USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855 > Part 25
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of a very high order of merit, and were entirely satisfactory to the Committee and the numerous visitors who were present.
Miss Whittemore has been at the head of this school for several years, and has ever enjoyed a high reputation as an efficient disciplinarian and teacher. At times, it has been a very difficult school to keep, requiring great discre- tion as well as firmness and decision of character, to main- tain proper decorum in the school room and on the grounds around the building. But, however complicated and ar- duous the duties may have been, she has always been found equal to the emergency, and discharged those duties to the satisfaction of the respective Committees under whom she has labored. She has now resigned her connexion with the school, with the consciousness of having been faith- ful in the discharge of her duties. The pupils with whom she has from time to time been associated, will long hold in grateful remembrance, one from whom they have re- ceived so many acts of kindness, and who by precept and example has done so much to impress, upon their tender minds, lessons of truth and virtue. As she retires from the field of her labors, she will carry with her the best wishes of her pupils and friends, that health, happiness, and prosperity may attend her in all the relations of life. P. W. TAFT.
The Thomas St. Secondary School, taught by Miss Free- love Cary, assisted by Miss Emily W. Spaulding, has had a full attendance during the year, and appeared well at the examination. O. P. GILBERT.
Pleasant St. Secondary School. This school has been under the same teachers as last year,-Miss Maria H. Read, principal, Miss Jane Harrington and Miss Mary S. Tur-
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ner, assistants. The Committee are happy to give their testimony to the excellency of this school. Its course has been onward, pleasant, and prosperous. The troubles of last year have not returned, and there has been a general disposition to submit to the government and discipline of the school. The experiment of uniting the sexes, has been fairly tested, with entire success, and it is believed to the satisfaction of those sending children to school, especi- ally of such as send both girls and boys.
The examination was unusually interesting, and seem- ed to afford much satisfaction to a large number of friends, who were present on the occasion. J. F. BURBANK.
The School for Colored Children,-Miss Emily Eveleth, principal,-has had the best attendance of any school I have visited, and she is a faithful and efficient teacher.
O. P. GILBERT.
The Front St. Grammar School, under the instruction of Miss Adeliza Perry, has been in successful operation the past year. The Committee would say, that this School has not failed in any month to be visited by one, and, in many instances, by both members of the Committee; and they are happy in being able to bear their united testimony, to the perseverance and fidelity of the teacher, and to the willingness generally, on the part of the pupils, to submit to wholesome restraint. The accommodations for scholars of this grade in this part of the city are too limited ; and the Committee very much regret having been obliged, on that account, to remove a large number of pupils from this to the Thomas school.
The monthly reports of this school, have always been favorable, and the final examination was such as to prove conclusively, that the reports were correct,-that examina- tion being highly creditable to both teacher and scholars.
J. C. NEWTON.
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Thomas School. The school known as the Thomas school is composed of five divisions, each of which has a distinct and separate Committee assigned for its supervi- sion, a part of whose duty it will be to make a detailed report to this Board of the condition of the respective schools under their charge. In the three first divisions, grammar studies are pursued, while, in the others, studies adapted to secondary schools only, are pursued. Of the first division under the immediate care of Mr. Metcalf and Miss Baker, I beg leave to submit the following report :
At the opening of the school year in January last, the number of scholars which were promoted from the secon- dary schools, far exceeded the vacant seats in the gram- mar schools. Consequently the Committee was under the necessity of sending back the surplus to the respective schools from which they came, to remain until vacancies should occur, or provision should be otherwise made for their accommodation. The attendance during the winter Term was quite full, but the succeeding Terms show a great falling off in numbers as well as great irregularity of at- tendance. The register shows that a large proportion of the scholars have been absent, from 35 to 80 days each, during the year, and that 32 have left the school. Of these 32, six have gone to other schools, four have left town, and most of the others have embarked in mechanical, or other business pursuits ; but, if they had remained in school to the close of the year, fourteen of their number would have been qualified for promotion to the high school. A few cases of insubordination have occurred, which for the time somewhat disturbed the peace and quiet of the school, by boys who seemed to have no other idea of greatness or excellence of character, than a determination to oppose, not only the wholesome regulations of the teachers in the
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school room, but also those which have been established by the Board for the preservation of the school furniture, and other appurtenances necessary for the comfort and con- venience of the school. But it is confidently hoped, that but few boys of that character remain members of the school, at this time. Notwithstanding the embarrassment the school has suffered from the above named causes, it has uniformly appeared well at each of the monthly visits of the Committee, and I take great pleasure in expressing the opinion, that it has evidently advanced very much during the past year, in all of the essential elements which are requisite to constitute a grammar school of the first rank. The order and deportment of the school when visited by the Committee, has at all times been good. The teachers appear to be well qualified in every particular to fill their respective stations. The discipline is of that firm, steady, and uniform character, which not only secures obedience but commands respect. In the management of the school no attempt is made at mere display, but all studies are pursued with a view to obtain a solid and substantial edu- cation, rather than a superficial accomplishment. Schol- ars are taught to know and understand the principles of in- tricate, as well as simple questions, instead of being left in a state of uncertainty.
