USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1885-1886 > Part 3
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In conclusion, the Board desires to thank the citizens generally, and especially the members of the Reading Protective Association, who have rendered very efficient service at all fires.
E. C. NICHOLS, Chief Engineer.
WM. L. CROWE, WENDELL BANCROFT, &Assistants. MOSES E. NICHOLS.
ARTHUR S. RICHARDSON, Clerk.
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POLICE REPORT.
READING, March 1, 1886.
SELECTMEN OF READING :
Gentlemen, We submit the annual Police report. Number of arrests for the year, 13.
For drunkenness 6-(Males)
assault 3-(Males)
" larceny . 1
" disturbing peace. 1-(Female)
" disobedient children 2 -- (Males)
Tramps taken care of. 351
Doors found unlocked . 21 Fire alarms 2
Respectfully, etc ..
HENRY STOCK. CHARLES S. CONEY, S Police.
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Report of Cemetery Committee.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Amount in hands of Committee at the time of an-
nual Report, 1884-5. $44 84
Received from the sale of lots
261 00
Received for wood sold. 2 00
$307 84
EXPENDED FOR CARE OF THE CEMETERY.
Paid G. C. Gleason, for labor $106 98
P. Barrett for labor. 105 92
D. Sullivan, for labor. 14 01
Martin Forbes, for labor, man and horse 26 89
M. Hennesey, for labor 17 00
Michael Forbes, for labor 7 75
R. M. Boyce, for labor 7 50
D. P. Babb, for labor. 2 00
W. Bancroft, for lock . 1 09
$289 14
Balance in the hands of the Committee. $18 70
No extraordinary expenditures for permanent improvements have been made. Consequently no part of the appropriation made by the town at the last annual meeting has been drawn, enough having been realized from the sale of lots to defray all expenses incurred. We do not now recommend any special outlay for any work beyond what is required to keep the grounds in good condition. If, in the coming year
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the general financial condition of the town seems to warrant it, and no special call for large expenditures in any of the other departments appears, we suggest to the voters, that a larger amount may perhaps be wisely expended in keeping the place more uniformly attractive.
F. O. DEWEY, G. C. GLEASON, JAS. A. BANCROFT, Committee. F. W. B. PRATT, S. BANCROFT,
Reading, March, 1886.
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LIBRARY REPORT.
The Trustees of the Public Library submit the following report :-
During the year the circulation has slightly exceeded 16,000 volumes. A supplement to the general catalogue has been issued, and another is in process of preparation.
The new system of delivery is found to be satisfactory, and the in- crease in circulation is due to it, and to the fact that patrons now have access to a complete catalogue.
For the first time since its establishment, the library has been open continuously throughout the year on the usual days, the annual closing for examination not now being required.
The receipts and expenses of the library during the current year, have been as follows :
Receipts :-
Appropriation. $450 00
Amount of dog tax. 235 71
$685 71
Expenditures :--
Lizzie S. Cox, librarian. $149 50
Grace L. Fletcher, assistant. 7 80
Gertrude G. Ruggles, assistant. 5 40
R. J. Hill, binding books. 36 75
Wm. Proctor, rent .. 180 00
Citizens' Gas Light Co., gas. 18 55
Barrows & Co., printing. 28 40
E. H. Hames, periodicals. 8 00
Estes & Lauriat, books. 191 27
Chas. Scribner's Sons, books 10 00
John C. Paige, insurance 18 75
H. E. Cox, fuel. 7 66
Amount carried forward, $662 08
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Amount brought forward, $662 08
W. Bancroft, fuel. 3 13
N. Chamberlin, hand stamp 1 50
Incidentals 6 00
F. W. Parker, care of room 13 00
$685571
FINE ACCOUNT.
Amount of balance, 1885. $50 85
Received for fines .. 31 99
. for catalogues 14 85
for cards. 3 30
$100 99
Paid for books and supplies $50 85
incidentals 3 39
express
1 75
55 99
Balance $45 00
Two vacancies will require to be filled at the ensuing annual meeting, the terms of Messrs. Foster and Wadlin expiring.
Respectfully submitted.
STEPHEN FOSTER, Chairman HORACE G. WADLIN, Sec'y. JAMES H. GRIGGS, CYRUS M. BARROWS, HARLEY PRENTISS, CHARLES D. THOMAS,
READING, March 15, 1886. Trustees.
