Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

mon evils would, in a great measure, or wholly, disappear. And why should not parents take these pains? In what other business does the employer leave the employed without inspecting his work, and looking narrowly after his service? And is the cultivation of the heart, and mind, and manners, of the rising generation, less important than the business of our farms, our shops, or our factories? It is believed, that a great majority of parents in this town, seldom, if ever, visit the schools. We would, however, make honorable exceptions. * * * The committee would say, that in their opinion, the attention usually given to the elementary studies is quite too superficial. There is a hastening onward to new, and higher, and various branches, before the pupils are at all properly grounded in the rudiments or first principles of science.

* * *

In conclusion, the committee would say that too much importance can scarcely be attached to the moral character of instructers; to the influence they will exert on the hearts of their pupils. It should not only be safe, but salutary. The principal thing to be sought is, to make children wiser and better. And, if they are subjected to an influence, that not only does not help to make them better, but worse, no attainments they can make in science, however large or splendid, can be considered as any compensation for the loss they sustain.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-J. M. PURINGTON, HORATIO FLAGG, David Todd.

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 343-In Winter, 431. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 252-In Winter, 342.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 411.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 16.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 65. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 94 mths. 14 days.—In Summer, 56-In Winter, 38 14. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. —F. 15.—No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 10-F. 4. (7) Average wages paid per month including board-To Males, $20 56-To Females, $11 26. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 00-Of Females, $6 00.

(9) Average wages per month exclusive of board-Of Males, $13 56-Of Females, $5 26. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $789 32.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $720.

(12) No. of incorporated Academies,

Aggregate of months kept, -Average No. of

Scholars, Aggregate paid for tuition, $

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 43.-Average No. of Scholars, 35.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $175.

(14) Amount of Local Funds, $

-Income from same, $

BOOKS USED.-Spelling-National. Reading-American First Class Book, Rhetorical Reader, General Class Book, Popular Reader, Improved Reader, Child's Guide, Bible. Grammar-Smith's. Geography-Malte-Brun's and Peter Parley's. Arithmetic-Smith's, Colburn's and Emerson's First Part. All others-Colburn's Algebra, Goodrich's History of the U. S., Parley's History, Webster's Dictionary.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT.

* We believe that much good might result from the united visit of the town and prudential committees, near the commencement of each school term; and we recommend, that this practice be universally adopted.

*

*

*

We cannot close, without expressing our conviction, that a more extensive and decided moral influence should be exerted in our schools. While we encourage the study of the history of our own country, and feel, that it is exerting a salutary influence upon the minds of the young, we wish to hear testimony in favor of the history of the Bible; and express our conviction, that its

renovating and purifying tendencies will be far more beneficial to our children, than any human production; and we think it a proper text-book to be used more extensively than it has been the past winter, in many of our schools; while we should regret to see the peculiar tenets of any particular sect or party inculcated by our teachers.

*

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-AUSTIN RICE, JOHN CLARY, E. D. HAMILTON.

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small]

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 410-In Winter, 444. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 323-In Winter, 356.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 548.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 23.—No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 30. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 92 mths.-In Summer, 53 21-In Winter, 38 7. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. .-F. 15—No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 6—F. 7. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board—To Males, $22 33—To Females, $12 20 (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 00-Of Females, $6 43.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $15 33—Of Females, $5 77. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $822.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $481.

(12) No. of incorporated Academies, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 104.-Average number of Scholars, 40.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $500.

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 6.-Aggregate of months kept, 111-Average No. of Scholars, 15.—Aggregate paid for tuition, $143

(14) Amount of Local Funds, $

.-Income from same, $

BOOKS USED.- -Spelling-Franklin Primer, Webster's Spelling Book. Reading Popular and Improved Readers, General Class Book. Grammar-Smith's. Geography Olney's, Malte-Brun's, Peter Parley's and Brinsmade's. Arithmetic-Adams', Smith's, Emerson's and Colburn's. All others-Goodrich's History, Comstock's Philosophy, Angell's Series, Nos. 2 and 4, Child's Second Book.

REMARK. "Some districts contributed fuel, but the committee have not ascertained the amount."

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT.

* In respect to the general condition of the schools in this town, your committee are of opinion, that it is far less elevated, than is demanded by a just regard to the wants and welfare of the rising generation, and is contemplated by the existing laws of the Commonwealth, in relation to the subject. * * In the recent history of the schools in this town, however, your committee are happy to state, that they are able to record improvements, as well as to specify defects.

