USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Oakham > Town annual reports of the officials of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts 1902 > Part 3
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As was reported last year, the Werner series was consid- ered the best text-book help to the teacher in her efforts to embody these ideas in practice. The books have now been in use more than a year in some schools, and where the teacher has comprehended and faithfully applied their plan, superior results have appeared. The introduction of the books has now been begun in all the towns of the district, and it is expected that, as pupils come up through the new course, a distinct ad- vance over previous results will be evident.
Physiology .- An extract from a circular to teachers will show what has been attempted in this subject:
Each teacher will give a course of at least thirty lessons in physiology during the winter. In buildings of two or more rooms, the lessons may be given to all the pupils of a room at once. In "ungraded" schools it will usually be advisable to form two classes.
In conducting the course, the following considerations should be ob- served :
1. The subject as defined by statute is "physiology and hygiene, which, in both divisions of the subject, shall include special instruction as to the effects of alcoholic drinks, narcotics and stimulants on the human system." It is to be taught to "all pupils in all schools as a regular branch of study."
2. The general method should be observational and experimental, with the study of a text-book in the higher grades as a means of reviewing and fixing the matter presented in previous oral lessons. Observations of the living human body should be supplemented by the study of material from the butcher, microscopic slides, charts, pictures, and other illustrative ma- terial.
3. The structure and function of the bodily organs should be taught mainly as a means of making clear and impressive the facts of practical hy- giene. The main test of success is the formation and strengthening of
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healthful habits of living on the part of pupils. The practical should be kept in the foreground.
4. The demonstrated facts in regard to the effects of alcoholic drinks, tobacco, etc., should be taught as a part of practical hygiene. The moral effects of the use of these substances should be judiciously but positively presented. "Total abstinence" may be safely urged as the wisest course.
5. While formal and direct instruction may be limited to a few weeks of the year, the maintenance of healthful conditions in the school-room, and the securing of healthful practices on the part of pupils should be the teacher's continuous care.
With this circular there was furnished to the teachers a somewhat detailed course of lessons under the following gen- eral topics : "The Body as a Whole," "The Skin," "The Digest- ive Organs," "The Blood," "Review of Nutrition," "Foods and Beverages." From observations I have made, I judge the course has been conducted with fair success.
Nature Study .- This subject is conceived as an attempt to continue in the school by simple, direct and natural means the process of getting acquainted with his surroundings which the child spontaneously begins in the cradle, and to develop into lasting forms his innate interest in the natural world. Nearly all the teachers have reported successful work in the subject. To show the meaning and spirit of nature study, I can do no better than to quote from the last report of the Secretary of the Board of Education:
The development ideal suggests that here is a magnificent field for the children to work in, accessible at the seaside, among the mountains, in the city, in the country, in secd time and harvest, always attractive, and full of challenges to closer acquaintance. Why not utilize in fuller measure the child's interest in nature, lead him to more acute observation of her facts and to a freer usc of them in expression, put them on the trail of some of her wondrous thoughts, and quicken his soul in her stimulating presence? May not this be done in non-bookish, personal, active, natural, out-door ways? The great thoughts of nature little children may grasp, . or at least the germs of them. * Surely, the main thing here is a teacher fond of nature; and competent to take the children to her. Much can be donc even without a set programme of themes and times. Now, na- ture study in some such spirit as this is not an overtax for children, but a recreation. The burden is for the teacher who cannot direct it.
Drawing .- This subject is among those required by statute. For the most successful work a special teacher is usually con- sidered necessary. Such a teacher is employed in the Holden
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High School one day per week, but in no other schools. The regular teachers are making creditable efforts in the sub- ject, and in many cases good results are secured.
During the spring term Miss Emily Dickinson, teach- er of drawing in the Holden High School, was employed to give special instruction to the teachers. Two classes were formed, one at Holden, for the Holden teachers, and the other at Rutland, for the teachers of that town and of Oakham and Paxton. Each class met four times on Saturday mornings, spending nearly three hours in practical work under Miss Dick- inson's direction. Nearly all the teachers attended every meeting, and found the instruction very helpful. The expense was shared by the towns in proportion to the number of teach- ers.
