Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855, Part 22

Author: Worcester (Mass.)
Publication date: 1848
Publisher: The City
Number of Pages: 940

USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855 > Part 22

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more experience and under circumstances of less difficulty, may be highly acceptable and useful as a teacher.

The winter session of the school conducted by Mr. Nath'l E. Holland as principal, and Miss Sarah R. Wood- burn as assistant, has begun under auspices unusually fa- vorable. There is every reason to anticipate, that the highest satisfaction will be given by these instructors, to pupils, parents, guardians, and all concerned.

C. NEWTON.

The Parkhurst School commenced in good condition and under very favorable auspices, and was well instructed during the term taught by Miss Harriet A. Bigelow, and made considerable improvement ; but, at the eleventh week the health of the teacher, which had been perceptibly de- clining some time, was found too feeble for continuing the school longer, and with that week, it closed, in a very sat- isfactory condition in all other respects.

In consequence of the continued precarious indisposition Miss Bigelow, the commencement of the fall term was procrastinated two weeks, when it was deemed inexpedient to delay longer ; and the school was resumed under the charge of Miss Laura M. Gage, as temporary teacher, and was conducted in a manner highly creditable to the teach- er and beneficial to the school. At the closing examina- tion the scholars gave intelligent assurance of efficient in- struction, assiduous effort, and corresponding improvement; and in consequence, Miss Gage has been elected permanent teacher, with confidence in her future fidelity in the re- quirements and duties of her employment, which she has hitherto so happily discharged, to the gratification of those parents most interested in the school, and satisfactorily to the Committee. APPLETON FAY.

The Leesville School was small at the commencement, and from the want of interest and emulation, all hopes of its being a profitable school soon began to grow smaller, and continued to diminish until, in accordance with the wishes of the district, the term taught by Miss Shepard was closed at the end of the tenth week.

The fall term began October 13th, much increased in numbers, and made good improvement under the faithful instruction of Miss Ruth C. Thompson, a very active and efficient teacher ; and at the close of the term of eleven weeks, it was in a very prosperous and satisfactory condi- tion.

APPLETON FAY.

At New Worcester, the teacher has labored under the disadvantage common to schools keeping only a part of the year and composed of every variety of attainment above the Infant school, to say nothing of a variety of text-books for the same studies. Yet she has performed for this school a good service,-uniting the better methods of teaching and recitations approved in the schools of the centre dis- trict, with judicious arrangements and a hearty purpose to interest her pupils in their studies. She won their confi- dence and esteem, and at the expiration of her term, left manifest marks of their improvement. Miss W. is suc- ceeded by Miss Adaline Fairbanks, whose very satisfactory services in another district may guarantee success in her present position. In the Primary department, Miss De- land is an assiduous and faithful teacher. She shows a love as well as ability for her employment, and a mild and af- fectionate manner of instructing and ruling her "many- childed house,"-which well deserve the respect in which she is held among the pupils and their parents.

S. B. SWAIM.

The South Worcester School commenced on May 5th, 1851, under the instruction of Miss Susan G. Hedge, with 35 scholars, and continued under her instruction until September, with a fortnight's vacation in the month of Ju- ly. The average number of scholars during the session was 32, with an improvement in the school. The final examination was satisfactory, both to the district and the Committee. The winter term commenced during the last week in November, under the instruction of Miss E. Bad- ger, with 37 scholars. Two weeks from the commence- ment of the term, the number increased to 47, and the school was in good progress for improvement, displaying in a great degree, the success of a female teacher in one of the most difficult schools in the city. SAM'L FLAGG.

The school at Quinsigamond kept but one term, the house then being rendered untenantable, and consequently the school was suspended. During the time Miss Rice was connected with it, as teacher, the school gave promise of very satisfactory results. The Committee feel that the interest manifested by the parents in that district, conduced to no inconsiderable degree, to the favorable auspices with which the school closed. H. GRIFFIN.

The Monroe School, under the charge of Miss Mary A. Bigelow, has been eminently successful during the past year. In accordance with the arrangement of the Board,~ the school has become permanent, and the change gives entire satisfaction. Miss Bigelow has nearly closed her second year in this school, and has illustrated in a happy manner the superior benefits accruing from permanent teachers, as well as the advantage to smaller schools of fe- male teachers. It is often said that large boys cannot be managed by females. The experience of the two past

years refutes this objection. This school has never been more harmonious and successful than under the present teacher.

