SELECTIONS from ReporT. The school committee * * have visited the schools, at the commencement and close, and at such times during the session, as, in their opinion, would be for the benefit of the scholars. They have endeavored to impress upon the minds of the scholars, the importance of a good education, and the only means by which it can be obtained, viz. order, a correct deportment, and a close attention to their studies while at school.

The committee think that there has been a decided improvement, in all the schools, during the past year. * * This school, formerly, was one of the best schools in the state. Now it will hardly compare with the other schools in this town, which do not receive one half the money. Why is this? There are various reasons. In the first place, there is a want of interest in the school, on the part of parents. Every parent who wishes his child to advance in his studies, should see that he attends school punctually, that he does not play the truant, that he does not loiter by the way, and enter the school an hour or two after the commencement of it. He should see that his child is furnished with the proper books, and that he studies them.

* * *

But the fault is not all here. We have not had competent teachers. We have obtained our teachers for a very low price; and it is in teaching, as in all kinds of trade, the cheapest workman is almost always the dearest to his employer. This, we are aware, has been from necessity; the money raised for schools, has been so little, that we must either go without a school, a large part of the time, or procure a teacher for a very low price.

Let us pay our teacher thirty dollars per month, instead of eighteen, and we should assuredly be gainers by it. We could then get a teacher worth thirty dollars. But if we will not give that sum, he will not stop with us, but will go where he can get it. We have long enough tried a cheap teacher, and have keenly felt the effects of it too. To show the state of our schools, I will remark, that parents have, in not a few instances, kept their children, during a whole session of the school, at home, thinking they learned more evil than good. Now this ought not to be, and it need not be. Only let parents interest themselves in the education of their children, let them raise more money for the support of schools, and feel willing to pay their teacher a fair compensation, let us be careful in our selection of a teacher, and the state of our schools will be changed. There is, in our schools, material enough to work upon, and all we need is skilful workmen.

*

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-WILLARD HOLBROOK, CHARLES PROCTOR, GREENLEAF CHENEY.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 1,673-In Winter, 1,673. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 1,309—In Winter, 1,309. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 3,756.—No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, -No. over 16 years of age who attend School, (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 204 mths.-In Summer, 103-In Winter, 101. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 11-F. 19.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 11—F. 19. (7) Average wages paid per month including board-To Males, $61 65-To Females, $10 74. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $16 00-Of Females, $6 00.

(9) Average wages per month exclusive of board-Of Males, $45 65-Of Females, $4 74. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $10,825 00.

(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 No. of

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 53.-Aggregate of months kept, 660.—Average No. of Scholars, 1,200.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $18,000 Co.

(14) Amount of Local Funds, $

.-Income from same, $

Gram

BOOKS USED.-Spelling-N. York Spelling Book, My First Book, Worcester's Dictionary. Reading-Mount Vernon Junior Reader, Bible, Young Reader, Worcester's 3d and 4th Books, American 1st Class Book, Reader's Manual, Colburn's 1st Lessons, Reference Book mar-Parker's 1st and 2d part, and Composition. Geography-Smith's, Smiley's, Worcester's Ancient and Modern, Hall's, Child's. Arithmetic-Emerson's 1st, 2d and 3d Parts, Colburn's Intellectual. All others-Andrews' and Stoddard's Latin Grammar, Andrews' 1st Lessons, Latin Reader, Exercises, Cæsar's Commentaries, Cicero's Orations, Virgil, Nepos, Fisk's Greek Grammar, Greek Dilectory, Jacobs' Greek Reader, Greek Testament, Fisk's Greek Exercises, Totten's Algebra, Porter's Rhetorical Reader, Parker's Philosophy, Colburn's Sequel and Algebra.

REMARKS.-There may be an error in the items of " value of board," and "value of board exclusive of wages," as the corresponding columns in the blank are not filled.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. (Made by the Mayor of the city, HON. S. C. PHILLIPS.) * * * In relation to the Public Schools, I owe it to the school committee of the past year to bear my official testimony to the fidelity and assiduity with which they have performed their duties, and still more to commend to the public notice the decided and effective policy to which they have adhered. * * *

A moderate addition to the salaries of all the male teachers, with one exception, was authorized at the commencement of the year.- * * *.

* * * A portion of them [female teachers] have recently urged a claim for an increase, which was postponed for the consideration of the next committee. I take great pleasure in saying, that the time has arrived, or is approaching, when a just regard to the increased qualifications of this interesting and valuable class of teachers will not be without its influence. The appointment of female assistants, as required by law, has been carried into effect in all the schools, and at the close of the quarter, which has recently expired, the sub-committees all reported, that it had not been attended with any difficulties, and had been productive of unquestionable benefits. *

