USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1872-1873 > Part 4
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11
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
sources than the geography, also items pertaining to the history of the state or country.
In grammar, they have studied analysis, parsing and writing sen- tences, also correcting sentences. The lesson has usually been written upon the Board.
The spelling lesson has been written each day in blank-books, and both a written and an oral examination have been given every week. They also spell, each day, words from a given paragraph or para- graphs in their reading lesson.
In writing, I have only sought to prepare them for classification another term.
I have marked the scholars for each recitation, and also for deport- ment, and the system has worked well.
During the past eight weeks, I have given them written examina- tions every week."
WOBURN STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MIss L. F. LORING, TEACHER.
" Owing to the severity of the weather, my school has not been so large as usual. My scholars have made decided progress in their studies, especially in geography. I pay particular attention to spell- ing, having the children write or print their lesson every day upon the black-board; and, in case a scholar misspells a word, he loses his · place in the class. They are all anxious to do well, and seldom make a failure. Have had no general exercise in the school, but shall introduce something of the kind next term. The deportment is very good, and I have not been obliged to resort to severe discipline. Have made but three rules. 1st. No whispering. 2nd. No idleness. 3rd. No questions while a class is reciting. By adhering strictly to these, I find no others are necessary. I give short lessons, and require them to be well learned."
WOBURN STREET GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
MRS. F. NELLIE TEMPLE, TEACHER.
This school has been under the charge of Mrs. Temple for one year, and the Committee know of no reason for a change. We regret that the teacher has been unable to furnish us a report, as her suggestions would be valuable.
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REPORT OF
HIGH SCHOOL.
CYRUS A. COLE, PRINCIPAL.
" Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Committee:
The recent changes made in the High School curriculum and in the length of the English and scientific course will necessi- tate, for a time, some inconvenience in regard to the most judi- cious daily arrangement of studies and recitations. Theoreti- cally, there are three classes ; but, practically, we must regard the school as consisting of four divisions.
In the report submitted to the Committee last Spring, due reference was made to the prospective work of the High School for the closing term of the last school year. The following, therefore, presents a tabular view of the studies pursued by the different classes during the Fall and Winter terms of the present school year :
FALL.
1. English Literature.
S Modern History.
2. Astronomy.
3. French - Les Princes del'Art.
4. Essays.
4. Essays.
1. Natural Philosophy.
1. Natural Philosophy.
S Rhetoric.
2.
Essays.
3. French - Grammar, Exercises. 3. French - Télémaque.
3d Class,
(1. Reading and Definitions.
S Reading.
2. Algebra.
Rhetoric, Essays.
*Chemistry.
2. Geometry.
3. Compositions. Descriptions.
3. Chemistry.
Descriptions.
3d Class,
(1. Reading and Definitions.
1. Reading and Definitions.
2. Algebra.
2. Algebra.
S Chemistry.
Physiology.
3. Descriptions.
3.5 Written Exercises.
Word-analysis, arithmetic, spelling and music have been studied by the whole school.
It is not expedient to make particular reference to the value and relative importance of all the various studies. I have thought it desirable, therefore, to consider only a few of them :
* As there were no classes in chemistry last year, it will be observed that both divisions of the third class began this study in the Fall.
2d Div. 1st Division, [2d Class. 1st Class.
WINTER.
1. English Literature.
2. Physical Geography.
S Télémaque.
3.
German.
S Rhetoric.
2. Essays.
1.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Swinton's Word-Analysis. - The first and second classes have considered all the topics presented by the author. The third class will complete the text-book next term. This book, though having the merit of being small, contains much more than can be profitably studied and thoroughly mastered in a single school term.
The value of a thorough study of etymology cannot be too highly estimated ; hence, in connection with all the different studies pursued in the school, constant reference is made to the generic meaning of words, and the various effects produced by the proper use of prefixes and suffixes.
Arithmetic .- Daily attention has been paid to this subject. The effort to secure accuracy and rapidity in adding has been most successful and satisfactory.
Geometry .- On the occasion of the last graduating exercises of the school there was a recitation in geometry, conducted according to the method presented in last year's report. Ex- perience has demonstrated the value of this method, whose adoption, combined with faithful study on the part of the scholar, affords not only a knowledge of geometrical truths, but, in addition, will enable him to concentrate his mind the more readily upon any topic which he may desire to con- sider ; it will teach him precision of statement, and will im- part also correct ideas of logical sequence of thought.
A class in mechanical drawing will be formed next Fall.
