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GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01845 7306
ANNUAL REPORTS
GC 974.202 C74SC, 1872
OF THE
SCHOOLS IN THE CITY OF CONCORD,
TOGETHER WITH THE
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
FOR THE YEAR 1872.
PENACO OK, 1725.
WAS Q
853.
TIO
CONCORD
CITY_ CHARTERA
ADOPTED
CONCORD: PRINTED BY THE REPUBLICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1872.
Allen County Public Library
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOLS IN THE CITY OF CONCORD,
TOGETHER WITH THE
MAYOR'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
1
FOR THE YEAR 1872.
PENACOOK, 1725.
WA
ADOPTED CITY- CHARTERA
CONCORD: PRINTED BY THE REPUBLICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION.
- 1872.
ANNUAL REPORTS
OF THE
SCHOOLS IN THE CITY OF CONCORD.
THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, WARDS 1, 2, 3 AND 7.
To the City Council :
The Superintending School Committee of the city of Concord respectfully submit their annual report for the year ending March, 1872 :
Your Superintending School Committee have given the proportion of time and labor due each school, in each ward under their supervision. In some cases we have been called to consider the general interest of the districts, as well as the special interests of the schools in the districts. As the result of our experience in these two departments of labor, we have arrived at more definite knowledge of some of the districts than we should had we simply spoken with and to the teachers and scholars in the schools : for back of these- . with the parents-we consider is determined largely the success or failure of each term. This we recognize to be emphatically true in the districts with which we have had to do, as they have the general characteristics of village and country districts rather than those formed by the customs of the city.
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We deem it but justice to report that, in most cases, the parents have cheerfully cooperated with the committee and the teachers, and have shown a real interest by frequently visiting the schools. The teachers' returns from several districts show the visitors to be nearly, and in one case to exceed, one hundred.
The teachers generally have been well qualified for their tasks. Indeed, the prudential committees have been very fortunate in securing teachers of experience; which fact, without doubt, has been one reason for so universal success. The teachers have had a will to do ; and their faithfulness, to the extent of sacrificing their own time in many cases, merits the gratitude of all interested in those taught. Not only have the teachers been well qualified and self-sacrific- ing, but in other ways have they shown that they have a true idea of what their position as teachers is, and that they appreciate in no small degree the responsibility of the trusts reposed in them. Care has been taken by some of the teach- ers to report, in connection with the other text books, " the holy Bible."
We are glad to be able to report a growing interest in school architecture ; also, improvement in proper classifica- tion. Considerable has been done in these directions the past year. As a whole, the school buildings are in excellent condition, but to the rule may be found one or two woful exceptions. As the result from one of these exceptional cases, the law "requiring the attendance of scholars " has been violated by half the scholars in the district in their absence the winter term. The responsibility of this, under the circumstances, must rest on the district, as the house remains as it is because of disgraceful wrangling among the inhabitants. For condition of school, see " particular remarks " in District No. 13.
Some of the districts are so reduced in scholars that some change is advisable. For instance : District No. 6 had only four scholars-only three legally ; District No. 5
5
had five scholars in summer and ten in winter. These dis- tricts being contiguous, might. profitably unite. Also District No. 2 being so near Fisherville, indeed a part of the village, and the village having greater advantages in every respect, it might be wise for a union here.
The present board of committee join with the previous committees in urging the importance of districts furnishing apparatus to the schools. Maps and globes seem to us in- dispensable to the best progress in education. For further particulars we add reports of each district ; also, statistical table at the end.
GEORGE G. HARRIMAN, HERBERT R. HOWES, ISAAC M. ABBOTT, Superintending School Committee.
DISTRICT No. 1.
Three terms have been open the past year ; two of nine weeks each, and one of twelve. The successive teachers were Mary R. Webster, Anna W. Heath, and William E. Walker. All these are experienced teachers : under their care the school made steady improvement, which would have been increased by making less changes of instructors. Dis- cipline was correct ; proficiency in studies good. Special mention is due the school under the care of Mr. Walker. Mr. W. is a pupil of our State Normal School ; and the gratifying progress of the school under his care can be traced to the improved methods of instruction which he brought from Plymouth. It should also be said that he had previously taught in the district.
We would suggest to the district that either by special tax or by voluntary contribution they shall increase the school money, and thus lengthen the school. They thus would have equal privileges with our best village schools. G.
1
6
DISTRICT No. 2.
