USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1856-1861 > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
Several of the teachers have taught Geography quite success- fully, one especially so, independently for the most part, of any text book. Topics are prepared by teachers and generally written on blackboards in sight of the whole school, and by the use of maps and reference books, and aided by the associations of con- trast and comparison, contiguity of time and place, relations of cause and effect, etc., the pupil has been left to make out his own opinions upon the points presented, in a word, to make up his own Geography. The advantage of such methods of study is, that the scholar, thus compelled to search and think, becomes interested in the pursuit of knowledge, and self-reliant in using it. Knowledge thus acquired is power. It has within it the vital principle of its own growth. On the other hand, knowledge pas- sively imbibed through the memory alone, too quickly fades to be worth the time it costs. It is not knowledge but only its shadow. Good text books in Geography and Grammar, presenting only topics of study, would greatly facilitate the acquisition of real knowledge in both these branches.
96
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
MORAL INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING.
Space will not allow us to say all we could wish, of the import- ance and the neglect of this most vital part of education. The State, as if alive to the real necessities of the case, has, with due solemnities of law, propounded it as the duty 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 principles of piety, justice, and a sacred regard to truth, love to their country, humanity," etc., which, the extracts concludes, "are the ornament of human society, and the basis on which a republi- can government is founded." This law is sufficiently minute and imperative, but how much pains is taken to secure the enforcement of its wise provisions? What candidate for the office of an in- structor of youth under this statute, is questioned as to his ability to explain and enforce principles, acknowledged to be so funda- mental to the well being of the individual and society ?
In what school 'is time taken for securing an end confessedly paramount to all others ? The truth seems to be that in all schools, private as well as public, the inculcations of religion, have, for the most part ceased, as a matter of accommodation to what are sup- posed to be the wishes of some portion of their patrons; and as a natural consequence, all moral teaching, and even moral training, has fallen into a like disuse, and that too, in defiance of public statute, and we doubt not in opposition to the almost unanimous wish of our people. We secure teachers, it is true, of unexcep- tionable moral character. Examples of truthfulness, patience, cheerfulness, moral courage, and of all the virtues we would im- plant in the minds of children, are sometimes developed in the school room, with a beauty and a power which we should wrong our feelings not to acknowledge as sufficient of itself to compen- sate for the cost of such a school.
But should we be content with an occasional and incidental result of this kind ? Is there not a species of cruelty in creating intellectual power, without any systematic plan for subjecting it to wise and genial restraint ; in kindling an ambition regard- less of the means it may choose for gratification? If it be true in the case of many, that their moral education may be attended to elsewhere than in school, of many and perhaps the majority it is
97
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
NOT true. And were it true of all, there would still be a fatal weakness in the plan of carrying forward the process of educa- tion, in entirely separate compartments and by totally different and dissimilar agencies. Or, if it be urged that we have not time for moral training and instruction in our public schools, we reply we have time, if this is our duty, and the appropriate place of performing it. Better, far, that a young man or woman should leave school ignorant of Geography, Grammar and Arithmetic, than untrained and undeveloped in his moral faculties. The knowledge of all the savans of Europe, would be a poor com- pensation for such a defect.
SUPERVISON OF SCHOOLS.
This is a more difficult and delicate task than is commonly sup- posed. The popular impression seems to be, that a system of schools is as pliant to the hand, and may be as easily managed, as a manufacturing establishment. No analogy could be more false or deceptive. In establishments of this kind, each workman is expected to do the same thing, in very nearly the same way. There may be different degrees of quickness and manual dexterity among them, but all must follow nearly the same process ; and if they fail of a desired result, the failure is at once evident, and the reasons of it; the remedy, also, is easy. A teacher, on the other hand, who deserves the name, is to some extent, an original ; that is to say, he views and explains subjects in a way peculiar to himself and the natural workings of his own mind. He manages his school also in that way, and by that kind of personal influence which a character and temperament like his, naturally generates. Hence, the difficulty and delicacy of really helping the teacher by advice or directing his labors. To require him to surrender his individuality, and to do his work after some favorite method of ours, is easy, and as preposterous as easy. To see that he does his work well, whatever be the mode, or if he does it ill, to show him where the defect is, and how to remedy it, and yet allow him the freedom so essential-requires more soundness of judgment, and delicacy of discrimination, than are always at command.
