USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > Alton > Annual report for the Town of Alton, New Hampshire, 1907-1911 > Part 8
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June 29
Albert Foster,
3.22
July
21
S. B. Cole, county treasurer,
per receipt, 900.18
24
July 23
New England Metal Culvert Co., 183.33
July 28
F. M. Ayer, 47.92
-
Aug. 5 Oscar Duncan, 23.65
Sept. 17 Pearle S. Bassett,
12.50
Sept. 19
Herman P. Horne,
75.00
Sept. 19
Board of health,
25.00
Oct. 1 F. A. Varney,
500.00
Oct. 5
Margaret A. Wadleigh,
100.00
Oct. 5 Orren A. Lamper,
30.00
Oct. 5
Charles W. Whitehouse,
45.00
Oct. 5
Colby & Hill,
17.28
Oct. 5
Alton Electric Light Co.,
10.00
Oct. 5
W. H. Berry,
15.00
Oct. 5
F. M. Ayer,
60.00
Oct. 23
Cyrus Furber,
2.00
Oct. 23
David E. Clough,
5.25
Oct. 28
F. A. Varney,
500.00
Nov. 3
Frank S. Nutter,
20.00
Nov. 6
Andrew J. Ward,
9.00
Nov. 7
George F. Glidden,
40.80
Nov. 9
Charles E. Fifield,
37.00
Nov. 13
Charles H. Tibbetts,
12.00
Nov. 13
Fred H. Crocker,
5.94
Nov. 13
Oscar Duncan,
23.90
Nov. 13
John Farquhar & Son.
4.54
Nov.
13
Gilbert & Barker Co ..
32.55
Nov. 19
Portsmouth Coal Pockets, 65.84
Nov.
19
P. H. Wheeler.
4.50
Nov. 19
Charles W. Emerson.
1.50
Nov.
19
Stephen H. Flanders,
1.50
Nov. 19
F. M. Ayer Co., .
1.60
Nov.
24
Clarence Spinney,
5.00
Nov.
24
F. A. Varney,
500.00
25
Nov. 25
Elam R. Wright,
22.00
Nov. 28
Sylvester B. Huckins,
20.00
Nov. 28 Mindwell Whitehouse, 75.00
Nov. 28
Clarence Spinney,
5.00
Nov. 30
Paul E. Buckley,
1.60
Nov. 30
The J. H. Downing Co.,
50.00
Nov. 30
The Downing Co.,
60.45
Nov. 30
George W. Place,
135.38
Nov. 30
George W. Place,
4.18
Déc. 3
W. P. Emerson,
66.00
Dec. 3
W. P. Emerson,
66.00
Dec. 3
George H. Fifield,
38.50
Dec. 5
Clarence Spinney,
5.00
Dec. 12
Clarence Spinney,
5.00
Dec. 12
Mrs. Harold S. Gilman,
12.50
Dec.
16
Alton & Alton Bay Water Co.,
500.00
Dec. 17
F. A. Varney,
500.00
Dec. 19
Albert J. Jones,
185.55
Dec. 19
Clarence Spinney,
5.00
Dec. 26
Clarence Spinney,
5.00
Dec.
28
Solon A. Carter, state tax, per
receipt,
1,325.00
Dec.
30
S. B. Cole, county treasurer,
900.17
1909.
Jan. 2
Elam R. Wright, 3.50
Jan. 4
George W. Place,
7.00
Jan. 4 James Dobbins, 23.52
Jan. 4
Alton Electric Light Co., 10.00
Jan. 4
Gilman Snow Guard Co.,
12.20
Jan. 4 Lothrops & Pinkham,
2.70
Jan. 8
The J. H. Downing Co.,
9.25
Jan 14
Chas. E. Hutchins,.
25.96
/
per receipt,
26
Jan. 15
J. B. Hunter Co.,
6.50
Jan. 23
F. A. Varney, 500.00
Feb.
4
Albert DeMerritt,
8.00
Feb.
