USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1848/49-1855 > Part 53
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this point the most defective organization found in our whole system. Hence this is the weakest, the most troublesome, and comparatively expensive department of all. The one on which we bestow the most anxious care, with the least satisfactory returns.
Probably the best thing that could be done, if it were possible, would be to abolish the grade altogether, and in- troduce the children directly from the primary schools into the lowest department of the grammar schools, retain- ing them in the grammar schools as much longer as would be necessary for them to go step by step, from room to room, from the lowest to the highest of four, six or eight rooms. The grammar master, having a general supervi- sion over all the rooms of the school, while his instruction should be confined to one only-the highest, would so reg- ulate and discipline the whole establishment as to avoid almost wholly that difficulty of governing which exists in our secondary schools, and which consumes so much of the time, patience and energy of all their teachers and sub- committees. This is essentially the Boston system, and it works well.
If this arrangement cannot be made, it is worthy of being attentively considered whether the larger schools in Summer-street, Pleasant-street, and Ash-street, each hav- ing three teachers, should not be divided, and aceomodated to the single teacher system. The schools so constituted in Sycamore-street have not been in operation sufficiently long to test the question fully, but we have little doubt that this plan would be equally promotive of economy and scholarship.
We give now the report of the sub-committees upon the several Secondary schools.
SUMMER STREET SECONDARY .- The past year with this school has been one of quiet and success. The good work so well begun in the autumn of the previous year, by Miss Mary B. Norwood the principal, has been carried steadily forward under her genial control; and the school now reflects the light of love from happy faces, and wears no more the stern shadow of distrust and fear. As a matter of course
110
the discipline is much less laborious than formerly; and the only serious evils that now afflict the school are those which flow unavoidably from the nature of its organ- ization. The examination was highly pleasing and satisfactory to the friends of the school. Miss Julia E. Dickinson and Miss Caroline Hewett, both faithful and judicious teachers, were assistants until within a few weeks of the close of the year. After their resignation Miss Mary E. Moore and Miss Amanda E. Albee were elec- ted to fill the vacancies. We have no doubt they will do it well. H. J.
THOMAS BOYS' SECONDARY .- This school has been very successful in its opera- tions during the year. Miss Harriet M. Walker, its instructress, has had it in charge for several years, and is deserving of much credit for her fidelity and suc- cess. In thoroughness of instruction and good discipline this school is equal to any of the same grade in the city. G. H. H.
THOMAS GIRLS' SECONDARY .- This has been and is one of our best schools. The experience of Mrs. Elizabeth H. Coe as a teacher, aided by the fidelity of Miss Sa- rah Moore, have combined to sustain the high estimation in which the school has long been held. The affectionate interest and patient efforts of the teachers in be- half of the pupils, have won their confidence and love, while the same causes have stimulated to faithful study. The progress of the scholars has been palpable. The annual examination though necessarily brief and imperfect, clearly attested the dil- igence, accuracy and interest of both instructors and pupils. The exercises in mental arithmetic were particularly pleasing and satisfactory. The reading could have been bettered by a greater variety of tone and inflection, but it was still commendable. Nothing of that indistinct undertone, so low as to be mainly inau- dible, which is a serious defect in one or more of the schools of higher grade, was observable in the readings or recitations, with perhaps an individual exception.
Some complaint has been made, and not without good cause, of the extreme cold- ness of the rooms in the most inclement season. Parents have been compelled to keep their children out of school for days. The evil calls loudly for immediate attention. H. B. S.
PLEASANT ST. SECONDARY .- The history of this School during the past year is one of steady and uniform prosperity. Under the able and energetic management of Miss Mary S. Turner as principal and Misses Kate G. Crane and Mary A. Smith assistants, it has moved successfully forward without the calamity, too often experi- enced, of a change of teachers.
The closing examination showed that there had been more pains taken than usual to teach the pupils to think, rather than to commit a large amount to memory.
The classes which were particularly excellent, were those in Geography and Arithmetic. At the commencement of the year the school was crowded with pu- pils, numbering sometimes one hundred and fifty. Temporary seats were put in to accommodate this large number, until the new schools were established on Syca- more street, when a part were transferred to them. It is still however a large school. A. T.
SYCAMORE ST. SECONDARY (South.)-This school established by the Committee during the year, was commenced on the fourth of September, with Miss Caroline P. Barbour as teacher, and closed December twenty-eighth with results satisfactory to the committee appointed to conduct the examination at the close of the term.