During the past season, a new school-house has been built on Blithewood avenue, and the school is now in suc- cessful operation in the new house. The house is pleas- antly situated, on a commanding eminence,-of convenient arrangement, neat and tasteful, and does much credit to the city. This school will hereafter be known as the Blithewood School.

J. F. BURBANK.

The Pond School, which has become one of our perma- nent suburban schools, has enjoyed the efficient services of Miss Sarah P. Smith, as teacher. The recitations at each visit, have been prompt and satisfactory, and though most of the scholars in summer and autumn were small, they show- ed decided evidence of progress in learning, at the close in November. Some fear was expressed that some of the more advanced scholars, who attend only in winter, would be too old to be profitably instructed by Miss Smith ; but on trial, both parents and pupils have found themselves agreeably disappointed ; and they pronounce their school, thus far, superior to most of the winter schools in that district in years past. H. J. HOWLAND.

Adams Square School, taught by Miss Mary J. White. At the commencement of the school, time was necessarily spent in establishing discipline, in which, however, the sympathy and co-operation of the parents generally was not received. Consequently, the results of her untiring efforts were hindered, and a loss sustained; but with all these counteracting influences, a decided improvement has been made; and could the good work thus begun in this

school, be fully carried out, it will soon resume its former position among the best schools of our city.

WALTER BIGELOW, JR.

Burncoat Plain. In the 10th district, though the teacher first employed in the summer term, was amply qualified to teach a school of much higher grade, there was a want of experience and energy, which failed to give satisfaction. On her resignation, she was succeeded by a teacher who tanght the school the remainder of the term, with good success. J. GRAY.

Northville. The Visiting Committee of suburban school No 12, (Northville) reports that the change made to a permanent school, with a female teacher, is highly satis- factory. The winter term, with the same large scholars who attended last winter, is in successful operation.

J. H. BROOKS.

The school in Read district, taught by Miss Susan Jencks during the summer term, appeared very well, con- sidering circumstances. It was not large, numbering but 24 on the register. The attendance was quite irregular, making an average of but 17 or 18, and a much smaller number were constant throughout the term. The teacher gave very general satisfaction. It is now kept by Mr. Smith ; have visited it once, and it was then better attend- ed, and doing well. CHAS. A. WHEELER.

Chamberlain District. A most excellent summer school was taught in this district, by Miss Fairbanks, and Mr. Sears is successfully teaching the winter school.

N. T. BENT.

Inquiry has been frequently made as to the cost of in- struction per scholar in the High school, compared with

other Seminaries in which the same branches are taught. To answer this inquiry accurately, would be difficult ; but some statements may be offered which will give a little light on the subject.

The average membership in the High school since it was first opened, has been 145. The cost of maintaining it has been about $3100 per year; or about $21,37 per year, for each scholar. The average membership the past year has been 141; making the cost per scholar some $22,62. In the excellent private establishments in this city, the charge for advantages similar to those enjoyed by the pupils in our High school, is from $28 to $48 per year ;- and the managers of those institutions are not very strongly suspected of growing rich, though their schools are well filled. The tuition in most of the Academies of good standing in the State, is about the same as these, varying, however, with the advantages offered.

From the above, our fellow-citizens will perceive that our High school is managed economically as well as effi- ciently ; and that the poor as well as the rich among us, are enjoying the advantages of a first class Seminary, at a very moderate cost ; advantages too, which a majority of them would be wholly deprived of, if not provided at the public charge.

To give an idea of the variety and amount of instruction given and received in this school, it may be proper to give a list of the studies attended to in daily recitations during the last summer term. 70 studied Arithmetic; 29 Geog- raphy ; 49 English Grammar and Analysis ; 63 History ; 60 Algebra; 8 Geometry; 10 Surveying; 4 Intellectual Philosophy ; 59 French; 100 Latin ; and 10 Greek. Be- sides these, the whole school attended to weekly exercises

in Reading, Composition, and Declamation or Recitation in Poetry.

The change that was made last summer in the school hours, for this school, giving only one session per day in- stead of two, has proved entirely satisfactory to all con- cerned, and especially to those who reside at a distance from the school house.

