USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > North Reading > Town of North Reading Annual Report of the Town Officers 1896 > Part 2
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
insure a much more general expression of that interest this com- ing year, which has existed in the past but which has been dor- mant.
MUSIC.
In my third annual report, I referred to the introduction of the study of music into our schools, and suggested that a special teacher be employed to plan and direct the work. I still believe that such a step would be in the line of progress and would not be so expensive as to make it impracticable. The services of a teacher, especially trained for this work, can be secured one day each week at a cost not exceeding five dollars, making the total cost of instruction for the year a sum not exceeding one hundred eighty dollars. Later, when this subject has become more fa- miliar in our schools and a foundation has been laid for subse_ quent work, the services of a special teacher once in two weeks might be sufficient. The cost of charts and music books could be met without overrunning the appropriation of three hundred dollars, which is now allowed for school books and supplies.
WRITING.
Our aim has been to have pupils acquire the ability to write legibly and with a fair degree of rapidity. While a comparison of present with former work shows that some progress has been made toward realizing this aim, still the writing in our schools is far from satisfactory. However, this subject has been given a more dignified place on the program than formerly, both in respect to quantity of time and the regularity of the recitation ; the instruction is more efficient; teachers are coming to under- stand the necessity of insisting that pupils shall perform all their work in writing in connection with their other studies, with the greatest care, if the principles taught in the special writing les- son are to be enforced and emphasized and not entirely counter- acted. Moreover, a new course of study, showing the nature and direction of the work from grade to grade and also giving specific
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
instructions in regard to conducting the special writing lesson, has been prepared and furnished to the teachers. These changes, together with the discontinuance of slates, and the use of paper in their place, cannot result otherwise than in good. Still, the scarcity of time, and the haste and carelessness which are the outcome of the same, as well as the unsuitable desks and seats in some of our schools, will, while they remain, be grievous hin- drances to the teacher in her attempts to obtain ideal work.
ENGLISHI.
During the past year, the course of study in English has been revised and the essentials made more intelligible to teachers.
In the first six years the time allotted to the study is spent in instructing pupils concerning the mechanical difficulties to be overcome, such as the use of capitals, punctuation, the use of correct forms, etc., and in much practice in oral and written ex- pression, taking the form of letters, advertisements, notes, invi- tations, bills, narratives, descriptions, etc. In the seventh and eighth years, the practice in oral and written expression is con - tinued, and the study of technical grammar is pursued. During the high school course the work in English consists of the read- ing of standard literature and of composition and essay writing. The underlying thought of all the work is, "much practice in thought getting, and thought expression." This pupils must have, if they are ever to acquire the ability to express thoughts accurately and fluently.
INDIVIDUALITY.
In regard to the work required of pupils in our schools, a few words seem to me pertinent. There is a minimum amount of work required, but at the same time an opportunity is given to all pupils to do additional work along the lines congenial to them. For instance, in literature there is the reading of the selections from a given author in the class and some other reading on which pupils are required to report. This all pupils must have. For the more ambitious, and for those whose tastes are in this direc- tion, certain books are recommended and our teachers see that those books are made accessible for pupils desiring them.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Again, in geometry, every pupil is not required or expected to do just the same number of propositions or problems. All are required to do some, and every pupil is given the opportunity and is encouraged to do more than the work assigned. What is true of the above two studies in the high school is true of all the others, and the same principle is applied in the lower schools. In fact, this is one of the essential things which have to be kept in mind today, that all children must be regarded in respect to their individual inclination and power.
HIGH SCHOOL.
A few desirable changes have been made in the course of study for this school the past year. The study of English has been ex- tended throughout the three years, and while heretofore the work in this branch has consisted chiefly in reading masterpieces of literature, a due proportion of time has been given to the study of English composition. The ability to speak and write the Eng- lish language well is a decidedly useful accomplishment, and while due attention should be given to other subjects of study, I believe the subject of English should be considered secondary to none, and if it is necessary in the future to have more time in order to secure more desirable results, this time should be taken from that given to some of the other subjects. It has been our plan to have pupils of the first and second years in the high school form one class in English. This allows more time for teacher and pupils, and does not necessitate a repetition of the work by pupils of the first year, owing to the great variety of material accessible both for reading and for composition work. When pupils of the second and third years are more equal in their attainments and tastes, the combination is made with these classes instead of those mentioned above. While history has been taken one year as formerly, the work has been con- fined to the study of the English people and not to the study of all nations. I would suggest that history be taken the second and third years hereafter and that the work be confined to the study of the Hebrew, Greek, Roman and English nations. These nations are selected because they stand for representative
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ideas and teach great lessons. The advantage of thus limiting the field of study and of extending the work over a longer period of time is that a better opportunity is given to pupils to read, in- vestigate, think and assimilate, as well as to express what they have acquired. Moreover, this kind of work is what is needed to develop the whole pupil and to prevent him from becoming a mere mechanical memorizer.