J. F. G.
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SYCAMORE ST. SECONDARY, (North. )-This school, like the last, being conducted by a single teacher, was put into the keeping of Miss Helen Goodspeed, and closed on the twenty-ninth day of December. At the examination it appeared to have made fair progress. It is however desirable for parents and guardians to see to it that pupils urder their direction should be more regular in their attendance than some of the members of this school have thus far been. J. F. G.
ASH ST. SECONDARY .- During the past year this school has more than maintained its former reputation. No cases of insubordination have occurred of a character to demand severe discipline. And a much more cordial sympathy between teach- ers and pupils appears now to exist than has been formerly observed. Truancy hasdi- minished during the year, and the discipline of the school is such as will compare favorably with that of any school of its class in our city. The scholars have made good progress, and the teachers have evidently labored faithfully and successfully in their several departments. Miss Charlotte N. Follett the principal, and her as- sistants Misses Mary E. Rice and Mary W. Bigelow, are each, we think, deserving of high commendation, and the entire confidence of the community. L. B. N.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The Schools of this rank exhibit a regular attendance of three hundred and forty pupils, and a whole number of five hundred and fifty. They are instructed by nine teachers, two of whom are males. The amount of the salaries paid to Grammar school teachers last year is four thousand four hundred and fifty dollars. The condition of these schools is, on the whole, eminently satisfactory to us; and the work they are doing in the cultivation of the reasoning powers, and in the acquirement of general principles is a noble work. But we will simply give the views of the sub- committees respecting them. It should, however, first be stated that the salaries of Mr. Metcalf and Mr. Hunt, the gentlemen who stand at the head of our Grammar Schools, have been increased the former one hundred dollars, the latter two hundred dollars, thus raising them to twelve hundred dollars, and one thousand dollars, respectively. A measure of tardy justice, which those who are the most familiar with the facts will best appreciate.
THOMAS GRAMMAR, (First Department.)-Caleb B. Metcalf, principal; Miss Nancy Baker, assistant.
Of the teachers in this school little need be said. They are already too well known to make any commendation of their fidelity or success necessary, and we
112
have only commendations to bestow. Of them we will simply say, that it gives us pleasure to see that their efforts are better and more highly appreciated year by year; because such appreciation is well earned, and because it speaks well for the public. It shows that our system of public instruction is soundly based, in intelli- gence and good sense. Often during the year past we congratulated ourselves on having just this department of study in our course of instruction, a department various and wide enough to bring into action the chief powers of the mind, and yet so limited as to admit of a strict and thorough discipline in each. It is a critical period when the pupils in our schools reach this department. In most instances it is the period when minds are laying aside the routine processes peculiar to child- hood and beginning to be conscious of self-originating power. It is of the utmost importance at this period that the mind be taught to concentrate itself, and be trained to exactness and celerity in its movements. If, at this period, the mind does not awake, in many instances it will never awake. Or if loose and careless mental habits are formed, they will not be likely soon to be mended. It is suffici- ently high praise to say of both of the teachers in this department that they are eminently fitted for the post they occupy. In teaching their pupils they insist up- on accuracy both in thought and expression. And hence the rich satisfaction we have had in our connection with this school. What is of great importance, we have seen many minds well started. We predict for some of them a brilliant ca- reer as scholars, if they choose to be scholars; or an honorable service in whatever department of business they may choose to engage; and we doubt not they will re- member with gratitude the training they have received in this school.
The numbers were larger at the commencement of the year than could well be accommodated; but towards the close have been lessened by a sifting process to which all really good schools (above the primary) are subject. There are always some scholars to whom a school which requires them to think, or to use their minds, is peculiarly irksome; and there are also some parents who are so un- wise as to yield to this feeling on the part of their children, instead of pressing them forward to meet and overcome it. The examinations in this school, both written and oral, were highly satisfactory. G. B.
THOMAS GRAMMAR, (Second Department. ) - Miss Caroline Parkinson, principal; Miss Avaline Williams, assistant. Nothing of unusual interest has occurred in this school during the past year. And this uninterrupted quiet is perhaps itself good evidence of its excellence.
The school has been marked by a calm and steady progress. Much has been at- tempted by the teachers, and with success. Some murmurs at the length of the lessons, particularly in grammar, were heard during the autumn from a portion of the pupils; but a careful investigation convinced the Visiting Committee of the reasonableness of the teachers in that regard.
