USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1875 Vol. 1 > Part 4
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ELLEN F. DALRYMPLE,
MARION E. WILLIAMS,
MARY G. DAY, 1
ISAAC T. BURR, JUN.,
ANNIE F. GAGE,
OLEN L. CARTER,
LUCIA D. GUILD,
OLIVER M. FISHER,
J. MAUD LINCOLN,
HENRY E. GORDON,
SARAH E. LYON,
WILLIAM W. JOHNSON,
MARGARET A. MAGUE,
LYMAN W. KING,
CARRIE J. NEWELL,
ARTHUR W. KELLEY,
HATTIE M. PEIRCE,
JAMES L. LESTER,
HELEN O. ROBERTS,
FREDERICK J. RANLETT,
ABBIE A. RYDER,
WILLARD E. SMITH,
NELLIE S. SHERMAN,
WILLIAM H. SYLVESTER,
BRADFORD S. TURPIN.
THREE YEARS' COURSE.
LILLIE R. BROUGHTON,
MORTIMER B. ALLEN,
BERTHA FORBES,
JOSEPH F. BATCHELDER,
MARY E. JENISON,
EDWARD W. COOK,
EMMA A. PAGE,
GEORGE M. CRANITCH,
CORA G. PLIMPTON,
CHARLES S. JOHNSON,
NELLIE M. SULLIVAN, CHARLES R. NOYES,
ALICE E. SINCLAIRE,
HERBERT F. SYLVESTER,
ELLA WARREN,
EDWARD B. TOWNE,
ALICE M. WOODWARD,
JESSE WARREN.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE BIGELOW, UNDER- WOOD, LINCOLN, AND JACKSON SCHOOLS.
THE Committee of District makes the following brief report : -
The discipline of the various classes composing the district has been in most cases excellent, and the deportment of the pupils usually refined and satisfac- tory. Only a small amount of severity has been necessary to accomplish this end. The even requisi- tions of most teachers, their own quiet deportment, and the steady support of the community, will always give similar results.
Truancy in a few cases at the North Village seems to have been followed by steady attendance, and in- terest in the work. The district is growing in num- bers. It has not correspondingly increased in classes. The present committee does not intend that it shall. The better classification that increasing numbers have thus far given makes it possible that a teacher should teach even fifty with comfort and success. Some have even more than that, and with progress highly satisfactory. The majority of our pupils go from class to class up the grade. Industry, docility, and good health give us often, however, a chance to make an exception. It is the intention of the com-
BIGELOW, UNDERWOOD, LINCOLN, AND JACKSON. 35
mittee, that children shall not be forced up if not qualified to go, nor kept back when they are able to take more rapid steps. To this end the master of the district keeps a watchful eye ; and on this point we hope no parent in the community has cause of complaint.
The standing of the pupils at the time of gradua. tion is best indicated by what they are able to do on entering the High School. In this it is believed that our record is good. The closing exercises of the school year pointed also and plainly to very good teaching. The curriculum has been increased by some elementary physiology and physics. We leave that change to speak for itself. A few teachers have resigned. In filling their places the committee have asked themselves the question, Who will best fill the vacant places ? and believe they have gov- erned themselves accordingly. They regret even the temporary absence of the head assistant in the Bigelow,- a highly valued co-worker with the con- scientious energetic master of the district.
Respectfully submitted by H. C. HARDON.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE CLAFLIN AND ADAMS SCHOOLS.
AN interesting report of one of the schools in our district was read at our last meeting by the gentle- man from Ward Three. Important facts were pre- sented, and practical suggestions made, that are valuable to this Board.
Your Committee would report, that while in many respects the condition of the Claflin and Adams Schools, which are more particularly under our care, is favorable, and the work of the teachers faithfully performed, yet a deficiency is evident in some of the homelier elementary branches of study. We con- sider, in the education of children, of first and foremost importance, reading, arithmetic, and lan- guage. We would by no means disparage music, drawing, or other excellent and desirable studies, but desire to insist that the closest attention and the best efforts of both teachers and pupils shall be given to the practical and indispensable studies which we have named.
