USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1856-1861 > Part 16
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
Of the adult school, opened the 1st of December, 1857, as a branch of Mr. Eddy's, and in an adjoining room, the Committee say :-
" It was taught at its opening, for six weeks, by Mr. D. W. Has- kins, a student in Amherst College. Of the progress of the school for that time, we cannot say much ; it is, however, the opinion of the committec, that Mr. H. possesses many very excellent qualities for a teacher, and could he have remained for the entire winter, some of the fruits of his arduous labors would have been apparent, and the establishment of the school justified as a wise and judicious measure." A. L. BURBANK.
The Evening School, taught by the same teacher, and in the same room, was excessively large, and too much in advance of the civilization of most of its turbulent members, to have much appre- ciable value.
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
107
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
These are first in the order of time, and it may be, of impor- tance, in our whole system. They have certainly a dignity not suspected by the unreflecting, and it is of the utmost importance that what is done in them, should be done thoroughly and yet judiciously. Bad habits cultivated or even endured here, lay the foundation of an essentially faulty education, and it may be irre- coverably so. Bad discipline, or personally disagreeable teachers in this grade, sour minds at an impressible age, and beget a positive distaste for books, and all the subsequent processes of education.
Three things have impressed us in our intercourse with this grade of schools the past year. First, that we have in these schools a remarkably good corps of teachers, gentle, affectionate, far the most intelligent and independent in their methods, patient even to a wonder, and untiring in whatever promises to benefit their pupils. The last sentence was not meant for a eulogy, though it looks like it; but for an accurate criticism. Indeed, it does not surprise us that woman's impressible nature should be stirred, and her best powers called into use, by the presence of so much childhood, and in view of her relations to it. We confess that even we have at times, felt a strange spell in the same pres- ence, with its tender and thronging associations.
Another thing which has impressed us is, that among these schools, good as they are, there is hardly one which, in its equip- ment and style of management, more than approximates our ideal of what such schools should be. If we might venture a few touches towards our model, we should say that books should figure but subordinately in it, and that only at intervals through the day. Objects tangible to the senses, or if not, to a child's imagination, should furnish most of the texts, and a teacher of a ready and fluent mind, should make it her great business to ex- pound to her wondering flock, the names, uses, concomitants, real or imaginary, physical or moral, which belong to them, or which they seem to suggest. The knowledge of things should, at least, accompany, if it does not precede the knowledge of their shadows, words. Every process should be as thoroughly objective as possible. When the memory is to be put to use, it should not be
108
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ta grasp mere words, but the scholars should be helped beforehand to understand what is to be committed to this faculty. Books should be used sparingly, and with a hearty relish ; not as a bitter medicine, or a dull and unmeaning task. Drawing, marching, singing, coneert exercises, plays even, of an innocent and perhaps instruetive character, should be freely used, to diver- sify the exercises, and drive off that horror of the young mind,- ennui.
Another thing has impressed us, as may be readily imagined, viz : the difficulty of realizing this ideal. There are obstaeles arising from the size of these schools, and the diversity of attain- ments they embrace. But a greater difficulty still, is to find teach- ers to undertake, seriously, methods to which they are so little accustomed. The old way of giving out lessons and hearing recitations, it is not proposed to dispense with; but teachers com- plain that they have time for nothing more. A sudden revolution in the methods of these sehools perhaps is not desirable,-certainly is not expected. Still we deem it a movement in the right diree- tion, to interweave with the methods in use, as far and fast as may be, those now hinted at, based as they are on the plain fact, noticeable in every child, that the perceptive faculties are the first to awaken and come into play. In the Primary Schools, we should begin with tangible things just around us, and extend the sphere of thought and knowledge, as the mind ealls for more and higher knowledge.
