USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1879-1880 > Part 11
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58
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.
60
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-
61
GRAMMAR-SCHOOLS.
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. They are, -
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.
62
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.
63
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 year 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.
-
65
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.
67
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
68
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.
69
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.
During the winter of 1877 and 1878 no classes were formed. It was hoped that for the winter of 1878 and 1879 the attendance would indicate an increased in- terest.
Col. A. Hun Berry was employed to take charge both of the mechanical and freehand drawing. In October, classes were formed at the High-school building, New-
71
DRAWING.
tonville, and at the Mason School at Newton Centre. In January, Col. Berry, having been appointed by the governor adjutant-general of the State, resigned his position in Newton. Mr. Miller was recommended by Gen. Berry as his successor, and was employed by the Committee. Both these gentlemen were competent in- structors. But the class at Newton Centre was largely made up of young pupils, members of the high and grammar schools. The class at Newtonville had a larger proportion of adults ; but in neither case could the results be considered fairly commensurate with the expenditure made.
Your Committee are forced to the conclusion that there is not at present sufficient interest felt in the matter to justify the formation of classes in industrial drawing, and, until there shall be a more manifest de- mand for it, would recommend that no more money shall be expended in that direction than the laws of the State require.
Respectfully submitted. JAMES S. NEWELL, Chairman.
REPORT ON MUSIC.
THE Committee on Music, in their report a year ago, directed attention to the action of the School Committee, by which a special instructor in this department was dis- continued. Yielding to the pressure of the call for retrenchment, the Board, after a long and earnest dis- cussion. finally voted to give over the music into the charge of the regular teachers, and thus save this one item of expense to the city treasury. But the experi- ment has proved a costly one. Though we require of all our teachers an ability to instruct in music, and though effort was not spared by your Committee, aided by masters and teachers, to keep up the department, it was evident, even after a short trial, that the music was declining. Your Committee were therefore compelled, a year ago, to report that "the expectation that the teachers would care for the music in their respective rooms, and not allow the department to run down on their hands," had not been realized, and that the necessity for a special teacher had been demonstrated. The present year's experience has only strengthened this conviction. We gladly recognize the efficient service of a portion of the teachers, whose special cul- ture, or' exceptional gifts of nature, have come to their aid; but it has been made evident that the
73
MUSIC.
majority of them are not up to the demand we have made upon them. The ability to teach well in any department is a gift, notably so in music; and nature has not imparted to all those even who have proved themselves most competent and efficient workers in other departments, the musical sense in such degree as to make them successful instructors in this. It is the concurring testimony of the superintendent, and of the masters and teachers, that we are falling below the standard we have heretofore maintained; and it is the judgment of them all, and of your Committee, that, if our past enviable position is to be regained and held, a special instructor is the imperative need of the schools. In this judgment. moreover, we think the citizens of Newton will coincide. If music is to be taught at all in our schools, it would seem to be only the dictate of common prudence that it should be so taught as to justify the money outlay. The business- world has long since recognized the principle, that it is wiser to expend a dollar and get a return of one and a half, than to pay ninety cents and get back only seventy- five. Either let us abandon altogether this department as a branch of public education, or so teach it as to warrant the expense. This Board have shown their readiness to do the latter, and voted, a year ago, - in response to a numerously-signed petition asking it, - to retrace their steps, and recall the special instructor to his work. But the pecuniary means needed to do it were refused by the Common Council, and the project failed. In this action we do not believe they would be sustained by their constituents. The intelligent interest in music throughout all this region, - which is largely due to our public-school instruction, - the love for it as a
74
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
means of refinement and a perennial source of pleasure, the pride justly felt in the world-wide reputation of our community for musical culture, all forbid that we should sacrifice to a supposed economy this branch of our public-school instruction. The experience, moreover, of other cities and towns who have made the same experiment with us, and with the same disastrous re- sults, but who, unlike us, have reversed their action, and returned to special instruction, is an added argu- ment in the same direction.
In behalf of the Committee.
AMOS E. LAWRENCE, Chairman.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
THE Committee on Evening Schools report that they re-opened the evening school for men and boys in the Lincoln building, Ward 1, on the evening of Oct. 14, 1878. The school continued until Feb. 21, 1879, three nights each week, except at Christmas-time, making forty-six nights in all. The number of pupils enrolled was seventy. The nationality was : Irish, 40 ; Ameri- cans, 25 ; French, 1; Canadian, 1 ; Unknown, 3 ; Total, 70.
The average attendance was fifteen each night ; but the variation was from five to forty-four.
For a part of the time there were three teachers employed, and, as the attendance demanded it, one or two others were engaged for short periods.