The two terms of school have been under the respective care of Mary D. Fife and John A. Rowell. It was Miss Fife's first endeavor in the class-room ; she is also a resi- dent of the district. Yet, under both disadvantages, she persevered to an encouraging result. The school made progress under her instruction.
Illness of the teacher-Mr. Rowell-brought the second term to an unexpected close; consequently we are unable to indicate its condition under his care. Visits during the term found the discipline mild but firm, and the instruc- tion careful and systematic.
From the nearness of this district to Fisherville with its graded system, we would advise a union with District No. 20. G.
DISTRICT No. 4.
Both terms were under the instruction of Sarah P. Car- ter, a tried and successful teaher. The number of scholars was small ; in consequence the school made decided advance in studies and deportment. The punctuality, decorum, and studiousness of the scholars have been commendable. The Hillard series of Readers were introduced in the last term. G.
DISTRICT No. 5.
Lottie M. Wallace was teacher during the year. The wisdom of retaining the teacher became evident. Constant improvement was the result. Miss W. is gentle, though thorough, in her discipline; patient in imparting instruction, and conscientious in every duty. The school appeared well. A good degree of interest was manifested by the patrons.
DISTRICT No. 6. G.
Miss Etta F. Smyth was teacher the first term, and Miss Sarah F. Ballard the second term. Four scholars were in
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attendance. They were obedient, interested, and diligent. Ex- cellent proficiency was attained in reading and in arithmetic.
The school is so small in numbers and the pupils of such age and attainments as to require so few classes that the teacher must bring and keep her own enthusiasm for the work itself. The teachers have done this with commenda- ble success. It is always pleasant to visit this school. G.
DISTRICT No. 7.
The summer term, of ten weeks, was taught by Miss Carrie B. Cottrell .. Although this was her first attempt at teaching, she succeeded in giving general satisfaction. Miss C. has a peculiar fondness for small children, and she easily wins the affections of her scholars. To the regret of many parents and scholars in this district, Miss. C. (having the offer of a school in the city) could not be engaged for the fall term.
The fall term, of eleven weeks, was taught by Miss Ida F. Dennett; this was also her first school. Teaching, like every other business, needs practice. Miss D. is a thorough scholar, and, without doubt, with experience will make a good teacher. The closing examination, which was wit- nessed by quite a number of parents and friends, was cred- itable to both teacher and scholars. A dialogue was well performed by several of the older girls, who received much praise from those who heard it. A.
DISTRICT No. 8.
The summer term, of ten weeks, was taught by Miss Lila M. Gage. This school was not as successful as it should have been. Miss G. in her remarks says: "It is from no fault of mine. I believe that no teacher can fully perform their duty without the parents insist upon the constant attendance of their scholars."
The winter term, of eighteen weeks, was. taught by Miss Alice P. Cilley. This was Miss C.'s third term in this dis-
---
8
trict, and she fully sustained her reputation as a successful teacher. The examination at the close of the term was highly interesting, showing that the united efforts of teacher and pupils had made the school both pleasant and profitable. A large number of parents and friends of the scholars were present. In her remarks she says : " The attendance of the scholars has been somewhat irregular. Let nothing but sickness detain them at home."
DISTRICT No. 12.
This district has been enlarged and much improved by the addition of District No. 19.
The past year has been one of improvement in school privileges. A large and convenient school building has been erected and furnished, the grading system introduced, and one term added-a fall term.
The Grammar school was taught by. Miss Susan C. East- man, summer and winter terms ; by Miss Sophronia T. Kim- ball, fall term. Each term was successful, and each teacher ranks near the very best.
The Primary school was intrusted to Miss Sarah H. Fi- field, summer term; to Miss Helen J. Eastman, the fall and winter terms.
Miss. F.'s superior qualities as a disciplinarian found in this school a good field ; order and quiet prevailed generally. Under her teaching the scholars made the best of progress in most of the studies pursued.
Miss E. succeeded very well, especially in instruction. The scholars learned very much in the two terms. The examinations showed the interest had been good, and that the only need was a firm hand to rule. H.
DISTRICT No. 13.
This district sadly needs more real interest in educational matters. The summer school was in the care of Alice Ball, an experienced teacher. The discipline was mild, the in-
.
9
struction systematic and thorough. The school was pros- perous in everything, and the scholars did themselves much credit at the examination.
