USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1884 > Part 11
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As already indicated, the scope of the present Report very properly precludes unnecessary discussion of educa- tional problems or theories. It may be quite permissible, however, to remind the citizens of Newton that the grand and central idea of popular education, as inculcated in the schools for whose maintenance they so generously contribute, embraces in its broadest and noblest sense such mental and moral training as will best fit their children for the varied
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struggles and possibilities of life. In this behalf we recognize the important fact that the true and effective development of such a system will give to genius, wherever and whenever capable, no matter how humble its origin, the most ample opportunity and encouragement to win success and distinction in any department of effort, whether of local, or state, or national interest and aspiration. Indeed it is a valid claim that the principle thus briefly expressed may be regarded as the crowning glory of our American system of instruction, so essential to the progress and prosperity of the Republic, and in no sense or relation secondary to that of any other nation. It is this system, so eminently practical and progressive, that claims and receives munificent recogni- tion and encouragement from the people of our own city. With its continued accession of educational facilities and improvements, no municipality can boast of higher culture, or more inviting prestige.
With a population of 19,000 at the close of the year, we 1 had 3,653 children between five and fifteen years of age, an increase of nearly 100 over 1883; while the average whole number of pupils in the schools was 3,276 against 3,170 for the previous year, exclusive of attendants at the Evening School. These pupils were registered in eighty-one schools or school-rooms, under the instruction of eighty-seven regu- lar, four special, and two assistant teachers. The school year of 1884-5 commenced with eighty-two schools or school-rooms in charge of ninety-four teachers, ninety regular, three special, and one assistant, no special teacher of music having been appointed; but both schools and teachers will be increased in number on the completion of the new school buildings in Wards Three and Six.
The last three Annual Reports of the Board have called attention to the steadily increasing number of pupils, and the
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consequent necessity for additional school accommodations. During the interim, the number of enrolled pupils has increased nearly four hundred, while the room available for their use has been in many instances largely overcrowded. In response to the demand the City Council has granted liberal appropriations, and as the result four new and commo- dious buildings have been erected, two of them in Wards Two and Four being already finished and occupied, while the other two in Wards Three and Six are rapidly approaching completion. Of the several appropriations for these four buildings, the aggregate expenditure up to the close of 1884 has been $72,203, viz: - for the new Williams Building at Auburndale, $34,871; for the Eliot, at Nonantum, $16,867 ; and for the new buildings at Newton Centre and West New- ton, $12,400 and $8,065, respectively, leaving an unexpended balance of about $15,000 for the completion of the two last named. But even with these generous provisions for school accommodation, alterations and additions in some other cases, notably at the High, Claflin and Highland School Buildings, both for class exercises, and at the former for calisthenics and military drill, will soon become imperative, as explained in subsequent connections. At present the schools are accommodated in eighteen buildings, all but one owned by the city, the Thompsonville School occupying a leased building. With the buildings in process of comple tion, the number in use will be increased to twenty.
Newton's expenditures for the maintenance of its public schools is very properly a subject for careful and intelligent consideration, and one upon which every citizen is entitled to be fully informed. In behalf of this Board it is but just to say that the amounts annually asked for are invariably governed by actual and urgent necessity, in no case enter- tained without due regard for the best interests of the city
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and the efficiency of the educational system. In keeping with this policy all reasonable economy is observed in the expenditure of appropriations, their aggregate thus far never exceeded, while in nearly every year a balance is returned to the city treasury, the amount so returned at the close of the school year 1883-4 being upwards of $2,200. Those interested in the financial affairs of the city may be pleased to know that of Newton's annual appropriations for all purposes, the percentage granted for current expenses of the public schools has shown a decreasing ratio for the last twenty-five years, the percentage decreasing from twenty-five per cent. in 1850 to twenty-one and a half per cent. in 1884. Very satisfactory results appear also in the annual per capita expense for pupils in the schools. Computed on the basis of current expenses, the average per capita cost for a decade has been $29.71, the year 1876 showing the lowest, $28.60 ; and 1877 the highest, $30.70; while in 1884 it was $30.26, the latter considerably increased by the purchase of desks and other furniture for new school buildings, the appropriations for the latter failing to provide therefor. It may be, said, further, that with this reasonable cost per capita and the decreasing percentage of appropriations for running expenses, the net increase of pupils within the last few years has been nearly one thousand.
