USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1886-1895 > Part 14
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790
Cruise of the Canoe Club. W. L. Alden
766
Dear Daughter Dorothy. A. G. Plympton.
795
Deeds Worth Telling. Edward A. Rand
811 761
Down South. Wm. T. Adams
736
English Fairy Tales. Compiled by Joseph Jacobs.
802
Eyebright. Susan Coolidge
763
Five Little Peppers. Margaret Sidney
753
Five Little Peppers Midway. Margaret Sidney
754
Freedom Triumphant. C. C. Coffin. 807
735
Hector. Flora L. Shaw.
764
In Freedom's Cause. G. A. Henty .
748
Jolly Good Times at School. P. Thorne
762
Jo's Opportunity. Lucy C. Lillie.
769
Julia Ried. Mrs. G. L. Alden.
775
Just Sixteen. Susan Coolidge.
734
Kelp-Gatherers. J. T. Trowbridge 770
Kingdom of Coins. J. Bradley Gilman . . . .
800
Captains of Industry, Second Series. James Parton
779
Boy's Town, A. W. D. Howells.
Down the West Branch. C. A. J. Farrar.
Going South. Wm. T. Adams
( 57 )
Leonard and Gertrude. Pestalozzi 778
Little Cookie Boy ...
741
Little He and She. Grace D. Litchfield. 812
Little Jarvis. Molly E. Seawell
796 765
Little Red Shop. Margaret Sidney .
733
Little Saint Elizabeth. Mrs. Burnett.
744
Log School-House on the Columbia. H. Butterworth 799
Marching to Victory. C. C. Coffin
805
Merry Hearts and True. M. C. Crowley
732
Ned in the Block-House. E. S. Ellis
782
Ned in the Woods. E. S. Ellis.
783
Our Little Men and Women.
808
Pig's Chowder Party.
743
Prince Vance. E. Putnam and Arlo Bates.
797
Pussy's Queer Babies.
742
Queen Hildegarde. Laura E. Richards
Queer Dollies.
774 740 792
Redeeming the Republic. C. C. Coffin.
806
Red Mountain of Alaska. Willis B. Allen
803
Red Mustang, The. Wm. O. Stoddard.
793
Rolf House. Lucy C. Lillie. .
768
St. George for England. G. A. Henty.
747
Sophomores of Radcliffe. E. Kellogg
756
Spark of Genius. E. Kellogg .. 755 791
760
Sweet William. Margaret Bouvet.
798
Through the Looking-Glass. Lewis Carroll 752
771
Tim and Tip. James Otis .
767 759
Under Drake's Flag. G. A. Henty .
750
Up and Down the Brooks. Mary E. Bamford
737
Up the North Branch. C. A. J. Farrar 780
757
Winning His Spurs. E. Kellogg
758
Young Adventurer. H. Alger.
786
Young Explorer. H. Alger
788
Young Miner. H. Alger.
787
Young Wild-Fowler. H. Castlemon
781
Young Folks' History of Queens of Scotland. Rosalie Kaufman. 2 vols.
776-7
L
Coolidge, Susan. Verses
189
Kathrina. J. G. Holland 76 .
Ned on the River. E. S. Ellis.
784
Rab and His Friends. Dr. John Brown.
Stories Told at Twilight. L. C. Moulton
Stout Heart, A. E. Kellogg.
Through Magic Glasses. Arabella B. Buckley
Turning of the Tide. E. Kellogg.
Whispering Pine, The. E. Kellogg
Little Miss Weezy. Penn Shirley.
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Poems of America. Edited by H. W. Longfellow. 3 vols. 186-8 Poetry, Comedy, and Duty. C. C. Everett 24
M
Birds in the Bush. Bradford Torrey 314
Brampton Sketches. Mary B. Claflin . 634
Bright Skies and Dark Shadows. Henry M. Field 611 Complete Angler, The. Isaac Walton .. 618
Confessions of an Opium Eater. T. DeQuincy 617
Co-operative Savings and Loan Associations. Seymour
Dexter. 406
Curious Myths of the Middle Ages. S. Baring-Gould
623
Erskine, Lord, Speeches of. E. Walford.
Familiar Studies of Men and Books. R. L. Stevenson 636
640
Fifty Years Ago. Walter Besant ..
115
Following the Guidon. Elizabeth B. Custer
624
Fresh Fields. John Burroughs .
621
German Literature, History of. W. Scherer. 2 vols 612-13
Girls and Women. E. Chester
225
Great War Syndicate. Frank R. Stockton.
635
House and Home Papers. Mrs. H. B. Stowe.
