USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1876-1880 > Part 12
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The graded classification is still preserved. In the Rus- sell School this mode is practically complete. In the Cutter Schools the nearest approximation to thorough gradation, consistent with the school conveniences, and the number and character of the pupils, has this year been made. The grades now consist of the High School, the Russell School, with its six grammar and three primary classes, with which last the East Schools are parallel, and the Cutter School with similar grammar and primary grades, including the School at the Heights as tributary. Thus all the schools are arranged in two groups with the High School at the head. The system certainly commends itself for methodical
8
'S
106
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
disposition, and if it secures the object of thorough and pro- gressive training and instruction, it accomplishes the pur- poses of its establishment.
This order of schools is by no means of sudden produc- tion, for it is the fulfilment of a plan initiated long ago, and brought by cautious and gradual advance to its completion. It has undergone its trial during its growth, and has afforded many signs of success. Its chief merit consists in the har- mony and interdependence of all the schools. Each is bet- ter for its connection with the others. Each must discharge its duty so that there shall be no jar nor interruption in the aggregate. It must be seen that studies can be arranged in due succession from the beginning to the end of school life, and that therefore there must be the opportunity and pro- mise of thorough instruction.
The committee are ready to admit that there are difficul- ties incident to the system which in some measure interfere with its perfect operation. The theory on which it rests, requires that all children shall pass through the several grades, from the lowest to the highest; but this can be pos- sible only where children are equal in ability, diligence and condition of life. Practically a different state of things exists, and it is found that only a portion of the pupils remain in school long enough to reach the higher grades. The lower grades are full, sometimes crowded, while the higher are relatively sparse in numbers. The inefficient, and what is a more serious consideration, possibly the poor, get the schooling of the lower grades, leave school tempo- rarily, fall out of line, and if desirous of returning, find no place except their former grade, which in body at least, they have greatly outgrown. Rather than join a class of their juniors, they abandon school altogether. Such cases exist, but not in sufficient number to warrant the opening of a special school for their benefit. Evening schools have been tried, but have not proved successful. The only course to be suggested is to meet each case as it is presented, and
107
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
when a pupil desires to resume school, to place him among scholars of his own age, where he may receive such partial instruction as can be afforded.
Another difficulty reveals itself in the promotion of pupils from one grade to another. The graded system includes the classification of studies. Each grade conprises a sin- gle class, all the members of which pursue the studies as- signed to it, for the year, in the same manner and to the same extent. The test of promotion is by written examina- tion. Some fail, and great is the grief. The duty of the Board in this respect is no doubt to see that no grade shall be overtasked, and that the requirements shall bear fair pro- portion to age and average ability. Failure will happen nev- ertheless, from one cause or another-and the consequent trouble is too delicate in its nature, to be met arbitrarily. Still the rule has been, and experience has amply shown, that it is the wisest conduct towards the pupil to require him to remain a second year in the grade from which he has failed to pass. It is an error to suppose that this course ends in discouragement ; on the contrary, the majority of instances shows the recovery of lost ground, and sometimes even the highest success in subsequent standing and attain- ment.
A word may be added touching the numbers in the differ- ent grades. The highest Grammar grades will always be the smallest, from the fact that from various causes, many children leave school at an early age. If the number of pu- pils were sufficient, each grade would include a single class only ; but where two classes in contiguous grades are small, they are placed under a single teacher. The further doub- ling of grades would bring back the old system of mixed schools. There is false judgment in selecting some one school, and determining that from its small numbers and cost of support it is unnecessarily expensive. The schools are to be regarded as a whole, and the expenditures com- mon to all. Every child is somewhere in the general school ·
2
F
108
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
and is benefited by the general appropriation, and the huddling or obliteration of grades would disturb and dam- age all the schools in the same series.
The committee have not been unobservant of the earnest discussion of subjects connected with common school edu- cation which has taken place during the year. This discus- sion is two-fold in character : first, in relation to the heavy cost of public schools ; secondly, in relation to methods of education. In this day of financial depression it is not clear to what reduction of expenditure the community may not be compelled to resort. The town has hitherto held to its sys- tem of schools, and the Board have been watchful in the disbursement of the money placed in their charge. Any considerable diminution of the appropriation for school pur- poses will involve a radical change in our school organization and methods, and it is to be hoped that the town will delib- erate carefully before disturbing these.