4
Charles E. Fifield,
32.30
Feb. 4 The J. H. Downing Co.,
20.00
Feb. 8
Willie E. Sanborn,
2.20
Feb. 8
Belknap county farm,
13.57
Feb. 8
Stella M. Francis,
20.00
Feb. 8 E. W. Francis,
30.00
Feb. 8
Jewell, Owen & Veasey,
13.00
Feb. 8
A. S. French,
17.50
Feb. 8
Jacob Chamberlain,
3.60
Feb. 11
Abbie M. Dore,
3.00
Feb. 11
David E. Clough,
1.00
Feb. 11
H. H. Bennett,
5.90
Feb. 11
Jones & Lamprey,
4.23
Feb. 13
George W. Place,
84.00
Feb. 13
L. G. Welch,
14.60
Feb. 13
Ira Mitchell,
3.00
Feb. 13
Willis P. Emerson,
15.00
Feb. 13 Willis P. Emerson,
15.00
Feb. 13 Willis P. Emerson,
2.18
Feb. 13
Willis P. Emerson,
120.70
Feb. 13
Melville Adams,
292.55
Feb. 13 Frank A. Varney,
2.04
Feb. 13 Edwin W. Cummings,
1.50
Feb. 13
C. H. McDuffee,
4.00
-
Feb.
13 Lewis H. Lamprey,
3.00
27
Feb. 13
S. E. Colbath & Co.,
.75
Feb. 13
Forest H. Rollins,
3.00
Feb. 13 F. A. Varney,
156.79
Feb. 13
A. J. Jones,
20.00
Feb. 13 Alta H. McDuffee,
30.00
Feb. 15
Arthur D. Rollins,
20.00
Feb. 15 Arthur D. Rollins,
5.50
Feb. 15 David H. Morrison,
3.00
Feb. 15
F. A. Varney,
21.00
Feb. 15
F. A. Varney
4.90
Feb.
15
Percy S. Jones,
61.89
Feb.
15
A. S. French (executor)
762.11
Feb. 15
Alton police court,
24.00
Feb.
15
W. C. Varney,
9.40
Feb. 15
H. J. Jones,
100.00
Feb.
15
Alton & Alton Bay Water Works Co., 301.00
Feb. 15
H. J. Jones,
50.00
Feb. 15
A. J. Jones,
1.30
Feb. 15
Oscar Duncan,
31.90
Feb.
15
J. Jones & Son,
31.13
Feb. 15
C. H. Downing,
190.00
Feb. 15
A. B. Lang,
5.00
Feb.
15
Edward K. Jenkins,
3.00
Feb. 15
C. H. Downing,
15.00
Feb. 15 W. H. Berry,
35.00
Feb. 15
F. M. Ayer,
32.00
Feb.
15
F. M. Ayer,
33.36
-
28
Feb. 15
F. M. Ayer,
116.00
Feb. 15
Margaret A. Wadleigh, 29.08
Feb. 15 Cordelia M. Woodman, 435.49
Feb. 15 James W. Durgin,
326.62
Feb. 15
Sarah J. Clark,
108.87
Feb. 15 John Q. Adams,
108.87
Feb. 15 Willis P. Emerson,
2.00
Feb. 15
W. P. Peabody,
2.00
Total,
$14,522.95
Balance in treasury,
3,149.55
$17,672.50
HERBERT J. JONES, Treasurer.
We, the undersigned, having examined the foregoing account, find it properly vouched and correctly cast.
WILLIS P. EMERSON, W. P. PEABODY,
Auditors.
Alton, N. H., February 15, 1909.
1
29
School Report.
In conformity to the statute requirements, the school board herewith submits the following as their twenty- second annual report of the public schools of the town of Alton.
W. ALTON.
Spring term of eleven weeks, taught by Grace H. Rollins; fall term of nineteen weeks, taught by Grace H. Rollins.
MOUNTAIN.
Spring term of eleven weeks, taught by Carolyn E. May ; fall term of nine weeks, taught by Carrie C. Paul; and threee weeks taught by Bertha M. Stevens.
CLOUGH.
Spring term of eleven weeks, taught by Elizabeth R. Johnson; fall term of eighteen weeks, taught by Martha Savage.
McDUFFEE.