-
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE
TOWN OF READING
FOR THE YEAR 1885 -- 6.
REPORT.
The School Committee for the year ending March, 1886, respectfully submit the following report :.-
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMITTEE.
The organization of the Committee during the year has been as follows :-
Chairman-Horace G. Wadlin. Secretary-Gilman L. Parker.
SUB COMMITTEES.
High School-Messrs. Wadlin and Wright.
First Grammar-Mr. Wright.
Second Grammar-Mr. S. E. Parker.
Third Grammar-Mr. G. L. Parker. Upper Medium-Mr. E. F. Parker. Lower Medium-Mr. S. E. Parker.
Upper Primary-Mr. Wright. Lower Primary-Mr. Wadlin. Chestnut Hill Schools-Mr. G. L. Parker.
Woburn Street Schools-Mr. Bancroft.
Lowell Street School-Mr. E. F. Parker. Main Street School-Mr. Bancroft. Haverhill Street School-Mr. S. E. Parker. On Music-Messrs. Wright and G. L. Parker.
On Prudential Affairs-Messrs. E. F. and S. E. Parker. On Accounts and Pay Roll-Mr. E. F. Parker.
On Purchase of Books and Supplies-Mr. E. F. Parker.
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CHANGES IN TEACHING FORCE.
The changes in the teaching force during the year have been as follows :-
THIRD GRAMMAR.
Miss A. L. M. Buswell resigned to accept appointment else- where.
UPPER MEDIUM.
Miss Ella F. Wakefield promoted to Third grammar, the va- cancy being filled by the election of Miss Mary E. Murkland. Miss Murkland resigned during the winter on account of ill healt h.
LOWER MEDIUM.
Mrs. Alice W. Emerson promoted to the Upper medium, the vacancy being filled by the election of Miss Annie C. Lawrence.
UNION ST. UPPER PRIMARY.
Miss Lillian C. Roberts resigned.
CHESTNUT HILL PRIMARY.
Miss Mary W. Howard promoted to the Union street upper primary.
MAIN STREET SCHOOL.
Miss Annie P. Reid promoted to the Chestnut Hill primary, the vacancy being filled by the election of Miss M. Fannie Wilson.
HAVERHILL STREET SCHOOL.
Miss Susan C. Elliott succeeded by Miss Hattie F. Damon.
HIGH SCHOOL.
At the beginning of the year, eighty-six pupils were enrolled in this school. Twenty-one graduated in June with the usual hon- ors, their names appearing in the appendix. Forty-eight pupils
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entered the school in September, the total number enrolled at that time being one hundred and four. The entering class was not only the largest in numbers, but is considered the best prepared of any that has entered the school since it has been in charge of the present principal, and it is reported as having maintained its record for diligence and good behavior ever since. The principal reports that the illness of pupils has interfered with the work of the school during the last part of the winter term.
The advanced class, provided for under the four years' course, has proved successful. This class, by permission of the Commit- tee, has taken algebra instead of logic, the study prescribed in the course, in order to provide for the requirements for admission to the Institute of Technology, and to enable the pupils to extend their knowledge of mathematics. The principal states that the class in geometry in the three years' course has done considerable extra work in mechanical drawing during the year, of a very prac- tical nature. In the absence of drawing as a prescribed study, this class has developed especially marked ability in this direction, both in geometry and in connection with the study of physics. Another interesting feature of the ordinary work of the school is thus stated : " We have taken up from time to time general exer- cises based on facts obtained from the daily papers, and have attempted to notice the most important events of the day."
Classes in reading have been conducted four times a week, and the senior class is commended for particularly good work.
The Committee some time ago declined to grant excuses to pupils who desired to omit the exercises in music, and the benefits of this policy are now obvious. The boys are reported as giving the best singing heard from them in many years.
Contrary to the usual plan, the diplomas were presented to the graduating class in the school room, the exhibition in the church being omitted. This change was made by the class voluntarily, but was entirely satisfactory to the Committee, and, we believe, to all interested.
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GRAMMAR AND PRIMARY DEPARTMENTS.
Four hundred and fifty-nine pupils are at present enrolled in these schools.