The system and methods which we have adopted, and which we hold in common with other cities and towns are undergoing rigid criticism. It is to be remembered that they are the development of many years' experience, and were originated and have been fostered and guided by some of the best educators in the country. Hitherto they have enjoyed the public confidence, and indeed have been the pride of the Commonwealth. Their early establishment was in the City of Boston, and as the metropolis has enlarged its borders, embracing in effect the smaller adjacent cities and towns, the school system has been accepted as incident to the growth in which we also have been included. It has always been claimed by your committee, that if the future of our children is to be in the community which in this way has be- come uniform and identical, it is but just they should have equal advantages of education with all other children within the same limits ; and influenced by this conviction our schools have been given form accordingly.
The committee are well aware that methods of education
109
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
are progressive and largely experimental. The strictures on those which now prevail have been severe, perhaps in some respects just, but new methods have not yet been suggested to take the place of the old. It is not the part of prudence to make sudden and premature change. The public interest in the question is already active, and in due time we may profit by all the light that may be shed upon it.
The town is referred to the special reports of the several sub-committees for information upon the condition of the schools under their charge, respectively.
Mr. L. B. Marshall continues in his position of Musical Instructor. The improvement in singing and knowledge of music is marked, and is due to the skill and diligence of this excellent teacher. Under his direction two mass concerts of school children were given in the Town Hall, which af- forded opportunity for the public appreciation of his merit.
At the close of the school year, Miss Caroline C. Turner, who for twenty-one years had been a teacher in our schools, tendered her resignation. The Board entered upon their records their recognition of her long and faithful service, and the assurance that she retired with the love of her pupils, past and present, the gratitude of their parents, and the re- spect of all for her fidelity and high character.
The new school-house at the Heights, built pursuant to the vote of the town at its meeting in April last, has been com- pleted, and will soon be occupied. It is a fine edifice, orna- mental in its structure and location, and creditable to the public spirit and liberality of the town. The details of its cost will be reported by the Building Committee.
The committee commend the public schools to the contin- ued favor of the town. The education of the young is a public duty, second to none other in our civil polity. The discharge of this duty may now be felt as a burden, but an enlightened community will not hesitate to make some
110
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
sacrifice in that interest which tends to secure to the Com- monwealth in time to come, intelligent and useful citizens.
WM. E. PARMENTER, Chairman,
For the Committee.
High School.
The school has passed a most favorable year.
At the end of the summer term, Miss Julia A. Mowry, the first assistant, resigned. Her year of service gave proof of her excellence and accomplishment as a teacher. The Board were fortunate in securing as her successor, Miss Harriet J. Williams.
The school is now under the management of Mr. Stickney as Master, Miss Williams as first and Miss Simmons as second assistant. It numbers fifty-nine pupils, arranged as follows :-
Senior Class, 20
Middle “ 12
Junior
24
Special Students, 3
The school has a larger membership than ever before. The requirements for admission have not been diminished in strictness, and the standard of scholarship has been main- tained.
The exercises of the graduating class were held at the end of the summer term, and were received with more than usual interest and commendation.
A new plan for the examination of candidates for admis- sion was adopted. Heretofore it has been the usage to select a day at the end of the term, usually at the beginning of July, and to require the candidates to assemble at the High School-house for examination. The work was done in a single day ; and it can be well understood that the com- bination of heat, labor and anxiety proved exhaustive to all concerned.
111
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
This year the candidates underwent examination in the Grammar school-rooms under the eye of teachers appointed to preside, and with the allowance of two days for the per- formance of the work. The former trouble has thus been obviated, and a fairer result has been obtained.
Two young men entered Harvard University and one young woman entered Wellesley College, all with special credit.
The attention of the town is called to the admirable re- cord of attendance on the part of the members of the High School. The record of faithfulness in study if made public would prove equally remarkable.
