not mere fact getting, but rather to give a clear and orderly knowledge of the leading events in the progress and development of our country with causes and ef- fects, to awaken an interest and inspire pupils to investigate for themselves, to develop a taste for biographical and historical reading and study which will be continued beyond school life. History is closely correlated with Geography, and maps and pro- gressive outlines are constantly used. Study and recitation are by-topics, aided by supplementary reading, pictures and whatever may assist in forming a vivid idea of people, places and events.
Language is by far the most important branch of study as it includes all work done in giving skill and fluency in the ex-
156
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
pression of oral and written thought. Hence all studies are made to contribute to training in language, and the thought is constantly before the mind of the teacher.
The study of Nature in some of its varied forms receives early and continued attention, the aim being to lead the chil- dren to observe forms of life, first, in the more noticeable qual- ities, and, later, to train in accurate observation, comparison and simple classification. Material in great variety is brought to the classrooms for observation and study.
Physiology, as required by the statutes, receives attention in every grade.
Music in the Primary grades is taught from charts by the regular teachers, in the High and Grammar schools by special teacher, with pleasing results.
Drawing in all classes is under the direction of the Super- visor, who devotes her whole time to the work. A good de- gree of interest is manifested and the department is in good hands. Great interest is now everywhere manifested in art study and in school room decoration. Art Leagues are formed in many places to secure works of art for this purpose.
Report of the High School.
MR. J. T. CLARKE, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir: I have the honor of presenting to you a report of the High School for the year 1898-9.
There has been 120 pupils enrolled during the past year, the largest number ever enrolled, and a gain of 9 per cent. over the previous year.
Of this number 18 have attended from out of town.
I57
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Owing to the fact that the next entering class will probably number over 50 there is an imperative need of an enlargement of the High School room. There is at present seating room for 102 pupils and as the number attending next fall will be 120 or more, it is evident that there must be more seating room pro- vided. If the main room were large enough to seat all the pupils it would save much confusion in the movements of classes and be better in many ways.
We were fortunately able to retain Miss Perry during the past year and her work has grown more efficient with added ex- perience.
Mr. Carey who began his work in September has had charge of the science and mathematics for which he' is well adapted by training and temperament.
Miss Blanche Wheeler, Southbridge High School '92, Bos- ton School of Oratory '95, has had charge of the class in Liter- ature and all matters pertaining to reading and recitals, spend- ing two periods daily in this work.
Owing to the growth of the school another assistant should be engaged for September.
The Principal of a school as large as ours should have some time for the supervision of the work of the assistants but owing to the large number of classes, which are necessary, I have been unable to have a spare period.
The class of '98 was the largest class ever graduated. 24 in number, being 67 per cent. of the entering number while the average for the state is 33 per cent. or less.
Of this class one entered Harvard, one Brown, one Am- herst, one Worcester Normal, one is studying in Germany and three have made arrangements to enter Mt. Holyoke next Sep- tember, while two were prevented by unforeseen accidents from entering Harvard, practically 25 per cent. of the entering num- ber will attend higher institutions. The class presented the
158
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
school with copies of Holmes', Whittier's and Longfellows' poems and an electric call bell.
Respectfully submitted, F. E. CORBIN.
Report of the Supervisor of Drawing.
MR. J. T, CLARKE, Superintendent of Schools :
Dear Sir: Drawing is divided into four departments : Ist, Freehand drawing in all grades which includes the represen- tntion of fruit, flowers, vegetables and objects of various kinds. 2nd, Color, including color harmonies and the application of these harmonies in design. 3rd. Mechanical drawing. In the lower grades the study of simple plane figures and the use of the ruler; in the higher grades mechanical problems, working drawings and developments. 4th, Decorative drawing, illus- trating the adaptation of plant forms to design and introduc- ing the study and copying of Historic Ornament and original design.
The aim of art instruction is not to teach the child to be an artist, but to lead him to understand and appreciate works of art and to love that which is beautiful in art and nature. Also to increase his ability to represent graphically any ob- ject or group of objects that may come within his observa- tion.
In the fall nature provide us with abundant material with which to work. There are the wild plants of various kinds, from simple grasses suitable for primary purposes to leaves and branches which we may use for subjects for advanced pupils. The weeds and flowers as they go to seed, form very
159
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
interesting studies and are usually most effectively drawn with the brush and ink. October furnishes us with material for color work and the High School classes were very successful in painting their leaves in the natural colors.
Our object drawing shows more variety than ever before. The primary pupils have cut objects from paper and drawn simple things in pencil and brush including toys, fruit and veg- etables. In the grammar grades we make perspective draw- ings of the geometric solids and groups of various objects. Japanese lanterns, painted in their gay colors, make interest- ing studies; games drawn by the eighth grade were among the objects represented. The many plants in attractive jardinieres add much to the attractiveness of the Marcy street school, and these have been utilized in the drawing. Many studies of plants in their various shaped jars have been drawn and are quite effective done with the brush. Figure work is always interesting, and the upper grammar grades, and the High school pupils have had a number of lessons on this subject. The classes draw one of their own number or primary pupils who pose for them. The sophomore class in the High school have been studying light and shade and have drawn and shaded groups of objects and casts.
Much interest has been manifested in the pictures by noted artists, now that we can obtain them at a very low price. Many of the pupils have made collections of these small reproductions and are familiar with the works of Raphael, Landseer, Rosa Bonheur and others. The children write about the various pictures and some good essays have been written in the upper classes. Many of the teachers have decorated their school- rooms with these small pictures, but what we need are large pictures that will cover our bare walls, make the school room more attractive and give a better idea to the children of the artist's work.
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