633
Humorous Masterpieces. Edited by E. T. Mason. 3 vols. 628-30 In Darkest England and the Way Out. Gen. Booth 639
Indoor Studies. John Burroughs ..
620
Literary History of England in Nineteenth Century. Oliphant. 3 vols .. 614-16
Mrs.
Literary Landmarks. Mary E. Burt.
566
Little Foxes. Mrs. H. B. Stowe.
632
Orations and After-Dinner Speeches. Chauncey M. Depew, 622
Outings at Odd Times. C. C. Abbot
631
Over the Teacups. O. W. Holmes.
637
People I've Smiled With. Marshall P. Wilder Samantha Among the Brethren. Marietta Holley
281
Signs and Seasons. John Burroughs.
619
Society as I Have Found It. Ward McAllister
130
Spanish Literature, History of. Geo. Ticknor. 3 vols .. . . State Board of Health, N. H., Seventh Annual Report 625
608-10
Views and Reviews. W. E. Henley 626
N
Cyclopedia, Annual, 1889 91
Cyclopedia, Index, 1876 to 1887. 92
Familiar Allusions. Wm. A. Wheeler and C. G. Wheeler. 87
Familiar Short Sayings of Great Men. Samuel A. Bent .. 88
Shakespeare-Lexicon. Alex. Schmidt. 2 vols. 89-90
!
638
59 )
PAMPHLETS.
A
Gifford, Stephen N. Complimentary Dinner .. 10 State Library. Report of Librarian, 1886, 1889. 2 vols ... 11-12
B
Consular Reports. Nos. 106-122.
72-87
Consular Reports, Index. Nos. 60-111.
88
Consular Reports, Special.
Carpet Manufacture in Foreign Countries 89
90
European Emigration . 91
Fruit Culture in Foreign Countries
92
Malt and Beer in Spanish America.
93
Refrigerators and Food Preservation in Foreign Coun- tries 94
Bureau of Education.
Dictionary Catalogue. Charles A. Cutter 95
Education in Alabama. 1702-1889. . 96
97
English-Eskimo and Eskimo-English Vocabularies. . . Federal and State Aid to Higher Education.
98
Honorary Degrees as Conferred in American Colleges. Indian Education.
100
Mathematics, Teaching and History of in U.S National Educational Association
101
Cornell University Register, 1889-90.
108
Director of Mint, Report of, 1889
103
Navigation, Report of Commissioner, 1890.
104
Paris Exhibition, Official Catalogue of U. S. Exhibits, 1889,
109
Trade and Transportation between U. S. and Spanish America
105
United States Elections. Speech of Hon. Geo. F. Hoar .. .
106
University of Pennsylvania. Catalogue and Announce-
ments, 1889-90 107
99
102
Cotton Textiles in Foreign Countries
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE,
OF THE
TOWN OF WESTFORD, MASS.,
FOR THE
SCHOOL YEAR ENDING MARCH 1, 1891.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1890-91.
F. A. FISHER, Chairman. J. S. MOULTON, Sec'y. JEREMIAH DESMOND.
A. R. CHOATE. A. G. POLLEY. JOHN H. HORAN.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1891-2.
A. R. CHOATE, - -
-
J. S. MOULTON, - -
-
-
- Term expires 1893.
Term expires 1893.
- - Term expires 1894.
- Term expires 1894.
-
- Term expires 1892. Term expires 1892. -
A. G. POLLEY, - JOHN H. HORAN,
- -
-
-
REPORT.
Fellow Citizens and Friends :
The following report of the condition of our public schools for the year ending March Ist, 1891, is most respect- fully submitted :
Number of school-houses, - IO
Number of school-rooms (all occupied), -
15
Number of sittings (about), - -
525 Number of terms in school year, - - -
3 I and 3), -
Number of day's sessions (each school except Nos.
180
Total number of day's sessions, - - 2675
Number of children enumerated by assessors, May, 1890, - - - - -
- 335
Number of different pupils registered, - - 430 -
Average membership for the year, - - 317.72
Average attendance for the year, - - 284.41 - Per cent. of attendance based on membership, 90
Number of pupils over 15 years of age, -
7 Number of pupils under 5 five years of age, -
4
Number of different teachers employed during the year, - -
21
Number of tardinesses, -
-
595
Average number of days lost by absence (per pupil), - - 22
Average number of days lost by all schools (see table, Appendix A), - -
-
620
-
Number of visits by superintendent,
-
-
Visits by other members of the committee, -
-
185
6
The above statistics refer to the day schools.