SUBURBAN SCHOLARS AND SCHOOLS.

At an early meeting of the Board, it was decided to ad- mit pupils to the Grammar schools, from any portion of the city, if the applicants were found to be qualified. But the oft-expressed desire for the enjoyment of this privilege, by some of our suburban friends, appears to have vanished with the prohibitory regulation ; as not more than four from beyond the bounds of the former centre district have made application for admission to the Grammar schools. Possibly this result may have been caused, in part, by the care and success of the Examining Committee, in selecting from the numerous applicants, capable and efficient teach- ers for nearly all the suburban schools, able to teach all the branches of study which any of the scholars wished to pursue.

Another change, adopted in all the Suburban schools where the people interested would consent, has doubtless aided in satisfying them with their own schools. This is, making them permanent schools, with such vacations only as are required for the convenience of the pupils; and with permanent female teachers, to be annually elected, like those in the centre. This plan gives several weeks more schooling in a year, without additional expense ; saves most of the time usually lost by a new teacher in

becoming acquainted with the scholars; and in fact, has furnished a higher class of teachers for those schools, than could be obtained under the old system, where the teacher was engaged for a short term only, and could be expected to feel but little interest in the permanent prosperity of a school, from which he would probably be forever separated almost before he could become acquainted with it. This permanent arrangement has given the highest satisfaction in all the schools where adopted, and the Board believe that all the troubles in relation to their teachers, which have existed in several of the other schools, will be speedi- ly forgotten, whenever the new system shall be adopted.

CHANGE OF BOOKS.

Great complaint is made everywhere of the frequent changes of School Books ; and has been made even in our own city. How much cause for complaint exists in Wor- cester, may be judged from the fact, that-except in the High school, where changes are never made except in forming new classes-during the past three years, only three of the text books have been changed, and the Board have only authorized the adoption of these on forming new classes and at the commencement of the succeeding year. Several of our text books have been used in the schools for a long series of years, and probably many more years will pass away before they can be changed for the better.

Doubtless the changes of books which are most com- plained of, are made for a cause which the Board have no power or wish to prevent; that is, the advancement of the scholars in their studies. For instance, the tyro begins his education with the Primer; but having mastered that, he must change his book and procure the Second Book ;

and then the Third and Fourth Books must follow in their course, or the pupil must pause in his progress to good scholarship. The same is true of the text books in Geog- raphy, Arithmetic, and other studies. And in this way, without a single change of books by the Board, in a family of half a dozen children, the call for new books must be anything but pleasing to those who regard the advancement in knowledge of their children as of less consequence than the drain on their pockets.

RE-ORGANIZATION.

The Board have been enabled, by the completion of the new school house on Thomas street, to carry out nearly to its completion, the plan of re-organization of the schools in the Centre district, which was recommended and in part carried out by the able School Committee of 1844, with the direct sanction of the legal voters of Worcester. We refer to the provision for the education of the children of both sexes in the same schools. This plan has been in operation for years, in the Primary and High schools, and one Secondary school, which include children of all ages, from 4 to 20 years, with the most satisfactory results, and it only remained to unite the two larger Grammar schools, and re-arrange the scholars in the Secondary schools with reference to their convenience in attending them, to complete the desired improvement. This was done in September, and the reports from the several schools show something of the results.

WRITING.

The subject of teaching Writing in our schools, has re- ceived the anxious consideration of the Board through the

season. All were satisfied that more and better instruction in this art should be given, but it was not so easy to de- cide upon the best method of securing it. It was finally decided, that regular instruction in writing should be given by the teachers in all the Grammar and Secondary schools; with the full conviction, that if faithfully carried out by the teachers, this decision would prove of great and lasting benefit to their pupils, and be most gratifying to the pa- rents of those pupils.

OTHER BRANCHES OF STUDY.

Much attention has also been given to several other branches of study pursued in our schools, in which there is still room for improvement, and which we would there- fore commend to the consideration of our successors. Among these are Reading and Geography, on both of which subjects much time has been spent, and it is hoped some advance has been made. The Phonetic System of reading by sound, has also received some attention, and the Committee are by no means certain that a fair experi- ment with this system in one or more of our Primary schools, might not result in its adoption in all our ele- mentary schools, and the consequent saving of much time and perplexity to the youngest scholars in their earlier efforts after knowledge.

