USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > West Bridgewater > Town annual reports of the selectmen, overseers of the poor, town clerk, and school committee of West Bridgewater for the year ending 1870-1879 > Part 15
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William and Anna C. Nylin.
27,
William L. Nylin,
14
3
11
W. Bridgewater, Sweden, .
.
Consumption,
.
·
.
.
.
·
Consumption,
.
John and Abigail Holines.
22
25,
Benjamin Marshall,
.
·
.
.
·
-
6
10
Marasmus, .
.
Elijah A. and Delia B. Godfrey.
19,
Almira Mckeever,
35
4
25
Waterville, Me.,
.
Gastrie fever,
·
.
. . . ·
12,
·
10
13
.
-
-
John and Sarah Edgcomb.
Aug. 6,
Elizabeth Millett,
·
North Bridgewater, W. Bridgewater,
Pneumonia, .
.
Edmund and Rebecca Landers.
Pleuro-pneumonia, Apoplexy,
·
- and Lucy Packard.
.
Hayward and Olive Marshall.
Apoplexy of lungs, Consumption, .
James and Caroline B. Alger.
Thomas and Catharine Ryan.
Mar. 21,
Ireland, .
.
. Perforation of intestines, Dyspepsia, ·
Simeon and Sybil Taylor.
10
-
W. Bridgewater,
·
JAMES HOWARD, Town Clerk.
.
·
Dropsy,.
.
William and Ann Dunn.
Elisha and Hannah Carpenter.
Ebenezer and Catharine Whitmarsh.
20,
Dropsy, .
.
David W. and Eliza Tinkham.
John and Sarah Bray.
Names of Parents.
23
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The School Committee submit their Annual Report of the expenses and condition of the schools and school property of the town, for the year ending March 1, 1879, as follows :-
COCHESETT SCHOOLS.
Wages of teacher (grammar),
$355 00
Wages of teacher (primary),
275 00
Fuel,
28 00
Care of house,
10 00
Repairs, .
105 25
$770 25
CENTRE SCHOOLS.
Wages of teacher (grammar).
$317 00
Wages of teacher (primary),
210 00
Fuel,
40 15
Care of house,
8 00
Repairs, .
56 52
$631 67
JERUSALEM SCHOOL.
Wages of teacher,
$272 00
Fuel,
19 00
Care of house,
6 00
Repairs, .
7 75
.
.
·
$304 75
24
NORTH SCHOOL.
Wages of teacher,
$272 00
Fuel,
19 00
Care of house,
5 00
Repairs, .
27 54
$323 54
NORTH CENTRE SCHOOLS.
Wages of teacher,
. $246 00
Fuel,
.
20 50
Care of house,
.
.
5 00
Repairs, .
1 10
$273 10
SOUTH SCHOOLS.
Wages of teacher (grammar),
$272 00
Wages of teacher (primary),
272 00
Fuel,
29 00
Care of houses,
10 00
Repairs, .
26 21
$609 21
EAST SCHOOL.
Wages of teacher,
$288 00
Fuel,
22 50
Care of house, .
5 00
Repairs, .
16 82
$332 32
Paid the Town of East Bridgewater, for the tuition of scholars in that town, $133 65
Total for the support of schools,
$3,136 80
25
Appropriated for the support of schools, $2,650 00
Received from the Mass. School Fund, · 236 84
Received from dividend under dog law, 1877, 224 74
Received from dividend under dog law, 1878, 175 12
Balance from 1877, .
1,804 74
$5,091 44
Paid for support of schools,
3,136 80
Unexpended, March 1, 1879,
$1,954 64
REPAIRS.
Appropriated for repairs 1878,
$200 00
Balance from 1877, .
130 00
$330 00
Paid for repairs, 1878,
241 25
Unexpended, March 1, 1879,
$88 75
Although retrenchment is the order of the times, the Committee do not feel justified in recommending the town to raise a less sum for the support of schools, than the sum raised last year; therefore we unite in recom- mending that the town appropriate the sum of $2,650, together with the dividend accruing from the dog law.
The condition of the schools, on an average, is full as good as a year ago, and in some of them there has been a marked and decided improvement. What seems to be needed now is a generous appropriation by the town, that the services of good and efficient teachers may be secured, and the earnest, hearty cooperation of all inter- ested in the schools - scholars, teachers, parents, and friends of education - and our schools will be a success.
4
26
The evils of truancy exist in all our schools, and in some of them affect the rate of attendance at the rate of nearly twenty per cent. The Committee recommend the appoint- ment of an efficient truant officer, and that he be instructed to faithfully enforce the truant laws of the State.