We do not wish to underrate the commendable progress of our schools, or fail to appreciate the efforts and success of our tried and competent teach- ers ; but we think that the advantage of continued
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CLAFLIN AND ADAMS SCHOOLS.
instruction under the same teachers year by year, together with the facilities which our schools enjoy, should produce even greater results.
While the division of time for each study may seem to be the best, we find in Class Seven, where a little more time has been spent upon arithmetic, a good result has been attained. The only change of teachers during the past year was made in this class in the Adams School; and good work has been done. With the time allotted to each study, we feel that the teachers have done well.
Our schools are not academies for the further cul- ture of already trained minds, nor are they modelled to furnish special instruction for children of genius or marked ability in any particular direction ; but they are conducted upon the principle of the best good for the average scholar; and your Committee feel assured that parents will not be satisfied that our schools are in the best possible condition, until even greater proficiency is secured in these practical studies.
Respectfully submitted by your Committee,
H. C. HAYDEN.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PIERCE, DAVIS, AND FRANKLIN SCHOOLS.
THE order requiring the local committees to report the schools under their immediate charge having been adopted after a part of the school year had passed, necessitates such report from memory, as we have no memoranda of earlier visits.
In reviewing the schools in Ward Three the past year, while there may not have been any cases of ex- cellence requiring special mention, we are convinced the general average of success has been above that of previous years. Our schools have enjoyed the past year, to a greater extent than usual, the three condi- tions necessary, in fact indispensable, to the best suc- cess ; viz., comfortable and convenient accommo- dations regular and punctual attendance, and an earnest co-operation on the part of the scholars, teachers, and parents, in the work to be done.
At the close of the previous school year, the Franklin School was in a somewhat demoralized con- dition, growing largely out of the effort to accommo- date a class of older boys than usually attend our schools, who, being out of work during the winter of 1873-74, applied for admission to the schools; and while the larger portion thus admitted worked faith-
39
PIERCE, DAVIS, AND FRANKLIN SCHOOLS.
fully, and improved the opportunity given them, a smaller portion did not appreciate the advantages thus given and so much needed ; and their influence upon the younger scholars was such that it was found necessary to remove all those who had been admitted, to a room in the Pierce School, and place them under the charge of another teacher. This af- forded some relief; but the effects of evil association were but too apparent until the close of the year.
But two of the rooms in the Franklin building had been occupied at the close of the schools in June, 1874. At the commencement of the schools in September, the larger number of scholars further in- creased by some sent from the Davis School for want of room, it was found necessary to open the four rooms in the Franklin building ; and the schools were placed in charge of an experienced and successful teacher, who with the earnest co-operation of her three assistants, aided by the timely suggestions and coercive support of the master, with the watchful care of the truant-officer, has given us at the close of the year a school which in discipline, in punctual and regular attendance, and in general school-work thoroughly done,' will compare favorably with any other school in the district.
The schools in the Davis building have fully sus- tained their previous well-earned reputation. The highest and lowest grades in this school have been fortunate in retaining the services of their respective teachers for so long a time. Several graduates from the High School, and one from Harvard College in the class of 1875, commenced their school course with the same teacher who now has charge of the first primary school.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
The rule, admitting on the 1st of April such schol- ars as will be five years old at the commencement of the next school year, caused much inconvenience in this school from want of sufficient room, and divid- ing the work of the teacher at the time when her regular class required the most attention to prepare them to pass on to the next grade. The experience of the past year in both the first primary schools in this ward would suggest the inquiry whether the advantage to those entering for the last three months of the year was greater than the loss caused by their entrance to the regular class.
