Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1876-1877, Part 3

Author: Reading (Mass.)
Publication date: 1876
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 86

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1876-1877 > Part 3

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23 05

Albert Emerson,

24 85

Jacob Jones,

7 10

Dexter Jones,

IO 49

Orin Jones,

17 32

AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD,

$777 05

7 00

D. Marshall Nichols, 66

AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD,

$777 05

O. G. Batchelder, labor of self and team,

6 13

Charles Hutchinson, 66

5 25

Richard D. Wilkins,

-66

33 85

F. O. Carter, 66

8 75

N. O. Bunker;

1 75

James H, Bancroft,

3 50

Charles Wakefield,

II 50

Ephraim Wight,

William Holmes,

9 20

Clarence Barbrick,

3 50

E. C. Jones,

25 19

J. W. Killam,

5 25

George Ballard,

11 00

C. H. Norwood,

I 75

H. P. Pratt,

B. C. Clark, 66

2 62

Asa Parker, 66

and team

102 20

George Beasley,

146 83

R. H. Harmon,

144 35

Daniel Sullivan,

115 67

C. H. Swain.

109 20

T. Rierdon,

86 45

O. A. Swain,

66 84

John Mellen,

72 97

Patrick Barrett,

88 00

William Ramsdell,

22 05

Charles A. Weston, labor of self, man and team,

471 05

James M. Eames, 66

5 87

James Sullivan,

23 02

James Dewhurst,

James Wilson,

5 25

H. G. Gerritson,

I 75

Levi Towne,

6 00

R. M. Boyce,

16 25

Nathan Crafts,

3 00

B. F. Adams,

16 50

E. M. Remick,

I 61

AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD,

$2540 02

123 59

Emerson Smith,

AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD,

$2540 02

C. H. Moulton, labor,

19 87

R. C. Totten,

II 37

L. Turner,

15 00

William Frost,

27 48

William Jones,

3 91

D. P. Babb, 66

18 25

Michael Forbes,

23 44

Michael Kelley, «

34 13

M. D. Parker,

10 00

T. H. Gould, 66

10 36

J. A. Blunt,

3 68

Cummings Express,

3 IO

-$2720 61

RAILING STREETS.

Henry S. LaClair, labor,

15 06

66 66 materials,

I 68

Wilmot K. Pratt, labor,

5 77

N. W. C. Carter, rails,

6 59

Emory Bancroft, rails,

2 55

Charles A. Weston, labor,

I 70

IO 60

J. G. Hutchinson,

I 25

R. D. Wilkins, 66

76 25

Hannah Wilkins, 66

34 40

A. Fultz,

1 00

F. B. Smith,

1 00

C. H. Moulton,

Nathan Merrill, 6

15 º5

Waldo Bros., drain pipe, ·

10 13

Boston & Lowell Railroad Company, freight,

6 05

Whittemore Bros., plow points,

2 20

Samuel Brown, maul,

2 00

William Porter, gravel,

33 28

B. F. Newell's Heirs, gravel,

4 06

J. M. Houseman,

AMOUNTS CARRIED FORWARD,

$37 94 2914 793

$33 35

J, B. Nichols, covering stone,

160 83

AMOUNTS BROUGHT FORWARD,

$37 94 2914 79

Wm. H. Nash, gravel,

I IO

Etson Damon,

22 37

Charles Wakefield,

3 30

Asa Parker,

6 35

G. A. Parker,

I 80

Francis Kingman,

II.30

Clarissa Hartwell,

4 20

G. R. Turner,

2 85

91 21

Credit by cash received of G. C. Gleason, for loam, 5 00

66 R. M. Boyce, for stone, 1 00

6 00

Appropriation,

$3000 00

REMOVING SNOW.

Robert H. Harmon, labor 1875-6, -

I 02

Timothy Rierdon,

Charles H. Moulton,

II 30

Michael Forbes, 66

2 10

Charles A. Weston,

5 20

Wm. G. Nichols,

2 10

Richard B. Nichols, 66

3 45

Edwin P. Nichols, 66

Charles Wakefield,

Randall Ricker,

7 80

Albert Janes,

E. Eames,

66.

2 80

J. Mellen,

2 46

J. M. Eames,

2 50

C. H. Swain,

Geo. Beasley, labor in 1876-7,

26 00

BUILDING EXTENSION OF ELLIOT STREET.