The school property is in good condition, but as it is not economy to let it deteriorate, and there are always some minor repairs needed, the Committee agree in recommending that the town appropriate $200 for that purpose. There were on the first day of May last, 324 persons in town between the ages of five and fifteen years. Of this number fifteen attend school in East Bridgewater.
Two of the board elected last March declined serving ; viz., Mr. Montgomery and Miss Kingman. Messrs. James A. Fobes and Erland Thayer were chosen to fill the vacancies. In addition to the above-named, the term of office to which Messrs. Leach and Goss were elected expires with the present school year. Therefore there are four members to be elected at the next meeting of the town; two for the term of three years, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of one year. For a more extended and minute report of the condition of the schools, we refer you to the report of the Superintendent of Schools, which accompanies this Report.
LUCIUS DUNBAR,
Chairman.
ALBERT A. COPELAND,
Secretary.
27
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT.
Gentlemen of the School Committee:
Of the ten schools now maintained by the town, nearly all are in excellent condition, and are accomplishing re- sults highly creditable to both teachers and pupils.
In a majority of cases, however, the work done would have been more complete and satisfactory had the attend- ance been less irregular.
In this respect there is a marked decrease from last year. Then the total average reached .89, whereas during the present year it has fallen to .75, showing a positive loss of .14. Undoubtedly the chief cause of this diminu- tion is directly attributable to sickness prevailing in sev- eral districts during the spring, by which the number of scholars was greatly reduced-in one instance nearly half.
In some cases, also, parents have found it necessary to require the assistance of their children at home, or the earnings gained by their labor ; and in some few instances they may have felt obliged to keep them out of school through inability to furnish suitable clothing.
Probably such circumstances of pressing need occur but rarely, but when they do, the town, after thorough investi- gation of the facts, ought certainly to make the requisite provision. Every child has a right to instruction in the elements of a sound practical education as a means of self-support. Any community neglecting to secure this privilege to all, not only fails in its duty, but imperils its own interests, by permitting one more individual to grow up
28
in that state of helpless ignorance which almost invariably leads to pauperism and crime, thus adding another burden to those that now tax our industry and cast reproach upon our civilization.
For a like reason truancy should be dealt with vigorously and without delay. Complaints of its increase are re- ported in different quarters, and if allowed to go on un- checked it must soon become a serious evil. At present no remedy exists, but it is hoped that the town will take action at its annual meeting, authorizing the committee to appoint and pay a truant-officer, able and willing to enforce the State law. Should this be done the good effects would be speedily perceptible in both schools and homes.
Shortly after the commencement of the first term, the teacher in the Centre, having received an invitation to take charge of a grammar school in Danvers, resigned his posi- tion here in order to accept it.
The change came at a particularly unfortunate time. The scholars were making more than ordinary progress in their studies, and many of the older pupils felt that they were parting not only with a superior instructor but with a personal friend, who had constantly made their interests his, and was always ready to give them needed counsel and assistance.
Since his departure the school has not been a success. To a certain extent this is due to the fact that each teacher must have a different method, and the transition from one to another demands no small amount of labor and exercise of patience. In the case under consideration, the natural and inherent difficulties were aggravated by a positive un- willingness on the part of some to accept the situation. While a number have done cheerfully whatever was re- quired of them, and by diligent application have steadily and rapidly advanced, others have exhibited a spirit of dis-
29
satisfaction and insubordination which has proved of great injury to themselves and to the general good order and welfare of the school.
In every instance your Superintendent is convinced that the trouble has not arisen from any lack of ability, earn- estness, or kindly feeling on the part of the one whose duty it was to teach, but solely from the unreasonable and re- fractory behavior of those who were sent to learn, but would not. Such a state of things is much to be regret- ted, since, aside from other consequences, precious time has been deliberately wasted, and opportunities rejected which will not come again.
Every school has its reputation in its own keeping. It can choose whether it will be governed by muscle or by mind. The Centre has shown that it possesses the ability to ex- cel, and there is reason to believe that in the future its in- telligent self-respect and sense of honor will go far toward holding in wholesome restraint any small minority of its members who have not yet learned that the first lesson for a pupil to acquire is obedience, and that without it there can be no education worth the name.
In this connection it may be well to say that in one im- portant particular the prospects of the ultimate efficiency of the Centre school are especially encouraging. For a long time it was evident that a single unassisted teacher could not do full justice to so many pupils, varying in age from five to sixteen, and reaching a total of between fifty and sixty in number. With the view of securing equal ad- vantages to all, it was resolved to try the experiment of grading the classes into a primary and a grammar depart- ment, giving to each a separate building and a distinct sys- tem of tuition.