At the commencement of the winter term, it was found that an unusually large number of scholars in the sixth and seventh classes were unable to perform the work assigned them. A part of them were the natural result of graded schools, those who from irregularity of attendance or other causes had failed to do the work in the lower classes ; but the larger portion were older boys who had been taken out of school one year or more through the spring, sum- mer, and fall months, and upon their return in win- ter found the classes to which they had formerly belonged so far advanced that to join them, and at- tempt to do the work which they could not under- stand, would be a waste of time and an injury to the rest of the class. Under these circumstances it was thought advisable to form a special class; and, as the larger portion belonged to the seventh class, they were placed in charge of the teacher of that class, who divided her time between this special and a regular seventh class, which was now able to take the allotted work, and perform it in its regular order. The work
41
PIERCE, DAVIS, AND FRANKLIN SCHOOLS.
of the special class was left to the discretion of the teacher under the direction of the master. As the older boys were expecting to leave school at the close of the term, they were drilled more especially in reading, spelling, and arithmetic ; while those who were intending to continue in school reviewed the sixth, and took some portion of the seventh class work, and at the beginning of the present school year joined the seventh class, and are now holding a respectable rank.
Inquiry among the scholars of the eighth and ninth classes, since the adoption of the order making the study of drawing elective in those classes, shows that about one-fourth the number would prefer to ex- change drawing for some other study. The larger portion of those are the older boys, who from irreg- ularity of attendance or other causes have not done thoroughly the work in the lower classes, and who do not propose to continue their studies beyond the Grammar School, some of them not beyond the present term. This limited time suggests the neces- sity of attending to those studies which shall be of the most practical advantage to them ; and the teacher, relieved from spending her time with those who take little or no interest in drawing, can give her whole attention to those who are interested, and may make the study profitable to them.
We cannot close this brief review of our schools without bearing testimony to the faithful and efficient manner in which the teachers, one and all, have dis- charged the duties devolving upon them. The mas- ter, dividing his time between the three schools in this ward and two of the schools in Ward Two, has
42
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
devoted himself, in school hours and out of school hours, to the thorough accomplishment of the work assigned to the schools under his charge ; receiving, as he has deserved, the earnest and willing co-operation of all the teachers under his direction. Sustained by the entire confidence and frequent encourage- ment of the parents, aided by a long and successful experience in teaching, he has brought to bear upon our schools a large influence; and the result is seen in their present satisfactory condition.
In behalf of the Committee, E. W. WOOD.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE WILLIAMS AND HAMILTON SCHOOLS.
THE pupils in the Williams School were invited, at the beginning of the year, to rooms thoroughly renovated and improved, presenting an attractive appearance.
The several departments of these schools were placed in charge of teachers, with hardly an excep- tion, of large experience.
The results of the examinations, as made by the Committee, have been alike creditable to pupils and teachers. A constant improvement has been made in methods and work. Good progress has been made in all of the studies pursued.
The discipline has been mild, yet firm and effect- ive ; the deportment very good.
A great improvement has been made in the attendance of pupils as compared with preceding years.
The pupils have generally, by close application to their studies, gained their promotions. A good class graduated from both schools, nearly all entering the High School. No changes in teachers have been made during the year.
All the teachers have manifested an earnest desire
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
to do all they could to promote the happiness and welfare of those committed to their charge.
To their fidelity in the discharge of every duty devolving upon them, the Committee with pleasure bear grateful testimony.
JAS. E. LATIMER,
ISAAC HAGAR, Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PROSPECT SCHOOL.
IN reporting upon the standing of these schools, I may be excused for going outside of this district, and remarking that, the opportunity which formerly ex- isted, for any one of the Committee to claim for the schools under his special supervision superiority in comparison with other schools in the city, does not now exist, owing to the system which has been adopted in connection with the employment of a Superintendent, that compels uniformity, not between individuals, but schools, which we had previously failed to produce; not that the standard of the bet- ter has been made lower, but that that of the less successful has been raised to them; and therefore you are spared the report, from year to year, that such and such schools have failed to meet the expec- tations of the Committee. This feature alone will justify us in claiming that progress has been made in their general condition.
