HomeMy WebLinkAbout1866-1867 School Committee Report REPORT
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OF TftE
SC1100L COMMITTEE
THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON.
FOR THE YEAR 1866-7.
BOSTON:
PRINTED BY JOHN WILSON AND SON.
1867.
REPORT
OF nm
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF
THE TOWN OF LEXINGTON.
FOR THE YEAR 1866-7.
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BOSTON:
P 'TED BY JOHN `VILSON AND SON.
1867.
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REPORT .
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IN accordance with their usual practice, the Committee will
pass, in brief review, the several schools :—
FRANKLix SCHOOL..—To the end of the fall term, this
school continued in the charge of Miss FRANCES M. PARKER.
It was small in number, and the pupils were quite young. At
the fall examination, the performances were unusually good,
" and the appearance of the school was in all respects satisfac-
tory. At this time, Miss Parker signified her wish to resign,
having served in this place for seven years, and feeling the
need of rest. Her resignation was received with regret. We
desire to repeat here the substance of our previous estimate
of Miss Parker, as a faith'f and successful teacher, quiet in
manner and unpretending in method, but very clear and in-
telligible in her instructions; promoting a courteous and gen-
tle demeanor in her scholars, to a very pleasing degree;
careful and prudent in her care of the schoolroom, and the
y. minor matters of fuel, cleanliness, and general good order.
Miss ELLA L. BACON was appointed in her place, and made
a good beginning, which we trust may be followed by a suc-
cessful and useful career, if'she remains. The closing exami-
nation was generally satisfactory.
WARREN SCHOOL.—This school has made a fair year's
work. We think it capable of further improvement in the
matter of order, both in and out of the schoolroom, though
not especially deficient in this respect. In studies, as far as
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we could judge by the examinations, we think it has made a
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decided advance during the year. The closing examination upon these opening years to lay the foundations on which
was very good. good order and scholarship will naturally arise in the higher
BOWDITCH SCHOOL.—Mrs. F. B. DEWEY, who began her stages of school life.
work at the opening of the winter term last year, con- HANCOCK PRIMARY.—This school was in good condition
tinued to develop more of her excellent methods, both in at the close of the last year, and so remained, so far as the
teaching and discipline; and the school, as a whole,, was evi- Committee know, through the greater part of the year.
dently improving. At the end of the fall term, Mrs. Dewey Towards the end of the last term, for causes not at all im-
resigned her place, having received an appointment in Char- pugning the fidelity or capacity of the teacher, it was in a
lestown with a higher salary. less satisfactory state. Miss PARKER was compelled to leave,
Miss ELLEN STETSON was appointed in her place. about three weeks before the end of the term, by increasing
y Miss Stetson was compelled to be absent the second week, indisposition; and the school was put,for the rest of the time,
on account of illness; her place being, however,well supplied I in the care of Miss ELLEN COOLIDGE. It was not to be
{ by Miss SusAN E. SIMONDS. It was not to be expected that i expected that the examination should be as good as usual;
the highest results should be attained under these circumstan- and,we were not, therefore, disappointed at signs of less
ces. But we are pleased to say,that Miss Stetson did enough thorough discipline and scholarship than we should have been
to inspire a strong confidence in her success and usefulness 0 pleased to find in the school.
