USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > North Reading > Town of North Reading Annual Report of the Town Officers 1897 > Part 2
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I also certify that the Trustees of Flint Memorial Hall building fund, and Park Street Cemetery fund, have certifi- cates of deposit, as rendered by their report.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. H. PUTNAM,
Auditor.
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SCHOOL STATISTICS.
SCHOOL.
Number of pupils
at present.
Whole number of
pupils enrolled.
Average
membership.
Average daily
attendance.
Per cent. of daily
attendance.
Number of pupils
under 5 years.
Number of pupils be-
tween 8 and 14 years.
Number of pupils
over 15 years.
Number of
tardinesses.
Number of visitors.
Primary
14
70
46
42
91
00
24
0
61
29
Intermediate
28
46
31
29
93.5
45
0
91
17
Grammar
37
29
32
30
93.7
0
29
0
33
6
High
24
22
22
20
90.9
0
3
12
59
32
Total
133
167
131
121
92.2
0
101
12
244
84
LIST OF TEACHERS.
Primary, Bessie F. Dodge.
Intermediate, Fidelle G. Woodcock, Florence M. Meserve. Grammar, Edith F. Holt. High, Clara B. Holden.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
CITIZENS OF NORTH READING :- In presenting our report we are pleased to refer you to the reports of the Superinten- dent and Instructor of music.
Although our schools in many respects fall short of the ideal of perfection we feel justified in saying that they have attained a standard of excellence which will compare favora- bly with that of towns of a much larger size. We have an efficient corps of teachers under the direction of an able Su- perintendent, and we trust that as favorable conditions for the growth and improvement of our schools will obtain in the years to come.
Our town has labored under the disadvantage, so prevalent among the smaller towns, of being unable to pay the teachers of the schools a salary commensurate with their ability ; con- sequently other towns have taken them from us when it would have been to our advantage to have retained them.
We are glad to say that such is not the case today. You have been so generous in your appropriations, that your com- mittee has been able to retain in your service teachers whose loss would have been a detriment to our schools. Your com- mittee feel gratified that they have been able to do this.
There has been a marked advance in the study of music in our schools during the past year, under the direction of a special instructor. We are hopeful that this feature may be- come a permanent one.
The by-laws relating to truancy, which the town adopted at its last annual meeting have been approved by the Court. Your committee are now in a position to compel attendance in the schools and to take care of all incorrigibles. In closing,
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40
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
we would call your attention to the following extract from the Public Statutes, Chap. 203, Sect. 78.
MALICIOUS INJURY TO BUILDINGS.
Whoever wilfully and maliciously or wantonly and with- out cause destroys, defaces, mars or injures a school-house, church or other building erected or used for purposes of edu- cation or religious instruction, or for the general diffusion of knowledge, or an outbuilding, fence, well or appurtenance of such school-house, church or other building, or furniture, ap- paratus, or other property belonging to or connected with such schoolhouse, church or other building, shall be punished by fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or by imprison- ment in the jail not exceeding one year.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
RECEIPTS.
Apppopriation for schools, $1,400 00
music, 180 00
66 transportation, 900 00
66 superintendent, 75 00
Massachusetts school fund,
362 57
Dog fund, 148 77
Rebate from state,
125 00
$3,191 34
EXPENSES.
Paid for teaching,
$1,800 00
Janitor service, cleaning, etc.,
168 86
Transportation,
900 00
Fuel,
125 05
Paid superintendent,
165 00
$3,158 91
Balance,
$32 43
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
Appropriation, $300 00
Amt. expended, 275 09
Balance, $24 91
The committee has expended in repairs
on school buildings, $154 20
ESTIMATES FOR 1897.
Appropriations for schools,
$1,400 00
" transportation, 900 00
" superintendent, 90 00
" books and supplies, 300 00
" music, 180 00
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD D. PARKER,
School
HERBERT L. ABBOTT,
Committee.
LELAND D. BATCHELDER,
To the School Committee of the Town of North Reading. My sixth annual report is respectfully submitted.
SCHOOL BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
Town appropriation for 1896-7,
$300 00
Amount expended, 252 78
Balance, $47 22
Of the above the following was expended for music :
Music charts,
$18 28
Pitch pipes,
2 13
Music readers,
16 00
Total,
MUSIC. $36 41
At the regular town meeting held March 2, 1896, it was voted to introduce the study of music into our schools and the sum of one hundred and eighty dollars was appropriated for that purpose.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Miss Annie B. Gibson, a graduate of the H. E. Holt Nor- mal School and a teacher of several years successful experi- ence, was appointed special instructor of music and began her work at the beginning of the summer term. Owing to her resignation at the close of her first term, it became necessary to choose another instructor and Miss Clara Dittrich, also a graduate of the H. E. Holt Normal School, was chosen and began her duties at the opening of the fall term.