As a guide in their work, the teachers use the outline course prepared by the state agents for drawing. Two lessons per week are given.
Other Subjects .- The superintendent has given due attention to the other subjects of the elementary course, and also to the high school subjects. The written examinations, as well as his observations, show that we are making decided gains over last year in the thoroughness of the teach- ing and the character of its results.
PATRONS' DAY.
It is proposed to make general this year a plan which was carried out successfully by several schools in the district last year. For the purpose of promoting acquaintance with the work of the schools on the part of patrons, a special day will be observed during the coming spring term, which, for want of a better name, we may call "Patrons' Day." Special invita- tions to visit the school will be issued, and an opportunity will be given visitors (a) to observe the teacher and pupils engaged in their regular daily work of teaching, study, and recitation; (b) to inspect an exhibit of pupils' written papers, drawings, and other handiwork, and (c) to participate in a conference on matters of common interest to patrons and teach- ers.
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Preparation for the day involves (a) the doing of the regular work of the school day by day through the year in the best manner possible; (b) the preservation as completed of each pupil's handiwork, and the final arrangement of it for con- venient inspection; (c) the planning by the teacher of a simple, informal programme for the conference.
The exhibit of work should include the pupil's writing books, and other exercise books, his compositions, samples of written recitations and test exercises, maps and other draw- ings, in short, anything tangible by which the results and some- thing of the methods of the school may be seen or inferred. Nothing is to be done simply for display, but the pupil is to be led to do the things judged best for him in the best way, and the work exhibited for inspection and criticism.
The schools belong to the parents every day in the year, and visits are welcomed at any time. But when the invitations for "Patrons' Day" are received, it is hoped that every parent will plan to spend a half day in school with his children. Ex- tended experience with the plan described leaves no doubt of its success.
THE TOWNS IN PARTICULAR.
Repairs .- The thorough renovation of the four single-room buildings, recommended in my report last year, was accom- plished during the summer vacation. The two rooms at the Centre were also renovated. By careful attention to the se- lection of the colors of paint and paper, a pleasing effect was produced without addition to the cost. The superintendent spent considerable time during the summer in the oversight of these repairs and of other work.
Attention was called last year to the desirability of re- placing the furniture of three rooms with adjustable seats and desks. Such seats and desks have recently been pur- chased for the room most needing them, the grammar room at Chaffin.
During the coming year, the large building at Jefferson will need repainting outside, and kalsomining and otherwise fresh- ening within. The heating plant at Quinapoxet is reported as needing complete renewal.
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Teachers .- We were obliged to secure six new teachers dur- ing the summer vacation. One of these resigned at the end of the fall term. We consider ourselves fortunate in having so strong a force of teachers as the one now employed. All have been re-elected.
In organizing the schools in September, the pupils were so · distributed in the various rooms that no assistants were re- quired, as was the case in some rooms the previous year.
Consolidation .- The committee has considered in former years the advisability of conveying the pupils of the North Woods school to Jefferson. The families are so located that this could easily be done, and the children would receive much greater advantages in the grades at Jefferson. I strongly rec- ommend that transportation be begun at the opening of the fall term.
The Ninth Grade .- The plan suggested last year of placing all the ninth-grade pupils of the town in the high school build- ing for instruction by the high school teachers was adopted by the committee. The fact that the high school would comprise but two regular classes this year made the time particularly opportune for the introduction of the plan. Twenty-two pu- pils have formed the grade. The attendance and interest of the class have been very commendable. Those who pass to the high school will enter with a much better preparation than previous classes have had, and should be able to do more and better work. Special attention is being given to the grades just below the ninth, so that more advanced and stronger work in the high school will be rendered possible as successive classes reach it.
High School .- Secretary Hill recently wrote the following of the small country high schools:
High schools with two teachers can only do justice to a full high school course when the work is reduced to the simplest and most manageable forms. It is difficult for such schools to do much in science; laboratories are generally not feasible; the conditions favor a bookish trend, rather. And yet, if they are fortunate in their teachers, these small high schools, in spite of their limitations, render a valuable service.