The new statute, chapter one hundred and three of the acts of 1884, known as the "free text-book law," did not take effect till after the close of the last school year. What may be its practical working in Newton is a problem remain- ing to be solved. Under its provisions all school children, without regard to pecuniary conditions, are entitled to the free use of text-books and other needed supplies at the city's expense. All books furnished under this statute will be labeled as the property of the city, and their use made subject
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to such rules and regulations as the Board may prescribe. Should the sum expended for this purpose amount to $4,000 for the first year, 1884-5, as it probably will, the expenditure will be equal to about $1.20 for each pupil in the schools, though after the first year the expense will be of course materially reduced.
The several departments of special instruction have very generally fulfilled the expectations of the Board. In music and drawing, and in physical and industrial training, com- mendable interest and proficiency have been maintained. Under improved regulations and methods, instruction in sewing has been exceptionally successful, a fact naturally suggesting the introduction of some appropriate industrial or mechanical education for boys contemplating early engage- ment in business pursuits, in which, as in all departments of effort, a knowledge of the use of tools, even though not of trades, may prove of great practical value. In this connec- tion the Committee are gratified in being able to attest the increasing success and usefulness of evening school instruc- tion for the benefit of adults and minors otherwise employed during ordinary school hours. It is very obvious that the earnestness and determination to acquire knowledge on the part of those deprived of other opportunity, cannot fail to benefit, directly and indirectly, all classes of the community. But further information of results attained in those various departments will be found in the summarized reports of their committees hereunto appended.
During the year an important modification of the course of study in the primary and grammar grades has been effected. Experience has shown that a grammar school course is too apt to be regulated with a view chiefly to preparation for the High School, without due consideration of the impor- tance of rendering it complete and systematic in itself, so far
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as its scope may permit. The effort to overcome this tendency has produced the nine years' course heretofore followed, but with results not in all respects satisfactory either as preparatory or complete. The course was too long for the one, and too restricted for the other. Pupils intend- ing to enter the High School were kept back a year unnecessarily, or went forward unevenly by skipping a year ; while those who stopped with the grammar school course were restricted by the fact that the work of their class was regulated with a view to promotion.
The course now adopted prescribes eight years of prepa- ration for the High School, which is considered ample for strictly preparatory work ; while the ninth year is retained for a more full and satisfactory completion of the grammar course proper, for those having no desire to go further. Under the new system the average age of those entering the High School will be fourteen, at which age the work there can be safely undertaken. The Board did not deem it prac- ticable or desirable to prescribe a minute and rigid programme of work for each term and grade, but adopted a general outline for each year, leaving the arrangement of details and particular apportionment of the work to the Superintendent and teachers. The success of the change will require some further time for a fair test; slight irregularities will possibly require correction ; while the necessary re-ad- justment of the grades cannot be made at once. It is confidently believed, however, that when carried out in its true spirit, the new system will prove a decided step in advance.
In this connection the subject of manual training in the schools has received attention on the part of the Board and its Committees. Possibly some provision may be made for such instruction in the new ninth grade, but as the subject is
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still a matter of doubt and discussion among educators, and as our schools are in process of re-adjustment for their new course of study, the Board is not yet disposed to venture upon an untried and experimental policy in this direction.
At the end of the last school year, Mr. John E. Kimball closed his connection with the schools of Newton, his term of service as their Superintendent having extended over the three preceding years. Mr. Thomas Emerson, the first Superintendent of the Newton schools, was thereupon re-elected to fill the vacancy, and has again entered service in his old field of labor.
Appended hereto will be found the High School report; and also district and other reports in summarized form, as directed by the Board, the whole concluding with the Secretary's report and other statistical tabulations.