The mere occasional presence in a school room of parents or a committee, may be of service, inasmuch as it assures both teachers and scholars that an interest is felt in their work. In cases of in-
98
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
subordination for example, the judgment or support of a commit- tee, may be invaluable to a teacher.
But, a supervision which attempts more, unless it is skillfully conducted, may prove an injury instead of a benefit. Morcover, it should be, remembered that the principle of inertia applies to schools no less than other bodies; and in a system of schools so large as ours, the inertia is far from inconsiderable. If the prob- lem, were for example, to substitute the topical for the memoriter method of instruction, a plan involving so many changes in the mental habits of both teachers and scholars, could not possibly be effected at once. So in all the improvements attempted in the work of supervision, time is an important element. The nature of the teacher's work, our obligations to respect his reputation, and not rashly endanger or destroy it, alike forbid attempting sudden and violent changes; and also forbid our despairing, if the bene- ficial effects of what we do, are not immediately apparent.
From these considerations, among others, two important changes have been recently made in the supervision of the Public Schools.
The term of office on the part of the Committee, has been ex- tended from one to three years, and a Superintendent of schools has been chosen. The former measure can hardly fail to be an improvement. It will raise the character of the office, by giving its occupants more time to learn their duties, and carry through their plans; and will secure more uniformity and steadiness in the action of the Board.
The present Superintendent was elected in December, 1856, and entered upon his duties at the commencement of the year covered by this report. His duties have been defined by the Board, as follows, viz :
" The Superintendent shall make the duties of his office his sole business, and it shall be his special duty to occupy his time during school hours in visiting Public Schools. He shall also keep such regular office hours, other than school hours, not less than three each day, as in his judgment will best meet the public conven- ience.
He shall perform all the duties heretofore required of the Sec- retary of the Board, and of the Prudential Committee for the Centre District.
99
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
He shall be, ex-officio, Chairman of the Committee on Examin- ation of Teachers.
He shall be the Executive officer of the Board, carrying out its directions, and also of the Sub-Committees, unless reversed by the action of the Board.
He shall advise and direct the Teachers in the discharge of their respective duties, and shall report any delinquencies on their part to the Board. He shall examine into such cases of misconduct or discipline of scholars as shall be reported to him by teachers, or by parents or guardians ; and in case a pupil has been suspended or excluded by the teacher, he shall acquaint himself with the facts of the case, and report them forthwith to the Sub-Committee, in concurrence with whom he shall act, to re-instate the pupil or confirm the suspension or exclusion.
He shall also inform himself respecting new and improved methods and instruments of teaching, and report the same to the Board.
He shall endeavor, by the most efficient means in his power, to secure as general and regular attendance in the public schools as possible.
He shall be empowered to employ, under the direction of the Mayor, a police officer, so many school hours as he shall see fit, to act as Truant Officer. [The City Government failed to approve this measure.]
He shall each quarter present a written report of the state of the Schools, instead of the reports of the Visiting Committee, and afford such other information and plans for the improvement of the schools as he may have to communicate.
He shall call together the teachers once each month, in order that they may interchange their views on the various points of instruction and discipline, and discuss any matters of interest rela- tive to the welfare of the Public Schools.
He shall prepare the annual report required from the School Committee.
He shall keep a regular office, which shall be a general deposi- tory of the books, records, and other papers of the School Depart- ment, and which shall, at all times, be accessible to members of the Board, for committee meetings, and other business."