Henry S. LaClair, labor, -

24 50

Albert Nichols, 66

13 00

19 00

Henry S. LaClair,

63 98

AMOUNT CARRIED FORWARD, $37 50

3006 00

AMOUNT BROUGHT FORWARD,

$37 50

R. D. Wilkins, covering stone,

30 40

George Beasley, labor,

15 40

T. Rierdon,

II 37

Charles A. Weston, labor,

Geo. Ballard,

10 00

D. P. Babb, 66

7 00

Michael Forbes, 66

8 00

Etson Damon, gravel,

18 93

Appropriation,

$150 00

BUILDING SUMMER STREET.

Balance of appropriation,

161 81

C. H. Moulton, balance of contract,

100 00

Waldo Bros., drain pipe,

10 13

C. H. Moulton, extra work, -

16 00

C. A. Weston, setting bound stone, -

9 00 135 13

Unexpended,

26 68

JAMES A. BANCROFT,

ROAD CHARLES A. WESTON,

HENRY S. LACLAIR,

COMMISSIONERS.

READING, March 1, 1877.

- -

AMNUAL REPORT

OF THE

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

OF THE /

TOWN OF READING,

FOR THE YEAR 1876-77.

REPORT.

The School Committee for the year closing March, 1877, hereby submit their annual report :

GENERAL CONDITION OF SCHOOLS.

We are glad to be able to report that the schools, in general, have not fallen below their usual standard.

While in some particular branches they have not reached the requisite mark, progress has been made, and, taken as a whole, they are in a satisfactory condition and under the control of efficient teach- ers.

COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.

As stated in our last report, the Committee have prepared a course of instruction for the graded schools, believing that such a course will systematize the efforts of the teachers by pointing out the amount of work to be accomplished in each year ; and that it will also promote the efficiency of the schools, by securing uniformity and method throughout the entire system.

While it remains impossible to apply this course in its entirety in the mixed schools, yet it will serve as a guide even there, and enable the teachers of such schools to arrange their plans so as to coincide with those of perfect grade. This is the more important as the Com- mittee have determined that pupils shall hereafter fit for admission to the High School, in these schools ; and it is therefore essential that the line of instruction pursued, shall be similar to that followed in the centre of the town.

Among the advantages obtained by the adoption of this course, is the more even grading secured by it, in those schools which have been denominated graded heretofore. By the arrangement contemplated, and the system of promotions adopted, each school is virtually com- posed of one class,-all members of which are pursuing the same

year's work. But the chief advantage derived, is the more exact co- ordination of the various schools. The requirements of the upper primary year are carried up to, and coincide with, those of the lower medium year. The upper medium with the lower grammar ; and so on, throughout the system. By requiring, as far as may be possible, every pupil to complete the requirements of his grade before passing to a higher, the utmost uniformity or co-ordination may be secured.

PROMOTIONS.

Before proceeding to this subject, it may be well to state briefly the three methods of promotion possible. They are :

I. Promotion by classes without examination. This carries each class in its entirety,-those pupils perfectly prepared for the change, and those more or less unprepared.

2. Individual promotions of the more advanced members of each class at any time that there may be room in the grade above. This disturbs the uniformity of classes, and continually takes away from every class its better elements, leaving the poorest members to become a perpetual drag upon the school.

3. A medium between the two previous plans by which the unity of classes is preserved, while the pupils are subjected to a series of examinations, and required to reach an average standard before passing to the advanced grade.

These systems all have their special advocates. Your Committee have adopted the latter, it being in their judgment the best, both for the general welfare of the schools and the interests of individual pu- pils. By the first system referred to, pupils are constantly being pro- moted before they are properly qualified. Unable to understand the studies of the grade to which they are advanced, they are borne on by the momentum of the class, and so carried from school to school, until, at the completion of their course, they are thrown out, without having derived any lasting benefit. By the second system, the more ambitious and brighter pupils are over-stimulated ; the idle, and those of slower intellect, are discouraged and left behind in the lower

classes, until they finally drop out by the way. By the last, the stand- ard for promotion is placed so low as to be reached by those of aver- age powers, while each pupil has an incentive for vigorous exertion placed before him by the examinations which he is expected to pass.

EXAMINATIONS.

