USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1878-1879 > Part 11
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All the teachers have performed their allotted work successfully, each member of the ninth class having been prepared to enter the High School; and the pupils of the other classes, with but a few exceptions, were fitted for promotion at the close of the year. The exhibition of the work of the classes in their rooms, and the grad- uating exercises in the hall, were very interesting ; and a generous, hearty approval was accorded by the visit- ors to all the teachers. The classes are evidently re- ceiving much benefit from the wise direction given by the superintendent. All who fully realize the responsi- bilities which teachers assume, and the amount of work required of them, know that the position is not one to be sought for its ease. One of their indispensable duties,
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GRAMMAR-SCHOOLS.
and which is too often overlooked in estimating the amount of their labor, is their previous careful prepa- ration on all the lessons of each day, without which, none can do their best work, and be prepared to meet the individual wants of their pupils. With whichever grade they may be connected, with a love for the work, they have a sphere of duty broad enough for the full exercise of the best talents, and an object to accomplish worthy of satisfying a reasonable ambition.
At the close of the year, Miss M. M. Miller, who had been an earnest worker, and successful teacher of the sixth and seventh classes for five years, declined to be a candidate for re-election, having made arrangements to assume, instead, the duties of a home.
Mr. Harwood's whole time will now be given to the Mason School, he having been for the past two years master of this in common with the Mason, Hyde, and Oak-Hill Schools, and in this time he has proved him- self worthy of confidence, both as a gentleman and teacher.
To the parents, I will briefly allude to the change in our school system, which gives to the schools the benefit of a master's whole time and his undivided interest, which will be of much benefit to the upper classes ; and, as we are situated, it has seemed to me to be one of our greatest wants that those scholars who enter the High School only to remain a short time, should, instead, have an opportunity to remain a year longer in our grammar-school. This, with a resolute purpose to ac- complish certain work, would be much more profitable for them than to spend the same time in the High School.
Without undervaluing the influence of the female
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
teachers, I claim that there is no position (it being bounded neither by caste nor creed) which opens so many grand opportunities for exerting good influences on the young as that of a resident master for our pub- lic schools ; and I shall be disappointed if our village does not receive the advantages anticipated from the change. In Mr. Frost we have a gentleman who is able and willing to work, in school and out, for the welfare of those who are intrusted to his charge, and who, in return, I trust, will receive your hearty co-opera- tion in every. good work he undertakes.
J. A. GOULD.
HYDE SCHOOL.
During the last school-year, the first and second classes have been under the charge of Miss Alotta E. Stearns, this being her sixth year in this school. It was generally conceded that this school had never, under her charge, done better than during the past year. The exercises, presented by the school on " Parents' Day," ___ entirely prepared and managed by Miss Stearns, - were exceedingly interesting, and seemed to completely cap- tivate the large attendance of parents, and other friends of the teacher and school. At the close of these ex- ercises, Miss Stearns's pupils - through their right- hand man, Master Eddie Crane - presented her with an appropriate and suitably inscribed gift.
The very uniform and kindly temperament of this lady had secured for her, during her long engagement in this school, many warm personal friends. Her con- nection with the school ceased with the school-year.
The third and fourth classes have been under the charge of Miss Cevilla B. Richardson, this being her
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GRAMMAR-SCHOOLS.
second year in this school. Every thing considered, the school perceptibly improved during the last half of the school-year. There was an unusually large attend- ance of parents and others at the exercises of the last day of the term.
A very pleasant episode of these exercises was a pres- entation to the teacher of an appropriate keepsake from her pupils ; Master Weston Allen acting as the speaker for the occasion. Miss Richardson's connection with the school closed with the school-year.
The fifth and sixth classes have been under the care of Mrs. Lilla M. Means, this being her second year. Besides having the exclusive care of these two classes, Mrs. Means is the acting principal of all the schools in the building. We use no unmeaning words when we record that this lady has not only done her specific work exceedingly well, but has been a judicious and efficient principal.