100
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
As to the wisdom of imposing or accepting so wide a range of duties, and as to the measure of fidelity with which they have been discharged, no opinion can properly be expressed in this re- port. Before passing however to consider the condition of the va- rious schools, it may be proper to allow the writer of the report to say thus much, in behalf of the office he has had the honor to hold ; that the charge of an increase of expenditure in consequence of the creation of this office, is not warranted by the facts now to be made public. If the average daily attendance on the schools be aken as a basis of calculation (and this is as fair a criterion as any) it will be seen, by dividing the total expenses of the schools for the years 1856 and 1857, that the amount expended per scholar was eighteen cents less in the latter than the former year. This however, is not a fair statement of the case. For in the expenses of the School department for 1857 as reckoned, are included fuel for two years, and the charges for visiting for two years. Deduct these items from the proper expenses of the year, and the cost, reckoned on the average attendance, will be found to be seventy-seven cents less per scholar in 1857 than in the previous year.
By consulting a memorandum he has kept, the Superintendent finds that he has made in the schools, two hundred and ninety seven regular visits, during the year.
SUBURBAN SCHOOLS.
Of these there are now fourteen, situated in the farming dis- tricts and manufacturing villages skirting the city, showing an attendance of seven hundred and fifty in all, and an average attendance of four hundred and eleven. In none of our schools have we brighter scholars, or a more thorough or capable class of teachers. We have been sorry so find, in some districts, more jealousy of the Board and its management than seemed to us called for. Good will and the spirit of impartial justice we are sure have characterized its action toward them, and it has a right to ask the reciprocation of the same feelings.
" The sight of a Committee man in these schools," it was testi- fied some three years ago, " was almost as astonishing a spectacle as an Esquimaux, and much more welcome." The last year, though they have not had even the small stipend of former years,
101
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
the committee have furnished the surprising spectacle alluded to, about as frequently, we judge, as in former years. The teachers in these schools should not feel that they are isolated, and left to toil alone and unsupported. The monthly meetings of the teach- ers, could they attend them, would go far towards enlivening their toil, and furnishing them with useful hints for their work.
The residents of these districts by making the acquaintance of their teachers and frequently visiting their schools can do much for their improvement. An influence from no quarter is likely to be more efficient in answering most of the purposes of school vis- itation or more prized by the teachers or the pupils. Secluded as the children in some of these districts are, or may be, from the con- taminations of the town, the ground work of their education may be the more soundly laid in the pure affections and habits of practical energy and self reliance formed amid the domestic cares and responsibilities of their rural homes. Should they not there- fore cheerfully pay the price of this privileged seclusion by a more zealous care of their schools?
TATNUCK.
At the commencement of the year this school was under the charge of Mrs. Sybil H. Clary as principal, and Mrs. E. J. Jones as assistant.
The school was in a very bad condition, thinly attended, and entirely void of what should be observed as proper discipline. The reason for this state of affairs became a fit subject of enquiry, and the visiting committee after a careful examination became satisfied that the elder portion of the scholars would not attend the school -and were borne out in that decision by their parents-as long as the present principal was suffered to remain, in whom all con- fidence was lost as regarded the mode of teaching and governing.
The same feeling appeared to pervade the whole district. The Committee so informed Mrs. Clary, and have reason to suppose that their statements were subsequently endorsed and fully cor- roborated by the Superintendent, whereupon the principal and her assistant Mrs. Jones, on the 17th day of February, abruptly abandoned their charge.
Miss Mary Richardson succeeded Mrs. Clary on the 9th of March, and had the sole management of the school until the 7th of De-
14
102
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
cember when Miss Hannah Pierce was engaged as assistant, in con- sequence of the large increase of the number of scholars.
The school from the time Miss Richardson assumed the duties of teacher, has been well attended, and a steady advancement mani- fested. She succeeded in an eminent degree in gaining the confi- dence and love of all connected therewith. The school contains good material, and the progress made, fully sustains the accorded reputation of the teacher, as one peculiarly adapted for a school of this kind.