The attendance during most of the year has been good, but during the winter months the prevalence of scarlet fever and measles has materially affected several schools, particularly the lower primaries. No cases of truancy of a serious nature have been brought to the attention of the Committee. The work of the schools would be improved if another grade were intro- duced between the primaries and the high school, thus giving an additional year's instruction before entering the latter ; and the advisability of forming an additional class to carry out this improvement will doubtless demand the attention of the Com- mittee in the near future.
STUDIES PURSUED.
Under this head we present abstracts of reports made to the Committee, by teachers of the different schools.
Reading. (1.) "The aim in reading has been to express ideas instead of reading words; to secure natural reading the pupil is asked to tell what he has read. The difficult words are pronounced clearly by the class in con- cert, and individually after the teacher. Concert exercises on vowel sounds have been given : also breathing exercises. In the study of a reading lesson, the pupils are taught to refer to the dictionary for pronunciation, rather than to the teacher. Instead of lessons from the reader, sometimes the pupils read from the history, geography, or physiology. Reading at sight has been limited, as the books for that purpose are beyond the capacity of the present class, and too few in number. I have several books of my own at the desk which I frequently use for sight reading, calling children to the front of the room, and insisting on their reading so plainly that all shall understand. Most children read well anything they can comprehend."
(2.) " My first effort in a reading class is to teach the pupils to under- stand and enjoy whatever they are reading. They study the lesson, and tell the story, or the meaning of what they have read, in language of their own. Then they read the words of the author with as much of the author's spirit as I can infuse into them, striving to obtain clear articulation and correct pronunciation."
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(3.) " In teaching reading, my aim has been to lead the pupil first to grasp the thought expressed, and then to train his voice to effectively render the passage. The first object has been attained by questions and talks about the reading lesson. Voice culture has been attained by means of vocal exercises on vowel and other sounds, and by breathing exercises to develop chest power. Special attention to distinct articulation has been insisted on."
(4.) " In reading I have used the reader, some occasional supplementary books, vocal drill, etc. Have stimulated interest and secured attention . sometimes, by allowing the class to question the pupil after he has read a paragraph."
(5.) " My method in teaching reading, is to aim that my pupils may grasp the thought and express it most naturally and effectively. I try to have them read by sentences a thought, rather than a word at a time, and aim to make thought govern expression always."
(6.) "The aim of the work in reading and spelling for this grade (primary) is to increase the vocabulary of the children. In teaching a new word, when practicable the object is first presented and its name given by the children. The word is then written on the board. Its form is studied until pupils can reproduce it upon their slates whenever the object is placed before them, or when the word is spoken. The class is then taught to use the new word in constructing sentences."
(7.) " I teach the beginners to read by the written word method, using the blackboard wholly for nearly three months. During this time and after they have books I aim to teach them to read as they would talk."
Spelling. (1.) "When I assign a spelling lesson, the meaning of each word is ascertained, and each is put into a sentence. At recitation time the lesson is written."
(2.) " Spelling has been largely written with oral lessons twice a week. Dictation exercises are frequent. Misspelled words in nearly all written exercises, such as compositions and examinations, have been marked, and in written examinations one per cent for every three words misspelled has been deducted from the mark otherwise obtained by the pupil. In taking up the review questions in Warren's geography, answers have been fre- quently written on the board by pupils, and errors corrected by the class. The spelling of proper names has been much improved in this way."
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(3.) " In spelling our work is largely written, though I occasionally give an oral lesson to teach articulation. Usually the pupils are given a list of words, which they are to study, looking for the pronunciation and meaning n their dictionaries. They are then asked to introduce these words into sentences.
I have this year insisted on correct spelling in all written examinations, the pupil losing part of his mark for every misspelled word. The result is very satisfactory to me."
(4.) " In spelling, while they read in the primer, (primary grade) each pupil spells at sight every new word that occurs. When they begin the second reader they spell the words arranged at the beginning of the lessons, orally and write them. Every day I give one word in the lesson to build a sentence on, to help them in writing and spelling and lead them to express themselves easily about objects and things with which they are familiar."
(5.) " I teach spelling in connection with the reading, and find I have much better results than by using sets of words half of which children can not understand. After the reading I give words to learn which are to be found in their reading, and which they will have occasion to use."
(6.) "I have been teaching phonetic spelling in the lower classes, gradually exchanging this for the common method as the children become more acquainted with the forms of words."
Numbers. (1.) "Numbers are taught from illustrations, leading the pupils to perceive the principles, and to make application of them."