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The following show the facts in regard to the evening schools at Graniteville :
Number of pupils enrolled, -
- 68
Average attendance per session, -
- -
48
-
2
Average cost per pupil,
- $2.09
Average cost per session,
.06 -
A detailed account of the cost of the evening schools will be found in another place.
From a study of the statistics given above several facts will appear. It will be seen that in the last three years there has been a considerable falling off in the number of children of school age reported by the assessors, and that we have a correspondingly smaller number of pupils in our schools. (See Reports for 1887-88.)
This is probably explained by the fact that many who, a few years ago, were in our schools have now become of that age when " necessity is laid on them" to do for themselves and they have passed out of the school-room to take their places among the world's wage-earners, while new-comers have not yet supplied the vacancies. In some sections of the town where a few years ago we had schools of twenty-five or thirty pupils we have now scarcely half that number ; and the tendency seems likely to be downward for some time, unless there shall come a revival of " ye anciente cus- tome " of large families or a new influx of population.
The above table also shows that our children have not had as many days' schooling as they should have had or as it was the intention of the committee to give them. This is owing to several causes - chiefly sickness and the fact that our schools were closed one week sooner than was intended in order that the vote of the town might be carried out and this report appear with the reports of other town officers. It will appear, too, that of the whole number of days' sessions (2675) a large number (620) were lost by non-attendance ; also that instances of tardiness were numerous. Here again
Number of sessions, - -
- 36
Number of teachers employed,
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the sufficient reason is, probably, sickness, colds, bad weather, and, perhaps in a few instances, indifference.
Of course with all these obstacles against them, not all schools have made the progress desirable. Some have done excellent work ; others, especially unfortunate, through sick- ness and frequent necessary changes of teacher, have not suc- ceeded so well. But there has been no failure of interest or of endeavor. All who have been in any way connected with our schools have faithfully tried to do their best, and the work has, perhaps, been as good as could be expected under the circumstances. Especially should a word be said in com- mendation of those teachers who began their work during the year and who have had to meet the trials of a first ex- perience. They have brought to their work great fidelity and an earnest desire for success, and their endeavors have generally been crowned with success. Two teachers, not strangers to their work but strangers to our town, have been employed, but with much satisfaction. Both declined to re- turn on account of low wages.
TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
Early in the fall, by invitation of your committee, a local Teachers' Institute was held in Graniteville, with the following programme.
9.00 A. M. Opening exercises.
9.IO A. M. Duties of Teachers, Sec. J. W. Dickinson.
10.05 A. M. Arithmetic, - Agent Geo. A. Walton.
10.55 A. M. Geography, -
- Mr. F. F. Murdock.
11.45 A. M. History, - - Agent Geo. H. Martin.
12.30 P. M. Recess for collation.
1.30 P. M. Physiology and Hygiene, - Mr. Murdock.
2.30 P. M. Reading with Class, Supt. I. Freeman Hall. 3.30 P. M. Drawing, - Agent Henry T. Bailey.
Teachers and school officers from three other towns were invited, about sixty being in attendance. This was a most interesting meeting and decidedly beneficial to our teachers. Besides the superintendent, one busy member of
(
66 )
your committee gave his entire day to the " Institute," and was so clearly impressed with its value that he said "We ought to have a meeting like that every year." That is true. It would greatly advantage our schools if we could do this. To hear the principles underlying their work explained-to see the best methods illustrated- is what our teachers need. They are quick to take suggestions. Why can we not have such meetings oftener ? The thanks of the committee and of the town are due to the people of Graniteville (several of whom were present at the " Institute ") for their willing and abundant hospitality.
-
SCHOOL WORK AND METHODS.
The work of our schools is not characterized by great variety from year to year. It has differed in no essential respects from the work of former years; neither have the methods employed. Monthly examinations have been given by the teachers, and in addition to this the superintendent has frequently given either oral or written examinations.
The endeavor has been to base our work upon recog- nized educational principles so far as these are understood. But as to the method of applying these principles it should be understood that we have no cut and dried method which each teacher is compelled to follow. On the contrary, each teacher is allowed large individual liberty. She is expected to understand clearly what she wishes to accomplish and why, and then to reach the given end in the best way possi- sible to her under the conditions and circumstances which are hers. Teachers are supplied with a course of study - now needing revision-and are expected to accomplish certain re- sults each year. But the only requirement of the committee is that they " get there," in whatever way or by whatever method may seem best; always keeping in mind, however, certain general principles, which have, perhaps, been suf- ciently explained in two previous reports. In fact the methods employed in our schools differ considerably - each teacher following largely her own way, and there is no
( 67 )
desire or effort to cramp teachers or limit individuality. Our rule is rather in essentials, unity and uniformity in de- tails, variety and individuality. We know no better way.