*

In the schoolhouse in Dean street, an additional story has been erected, which furnishes a spacious, airy, and convenient school room above, while below, in addition to the old school room, a recitation room has been fitted up, which answers an important purpose under the new organization of the school. This organization, which has been successfully introduced, and may serve as a precedent for general adoption, deserves to be described. Like most practical improvements, it was partially suggested by the circumstances under which it originated. The west schoolhouse, as first built, contained but a single room, sufficient to accommodate one hundred and twenty scholars. The enlargement of the building became necessary, in consequence of an increase of applications for admission, beyond the number that could be accommodated. Upon considering a petition for the erection of another schoolhouse in a different part of the district, it was decided by the committee to be not only the most economical, but in other respects the most advantageous plan, to add another large apartment to the present building, to furnish two female assistants, and by providing a recitation room, to enable one of the teachers to be constantly employed, without suffering or causing interruption, in examining classes in their lessons, while the others should maintain an undisturbed oversight of the studies of the school. It was further deemed expedient to constitute the primary school, kept in an adjoining building, a branch of this school, thus making in effect one school in three departments, all equally under the general direction of the principal teacher, and each under the particular charge of an assistThe plan has now been sufficiently tried, and all branches of the school exhibit satisfactory evidence of its beneficial operation. The principal teacher, by resorting to the recitation room, can devote himself much more efficiently to the older classes, the female assistants are found entirely competent to perform all the duties which he has transferred to them, and the younger scholars, no longer suffering from the depression and neglect, which, however undeservedly, have constantly operated as a clog upon the primary schools, now share the common spirit, and become regularly and uniformly qualified for advancement. The success of this experiment has satisfied the committee,

ant.

that, in a building properly constructed, containing two or three rooms for study, with adjoining recitation rooms, at least three hundred scholars may be placed under the charge of one male teacher, with three or more female assistants; and that, in this mode, while the expense of instruction per capita, making a proper estimate of salaries, rent of building, fuel, &c., will fall below rather than exceed what is now paid, there will also be introduced such an economy of time and labor in various particulars, in respect alike to teachers and scholars, there will be infused such a spirit into the several departments, and there will be so little difficulty in the application of a simple and complete system to the entire establishment, that the most important advantages, obviously unattainable under a different arrangement, may easily be secured.

* *

A revision of the text books and of the course of studies, in the several schools, is one of the objects which have received the particular attention of the late school committee. Some changes have been made, and others referred to the consideration of their successors. An examination has been made of the plan for a school library, as proposed by the Board of Education, and the result of that examination has been recently conveyed to the Legislature in an earnest remonstrance against the abolition of that Board, as involving, among other consequences, the frustration of a design, which has proceeded from the wisest counsels, and will be executed by the best talents of the State; and which is believed to be adapted, in its moral tone, in its literary merits, and in all its practical tendencies, to elevate, strengthen and adorn the character of youth, and thus to advance immeasurably the qualifications for manhood.

During the year, the sum of $884 79, has been paid into the treasury of the city by the treasurer of the Commonwealth, as the city's share of the annual dividends of the Massachusetts School Fund for 1837 and 1838. By a vote of the city council, in manifest compliance with the design of the State, this amount was placed at the control of the school committee as an addition to the ordinary appropriations; and that it might be applied to some special object, upon the recommendation of a sub-committee, whose report has been published, it was decided by the general committee, that this donation should be applied in part to the support, for a year, at the Normal School in Lexington, of two young ladies, to be selected from such of the assistants, or older scholars of the east and west female schools, as might need, and would desire to avail themselves of, this assistance, for the purpose of increasing their qualifications for future service in the Public Schools. This grant was coupled with stipulations, that the amount advanced should be gradually repaid by a deduction from the salaries to be afterwards allowed them as assistants; so that, in effect, under ordinary circumstances, the grant would prove equivalent to a loan, and would enable the beneficiaries, without apprehension, to anticipate their own resources, and leave it in the power of the committee, to continue to provide for the same object by the use of the same means.

* * *

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-S. C. PHILLIPS, CHARLES W. UPHAM STEPHEN OSBORNE, JOSEPH H. PHIPPEN, Oliver PARSONS, JOSEPH HODGES, JAMES W. THOMPSON, JOS. E. FISK, CHARLES W. PALFREY, FRANCIS A. FABENS, MICH. CARLETON.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 616-In Winter, 234. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 418-In Winter, 179.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 699.-No. of persons under 4 1 years of age who attend School, 23.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 6. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 56 mths. 7 days.—In Summer, 40 26—In Winter, 15 9. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 4—F. 7.—No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 4—F. 1. (7) Average wages paid per month including board-To Males, $25 64-To Females, $10 12. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 71—Of Females, $5 12. (9) Average wages per month exclusive of board-Of Males, $17 33-Of Females, $500.

(10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of

Teachers, board and fuel, $1,500.

(11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $23.

(12) No. of incorporated Academies,

Aggregate of months kept,

Scholars, -Aggregate paid for tuition, $

-Average No. of

(13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 7.—Aggregate of months kept, 374.-Average No. of Scholars, 216.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $590 16.