The exercises of the final day of the school-year were very fully attended by the patrons of the school and others ; and no one competent to discriminate could fail to discover clear evidences of superior teaching. Mrs. Means's services are still retained.
Miss Alice F. Whitcomb of Newton Highlands was selected from a large list of applicants to succeed Miss Stearns in the charge of the first and second classes, and began her work at the commencement of the Septem- ber (1879) term. Miss Whitcomb's record as a teacher is, without exception, most excellent. If she does not succeed here, she has lost her cunning, and the com- mittee in charge of this school will have made a mis- take.
Miss Alice M. Hammond of Wakefield, Mass., suc-
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ceeded Miss Richardson in the charge of the third and fourth classes. This lady's history as a teacher shows constant success. She has evidently commenced the new school-year in the Hyde School as mistress of the situation. It is hoped she will prove to be the right teacher and person in the right place.
The number of pupils attending the Mason School, but geographically belonging to the Hyde School, is twenty-one. This arrangement was made as a matter of economy. It was found, by conference with the prin- cipal of the Mason School and with the superintendent, that to send these twenty-one pupils to the Mason School would not increase the necessary teaching force in that group of schools; whereas, to retain them at the Hyde School would compel the fitting-up of an additional room and the employment of an additional teacher. It is not improbable, that, by the beginning of the September term, 1880, there will be sufficient material to justify establishing a school here for the seventh and eighth classes.
CHARLES E. ABBOTT.
AUBURNDALE AND LOWER-FALLS DISTRICT.
HAMILTON SCHOOL.
THE Hamilton School sustained itself fully as well as could have been expected under the disadvantages of the several changes of teachers that fell to its lot during the year. In the retirement of Mrs. Ellen M. Leland, who had been connected with this school for nine years, and most of that time as head assistant, the city of New- ton lost one of its most valued and successful teachers. Miss Anna G. Swain was consequently advanced to the position of head assistant; while Miss Bancroft filled the vacancy thus caused for the remainder of the year. Upon the resignation of Miss Kimball, Miss Sarah H. Jumper was made teacher in the primary department.
An excellent class of ten pupils was promoted, entire, to the High School.
The present organization of the Hamilton School, securing the tried and undivided services of Mr. Leland as head master, Miss Swain as head assistant, and Miss Jumper for the younger classes, is regarded as a satis- factory and promising arrangement.
W. S. SMITH.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
WILLIAMS SCHOOL.
Of the Williams, it is pleasant to observe that it is one of those Newton schools which our honored super- intendent takes particular satisfaction in introducing to the notice of those who are supposed best to appreciate a good school when they see it. Such a tribute as this should be most gratifying and encouraging to those teachers whose faithful and successful work commands such a recognition.
A superior class of fourteen members has been advanced to the High School, this year, without an individual failure.
The nine large classes in this school are getting to be about all the building can accommodate, as well as about as much as five efficient teachers can well care for.
The only change of teachers to be noticed is that in- volved by the additional masterships in the city schools. Mr. George L. Chandler, one of the three men chosen from the large number of candidates presenting them- selves, has been made head master of the Williams School; while Mr. L. E. Leland, agreeably to his own preference, has returned to the mastership of his former charge in the Hamilton School.
W. S. SMITH.
WEST-NEWTON DISTRICT.
PEIRCE, DAVIS, AND FRANKLIN SCHOOLS.
THE classes in these schools, with one or two excep- tions, accomplished the year's work allotted them in an exceptionally satisfactory manner. The primary classes have done more than the usual amount of work, the result of which we may reasonably expect will be more apparent in the classes to which they have been ad- vanced. The uniform good work of the lower grammar- classes was shown in their test-record, which, with very few exceptions, entitled them to promotion ; while the same record, together with the exhibition exercises of the ninth, or graduating class, showed a familiarity with, and thoroughness in, the work covered by the primary and grammar courses, gained only under the direction of experienced and skilful teachers.