hereafter. At the closing examination, the general appear- HANCOCK GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—We judge of this school
ante of the school was good; but we noted the same want of chiefly by the two examinations, which were both good. The
thoroughness, or of seeming mastery of the studies attended y' year has not-passed without some complaints of too harsh
to, which has been observed in this school before. treatment of some of the scholars; but we judge, that, as a
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HOWARD SCHOOL.—Miss PEIRCE has continued in charge general rule, there has been no excess of severity. We re-
of the school through the year. Nothing in the state of the gret that necessity exists, or seems to exist, for recourse to
school calls for special comment. At the examinations, the corporal punishment in this or any of our schools. But,
recitations were generally good, and the order was fair. while we deprecate in every case any thing like violent or
HANCOCK SUB-PRIMARY.—At the close of the fall term, passionate treatment of children, we are not prepared to cen-
Miss SIMONDS withdrew, at her own desire, from the care of sure every instance of corporal punishment. We can only
this department of the Centre School, which has been in her r ;h urge on parents the utmost effort, on their part, so to train
jcharge since its organization, more than three years before. their own children as to diminish or remove the occasions
It is needless to say, that the care of so young a class of for such modes of discipline in school; and on teachers an
pupils demands traits of mind and temper not very common; unwillingness to continue dependent on physical force, as a
and that Miss Simonds has the kindness of heart and sympathy frequent means of preserving order in school.
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for the young which are the most essential in this place. Of By the Register of this school, it appeared that twenty-
her successor, Miss MARY FRANCES SMITH,,after one term's three pupils, just about one half of the whole number, had
observation, we can say that she bids fair to do a very useful not been absent or tardy through the term. This is doing
and acceptable work here. We regard it as a place of no little very well in the important matter of regularity of attend-
importance, though it has to do with little people; and count ante, and is an advance on the previous good standing of
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the school in this respect. 'We think the evidences of faith-
Two pupils were neither absent nor tardy throug hout the
year.
ful instruction and of good scholarship; at the close of the r. SCHOOL.—We are glad to be able to say, that this
school, were in a high degree creditable to both teacher and
pupils, and proved a substantial gain in the year. cherished institution has met our p
warmest expectations. Mr.
L. L. DAME, -the principal, bringing to his work perhaps
AllAMS PRIMARY.—This school has maintained,throughout some of the spirit acquired in a more arduous field of labor,
the year, its high standing. We consider it a model, both in has proved himself thoroughly master of the situation. With-
regard to discipline and methods of instruction. The disci- out any severe methods, or, so far as we have learned, any
pline appears to be quite as strict as is to be desired among j
such children as compose a primary school; yet maintained single instance of corporal punishment, he has held the
school well in hand. The examinations were both of the
in a very quiet and gentle way. In instruction, among many
d points, we noted two especially: the pupils o forward most gratifying character; showing very complete familiarity
goo p ' p y p p g with the subjects of study,great thoroughness of method, and
no faster than they can thoroughly hold the ground gained; in as much independent thought in the pupils as is reasonably
reciting, the teacher abstains almost absolutely from prompt- expected at their age. The more essential pursuits of the
ing, or affording any help to the pupil, except quietly giving
him time to think for himself. school have been relieved by gymnastic exercises and singing,
in both of which the pupils have made great proficiency.
The number of pupils has reached to sixty-five, quite too
We have noted,. with especial approval, the improvement in
many for the good of the school. And though no signs have respect to audible speaking,—a point of even more than usual
as yet appeared of detriment to order or scholarship,it is cer- importance in a room which is unfavorable to the voice,—and
tain that the care of so many involves a strain on mind and " the uniform pleasantness of manner, in both question and
body which few can bear. It is not improper to suggest the answer, between teacher and pupils. Equal scholarship is
probable necessity, ere long, of providing for a subdivision of not to be expected in all the members of any school; but we
this school, like that in the Centre District. feel sure that all the pupils of this school have had a fair
ADAMS GRAMMAR.—Under the care of Mr. J.W. ARMING- chance, and have improved according to their natural gifts and
TON, this school has exhibited many features of vitality and
good methods. The results have not been, in all respects, J interest in study. ,
In point of constant and seasonable presence in school, the
so good as the Committee hoped and expected. In order, the
school has lost a part of its very commendable character; record of this year is not so good as that of some preceding
years; but there appears nothing to call for criticism on the
tardiness has very much increased, rising, in the winter term, score of needless or careless absence or lateness. We trust
to the wholly inexcusable number of three hundred instan- the pupils of the High School will not rest content in any
ces; and a portion of the classes manifested a carelessness position less exalted than the highest ever attained in past
and want of interest in their recitations, very different from
years.
what we have seen here in some of the recent examinations. At the closing exercises of the year, a large audience
These changes are in some measure due to the interruption of g listened, with evident interest and enjoyment, to papers, ad-
the school by the teachers illness; but enough remains, after dresses, and dialogues, grave and gay, original and selected.
all allowances, to show the need of a special and vigorous Diplomas were given to five pupils who had completed the
effort to re-establish the school on its footing of a year ago.