Miss Wilmarth, Miss Slater, and Miss S. W. Clements, are among the more experienced teachers of this grade, and it would be superfluous to speak of their tact, fidelity, and uniform good sue- eess. Miss Mack, Miss C. E. Clements, Miss Shepard, Miss Hobbs, and Miss Dudley, are younger in the service of the Board, and less known to the publie, but not less deserving of favorable men- tion. Miss Brigham, Miss Andrews, Miss Banister, Miss Henry, Miss Lovering, Miss Mary A. Smith, and Miss James, of New Worcester, may be classed together, as having schools of a similar character. They are all faithful and useful teachers. The teaeh- ers at Pine Street, may be mentioned by themselves, as having a peculiar field. No teachers in the city are doing a more useful work, or doing it better. The proficiency of some of Miss Perry's
109
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
scholars, as seen at the annual examination, was remarkable. We have not even mentioned the names of the assistants in this enumeration, because in schools of this grade, important as are their services, their labors and influence are inseparable from those of the principals, and we doubt not they will be content to share in their reputation.
The whole number in attendance in the Primary Schools the last year, is 2185; average daily attendance, 1170,
SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
In former reports this grade of schools has been spoken of as the most difficult and on the whole the least satisfactory of any.
This has been owing in part, no doubt, to the precise age of those comprised in it. That children of this grade should be less ductile than those of a lower grade is to be expected, and it can hardly be expected that they should have so much power of self control or be to such extent self prompted in their studies as those in the next stage of maturity.
A part of the difficulty experienced heretofore, had its origin in a faulty arrangement and an undue exaction. Indeed hints have been dropped from time to time in the reports, signifying as much. The division of all the double schools, save one, of this grade, so that no more scholars are allowed in one apartment than a single teacher is able to instruct and govern, has been found a valuable improvement. Narrowing somewhat the range of studies in these schools and adapting them more nearly to the average of capacity in them, have also been attended with beneficial consequences. De- cided improvement has been made in nearly all these schools, and the continuance of the same, or equally competent and faithful teachers, will, ere long, raise them above the reproach of being the most troublesome schools, and make them if not the best, as good as we can reasonably expect. While in many respects the schools have had a common history for the year, they are yet sufficiently diverse to demand separate notice.
ASH STREET SECONDARY.
This is one of the schools that have been divided. Its teachers before the division were Miss Follett and Miss Mary W. Bigelow. The latter voluntarily withdrew in June, the number of the scholars not being such as to require the services of an assistant. Miss
15 .
110
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Bigelow was a kind, energetic, and faithful teacher. Miss Follett who has remained in charge of the school, is well known and highly appreciated both by her pupils and the Board. We can do no better than to quote the language of her Committee.
"The reputation of this school has been well sustained. Miss Follett is a strong and carnest teacher, emphatically impressing her character upon her scholars." T. K. EARLE.
PLEASANT STREET NORTH.
This school, as well as its counterpart, in the other wing of the building, is a new school, made by dividing the former school room and distributing the scholars. Miss Elizabeth L. Capron, its teacher, is a person of considerable experience, exact in her knowl- edge and discipline, and eminently thorough and conscientious in whatever she undertakes. Her first and almost only aim at the commencement of her labors was to repress with a firm hand the spirit of heedlessness and disorder which she found rife among the scholars, and weed out their bad habits. Of course the pro- cess was trying, at least to the subjects of it, and some parents were clear in taking the side of their children against the teach- cr. The school, notwithstanding the withdrawal of confidence on the part of some, has been a prosperous one. Every one acquaint- ed with its character when its present teacher entered it, and knowing the high aim she proposed to herself, will appreciate the difficulties of her position. It may have been an error, it proba- bly was, that this teacher made the unpleasant work of correcting bad habits, too exclusively her business at first, not waiting till her efforts could be seconded and made effectual, by a cordial sympa- thy between her and her pupils. The committee hope that the peculiar difficulties which have arisen in this school will not re- appear, but that the teacher, established in the confidence of the district, will henceforth win, as doubtless it will be her aim, the affections of her pupils and be happy in her work.
PLEASANT STREET SOUTH.