It is of course impossible, or nearly so, for a Committee, by any examination given at the completion of a year's work, to ascertain the standing of a pupil, or to judge accurately of his fitness for promo- tion. Pupils, when subjected to a test examination given by those with whom they are unfamiliar, and in whose presence they are often embarrassed, do not show their real capabilities or attainments. Monthly review examinations are therefore to be given by the teach- ers throughout each year. The average capacity of pupils and their standing in the class can be very nearly ascertained from the results of these examinations. As an additional test, however, a written examination is to be given at the end of the year, from questions pre- pared by the Committee ; and by comparing the results with those before reached, the pupil's promotion or non-promotion is to be de- cided.

Incidental advantages of no small importance are also reached by means of this system of examinations. The Committee are each month furnished with a transcript of their results, and are thus pro- vided with an index of the work accomplished in the schools ; are able to judge of the progress that has been made, and, by comparing one month with another, to see that the general standard is main- tained.

The teachers are provided with a sure means for testing the re - sults of each month's instruction, can observe whether principles have been comprehended, and can discover the points in which certain pupils may be weak. The pupils have the advantage of frequent and systematic reviews, and are regularly apprised of their class standing, and so given an opportunity to recover lost ground.

That parents, also, may have regular information of the standing of their children, of their conduct and attendance, the Committee have

other schools of the town. Some modification of these, may be introduced hereafter in the

MONTH.

187

Monthly Report of

Parents are requested to sign this Report and return it to the Teacher. Deportment and Rccitations are marked Excellent, Good, Fair or Bad.

Times present.

Times absent.

Times tardy.

DEPORTMENT.

RECITATIONS.

Pupils in Class.

Rank in Class.

Arith.

Geog

Gram

Hist.

EXAMINATIONS.

Spell.

Av.p.ct.

School, Reading.

Div.

PARENT'S SIGNATURE.

Teacher.

Parents cannot expect their children to be regularly advanced from one Class to another unless they are constant in their attendance at School.

following is a copy : - introduced into the upper graded schools report cards, of which the

The Committee are aware that no course of study or system of promotions can be followed in all cases without regard to individual capacity. A certain degree of elasticity must, from the nature of things, be observed. In exceptional cases bright pupils must be allowed to pass in advance of the class ; dull ones be kept back. But, as a rule, they feel confident that the plan adopted will promote the efficiency of the schools, will systematize their work, will hold teachers to faithfulness, and, if judiciously followed, will prevent, to a great extent, the too common error of carrying pupils over more ground than can be intelligently comprehended. It is as yet very imperfect. Its results must be watched, and its requirements modi- fied whenever experience shall show such modifications necessary ; but, in the year during which it has been tried, its success justifies us in predicting more perfect results in the future, and warrants us in asking in its behalf the earnest co-operation of teachers and parents, and the careful study and impartial trial of future committees.

In the foregoing we have, as briefly as we deemed consistent with clearness, set forth the system introduced into our schools, that the town may fully understand the changes which have been made, and the reasons therefor, especially as these changes are important in themselves, and are expected to produce definite results. We now pass to the consideration of the remaining points, to which we ask your attention.

TEXT BOOKS.

Certain changes in text books have been made during the year, but only where change seems imperatively necessary. These have been effected on such terms as to be, in most cases, an advantage to pupils in a pecuniary point of view, - being restricted to those stud- ies upon which they were entering for the first time, - the new books being furnished at an introduction price below that of the book dis- placed .*

That pupils might be allowed every advantage possible in pur- chasing. books, the Committee procured a supply of those in most frequent demand ; and they have been sold at a price covering cost and expressage only.

In the few instances where books have been substituted for those already in use by pupils, copies have been furnished by the Commit- tee, as required by law.

* As an instance, pupils beginning to study U. S. History were directed to pur- chase Barnes' History, furnished them at goc per copy, in place of Swinton's, the old book, which costs $1 : the change resulting in a gain to the pupils of 10 cents.

DISCIPLINE.

As a rule, the discipline maintained throughout the schools has been good. A few cases have occurred, as they always will occur, demanding the attention of the Committee. In some instances pupils have been expelled for misdemeanors. Whenever the requirements of the Committee regarding such cases have been complied with, the pupils have been re-instated.

'Teachers should remember that good morals are to be taught in the schools, and should lose no opportunity to impress on their pupils the principles of polite and gentle behavior in the schoolroom and upon the street. Parents should co-operate with them in the enforce- ment of whatever precepts may be needed to secure good conduct at all times.

