1858-1859 School Committee Report

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4 beginner in the profession. Mr. Dennett is a person of very quiet demeanor and retiring disposition ; and the school under his charge displayed less precision and promptitude in the recitations than a year ago. But the Committee were satisfied with the progress of the pupils in their studies, and much pleased with the evident happiness and good feeling of the school under a discipline at once gentle and firm. The FRANKLIN (SOUTH) SCHOOL has enjoyed throughout the year a high order of instruction. The teacher during the Summer Term — Miss M. A. JOSLIN, of Leominster — is possessed in an unusual degree of the qualities which secure success in a teacher, — quickness, decision, and an ener- getic manner. The school rapidly improved, during the summer, in all respects. It has been taught through the winter by Miss MARY A. SMITH, a teacher of long experience and good qualifications. She has given general satisfaction ; has attracted the warm affection of her pupils, and secured a good degree of improvement in study. The deportment of the school is not yet so good as is desirable. The HOWARD (NORTH-EAST) SCHOOL has been throughout the year in charge of Miss ZELINDA D. JOHNSON ; and has made rapid improvement, especially during the last term. A part of the first terns was virtually lost by the pupils, except as they were preparing for future progress in learn- ing the somewhat peculiar methods of the teacher. Once accustomed to these, they made good progress ; and, at the closing examination, very satisfactory results were shown. This school is very small in numbers. At the last examina- tion, there were only seventeen pupils present. Such an inequality as is thus shown seems to indicate the propriety of some change by which the numbers of the different schools may be made more nearly equal. Of the ADAMS SCHOOL (East Village), the Committee could repeat almost verbally what they said last year. The Pri- rr 5 mary Department, under Miss NASH, has been in unexcep- tionable condition throughout the year ; and the exercises at both examinations were in all points excellent and inte- resting. The Grammar Department, under the charge of Mr. OLIVER P. RODGERS, has manifested the same traits as previously. While a very fair, and, we judge, improved state of discipline has been maintained, it has been by the use of stringent means, and without the hearty cheerfulness and acquiescence on the part of the pupils, which is so very desirable. As to scholarship, the examination at the close of the year was very satisfactory, especially in grammar. In this respect, the school suffers but little by comparison with any school in town. We are of opinion, that it requires but the help- ful and considerate sympathy of the parents both with pupils and the teacher to put this school upon a footing with the best. The Committee feel great pleasure in view of the anticipated removal of the Adams School into a new house, and hope that a corresponding improvement will be seen in the spirit that animates the school. The HANCOCK (CENTRE) SCHOOL has completed a prosper- ous year under the charge of Misses DUDLEY and RUSSELL. The latter has displayed in the Primary Department a union of gentleness, firmness, and earnest effort, which has pro- duced the natural result in an improving condition of her school. It does not, however, yet come up to the standard desired for it ; and we hope to see it still improving. Of the Grammar Department, under Miss Dudley, we can speak in the warmest terms. Iii point of progress, of disci- pline, of thoroughness, and of animated interest in the duties of the school, we think few schools equal this ; and we desire to award to Miss Dudley full praise for the unremitting industry and resolute energy with which she has labored. Miss Dudley, early in the term, signified her intention of leaving at the end of the year ; and, several days before the close of the term, communicated to the Prudential and