There is every reason to be satisfied with the condition of this school. The teachers are competent and devoted, the pupils, as a rule, are diligent, and its position and character are felt through all the schools. It is now at the point of its greatest strength and promise.
WM. E. PARMENTER, For the Sub- Committee.
Russell Grammar School.
(First, Second and Third Grades.)
The success of former years fully attends the higher grades of this school. The attendance has been a little below the average, owing principally to sickness among the pupils, which in some cases was of such a nature as to keep from school for a while all the children of some families.
The progress during the year has been quite satisfactory, and shows a good record for school work.
The classes have remained under the same management as during previous years, until the close of the month of November, at which time, Miss C. C. Turner, who has been long connected with this school, and has so competently and faithfully performed her duties as a teacher, sent in her
112
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
resignation to the School Board, which was accepted with many regrets.
On the resignation of Miss Turner, the class under her instruction was assigned to Miss Lizzie A. Gould, who comes to us with the results of a successful experience.
A change of teachers frequently interferes with school work, the pupils often taking advantage of circumstances, until the teacher becomes familiar, but in this instance the committee anticipate the best results.
The success of our Grammar School course, may be measured largely by the number of pupils who graduate at the end of the school year, and are prepared to enter our High School. By a comparative examination with schools in other places, it will be found that the percentage is largely in favor of our own; and while we have this to en- courage us, it is a cause of serious regret that so large a proportion of pupils leave our schools before the graduating day arrives. Upon enquiry the committee have been in- formed that of those pupils who enter the fourth and fifth grades fully one-half leave the schools before finishing their studies in the first class,- and this applies more particularly to the boys than the girls, who from an indifference to study and a desire to rid themselves of the restraints of school life on their part, or perhaps from the inability or indiffer- ence on the part of the parents to keep them at school, enter unprepared at an early age, upon the active duties of life. Parents too often leave out of mind that in these days the uneducated are those who toil the hardest with the least recompense ; that skilled labor brings the largest reward ; that a thorough Grammar School education, if nothing more, may be the entire capital these boys may have to start in life with, and the committee would take this occasion to urge parents and guardians to use their utmost endeavors to keep their children in school, that all its benefits may be derived.
D. F. JONES, In behalf of the Sub- Committee.
113
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Russell Grammar School.
(Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grades.)
These classes are under the same instructors as last year, except the fourth class, taught by Miss A. Pillsbury for a number of years. 'On account of sickness she was not able to resume her duties at the commencement of the school year, and the vacancy was filled by Miss A. M. Frost of Worcester, who has labored under the disadvantages which substitutes generally experience, scholars taking more license under a substitute than under a regular teacher. At first it seemed that she would not succeed with the class, but by perseverance on the part of the teacher, there is a manifest improvement, and the committee hope and believe, the class will do its allotted work for the year.
Miss Pillsbury is one of the tried and faithful teachers, who has taught with ability and marked success, and it is the earnest wish of the committee that she may soon be able to resume her duties.
On account of the large number of scholars in the sixth grade, it was found necessary to divide it, as last year. This class receives not only the scholars promoted from the first primary class, but also those promoted from the East District, thus forming a very large class, more than can be accommodated in one room, or taught by one teacher.
J. S. CROSBY,
For the Sub-Committee.
Russell Primary Schools.
These schools still continue in the hands of Misses Schouler, Packard and Fessenden, all of whom are peculiar- ly qualified for their charge, and enjoy the confidence of the district. The attendance has been good, taking into account the youth of the children and their liability to sickness. The
114
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
work accomplished in these schools is likely to escape atten- tion, and the constant tact and patient industry bestowed by these teachers in their daily duty are appreciable in results only as their pupils pass into the upper grades. In no part of the system of schools is there more imperative require- ment for careful and intelligent instruction than in this group of the youngest classes.
WM. E. PARMENTER, For the Sub-Committee.
Cutter Schools.
The schools of this district, with one exception, remain under the instruction of the same teachers as heretofore. Mrs. Thompson was appointed permanent teacher, in April, to the Second Primary in the place of Miss Woods.