That all pupils may have the opportunity to become acquainted with the elements of physics and chemistry and that the course of study may not be overcrowded, my plan is to have the pupils of the second and third years take these subjects together. For instance, this year chemistry has been taken by pupils of the second year. Next year physics will be taken instead of chemis- try, and an opportunity will be given to the pupils who have taken chemistry and who will then be in the third year's work, to take physics with the pupils of the second year. The follow- ing year chemistry will be taken again in the second year, and third-year pupils, who have taken physics, will take chemistry with pupils of second year, and so on.
While conditions are liable to come which will make changes necessary, I believe it will be well, with the exception of the introduction of the study in the second year. to follow the presen course of study the coming year.
In closing, I desire to testify to the earnest work of our teachers and to extend my thanks to the committee. teachers. parents and citizens for their continued support and co-operation.
JUNIUS C. KNOWLTON,
Superintendent.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ROLL OF HONOR.
ONE TERM.
PRIMARY- Grace I. Gowing, Minnie H. Upton, Albert Allen Clark, Esther D. Eames, Roy H. Hoffman, Harold F. Mason, Clarence G. Power, Hattie E. Gates, Lulu J. Reid, Isabel M. Rogers, Harry E. Gates, Lilla B. Geddes, Bertie P. Thompson, Doris B. Campbell, Edith M. Livingston.
INTERMEDIATE-Clarence French, Arthur Livingston, John Cooney, Beatrice Coron, Grover Eaton, Irene Gates, Lester Hayward, Lila Irish.
GRAMMAR-Mildred Hayward, Fred Livingston, Alice Mc- Kay, Edith Mobbs, Bertha Pringle, Frank Taylor, West Cleary, Jessie Rhodes, Baron Jenkins, Arthur Mckay.
HIGH-Albert E. Bessey, Anna T. Monroe, Cornelia Eames. Ethel Fairbanks, Alice N. Gowing, Addie N. Gowing.
TWO TERMS.
PRIMARY-Ethel B. Turner, Florence A. Turner, Elizabeth A. Batchelder, Elinor S. Campbell.
INTERMEDIATE-Mollie F. Ryer.
GRAMMAR-Grace Holt, Nellie Upton, Bertha Walker. Whit- . field Putnam. Ralph Putnam, Guy Abbott.
HIGH-Florence A. Batchelder, Samuel B. Eames, Dolly G. Eames, Mildred Hayward.
THREE TERMS.
INTERMEDIATE-Ralph Hayward.
GRAMMAR-Annie Carpenter, Lucy Eaton. HIGH-Elmer Abbott, Gertrude M. Foss, Henry Eaton.
Approved and adopted.
J. M. ROBINSON, EDWARD D. PARKER, LELAND D. BATCHELDER.
School Committee of North Reading.
TRUANT OFFICER'S REPORT.
TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF NORTH READING :
DEAR SIR :- I have been called upon to make several visits in relation to truants during the year. Have in every case found the parents desirous that their children should attend school. The laws relating to the employment of minors have been prop- erly observed by the manufacturers of our town.
Respectfully yours,
E. D. PARKER. Truant Officer.
REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF FLINT LIBRARY.
It is now nearly twenty-four years since the Library was opened. A generation has passed and many of our early patrons are not with us, but we are glad to know that the interest that at first greeted the Library has been well sustained to the present time. The circulation has been large and remarkably uniform. Many valuable books have been received from our benefactress, Mrs. Flint. She has given seven this year. We would also acknowl- edge the gift of four books from Mr. Charles S. Bolton of Brook- line, and three books from Mr. George F. Snow of Tewkesbury. We have also received two from the Grand Army and Navy, and nineteen from the State. The donors have our thanks. In the purchase of books the public has been asked to indicate its choice by leaving lists of those wanted with the Librarian.
. There has been from the first but little change in management ; two of the Trustees being the same as appointed by Mrs. Flint, and one of them has purchased all the books from the first.
In our own State, which is pre-eminently above all others in regard to free Libraries, it is not yet fifty years since the first one was established; there are now but twenty-four towns without one.
We have never asked the town to do more than pay the run- ning expenses ; we hope they will do that the present year.
JOSEPH D. GOWING, DENNIS BATCHELDER, GEORGE K. PARKER, GEORGE B. PARKER, J. MILTON ROBINSON. EDWARD A. CARPENTER,
Trustees.
FLINT LIBRARY, Feb. 17, 1896.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand Feb. 20, IS95,
$32 43
Interest on Flint Memorial Fund,
165 00
Received from Dog Fund,
60 00
$257 43
PAYMENTS.
W. B. Clark & Co., for books,
$125 00
Thomas Groom & Co., librarian's book,
6 00
Librarian,
52 00
Care of library room,
S 00
Repairing books,
S 32
John S. Coney, for books,
3 00
Wood and sawing,
5 25
Expressage,
2 45
$210 02
Balance,
$47 41
GEORGE B. PARKER, Treasurer of Flint Library.