At the closing examination, the school was examined in the various branches of study which had been pursued during the year, and in all of the varied and extended ex- ercises and recitations which were gone through with, on that occasion, were eminently successful. The recitations in arithmetic were deserving of particular notice for the promptness and accuracy with which the questions were answered-many of which were of so complicated a char- acter, as to require no little thought and knowledge on the
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part of the pupils to solve them. The reading by all the school was of a very superior character-remarkable in all cases for distinct enunciation, correct, intelligent, and graceful expression. What may be said of reading and arithmetic, may, with equal propriety, be said of spelling, geography, grammar, history, and declamation. As a whole, and in every essential particular, the exhibition was one that was creditable to both teachers and pupils, and an honor to the City under whose fostering care it has attained its present high reputation and efficiency.
A serious evil has long existed in this school which, it is hoped, has received a permanent check. It has arisen from the practice of admitting scholars from this to the high school at the beginning of each term, on a very low standard of scholarship,-from the lower classes as well as the higher,-the tendency of which has been to degrade the grammar school far below its proper rank, by having its scholars promoted to the high school to finish their grammar school studies ;- thus converting a great part of the high school into a grammar school. It is believed by the Committee, and those educators in other cities who have examined this subject the most thoroughly, that such a practice is an injury to the scholars and to the public ; that, when the standard for admission to an advanced school is high, the scholar wishing for promotion has a much more powerful motive for constant attendance at school, and a close application to study, than he would have were this standard low; that grammar school studies are taught better in these schools than in high schools, because grammar school teachers devote their attention exclusively to the best methods of teaching these studies; and that these studies can be taught at much less expense, per scholar, in grammar, than in high schools. There
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seem to be quite as strong reasons in favor of promoting scholars from the primary and secondary schools, prema- turely, to pursue, in the grammar school, studies which can be better and more economically taught in schools of the lower grade. The admission of scholars of a low grade into the high school, whether from grammar, or private schools, has a bad influence upon those who re- main in the grammar school to complete the studies which are necessary to qualify them for promotion to the high school ;- for, in the first place, they feel disgraced, under the impression, that the public will look upon them as ranking lower than those who have been promoted, while, in fact, they are much superior to them. In the next place, they show, by practice, the belief, that they may be absent from the school a great portion of the time, and still be able to obtain promotion whenever they think prop- er to apply. If the scholar who is constant in his attend- ance, and studious in his habits, has no better prospect of advancement, than the truant or the blockhead, the inquiry naturally arises, what inducement is held out for orderly, consecutive attendance, when absence incurs no loss of rank or privilege. The child in a primary school has the. stimulus of hope, and anticipated promotion from class to class,-from school to school. It lures him on by an ir- resistible attraction. It gives buoyancy to his spirits, in- spiration to study, and makes attendance a pleasure. All is reversed on reaching his last honor-admission to the high school. Under these circumstances, is it surprising that the slightest lure of interest or of caprice, should draw a scholar from the school ? Is it surprising, that pa- rents of enlarged views are tempted, even at much sacri- fice, to seek elsewhere, the desired advantages for their children ?
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To remedy this evil, a Special Committee was appointed by the Board in October last, to consider what could be done to elevate the standard and regulate the grades of admission to the high and grammar schools. That Com- mittee, in the discharge of their duty, took occasion to ob- tain the opinions of teachers and committees, who were supposed to be most thoroughly conversant with the care and management of similar schools, in other towns and cities of the Commonwealth, as well as those of our own teachers, together with such facts as might serve to eluci- date the practical results derived from the working of a system which has been adopted by almost every other city and populous community from which information has been obtained. After a careful consideration of the subject in all its bearings, that Committee, in their report, say, that they " consider it necessary, to the highest efficiency of our system, that every school should be strictly confined to its own grade, and education be completed, as far as it may be, in each, before promotion is made to a higher. The grammar schools should finish their legitimate work, and the high school be, in reality, what it is in name. This is essential equally to economy, to system, and complete- ness of instruction."