The time given by the special teacher to the work has been 30 minutes each week in the primary and intermediate schools and 45 minutes in the grammar and high schools. In addition to this, the regular teachers have given at least 15 minutes each day in drilling and practicing the pupils on the work, planned and given to pupils in advance by the special in- structor.
While the progress expected at the beginning of the year, has not been made in this line of work, owing chiefly to the unavoidable change of special teachers so soon after the sub- ject was first introduced, still I believe the results are suffi- cient to show the value of music as a study, and the feasibility of teaching it in our schools, and to warrant its continuation as one of the required subjects in our course of study.
SCHOOL FURNITURE.
The school furniture in the grammar, intermediate and primary rooms has outlived its usefulness and sadly needs replacing by new. Many of the desks and chairs are badly marred and the surfaces of the desks generally are worn and rough. On many of the desks it is impossible for pupils to write without having their pens or pencils pierce the paper. The substitution of a book for the surface of the desk subjects pupils to a position in writing unnatural and productive of evil results. Moreover, the double desks prevent indepen- dent work on the part of pupils and always makes the dis- cipline of a school much more difficult than when each child has his own seat distinct from any other. The introduction of the single adjustable desks and chairs into the above men- tioned rooms would meet a hygienic and educational need deeply felt both by pupils and teachers.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
WRITING.
In accordance with the vote of the school committee, " The Natural System of Penmanship of Vertical Writing " was introduced at the beginning of the fall term. Although only twenty weeks have passed since the introduction of this system the results have been exceedingly satisfactory, and fully prove the wisdom of the change. While, heretofore, it has been the individual school or the individual pupil in a school whose writing was to be commended, to-day there is a marked improvement in the writing in all the schools, and an indication that in the near future good writing will be the rule rather than the exception. In the case of pupils who have given us exhibitions of very poor writing, the change for the better has been remarkable. I believe teachers and pupils are to be congratulated that they are now using a sys- tem of writing, which by its simplicity and the true hygienic and educational principles on which it is based, will allow them to obtain results, somewhere near commensurate with their efforts, a thing which, in my judgment, slant writing has always prevented in schools of our grade.
GRADES.
The following table shows approximately the grades of work now being done by the different schools in town and the number of pupils in each grade.
School.
Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade Grade
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
High.
12
4
5
3
Grammar.
15*
10
11
Intermediate. Primary.
20
13
16
Total.
20
13
16
16
27
10
11
12
4
5
3
16
12*
*The pupils of this grade are farther advanced in the Grammar school than those of the same grade in the Intermediate school.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
At the beginning of the fall term two classes were trans- ferred from the grammar school to the high school. Two classes were also transferred from the intermediate school to the grammar school, and one from the primary to the inter- mediate school.
While apparently this gave four classes to the principal of the high school, by combining the pupils of grades x and XI and by having them take the same grade of work in the course of study, the number of classes remained three as be- fore. While generally such a change would be neither feasi- ble nor advisable, it seemed to be demanded by the small number of pupils in the high school and by the necessity of giving more favorable conditions for a short time, at least, to the intermediate school.
The attention of the committee is called to the relative number of pupils in the different grades and especially to the number of pupils taking high school work as compared with the number of pupils in the lower grades.
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE NORTH READING HIGH SCHOOL.
The class of '96 graduated at Flint Memorial Hall, on Thursday, June 11. The following was the programme :
PROGRAMME.
SALUTATORY AND RECITATION,
Selection from Sir Launfal
CORNELIA HARRIET EAMES.
ESSAY,
The Crusades LESLIE ARTHUR NICHOLS.
ESSAY,
ADDIE WHITCOMB GOWING. John Burroughs
PIANO SOLO,
MISS MOSMAN.
RECITATION,
. Trial of Warren Hastings WALTER SCOTT EMERSON,
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
ESSAY, Sketch of Mary, Queen of Scots GERTRUDE MAY FOSS.
DUET,
Spanish Dance-from Moszkowski THE MISSES GOWING.
ESSAY,
Some Oddities in Glass SAMUEL BALLARD EAMES.
POEM,
ALICE WHITCOMB GOWING.
ESSAY,
Character and Prophecy MARGARET ABBIE MOSMAN.