As in former years the school has suffered during the coldest weather from the imperfect means of warming the rooms. The defect is in the original construction of the building, and is a serious one. Several times the low temperature of the school room has necessitated a suspension of the exercises. The subject is earnest- ly recommended to the attention of the proper officers.
If any are disposed to object that there has been a lack of vivacity on the part of the teachers in imparting instruction, we trust that their clearness, patience and industry, will be found abundantly to compensate the deficiency.
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On the whole, we are satisfied that the school has much improved during the year, and deserves a higher place than ever in the public estimation. H. B. S.
THOMAS GRAMMAR, (Third Department.) - Mrs. Lois H. Wheeler, principal; Miss Elizabeth L. Gird, assistant.
This school deserves a favorable report. It has done well during the last year. It needed a very thorough organization at the beginning of the year, but was soon brought into a good working condition. The examination was very creditable to the school, and satisfactory to the visitors. J. G. A.
SYCAMORE ST. GRAMMAR, (First Department.) - In September last, the Walnut St. Grammar School, previously taught by Misses Perry and Andrews, with fair success, was removed to the new school house on Sycamore street, and under the small school or single teacher system formed into three Divisions of about fifty scholars each, the first of which was put under a newly employed instructor, Mr. Addison A. Hunt. He was also intrusted with a general supervision of the other two departments. The brief period of time that elapsed before the close of the year did not enable him to develop any very marked results, but sufficient to satis- fy the Committee that he possessed that peculiar tact and ability which are requisite to a successful teacher. Good order, systematic training and diligent application were among the prominent characteristics of the school. Unfortunately, just at the close of the year Mr. Hunt was taken violently ill, and in consequence the closing examination was omitted. W. H. H.
SYCAMORE ST. GRAMMAR, (Second Department. )-Miss Adeliza Perry was placed in charge of this division of the school, and doubtless would have met with better success, had her health been adequate to the duties imposed upon her. She was compelled to be absent a portion of the term, during which time another teacher was temporarily employed. At the final examination of the school some classes ap- peared very well, but on the whole the wishes of the Committee were hardly real- ized.
Miss Harriet G. Baker succeeds her ; and from her skill and experience as a teacher good results may be looked for. W. H. H.
SYCAMORE ST. GRAMMAR, (Third Department.) - Miss Caroline C. Andrews has the management of this division, and has been in a measure successful with it. She has applied herself closely to her work, and faithfully endeavored to advance the pupils placed under her care. The order of the school has not quite reached the true standard, but we hope that the most trying period in its history has passed by, and that its future career will be one of unmingled prosperity.
W. H. H.
HIGH SCHOOL.
CLASSICAL DEPARTMENT .- The Principal of the school takes charge of this department, and confines himself wholly to instruction in it; except that on Wednesdays and Saturdays he employs a portion of the time in rhetor-
114
ical exercises, and in lectures to the whole school upon sub- jects literary, scientific, or moral.
On our coming into office, we found Mr. Caleb B. Met- calf had been elected principal of the school by the retir- ing Board; but choosing not to enter upon the service, he was immediately re-instated in his old position in the Thomas Grammar School. We then employed, to instruct in this department, Mr. L. D. Chapin, a graduate of Am- herst College, who performed the duties devolved upon him with great acceptance during a few weeks, while your Committee were diligently exerting themselves to find the man to place at the head of the school.
After being disappointed in our search in various direc- tions, and finding ourselves unable to offer inducements sufficiently flattering to such men of superior reputation and successful experience as we would have been glad to employ, our attention was directed to a young man of rare scholarship and promise, totally unknown to most of our citizens, but very flatteringly recommended by classical scholars and teachers in whom we had the fullest confidence. Our negotiations with were successful. And on the twenty-first day of February, Mr. Osgood Johnson, a graduate of Dartmouth College, assumed the charge of the school, having been elected by the Board a few days before, and offered for the first year a salary of thirteen hundred dollars.