SUMMER VACATIONS.

Another topic, to which attention is called in one of the preceding reports, is deserving of something more than a passing notice. This is, the propriety of suspending the schools during a longer time than has been usual in the summer months. If the parents of all the children gath-

ered in our schools, had the means of providing for them suitable employment or recreation, or even yard room where they might safely amuse themselves in the open air, during a long vacation in the sultry summer months, there might be less difficulty in deciding as to the proper course to be pursued. But a majority have no such means or accommodations. Our population is emphatically a work- ing population ; and while the fathers are engaged in their workshops or other fields of labor, the mothers find ample employment for their hands and their thoughts, in their appropriate household duties ; and they find it a real relief to know that their children are safe in the school room, rather than at large in the streets, they know not in what company. They are very differently situated from those residing in rural or suburban districts, and require different accommodations in many respects. They would be better pleased to have the vacations made shorter rather than longer. And they would be still better satisfied, if their children could have frequent opportunities, during the warm season, to walk abroad with their teachers into the fields and groves, and there study from the open book of nature, lessons of wisdom and beauty not to be found in the crowded streets or the more crowded school rooms. This subject is believed to be deserving of the careful considera- tion of the gentlemen who are to succeed us in the care of the schools, and to them we would respectfully commend it.

NEW SCHOOL HOUSES NEEDED.

It has been pretty well understood by this Board and in the community, that the convenience of a large number of our citizens would be greatly promoted by the erection and occupation of a new school house in the south-western

portion of the Centre district. A very eligible lot was purchased for this purpose, some two years since, on Syca- more street, and there can be no doubt that if rooms were opened there at this time, sufficient to accommodate some 200 Grammar scholars, and perhaps 100 each of Seconda- ry and Primary scholars, they would be speedily filled. We would express the hope, that the City Fathers of the coming year will take a note of this want, and supply it. The school house at South Worcester is in a condition ut- terly unfit for use, and should be replaced by a new one without delay. And it is at least worthy of inquiry, whether a location should not be preferred, which will al- low the great majority of small children to approach it without crossing so many bridges as are now in their way.

MORAL AND RELIGIOUS TRAINING.

There is one other topic which ought not to be over- looked, as there is some reason to fear it has been to too great an extent, by this Board as well as by teachers and parents ; and that is, the moral and religious training of the young, which is enjoined by the laws of the Common- wealth, and by that regard which every good citizen must feel for the welfare of the community in which he lives. In a city like this, there are many places to which the young may resort for useful instruction and harmless amusement, as well as for direct moral and religious teach- ing ; but when we see boys and girls,-members of our Sabbath and week-day schools,-neglecting them, and fre- quenting theatrical performances and other places of less questionable morality, which abound in our midst ; result- ing, as the resort to such places has in several instances done in this city, in theft and other violations of the laws

of the land; it becomes a matter of serious inquiry by those to whom the care of children and youth is committed, whether they have done their whole duty in relation to the matter; or whether they should not take other and more effectual measures to preserve our young people from the temptations to evil which are so freely thrown in their way.

If there has been, on the part of any of our teachers, a failure to comply with that provision of the Statute, which requires of all " instructors of youth, to exert their best endeavors to impress on the minds of children and youth committed to their care and instruction, the princi- ples of piety, justice, and a sacred regard to truth, love to their country, humanity and universal benevolence, sobrie- ty, industry and frugality, chastity, moderation and tem- perance, and those other virtues, which are the ornament of human society, and the basis upon which a republican constitution is founded ;" the Committee would invite their immediate attention to the subject, and earnestly urge them to comply with the spirit as well as the letter of this wholesome enactment.

With the foregoing statements and suggestions, the Board of School Committee cheerfully resign the trust committed to them, into the hands of their successors, with the prayer that they may be guided by wisdom from above, in the management of this most important field of public labor.

In behalf of the Committee,

HENRY J. HOWLAND, Secretary.

APPENDIX.

Names or the permanent Schools in Worcester, and of the teachers and assistants employed in them, with their salaries.

Classical and English High School.