(2.) " Frequent reviews have been made of fractions. Practical exam- ples have been given constantly, and the effort made to have the children do more work with the head and less with the pencil. The children usually perform their work in arithmetic, and leave the explanation of the examples until the next morning. A night's sleep often clears the brain wonderfully."
(3.) "The work of my class in numbers has been fairly satisfactory. I have given more drill than ever this year in mental arithmetic, rapid calculation, the making of change, etc. The pupils show a gain in power to work independently, self-reliance being rigidly insisted upon in all their work."
(4.) "In teaching the elements of numbers, I have used splints and blocks, and sought to lead pupils to observe for themselves, and state their observations. In the four fundamental rules, addition, subtraction, multi- plication, and division, there is necessarily much mechanical work. The rapidity and accuracy of execution vary with different classes."
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(5.) My method of teaching fractions is, first, a development of ideas of fractional numbers by actual handling of parts of things ; so I have prepared a set of rulers and discs for school use. Second, I believe in oral drill to fix the facts, and to train to rapidity of calculation. Third, application in prac- tical problems of knowledge gained."
(6.) " The facts of each number are systematically taught with splints and numerical frame. The facts thus shown are committed to memory, written on slates, and repeated as tables."
(7.) " Numbers I teach objectively in a great measure, almost entirely so with the beginners. In all my classes in numbers I have a great deal of drill in rapid addition, combination, and separation of numbers."
(8.) "I am at present using Grube's method with the youngest pupils, and shall continue to do so with all who begin that study with me."
History. (1.) " History is a study which the children generally find entertaining. I always go through with the advance lesson with them, showing them the important points, and telling any stories connected with the day's work. I have several histories at the desk, which they use freely."
(2.) " The pupils have a number of histories from which they obtain in- formation concerning logically arranged topics prepared for them. Causes and effects, together with the peculiarities of the various historical charac- ters, are discussed. Continued reviews and drill fix the facts in the mind."
Language. (1.) "Some attention has been given to simple analysis, and the pupils show an improvement in their ability to think. Incorrect sen - tences are corrected, and the reason given. The mistakes in punctuation and spelling in composition work are frequently put upon the board, and the pupils find out how to make them right. Selections from standard authors are learned, and copied neatly into blank books."
(2.) "The work in language for the year has consisted of dictation and composition exercises, the study of principles of correct writing and speak- ing, technical grammar, and incorrect syntax."
(3.) " Language is taught both with and without the book, from board and oral exercises ; our aim being variety, so as to make the study interesting."
Music. (1.) " In music the children are slowly learning to read at sight. Three-part music is sung; the boys working hard to sustain their part."
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(2.) "In music my pupils have progressed far beyond what I had thought possible. At the beginning of the year they lacked confidence in singing to such a degree that it was almost impossible to get them to sing the simplest exercise without aid. Now they sing readily two-part music, and write the scales they have studied, and have made good progress in the study of time."
(3.) "In music, we have read and sung pieces in different keys, have had drill in time, and the use of the French time-names."
(4.) " The work in music under the present director is satisfactory, and enjoyed by the pupils."
Drawing. (1.) " In drawing, the pupils have made working plans of objects and given some slight attention to object-drawing. They have made original designs for tiles, carpets, wall paper and borders. They have also done the work in copying which the drawing book prescribes, and some geometrical forms in free-hand."
(2.) " In drawing, the children have been led to make working plans of simple objects, as bands, plates, fans, etc The pupils have shown much interest in simple exercises in design. Some elements for these have been forms of flowers which they have conventionalized for themselves. Some slight attention has been given to object drawing, but it is beyond my grade, at present. I have sought to train the eye by leading the pupils to estimate the proportions of different lines, in their working plans. The improve- ment in this direction has been satisfactory."
(3.) " In drawing we have taken the plane figures, circle and its parts, one or two original designs, and have drawn from objects, besides nearly finishing our free-hand book."
(4.) " In drawing, the work has been mostly from dictation, combined with designing exercises, using squares and circles on which to build."
Physiology and Hygiene. (1.) " We have had lessons in physiology, perhaps twice a week. The object has not been for the pupils to memorize the facts simply, but the important subjects have been discussed with in- terest, and I hope with profit."
(2.) " No hour is looked forward to with more pleasure than that spent studying physiology. The text book provided has been our guide, but in- formation has been gathered from many other sources."