The schools of this village have been fortunate through the past year, that no changes have been made in their corps of teachers (the circle not hav- ing been invaded as heretofore, and its members cap- tured by the much-dreaded widower, or the roaming committee-man, or teacher from our neighboring
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
cities), who have continued to be both able and will- ing to devote themselves, in school and out, to the interests of their pupils. By co-operating with the special teachers with whom they have been associated, they accomplish the best results, and I am satisfied that they have generally received the approbation of their patrons and of the Committee.
Excellent order has been maintained in the school- rooms and on the premises by the several teachers, without recourse to severity.
Promotion under our reasonably high standard is indicative of the success attained by the efforts of the teachers, and which has proved highly creditable to them.
The ninth and eighth classes under the instruc- tion of the master and his assistant, but principally of the latter (the master's duties being of a general character through the district), and the seventh and sixth under the first assistant, were promoted entire ; and the fifth, fourth, third, second, and first with but a few exceptions, which were excusable by those acquainted with the circumstances; showing that the master and all his assistants are worthy of the confidence of the parents and patrons of these schools.
Much might be said of the value of the special teachers employed for music, writing, and drawing, as elements of success to the schools ; but justice will be done them by the Committee whose duty it is to report on those subjects.
I am aware that a feeling exists in the community, to a considerable extent, that the system of conduct- ing our schools is not as good as formerly, and that
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PROSPECT SCHOOL.
the results are not equal to them; and it is easy to appreciate the views entertained by those who have seen the results of the old system under the very best of teachers, where but a small range of studies was prescribed. But it must not be forgotten that six hours of the hardest labor was required in school, and from the scholar of average ability, and less, from one to three hours out of it, to produce those results.
It is not reasonable to expect that the same pro- ficiency in all the branches of the broad range of studies pursued, and now considered necessary, should be attained, considering the small amount of time which can be given to study in school, in a measure owing to the reduced hours, with the gen- eral aversion by all parents that their children shall be required to study regularly at home. I will add, that the important requirement of the old system, long school-days and the required study at home, the results of which we look back to with so much satisfaction, has but a few friends at this time; but I claim, that, until a partial return to it is approved by public opinion, the most important element of suc- cess to the young, the acquirement of knowledge by individual effort, will be sacrificed.
J. A. GOULD.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE HYDE SCHOOL.
THERE are two schools in the Hyde Schoolhouse at Newton Highlands. Both have remained during the year under the teachers who have taught them since their organization.
Miss Alotta E. Stearns has charge of the primary school, in which there are three classes, and about fifty pupils. The teacher who has three grades to instruct, and keep well advanced according to the established standard, has a somewhat harder task than the teacher of a single class. Miss Stearns has worked faithfully and skilfully. She wins the affec- tion and confidence of her pupils, who find their school a pleasant place, and are not willingly absent from it. During the past year there has been a noticeable improvement in regularity and prompt- ness of attendance. The work with these primary scholars is, of course, in a great degree directed to the awakening of interest in the topics presented, and to training the mind to habits of attention. These essential points are not overlooked in this school.
The two grammar-school classes of the Hyde School (Classes IV. and V.) are instructed by Miss Mary J. Fisher, who was the first teacher employed
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HYDE SCHOOL.
in the village at a time, not long ago, when the only school numbered scarcely a dozen pupils. Her school at the present time is not quite so large as before the summer vacation, but numbers about thirty pupils. There was a time when the discipline of this school made severe demands upon the teacher's tact and energy; but there has been no serious trouble in that particular during the past year. In all their studies the pupils show commendable interest; and the average proficiency of the classes is good. Your Committee's examinations have made him satisfied that the pupils are not only carefully drilled in the recitation of lessons, but are so taught that they discover and understand the sense, as well as the letter, and are disciplined to think for them- selves.
The piano purchased for the Hyde School last spring is placed in Miss Fisher's room ; and several times daily it is enjoyed by the pupils of both rooms. Unquestionably the benefit resulting is great. The schools would seem quite different without it. A piano in the schoolroom, and frequently used in connection with singing and marching exercises, is a helper in the educational work.