Samuel N. Cate had charge of the winter school. It was reported to the Committee that Mr. C. used oaths, which perhaps was not strange, considering how miserable and cold was the school-house. The Committee noticed immor- alities in some of those attending school, which could be traced to this source ; hence, of course, the conclusion. The very few who remained till examination day showed that Mr. C. knew his business in teaching.
P. S. The good judgment of the teachers is evinced by reporting the value of the school-house "0." H.
DISTRICT No. 14.
The Prudential Committee succeeded in getting Miss Sarah F. Sanborn to teach the first term. Miss S. is well known as a teacher, and as an old teacher in Ward 2. This term was a very pleasant one to teacher and scholars. The close of the school showed good success in study.
Miss Nellie F. Whittemore taught the second term with fair results. The large attendance of parents at the close of the year made the occasion a very pleasant and happy one. H.
DISTRICT No. 15.
FIRST TERM-Miss E. A. Collins, teacher. Miss C. has acquired a good reputation as a teacher. The number of scholars was small this term, and did not seem to inspire interest. The state of wanting interest seemed to be mu- tual throughout the school and the district. The school therefore was hardly a decided success.
SECOND TERM-Miss A. A. Locke, teacher. Strict govern- ment was not maintained during this term of school, yet the teacher always appeared successful in her work. Her amiable qualities and scholarly bearing gave a good degree of success. H.
-
10
DISTRICT No. 16.
Miss Mary Kimball taught the summer term, of seven weeks. Miss K. has taught nine terms in this district. The fall term, of fourteen weeks, was commenced by Miss Sarah Thompson, and continued until nearly its close, when, on account of sickness at home, she left, and Miss M. E. Whit- temore finished the term.
The school has been visited by the Committee but twice during the year. We notice by the register that five schol- ars out of seven, the whole number, were neither absent nor tardy a single half day during the fourteen weeks. We wish we could say as much of. our larger schools. A.
DISTRICT No. 18.
This district has had twenty-eight and a half weeks of schooling during the year-twenty-five and a half of which Miss Mary F. Underwood was the teacher. Miss Underwood is an experienced teacher, having taught sixty months, as reported in register, before this term. We were sorry to see the large number of absent and tardy marks in the register. Fully one third of the schooling in this district has been lost the past year by scholars being absent. We need in this school a more general sympathy and coopera- tion between the teacher and parents ; a determination on the part of parents to keep their children more regularly at school. Parents should be slow to find fault with the teach- er, until they have at least visited the school themselves and witnessed the manner in which the school is conducted. We think the Prudential Committee, Mr. Geo. T. Abbott, is deserving much credit for the manner in which he has dis- charged the duties devolving upon him; especially for his frequent visits to the school-room, and for his words of en- couragement to teacher and scholars. We noticed at our last visit to this school a nice school bell which had been presented to the teacher by the scholars-a token of their
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good-will toward her. On account of other engagements by Miss U., the last three weeks were taught by Miss S. Fannie Holmes, who reports the school as " making as great progress as could be expected in so short a time." A.
DISTRICT No. 22.
The summer and winter schools have had the same teacher, Miss Sophronia T. Kimball. Miss K. has taught in this dis- trict four years, excepting one term. This fact we consider sufficient commendation. As a reward for stability on the part of the parents in employing the same teacher so many successive terms, the school ranks first in Ward 2. The two terms of this year have been fully satisfactory in every particular. H.
DISTRICT No. 23.
This district is united with No. 1, in Bow, and for the past year has been taught by Miss Mary C. Heath, of Bow. Nine scholars are reported from Concord, and eleven from Bow. Miss Heath conducted the school to the very general satisfaction of the district. The register was kept neatly and reliably, which any one who has had school returns to make out knows how to appreciate. A.
DISTRICT No. 24.
This is a Union district with Hopkinton. Three terms, of thirty-one weeks, were taught by Miss Sarah U. Kimball, who gave good satisfaction. She reports parents interested, and scholars studious and respectful.
This district has practised keeping the same teacher through the year. A.
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STATISTICAL TABLE.
THATRESS
No, of works,
Av. atforndance,
Wages of teacher
Ing month in cluding board,
Mary &. Webster.
人物出油 11°、Bird1月 ……。
Whinism & Walker
$ 13
Nary D HIM .
9
121
3
M INE N. W'INA
23.
X.4
18
Haun J.
69.61
2
s l aiax
222222
Ri Strad F. くとner
REPORT OF DISTRICT NO. 3.