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full regular course of four years; to one who had completed earlier. This would allow of the addition of some farther
the course in three years, according to a special provision mathematical study, either practical or theoretical; or the
made for such cases; and to one who had omitted two of "` substitution,for each of the treatises now used in this branch,
the required studies, the omission being noted in his di-
of one more extended and comprehensive. This subject,
ploma. however, belongs to the future.
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THE COURSE OF STUDY. r.
Four years ago, the Annual Report contained a full state- METHODS OF INSTRUCTION.
ment of the required course of study,from the pupil's first Under this head, a few remarks on one point have sug-
entrance to his leaving the schools. But few changes have gested themselves to us. It is now many years since the prac-
been made since that time. The most important is the ex tice of examining pupils by topics instead of precise questions
change of Eaton's larger treatise for his "Common-school came into vogue, as a remedy for a mechanical and memorizing
Arithmetic;" and, instead of requiring pupils to be examined way of study and recitation. We have no doubt it was
.in a part of the larger, to require examination in the whole needful as a corrective. But the reined brou ht its own evils.
of the smaller, treatise, as a condition of enteringthe Hi h y g
b g r r It is not the natural way of young minds to think precisely;
School. This change was made in pursuance of the idea, and the liberty allowed in reciting by topics always tends
that the Grammar Schools should afford to their pupils a to looseness, incoherence, and defectiveness in statement.
complete elementary course, such as has been usually consid- The teacher says, "Tell me something about"—whatever it
ered essential in all our common schools. In respect to the may be,—and the pupil tells 11 something about it;" but
course preparatory to the High School, we see nothing we seldom exactly and coherently what is true, or what the book
would change. Yet observation shows, that there is a tend- he has studied says. Now, we consider habits of careful and
ency among the pupils to concentrate an undue share of exact thought and expression very important. And these
attention upon arithmetic, to the comparative neglect of habits are better cultivated by requiring a strict, though not
other things, particularly of writing, spelling, and grammar. verbal, repetition of the statements of the text-book, than by
We think it important to insist, that those who are to enter the often loose and indefinite method of reciting by topics.
the High School should,have considerable facility in the use In the much-discussed question between reciting by pre-
of the pen, and practice in spelling by writing. A certain cise question and answer, according to the text-book, or by
portion of the "Elements of History," which is studied in topics, we think, therefore, that both sides are partially right;
the High School, might also be required to be learned before and that thorough teaching must use both methods, each for its
entering that school; or an equivalent in some form of his- own ends: one for precision, accuracy, logical correctness, as
torical study. well as to insure thorough study; the other for mental.,ex-
The change just mentioned leads to one in the course after ercise in independent thought, and to insure an intelligent,
entering the High School. Formerly, that portion of the first instead of parrot-like, learning.
year devoted to mathematics was used in finishing and re- For the former uses, we regard translation from a foreign
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viewing arithmetic: now the pupils begin algebra as soon as tongue, if carefully done, as one of the most useful forms of
they enter,—thus bringing the mathematical course one year mental training; and, in such a course as that of our own
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school, we should set this end above that of familiarity with among the children have come to our notice. The machinery
has moved with regularity, and only average friction. Still,
the niceties of grammar. we feel that a great deal more life and effectiveness might be
attained by the hearty zeal and devotion of teachers to their
TRUANTS. most interesting and responsible work, aided by a wise and
Quite a number of instances of repeated truancy have been well-tempered interest in parents and children. We look for
reported to the Committee during the year, and we have used better things to come than any yet attained. The town has
such means as we had to remedy the evil. At the recent met the demands of the time with commendable liberality.