Miss Pierce will undoubtedly prove herself a worthy co-laborer. The Committee cannot close this report without again urging the immediate necessity of a new School House for the better accom- modation of the district. J. B. DEXTER, JR.
VALLEY FALLS.
Miss Mary J. Ainsworth resigned her situation as teacher in this school, early in the year, and was succeeded by Miss Elizabeth L. Gibbs, a lady of high scholarship. She discharged her duties with credit to herself and to the manifest improvement of her pupils. The examination gave evidence of the faithfulness of the teacher and the proficiency made by the scholars. Irregularity of the scholars in consequence of being detained at home by the parents, is a just cause of complaint in this district. C. W. ANGIER.
LEESVILLE.
This school still continues under the care of Miss Thompson. It is small, though somewhat larger this year than formerly. The scholars are irregular in attendance. The teacher is conscientious and faithful in discharging her duties, and exact in her methods; in fact too dainty and precise to be hearty and inspire enthusiasm.
SOUTH WORCESTER
School has been under the care of Miss Marion Henshaw through- out the year. It is among the larger suburban schools, and on the whole has been quite prosperous, despite some discontents in the district. The teacher is thorough and capable, easily securing good order and commendable progress. The closing examination was not attended by the Committee or Superintendent, owing to a misunderstanding of the time when it was to take place.
103
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
-
-
QUINSIGAMOND.
At the commencement of the year, this school was under the charge of Miss A. J. Andrews, assisted by Miss Holman. Its condition at that time was far from promising. As Spring ap- proached, it diminished in size, and Miss H. who had been but tem- porarily employed, retired. Through the Summer its condition improved, but still was not satisfactory. Late in the year it was determined to divide it. This was done too late, however, to enable us to speak with entire confidence of the result. There is a want of decorum on the part of many of the children in this district, and a backwards in learning which nothing but two good schools, effi- ciently maintained for a long time, is likely to overcome. The present teachers, Miss Helen T. Spalding and Miss Andrews, have the confidence of the committee, and it is hoped will have of the district. They are certainly worthy of it.
BLITHEWOOD.
This is one of our small but excellent suburban schools. It is under the charge of Miss H. R. Burbank. Nothing that the Com- mittee are aware of, has occurred during the year to mar the peace and prosperity of the school, which seems to be doing good service in educating the young. A supply of water long needed has been provided for by the construction of a cistern, which so far appears to answer the purpose for which it was designed.
A. L. BURBANK.
POND.
This school has continued under the care of Miss Maynard, whose experience and faithfulness have been rewarded with entire success.
E. F. CHAMBERLAIN.
The efforts of the scholars in this school, under the guidance of their accomplished teacher to cultivate shrubs and flowers on the school premises, deserve commendation.
ADAMS SQUARE.
Miss Fuller, whose labors for a term of years were universally acceptable both to the former Committees and the district, left the school at the close of the winter term, and Miss Cornelia Learned took her place. The school seems to have fully retained its for- mer character, and only needs a little more attention to thorough- ness of discipline, to make it in every respect unexceptionable.
104
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
NORTHVILLE.
This is an excellent school. At the commencement of the year Miss Eliza Harris was its teacher. The Committee saw nothing in their visits to disapprove and very much to commend. Never- theless, so much dissatisfaction appeared in the district, that the teacher, under the advice of her Committee, consented to be trans- ferred to a more peaceful scene of labor, and Miss Anna E. Ayres, a graduate of the Westfield Normal School, and a resident of the district, was her successor. Under her tuition the school has in- creased in numbers, and entire good feeling prevailed. It is one of the best schools of its grade.
CHAMBERLAIN.
Miss Mary W. Barnes is a teacher of high merit, and well adapted to her sphere. The school is small, and she rules it by the respect she inspires by her attainments, and the gentleness of her spirit. The Committee are glad to know the district appreciate her services. The School House yard is actually planted with trees, and has so much the air of coolness and comfort, that one might possibly mistake it for something beside a school house.