RECITATION, Selection from Mill on the Floss FLORENCE AUGUSTA BATCHELDER.
ESSAY, . Value of Education and Valedictory ELMER BEAN ABBOTT.
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS.
CLASS ODE.
GRADUATING CLASS.
Elmer Bean Abbott, Gertrude May Foss,
Florence Augusta Batchelder, Addie Whitcomb Gowing,
Cornelia Harriet Eames,
Alice Whitcomb Gowing,
Samuel Ballard Eames,
Margaret A. Mosman,
Walter Scott Emerson,
Leslie Arthur Nichols.
HIGH SCHOOL.
AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE PAYMENT OF TUITION AND TRANSPOR- TATION OF CHILDREN OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN IN WHICH THEY RESIDE.
SECTION 1. Any town in which a high school or school of corresponding grade is not maintained shall pay for the tui- tion of any child who, with the parent or guardian, resides in said town, and who attends the high school of another town or city, provided the parent or guardian of said child, before such attendance, obtains the approval of the school committee of the town in which the child and parent or guardian reside.
SECT. 2. If any town in which a high school or school of
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REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
corresponding grade is not maintained, neglects or refuses to pay for tuition as provided in the preceding section, such town shall be liable therefor to the parent or guardian of the child furnished with such tuition, if the parent or guardian has paid the same, or to the town or city furnishing the same in an action of contract.
SECT. 3. No member of the school committee of a town in which a high school or school of corresponding grade is not maintained, shall refuse to approve the attendance of any child in the high school of another city or town, charging a reasonable amount for tuition, if such child is properly quali- fied to enter such high school, unless said town is prepared to furnish such child proper instruction in its own schools in the studies usually taught in a high school. If the school com- mittee of such town unreasonably refuses to grant such ap- proval, such town shall be liable for the tuition of such child in the same manner and to the same extent as if the parent or guardian of such child had obtained the approval of the school committee.
It is clear from the above law that it is the policy of the state that every child wishing it may have the opportunity to secure a high school education. At present the only law we have defining what is meant by a high school education and hence determining whether a school is a high school or not is the following :
HIGH SCHOOLS.
SECT. 2. Every town may, and every town containing five hundred families or householders, according to the latest public census taken by the authority either of the common- wealth or of the United States, shall, besides the schools pre- scribed in the preceding section, maintain a high school to be kept by a master of competent ability and good morals, who, in addition to the branches of learning before mentioned, shall give instruction in general history, book-keeping, surveying, geometry, natural philosophy, chemistry, botany, the civil polity of this commonwealth and of the United States, and the Latin language. Such high school shall be kept for the
47
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
benefit of all the inhabitants of the town, ten months at least, exclusive of vacations, in each year, and at such convenient place or alternately at such places in the town as the legal voters at their annual meeting determine. And in every town containing four thousand inhabitants, the teacher or teachers of the schools required by this section shall, in addition to the branches of instruction before required, be competent to give instruction in the Greek and French languages, astrono- my, geology, rhetoric, logic, intellectual and moral science, and political economy.
In regard to the above, Secretary Hill, of the State Board of Education, has written as follows :- " The statutes recognize two grades of High schools. These grades are distinguished by the subjects they are required by law to teach. There are cer- tain subjects which must be taught in every High school, while in towns of four thousand inhabitants or more the High school must be able to teach specified additional branches. The dis- tinction between these two grades of schools may be approxi- mately expressed by saying that High schools of the highest grades, whatever else they may provide for, must be compe- tent to prepare pupils for college in accordance with existing standards, while High schools of the second grade may stop considerably short of such preparation, or have courses of study that ignore the colleges altogether."
Concerning what will be expected of our High schools in the near future, and what elements will be included in the definition of the statutory High school, Secretary Hill has written the following :-
1. Primarily, a provision for a good liberal training in recognized secondary subjects and by approved methods for those pupils who end their schooling with the high school.
2. The preparation of pupils for Normal schools.
3. The preparation of pupils for high technical schools, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Law- rence Scientific School, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the Massachusetts Agricultural College, and others.
4. The preparation of pupils for college.
5. At least one course of study that is four years long.
18
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
6. An adequate teaching force and an adequate equipment for the accomplishment of the foregoing aims."
Secretary Hill has expressed himself thus concerning the policy of towns not able to meet the foregoing requirements.
" Unless a non-high school town sees its way to meet sub- stantially the foregoing requirements, it had better send its pupils to towns that are able to meet them.