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(3.) "In the study of temperance hygiene, the pupils have become quite enthusiastic. We usually consider our lesson by the use of a topical out- line put on the board before the study hour. The pupil is not confined to the text book, but is encouraged to bring in information from all sources."
(4.) " The children are very much interested in the subject, and are anxious for the day to come on which we have lessons in these books."
(5.) " In hygiene we have had daily lessons since the introduction of the study, until two weeks ago; since then twice a week. The pupils are all interested in the study."
(6.) "We have used the temperance physiologies, as readers, and had familiar talks on the subjects therein."
(7.) "In hygiene the children show great interest, and their examina- tions indicate a clear understanding of the subjects studied. I have per- formed several of the experiments indicated in the text book, showing the properties and effects of alcohol."
(8.) "The Child's Health Primer has awakened an interest in the study of the human body and the laws of health."
(9.) "I have been able to get even my youngest children interested in temperance and hygiene, and can see good results even now."
Geography. (1.) "In geography we have considered South America and Europe. We take up each continent by topics. The class has a topical outline given to it, and the pupil is referred to the text book for information regarding each topic. At first it is necessary for me to go over the lesson with the class, but they soon learn to consult their text books for themselves. Of course surface, rivers, and other physical features are found by consult- ing maps. I have found that productions, such as wheat, coal, etc., are better impressed on the mind if we regard each as occurring in belts ; and the pupil is sometimes asked to draw an outline map of a continent, and represent upon it the wheat belt, the coal fields, etc."
The foregoing extracts have been given with considerable ful- ness, because they present an accurate view of the work now being done in our schools. They show that our teachers are striv- ing to follow rational methods of instruction, and in many respects indicate a distinct advance beyond the routine work of the past. Such an advance it is gratifying to note.
١
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NEW SCHOOL HOUSE.
Last year, in obedience to the instructions of the town at a previous meeting, the Committee reported estimates for certain alterations in the John street and Union Hall buildings, to better accommodate the centre primary schools. The need of better rooms for these schools has for several years been urgently pre- sented by the Committee.
The action of the town at its last meeting, however, was con- fined to appropriating the sum of $250 for the purpose of leasing temporary quarters for the Lower primary, the tone of the dis- cussion seeming favorable to further action upon the main question at the end of the present year.
It was thought that a building near the centre of the town might in the mean time be leased for the sum appropriated. The Committee have been unable to secure such a building, and the old school room, entirely inadequate and sanitarily deficient as it is, has been occupied up to the present time. The Committee during the present year have discussed the subject, and have considered the remodeling of the Union Hall building, with the erection of wings upon each side to contain entries and stairways, and have also secured estimates for the erection of a new four-room building properly arranged with adequate clothes-rooms, etc.
The remodeling of Union Hall is estimated to cost from $3,000 to $3,500. The new building can be built for a sum not exceeding $7,000. The Committee have carefully considered both proposi- tions, and unanimously recommend the town to erect a new build- ing. The matter will come before the annual meeting under an appropriate article.
COMMITTEE VACANCIES.
Two vacancies in the Committee are to be filled at the ensuing town meeting. The terms of Messrs. Stillman E. Parker and Edward F. Parker expire.
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APPROPRIATIONS.
The Committee recommend that the town raise and appropriate the sum of $8,300 for regular school expenses, and they also recommend that $1,400 be raised and appropriated for incidental school expenses, including the purchase of text books and sup- plies.
Attention is called to the statistics, and to the report of re- ceipts and expenditures contained in the Appendix.
Respectfully submitted,
HORACE G. WADLIN, CARROLL D. WRIGHT, EDWARD F. PARKER, STILLMAN E. PARKER, JAMES A. BANCROFT, GILMAN L. PARKER,
School Committee
of Reading.
ADOPTED IN SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
March 22, 1886.
Table Showing Salaries, Attendance, and Number of Visitors.
NAMES OF SCHOOLS.
TEACHERS NOW EMPLOYED.
SALARIES NOW PAID.
1st Term.
2d Term.
3d Term.
1st Term.
2d Term.
3d Term.
Pupils during year under 5 years.
( E. P. Fitts, Principal.
$1,200 00 per year,
High School
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Miss Mary L. Stinchfield, 1st Assistant.
15 00 per week.
( Miss Cora F. Adams, 2d Assistant. .
9 00
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