BURNCOAT PLAIN.
This district has in its teacher, Miss Hathaway, a prize. We have examined her school carefully and observed with great atten- tion her methods of instruction, and do not hesitate to pronounce them remarkably well adapted to secure thoroughness, exactness, and self reliance on the part of the pupil. II. A. HILL.
NORTH POND.
The winter term of this school was commenced by Mr. S. Sears, who labored diligently three weeks, but with so little success that he thought fit to withdraw. Miss Mary C. Brooks was then placed in charge of the school, temporarily at first, but has remained through the year, giving entire satisfaction to both parents and committee. E. F. C.
PROVIDENCE ST.
This school is the nearest to the city of the suburban schools, and none the better on that account. Some of the boys a little incline to the airs of fast young gentlemen, and hence are not over- fond of study or wholesome restraint. The teacher has meant to be faithful to her charge; in fact, had she been less anxious,
105
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
and of steadier nerve, she doubtless would have succeeded more to her satisfaction, and that of the district. It is hoped that with firmer health, and a lessened charge, she will continue to gain in the confidence of the district as she gains in happiness in her work.
ADULT SCHOOLS.
Of these there have been five :- two day schools and three even- ing schools. The whole number of pupils in attendance, for a longer or shorter period, 585; average, 251. The number of schools and of pupils in this grade has been larger than usual, and larger than it would have been, had business been more pros- perous and remunerative,-labor less scarce.
These schools have a character and mode of instruction peculiar to themselves. In other schools, the aim is, or ever should be, the discipline and improvement of the mind, the formation of such habits of attention, accuracy, self-reliance, etc., as are of value in preparing for the business and duties of life, while the imme- diate accumulation of a certain amount of knowledge is but sec- ondary. Here the aim is less radical. The scholars are too far advanced in life, and spend by far too little time in school, to admit of anything more than the snatching of such knowledge as is want- ed for immediate use. Some of the pupils bring to these schools habits of industry, and a serious determination and fixedness of purpose ; and of course make commendable, and even rapid pro- gress. We can but hope that some of them have entered upon courses of self improvement which they will hold to through life, and find eminently self-rewarding. Of others, actuated by no such honorable purpose, too thoughtless to feel their deficiences, and too indolent to make the exertions requisite to supply them, we have no such pleasing anticipations. However faithful or wise the effort of their teachers, the schooling of a few months can avail little for this class. They are destined, we fear, to fill none but the lower positions in society, and to know no other pleasures than the indulgence of their lower appetites. We shall be glad if a stray thought or impression received in the school room by any of these, shall awaken them to their dangers, and kindle them to a nobler ambition.
Mr. Nathaniel Eddy, well known to many for his acceptable services in former years, has taught the Young Men's School in
106
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
the Main Street School-house, with his usual tact, fidelity and suc- cess. In ability to teach, and in experience, he is probably second to none whom the city could obtain for this or a like position.
The Front Street Evening School, in the winter of 1856-7, was for both sexes, and was large, turbulent, and, to a great extent, profitless. For the winter of 1857-8, it has been exclusively for girls ; has been as large as the room would well permit, more quiet and regular in attendance, and every way improved. Both seasons it has been taught by Mr. O. P. Gilbert, the last season assisted, to a considerable extent, by his daughter, whose benevolent and unpaid services among the more backward mem- bers of the school, deserve, to say the least, the thanks of the committee and the public.
The day schools at New Worcester, being incapable of accom- modating all the scholars in that district, an evening school was opened on the 15th of December, 1857, in the room used during the day by the Grammar School, and taught by Mr. H. L. Jenks. It was designed to meet the urgent wants of the district only for a time. In more prosperous business years, it might not have been called for. Opened so late in the year, the committee can say little more of it than that it has been attended by about fifty different scholars, with an average of thirty, and seems to be answering the purpose for which it was opened.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.