Having observed closely his methods of instruction during the year, and finding them to be of the highest order of excellence ; and perceiving that the verdict of the com- munity respecting the school under his management, grew continually more favorable, your Committee at the close of the year, at the time specified by their rules for such action, raised Mr. Johnson's salary to fifteen hundred dol- lars. They did this in fulfillment of an implied contract with him, as well as in honorable testimony to his distinguished ability and critical acumen as a classical teacher. They considered themselves far more fortunate in retaining his services, a tan advanced salary, than he could be in receiv
115
ing it. They look upon his inauguration in the High School as one of the most auspicious events of the year ; and confidently predict for it, under his instruction, a standing superior to any classical institution in this region. And if, in the progress of events, his place shall be soon vacated, as we fear there is too much reason to anticipate, it will be on account of that unthrifty thriftiness and that expensive economy which reacts upon itself, and wreaks upon our own dearest interests a vengeance more terrible than the open enemies of education could possibly summon to their aid.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT .- Mr. William E. Starr is still at the head of the mathematical and philosophical department of the school; besides which, the supervision and discipline of the whole institution rested upon him during the first two months of the year. His faithful and patient services have been highly appreciated by the Committee, and all the pupils still retain for him an unbounded respect. To the increasing popularity of the school he will, undoubtedly, continue to contribute his just proportion. In considera- tion of his very valuable services, which are more poorly compensated now than they were five years ago, the Com- mittee advanced his salary to twelve hundred dollars at the close of the year.
FRENCH DEPARTMENT .- This department, in which is in- cluded also Physiology, Ancient History, and a course of lessons in Drawing, was throughout the year under the judicious care of Miss Maria S. Grant. The Committee were compelled to accept her resignation at the close of the last term. They would gladly have retained her in her situation for years to come ; valuing her excellent moral influence upon the pupils not less than the accuracy of her scholarship, and the variety of her attainments. They are somewhat consoled by the singular good fortune which led to the appointment in her place of Miss Mary Louisa Parmen- ter, a young lady of superior endowments, and extensive
116
scholarship, and in whose skillful hands they are confident the interests of education in this department will not be allowed to suffer. Her salary is five hundred dollars.
Respecting the Classical and English High School as a whole, we cannot refrain from congratulating our fellow citizens upon its present and prospective prosperity. With teachers so able and acceptable in all its departments, it cannot fail to expand in dimensions to the full limit of its accommodations. Whosoever of our citizens may wish his children to acquire the best early training, either in the Classics or in English studies that the land afford, has only to patronize his ownschool, and educate his sons and daugh- ters under his own eye, and amid the favoring influences of home.
The average attendance at the High School the first term was one hundred, the year before one hundred and four ; second term sixty-five, the year before sixty-four ; third term seventy-five, the year before sixty-five. The oral examination, together with the rhetorical exercises, occupied the time of two days. The written examination had been previously completed. Both were very satisfac- tory. The results of the latter will be found in the Ap- pendix.
One prominent want of this school deserves a passing men- tion. A Classical Library is very much needed in it. In the Boston Latin School the alumni of the institution have furnished such a library by voluntary contribution. Who will make a beginning for the Worcester High School ; It tends greatly to accuracy of scholarship that pupils should have access to all possible sources of information, in addition to the text books which they use.
Your Committee have thus endeavored to give to the public a faithful account of their labors, and of the true situation and wants of that great interest to which these labors have been devoted. If the account is a long one,
117
let it be remembered that the interest is a great one; and that it would be much easier to write many pages more than to say a word less. They would earnestly commend, what they have felt bound to say, to the candid considera- tion of the people. Pre-eminently do the Common Schools belong to the people. May they guard them well.
Respectfully submitted :
JOHN G. ADAMS,
HORACE JAMES,
A. H. BULLOCK,
GUSTAVUS A. JENKS,
ASA L. BURBANK,
SETH P. MILLER,
GEORGE BUSHNELL,
PHILIP L. MOEN,
ANTHONY CHASE,
JOHN C. NEWTON,
TIMOTHY K. EARLE, JOHN F. GLEASON,
L. B. NICHOLS,
WM. T. SLEEPER,
GEORGE H. HARLOW,
HOMER B. SPRAGUE,
WILLIAM H. HARRIS,
AUGUSTUS TUCKER,
DAVID HITCHCOCK,
THOMAS TUCKER,
ANDREW HUTCHINSON,
JAMES A. WHIPPLE,
School Committee.
GEORGE W. RICHARDSON, President.
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APPENDIX.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Sala- ries.
Males.
Females
Total.
At'end'e
1854.
1855.
Classical & English Osgood Johnson, High School.
William E. Starr, Mary L. Parmenter,
$1500 1200 500
44
94
138
80
.68
.58
Grammar Schools. Thomas.
1200
65
63
128
69
.54
350
350
57
65
122
59
.54
.49
3d Department
Lois H. Wheeler, Elizabeth L. Gird,
350
68
64
132
72
.54
Sycamore st. (new) 2d Department ... .. .
Addison A. Hunt, Harriet G. Baker,
1000 350
26
40
66
56
.85
3d Department .. ....