We have not been exempt from the difficulty, ever attending graded schools, of making promotions at the close of the year, so as to equalize, as far as possible, the number of scholars in the different classes, and maintain the standard of promotion, and still do no injustice in individual cases, where, owing to circum- stances beyond the control of scholar or teacher, there has been a failure to attain the requisite rank for pro- motion.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
In the practical operation of our present system of promotion, the Committee have no direct control ; but, with our present high standard for advancement, no more delicate or difficult duty devolves upon the super- intendent than the preparation of the test-work for the various classes.
To prepare this work in plain, direct words within the comprehension of the ordinary pupil, covering, as far as possible, the ground gone over with questions that shall gain the information desired, and at the same time serve as a spur to the pupil and an encouragement to the teacher, is a work of more than ordinary difficulty, and requires perfect familiarity with the work done ; but upon the thorough and careful preparation of the test- work, and the honest and earnest co-operation of the teachers in its execution, the success of the system must depend.
We were fortunate in being able to retain our entire corps of teachers, with the exception of one whom we were obliged to dismiss on account of the change by which the master takes charge in the room formerly occupied by the head assistant. The schools commence the present year under more than usually favorable cir- cumstances.
E. W. WOOD, Chairman District Committee.
NEWTONVILLE DISTRICT.
THE ADAMS SCHOOL.
DURING the past year the pupils of the upper classes of the Adams School have been in charge of Mr. Levi F. Warren as master, and Miss Jennie M. Morehouse as head assistant, and have generally made satisfactory progress. A larger number of the ninth class than was hoped (seven) fell below the average of attainment required by the rules of the Board for promotion to the High School, and are temporarily on probation for admittance. It is believed, with an accomplished and resident master (now provided), better results will be surely reached in the future. The appointment of Mr. W. F. Spinney, late principal of the Nantucket High School, as master of the Adams School, made it neces- sary to transfer one of the teachers of the Adams School to the primary class in the Jackson School, lately in charge of Miss Jeannette A. Grant ; and Miss A. J. Warner, lately in charge of the eighth class in the Adams School, was so transferred. The other teachers in the Adams School deserve commendation for diligence and skill in the instruction of their respec- tive classes.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
THE JACKSON SCHOOL.
The appointment of Mr. George B. Edwards as principal of the Jackson School has proved a wise step, and the results have been highly satisfactory. A marked change for the better in the deportment and applica- tion of the pupils is apparent ; and it is confidently believed that as this is one of the largest, so it will soon become one of the best, schools in the city. Miss Jeannette A. Grant, who for many years has done admirable service as teacher of the primary class, re- signed her position at the close of the last school-year, much to the regret of all associated with her, and is succeeded in her class by Miss A. J. Warner from the Adams School. In consequence of the new arrange- ment with regard to masters in the district, it was found possible to dispense with the services of one of the assistant teachers of the Jackson School ; and Miss Ellen F. Dalrymple, who has rendered good service for sev- eral years past, was not re-elected to her former posi- tion. The other assistant teachers of the school have labored with diligence and good success, and begin the present school-year under more favorable conditions than heretofore, and the best results are anticipated.
THE CLAFLIN SCHOOL.
The teachers of the Claflin School remain as hereto- fore, and have all been diligent, and successful to a good degree, in their work. The attendance of pupils - owing to bad weather, and an unusual amount of sickness during the year - has not averaged as high as formerly, and the deficiency was most noticeable in the primary classes. Their attainments in reading, writ-
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ing, language, singing, and drawing, have been very satisfactory, in arithmetic and geography less so, with a marked deficiency in spelling. It is believed, from visits to many other schools of the city, and repeated trials, that the deficiency named is not confined to the Claflin School, but prevails very generally, and that a large majority of the pupils in classes below the eighth fail to spell correctly many words in ordinary use. It cannot be too often repeated that reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, geography, and grammar are the essentials of a common-school education, and that other studies should be omitted, or made secondary, until pro- ficiency in these is assured.
Many citizens residing in the Newtonville District think they have grievances which it would seem only necessary to state to secure redress ; but their long con- tinuance, notwithstanding repeated protests and efforts against them, indicates a chronic stage, and affords war- rant for noticing them in this report.
