BOOKS USED.-Spelling-Leonard's and Fowle's. Reading-Worcester's Primer, 1st, 2d, 3d and 4th Books, American First Class Book. Grammar-Putnam's, Murray's and Fox's, Parker's Progressive Exercises. Geography-Parley's and Olney's. Arithmetic-Emerson's 1st and 2d Books, Colburn's and Smith's. All others-Goodrich's History, Worcester's Dictionary, New Testament, Child's Guide. REMARK.-The Surplus Revenue, the interest of which is $242 73, is applied to the support of schools. SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * The most difficult duty which devolved upon the committee, the past year, was the examination of teachers. On this they entered with much circumspection, knowing the strictness of the law on the one hand, and the probable deficiency of many applicants on the other. They resolved on carrying out the sound and safe principle, which puts public interest above private; which, in all cases, enjoins justice to the community, though individuals should be aggrieved and disappointed. * * * The committee recommend, that the town insist on an increasing strictness of examination hereafter, believing that if such a course be pursued, a state of things will soon be induced, which will deter those who are not qualified to pass a legal examination, from applying for a certificate. The schools of the town, your committee are constrained to say, are not, on the whole, in so forward and flourishing a condition as they might be. Many of the scholars, particularly among the boys from ten to fourteen years old, are not so forward as they should be at eight. This deficiency arises, no doubt, in a great measure, from a want of punctuality in attendance. This is a grievous fault, resting on parents and children, but chiefly, it is believed, on the former. The smallness of the number attending most of our schools, in comparison with the whole number of scholars, is truly alarming, and demands the serious and earnest attention of all concerned. In one district, your committee observed that during the winter, there was an average attendance of but 12 1-2 out of 24 scholars, showing a total loss of about one half the money there expended. Here were probably some ten or dozen boys, (for the girls generally attend school,) strolling about the streets through the whole winter, with the worst passions of our nature growing and strengthening in their bosoms, while no efforts were made by those under whose guardianship Providence had placed them, to shield them or the community against the dreadful issues of such a lack of moral and intellectual training. * * * SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-J. A. SHAW, H. B. PRATT, Jos. A. HYDE, PHILIP E. HILL. CARVER, Ş (1) Population, 990. Valuation, $153,085 25. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 220-In Winter, 246. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 154—In Winter, 172. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 287.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 8.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 38. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 40 mths.-In Summer, 27 21-In Winter, 12 7. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 7.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 5-F. . (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $27 60-To Females, $10 43. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $8 20—Of Females, $5 00. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $19 40-Of Females, $5 43. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $375. (11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $202. (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, -Aggregate of months kept, -Average No. of Scholars, -Aggre gate paid for tuition, $ (14) Amount of Local Funds, $ -Income from same, $ BOOKS USED-Spelling-Marshall's National. Reading-First and Second Class Books, English Reader, National Reader, Young Reader, Testament. Grammar-Alger's Murray's, Smith's. Geography-Parley's, Malte-Bruu's, Woodbridge's, Olney's. Arithmetic-Adams', Smith's, Colburn's. All others-Parley's History, Blake's Natural Philosophy. * * SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * Our forefathers, being convinced that the happiness of a community must depend, in a great measure, on a general diffusion of knowledge amongst all classes of which it is composed, early established a system of free schools, without which it would have been impossible to effect the desired object. We all have reason to thank God that this system, although it may have received many alterations, has continued to this day. We regard it as not only essential to our domestic happiness, but as the great bulwark and safeguard of our national liberties. Were it not for these institutions, although we might have colleges, high schools and even elementary schools in every town and district, yet few would be able to pay the expense of schooling. This would be a deplorable situation, not only for the poor, but for the rich, also; for what rich man is there, who will not enjoy himself much better and feel far more secure, both in property and person, when surrounded by a society of well educated poor, than he will, to live amongst those who are as ignorant as the beasts of the field. It is a natural inference, that a system, which had its origin more than two hundred years ago, is not adapted, in all its parts, to the present state of society. And our Legislature have been