Chemistry. - Educators have written much in relation to the importance of chemistry as a subject which should re- ceive more general consideration in our public schools. One readily apprehends the utility of the truths of this science, when he considers not only the relation which it sustains to the arts and manufactures, but, also, what it has done in ameliorating the condition of the human race, and in other- wise aiding the progress of civilization. If this branch be properly taught and studied, I conceive it to be a most in- valuable instrument for the natural and healthful develop- ment of the intellectual faculties. Our text-books present the truths of chemistry with hardly any reference to the proper mode of communicating them, and, consequently, can hardly fulfil the true purpose of higher education, "which is not so much to fill the mind as to quicken and train its powers - not so much to impart knowledge as to awaken thought." Chemistry is an experimental science. I would have the pupil experiment for himself, observe chemical phenomena, deduce conclusions, and record results. Since he reasons only by com-
14
REPORT OF
paring, I would have him study the relations of facts acquired ; uniting, if there be resemblance; separating, if there be dis- tinctions. He thus learns, practically, that science is knowl- edge systematically arranged, and, in a measure, acquires the ability to classify, -an acquisition which will prove to be of the greatest aid and value to him in his studies, during his connec- tion with the High School and after his graduation from it.
" Things before names, ideas before words," should be regarded an axiom in all teaching. Having gained definite ideas for himself through his own effort, it is now necessary that the pupil be taught to express, in appropriate language, any knowledge of facts which his experience has enabled him to acquire.
It is easy to understand, that if the pupil has improved the opportunity afforded him for studying chemistry in the manner indicated, he will have a most suitable preparation for the thorough study of any of the branches he may be obliged to consider during his school course.
In this connection I desire to recognize the obligations due the Alumni of the High School and others, who have provided suitable facilities for instruction in the physical sciences.
History. I am firmly impressed with the thought that no study is required to be pursued by the pupil which is of more vital importance, or which has a greater bearing upon his future interests and welfare, than history. I use the term in its noblest and most comprehensive sense.
The plan proposed for its consideration - having reference to the age of the public, the magnitude of the topics to be discussed, and the limited time possible to devote to any one branch - will enable the teacher, it is believed, to realize more fully the ideal standard fixed upon. Constant endeavor is made to avoid burdening the pupil's memory with numer- ous barren, isolated facts, dates, or great events, which are more or less important; but the desire is, rather, to intro- duce him to generally received solutions of the more simple problems of history, in its manifold relations to the individ- dual, and, as far as possible, prepare him to deal, in after life, with the great sociological questions of the age."
The annual examination of the High School took place June 7th. The exercises reflected credit alike upon teachers and pupils.
The history of the graduating class was presented in an in-
15
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
teresting production by Miss Jennie R. Barrus, while Miss Lillie F. Loring brought the memories of all the struggles and pleasures of the class vividly to mind in the class poem. Miss Cynthia E. Hollis brought honor to herself and her class by the valedictory.
Diplomas, presented by the Chairman of the Committee, were awarded to the following
GRADUATES : CLASS OF 1872.
WALTER B. BARROWS.
HORACE B. HOLDEN.
JENNIE R. BARRUS.
CYNTHIA E. HOLLIS.
IDA I. BASSETT.
ADDIE B. HOWES.
MARY E. BUCKE.
CHARLES H. HUTCHINSON.
NELLIE . BURRILL.
LILLIE F. LORING.
H. IRVING CONVERSE.
L. GERTRUDE MCINTIRE.
BELLE P. DINSMOORE.
HATTIE A. PARKER.
EMMA EAMES.
LIZZIE M. PENNEY.
GEORGE LOUIS FLINT.
HATTIE B. PRATT.
E. H. GOWING.
MINNIE A. WILLCOX.
MINA W. HALL.
ERISTINA WHITTIER.
The class presented to the school the busts of Shakespeare and Milton.
Mr. Cole has been assisted by Miss Martha Keith, who pos- sesses all those essential traits that make the successful teacher ; and those who have watched her do not wonder that she con- tributes so much to the work of Mr. Cole,-that with him the school cannot be surpassed.
The Committee have endeavored to give the school a curricu- lum which will, in time, make the education received by its members more practical, as it is conceived that the object of a High School is to prepare the youth of the community for the battles of life, not of letters. To this end a three years' course has been established ; but it will be readily understood that only the present lowest and incoming classes can adopt this system. Those who had been connected with the school prior to its adoption must complete the old course.
It is earnestly recommended that the curriculum be extended through all schools, from the Primary to the High. The ad- vantages of this would be many and great, but among the great-
16
REPORT OF
est, that new teachers could always know the exact position of the various classes they find.
TEACHERS.
Of those who were connected with our schools last year and still remain, the best we can say is, we want them to remain ; they have been tried and proven to be capable, faithful instruct- ors. In this list are Mr. Cole, Mrs. Temple, Misses McDuffie, Wood, Knight, Foster, Sweetser and Pratt. Most of the new ones came fresh from our own High School, and they have, without exception, met the expectations of their friends and the requirements of the Committee. They have taken up their work with vigor and an ambition to reflect credit upon their Alma Mater. We speak of Misses Clarke, Howes, Barrus, Wakefield and Loring, and with them we ought to mention Miss Lovejoy, who was with Miss Pratt in the Union Street Primary for a few weeks, where she gave entire satisfaction, and evinced excellent qualification for the work.