In a neighboring city, where a similar evil has existed for nearly 20 years, the School Committee, in their annual report for 1851, have entered into an elaborate discussion, in favor of an immediate change. They show, by careful- ly arranged tables, that in a series of printed questions, which was prepared and submitted to both grammar and high school scholars; the scholars, in some of the gram- mar schools, furnished from 2 to 14 per cent more correct answers in grammar school studies, than did the scholars in the high school in the same studies,-although, in gen-
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eral, the high school exhibited a decided superiority. Af- ter instituting various other tests and experiments, with a view to elicit all the facts necessary to present the sub- ject fairly upon its merits, they express their convictions of the importance of a change in the following language :
" It will be found, from the above tables, that of the studies peculiar to a high school, and for the pursuit of which a high school is established and endowed, the greater part receive but a very limited attention. This is the re- sult of our present system, which is to lower down the high school more and more to the character of a gram- mar school, instead of so elevating the tone and standard of education, as to draw up the subordinate grades. In a word, it is not filling its place in our school system.
" The most prominent feature of the preceding table is the disproportionate attention given to the elementary and other studies belonging to the grammar schools. Near one half of the entire school-time is devoted to grammar school studies. This evidences, at once, a low standard and tone of education as demanding it. An expensive high school is hardly needed to teach grammar school branches to such an extent.
" We have seen that a considerable part of our high school appropriation is lost through the necessary ineffi- ciency of our present system ; the proper studies of a high school being sacrificed to the disproportionate attention to the grammar school studies. In a strictly financial view therefore, the reform proposed is commended by its superi- or economy; while its evident tendency to elevate our standard of education, and infuse new vigor and life into our entire school system, renders it desirable in the very highest view of public good.
" Forty eight per cent of the entire time devoted to study
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in the high school, is now devoted to grammar school studies. Are the people prepared to consent, that near one half of this noble and generous endowment of the high school should be thus rendered abortive ?
" As now conducted, the teachers are confused by a multiplicity of classes and studies, many of them hearing eleven or twelve recitations daily, and in widely different studies. Recitations are hurried, instruction superficial, all economical and effective division of labor is impossible.
" Such are some of the evils incident to our present sys- tem. They are sensibly felt by the instructers. They are within the experience of many parents, who see the effects, without always a distinct apprehension of the cause. The satisfactory trial of a classical system in other cities, leaves no doubt of the proper remedy here. Why should not the experiment be attempted ?"
In conclusion, I would confidently hope, that the plan proposed by the special committee, and referred to above, will commend itself to the favorable consideration of all who are interested in the welfare of our public schools.
P. W. TAFT.
Thomas School, 3d Division. Mrs. Lois H. Wheeler principal, and Mrs. Elizabeth Gird assistant. The sub- scriber regrets exceedingly, that he is not permitted to re- port the united opinion of those who have had the more particular charge of the school. So far as his knowledge extends, but one member of the Committee has visited the school, for the purpose of an examination.
The monthly reports have always been such as to give the Committee the utmost confidence, that the teachers have been unwearied in their exertions to promote the best interests of the school. The deportment of the pu-
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pils, has always been very commendable ; while at the same time, the bearing of the teachers has been such as to secure the affections of the pupils.
The closing examination was highly satisfactory to the members of the Board present, as also to the numerous friends who favored us with their presence.
J. C. NEWTON.
Classical and English High School. In making the an- nual report of this school, we have to record the lamented resignation of its late able and accomplished principal, Mr. Nelson Wheeler, elected to a Professorship in Brown Uni- versity. Mr. Wheeler's administration of the school had been highly satisfactory and successful. Few classical teachers are as thorough as he; and no gentleman could sustain his relations, both to the high school and to the community, with a more desirable reputation. He has left an influence behind him.
Immediately upon the resignation of Mr. Wheeler, Mr. George Capron, of the High School in Providence, was un- animously elected to fill the vacancy. Mr. Capron brought to us the highest testimonials of ability and of character, and, we are happy to say, has thus far fully met our expec- tations. All things have proceeded in the established rou- tine of good order, and the appearance of the school at its late examination fully sustained its former reputation. We are happy to predict, for Mr. Capron, an entirely success- ful administration.
In addition to the resignation of Mr. Wheeler, we have also to record that of Miss Hunt, for several years an as- sistant in this school. Miss H. had approved herself to the Committee by a faithful and satisfactory discharge of her duties, and had also won, in a high degree, the affec-
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tion and confidence of her scholars. Her loss is much re- gretted, and her place is not yet supplied.
Important action has been lately taken, in the Commit- tee, touching the grade of this school. We shall not here discuss the merits of this action in detail; but we believe that, when it is fairly and fully considered, it will commend itself generally to the friends of our schools. The design has been simply to fix the rank of the high school in its proper place; to confine its work to a legitimate sphere, and to free it from the evils, which must attend a looseness and indefiniteness of gradation. The high school is not a grammar school, or should not be one. We have gram- mar schools, which are or should be capable of doing ful- ly and completely their work ; and, unless all experience be at fault, they can better do their own appointed, legiti- mate, habitual work, than any other school can do it for them. It is too late to offer an argument to sensible men upon the benefit of a division of labor. And, if the gra- ding of our schools, from lowest to highest, means anything and aims at anything, the more strict and perfect that gra- ding is, the better. And, if there are good reasons for not taking high school studies down to the grammar schools, those reasons are equally good for not taking grammar school studies up to the high school. A needless multi- plicity of classes, a confusion of occupation, a waste of money, of time, and of effort, are the results in either case, and as much in one as the other.