JULIUS L. CLARKE,
Chairman.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The Committee are pleased to recognize the continued success of this institution, so invaluable a factor in our sys- tem of popular education, and so creditable to the skill and fidelity of its teachers. For a quarter of a century, its opportunities for a higher and broader culture have been freely offered to every pupil seeking education in our schools ; and however the law requiring its establishment may have been criticised, the record of the school as a whole can scarcely fail to command confidence and approbation. Re- ferring some years ago to the fact that its stimulus permeates our entire school system, a former committee thus empha- sized its declaration : " The prime apology for the existence of the High School, and its full justification, will be found in this potent influence on our schools of lower grade. These all feel its spur. No child in the city can escape the elevating power of the institution, which is sometimes so mistakenly branded as the school of the privileged few. All are alike drawn up by it. Every teacher in the city feels its impulse, and through the teacher every pupil,- as notably the child who never reaches it as the one who passes through it out into the world. If we have one best servant of the lower schools it is the High School."
With every year this estimate of the importance and value of our High School has gathered new and stronger verification. The methods of instruction and management appertaining to its various departments, though not claimed as absolutely perfect, combine as far as possible every desira- ble acquisition and improvement which wisdom and experi- ence have suggested as thorough and progressive. In this behalf, the last year's results exhibit gratifying and con-
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clusive evidence that its classes have made diligent and successful improvement of their opportunities. In all these interests, the condition and progress of the school are deservedly a cause for encouragement and congratulation.
No change occurred in its corps of teachers during the school year of 1883-4; but increasing attendance, arising in some measure from the larger percentage of pupils remaining in the School, has required the employment of two additional teachers for the year 1884-5, in order to prevent any abridge- ment of its educational advantages, the necessity resulting in the appointment of Miss S. Alice Ranlett and Mrs. Lydia P. Underhill. With this addition, the present teaching force numbers thirteen, including an instructor in military drill, the latter without expense to the city, the services of Maj. J. P. B. Fiske, generously and gratuitously offered, having been cordially accepted ; while in the department of music no special teacher has yet been appointed.
The whole number of pupils registered for the year, covered by this report, was three hundred thirty-seven-boys one hundred fifty-three, girls one hundred eighty-four-an aggregate increase of twenty-six over the previous year, the average age of all being sixteen years and seven months. The average whole number was two hundred ninety-five, with an average daily attendance of two hundred seventy- three, or ninety-two and four-tenths per cent., the former showing an increase of twenty-five in number, and the latter twenty-three. Computed on the basis of average whole numbers, it appears that the High School has received one in ten of the pupils so registered in all the city schools during the last five years, or about one scholar to every fifty inhabi- tants, a much larger ratio than is found in many other cities. For details of these summarized results the appended tabula- tions may be of interest.
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The graduating class of 1884 numbered fifty-two, of whom thirty-one had completed the full four-years' course ( thirteen the classical, and eighteen the general ), and the remaining twenty-one the three years' course, the unusual number of the latter making this the largest class yet gradu- ated. Four of the graduates entered Harvard College, and one each entered Williams College, Wellesley College, Brown University, Tufts College, Boston University, Smith College, University of Michigan, Harvard Medical School, Bos- ton University Medical School, Boston Girls' Normal School, Salem Normal School, and Dr. Gannett's School, while thir- teen entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in addition to another pupil prepared at the High School, but not a member of the graduating class. It thus appears that more than half of the graduates (twenty-nine) are to con- tinue their studies in other institutions; and still another is only waiting increased age to enter Harvard College. The literary exercises attending the graduation of this class, highly enjoyed and appreciated by a large audience of parents and friends, gave gratifying proof of intellectual advance- ment and excellence, notably in maturity and independence of thought - one of the most important results of all true teaching.
The largely increased attendance already cited, probably to be much greater in the near future, is subjected to serious inconvenience for want of proper room, both for study and recitation, as well as for physical exercise so absolutely neces- sary for boys and girls in school, the latter being chiefly military drill and calisthenics. The demands of the former have been temporarily relieved by permissive use of the City Hall; while the only available facilities for the two latter are extremely inadequate, if not unsafe. .