Of this school, its committee after speaking of its origin as a new school, say :
It was placed under the charge of Miss Caroline Hewett, a teach- er who has had considerable experience in another school of like grade in the city. Her charge the past year has been large, the
111
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
number of scholars exceeding, by some six or eight, the number of seats provided. Though not all that could have been desired, it has made good progress, and by its success shown the superiority of single to double schools. A. L. BURBANK.
SUMMER STREET NORTH.
The origin of this school and its fellow at the same locality, is precisely like that of the two schools on Pleasant street. Miss Melora Fletcher was its teacher for the first two and a half months of the year, after which time she resigned, her health proving in- sufficient for the labor she had undertaken. Miss Jane A. Baldwin was her successor and has taught the school through the year. Her ability to govern has been put to a severe test, and has borne it to the admiration of her Committee. The school after a few weeks became quiet and orderly, and has made excellent progress. Higher commendation for its teacher would not be required on the part of any one acquainted with the school when she entered it.
SUMMER STREET SOUTH,
Has been taught by Miss' Amanda E. Albee, throughout the year. There is a greater diversity than is usual in the attainments of the scholars, which is easily accounted for by a corresponding difference in regularity of attendance. Miss Albee is prompt and devoted to the welfare of her pupils. The improvement of the school on the whole, has been highly gratifying.
THOMAS WEST.
This is the only double school of this grade yet remaining. It retains its form, not so much by choice of the Board as in conse- quence of the difficulty of remodeling it. There have been no complaints, however, to indicate that any change either in the building or teachers are requisite to its success. Mrs. Coe and Miss Moore are well suited co-laborers, doing their work easily and yet faithfully.
SYCAMORE STREET SOUTH,
Has been under the tuition of Miss C. P. Barbour, from its es- tablishment till the latter part of November, when she resigned, to accept an appointment as teacher for English and American children in Constantinople. She had a strong hold of the affections
112
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
of her pupils and was in all respects, a good teacher. Her place has been taken by. Miss Harriet Lamb, whose connection with the school when the year closed, had been too short to allow us to speak decisively of her success.
FRONT STREET.
This school was gathered at the commencement of the year, and consisting of materials not well sorted, and never having felt the impress of any one teacher, the work of organizing it, especial- ly as it was large, was not easy. Miss Harriet A. Bigelow its first teacher, resigned at the close of the winter term on account of her health. Miss Fanny D. Clark was selected as a temporary sub- stitute and remained through the year. The school has never been quite satisfactory to the Committee. It has however improved slowly; in the matter of order, its improvement has been marked. The scholars are warmly attached to their school and its instruct- or. The application of a stronger mental stimulus is required to make it a thoroughly good school.
SYCAMORE STREET (NORTH.)
This school has been under the charge of Miss Helen Goodspeed since it was established in 1855. Her fidelity and unwearied as- siduity in developing the powers of thought, as well as imparting a correct knowledge of the text books to the pupils under her charge, has gained for the school the richly deserved reputation of being one of the best in the city, of its grade.
There has been no insubordination or outbreak during the year. Good order has ever prevailed, which evidences in a striking manner the effects of a thorough, though not rigorous discipline. The at- tendance has been nearly uniform, and tardiness almost unheard of.
The school has made good progress in the various branches taught, and the respective classes exhibited at the close of the year, an advancement worthy of commendation.
The large gathering of parents and friends at the annual exami- nation, evinced the estimation in which the school is held, and no one can visit this school without being impressed with the efficien- cy and excellence of its teacher. J. B. DEXTER, JR.
THOMAS EAST.
This school as in former years has been in the charge of Miss H. M. Walker. This teacher has the happy faculty of helping her
113
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
pupils without in the least lessening in their minds the obligation to help themselves. Few teachers preside with more dignity or get more work well done. The order of the school is uniformly good, and the pupils have a self reliance which it is refreshing to witness.
NEW WORCESTER.
This secondary school taught by Miss Eaton part of the year, and by Miss Harris the remainder, has given satisfaction to the Committee and the district. Miss Harris, as a disciplinarian and teacher, is well fitted for the post she occupies, and good progress may be expected of the school under her charge.