Teachers are referred to the following section from the Statutes of Massachusetts :

" It shall be the duty of instructors of youth to exert their best endeavors to im- press upon the minds of children and youth committed to their care and instruction the principles of piety and justice, and a sacred regard to truth; love of their coun- try, humanity and universal benevolence; sobriety, industry and frugality; chastity, moderation and temperance; and those other virtues which are the ornament of human society and the basis upon which a republican constitution is founded ; and it shall be the duty of such instructors to endeavor to lead their pupils, as their ages and capacities will admit, into a clear understanding of the tendency of the above-mentioned virtues, * and also to point out to them the evil tendencies of the opposite vices."

ATTENDANCE.

Parents are reminded that nothing more seriously interferes with the progress of the pupil than inconstant attendance. Every effort should be made to secure promptness and regularity in this respect. No absence should be allowed unless absolutely unavoidable. The prevalence of diptheria and scarlet fever during the winter term has, in some schools, caused temporary non-attendance of pupils. Other- wise the record has been very good.

MUSIC.

At its last annual meeting the town authorized the Committee to devote the sum of three hundred dollars to instruction in music in the schools during the year. Mr. Henry G. Carey, who had formerly been engaged in the same capacity, was secured as music teacher for the spring term. At its close he resigned his position on account of

intended absence in Europe. Mr. Ulmer H. Manning succeeded him and has been quite successful, awakening the enthusiasm of the pupils by earnest efforts, which have been well seconded by the regular teachers.

A change was made at the beginning of the fall term, in the man- ner of apportioning the instruction in music. Each school is now vis- ited weekly by the music teacher, and all receive an equal share of his attention.

OTHER STUDIES PURSUED.

Instruction in drawing has come to be recognized as an essential branch of school work. Of its value as a means of training the eye and hand, as an aid in stimulating the power of observation, it is hardly necessary to speak here.

By a law of Massachusetts it is required to be taught in all public schools. Although not yet fairly introduced in our own, it has been assigned a place in the course adopted, and the manner of introduc- tion has been placed in the hands of a sub-committee for future con- sideration.

In the upper grammar schools some attention has been given to map drawing, in connection with the study of Geography. By this means the outline and size of a country is often indelibly fixed in the pupil's mind.

The other branches of study have received the usual amount of attention. It has been the aim of the Committee to secure thorough and practical instruction in the fundamental branches. To this end comprehensive reviews in Geography and Arithmetic have been added to the High School course. It is thought that these will be product- ive of good results. The discussion of principles in the latter study will thus be considered at a time when the higher development of the pupil's powers will render them intelligible.

Instruction in penmanship has been given in accordance with the course, at least four days per week, and considerable improvement has been manifested by the pupils. It is hoped, however, to reach a still higher mark in the future. The Committee desire to encourage pupils to zealous efforts in this direction. It is their wish to arrange for a lecture to teachers upon the methods to be pursued in teaching penmanship, and especially upon the principles of the formation of letters, now too much neglected. Teachers would thus have the opportunity to become familiar with the ideas upon which the system

of writing-books now in use is based, and given the benefit of the advice of an expert in regard to the most direct way of securing pro- gress.

Spelling by sound, in accordance with the Phonic method, has been practiced in some of the primary classes. Wherever this plan has been thoroughly tried it has been found a valuable aid in learning to read. It may be well to give it more notice in coming years. Re- garding the subject of spelling in the schools atdlarge, the Committee are convinced that our pupils will compare favorably in this study with those of the same age anywhere. In the markings received for spell- ing in the grammar schools, a fair test, the results have generally ex- ceeded the average standard. Nevertheless too much attention can- not be paid to this branch of study. The irregularities of English orthography are such as to often confound the most proficient student. Teachers in the upper schools usually pursue the plan of written spell- ing exercises, by which each pupil is made to spell every word in the lesson, and in the way most adapted to try his ability.

Teachers should notice particularly the spelling and penmanship of the written examination papers prepared by the pupils. In filling out such papers the most common words are often misspelled from mere carelessness or hurry on the part of the pupil. Such lapses are sometimes seized upon as indicating the general character of spelling in the school, and made texts for criticism. Carefulness in orthogra- phy, with neatness and legibility in penmanship, should be required in the preparation of all written exercises.

HIGH SCHOOL.

This school remains in charge of the same teachers as heretofore. It has maintained its high standard throughout the year. The grad- uation exercises in June were, as usual, well attended, and the class receiving diplomas was fully equal to any which has preceded it. A list of the graduates is appended to this report. The class enter- ing the school at the beginning of the fall term, numbered thirty four pupils; making the whole number now in attendance eighty-six.