Schools like the following ought not to be treated as high schools in any sense that is likely to defeat the securing of a good high school education by any properly qualified child :-
1. A grammar school in which a few high school subjects are taught.
2. A so-called high school that in its first year or in its first two years is strictly a grammar school.
3. A so-called high school in which, as in an ungraded school, the pupils select such studies as they please, without following a carefully thought-out plan.
4. And, in general, any high school that falls seriously short of fulfilling the mission of a high school as already de- fined."
That we have not the conditions at present to meet the above requirements is apparent. What then is the best course for us to pursue ? One of the two following, which I submit for your consideration, seems to me the most feasible.
First-to maintain a high school with a two years' course of study, allowing pupils to take the last two years of work elsewhere.
Second-To have all pupils, who have completed their grammar school studies, take their high school course of study in Salem, Peabody, or elsewhere.
In closing, I desire to testify again to the earnest efforts 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.
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF NORTH READING.
Gentlemen :- The work done in music in the past year has indeed been very gratifying, although new, the pupils have taken hold with interest and enthusiasm.
The result of but one year's work shows that children can be taught to read music at sight and enjoy and appreciate the same.
In the High and Grammar schools the pupils have practi- cally completed the First Reader and to keep up their interest and to have them master new difficulties in time and reading, which I think they are quite ready for, they should have the Second Reader.
In the Primary room, the chart only is used with the inter- val drill. This drill is used throughout the schools, and is one of the most important parts of study, as the pupil gains the knowledge of tones in relation to the whole, then in parts of the whole, and parts in relation to the whole, applying these intervals in their sight reading, they are better able to make more rapid progress and read with greater intelligence. It would give me great pleasure to meet more of the parents, to have them visit the schools on days I am there to see for themselves just how we work and the results.
I wish to thank the superintendent, committee and teachers for their helpful suggestions, interest and co-operation in the work.
Respectfully submitted, CLARA O. DITTRICH, Supervisor of Music.
Lowell, February 5, 1897.
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REPORT OF TRUANT OFFICER.
NORTH READING, Feb. 8, '97.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN OF NORTH READ- ING :
Gentlemen :- But few cases of truancy have been reported to me during the past year. In each case I have called on parents of said truants, ascertained cause of truancy, and in all cases, with one exception, required the attendance of such children in our schools.
In the case of the children of George E. Thompson, did not deem it expedient to compel their attendance as they were so soon to move from the town.
Respectfully submitted,
E. D. PARKER,
Truant Officer.
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REPORT OF TRUSTEES OF FLINT LIBRARY.
Fellow Citizens :- In making this twenty-fifth annual re- port, we are reminded how rapidly the time and events have passed about us. In the recent death of the founder of this library, Mrs. Flint, we have all lost a friend ; in how many, many ways her helping hand has been held out toward us, in these years. We cannot reckon them up in order, nor in- deed tell the sum of them, but have no hesitation in saying, that in various ways, she has given for the benefit of the town more than forty thousand dollars.
In regard to the library, we think she builded better than she knew. At that time there were but few town libraries in the state and to establish one was regarded, as far as public favor was concerned, as an uncertain and somewhat doubtful experiment. It has since come to be recognized as the chosen way to keep ever fresh the memory of departed friends, and many towns within the past few years have had libraries es- tablished in them in just that way.
We have now in the library a little more than four thou- sand volumes. We have the income of a fund of three thou- sand dollars with which to enlarge and replenish it. We have a commodious and pleasant library-room and its walls bear pleasing record of Mrs. Flint's care. There is one thing more we have wanted there, which Mrs. Flint did not favor, and that is a large picture of herself to hang beside that of her husband. We hope measures will be taken to obtain such a picture at no distant day.
The circulation of the library has always been comparative- ly large. The reason of the falling off of a few hundred in the number of books given out this year is, that there has been a smaller number of library days, four holidays coming on Saturday.
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52
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The first catalogue of books was issued in 1878 and a sup- plementary catalogue in 1886. Since that time we have, on leaflets, showed the books purchased from time to time. We propose soon to publish a new catalogue.
We ask you to appropriate from the dog-tax enough to pay the librarian.
GEORGE K. PARKER, GEORGE B. PARKER, J. MILTON ROBINSON,
Trustees.
EDWARD A. CARPENTER,
JOSEPH D. GOWING, DENNIS BATCHELDER,
Flint Library, Feb. 15, 1897.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand, Feb. 17, 1896,
$47 41
Interest on Flint Memorial fund, 165 00
Received from Dog fund, .
60 00
$272 41
PAYMENTS.