* * *

Within a short period, they are happy to acknowledge the erection of four new schoolhouses, which, though not embracing all the advantages desirable in such accommodations, are undoubtedly great improvements upon those, of which they have taken the places. In several of the districts, however, the schoolhouses, in their existing condition, are by no means suited to the wants, for which they were provided, being small, inconvenient, ill constructed, and out of repair. Instances, too, not unfrequently occur, of a want of good understanding and of a spirit of coöperation between the general and prudential committees, in observing the legal requisitions, as respects the examination and approbation of teachers; the duty of the prudential committee in some instances, being entirely neglected, and often delayed till after the teacher has been employed, for some weeks, in the instruction of the school, for which he or she has been engaged. Your committee are of opinion, and it is the opinion of

many, both teachers and others, that, in the accomplishment of correct spelling, our youth are far behind the standard which formerly obtained; and this declension is imputed, in part, to a neglect in this branch of early education, and, in part, to the books now in use; but it is worthy of consideration, whether it may not be more justly ascribed to the multiplication of studies;-arithmetic, geography, philosophy, history, &c., being, in various forms at the present day, crowded into the space formerly occupied by only two or three branches of primary instruction. * *

*

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-POMEROY BELDEN, WM. M. RICHARDS.

ERVING,

{(1) Population, 292. Valuation, $40,282 50.

Number of Public Schools, 3.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer 99-In Winter, 54.

(3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 68-In Winter, 44.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 80.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 14.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 4.

(5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 13 mths.-In Summer, 11—In Winter, 2.

(6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 3.—No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 1—F. . (7) Average wages paid per month, including board—To Males, $26 00—To Females, $10 00. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $6 00-Of Females, $5 00.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $20 00-Of Females, $5 00. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $153.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $

(12) No. of incorporated Academies,

Aggregate of months kept,

Scholars, Aggregate paid for tuition, $

-Average number of

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 2.-Average No. of Scholars, 20.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $9 00.

(14) Amount of Local Funds, $

.-Income from same, $

BOOKS USED. -Spelling-National. Reading-National Reader, General Class Book, Improved Reader, Franklin Primer. Grammar-Smith's. Geography-Malte-Brun's, Olney's, Woodbridge's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Adams', Colburn's, Emerson's. All others-Child's First Book of History, Young Scholars' Manual, Testament.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * The cause of Common School education is one of great importance, and deeply involves the best interests of the community, for the character of our schools will, in a great degree, determine the character of the rising generation.

One existing evil the committee here notice, the apparent want of interest in the subject of education manifested by parents. So far as the committee have been able to ascertain, in but few instances have parents visited the schools during the past year, and furnished the teachers with that aid, and the scholars with that encouragement, which their presence would have afforded. On this point, the committee would respectfully suggest the propriety of a reformation. Parents, surely, are as deeply interested in the education of their children, as in any other subject whatever. It should be the last one to be neglected.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.—ASA FISHER, CALVIN PRIEST, JR.

* *

GILL,

{(1) Population, 309, Valuation, $148,085 00.

Number of Public Schools, 6.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 190-In Winter, 251. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 148—In Winter, 186.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 256.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 11.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 26. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 30 mths. 7 days.—In Summer, 17—In Winter, 13 7. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 6.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 6-F. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $22 83—To Females, $12 83. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 00-Of Females, $700.

[ocr errors]

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $15 83-Of Females, $5 83. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $300.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $211 75.

(12) No. of incorporated Academies,

Aggregate of months kept,

Scholars, Aggregate paid for tuition, $

-Average number of

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 1 3-8.—Average No. of Scholars, -Aggregate paid for tuition, $ (14) Amount of Local Funds, $

[ocr errors]

-Income from same, $

BOOKS USED.— -Spelling-Franklin Series, viz. Franklin Primer, Improved Reader, General Class Book, Popular Reader. Reading Goldsmith's England. Grammar-Greenleaf's. Geography-Olney's, Malte-Brun's, Parley's. Arithmetic-Emerson's, Colburn's, Smith's and Adams' New.

REMARKS.—The fuel is furnished gratuitously, but the amount is not given in the return. The sum under the head of "amount of board and fuel contributed," represents the board only. Only two items are given, respecting the Private School.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT * * With regard to their views of the welfare and utility of schools, the committee beg leave to offer the following remarks. They conceive, that no small evil results from a want of greater uniformity in the use of school books, and of stricter attention to the procuring of those, designated by the committee in their list.