There is no need to particularize concerning the condition of these schools beyond the fact that the teachers are faith- ful and efficient in their work, the result of which may be seen in the excellent discipline, and in the steady advance- ment the scholars make in their studies. There is also a marked improvement in the average attendance.
HENRY SWAN, For the Sub-Committee.
East District.
These schools continue under the same teachers as last year,-Miss Scanlan and Miss Bowers. No changes have been made in the methods of discipline or instruction. Miss Scanlan was obliged in one instance to temporarily suspend a scholar for misconduct, but he speedily returned with a suitable apology, and was restored to the school.
These teachers continue to command the respect of the scholars and the confidence of the parents and committee.
JOHN P. WYMAN, For the Sub- Committee.
115
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
Heights Primary.
The Primary School at the Heights has prospered satisfac- torily during the past year under the faithful care of Miss L. M. Farrington. It has numbered from 25 to 42 scholars - a considerable increase over any prior year. Teachers and scholars are awaiting impatiently for the opening of the new school-house, which will probably occur as soon as the build- ing can be thoroughly dried out.
FRANCIS V. B. KERN, For the Sub- Committee.
116
TABULAR STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOLS.
SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS.
Whole Ave'ge No.
Atten'e
Whole No.
Ave'ge Atten'e
No.
Whole Ave'ge Atten'e
Charles W. Stickney .
42
40
59
58
59
56
Miss Eliza S. Simmons:
29
24
24
23
27
25
2d Class
Miss Olive M. Hobart. .
32
30
30
26
30
26
3d
Miss Caroline C. Turner
30
27
27
24
34
30
Miss Anna Pillsbury . .
44
38
33
29
51
42
5th
Miss Addie E. Flanders.
54
47
46
43
55
47
6th
1st div ..
Miss Louisa R. Warren.
70
59
63
56
72
61
RUSSELL PRIMARY .- 1st Class,
Miss Louise E. Schouler ..
48
40
47
41
52
43
2d Class ..
Miss Sarah F. Packard . .
42
36
44
40
44
38
3d «
Miss Evelyn R. Fessenden.
34
24
55
45
41
30
44
38
42
38
49
45
EAST PRIMARY .- 1st Class,. 2d Class, . .
Miss Kate I. Bowers.
49
38
49
35
51
48
CUTTER GRAMMAR .- 1st & 2d.
Simeon J Dunbar. ..
42
35
40
36
22
19
Miss Eva J. Locke. .
41
35
30
24
39
30
3d & 4th Classes 5th & 6th
Miss Sarah F. Gibbs. ..
45
38
42
37
47
40
Mrs. Mary Thompson. ...
66
54
60
57
60
· 50
Miss Josephine Richardson.
42
31
53
41
50
40
HEIGHTS PRIMARY ..
Miss L. M. Farrington. ...
25
18
41
32
40
31
Leonard B. Marshall, Instructor in Music.
779
653
785
685
823
701
.
...
4th
·
.
·
. .
. .
..
.
·
SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
FIRST TERM
SECOND TERM
THIRD TERM
COTTING HIGHI.
.
Miss Harriet J. Williams.
RUSSELL GRAMMAR .- 1st Class.
Edward O. Grover. .
.
6thı 2d div.
Mrs. Emma S. Hill.
Miss Mary F. Scanlan.
CUTTER PRIMARY .- 1st & 2d ..
3d Class, .
.
LIST OF JURORS
OF THE
TOWN OF ARLINGTON.
As REVISED BY THE SELECTMEN, JAN. 28, 1878.
John F. Allen,
David P. Green,
William H. Allen, James A. Bailey, James Baston,
Milan R. Hardy, Charles Hill,
Rodney J. Hardy,
James C. Blanchard,
Samuel D. Hicks,
Joseph Butterfield,
George Hill,
James M. Chase,
Richard M. Johnson,
William A. Clark,
Lucius Kimball,
Russell Cook, Charles H. Crane,
George W. Lane,
Henry J. Crosby, .