Within the past year some work has been done toward the improvement of the schoolhouse grounds. They were ploughed in the spring, and graded as much as was practicable. In the fall they were seeded down. About fifty trees have been planted, which give promise of thrifty growth, and of pleasant shade at no distant day. Gravel walks have been constructed from the rear entrances to the yard on Lincoln Street to the schoolhouse. These are a
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
great convenience for scholars coming from Lincoln Street and north of it. There is need of some additional outlay to complete the finish of the yard in the neat style characteristic of most of the school premises of the city. It is earnestly hoped that the city will some time have the means and the disposi- tion to remodel the building so that the large and pretentious ugliness of its proportions may be modi- fied in the interest of that education in good taste which a civilized community is under moral obliga- tion to supply by its public buildings.
One testimony to the fidelity and discretion of the teachers of these schools deserves to be recorded : Not a single complaint of hardship or injustice has come to your Committee from any quarter.
WALTER ALLEN,
Committee on the Hyde School.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE OAK HILL SCHOOL.
UNTIL the end of the school year in June, there were two schools at Oak Hill, containing together less than forty pupils. At the beginning of the fall term, the schools were united, in accordance with the vote of the School Committee. The consolidated school was given in charge of Miss Mary E. Minter, who had been at the head of the most advanced of the two schools for a few months. The school now occupies the south room of the schoolhouse. There have been about thirty scholars in attendance. At the beginning there were six classes, corresponding with the first, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth classes of the graded schools. The seventh class, which was like " the freshman class of one," immor- talized in Dr. Holmes's poem, was, after a few weeks, promoted in a body; and there are now but five classes. As each of these five classes recites several times a day in different studies, the Oak Hill School is a busy place. If any one finds leisure in school hours, it is not the teacher. It is not likely that any other teacher in the city, whose responsibilities are limited to a single room, has a task so arduous and exhausting as Miss Minter's ; and it is a pleasure to bear testimony in this report to the devotion, energy,
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
and success of her application to the duties of the position. Your Committee believes that under her administration, and largely owing to her tact and endurance of hard work, the change made is proving a beneficent one. It is manifest that when all the stages of a child's education, from the primer class until fitted for the high school, are directed by one teacher, it may be wise to modify in many respects the rigid class system of the graded schools. Indeed, it must be modified ; but if wisely done, it need not entail any loss of acquirements or discipline. Your Committee believes that the pupils of the Oak Hill School are making better progress than before, and that the conditions of a good school, so far as they are dependent upon the city, are all present. The spirit and enthusiasm of the pupils have certainly improved since the union, One serious drawback is irregularity of attendance, some parents seeming quite indifferent whether their children go to school, or not ; but the evil is no greater since the union than before.
A class of four was graduated from this school last summer. One or two of these had been pro- moted to the graduating class out of due course, and showed their appreciation of the fact by diligent and earnest study. All the classes appeared well at the summer examination.
WALTER ALLEN, Committee on Oak Hill School.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE MASON SCHOOL.
THE Committee are glad to speak in terms of commendation as to the general appearance of the various classes. The teachers give evidence of earnest labor, and in most respects with gratifying success. The results in language, mental arithmetic, music, and drawing are indicative of careful teach- ing. In the reading and written arithmetic of some of the classes, the Committee would have been glad to find more marked improvement.
Until the beginning of the fall term, there was no special teacher in penmanship. Since that time, under the care of the present instructor, the im- provement is more marked.
The importance of the teacher's office, and the large demands it makes upon its occupant in order to secure the best results, are not likely to be over- estimated. Therefore it is desirable that the teacher bring into the work the most complete preparation possible. As the stream will not rise above its source, so the scholar may not be expected to attain to or strive after a higher standard of excellence than is placed before him in the teacher. The moral character, the scholarship, the culture and general deportment of the instructor, will be looked upon as
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