Miss Porter is not a stranger to our town ; she took the place of Miss Shaw in the Walnut Street Grammar School, and has met with decided success.
Miss Willis came a stranger, and has completely won the hearts of her pupils and the entire approbation of the Committee.
The town is to be congratulated upon the efficient corps of teachers now connected with our schools. The Committee would not know where to make a change.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
The school buildings are in general good condition, and can- not be improved without the expenditure of large sums of money.
In a few years there will be needed a new structure in the village. The tendency is to concentrate, and it is, perhaps, the best policy, for pupils can have better advantages, when large numbers are under the control of one mind, than when scattered in various wards.
17
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
A change has been made which relieves the pressure of last year. In accordance with the suggestions of the Committee then, the Preparatory High School room has been enlarged so as to use one-half of the room formerly occupied by the Village Grammar School, while the other half is used as a recitation room. This gives a seating capacity of seventy-two to this school, nearly equal that of the High School room.
This change necessitated the removal of Miss Knight's Village Grammar School to Union Hall, which has been well fitted up for her accommodation.
The Committee strongly urge the removal of the Library from the High School building; the room is needed greatly for a recitation room for the High School ; it is, in fact, indispensible ; and it is earnestly hoped that action will be taken at the ap- proaching town meeting.
MUSIC.
Prof. Carey has given the High, Preparatory High and Village Grammar Schools excellent instruction in music, and it would be well to extend his labors to the lower schools, a work which can be done with comparatively small additional expense. Those schools in which music has been taught have made wonderful progress.
DRAWING
Should be taught, according to the act of 1870, but our ap- propriation was not sufficient to allow us to meet the require- ments of the law.
ATTENDANCE.
The severe winter has very much interfered with the attend- ance of scholars, and the average falls below that of last year.
VENTILATION AND HEATING.
The Town, at the November meeting, generously authorized the ventilation of the school rooms ; but for various reasons the work has not been done. The deficient heating apparatus of several of the rooms has precluded the idea of ventilation ; but the Committee would advise careful attention to the matter during the spring term.
18
REPORT OF
That something ails the High School heating apparatus we think the members of that school and the one below will unanimously agree. And the Committee, having exhausted all the means at hand to remedy existing defects, advise a thorough overhauling of the furnaces during summer vacation; it could not be done in term time.
SCHOOL APPARATUS.
The High School is partially provided for in in this direction, and thanks to the exertions and generosity of friends of the school, it is now paid for, and Mr. Cole has been reimbursed the outlay he undertook to put the school into proper condition. But other schools need maps, globes, reference books, etc., and these things the town should provide, not leaving teachers and schools to purchase them out of their own funds or by exhibitions.
PROMOTIONS.
The most thankless duty the Committee have to perform is in connection with promotions. The Committee desire, of course, to promote all that are sufficiently advanced to warrant a step forward ; but they have been unable to discover any means by which two pupils can comfortably occupy one seat. If twelve desire advancement, and ten only can go up, it matters not how you arrange it, two will be disappointed; and the Committee have been pained to learn that parents have taken their children out of school because they were not promoted. Some rule must be made, and more, when the rule is made it must be adhered to. If it is broken once, why not twice? If the per cent. established be eighty the candidate must get eighty, not seventy-nine and three-fourths.
Hereafter promotions will be made on the standing of the scholar for the whole year, and the Committee will act by the number and standing of the candidate, without knowing the names, and the result will be strictly adhered to.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
The law allows, when towns so vote, the employment of a Superintendent of Schools. The advantages of having the
19
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
schools under the supervision of one man must be apparent without argument, and the Committee urgently advise that they be empowered to act in the matter. If a Superintendent be employed, the elected Committee would attend to prudential affairs, and, of course, without pay.
APPROPRIATIONS.
It is not thought that any funds will be needed for purposes outside the ordinary expenses of the school during the year.
The incidental expenses have been heavier than usual, on ac- count of the changes made in the Preparatory High School room and the fitting up of Union Hall. The extra severity of the winter has increased the fuel estimates.
The appropriation was $8,000. We have overdrawn this amount $45.25.
The Committee would recommend that the Town appropriate for schools, the ensuing year, the sum of eighty-five hundred dollars.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
Two vacancies exist by the expiration of the terms of service 1 of Messrs. Barrus and Parker. These vacancies are to be filled at the coming April meeting.
A vacancy also exists by the resignation of Mr. C. B. McIn- tire, which must also be filled by election at the coming Town Meeting. Mr. McIntire was elected last year for two years. His resignation has been received since making up our report.
Respectfully submitted,
CARROLL D. WRIGHT,
HIRAM BARRUS,
S. E. PARKER,
School
WM. J. WIGHTMAN,
Committee.
C. B. McINTIRE, A. E. WINSHIP,
Reading, March 17, 1873.
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