BOOKS USED. Spelling-Emerson's National, and Introduction. Reading-Testament, Introduction to National Reader, Young do., Putnam's Sequel, Porter's Rhetorical Reader Grammar-Smith's. Geography-Parley's, Brinsmade's, Oluey's. Arithmetic-Smith's, Colburn's, Emerson's 1st and 2d Parts, Greenleaf's. All others--History of U. S. by Coodrich, Blake's Natural Philosophy, Wayland's Moral Science.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * * It is thought that very beneficial results would be generally experienced, by the youth of the town, if suitable teachers could be permanently secured, by the several districts. Strangers, applying for employment in teaching, may appear well on examination before your committee, as it respects their literary qualifications, and they may come well recommended; but on trial, they not unfrequently fail in some very important points. Aptness to teach, and judgment and ability to govern, can be ascertained to be possessed by an individual, only by actual experiment. Whenever it is found that a teacher has these qualifications, which are indispensably necessary to secure success in his employment, it is the decided opinion of your cominittee, that the district, where such an instructer is employed, usually sustains a very severe loss, when, at the expiration of the quarter, he is permitted to retire, and the next term a stranger takes his place. It sometimes happens, that by such a change, the wages paid the teacher, are not only thrown away, but a positive and lasting injury is inflicted on the minds of the children he has professed to instruct. The only practical remedy for this evil, is, when a district is so fortunate as to obtain the right instructer, provided he continues faithful, let him, if possible, be retained year after year. But to secure permanent instruction of the right kind, it is believed that a higher rate of compensation should generally be afforded to those who are adapted and qualified, and will be faithful to impart such instruction. Ordinarily, teachers of Common Schools receive no higher remuneration for their services, than does the common laborer. What encouragement, then, is held out, to induce individuals who possess eminent ability and talents, to engage and continue in the important, and vastly responsible employment of school teaching? It may be answered, that philanthropy should incite them to this work. But can it rationally be expected, that they should care more for the improvement of the children of others, than the parents themselves of those children, care for their improvement? None but good teachers should be employed, and such should be retained, and be well paid for their services. It will, in the end, he found to be the cheapest. Your children will reap the benefit. When this state of things shall take place, teaching will become professional business, and will engage the minds and talents of individuals, who are now called to fill stations which are much more lucrative, but far less useful, than the high and honorable employment of instructing the minds of the young. For want of this, inultitudes of youth grow up to manhood, and then, through the mistake irretrievably made in their education, they fail to possess that_discriminating and keen insight into men and things, aud to wield. that influence in the community, by their mental power, which they might have done, had they received the requisite training, at the proper season of life.

*

Another point to which the committee desire to call the attention of the town, is the irregularity of attendance of the scholars, in the several districts. * The whole number of scholars who have been connected with the schools in the various districts, have been present, in their respective school rooms, only about two thirds of the time of the continuance of the schools severally. This

shows a sad deficiency, in regard to the regular attendance of those who have been connected with the schools. No diligence of a teacher can supply what is thus lost.

But this is not all; such absences distract the mind of the scholar, by the frequent chasms which are thus made in his studies, especially if he is connected with a class;—they cause his thoughts to be divided between his books and the business which engages his attention, a part of the time, out of the school, and thus the interest he would otherwise feel in acquiring knowledge, is essentially diminished, and he makes but slow progress, when he ought to be advancing rapidly. We exceedingly regret to know, and to have to say, that through the irregular attendance of the scholars, connected with the several schools in town, during the last twelve months, very many years, in all, of valuable instruction, which the children generally might have received, have been irrecoverably lost. To this lamentable fact, we invite the special attention of parents and guardians. They alone can correct this prevailing evil.

* * *

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-BENJ. SAWYER, ELIJAH MASON, JAMES F. WILCOX.

SAUGUS,

{(1)

(1) Population, 1,123. Valuation, $193,623 89. Number of Public Schools, 4.

(2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 257-In Winter, 205.

(3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 198-In Winter, 167.

(4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 317.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, -No. over 16 years of age who attend School, (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 39 mths.-In Summer, 24-In Winter, 15.

-To Females, $16 60.

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

-Of Females, $6 80.

(9) Average wages per month exclusive of board-Of Males, $

-Of Females, $9 80.

(10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of

Teachers, board and fuel, $850 00.

(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 No. of

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

(14) Amount of Local Funds, $

-Income from same, $

BOOKS USED.— -Spelling-Emerson's National. Reading-Emerson's Reading Books, First Class Book, History of the U. S., Testament, &c. Grammar-Smith's. Geography—(\ney's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Smith's, Leonard's Robinson's and Colburn's. All othersBlake's Astronomy, Blake's Philosophy, Comstock's Chemistry, Good's Book of Nature.

SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * On the whole, we survey, with satisfaction, the order and improvement of our Public Schools, the past year. We cannot but think that the labor and money expended have been judiciously applied. In looking forward, we see nothing to damp our feelings, but every thing to encourage us. Our school rooms are now in the best order and repair, and convenience and comfort now urge the steps of the young to visit these nurseries of the mind.

We are happy to say, that an increasing interest, in the cause of education, is diffusing itself through the community. Parents and guardians are beginning to feel as they ought to feel on the subject of youthful improvement; and youthful minds, fired with the same electric spark, are emulous to make such displays as shall meet the approbation of an interested public. When the interest abroad in the community, on this subject, shall be such that we shall