Spring term of eleven weeks, taught by Eva M. Harris; fall term of nineteen weeks, taught by Eula M. Presby.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Spring term of eleven weeks, taught by Nelson S. Mitchell and Fannie G. de Dochemont, assistant. Fall
30
term of fifteeen weeks, taught by Percy E. Gleason and Fannie G. de Rochemont, assistant. The winter term of ten weeks is now in progress.
GRAMMAR.
Spring term of eleven weeks and fall term of fifteen weeks, taught by Grace E. Lord. The winter term of ten weeks is now in progress. .
INTERMEDIATE.
Spring term of eleven weeks, and fall term of fifteen weeks, taught by Margaret H. Manning. A winter term of ten weeks is now in progress.
PRIMARY.
Spring term of eleven weeks, taught by Bertha M. Stevens; fall and winter terms of fifteen and ten weeks respectively, taught by Leila -F. Hussey.
BAY.
A spring term of eleven weeks, taught by Elizabeth T. Whitehouse; fall term of nineteen weeks, taught by Eliza- beth M. Hardy.
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in hands of district treasurer, $366.88
Raised by tax for support of schools, 3,187.50
Raised by tax for repairs, 50.00
Raised by tax for High school,
300.00
Raised by tax for grade schools,
350.00
Literary fund,
117.12
Dog tax,
252.17
31
State (school supervision ),
300.00
Tuition from Mr. Munsey,
20.50
Railroad tax,
100.00
-
$5.044.17
Due from Mark Harris,
10.50
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid teachers' salaries $3,131.00
fuel and fitting same,
228.38
janitor,
205.39
superintendent,
583.33
repairs, 42.35
tuition to other towns,
60.00
transportation of school children,
407.00
miscellaneous,
134.76
Bal. in hands of district treasurer,
251.96
$5.044.17
ARTHUR D. ROLLINS, ALTA H. McDUFFEE, ALBERT J. JONES, School Board of Alton.
We, the undersigned, having examined the foregoing ac- count, find it properly vouched and correctly cast.
WILLIS P. EMERSON, WILLIAM P. PEABODY,
Auditors.
Alton, N. H., February 15, 1909.
32
-
School
District Report.
Treasurer's
CASH RECEIVED.
1908.
March 20. Balance in treasury,
$366.88
April 3. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
May 1. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
22. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
June 17. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
Oct. 1. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00 28. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
Nov. 24 Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
Dec. 17 Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
1909.
Jan. 23. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 500.00
Feb. 15. Received of Herbert J. Jones, treasurer, 56.79 15. Received railroad money, 100.00
16. Received of Mr. Munsey for tuition, 20.50 -
$5,044.17
CASH PAID OUT.
1908. .
March 20. Paid B. L. Blaisdell, $21.25
24.
Bertha M. Stevens, 60.00
April 4. E. O. Prescott, 2.75
6. Grace E. Lord, 40.00
83
6. Fannie G. De Rochemont,
40.00
10.
Nelson S. Mitchell, 65.00
10.
Margaret Manning, 50.00
10.
C. A. Twombly,
50.00
17.
Charles H. Davis,
7.15
17.
Julian Emerson,
9.00
22.
Harry L. Moore,
113.32
24.
George A. Dore,
2.00
29.
Leroy Woodman,
6.00
May
1.
B. L. Blaisdell,
27.19
1.
Elizabeth T. Whitehouse, 28.00
1.
Bertha M. Stevens, 40.00
1.
Margaret H. Manning,
40.00
1.
Grace E. Lord,
40.00
2.
Carolyn E. May, 32.00
2.
Fannie G. De Rochemont, 40.00
2.
Elizabeth R. Johnson,
28.00
4.
Nelson S. Mitchell,
65.00
6.