The instruction given ranged from teaching the alphabet to lessons in book-keeping.
GEO. W. SHINN, Chairman. LINCOLN R. STONE.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
TO HIS HONOR THE MAYOR AND THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF NEWTON.
Gentlemen. - The report of the superintendent of the public schools of Newton, for the year ending Sept. 1, 1879, is herewith respectfully submitted : -
SUMMARY OF STATEMENTS
FOR THE SCHOOL-YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1879.
I. - POPULATION.
Population of the city, State census, 1875 16,105
Number of persons in the city between five and fifteen years of age May 1, 1879 . 3,028
Number of persons in the city between five and fifteen years of age May 1, 1878 . 2,846
Increase for the year
182
II. - SCHOOLS.
Districts supervised by principals .
4
Districts supervised by committees
6
High School, - both sexes
1
Grammar-schools, - both sexes
2
Grammar and primary .
11
Primary
3
Whole number day schools
17
Number of evening schools
1
Number of evening drawing-schools
2
III. - SCHOOLHOUSES. Number of schoolhouses for High School Seats
1
300
.
77
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
Schoolhouses for grammar and primary grades 17
3,376 Sittings
IV. - TEACHERS.
Number of teachers in High School 8 (Male, 4 ; female, 3.)
Number of teachers in grammar grades . 29
(Male, 4 ; female, 25.)
Number of teachers in primary grades . 50
(Male, 0 ; female, 50.)
Number of teachers having primary and grammar grades, 10
Whole number of teachers in day schools 77
Whole number of teachers in evening schools . 5
Special teachers 3
(Calisthenics, 1; drawing, 1; military, 1.)
Whole number of teachers
85
V. - PUPILS.
Number of different pupils enrolled 1879 3,397
Number of different pupils enrolled 1878 . 3,359
Increase
38
Average number of pupils belonging for the year . 2,791.7 .
Average number of pupils belonging for the year 1878 . 2,740
Increase
51.7
Average daily attendance (day schools)
2,540.9
Average daily attendance 1878
2,527
Increase 13.9
Average daily absence (day schools)
250.8
Average per cent attendance . 91
Average number belonging to High School 253.2
Average daily attendance at High School
232.7
Per cent of attendance at High School
94
Day schools - Tuition
$60,601 75
Incidentals 9,380 29 .
Total cost
$69,982 04
78
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Amount appropriated by city council : -
Salaries and officers, janitor, and fuel
$70,769 71
Dog-tax
1,014 30
Incidentals
9,116 21
Unexpended balance
000 00
Total
$80,900 22
Total appropriations city expenses
$367,850 00
Per cent appropriated for schools 1878
.219
Per cent appropriated for schools 1879
.219
Valuation of city May, 1878 : -
Real
$17,456,655 00
Personal
6,333,697 00
$23,787,352 00
Per cent valuation expended for schools .
.00345
Total expenditures for schools
$82,260 08
Expense per capita whole number pupils enrolled [For further details see secretary's report.]
. $24 22
PROMOTION.
GRAMMAR AND PRIMARY GRADES. Per cent of Pupils in each Grade.
GRADES.
DATE.
Total.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
September, 1873
19.8
12.5
12.1
15.6
12.8
11.1
6.5
5.5
4
100
September, 1876
14.6
14.7
12.9
16.1
10.8
9.7
10
6.3
4.9
100
September, 1877
15.9
12.1
13.6
14
14.8
8.5
8
7.5
4.7
100
September, 1878
16.2
13.1
11.5
12.8
14.8
11.3
7.3
7.1
5.9
100
September, 1879
16.1
13.6
13.4
11.1
12.8
11
10.1
6
5.9
100
Number in each Grade.
GRADES.
DATE.
Total.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
September, 1873
498
316
304
390
323
280
163
137
101
2,512
September, 1876
380
383
338
420
282
252
261
165
129
2,610
September, 1877
424
321
361
398
394
225
214
199
126
.2,662
September, 1878
428
347
306
341
392
300
194
190
157
2,655
September, 1879
431
365
359
298
344
294
271
159
157
2,678
79
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
Number in each Grade by Districts, September, 1878-79.
GRADES.
DISTRICTS.
Total.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII. VIII.
IX.
Newton, 1877 .
67
53
54
85
74
48
44
38
18
481
66
1878.
59
66
49
56
87
49
48
53
28
495
66
1879.
66
71
69
44
71
56
63
28
45
513
Newtonville, 1877
111
81
85
84
81
34
61
41
19
597
66
1878
88
93
69
74
87
51
36
42
39
579
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