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It is now seven years since military instruction was first introduced as an experimental means of physical culture. Whatever opinions may be entertained as to its practical benefits, its apparent success renders it no longer an experi- ment, as evidenced by proficiency, personal bearing, and mental as well as physical results: If it is to be continued as an integral part of our High School curriculum, it should be aided by such facilities and conveniences as will best pro- mote its efficiency and usefulness, not only as a means of physical training and development, but of mental culture and discipline, in both of which relations it is believed to be a successful instrumentality. Although it is not intended that interest and zeal in military drill shall for a moment interfere with other studies, its continuance for the purposes for which it was introduced imperatively necessitates additional accommodations not now available in the High School Building.
For calisthenics it is equally difficult to find proper space without diminishing the time allowed each class or division for this exercise. It is unfortunate that the only place now available for this purpose is on the second floor, as the result is an inevitable straining and racking of the build- ing, and shaking down of ceiling below, though thus far without injury to pupils. With enlarged accommodations, these difficulties which now seriously impair the High School service will be satisfactorily overcome.
Our Regulations provide that "on recommendation of the Superintendent, subject to the approval of the Com- mittee on the High School, pupils who for any reason are unable to pursue the full course of study in the High School may be admitted as special students." The erroneous impression prevails to some extent that any pupil may at his own option be or become a special student, and be thus
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entitled to special privileges in respect to irregularity in attendance and other school observance. During the past year the written consent of the Superintendent has been required in the case of special students, and their number has been very greatly diminished. Should any action be had looking to a restriction of attendance at the High School, as has been suggested, it would seem wise to begin ( with due regard to equity ) by excluding those unable to enter and pursue one of the regular courses of study prescribed.
In conclusion it may be properly stated, as a reminder, that the classification of studies pursued in the High School is intended to meet the wants of those who, having com- pleted their grammar school curriculum, may desire, to avail themselves of more advanced courses of instruction in English and modern branches; and also the requirements of those who seek such knowledge of classical and other branches as may be necessary for their admission to colleges and other higher institutions of learning.
In the same connection an important and vital consider- ation affecting all the schools of the city becomes relevant, viz :- that the scholarship and usefulness of the High School, especially in its English departments of education, are essentially dependent on the material furnished by schools of lower grade. With no intended reflection upon the ability or faithfulness of teachers in any school, it may be truthfully said that on the results achieved in lower grades depends very largely the success of the High School in giving a broad and generous culture, which shall best fit its graduates for the higher departments of literary, scientific and commer- cial life. It may suffice to say that every year's experience in our High School administration brings new and forcible illustration of the importance of this problem. If this fact shall inspire a more complete and earnest appreciation of
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responsibility on the part of our teaching forces, the sugges- tion will not have been in vain.
As a matter of public interest the names of graduates for 1884 are subjoined ; and also tables showing the changes in attendance during the last ten years, and the distribution of pupils by classes and courses of study.
JULIUS L. CLARKE, Chairman.
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GRADUATES OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, 1884.
FOUR YEARS' COURSE.
CLASSICAL.
HERBERT M. ALLEN.
GEORGE ROYAL PULSIFER.
MARY H. CUTLER.
LOUIS W. PULSIFER.
CLARENCE W. GLEASON.
SUMNER ROBINSON.
BERTHA F. HOWE.
FLORENCE SAMPSON.
WILLIAM S. MERRILL. ALICE S. TAYLOR.
HENRY W. PINKHAM. DEAN C. WORCESTER.
FREDERICK PLUMMER.
GENERAL.
MARY ALLEN. FANNIE M. LEAVITT.
WILLIAM H. BLOOD, JR.
BLANCHE M. NOYES.
ADA L. BOWKER.
MARY A. PAYNE.
STEPHEN CHILD. ANASTASIA PETERS.
MABEL T. HALL. JOHN D. PHILBRICK.
ELLEN A. HANSON. FRANK O. STETSON.
MARY G. HARKINS. CHARLES A. STONE.
EDWIN O. JORDAN. MARCIA H. SYLVESTER.
WARREN S. KILBURN.
CURTIS M. WHITE.
THREE YEARS' COURSE.
GRANVILLE S. ALLEN. CHARLES B. LOWELL.
WALTER H. BARKER. GRACE H. MATHER.
WALTER J. BERWICK. ERNEST S. MAY.
JAMES F. BOTHFELD. BENJAMIN F. MERRITT.