C. H. W. Jones,
2.50
6
Chas. H. Davis,
7.15
6
Eva M. Harris,
28.00
11
F. N. Merrill,
30.00
16
W. Allen Varney,
15.00
16
B. L. Blaisdell,
10.00
17
Louie M. Small,
35.00
22
Grace E. Lord,
30.00
22
Fannie G. de Rochmont,
30.00
23
Nelson S. Mitchell,
130.00
29
Carolyn E. May,
32.00
29
B. L. Blaisdell,
10.00
29
Bertha M. Stevens, 40.00
29
Eva M. Harris,
28.00
June
3
Elizabeth Johnson,
28.00
34
4
H. L. Moore, , 56.66
4
Margaret H. Manning,
40.00
16
Elizabeth T. Whitehouse,
14.00
19
Margaret H. Manning,
45.00
19
Nelson S. Mitchell,
65.00
19
Grace E. Lord,
$40.00
19
Fannie G. de Rochemont,
40.00
19
Elizabeth Johnson, 21.00
20
Raymond C. Duncan, 12.50
20
Eva M. Harris,
21.00
20
Allen Varney,
25.00
20
Louie M. Small,
42.00
20
B. L. Blaisdell,
19.50
26
Carolyn C. Varney,
20.00
27
Gilman & Cotton,
60.00
27
Ai T. Gilman,
105.00
29
Carolyn E. May,
24.00
29
Farmington News,
6.00
July
1
I. W. Mitchell,
3.00
2
H. L. Moore,
113.35
2
H. L. Moore,
7.75
6
Elizabeth T. Whitehouse,
35.00
24
Bertha M. Stevens,
10.00
Aug.
11
Raymond C. Duncan,
6.57
12
Forest Rollins,
1.85
Sept.
4
H. L. Barr,
35.00
10
B. L. Blaisdell,
12.95
22
Chas. H. Davis,
7.15
25
Percy E. Gleason,
20.00
Oct.
1
Jones & Lamprey,
87.32
2
Percy E. Gleason,
45.00
.
2
Fannie G. de Rochemont,
40.00
2
Grace E. Lord,
40.00
35
2
Leila F. Hussey,
36.00
2
Elizabeth M. Hardy,
28.00
2
Eula M. Presbry
28.00
2
B. L. Blaisdell,
20.00
3
Margaret H. Manning,
40.00
3
H. L. Moore,
60.00
6
Allen Varney,
20.00
8
Dorothy R. Palmer,
28.00
8
Dorothy R. Palmer,
7.00
15
Percy E. Gleason,
25.00
23
Martha Atkinson,
33.80
31
Albert S. Emerson,
.90
31
Grace H. Rollins,
30.00
31
Grace E. Lord,
40.00
31
Leila F. Hussey,
36.00
31
Margaret H. Manning,
40.00
31
Percy E. Gleason,
40.00
Nov.
3
Eula M. Presbry,
28.00
31
B. L. Blaisdell,
21.50
3
Allen Varney,
20.00
5
Fannie G. de Rochemont,
14.00
6
Elizabeth M. Hardy,
28.00
9
Carrie E. Paul,
67.20
21
Grace H. Rollins,
47.00
24
Percy E. Gleason,
65.00
24
Grace E. Lord,
40.00
24
Fannie G. de Rochemont,
40.00
24
Leila F. Hussey,
36.00
25
Margaret H. Manning,
40.00
25
Allen Varney.
15.00
28
B. L. Blaisdell,
21.50
Dec.
5
Harry L. Moore,
60.00
5
Eula M. Presbry,
28.00
36
8
Elizabeth Hardy,
21.00
8
Martha Savage,
35.00
11
Wolfeboro school district,
22.50
11
Alta H. McDuffee,
5.00
18
H. L. Moore,
11.80
18
H. L. Moore,
60.00
18
Fannie G. de Rochemont.
30.00
18
Grace E. Lord,
30.00
18
Leila F. Hussey,
27.00
19
Percy E. Gleason,
75.75
18
Percy E. Gleason,
1.90
19
Margaret H. Manning,
30.00
19
B. L. Blaisdell,
15.00
24
Julian Emerson,
5.00
25
Elbridge Ellis,
15.00
25
Martha Savage,
28.00
28
Bertha M. Stevens,
24.00
1
28
Elizabeth M. Hardy,
28.00
1909.
Jan.