An important change has been made in the manner of holding the sessions of this school. Two sessions are now held daily,-from 9 to 12 o'clock A. M. and from 2 to 4 o'clock P. M .- The senior class alone attending in the afternoon; the remainder of the school in the forenoon. This plan has been adopted in several high schools in the State with good results. It obviates the lateness of the dinner hour,

occurring under the old system; and economizes the time of both teacher and pupils.

CENTRE SCHOOLS.

Miss I. M. Daniels, whose services as teacher of the First Gram - mar School had been acceptable to the Committee, was obliged to re- sign her position early in the year on account of illness. Miss Jennie R. Barrus succeeded Miss Daniels.

In the Second Grammar School the vacancy caused by the resig- nation of Miss Mihan, its former teacher, was filled by the promotion of Miss Sarah L. Stoodley.

During the spring term the Third Grammar School was in charge of Miss Clara L. Bancroft, of Lynn. Miss Annie M. Knight succeed- ed Miss Bancroft, and has continued throughout the remainder of the year. This school has suffered somewhat on account of improper grading, but this evil will be remedied in the future.

No other changes have been made in the administration of the Centre schools. Under the present teachers, who are efficient and conscientious, they are making satisfactory progress.

OUTER WARD SCHOOLS.

It was found necessary to employ an assistant during a portion of the year at the Walnut Street School. Her compensation has been merely nominal, as may be seen by reference to the financial report.

A vacancy, caused by the resignation of Miss Clark at the Woburn Street Grammar School, was filled by the engagement of Miss E. F. Wheelock of Norwood. During the severe illness of Miss Loring, of the Woburn Street Primary School, her place was well fi'led by Miss Evelyn Bancroft. Miss Kate Brown having resigned, Mr. L. P. Howard succeeded her as teacher of the Main Street Mixed School, filling the position successfully and to the satisfaction of the Committee. Mr. Howard has also resigned, preparatory to further prosecution of his studies, the Winter term being completed under Mr. Forrester Elliott. The Lowell and Haverhill Street Schools remain under their former teachers. All of the above schools, although laboring under disad- vantages which do not exist at the Centre, are provided with faithful instructors and are doing good work.

Our schools are not above criticism, and it is expected that they will receive it; but, often, those who are most severe in their denun- ciation of methods and results, are those who have the least knowl- edge of what is doing, or of the difficulties to be overcome in solving

the problem of popular education. The remark is frequently made that the education afforded by the common schools is not 'practical'; but before we can be united upon this question, it will be necessary for the critics to define exactly what is meant by a practical education. So many theories exist upon this point that definiteness of statement is absolutely required, before the charge can be refuted. By some advocates of practical instruction the broadest latitude is given to the topics of study admissable in the public schools. Others complete the list with the three Rs,-" Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetic." In the Kansas State Agricultural School, mechanical trades are taught, and, in our own state, a wave of opinion seems to favor the establish- ment, by cities and towns, of similar industrial schools.

All theorists, however, agree that the best system of education is that which best fits the pupil for the duties of life. Some of our boys are to become mechanics, others are to enter upon professional careers. A radically different training is required for each pursuit. But before his plan for life is marked out, the system of education employed should give that developement of the pupil's resources, which under- lies success in any sphere of life. This, then, is the province of the common school, not to teach the methods of any special calling,-be it mercantile, industrial, or professional,-but to give that breadth of training which will best prepare the pupil for the ordinary duties of citizenship, and, to a certain degree, qualify him for entering any vo- cation, leaving special instruction to be acquired in the workshop or college.

In our common schools, there is no study which can be called orna- mental except music ; and whether or not this can be justly called so, we will not now discuss. What can be more practical, in any sense of the term, than the fundamental branches-Reading, Writing, Spell- ing, Grammar, and Arithmetic? Add to these the History of the United States, and the study of Geography, and we have the entire list pursued up to the last term of the year prior to entering the High School. Would the most determined advocate of 'practical ' educa- tion desire to leave out one of these ?

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Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1876-1877, Part 3

Author: Reading (Mass.) Publication date: 1876 Publisher: The Town Number of Pages: 86

Author: Reading (Mass.)
Publication date: 1876
Publisher: The Town
Number of Pages: 86