Eight hundred and ninety four scholars have attended, for a long or shorter time, the schools of this grade. The daily average at- tendance has been four hundred and ninety.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
These occupy an important place in our system of schools. When pupils arrive at this stage, they have generally sufficient maturity to master thoroughly the studies pursued. Prolonged mental application can now not only be endured, but it becomes necessary, and when successful it is a source of high enjoyment. We should require of the teachers in these schools the most thor- ough acquaintance with the branches taught, and something like enthusiasm in their work. A careless, uninteresting, or incompe- tent teacher here, undoes what may have been well done before, and that too at a critical period, when minds are prepared to make a decisive advance, and become fixed in the habits they are to carry into their future studies or business occupations.
The range of studies in these schools is admirably adapted to the double purpose of mental discipline, and the advancement of the pupil in knowledge and the love of knowledge. It is wide and various enough to call into play every important mental faculty, and yet, not so wide or various as to prevent a simple and uniform classification or the concentration of labor upon a few studies. During the past year, Physical Geography and Mental Arithmetic as a review study, have been added to the previous branches taught in this grade.
The two principal schools, that on Thomas street and that on Sycamore street, are alike in their general plan. In both there
114
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
-
are three departments, a male teacher presiding over the highest, and having a general supervision over the others, and, for certain purposes, of all the scholars in the building.
The two lower departments of the Sycamore Grammar School, have always been reckoned equal in rank, and one class of scholars has been received into, and another promoted from each every year. The same is now true of the two lower departments of the Thomas Grammar School, a change to that effect having been introduced during the year; so that there are properly but two departments, a Junior and a Senior. The Thomas Grammar Schools are all double schools, employing each, two teachers; those on Sycamore street are all single schools having each one teacher.
The Committee take occasion to recommend these schools to their fellow citizens for the training they give preparatory to the High School, or if the scholar must stop short of that, preparatory to 'entering upon business pursuits. They feel authorized to speak confidently of that training, as thorough and exact, as compared with what has been hitherto attained in private schools in which the same branches are taught. Its superiority is proved quite uniformly, at every annual examination for the High School, when he merits of different schools are subjected to the same tests.
It is difficult to characterize icgather the schools of the grade of which we are speaking, they differ so widely in their methods, their history and their success. While in some of them, all and even more than we had dared to hope, has been accomplished, others have been unfortunately interrupted by the illness of teach- ers, and for this and other reasons have not been so successful as we could have wished.
We finish this portion of our report by subjoining a brief state- ment of each school.
THOMAS GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
During the past year this school has had the faithful labors of earnest, industrious and efficient teachers. Mr. E. C. Hewett, the Principal, commenced his labors but a short time before the close of last year. The report of that year says, "The Committee are able to say but little more of their own knowledge, than, that upon his introduction into the school, he impressed them and the school also, with the belief that the Board had been fortunate in
-
115
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
its selection of a successor to Mr. Metcalf." The impression thus made has been fully sustained during the entire year. Of Miss Williams who has so long been a teacher in this city, no word of commendation is necessary from us. With the school and its pro- ficiency the Committee at their monthly visits have been highly pleased, and at the close of the year, they feel it is but right for them to say that it has their hearty commendation. A. L. B.
THOMAS GRAMMAR, (SECOND DEPARTMENT.)
This department commenced the year under somewhat discour- aging circumstances. Having new teachers, and scholars promoted from a lower grade, who were decidedly deficient in their attain- ments, we watched with mnuch anxiety the result. Improvement was made during the year, though the number of scholars the last half of the year was quite small. The condition of the school at the annual examination was satisfactory, and all the scholars, save six, were found prepared for promotion. T. K. E.
THOMAS GRAMMAR, (THIRD DEPARTMENT.