4
W. Allen Varney,
20.00
1
Eula M. Presbry,
28.00
12
Ai T. Gilman,
75.00
23
Percy E. Gleason,
15.00
23
Elizabeth M. Hardy,
28.00
23
Eula M. Presby,
21.00
23
W. Allen Varney,
20.00
25
Martha G. Savage,
28.00
27
G. W. Place,
76.66
28
Fannie G. de Rochemont,
40.00
28
Grace E. Lord,
40.00
30
Leila F. Hussey,
36.00
30
B. L. Blaisdell,
21.50
Feb. 4
Margaret H. Manning,
40.00
-
37
Percy E. Gleason,
75.25
5
Percy E. Gleason,
.46
6
H. L. Moore,
60.00
6
B. L. Blaisdell,
5.00
6
Julian Emerson,
2.50
10
Grace H. Rollins,
56.00
9
New Durham school district,
7.50
9
Fannie G. de Rochemont,
10.00
9
Grace E. Lord,
10.00
9
Leila F. Hussey,
9.00
10
Margaret H. Manning,
10.00
12
Chas. H. Jones,
3.00
12
George Locke,
5.00
12
Cyrus Furber,
1.00
12
Jones & Lamprey,
13.91
15
H. L. Moore,
60.00
15
S. E. Colbath & Co.,
1.75
15
A. D. Rollins,
13.85
15
A. D. Varney,
8.00
16
J. Jones & Son,
4.82
16
Alton and Alton Bay W. Co.,
11.75
16
W. E. Sanborn,
1.50
Total,
$4,792.21
Balance in treasury,
251.96
Total,
$5,044.17
FRANK A. VARNEY,
Treasurer.
We, the undersigned, having examined the foregoing ac- count, find it properly vouched and correctly cast.
W. P. EMERSON,
W. P. PEABODY,
Auditors.
38
Annual Report of the Superintendent of Schools.
To the School Board and Citizens of Alton :
I herewith submit to you my second annual report as superintendent of your public schools.
ATTENDANCE.
Following the spirit of my last report, special effort has beeen made to encourage the children to a more regular and punctual attendance. A notable improvement over last year may be observed, yet in a few cases much is still to be desired. Below is a comparison of the attendance record for the fall terms of 1907 and 1908 :
1907
1908
1907 1908
High
. 91.9% 96.2%
West . 74.8% 93.0%
Grammar . 90.8 93.2
Clough . 61.6 73.0
Intermediate 93.9
94.4
McDuffee . . 89.4
90.6
Primary . .. 92.4
92.6
Mountain . _ 87.2
75.3
1907
1908
Bay .
85.6%
THE BAY SCHOOL.
Owing to the increased number of children at the Bay, the school was re-opened for the spring term with an aver- age membership of fifteen pupils. It has since been in session. Twelve pupils are now enrolled.
The work of the school has been confined to that of the first five grades, and made as far as possible identical with that of like grades at the village. Pupils completing the fifth grade here pass to the sixth grade at the village. In
39
this way it has been conducted as a semi-graded school. But it is plainly impossible to do the same work with equal efficiency. The school year is shorter by six weeks, and the teacher has charge of five grades instead of three.
REPAIRS.
A few minor repairs have been made during the year. Some changes are still needed at West Alton and the McDuffee school. But the question of special importance at present is that of better and more adequate accommoda- tions for the village. The school building is filled to its full seating capacity. In the grammar room, desks have been installed until there is no room for more. The school in the block must seek new quarters at the beginning of another year. The matter has now become one of more than temporary expediency ; it is one of permanent educa- tional and financial policy.
Either a substantial addition to the present building could be erected, or a new building entire. The first, if properly constructed, would meet all present needs at com- paratively small expense; the other would give to Alton a permanent public building to which she could point with pride, and would provide for her children a school home equal to the best.
MEMBERSHIP.
The general movement of school membership is towards the center and the graded schools. This is universally true and has been for many years. The following table shows the trend in Alton, based upon average membership for the fall terms, 1907 and 1908:
1907
1908
1907
1908
Grammar . 27.08% 29.27%
Mountain . 18.38%
15.62%
Inter . . . 26.09
22.38
West
9.39
7.63
Primary . . 29.02
30.81
Clough . . 9.96
10.21
Bay
11.53
McDuffee . 7.23
9.88
40
This shows a gain of 14 per cent. in the village schools, and a loss of 3 per cent. in the districts.