Caroline C. Andrews,
350
26
29
55
41
.74
Walnut st. (Giris) .... (Discontinued)
Adeliza Perry, Caroline C. Andrews,
350
133
133
81
.62
.61
Secondary Schools. Summer st.
Mary B. Norwood, Mary E. Moore, Amanda E. Albee,
350
98
55
153
82
.63
.54
250
250
Thomas (Boys).
Harriet M. Walker,
325
84
84 127
43 86
.54
.51
(Girls)
Elizabeth H. Coe, Sarah Moore,
250
Pleasant st.
Mary S. Turner,
350
91
'98
189
111
.55
.59
Kate G. Crane,
250
Mary A. Smith,
250
Syc'mre st, South (new)
Caroline P. Barbour,
325
30
31 32
61 65
45
.69
Ash s
Charlotte N. Follett, Mary E. Rice, Mary N. Bigelow,
250
250
Primary Schools. Front st. East. (Discontinued)
Sarah W. Clement,
300
72
78
150
94
.52
.62
Mary E. Thayer,
250
66
74
140
85
.41
.61
Front st. West .. (Discontinued)
Caroline E. Clement, Caroline P. Barbour,
350
Summer st. North.
Mary J. Mack,
300
98
87
185
96
. 48
.52
Summer st. South.
Mary A. Slater, Charlotte Eaton,
300
117
103
220
103
.50
.47
250
Thomas (new).
Louise C. Clark,
325
32
40
72
50
.69
Main st. North (new) .. Elizabeth M. Shepard,
300
70
50
120
98
.. 81
Charlotte C. Henry,
250
300
98
114
212
96
.63
.4.5
Pleasant st. North
Emeline M. Lovering, S. H. Clary,
300
84
80
164
75
.41
.46
Pleasant st. South ...
Lydla M. Wilmarth, Ellen P. Palmer,
300
77
94
171
95
.63
.55
Syc. st. South (lower). Mary E. Thayer, Syc. st. South (upper). Sarah W. Clement,
300
36
34
70
53
.76
300
30
39
69
54
.78
Syc. st. North ..
Caroline E. Clement,
300
38
33
71
54.
.76
46
.76
North, (new) Helen Goodspeed,
325
33
350
130
90
220
83
.51
.38
325
127
.61
.68
Esther G. Chenery,
250
Main st. South
Sophla S. Banister, Susan M. Jenks,
250
250
No. of Pupils.
Average
Ratio of Attendance.
2d Department.
Caleb-B. Metcalf, Nancy Baker, Caroline Parkinson, Avaline Williams,
300
30
26
56
40
.70
300
300
300
250
120
No. of Pupils.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Sala ries.
Males.
Females
Total.
Average
attend'e.
1854.
1855.
Ash st. West
Kate E. Cross,
$300
112
96
208
108
.40
.52
Ash st. East.
Eliza A. Pratt,
300
102
93
195
92
.41
.47
Jane E. Nixon,
250
Pine st. (lower)
Lydia A. Perry,
300
159
125
284
120
.40
.42
Pine st. (upper)
Amelia C. Temple,
300
59
58
117
45
.39
Adult Schools.
Young Men's.
Nathaniel Eddy,
*60
122
122
60
.83
.50
Evening, Main st.
Nathaniel Eddy,
+120
±30
150
66
.55
. 44
Evening, Front st.
Addison A. Hunt,
$110
$50
160
70
.62
. 44
Suburban Schools. Tatnick
Melora Fletcher, Sarah J. Smith,
250 200
35
45
80
68
.66
.85
Parkhurst
Mary J. Ainsworth,
250
16
25
41
21
.78
.51
Leesville
Ruth C. Thompson,
250
36
30
66
26
.41
.39
New Worcester
Martha A. Willard,
300
36
52
88
40
.45
.46
2d Department
Sarah E. Eaton,
250
33
42
75
35
.47
3d Department.
Anna P. James,
250
49
53
102
51
.51
.50
South Worcester
Marion Henshaw,
300
34
43
77
49
.50
.63
Providence st
Charlotte Wheeler,
300
45
36
81
47
.45
.58
Quinsigamond
Mary A. Cushman,
250
37
54
91
45
.77
.49
Blithewood
Melinda Andrews,
250
23
12
35
17
.46
.49
Pond.
Emily A. Harrington,
250
30
25
55
29
.54
.53
Adams Square
Almira H. Fuller,
250
33
25
58
33
.53
.57
Burncoat Plain.
Harriet Hathaway,
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