The Committee have not acted unadvisedly nor hastily, in this matter ; nor do they claim infallibility for their ac- tion. But the object at which they have aimed, is one con- templated by the best schools in the Commonwealth, and is, we believe, absolutely indispensable to the perfection of our system. N. T. BENT.
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Evening Schools. The Committee on the evening schools regret to say, that the experiment has not been as satisfactory as they could wish. Able and experienced teachers were provided, and every convenience secured for interesting and profitable schools. But the effort has not been appreciated as it should have been, by those whom it was designed to benefit. The first year, three schools were opened, and numerously attended. The second year, the same number of schools was commenced; but the atten- dance was less regular, and one school was, after a while, discontinued. The third year, only two schools were open- ed, and the number of weeks was reduced. The last year, two schools were opened on the first Monday in December, two months later than usual, and the same difficulties have occurred, and only one school is now in progress. In each case, the schools have been overflowed at the begin- ning,-crowded during the first month,-some spare seats the second, and then an irregular attendance to the close. And this singular fact appears, that the irregularity has been far greater in the short terms of the last year, than in the long terms of the first two years.
It is due to the teachers of these schools to say, that we attach no blame to them. They have done what they could, and those pupils who availed themselves of the op- portunities afforded, have secured great good, and the hours spent by them in their schools will always be gratefully remembered. The Committee will not pretend to account for this want of interest on the part of those who should attend them. It is possible, that parents and guardians suppose their children at school, when schools of a very different character have drawn them away. That such schools as the Board have established are necessary, is evident from the fact, that a large proportion
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of those who have entered them, are sadly deficient in the simplest elements of education; and these, too, are the most irregular in attendance, and soonest drop away. We are of opinion, that, in future, some pledge should be taken from the parents, or pupils, or both, of attendance on the part of the pupil, and that more formality in ad- mitting pupils to the schools should be required.
These schools may be productive of great good, if pa- rents, guardians, and the employers of such as need the in- structions which are here afforded, will not only send them to school, but see that they do actually attend.
J. F. BURBANK.
Young Men's School. The young men's school, which has for a series of winters been kept on Temple Street, has now been transferred to a vacant room in the Centre School House, on Main Street. It was opened there about the first of December, and continued four months by Nathan- iel Eddy, Esq., to the entire satisfaction of the Committee. This school is designed to accommodate the young men who are serving apprenticeships in the various branches of industry in our city, who are allowed a few months of time for schooling in the winter season only. As a class, they generally avail themselves of its privileges, and manifest a desire to reap all the benefit which industry may acquire. The regular attendance has been about sixty, through the Term. Mr. Eddy has been very successful in his method of teaching, and in the preservation of order in his room. He appears to have enjoyed at all times the confidence and respect of his pupils to an unusual degree. The studies pursued are those which are deemed essential to the busi- ness qualifications of the pupils in the various relations of life, which they will soon be called upon to assume. In
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writing, spelling, reading, arithmetic, geography, grammar, philosophy, algebra, and book-keeping, such progress has been made as to leave no doubt on the minds of the Com- mittee, that the graduates of this school will be found, hereafter, among the most useful and intelligent members of society. P. W. TAFT.
The school at Tatnuck, throughout the past year, has done remarkably well. Both scholars and parents were highly pleased with the teachers employed, the past win- ter and summer. They were Mr. Nathaniel E. Holland, and Miss Mary M. Maynard. Mr. Holland is again em- ployed the present winter, in accordance with the wishes of the district; and is giving his usual satisfaction.
Miss Gates, the assistant of Mr. Holland, has never taught previously, but appears, thus far, to give good satis- faction.
C. NEWTON.
The Parkhurst School, has enjoyed the very effectual services of Miss Laura M. Gage, a young lady of superi- or attainment and decided ability. The scholars, being mostly small, have rendered the teacher's task more difficult. Yet she has discharged her arduous duties faithfully ; and the Parkhurst School will rank with any of like degree in the city. Miss Gage is desirous of changing her location for a wider field of action, and she will prove worthy of any school that may be assigned her. J. A. ANDREWS.
The Leesville School, under the direction of Miss Ruth C. Thompson, a successful and competent teacher, closed the past year in a manner satisfactory to all concerned. It has been a very laborious school, owing partly to the ir- regularity of attendance, partly to the variety of attain- ment. It increased in number from thirteen at the com-
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