The Superintending School Committee of School District No. 3, in the City of Concord, under the Somersworth Act, respectfully submit the following as their annual report :
We have had two schools of three terms each-Primary and Grammar. The summer and fall terms were ten weeks each, and the winter term of twelve weeks, making an ay- erage of ten and two thirds weeks for each term, and in all, thirty-two weeks.
Female teachers were employed in the summer and fall terms, and their wages, including board, per month as fol- lows : In the Primary, $30, and Grammar, $32; making an average of $31. In the winter term in the Primary school a female was employed at $32 per month, including board, and a male teacher in the Grammar school at $50, making an average of $41.
Competent and efficient teachers were employed, and the committee are happy to state that the schools through the past year were never more profitable and successful. The schools were harmonious and pleasant, and order, govern- ment, and deportment maintained. The teachers labored successfully to give thorough instruction in all the studies pursued in the schools, and, for once, no time has been lost in preparing scholars for an exhibition.
Taking the number of scholars and their ages in the Pri- mary school of three terms, the average being fifty-five, and their average age six years, the quiet, order, and deportment
14
were praiseworthy, and the teacher, Miss Louise G. Abbott, is commended for her success in government.
The Grammar school, summer and fall terms, was alter- nately under the instruction of Miss Hannah S. Farnum and Miss Nellie M. Chase. The schools were fully up to the average in respect to the progress in studies, order, and government.
The winter term in the Grammar school was under the instruction of Mr. Thomas Richardson. He is an experi- enced teacher, thorough in his instruction, and scholars made fine progress in their several studies. His manners are pleasant and commanding in the school-room.
One general complaint in our schools is too many classes, and to obviate the difficulty the committee recommend a further classification of the schools ; and we believe then, by having three schools, much greater progress will be made and much difficulty overcome.
SIMEON ABBOTT, WALTER S. LOUGEE, GEORGE PARTRIDGE,
Superintending School Committee.
REPORT OF DISTRICT NO. 20.
To the Legal Voters of said District :
In submitting their annual report, your Committee, in the first place, wish to congratulate the district upon the general prosperity of their schools. Evils may exist, and without doubt do to a certain extent, but we see so much more to praise than to censure, that existing evils soon pass from sight. Our schools for the past year, with the exception of one term, have been under the charge of the same teachers as were employed one year ago, and were as follows: Sec- ond Primary, Miss Lizzie E. Rolfe ; First Primary, Mrs. Abie B. Goodwin ; Intermediate, Miss Julia A. Abbott; Gram- mar, Miss Ellen K. Abbott. Miss Rolfe commenced her first term, but during the second week of school, her health failed, and she was succeeded by Miss Laura E. Shepard. Your Committee feel justified in saying that all of our teachers have labored with an untiring zeal for the wel- fare of their scholars, and in the closing examinations evi- dences were visible that their labors had been crowned with success. And the fact that our teachers retain their places so long in our schools, speaks more in their praise than any words of ours.
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TABLE OF ATTENDANCE.
SCHOOLS.
Term.
Length in
weeks.
Whole
number.
Average
attendance.
Wages p'r month.
Summer .
11
50
44
$24.00
Second Primary,
Fall ...
12
46
37
24.00
Winter ..
12
47
34
24.00
Summer .
11
47
40
28,00
First Primary,
Fall ..
12
52
43
28.00
Winter . .
12
43
36
28.00
Summer .
11
55
45
32.00
Intermediate,
Fall ...
12
42
36
32.00
Winter .. .
12
45
37
32.00
Summer .
11
39
31
36.00
Fall ..
12
31
24
36.00
Grammar,
Winter .
12
42
34
36.00
The late session of the Teachers' Institute, holden in our village, was calculated to awaken a new interest in our schools. The able corps of assistants which the Superin- tendent of Public Instruction called around him, was evi- dence of the magnitude of the work in which he was en- gaged. Our institutes are for a wise and good purpose, but there are evils existing in all schools which the institute cannot reach. The evils arising from tardiness and truancy, in the judgment of your Committee, can only be reached by a proper truant officer, and, sooner or later, all districts like ours. will avail themselves of the statute creating such an officer ; and we trust that the time is not far distant when all the friends of good schools and good order will cheer- fully acquiesce in a system of education such as will insure the prosperity and success of our common schools.
Respectfully submitted,
ABIAL ROLFE, FRANK A. ABBOTT, Superintending School Committee.
Thirteenth Annual Report of the Board of Education OF UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT.