W. B. Clark & Co. for books,
$140 00
Librarian,
52 00
Care of library room,
8 00
Repairing books,
8 00
Wood,
4 50
History of Reading,
2 00
Expressage,
2 15
$216 65
Balance,
$55 76
GEORGE B. PARKER, Treasurer of Flint Library.
Flint Library, Feb. 15, 1897.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
Number of volumes in Library,
4,172
Number of volumes circulated, 6,989
Number of volumes purchased,
144
Number of volumes presented,
19
Number of pamphlets presented,
6
Number of volumes replaced,
30
State of Massachusetts,
18 vols.
Mr. C. E. Hosmer, Billerica,
1 vol.
Mrs. Virginia F. Stickney,
6 pamphlets.
Fines collected,
$6 90
Miscellaneous expenses,
$5 43
SARAH H. WHITCOMB, Librarian.
Flint Library, Feb. 15, 1897.
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To either of the Constables of the Town of North 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 first day of March next, at eight o'clock, . A. M., then aud there to act on the following articles, viz. :
Article 1. To choose a Moderator.
Article 2. To choose all necessary Town Officers for the year ensuing.
Article 3. To hear reports of Selectmen, Assessors, Over- seers of the Poor, Road Commissioners, Treasurer, Collector, Auditor, School Committee, Engineers of Fire Department, Trustees of Flint Library, Trustees of Cemeteries, Trustees of Trust Funds and Committees, and act thereon.
Article 4. To vote on the question, " Shall licenses be granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors ?" " Yes " or " No."
Article 5. To see how much money the Town will raise and appropriate for Schools, School Incidentals, School Superin- tendent, Ordinary Expenses, Highways, Bridges, Sidewalks, Cemeteries, Town Debt, Transporting Scholars to and from Schools, Fire Department, and for the proper observance of Memorial Day.
Article 6. 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.
Article 7. To see what action the Town will take in rela- tion to the money received from the Dog Fund.
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55
TOWN WARRANT.
Article 8. To see what method the Town will adopt for the collection of taxes for the ensuing year.
Article 9. To see if the Town will authorize their Treas- urer to hire money to meet the demands of the Town, in an- ticipation of taxes of the present year, under the direction and approval of the Selectmen.
Article 10. To see if the Town will authorize their Treas- urer to hire money to renew notes for any part of the Town Debt, that may come due the ensuing year, under the direc- tion and approval of the Selectmen.
Article 11. To see if the Town, will receive sums of money from persons, the income of which to be used in keeping in repair the burial lots in Park and Riverside Cemeteries.
Article 12. To see if the Town will authorize their Select- men to contract with the Massachusetts Highway Commission for the construction of highways in said Town in accordance with section 4 of Chap. 497 of the acts of 1894.
Art. 13. To see if the Town will vote that the Board of Road Commissioners be abolished.
Art. 14. To see if the Town will vote to place the admin- istration of their highways under a single highway surveyor.
Art. 15. To see if the Town will vote to straighten or widen Elm street near the foot of Jeffrey Hill or what they will do about it.
Art. 16. To see if the Town will buy six or more street lamps to be placed where most needed or what they will do in relation to the same.
Art. 17. To see if the Town will vote to hire some party or parties to take care of Street Lamps.
Art. 18. To see if the Town will vote to build a stone bridge on Main street, over Ipswich River, or what action they will take in regard to the same.
Art. 19. To see if the Town will vote to expend any or all of the Flint Highway fund.
Art. 20. To hear report of Road Commissioners on guide boards and act thereon.
Art. 21. To see if the Town will accept the list of jurors as prepared by the Selectmen.
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56
TOWN WARRANT.
Article 22. To see if the Town will choose a committee to make arrangements for a celebration on July Fourth, or what action they will take in regard to the same.
Article 23. To see if the Town will accept of the provis- ions of Sec. 4 of Chap. 201 of the Acts of 1873 in regard to . the powers of Engineers of Fire Departments.
Article 24. To see what instructions the Town will give their Road Commissioners in regard to removing snow from their sidewalks.
Article 25. To see if the Town will instruct their Road Commissioners to make a stone crossing at the intersection of Park and Haverhill streets, or what they will do about it.
And you are directed to serve this warrant by posting up attested copies of the same at the usual places in said Town, seven days at least before the time of holding said meeting.
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 eighteenth day of February, A. D. eighteen hundred and ninety-seven.
EDWARD A. CARPENTER, JOSEPH D. GOWING, J. MILTON ROBINSON, SELECTMEN OF NORTH READING.
POLLS OPEN AT NINE O'CLOCK A. M.
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