FLINT LIBRARY, Feb. 17, 1896.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
Number of volumes in Library, 4,009
Number of volumes circulated, 7,018
Number of volumes purchased, 114
Number of volumes replaced,
9
Number of volumes presented, 35
Mrs. Harriet N. Flint of Wakefield, 7 vols.
Mr. Charles K. Bolton, Brookline, 4 vols.
Mr. George F. Snow, Tewksbury, 3 vols.
Grand Army and Navy, 2 vols.
State of Massachusetts,
19 vols.
Fines collected, $II 8S
Miscellaneous expenses.
$11 15
SARAH H. WHITCOMB, Librarian.
FLINT LIBRARY, Feb. 17, 1896.
TOWN WARRANT.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. MIDDLESEX, SS.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Vorth Reading, in the County of Middlesex, Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of North Reading, qualified to vote in Elections and Town Affairs, to meet in Flint Memorial Hall, in said Town, on Monday, the second day of March next, at eight o'clock A. M., then and there to act on the following Articles, viz. :
ARTICLE I. To choose a Moderator.
ART. 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the year ensuing.
ART. 3. To hear reports of Selectmen, Assessors, Road Commissioners, Overseers of the Poor, Treasurer, Collector, School Committee, Trustees of Flint Library, Trustees of Ceme- teries, Trustees of Trust Funds, and Committees, and act thereon.
ART. 4. To vote on the question, "Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors?" "Yes" or "No."
ART. 5. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for Schools, School Incidentals, School Superin- tendent, Ordinary Expenses, Highways, Bridges, Cemeteries, Town Debt, Transporting Scholars to and from Schools.
ART. 6. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for the proper observance of Memorial Day.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will vote to sell their School Houses not in use, or what they will do in regard to the same.
ART. S. To see what action the Town will take in relation to the money received from the Dog Fund.
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TOWN WARRANT.
ART. 9. To see what method the Town will adopt for the collection of Taxes for the ensuing year.
ART. 10. To see if the Town will authorize their Treasurer to hire money to meet the demands of the Town, under the direc- tion of the Selectmen.
ART. II. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate to buy a Road-Scraper, or what they will do in regard to the same.
ART. 12. To see if the Town will vote to choose a Commit- tee to expend the money raised last year, to dig wells for the Fire Department.
ART. 13. To see if the Town will rescind the vote whereby they voted to adopt Chapter 331 of Acts of ISSS in regard to the catching of Pickerel.
ART. 14. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for grading around the Engine House, or what they will do about it.
ART. 15. To see what action the Town will take in regard to moving the Hearse House.
ART. 16. To see if the Town will vote to build Sidewalks where needed, providing the abuttors shall pay one-half the cost of the same.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will vote to build a Sidewalk on Haverhill street, from Park street to the top of Campbell's hill.
ART. IS. To see if the Town will vote to extend the Side- walk on Park street to the Town farm line, and how much money they will raise and appropriate for that purpose.
ART. 19. To hear report of Road Commissioners on Guide Boards, and act thereon.
ART. 20. To see what instructions the Town will give their School Committee in regard to hiring a Teacher of Music for the Schools.
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TOWN WARRANT.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will accept a new set of By- Laws relating to Truancy, and act thereon.
ART. 22. To see if the Town will vote to keep the West Ward School House for the use of that district, or what they will do in regard to the same.
ART. 23. To see if the Town will appoint a Committee to draw up a set of By-Laws to be submitted at a later meeting of the Town for their approval, and adoption if they so approve.
ART. 24. To see if the Town will appropriate money to buy six or more Street Lamps to be placed where most needed, or what they will do about it.
ART. 25. To see if the Town will vote to hire some party or parties to take care of Street Lamps.
ART. 26. To see if the Town will vote to sell a certain parcel of land, next to land of James E. Turner, to said James E. Turner, or what they will do in relation to the same.
ART. 27. To see what action the Town will take in regard to repairing the road near the house of Milton Robinson, and how much money they will raise and appropriate for that purpose.
ART. 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise money to remove the stone posts from the Common, or what they will do in relation to the same.
ART. 29. To see if the Town will accept the list of Jurors as prepared by the Selectmen.
ART. 30. To see if the Town will vote to expend any or all of the Flint Highway Fund.
ART. 31. To see if the Town will choose a Committee to make arrangements for a celebration on July Fourth, or what will do 0 th ame.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up at- tested copies of the same at the usual places in said Town, seven clays at least before the time of holding said meeting.
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TOWN WARRANT.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant, with your doings thereon, to the Town Clerk, at the time and place of said meeting.
Given under our hands this twentieth day of February, A. D. eighteen hundred and ninety-six.
EDWARD A. CARPENTER, JOSEPH D. GOWING, MARTIN L. HAYWARD,
Selectmen of North Reading.
Polls Open at Nine O'clock, A. M.
CORRECTION.
On page six, fourth item, of $1.00, should read $120.00.
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