At the commencement of the year this school was large and promised well. The teachers, Miss Jenks and Mrs. Gird, were in- terested, even enthusiastic in their work. In the spring, however, Miss Jenks' health failed, and she was obliged to leave, and Miss Rosalinda Palmer was temporarily substituted in her stead. The arrangement did not for some reason prove a good one, and Miss Palmer retired, while Mrs. Gird assumed the duties of principal, with Miss Moore for an assistant. Mrs. Gird's classes which she retained through the year appeared to have been well trained. Of the other classes less was to be expected under the circumstances. Miss Jenks retained her place nominally to the close of the year, the Committee being unwilling to deprive her of it on account of her misfortune, or to lose her valuable services while there was a reasonable prospect of her recovery.
SYCAMORE STREET GRAMMAR, (FIRST DEPARTMENT.)
This school under its able and devoted teacher, Mr. Hunt, has been throughout the year eminently successful. The order and punctuality of the school have been highly commendable. The zeal and unwearied assiduity with which the teacher has labored to bring up each scholar to his idea of scholarly excellence, has
116
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
been remarkable. The appearance of the scholars at the close of the year met with the warmest approval of the Committee. The examination in Arithmetic displayed a thoroughness in the knowl- edge of principles and an exactness and rapidity in the application of them, which we have rarely seen surpassed.
The necessity of making room for the scholars of the two lower departments, induced the teacher to make the experiment of get- ting his whole school ready for promotion. This was done, shorten- ing thereby in the case of some, the ordinary course, a whole year. A like necessity we hope will not again recur, on account of the peril it involves to teacher and scholars, and the crudeness in some branches of study which it necessitates.
MISS ANDREWS' SCHOOL.
The accomplished principal of this school was excused during one term of the year on account of her health, and her place was supplied by Miss White of this city. The school has fully sustained its high reputation. W. W. RICE.
It is due to this teacher to speak more particularly of her suc- cess in teaching Geography. For a part of the year she has em- ployed the topical method, instead of following tamely the narrow and oftentimes barren track of the text book. The result has been that her pupils have been deeply interested in the study, and im- proved by it. We saw none of that vagueness in their views of the subject, which we had feared might result, and, which certainly would have resulted from this method in the hands of a lukewarm and less determined teacher. The training of Miss A.'s scholars in Arithmetic has also been close and vigorous. The progress of the school for the year was hindered by a change of teachers for one term, but its appearance at the close of the year, was, notwith- standing, highly creditable.
MISS BAKER'S SCHOOL.
This school as usual has done its work easily and to the general acceptance of the Committee and its patrons. If less remarkable than some other schools for salient points, it should also be said in its praise, that it is remarkable for the strength and steadiness of its discipline and the uniformity of its success.
117
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
NEW WORCESTER GRAMMAR.
The Committee regret the resignation of Miss Willard, in June last, in consequence of ill health. She had been an efficient and successful teacher for several years. Miss Charlotte Hapgood was employed as her successor temporarily, and though energetic and able to teach, her strength hardly sufficed for the management of a school so large and embracing so many classes. The school em- braces scholars of high promise and has been successful.
The whole number taught in all the Grammar Schools the last year, was Six Hundred and Seven. Average attendance, Three Hundred and Eighty-eight.
HIGH SCHOOL.
This school during the past year, has been under the care of Mr. Homer B. Sprague, Principal, who succeeded Mr. Osgood Johnson in the Summer of 1856. At the close of that year Mr. William E. Starr, who had long and faithfully discharged the duties as first assistant, resigned, to take the place of Superintendent of the State Reform School, at Westboro'. Mr. S. C. Gale was select- ed by the Committee as temporary Teacher in his place, first for a term of six weeks, and continued to hold the place till Mr. Phin- eas W. Calkins, the present incumbent was chosen and entered upon his duties. Mr. Calkins' term of service began in May. Miss Mary L. Parmenter has been the only female assistant per- manently employed in the school. Her health failing, she left in November, and near the close of the year resigned her place, much to the regret of the Committee and the patrons of the school. Her duties after November, were divided between Miss Gardner of the School of Design and Miss E. L. Perry, one of the pupils, and were acceptably performed by them to the close of the year. Miss Waterman's services as assistant pupil had been continued from the previous year till the summer of 1857, when she left with the respect and good will of the Committee and her fellow pupils.
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.