CO-OPERATION.
The habit of persistent attention to duty, beyond its effect upon the child's daily work, forms in itself an essen- tial part of his education, a part that determines quite largely the degree of his success in after life. With few children this habit is natural and easily formed; but with most it is developed only through the constant vigilance of parents and teacher. Thus the vital importance of co- operation the one with the other in the work and discipline of the school. Whatever is allowed to weaken this co- operation by so much weakens the possibilities of the child. Whatever leads to open opposition paves the way to a narrow, discontented citizen twenty years hence; narrow through his false impressions of duty and authority, dis- contented because in his limited vision he is ever out of harmony with his environment. The parent who openly ceases to support the discipline of the school, and allows ' his words of criticism and abuse to fall upon the ears of his children not only seriously injures the school, but does more, I believe, to blight the future possibilities of his children than the most efficient instruction can ever regain. A child's respect for all that the school stands for may be , permanently weakened and often totally destroyed by a parent's single criticism. Criticize the school if it needs it, but never within hearing of the child. Parents have reason to expect much from the school, but never more than they are willing to contribute in encouragement and support.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Our high school has again been approved by the state department and commended for its work, which in every
41
department was satisfactory. The adoption of a second or English course has justified itself by an added interest and a nearer approach to the real requirements of the students. A more business-like attitude prevails, with less desire to drop studies or change courses. Each study is recognized as having its proper place, to be satisfactorily completed before credit can be received. This is adding much to the school's strength and character. Eleven pupils entered in September on examination, ten' from our own schools and one from Gilmanton.
A student is now promoted and graduated according to points or credits. At the end of each year he receives as many credits for each study satisfactorily completed as there have been recitation periods per week in that study. For full work, he must take twenty periods per week. which entitles him to twenty credits at the close of the year. Eighty credits are required for graduation.
In case a student fails in one study he is promoted con- ditionally, and repeats that study. Should he fail in two or more studies, he remains in his class another year, re- peating, however, only the work in which he has failed, possibly taking in addition one or two studies in the next succeeding class, according to his standing and ability. Thus a student receives credit for just what he has done, and at no time is he obliged to repeat a study in which he has done satisfactory work. He may complete his course of eighty credits in three, four, or five years.
The high school of the present stands as an open door to. every child in the state. It offers, aside from prepara- tion for college, a continued four years' training during a period in life most susceptible to potent influences for suc-
42
cess and right living. It is waking up the ambitious boy and girl of the farm and the village to new opportunities and giving them a start. The small high school is doing a great good in this respect, one that common terms can never measure.
But does the town reap its due proportion of the benefit ? Probably not. The drift of high school graduates is usually away to the larger centers. The school, of course, in so far as it awakens ambition and prepares for possi- bilities foreign to the life of the town is responsible. To offset this drain, I believe the school in time can do much. It can bring its work into closer touch with that of the community which it serves. Children educated to home industries are more apt to remain at home to enrich the life and citizenship of their native town.
Every high school should maintain its college prepara- tory course, and every encouragement be given to those able and desiring to enter college. But what of the boy, the girl whose school training ends at our hands? We should offer to him an equal chance. It is to him that the educational thought of the present is being directed. Is he surrounded by manufacturing interests; they offer him a course including the mechanic arts. Does he live in a busi- ness center; they direct his training towards the essentials of commercial life. Is his home and interest on the farm; · then let us assist him to a knowledge of the elements of agriculture and a better life upon the farm. Thus, I be- lieve, will be determined in a large measure the high school education of the future.
The aim is not in any sense to furnish trade instruction. but it is an attempt to meet the child on the ground of his
43
nearest interests and offer to him a cultural training cen- tered about these interests, also to offer to those who find little that is attractive in the classical courses a vital link that connects with the realities of life; resulting, I believe, in a greater per cent. of the young people of the commun- ity settling at home to add to its wealth and influence.