SUPERINTENDENT'S WORK.
The superintendent has made something more than one hundred and eighty visits to the schools, and has tried to keep watch of their progress. He has, as stated, given fre- quent test-work in arithmetic, language and geography. These tests are not given to see how difficult work the pupil can do. On the contrary, they are generally easier than the work done day by day with the teacher. But the form of a question may be different from the book form or the teacher's form, and thus the child's ability to think is measured, the ruts are avoided, and greater independence secured. In this way, too, the superintendent discovers which schools are keeping up to the required standard and which are falling below it. This work should be continued, and, if possible, given more frequently. It helps both pupils and teachers.
The superintendent is glad to say that, in most instances, the results of the test-work were satisfactory-in some cases eminently so. Two or three schools gave an average of ninety per cent. or more of correct answers. The monthly examinations and reports to the parents are helpful, also, we think, in keeping a closer connection between the school and the home.
SCHOOL PROPERTY.
The school property is in as good condition as can be expected. Janitors have exercised care and school-carpen- ter Drew looks after such details as he is notified of by the committee or teachers, who are instructed to inform him when little matters demand attention. It is the policy of the committee to prevent waste, when possible, by remembering the " stitch in time."
It will be remembered that the town raised $250.00 to paint school-houses. With this money the school-buildings at
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Graniteville, Forge Village, and Westford Center were re- painted at an expense of $211.05. Some others may need painting the coming year. Some of the books have been in use for a long time and will have to be replaced by new ones, but most teachers and pupils have exercised care in the use of books and few have been needlessly injured.
In one school, however-that at Minot's Corner-injury was done. The school-house was entered several times and books to the value of four to five dollars were destroyed or mutilated in such a manner as to be practically worthless, and notes of an offensive character were left about the room. The matter created considerable excitement and was brought to the attention of the committee by the people of that sec- tion who were anxious to preserve the good name of their school and neighborhood. As soon as the matter became known to the committee measures were taken to ascertain who the perpetrators were, if possible. But, as the nuisance ceased, these measures were not pressed, although vigilance has not ceased. It is to be hoped for the good name of our town that there may be no recurrence of the trouble. It is an unmanly spirit which resorts to such acts.
FLAGS FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
During the year past several of our schools caught the enthusiasm of other places and, through the efforts of teach- ers and the liberality of citizens, four of our school buildings -viz. : that at the Centre, Graniteville, Stony Brook and Minot's Corner-were adorned with beautiful flags and suit- able staffs. This is a movement the committee are glad to commend. It is quite in harmony with the desire of the Commonwealth and the purpose of our public school system, which is not only to give mental training, to make scholars, but also to develop loyal, law-abiding citizens of our great republic. The state desires to foster the sentiment of patriotism. It now requires the session of school preceding Memorial Day to be set apart for exercises of a commemo-
( 69
rative or patriotic nature. The raising of flags on school buildings is another step in the same direction.
There is deep significance in the efforts made to interest children in the flag and that which the flag represents. Our children should be taught that they owe something to the government under which they live. They should be imbued with the feeling that our institutions are worthy of their highest regard. They should realize that the blessings which they enjoy have been obtained at the cost of great sacrifice, of which our flag is the symbol. Nowhere can this be taught better than in the public school. This is an institution - the most democratic in existence - designed for the benefit of every child irrespective of condition. Here, the children of rich and poor, of native born and foreign born, sit side by side and have equal advantages. In our Commonwealth not only are buildings, teachers and books furnished free of expense to every pupil, but the law requires that all children of a certain age shall receive a certain amount of schooling ; and our Commonweal this part of a larger whole in which the same is largely true. In all parts of our nation some provision is made for public education. And all this is done that the life of our nation may be pro- tected ; that we may have a population intelligent and loyal, loving the spirit and genius of our republican institutions.
Surely then it is fitting that in the schools our children should be early taught to appreciate their privileges and to respect the symbol of a nation which makes such generous provision for the education of all. The banner floating above the school-house or adorning the school-room walls, will help do this. A knowledge of its story will advance the study of history ; an understanding of what it has cost in sacrifice and suffering will tend to develop the love of country, and to promote respect for those who risked their lives in its defense. The flag, then, is a symbol which has a place in every school. May the time come when each school shall have one.
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VENTILATION.