First, That children of the fifth and sixth classes, residing in the neighborhood of the Adams School, and beyond, to the Waltham Line, - all of tender years and experience, - should be compelled in all weather, and exposed to many dangers of health and limb, to go, some of them a mile, and most of them a half a mile, out of their way, to the Claflin School for in- struction.
Second, That children of the eighth and ninth classes, residing near the Claflin School, and beyond, as far south as Bullough's Pond, should be compelled to go equal distances, with similar exposures to danger of health and limb, to the Adams School for instruc- tion.
They are, -
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
These grievances are needless, because there are pupils enough in each section of the district - making the railroad the dividing-line - for classes of all grades in each school; and the school-buildings and grounds in each case are suitable and ample for their accommoda- tion. They are also injurious to the district and to the city, as many cases of withdrawal of children from these schools, and even of removal of families to other places, in consequence of these grievous exactions, could be cited, if necessary.
Grievance third, That in the northern half of the dis- trict, with but two hundred and ten dwelling-houses, and a much smaller valuation and tax-payment, there should be stationed two male teachers (high priced, and compe- tent to teach the highest classes in the district), one head assistant equally accomplished and competent, and six assistant teachers; whilst in the southern half, with two hundred and sixty-seven dwelling-houses, and a much higher valuation and tax-payment, four female teachers only, of the lower grades, should be provided, and thought sufficient.
Fourth, That the other principal centres of popula- tion and wealth in the city should be provided with classes and teachers of all grades, including the eighth and ninth, in buildings and rooms accessible and con- venient, whilst Newtonville, equal, if not superior in population and taxable property, to most of such cen- tres, is deprived of the privilege and benefit of having its older pupils educated near their homes, free from needless exposure and danger, and under a master who shall reside among them, and be interested in them and in the families to which they belong.
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GRAMMAR-SCHOOLS.
It is sincerely hoped that these grievances, which have continued much too long, and are not fancied, but real, and hard to be borne, may be redressed at an early day.
H. S. NOYES, Chairman District Committee.
NEWTON DISTRICT.
As to the schools in the Newton District, the Com- mittee of that district have nothing of special interest to report.
They feel generally well satisfied with the work of the past year, and hopeful of greater good the coming vear under the new arrangement, by which the master is able to give so much more time to the work of teach- ing. They can see in the primary schools a marked improvement and interest both on the part of teachers and pupils.
In reading, especially, there has been a decided gain. They would recommend that some steps be taken in this grade of school to teach in an easy, familiar way botany, and some elementary lessons in natural history.
They think the influence of the superintendent in this grade has been especially valuable and important, as it should be, as here the groundwork has to be done, the foundation laid. How necessary that it should be well done !
In the Bigelow School, Miss Prince's retirement is the only change. They regretted her loss, and congratulate her on her promotion to a position in the Bridgewater Normal School. The examinations at the close of the year gave entire satisfaction.
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GRAMMAR-SCHOOLS.
As to the course of study, your Committee think it would be wise to have the ninth-class work extended over two years, and enlarged so that those who do not want to, or cannot, go to the High School, can have a more thorough drill in English, including in this his- tory and reading, and have some instruction in book- keeping.
This might require a modification of the High-school course ; but they think that to the grammar-school the mercantile course of the High School, so called, more properly belongs.
All the studies of that course, with the exception of French and German, could, with advantage, be re- quired in the grammar-schools.
With these suggestions your Committee submit their report.
LINCOLN R. STONE, For the District Committee.
DRAWING.
THE Committee on Drawing have the honor herewith to submit their annual report.
This department continues under the efficient charge of Mrs. Emma F. Bowler, whose work during the past year has been confined mainly to the High School, although it was arranged and graded for the primary and grammar schools. Two examinations were given during the year, - one under the personal supervision of Mrs. Bowler, in the latter part of the month of Feb- ruary ; another, a written one, in the latter part of the month of June. The work, on the whole, was found to be satisfactory. In some classes, however, there was evidence of improper teaching in design, the teacher not understanding the principles. The Committee recom- mend, as matter of great importance, that the primary schools be kept closely to the standard, to avoid a de- cline that cannot subsequently be remedied.