The Holden High School has been "fortunate in its teach- ers," and has rendered "valuable service" to the town. With
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a view of making that service still more valuable, the com- mittee have approved the plan. of offering two courses of study instead of one, as heretofore. The new course will re- quire no Latin, and will aim to meet the needs of those who prefer not to pursue that subject. Mr. Learned, the principal, has written of this matter in his report which follows:
Mr. Herbert J. Jones,
Superintendent of Schools:
The present enrollment of pupils and arrangement of classes in the High School require that attention be given to that perennial subject of school supervision, the revision of the course of study in the High School.
As a result of a careful study of the immediate situation by those most thoroughly acquainted with it, of a comparison of courses of study in schools of the same rank as this, and of consideration of suggestions offered by the agents of the State Board of Education, it is hoped that at the be- ginning of another school-year, lines of work may be arranged that will furnish somewhat more of science, of history, and of literature than has been possible in the past, without detracting in the least from the results which have been sought in mathematics, Latin, French and English.
The effort should be made to furnish two courses of study of equal thor- oughness and of equal educational value. No pupil, after adopting one of these, should be allowed, except for the best of reasons, to change his work. Too much laxity in this respect has been allowed in the past. Every pupil should take at least three studies, in two of which he should be held to the most rigorous standards of preparation and recitation. Any course that, because of the number of studies in it, makes it seem necessary for the teacher to accept shiftless methods of preparation and recitation is to be condemned, not only by teachers and superintendents, but by parents and pupils.
Respectfully submitted, A. K. LEARNED, Principal.
The successful conduct of the broadened high school courses of study will require direct and vigorous methods of teaching, a considerable increase in the amount of study required from pupils, and possibly a lengthening of the present school day. Mr. Learned's confidence in the feasibility of the new plan is shared by the superintendent, and the com- mittee may be assured of a substantial addition to the useful- ness of the high school, which is now the pride of the town. When the number of high school classes becomes complete
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again, the work of these classes, with that of the ninth grade, will make the employment of a third teacher imperative.
Seven students received diplomas at the hands of the super- intendent last June, and one a certificate of the work com- pleted. The class left as their gift to the school a bust of Shakespeare.
Two of the seven graduates have entered the Normal School at Worcester, two returned to the high school for further work, one is preparing for college by private study, and two are engaged in business. There is no senior class the present year.
RUTLAND.
Repairs .- The North Rutland building was much improved by repairs during the summer. A defect which has developed since will need attention this year. The West Rutland build- ing is now in very poor condition, and should be completely renovated during the coming summer.
Attendance .- The Roll of Honor printed in the committee's report, and the fact that many whose names do not appear in it have been absent very little, shows that commendation is de- served by the majority of pupils and parents. But there is room for marked improvement in the record of many others. One part of the town in particular will probably require the closer attention of the truant officers in order to bring about the regular attendance desired.
Equipment .- Some progress has been made in furnishing the schools with improved text-books since my service began, but limited means have prevented the purchase of other much- needed equipment. The town has little in the line of globes, maps, supplementary reading, reference books, apparatus for the high school, and other useful appliances. A considerable sum may be wisely spent in improving our outfit for effective teaching.
Teachers .- Miss Helen Jacques, who had efficiently con- ducted the Centre primary school for several years, resigned in June to be married, and Miss Jennie Haskell, who had similar-
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ly served in the intermediate room, resigned for a needed rest. We were fortunate in retaining all the other teachers. The two vacancies were satisfactorily filled. The retention of the whole of our present force is very desirable.
By placing the eighth grade at the Centre in the high school room, and by the proper distribution of the other grades, we were able to dispense with an assistant in the primary room.
High School .- The quotation from Secretary Hill in the Hol- den notes, and the remarks following, apply also here. Mr. Ayer and Miss Brown, his assistant, have won the approba- tion of the committee and the community for their effective work. Mr. Ayer reports as follows: To the Superintendent of Schools:
As heretofore, the high school teachers have striven for accuracy and thoroughness on the part of pupils in every study. It is obviously impos- sible, considering the length of our school year, to cover so much ground as many high schools do, but a thorough grasp of the work attempted has been insisted upon.