The new arrangement went into operation with the be- ginning of the Fall term, and thus far it has proved to be
30
a decided advance upon the former method. If such had not been the case it would have indeed been strange.
The value of the principle of a division of labor in most mechanical employments is now fully recognized, and the time is rapidly approaching when its utility in educational matters will be equally plain. If it requires twenty work- men to make and finish a shoe for the market, it certainly should not be considered singular if the services of more than one person were needed in teaching a child how to think and handle facts. The additional expense incurred is small, the gain is evident ; and if parents will lend their influence and cordial co-operation, what has been done, will, we trust, be but the promise and pledge of still bet- ter things to come.
In the Cochesett Grammar School one very noticeable feature is the number of those who have been perfect in at- tendance. Their names, with those of others, will be found in the Roll of Honor appended to this report. As an index of the interest felt it is a valuable record.
The general condition of this school is in all respects commendable, and the advanced classes in grammatical analysis and algebra are fully prepared to take up difficult work.
In the lower room much attention has been paid to cor- rect and expressive reading, and the written exercises on the blackboard show that a good deal of labor has been well spent in that direction.
The teacher of the South Primary states that she can see that the children under her care are constantly gaining in power of diligent application, and all those who visit the school must, we think, receive the same favorable impres- sion.
Within the year a class has been formed in oral instruc- tion in Geography, and by this means the dry bones of that
31
usually uninteresting study have been clothed with life. Another exercise, and one peculiar to this school, requires each pupil to write daily a detailed description of some familiar object, or narrate the substance of a short story read to them by the teacher.
By this means the habit of close and accurate observation is gradually developed, and at the same time the child is taught, not only how to spell words, but also how to use them in the most effective manner.
If this exercise could be adopted in all our primary and mixed schools, it would be productive of good in many ways.
A regular part of the course in the South Intermediate consists in frequent and searching examinations by written tests. It is a pleasure to look over the papers handed in for inspection. All exhibit neatness and care, and several would reflect credit on any high school.
If more parents would endeavor to be present at the clos- ing exercises they would have the satisfaction of discover- ing not merely what their children know, but also what the children themselves arc sure they know.
After many changes, the North School seems at last to have secured the right person to take charge of it, and during the year all has gone on smoothly and prosperously.
In the North Centre the recent resignation of Mrs. Toothaker leaves a vacancy difficult to fill. Her seven terms of service have given the school a rank second to none, and the sorrow felt at her departure found expres- sion in a farewell address read by one of the pupils, accom- panied by a handsome and useful testimonial of their regard.
At the East there has been some friction, and conse- quently less progress than would otherwise have been the
32
case, though a number of the advanced scholars are doing well, as their recitations bear witness.
At the close of the summer term several of the older members of the Jerusalem School finished their studies and withdrew. Since then the average attendance has been very small, on some days numbering only seven. This has made the teacher's work rather discouraging, since it is impossible to have a spirit of emulation when classes are reduced to their lowest terms. Still, considerable has been done and more will be when opportunity is given. The reading and writing both deserve notice, and the general deportment is all that could be desired.
"In closing this report it is but simple justice to add that the high degree of efficiency observable in the schools, as a whole, is owing, first, to the conscientious labor of a corps of intelligent and faithful teachers ; secondly, to the influ- ence of the lady who for a number of years discharged the duties of Superintendent in such a manner as to command the respect and win the confidence and good-will of the en- tire community. To-day we are reaping the results of her counsel and her culture ; and if in the near future she shall return, with renewed health, let us hope that it will be to resume the position which she held so long and so honor- ably.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID H. MONTGOMERY,
Superintendent.
33
ROLL OF HONOR.
This list contains the names of those pupils who have been neither absent nor tardy during an entire term, with the number of terms of perfect attendance opposite each name.
COCHESETT GRAMMAR.
Lura Alger, .
1
Josie Collins,
2
Eva Cole,
1
Mary Ames, .
1
Lillie Ames, .
1
Sadie Collins,
1
Lillie Cole, ·
1
Hattie Jennings,
.
2
Blanche Jennings,
1
Dora Dewyer,
1
Mary Tisdale,
1
A. Clinton Alger,
·
1
COCHESETT PRIMARY.
Alida Shaw, .
2
Gevie Dewyer,
1
Ansel Alger, .
1
Frank Dorgan,
.
1
Belle Alger, .
1
Ethel Vosmus,
1
CENTRE GRAMMAR.
Lucy Tisdale,
1
Jennie Thorpe,
1
Fred. B. Tisdale, .