GEORGE M. COX. CHARLES H. MOWER.
ELLEN L. DOHERTY. WILLIAM B. PETERS. EBEN H. ELLISON. ALBERT E. PUTNAM.
NELLIE M. FEWKES. FOSTER P. RANLETT.
CHARLES F. HASTINGS. JOHN L. ROLLINS.
HARRIETTE E. LORD. GEORGE C. SCALES.
EMMA A. TARBOX.
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CHANGES IN ATTENDANCE.
YEAR ENDING JUNE.
Total Number.
Average Number.
Average Attendance.
1875
237
221
207
1876
272
233
221
1877
261
244
229
1878
276
256
239
1870
282
253
233
1880
319
277
25S
1881
313
269
252
1SS2
302
274
258
1883
311
270
250
1884
337
295
273
DISTRIBUTION BY CLASSES AND COURSES OF STUDY.
Table I.
CLASS.
Boys.
Girls.
Total.
I.
21
22
43
II. -
35
39
74
III.
33
52
85
IV. -
64
71
135
153
184
337
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Table II.
CLASS.
General.
Classical.
Mercantile.
Special.
Total.
I.
18
15
1
9
43
II.
-
42
18
7
7
74
III.
53
17
8
7
85
IV.
86
32
9
8
135
199
82
25
31
337
€
Table III. - Boys.
CLASS.
General.
Classical.
Mercantile.
Special.
Total.
I.
-
8
9
1
3
21
II.
11
14
7
3
35
III.
-
10
13
S
2
33
IV.
-
-
31
23
9
1
64
60
59
25
9
153
Table IV. - Girls.
CLASS.
General.
Classical.
Special.
Total.
I.
-
10
6
6
22
II.
-
-
28
7
4
39
III.
-
43
4
5
52
IV.
55
9
7
71
136
26
22
184
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Whole number (last year 311) - 337
Average whole number (last year 270)
295 Average daily attendance (last year 250)
273
Per cent. attendance (last year 92.5)
92.4
Whole number boys (last year 149) -
153
Whole number girls (last year 162) -
184
199
Whole number in General Course (last year 155) - Whole number in Classical Course (last year 71) - Whole number in Mercantile Course (last year 28) 25
82
Whole number in Special Courses (last year 57) -
31
Average Age, September 3, 1883.
Class I. 1711 -
- Last year 1712
Class II. 17.15
- Last year 16,7,
Class III. 16,5 - -
- Last year 151%
Class IV. 1512 - -
- Last year 15132
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DISTRICT AND SPECIAL REPORTS.
NEWTON CENTRE DISTRICT.
The year's work in the Mason School is reported as quite satisfactory to the Committee, though somewhat embarrassed by overcrowded rooms ; but relief is anticipated in the opening of the new Primary School, this additional accommodation being deemed sufficient to meet all probable requirements for room for several years to come. Some changes occurred in the corps of teachers during the year, the resignation of Miss Sarah H. Munger, the first assistant, resulting in the promotion of Miss Della E. Dodge to that position, and the appointment of Miss Helen M. Baker as teacher in the eighth grade. At the beginning of the pres- ent year, 1884-5, the resignation of Misses Susan C. Wood and Lizzie L. Friend created two vacancies, which were filled by the appointment of Misses Annie E. Bancroft and Fannie E. Longfellow.
In consequence of the reduced number of pupils at the Oak Hill School, at present about twenty, only one teacher is now employed, Mr. C. Howard Wilson, who is so success- fully discharging the somewhat difficult task of teaching six different grades in the same room.
The Thompsonville School is progressing under favorable auspices, its crowded condition having been relieved by the removal of the third grade to the Mason Building.
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UPPER FALLS DISTRICT.
The Committee express gratification that no change of teachers occurred at the Hyde School during the year and that all have been so enthusiastic and efficient in their work. The school is regarded as highly prosperous, no unfavorable criticisms affecting its administration having been heard from any source. The only cause of dissatisfaction appertains to the school building itself. Without proper facilities for the regulation of temperature, either in summer or winter, badly lighted, and already lacking in necessary accommodations for increasing attendance, some improved enlargement, or a new building, will soon be called for.
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