The work has been greatly hindered by the lack of necessary appliances to make the various courses practical, and by the irregular attendance of the pupils. We feel it impossible to obtain satisfactory results, unless each pupil is present every session, thus avoiding the necessity of re-assign- ing lessons and repeating explanations day after day for the benefit of those who have been absent.
Much of the success of our schools depends upon parents. It is pre- sumed that the parents of our pupils are deeply interested in our schools, though it has not been manifested in so great a degree as is possible. Those parents who train their children to respect and obey their teachers, encouraging them to study at home, and insisting upon their regular at- tendance at school, greatly assist the teachers and add much to the effect- iveness of the school.
A moderate expenditure for maps, physical apparatus and reference books will aid greatly in making the courses more interesting and instructive.
We have especially striven in all written work to gain neatness, correct spelling, and good expression. Although there is still much to be acquired along these lines, nevertheless much improvement has been made.
"We have set as our ambition, not the training of the mind merely, but the development of character; in such a work as this, all good citizens may have a part."
Respectfully submitted,
FRANK PERCY AYER, Principal.
The problem of courses of study to fit the varying needs of all the pupils of a town, and which, at the same time, can be
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practically carried out with two teachers, has never yet been adequately solved. The committee has adopted the following courses as the best solution at present considered feasible :
COURSES OF STUDY-RUTLAND HIGH SCHOOL. ADOPTED MARCH, 1902.
YEAR.
CLASSICAL COURSE.
ENGLISH COURSE.
Latin,
5
English, 5
4
Algebra,
4
History. 4
History,
4
Physical Geography, 2 terms,
4
Drawing,
1
Botany, 1 term,
1
19
18
Latin,
4
English,
5
English,
3
French,
4
French, 4
History,
3
History,, 3
Algebra, 1 term,
Algebra 1 term,
4
Drawing,
1
Drawing,
1
19
Latin, 5
English,“
5
English, 3
French,
5
French, 5
Geometry, 1 term, l
5
Geometry, 1 term, 1
5
Commercial Arithmetic }
3
Drawing,
1
and Book-keeping,
1
19
19
Latin, 5
English, 5
English,
3
French,
5
French, .
5
Geology and Astronomy, Ist half,
5
IV.
Geology and Astronomy, 1st half, {
5
Civics.
3
18
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Notes .- The figure after each subject indicates the number of exercises per week.
Declamations and the reading of essays are required of all pupils. Spelling lessons will be given as needed.
The Classical Course is especially designed for those pupils who intend to continue their studies elsewhere, while the Eng- lish Course is arranged for those whose school life will prob- ably end with the high school. Both courses are subject to such modifications as circumstances may require.
Il.
Geometry, 2 terms, 5
4
Geometry, 2 terms,
Physics, 2 terms,
Physics, 2 terms, §
III.
English.
5
Algebra,
I,
Drawing,
17
Drawing,
Review Mathematics, 2d half.
Review Mathematics, 2d half
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The'courses are planned to follow an eight-years' course in the elementary schools. The introduction of a ninth grade be- low the high school may be a development of the future.
The fact that there will be no third-year class next year, and possibly no graduating class, makes the present a favorable time to begin the new plan of work. Five young people ex- pect to receive the diploma of the school next June.
The law of 1898 requires that the high school shall be kept at least forty weeks, exclusive of vacations. Non-compliance with the law incurs no penalty, however, unless the length of schooling falls below thirty-six weeks, in which case the town legally forfeits its share of the income of the state school fund. In order to avoid this loss the committee has arranged to add the requisite time to the present high school year.
OAKHAM.
Repairs .- The Coldbrook building was improved by inside painting during the summer.
I am told that the West school building has been in use for more than a hundred years. By proper repairs it may be made to serve another century. A new blackboard and some minor changes are present needs.
New sanitary arrangements for the boys at the Centre have been needed for a long time. It is hoped that the need may be supplied before this report reaches its readers.
Books and Apparatus .- The first books of new series in arith- metic, language, and geography were introduced last year. The classes will be ready for the succeeding books during the com- ing year. The new books are giving satisfaction.