Henry J. Locke,
Calvin S. Mixter,
George M. Morse,
Henry Mott, Martin O'Grady,
Timothy O'Leary, John A. P. Peirce,
Lorenzo H. Dupee,
Thomas P. Peirce,
Horace D. Durgin, Joseph H. Eaton, John J. Eaton, jr. Edward S. Fessenden, Francis S. Frost, John Fillebrown, Samuel A. Fowle,
Warren A. Peirce, Lemuel Pitts, T. Henry Ramsdell, Warren Rawson, Mark A. Richardson, Calvin P. Sawyer,
Carl W. Schwamb, Theodore Schwamb, William Stowe,
Charles E. Goodwin, John Gray, William Gates, James Gibson, Charles Gott,
George P. Winn, Cyrus Woods.
JOHN SCHOULER,
r
Selectmen
JAMES DURGIN,
of
WILLIAM G. PECK, S Arlington.
1
John S. Crosby, Herbert H. Ceiley, John C. Collins, John W. Day. Samuel G. Damon,
Edwin B. Lane,
118
STATISTICS.
TABULAR STATEMENT OF VALUATION, DEBT, ETC., OF THE TOWN OF ARLINGTON, FOR A SERIES OF YEARS.
VALUATION.
Amount raised by Taxation.
Amount of Debt.
Population.
Real Estate
Pers'l Prop'y
1865
$1,782,053
$1,035,432
$43,670
$62,289
1866
1,858,969
1,116,430
43,094
68,189
1867
1,909,378
1,169,189
49,214
65,636
1868
2,015,821
1,180,345
41,570
61,066
1869
2,115,345
1,281,988
50,050
58,518
1870
2,182,042
1,501,693
53,234
51,751
1871
2,625,834
1,508,818
55,353
77,017
1872
3,603,231
1,690,038
73,299
123,000 Water
1873
4,406,984
1,655,388
90,281
150,000 Water
1874
4,514,400
1,550,190
101,940
155,000 Water
150,644
1875
4,558,123
1,440,505
82,531
186,000 Water
144.644
1876
4,455,877
1,330,605
75 006
210,000 Water
1877
4,224,968
1,262,727
87,343
215,000 Water
STATISTICS OF THE TOWN OF ARLINGTON.
Valuation of Real Estate,
$4,224,968 00
" Personal Estate,
1,262,727 00
Amount " Town Grant,
78,900 00
" State Tax,
5,010 00
" County Tax,
2,937 23
66
" Overlayings,
496 20
Number of Polls, 1,014, at $2.00,
2,028 00
Rate of Taxation on $1,000,
15 00
HENRY MOTT,
Assessors,
THOMAS P. PEIRCE, Town of
B. DELMONT LOCKE, 1 Arlington.
ARLINGTON, May 1, 1877.
Census this year, 2,760.
V 93,751
161,916
162,036
Census this year, 3,906.
144,444
YEAR.
A LIST OF THE
STATE, COUNTY AND TOWN TAXES,
ASSESSED FOR THE YEAR 1877.
A
B.
Abendroth, August. $ 68 66
Bacon, Edward E. $ 17 00
Adams, Amos.
2 00
Bacon, Major 49 25
Adams, Mrs. Amos.
4 50
Bacon, estate of Henry J. 136 57
Ahern, Dennis. 13 25
Bacon, Jesse 165 95
Ahern, John. 2 00
Bacon, Alvah ..
17 00
Ahern, John, 2d
: 00
Bacon, Frank E.
2 00
Ahern, Morris .. 2 00
Bailey, James A. E.
360 28
Ahern, Patrick. : 00
Bailey, Theodore.
2 00
Ahern, Patrick, 2d 2 00
Bailey, Linnæus J.
2 00
Allen, Abbot 851 09
Bailey, Thomas
2 00
Allen, Andrew F. 222 50
Bailey, James A. .
140 00
Allen, John F. 24 85
Bailey, Edward B., 2 00
Bailey, Jonas M .. 7 25
Allen, George G
2 00
Bailey, Sarah A. G
222 03
Allen, David.
: 00
Bailey, Gardner W
2 00
Allen, William H. (Heiglits) ...