* * *

The committee cannot but notice, with regret, that seemingly growing inattention to respectful deportment and manners in children, which, in the generation before us, was deemed a subject of no small importance in schools. Although our institutions are strictly republican, yet courtesy, and proper deference to age and authority, are accomplishments too needful in every community, to be neglected. These points of attention are too closely connected with every principle of order and regularity in society, and are too essential to the refinements of civilization, to be laid aside.

The committee deem it their duty to recommend harmony of feeling and coöperation among the several families composing a district. Nothing can be worse, than a captious, fault-finding spirit, indulged by parents and guardians, in regard to those restraints necessarily practised in school. From salutary restraint, and needful discipline, the children of none can be safely or equitably exempted. *

* *

The committee would further recommend, as highly important, so far as practicable, to secure the labors of well known and tried instructers, rather than trust to stranger applicants, however well recommended they may come, and however well versed they may appear, under examination, in the several items of schoolmaster learning. The short interview of examination before a committee, however minutely or critically conducted, is not an adequate test of attainments and qualifications in the candidates Discretion, judgment, and some experience, after all, are indispensable requisites. Some previous acquaintance, also, with the habits and pursuits of the people, as well as with the genius and disposition of the pupils, is very favorable to the success of an instructer. A want of this must necessarily embarrass the operations of an entire stranger, and impede his usefulness, for a considerable portion of his term of engagement.

* * *

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-JOSIAH W. CANNING, JONATHAN S. PURPLE, SAMUEL J. LYONS.

[merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 358-In Winter, 434. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 261-In Winter, 312.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 466.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 10.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 22.

(5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 74 mths.-In Summer, 43-In Winter, 31.

(6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 1-F. 9.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 5-F. 6. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $28 60-To Females, $14 33. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 60-Of Females, $6 60.

(9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, 821 00-Of Females, $7 73. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $1,700.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $320.

(12) No. of incorporated Academies, 1.—Aggregate of months kept, 12.-Average number of Scholars, 30.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $1,500.

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 3.-Aggregate of months kept, 183.-Average No. of Scholars, 85.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $720.

(14) Amount of Local Funds, $

.-Income from same, $

BOOKS USED.-Spelling-Webster's and Sears', Franklin Primer, Easy Primer. ReadingImproved Reader, General Class Book, Popular Reader, Child's Guide, Intelligent Reader. Grammar-Murray's, Smith's and Greenleaf's. Geography-Malte-Brun's, Smith's and Olney's. Arithmetic-Colburn's, Smith's and Adams'. All others-Porter's Analysis, Day's Algebra, Blake's Chemistry, Latin and Greek Grammar, Virgil, Cicero, Greek Testament.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * In the village, the large and commodious building, erected by the Fellenberg Corporation, has been purchased and well fitted up, for the accommodation of two schools, at an expense of more than four thousand dollars. * * *

The centre district has very commendably repaired its schoolhouse. The greatest fault discovered by the committee, in this school, and it is one which too generally prevails, consists in the manner of reading and spelling. These branches are entitled to a greater share of attention, than they ordinarily receive; and it would be well if the time devoted, in many instances, to higher studies, were given to them.

* * *

The attention which the committee have been able to give, to the different schools in the town, has produced the conviction that, although something has been accomplished, yet very much remains to be done, that our schools may be elevated to that high standard which their importance demands, and produce those beneficial results which every good citizen is solicitous to witness. There is room for improvement, in the condition of many of the schoolhouses; in the qualifications of teachers; in the regularity of attendance, on the part of children; in the mode of government, and the course of study, and in the interest manifested in the cause of learning, by those upon whom the support of the schools is dependant. The committee venture to express the hope, that under the regulation of wise and salutary laws, and from the increasing regard to education in the community, the Public Schools of this town will, erelong, attain to a character which will place them beyond the voice of censure or complaint. *

* *

There is some doubt in the minds of the committee, whether the usual mode of distributing the money raised by the town, according to the number of scholars in the respective districts, is the most judicious and equitable. The great object is to promote the general interests of education, without regard to the population, or the ability of particular localities. Those districts which are the least wealthy, may need the most assistance; and where there is, comparatively, but a small number of scholars, the public good may require a more liberal application of the means of intellectual and moral improvement. If one

« ForrigeFortsett »