A supply of "The Seven Little Sisters," a charming geo- graphical supplementary reading book, was purchased during the year. Further additions to the supplementary reading list, and a more modern spelling-book than the one in use, are among the needs of the coming year:
The purchase of a set of wall maps for the Centre grammar room, and of a good globe for each of the other schools, is rec- ommended.
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Attendance .- Oakham again has the highest average per cent. of attendance of the towns of the district. There have been very few cases of negligence on the part of the parents and guardians in the matter of regularity, and practically no truancy. Parents, teachers, and pupils are to be congratulated on the record.
Consolidation .- The town employs five teachers for an aver- age membership of about eighty pupils, which is a very liberal provision. The conditions with regard to Coldbrook and the West school seem to be such as to render any consolidation impracticable. The possibility of bringing the pupils of the South school to the Centre, with no increase of cost over that of maintaining the school, I consider worthy of the considera- tion of the committee.
Teachers .- At the opening of the fall term, Miss Barnard was transferred from the West to the South school, and Miss Althea Russell took charge of the West school. On account of illness, Miss Barnard was unable to return for the winter term, and her place was acceptably supplied by Mrs. Walter Woodis. Miss Blanche Packard will take charge of the school at the opening of the spring term. At the end of the fall term, Miss Flitcroft, at Coldbrook, resigned to accept a better position, and Miss Lena R. Edmands was secured for the place. Fortunately no change occurred at the Centre. In spite of the changes in the other schools good progress has been made.
After inspection of the teacher's work by Mr. McDonald, Agent of the Board of Education, the committee's application for an increase of salary for Miss Mellen, under the "excep- tional ability" law, was approved. It is hoped that, with the aid of this law, we may finally be able to retain permanently the services of good teachers in the three other schools where the present salary permits the increase from the state.
Progress of Pupils .- The small number of pupils in each school has rendered it possible for the superintendent to know individually each child in the town. I have watched with great interest the progress of the children, and have rejoiced to note their growth in stature and mental power. Parents
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may be assured that every class is moving steadily forward as rapidly as their capacity and the thorough mastery of the work permits.
All but one of the eighth grade pupils of the town are in the Centre grammar school. It is expected that this class will be- gin next year some of the usual high school subjects.
Examination Day .- The good old custom of visiting the school on the closing day of the term, to listen to the recita- tions of pupils and to observe their progress as shown in an oral examination by the committee, has been observed by a goodly number of parents during the year. The "Patrons' Day," described on another page, embodies the same aims, and in this town will be combined with "Examination Day." In addition to the usual features of that day, at the close of the spring term an exhibit of pupils' work will be displayed in each school. It is intended to show in all ways possible what is being done in the schools, and we invite the attend- ance of all. Visits of parents and others are also cordially welcomed at any time. Visitors will find diligent, well-be- haved children, working under the guidance of earnest. con- scientious teachers. Both will be greatly cheered and en- couraged by a visit and a sympathetic word.
PAXTON.
The matter appropriate for the notes regarding the town of Paxton has already appeared in the report presented to the citizens at its early town meeting. I trust that all interested in the schools have read what was there written, as well as the preceding part of this report.
The work of the year has been much improved over that of last year in all the rooms. The new teachers engaged are both normal graduates with considerable experience. The approval by the Board of Education of an increase of salary from the state under the "exceptional ability" law, for both the teachers receiving from the town less than ten dollars per week, is complimentary to the teachers and the committee.
The work in the grammar room has been particularly inter- esting this year. The school has consisted of sixteen boys of
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widely varying capacity and attainment. The teacher has largely applied the plan of individual instruction, allowing in some subjects each boy to work by himself, making what- ever progress his ambition and power would enable him to make. The perception by the teacher of individual needs and her patient and sympathetic assistance have enabled several boys to make marked improvement. More frequent visits to the school on the part of parents, and free consultation with the teacher, while important in every school, would be par- ticularly useful here, where co-operation is especially needed to secure the highest results in discipline and progress in study.
In closing this report, let me express my deep appreciation of the harmony and good will that have prevailed among all connected with the schools. To the ladies and gentlemen of the several committees my cordial thanks are due for their uniform kindness and unanimous support.
Respectfully submitted,
HERBERT J. JONES,
Superintendent of Schools.
Holden, Mass., March 8, 1902.
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