Town Meeting, truant officers were appointed, as the law re- For some time it has grown more and more evident, that we
quires; and thus is provided the requisite machinery for could not continue to command the services of able teachers
giving effect to the by-laws on this subject, adopted by the for such pay as we have been giving. Lexington cannot,
town and printed in the last Annual School Report. We perhaps, compete with the larger business places around her;
hope that a firm yet careful use of legal force will prevent but neither ought she to be willing to sink to any lower rela-
any repetition of this most injurious practice. tive rank than she has hitherto held in regard to her schools
f and the provision made for them. The recent liberal appro-
priation of five thousand dollars will, we trust, prove suffi-
GLASS BREAKING. cient to secure to all.our schools able, diligent, and successful
A very needless amount of expense has accrued to the teachers.
town from the great amount of glass broken in the school- The usual tabular statements, and Report of the Book
houses. This has been done mostly in vacation time, or on Agency, are appended.
those days in which there is no school. A considerable part
of the mischief is done in the windows of the basements or
cellars, and much of it evidently in wanton mischief. Some REPORT OF BOOK—AGENCY.
of the school-houses, the West one especially, are so placed
as to afford mischievous children an opportunity of injuring Book-Agency to Town of Lexington,Dr.
them, without much danger of being seen. It is a question To books and cash, April, 1866 . . . . . . $75.00
whether it would not be advisable to close a part of the win- $75.00
dows in these basements entirely, and to protect the others
Cr.
with blinds or shutters. Some such change may also be ex-
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pedient as a better protection to the town's fuel, which is By books furnished indigent children, 1866-7 $16..36
stored in these places, and which,there is reason to think,has » » „ teachers' desks, „
„ ink and crayons furnished schools „ 13.8080
in some cases been wrongfully carried away. „ amount of books on hand March 27, 1867 75.00
$113.73
On a general review of the year, the Committee feel jus-
tified in crediting the teachers, as a whole, with fidelity and Balance due Book-Agency . . . . $38.73
industry. No extreme instances of irregularity or ill-behavior H. HOLMES, Agent.
APRIL 1,1867.
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TABULAR VIEW.
SCHOOLS.
TE 1GFIER9. y '!.
z An
_ Moe.Dye.M..Dys.
L. L.Pame . 6.10 3.10 40 40 36 38 35 95 $"(1 0 $940.00
HIGIi. 10O.00
Clara Simonds . 12.00 t 148,00
16.00 S
ADAMS_GRAMMAR J. W. Armington 6.10 3.10 40 52 53 46+ 47+ 89 65.000� 685.00
� tND
HAnCOCK GR.IMMAR Frank G. Staples 6.7 3.7 39.8 50 49 43.6 45.8 89 55.0060 00 682.00
WARREN Alice A. Tufts 6.7 3.13 40 35 37 33.5 32.8 93 24.00 240.00
M. j
FRANRLIN Frances� Parker, S 6.7 1 3.13 90 � 25 29 20 24 81 24.00 240.00
Ella L. Bacon
F. B. 1)ewey
BOWDITCH Ellen W. Stetson 6.8 3,12 40 40 43 34 35.8 83 24.00 240.00
. .
I OWARD Emily A. Peirce 6.8 13.12 40 40 35 29 24 72+ 24.00 240.00
26.00 s-
ADArts PRIMARY. . . Mary B. Howe . 6.10 3.10 40 67 64 53 51 80 28.00 w- 2 r4.00
HANCOCK PRIMARY, . Lizzie S. Parker 6.9 3.t0 39.8; 46 42 35 33.7 80 24.00 238.80
Susan E. Simonds. 6.6 113.40
SUB-PRIMARYMary F. Smith. 3.9 � 39 45 34 33 20 67.4 ]8:00 1 62.10