The attention of the people of this state has been espec- ially called, of late, to the subject of school sanitation and ยท ventilation. In accordance with the provisions of the law (Secs. I and 2, Chap. 149, Acts 1888), state inspectors have examined into the condition of school buildings in all parts of the Commonwealth, with special reference to ventilation, and have made their reports to the proper authorities. The sub- ject has been much discussed throughout the state. We will not enter upon it save to say that in February, 1890, the fol- lowing communication was received from the State :
[Form No. 18.]
IN THE SERVICE OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
DISTRICT POLICE.
DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTION OF FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS. OFFICE, COMMOWEALTH BUILDING. BOSTON, Feb. 20, 1890.
To A. R. Choate, School Committee of Westford :
SIR : - In compliance with the provisions of the Statutes of the Commonwealth relating to the inspection of factories and pub- lic buildings, on the 18th day of February, 1890, I inspected the District No. 3, Forge Village School, in Westford, and you are hereby notified that there should be better means of ventilation in said building.
Properly arranged ducts or flues should be provided of suitable size to carry off the vitiated air, and heat or mechanical power should be applied to secure a sufficient and uniform draught in said flues. Changes should also be made in the method of heating, by which the rooms will be supplied with pure, warm air, not over- heated.
JOHN T. WHITE,
Inspector of Factories and Public Buildings.
Approved. RUFUS R. WADE, Chief Inspector.
As the need of better ventilation at this school was very evident and the attention of the town had been called to this fact in the last report of the committee, and especially as at that time there was no appeal from this verdict of the superior
( 71 )
power, and one duty only was clear, it did not seem wise to disregard the above communication.
Accordingly, Inspector White was invited to meet the school committee at Forge Village, explain to them what was needed and suggest plans. He did so. And, after in- vestigating several systems and learning something of the experience of other towns, a contract was awarded to the Middlesex Machine Company, of Lowell, to put in a system of heating and ventilating which was being introduced into Lowell schools and those of other places, the expense to be five hundred sixty-four (564) dollars, exclusive of carpenter work, " everything except the furnace to be put in before September Ist," (1890), "and that not later than the first Saturday in September,"-the company guaranteeing to make the work satisfactory to the state officials. It was be- lieved that this system would be, on the whole, the cheapest and most satisfactory.
Accordingly, work was begun and the appliances were slowly put in order ; and just now, after what seems like a series of experiments the company has succeeded in effecting an arrangement by which both rooms are well heated ; and, with changes which have been quite recently made, the com- pany are confident that the system will work with satisfaction and will soon be accepted. This is the most your committee can report. It remains to be seen whether the system will do the work expected of it.
The subject of ventilation is not a popular one, espec- ially in countryt owns where it is often said, though unwisely : "There is no need of ventilation ; the pure air will get in ; the difficulty is, not to get air but to keep warm." This is in part true. The pure air will get in but the bad air will not get out; and ventilation consists in effecting such a change a's will remove the foul (vitiated) air.
Still it must be confessed that there is force in the objec- tions made and that public sentiment is not ripe for many changes, especially for such sweeping changes as have in some instances been demanded.
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A law requiring a certain number of cubic feet of fresh air to be supplied to a school-room each hour may be an unwise law for country towns, at least. Certainly its require- ments will not be made generally applicable till there is a stronger feeling for their necessity. Still such is the law, and neither state officials nor town authorities have any right to disregard it and yet claim to be law-abiding citizens. Probably the better way is to labor to effect such a modifica- tion of the law as shall allow discrimination and be more just to the smaller towns. One difficulty with the whole matter is that nobody seems to know just what to do to rem- edy defects and do away with evils which are acknowledged. And so long as " Doctors disagree " the public cannot be expected to become very enthusiastic.
EVENING SCHOOLS.
It will be remembered that one year ago the town generously granted $150 for the purpose of an evening school at Graniteville. With that money the committee have maintained an evening school for twelve weeks, the statistics concerning which will be found elsewhere (see tables). Two rooms have been occupied and two teachers employed. The instruction has been confined to reading, writing, arith- metic and a little language work.
Considerable interest has been manifested and com- mendable progress made by those who have attended regu- larly. The teachers of this school report as follows : " The school has been well attended. The desire for knowledge shown by the majority of the pupils has been highly gratify- ing. Mr. A. R. Choate has taken a lively interest in the school, and much of its success is due to his efforts in its behalf."
The superintendent bears witness to the excellent order of these schools; they were the stillest schools he visited. Those present were evidently there for work and nothing else ; and, as the teachers said, it was a pleasure to help them they were so anxious to help themselves. It is believed
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