Alton lies in the midst of an agricultural community. Fifty per cent. of our high school students come from homes on the farm. It seems to me that there is a demand for an agricultural course. I would commend the matter to your careful consideration.
In the language of the state course of study, this course contemplates the following purposes :
"1. It proposes to utilize the science of agriculture as a means of general culture, parallel for this purpose with physics, chemistry, and the languages.
"2. It proposes to meet the boy whose previous interests have been those of the farm on the ground of those inter- ests, and interpret them to him as a worthy part of higher education.
"3. It proposes to offer to him a sound educational basis for an efficient and worthy life as a husbandman.
"4. While primarily for the boy who cannot go to college, it also will serve as an excellent preparation for advanced schools of agriculture.
"5. It contemplates an addition to the wealth of the state and nation in a more highly trained generation of farmers.
-
44
Following is the course in outline :
Year
Subject
Hours per Week
Year
Subject
Hours per Week
I
English
5
III English 5
Algebra
5
Chemistry
5
Biology
5
Comparative
)
Farm Bookkeeping
Business Practice
5
Physiology Rural Engineering 35 French 5
II
English
5
IV English
4
Geometry
5
Physics
5
American History 4 French 4
Horticulture
Rural Economy and
Agriculture
$ 5
Farm Management 4 Animal Husbandry and Dairying 4
SCHOOL WORK.
The school work has been considerably strengthened and brought nearer to standard grade. Results in most in- stances have been gratifying. No special methods have been encouraged. Emphasis has been placed on proper preparation and presentation by the teacher, followed by constant drill.
In accordance with a state movement recently organized, a plan for testing the eyesight of pupils has been begun. This is not in any way an attempt to displace the duties of the physician, but merely to ascertain by means of the common letter chart whose eyes are defective and need treatment. A card will be sent to the parents of pupils whose eyesight is found to be at fault. Parents may then consult an oculist, who will determine the nature of the trouble and, if possible, correct it. This is but the begin- ning of a widespread movement based upon the conviction that a child's physical as well as his mental welfare is a matter of public concern.
45
A visiting day was granted to each teacher during the spring term with good results. One was also given to each district teacher in the fall for visiting our own graded schools. This I believe to be of special value, as it enables these teachers, usually of less experience, to keep in touch with work at the village. I would recommend that the same privileges be allowed the coming year.
Let me again urge parents and citizens to visit the schools and observe for themselves what the children are doing.
For further data, I refer you to the appendices.
In conclusion, allow me to express my high appreciation for the generous support of board, teachers and pupils.
Respectfully submitted,
H. L. MOORE, Superintendent.
Alton, N. H., February 15, 1909.
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SUMMARY. School Year 1907-1908.
Length of village schools, in weeks, 36
Length of district schools, in weeks, 30
Average length for all schools, 32.57
Whole number of pupils, 204
Boys, 99
Girls, 105
Average attendance, 152
Average absence, 18
Average membership, 170
Percent of attendance, 89
Cases of tardiness, 693
Number of pupils not absent nor tardy,
8
Number visits by superintendent, 111
Number of visits by school board,
32
Number of visits by citizens, 279
Average weekly salary of teachers,
$8.31
Number normal graduates,
3
Cost per pupil total current expenses,
$29.67
Cost per pupil for instruction, 18.58
Cost per pupil for supervision,
3.43
Cost per pupil for supplies, etc.,
.94
Cost per pupil for books, 1.26
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FALL TERM, 1908.
SCHOOL
TEACHER
Wages per Week
Education
Total Number Pupils
Average Attendance
Average Membership
Percentage of Attendance
Cases of Tardiness
High
Percy E Gleason 1
18 06
College
Fannie G deRochemont
10 00
College
39 34.22 35.55 96 74
Grammar
Grace E Lord
10 00
Normal
31 27.28 29.27|93 46
Intermediate Primary
Leila F Hussey
9 00
Normal Course
36 28.54 30.81 93 4
13
9.87 11.53 86
77
Bay Mountain
Carrie C Paul
8 00
Training School
17 11.72 15.62 75 142
West
Grace W Rollins
7 00 High School
10
7.10 7.63 93 9
Clough
Martha G Savage
7 00
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