The time allotted to classes in the High School is little enough for the accomplishment of the work which ought to be done. The pupils, however, have mani- fested an interest in their work ; and the result has been gratifying. The work has varied from year to year, according to the ability of the pupils ; but the effect of the drill in the grammar-schools is now being felt, and more and better work is possible.
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DRAWING.
The programme for the fourth class during the year was as follows : -
Two books in linear perspective, with an original problem from each pupil.
Nearly one book in model-drawing. Three ancient styles of historic ornament.
One applied design.
Some few examples of shade from copy.
The programme for the third class during the year was as follows : -
One book in angular perspective.
Model-drawing from solid in light and shade.
One applied design.
The programme for the first and second classes, which came together at the same hour, was as follows : -
Cast-drawing in light and shade, stump.
Botanical analysis.
Water-color from copy.
Original design.
A few pupils in architectural drawing.
The work for the coming year will be nearly the same as above in the third and fourth classes, but very much more in the first and second.
The following is a statement of the number of pupils in drawing : -
For the year For the year 1878-79. 1879-80.
Fourth Class .
33
53
Third Class
27
27
First and Second Classes
12
24
The teachers' classes were held from October until May ; the whole number of teachers in attendance being
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
sixty-nine (69), and the number of diplomas awarded being twenty-seven (27).
The mornings of Saturday were given to instruction of a part of the teachers at the High-school building. For the convenience of teachers living in the districts not easy of access to Newtonville, instruction was given at Newton Centre, after school-hours, on other days. This plan did not work well. The teachers were often tired, the light was variable, and the results were not so satisfactory as would have been obtained under other and better conditions. The plan which promises the best results, and which, all things considered, seems the most practicable, is to. request the attendance of all the teachers at the High-school building on the morn- ings of Saturday. If, as hereinafter referred to, an advanced class shall be formed of such teachers as have completed the required course, and received a diploma, the Committee recommend that instruction be given on alternate Saturday mornings to teachers pursuing the regular course. If, however, there should not be a sufficient number of pupils to justify the formation of an advanced class, it is recommended that the teachers meet once a week in order that the work may be done quickly and more effectively.
The advanced course of instruction to which refer- ence has just been made is that provided for in the accompanying circulars, marked " Exhibit B," from the Massachusetts Normal Art School and the State Director of Art Education.1 From these circulars it will be seen' that an evening school has been organized for the pur- pose of qualifying the regular teachers of public schools, and others desirous of becoming so, to give instruction
1 These are omitted as too long for publication in this report.
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DRAWING.
in drawing in the several grades of day schools. Upon passing the required examination, such persons shall become entitled to certificates in the three grades, - primary and intermediate, grammar, high and normal schools. Arrangements have been made by which the teachers of the Newton schools can take this course of instruction with Mrs. Bowler, and receive the certificate referred to ; but no work, in addition to that which has hitherto been required of our teachers, will be necessary to entitle them to the diploma given by the city of Newton.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
THOMAS S. SAMSON, J. Q. HENRY, H. S. NOYES,
Committee on Drawing.
INDUSTRIAL DRAWING.
THE Committee on Industrial Drawing beg leave to report as follows : -
It is a matter of deep regret that no more interest is manifested by the young men and young women of Newton in the matter of industrial drawing.
It would seem that the opportunity of gaining that which shall be a life-long source of pleasure and of profit, gratuitously furnished, would only need to be known to draw out in large numbers those for whose benefit it is designed. But for successive years instruc- tors have been appointed, of acquired reputation, gen- tlemen employed in similar schools in the city of Boston, and all the necessary appliances furnished at the public expense. But, either because of other too pressing engagements, or because of a lack of interest in the matter itself, the classes have not had the attendance which their importance should entitle them to.
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