1
George F. Logue, .
1
Edith Snell, .
1
·
.
May Jennings,
.
1
.
5
34
CENTRE PRIMARY.
Clarence S. Atwell,
2
Ralph Fobes,
1
Willie Wixon,
1
Charles Lothrop, .
1
Freddie Wixon,
1 Emily J. Morse,
1
Eveline Ripley,
1
Lottie Logue,
2
Charles M. Logue,
1 Howard Billings, .
1
George Connor,
·
1
Lemuel F. Williams,
.
1
SOUTH INTERMEDIATE.
.
Nellie Buttomer, .
1
Patrick Cashion, . 1 .
Maggie Connice, .
2 Julia Connice, . .
2
Nellie Cashion,
3
Mary O'Neil, .
2
SOUTH PRIMARY.
Willie Luddy,
3
Johnnie Cashman,
· 2
John Sullivan,
·
1
NORTH.
Elliott S. Keith,
1
Lester French,
2
Mary C. Keith,
.
1
Grace M. Perkins, .
1
Willie S. Turner, .
·
1
James C. Keith,
1
John R. Perkins, .
.
1
NORTH CENTRE.
Lida Copeland,
1
Arthur Copeland, .
· 2
Mary McDonald, .
.
1 Myron Snell, . .
.
1
.
.
35
EAST.
Annie K. Barrell, .
1
Florence Keen,
2
Flora F. Keen,
1
Laura Keen, .
2
George Colwell,
3
Susie K. Washburn,
1
Nellie M. Clifford, .
1
Lillie M. Pratt,
1
Jamie Clifford,
1
Willie Clifford,
1
Edwin H. Thayer, .
1
Josie Thayer,
1
JERUSALEM.
Kate Egan,
.
.
.
. 3
SECTION OF AMENDED STATE LAW.
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, at least twenty weeks; which time shall be divided into two terms, each of ten con- secutive weeks, so far as the arrangement of school-terms will allow ; and for every neglect of such duty, the party offending shall forfeit, to the use of the public schools of such city or town, a sum not exceeding twenty dollars.
36
Table of Statistics.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
Length of School in
Months.
Wages of Teacher
per Month.
Number of Pupils.
Average
ance.
Percentage of At- tendance.
COCHESETT - Grammar Department.
Summer, .
2
$40
26
15
.59
M. C. Gay, . . Fall,
21
40
38
34
.81
Winter, .
40
38
31
.84
COCHESETT - Primary Department.
Summer, .
21
$34
44
28
.63
Irene S. Wood, .
Fall,
.
3
34
30
23
.76
CENTRE GRAMMAR.
W. H. Stone,
W. D. Jackson, .
Summer, .
22
$48
53
50
.92
Sarah Walker,*
Fall,
21
36
26
20
.77
Alice Shepard, . · \ Winter,
3
36
25
19
.77
CENTRE PRIMARY.
Mattie M. Allen,
Winter,
3
30
30
22
.73
SOUTH INTERMEDIATE.
Summer, .
21
$34
33
27
.85
M. A. Dewyer, .
Fall,
3
34
29
21
.71
Winter,
21
34
26
20
.77
SOUTH PRIMARY.
Summer, .
22
$34
33
28
.84
W. A. Holmes, .
Fall,
3
34
36
30
.84
- Winter,
.
NORTH SCHOOL.
Summer, .
$34
20
18
.90
M. B. Wyman, .
Fall,
34
19
17
.85
Winter,
.
3
34
18
16
.88
.
34
38
31
.81
Winter, .
.
·
Fall,
21
$30
29
24
.83
.
45T
34
31
27
.87
* Assistant teacher of primary pupils for one term, at $18 per month.
Attend-
37
Table of Statistics-Continued.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
Length of School in
Months.
Wages of Teacher
per Month.
Number of Pupils.
Average
ance.
Percentage of At- tendance.
NORTH CENTRE.
Summer, .
.
21
34
20 20
17
.85
Mrs. L. M. Toothaker, { Fall,
Winter,
.
2
34
23
17
.78
.
EAST SCHOOL.
M. A. Thayer, .
. Summer, .
22
$36
33
27
.81
Anna Wheeler, .
Winter,
3
36
35
28
.81
JERUSALEM.
Anna Wheeler, .
· Summer, .
22
$34
19
14
.74
Jennie Bird, .
( Fall,
21
34
17
14
.82
· Winter,
.
3
34
13
10
.76
Fall,
22
36
30
23
.78
17
.85
$34
Attend-
4732 21919
3 1611 00143 0831
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