The Board of Education respectfully present this their Thirteenth Annual Report of the condition of the public schools of Union School District.
The whole number of pupils in our schools the past year is 1833-an increase of 106 over the number of the preced- ing year. They have been distributed among the various schools, as shown by the following table, which gives the number of scholars and average attendance in each school :
STATISTICAL TABLE.
SCHOOLS.
Boys.
Girls.
·Total.
Average
attendance.
HIGH SCHOOL,
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
Franklin Street,.
24
28
52
36
Merrimack,
64
56
120
99
Centre, ..
65
49
114
94
Rumford,
65
68
133
100
Penacook,
34
37
71
53
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
252
238
490
382
State Street, North End,
19
31
50
38
Merrimack,
26
28
54
42
Centre, .
31
35
66
51
Spring Street,
30
25
55
40
Rumford,
38
20
58
44
Penacook,
28
34
62
46
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
172
173
345
261
State Street, North End,.
32
31
63
38
Franklin Street,.
34
42
76
39
Merrimack
20
37
57
38
Union Street, First Division,
18
25
43
32
Union Street, Second Division,
29
31
60
39 ·
Centre, ..
30
29
59
43
Spring Street,.
35
32
67
39
Myrtle Street, First Division,.
15
33 .
48
35
Myrtle Street, Second Division,.
38
36
74
47
Rumford,
47
25
72
51
Penacook, First Division,
31
43
74
47
Penacook, Second Division,
39
51
90
56
MIXED SCHOOL.
368
415
783
505
Bow Brook,
13
24
37
27
.. ..
.
.
.
.
.
2
118
60
178
120
.
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STATISTICAL SUMMARY.
SCHOOLS.
Whole
number.
Average
attendance.
High School,
178
120
Grammar Schools,
490
382
Intermediate Schools,
345
261
Primary Schools,.
783
504
Bow Brook (mixed),
37
27
1833
1294
It will be seen from the foregoing table that the average attendance during the year was only 1294, or a little over 70 per cent. of the whole number of scholars, while the pre- vious year the average attendance was 76 per cent. This can be explained in part by an unusual number of absences on account of illness, occasioned by a very general vaccina- tion of the children.
This explanation, however, still leaves a larger number of absences than should be deemed reasonable. Some irregu- larity, especially among the smaller children, is of course natural and unavoidable. But too many cases of inexcusa- ble absences are brought to the knowledge of the board to permit them to pass over the matter without comment. There are many children who habitually, when opportunity presents itself, absent themselves without leave. These chil- dren not only lose the advantages of an education, and ac- quire habits which are injurious to themselves and disas- . trous to society, but they interfere seriously with the good order and discipline of the schools. If we do not regard the welfare of the truants, we are compelled to take measures to remedy the evil, that those who are regular in attendance may not be injured.
One boy, during the past year, has been sent to the'Reform School, all other measures having failed to correct his ten- dency to disregard the rules. In other cases, the members of the board have tried milder measures, with varying suc-
19
cess. But while we can reach those who attend with some regularity, we cannot, as a board, get at those who neglect · to appear at all. Such duties could best be discharged by a truant officer, who might be specially detailed for this duty from the police force. The services of such an officer for a week or two each term would be very efficient in removing the trouble.
The state laws require the board to refuse admittance to school of children who have never been vaccinated. To avoid all future necessity of special enforcement of this law, the board has made a general regulation requiring all chil- dren desiring admission to present a certificate of successful vaccination, signed by some physician.
The officers of the board the past year have been,-Presi- dent, Rev. Elisha Adams; Secretary, William M. Chase, Esq .; Financial Agent, P. B. Cogswell, Esq.
The committees have remained the same as last year, ex- cept that Mr. Pillsbury's place on the High School commit- tee has been filled by Mr. Adams, and on the South End committee by Mr. Crippin. Twenty-two meetings have been held during the year.
The resignation of Hazen Pickering, Esq., followed not long afterwards by his death, deprived the district of an ef- ficient officer. The members of the board, with which he had been connected for many years, are glad to avail them- selves of this opportunity to manifest their appreciation of the many sterling qualities of their late associate. He was always foremost in the discharge of the oftentimes arduous duties of the office. Having had large experience as a teach- er, he knew what to expect in a good school, and could ap- preciate and make allowances for the obstacles to be over- come by the teacher or scholar, as well as mark deficiencies that could be corrected. Both in his official capacity and as a friend we regret his loss.
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