Nelson Wheeler, Principal, -

- Salary, $1200,00

Wm. E. Starr, Assistant, -

- 1000,00

Louise C. Harwood, Assistant,

- 400,00

M. Maria Hunt, 66 66 300,00 - -

Thomas School-Grammar and Secondary.

Caleb B. Metcalf, Principal, -

- Salary, $1000,00

Nancy Baker, Assistant,

275,00

Sarah E. Stone, 66

66 275,00

Caroline Parkinson,

66 250,00

Lois H. Wheeler, 66

275,00

Elizabeth Gird 66

250,00

Freelove Carey, 66

60 240,00

Emily W. Spaulding, " -

66 170,00

Harriet M. Walker, “ -

66 240,00

Front St. Grammar School.

Adeliza Perry, Principal, - 275,00

Summer St. Secondary.

Harriet L. Whittemore, Principal, - 275,00

Sophronia P. Clark, Assistant, - .

170,00

Caroline Hewitt,

66 170,00

Pleasant St. Secondary.

Maria H. Read, Principal, -

Salary, 275,00 -

Jane Harrington, Assistant, -

66 170,00

Mary S. Turner, - - - 170,00

Ash St. Secondary.

Charlotte N. Follett, Principal, - -

66 275,00

Sarah Earle, Assistant, - -

60 170,00

Ellen Stone, -

- - - 170,00

School for Colored Children.

Emily Eveleth, Principal, - -

66 260,00

Main St. Primary.

Abigail Pratt, Principal, - - 225,00

Susan E. Jencks, Assistant,

- 150,00

Summer Street South Primary.

Mary A. Slater, Principal, - - 225,00

Sarah Eaton, Assistant, - - 150,00

Summer St. North Primary.

Sarah M. Muzzy, Principal, -

225,00

Rebecca W. Taylor, Assistant, - -

150,00

Ash Street West Primary.

Maria P. Gates, Principal, - - -

225,00

Caroline C. Mathews, Assistant, .

150,00

Ash Street East Primary.

Sarah W. Joyce, Principal,

225,00

Lucy L. J. Smith, Assistant,

150,00

Pleasant St. South Primary.

Lydia Wilmarth, Principal,

225,00

A. Maria Dunbar, Assistant, -

150,00

Pleasant St. North Primary.

Almira Shumway, Principal,

66 225,00

Mary A. Lawrence, Assistant,

66 150,00

Front St. East Primary.

Sarah W. Clements, Principal,

66 225,00

Maria Allen, Assistant,

150,00 .

Front St. West Primary.

Martha E. Burr, Principal, -

Salary, 225,00

Lucy E. Draper, Assistant, - -

150,00

Pine Meadow Primary.

Lucy M. Newton, Principal,

225,00

PERMANENT SUBURBAN SCHOOLS.

Parkhurst,

Laura M. Gage, Teacher, 66 175,00

Leesville, Ruth C. Thompson,

125,00

New Worcester, Adeline Fairbanks, 66

200,00

Hester M. Deland,

150,00

South Worcester, Elizabeth Badger,

200,00

Monroe, Maria H. Bigelow,

66 200,00

Pond, Sarah P. Smith, 66

200,00

Adams Square, Mary J. White,

200,00

Northville, Martha W. Barnes,

200,00

Medical College, Elizabeth Coe,

200,00

The Suburban Schools in Tatnuck, Quinsigamond, Burncoat Plain, Cham- berlain and Read Districts, are continued for the present on the old system, with temporary male teachers in winter, and female teachers in summer.

The annexed table will show the whole number of schol- ars connected with each school, in summer and winter, with the number of each sex, and the average attendance.

SUMMER TERM.

FALL AND WINTER.

SCHOOLS.

Whole |Males. No.

Fe- males.

Av'ge attend.

Whole No.

Males.

Fe- małes.

Av'ge attenu.

Pine Meadow Primary,

Front St. East

160

108

165

Front St. West יי

140

110

Ash St. East

134

150

Ash St. West

140

100

146

Pleasant St. South 66

105

114

Pleasant St. North "

Main St.

148

135

Summer St. South "

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Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855, Part 22

Author: Worcester (Mass.) Publication date: 1848 Publisher: The City Number of Pages: 940

Author: Worcester (Mass.)
Publication date: 1848
Publisher: The City
Number of Pages: 940