66 68
Baker, Edward.
2 00
Aldrich, Benjamin S. 2 00
Baker, George.
2 00
Andrews, Isaac.
2 00
Bany, Simon.
2 00
Arınstrong, John.
2 00
Barrett, John.
2 00
Armstrong, Joshua T.
2 00
Barry, Garrett.
2 00
Barker, Simeon. 58 77
Barnes, estate of Martin. 110 03
Arlington Gas Light Co 277 62
Barnes, William H. 2 00
Atkins, Isaac 2 00
Barnard, Joel
3 50
Arlington Five Cents Savings Bank.
338 40
Allen, William H. 259 79
120
TAXES.
Barnard, Mary E.
$134 49 | Brooks, William H $ 2 00
Baptist Society. 109 35
Brooks, Addison. 2 00
Bartlett, James F. 2 00 Brooks, Mrs. Martha M. 491 97
Bartlett, Lewis P.
429 08 Brooks, Edward D. 2 00
Bartlett, Lewis P., jr. 17 00
Brooks, Rushton & Co. 1 50
Bassing, Jacob. 46 70
Brown, William. 2 00
Baston, James. 180 61
Brown, Mrs. Mary Ann . 213 93
Bastine, Charles W.
10 43
Brown, Miss Caroline M. 51 44
Bastine, Charles W., agent.
30 00
Brown, Charles E.
: 50
Baxter, Isaac.
60 68
Browne, J. Fiske. 4 25
Baxter, William W.
2 00
Bryant, Edwin P.
2 00
Baxter, Francis A.
2 00
Bucknam, Theodore G.
122 55
Beard, Charles E.
3 50
Bucknam, estate of Jesse.
153 44
Beers, James L. 2 00
Beevens, James
2 00
Bullard, J. C.
35 75
Beckwith, Samuel. 2 00
Bullock, B. N. 6 50
Beddows, James.
2 00
Bullock, Charles S. 2 00
Benham, Daniel
11 75
Burke, Michael 30 35
Benjamin, Wm. W
2 00
Burns, Thomas. 6 50
Bell, William
2 00
Burns, Daniel. 19 25
Berthrong, Henry W
2 00
Burns, John .. 73 52
Beyer, Casper.
2 00
Burns, Michael. 2 00
Bigelow, George D.
2 00
Burns, Henry.
2 00
Bishop, Augustus
2 00
Burns, William. 30 50
Bishop, Leon .
2 00
Burns, Mrs. Margaret. 11 30
Bishop, Cathbert.
2 00
Butcher, Edward T 2 00
Bitzer, John.
7 50
Butterfield, estate of Samuel .. 891 75
Bitzer, J. Frederic
32 00
Butterfield, Joseph . 430 94
Bland, Robert
2 00
Butterfield, Joseph H. 2 00
Blackington, John.
17 00
Butterfield, Samuel B.
2 00
Blanchard, James C.
35 95
Butler, estate of Thomas
14 10
Blanchard, J. Albert
2 00
Butler, John F.
2 00
Blanchard, Mrs. Mary and
Butler, Michael J 6 00
Butler, John E. 2 00
Bock, Louis 2 00
Bolles, Sandy.
90 95
Bowers, William B. 2 00
Bowser, William L. 2 00
Brady, John. 28 25
Brady, Thomas.
21 13
Bradley, Henry.
2 00
Calahan, Daniel.
19 72
Bradley, Charles P. 2 00
2 00
Callahan, Thomas 61 63
Breen, Patrick,
2 00
Callahan, Thomas H. 2 00
Brostren, Ernst.
2 00
Caldwell, Joshua 113 98
Brooks, Alfred . 41 96
Campbell, Ann. 9 00
Brooks, Mrs. Hannah. 61 35
Came, Edwin.
2 00
C.
Cady, Daniel R. 132 50
Cahelin, Mrs. Hannah C. 10 17
Cahill, Charles. 2 00
Calahan, Matthew. 53 03
Bradley, William
Rebecca Fessenden. 12 54
Bucknam, Samuel C. 138 82
TAXES. 121
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