aiming, from time to time, so to modify it, as to make it most beneficial to all classes of the community. How far they have succeeded, the public may best decide; but it is our opinion, that were all the requisitions strictly regarded and punctually obeyed, we should reap benefits from our Common Schools which would far overbalance all the trouble and expense incurred in their support. We are aware that some of our townsmen will say, that, notwithstanding we have added fifty per cent. to the expenditures of our schools, and notwithstanding all the Legislature has done and is doing, yet our children do not make so great progress in learning as formerly. To such we would make a few remarks. It is probably true, that we have expended about fifty per cent. more in our schools, for the last ten years, than we did from 1810 to 1820. We are not informed what the number of inhabitants then was, but should presume it did not far exceed two thirds the present number;--that being the case, no more money is expended on a scholar now than was at that time. And, Gentlemen, you well know, that, in those days, the science of geography was not introduced into our schools; neither was history, nor any species of philosophy. Many arrived at the age of manhood without scarcely knowing whether Europe, Asia and Africa were east, west, north, or south. Few had any idea of the numerous large ports, either in this or in foreign countries; and, in fact, our knowledge was confined, merely, to the little space on which we were accustoned to tread. Whereas now, many of our children, from ten to twelve years of age, have obtained tolerably correct ideas of all parts of the world. The art of composing and writing did not receive any attention in those days. It is true, we were set to making marks, and dashing and painting then with our pens; but, Gentlemen, there are but few now, who were then scholars, that can compose, write and fold a letter, in so handsome a form, as large numbers of our children, from ten to fifteen years of age, can. The same remark may be made in regard to reading, spelling, and understanding the meaning of authors. In regard to arithmetic we were told, if we had ciphered as far as the Rule of Three, we knew enough; and, as to Fractions, they were of no use at all. We have since learned, that ordinary business calls us not only to cipher further than the Rule of Three and know something of Fractions, but it requires us to understand the principles of arithmetic, and be expert in the practice of it. English grammar was not studied, but by here and there one. And we were told, by some of the brightest geniuses of those days and such as were employed as instructers, that they knew something of grammar; that is, they could parse it some, but did not know the use of it, nor what it was good for. We cannot say there are many who get a thorough knowledge of grammar in our schools at the present day, but we think there are many who derive a considerable de gree of benefit from the study of it. And, on the whole, we think there has been a gradual improvement in the condition of our schools for several years; —as children are required to attend to more studies, are instructed more in primary rules, and are made to understand the branches to which they attend, much better than formerly,—especially the art of reading with propriety and grace, and of comprehending the meaning of the authors. The principles of arithmetic are much better understood by children, from ten to fifteen years of age, than they formerly were. This is probably owing to the use of mental arithmetic when very young. But, after all, much remains to be done; and we think that, with the coöperation of the school committee, the parents and the teachers, inore improvement can be made in the condition of our schools in one year, than has been made for the last twenty years. In order to accomplish this result, we would propose a plan which we think proper to be pursued. In the first place, we would have every scholar supplied with books of the best kinds that can be selected, and all that can be classed together, should have the same kind, throughout the whole town. In the next place, we would select the best of teachers; such as are not only qualified to teach the several branches of science which are required by law, but are competent to instruct in the principles of honesty and sobriety, and convince their pupils, if possible, of the vast importance of pursuing a virtuous course of conduct. We would have all our schools commence about the same time. We would have all the teachers, with some of their scholars, the school committee and others, hold a meeting, as often, at least, as once a week, for the discussion of topics relative to the business of teaching and governing schools. We would have the teachers visit each other's schools as often as convenient. The committee should visit all the schools as often, and give such instructions, as the law requires. Parents should be present at the last examination, and, as often as convenient, at other times. Some evils have existed in this town which ought to be remedied. One, of which we shall speak particularly, is not so prevalent now as heretofore. It is the practice of teachers commencing their schools before making application to the school committees for certificates; which is in direct violation of the law. In such cases your committees have sometimes withheld their approbation; and the instances are probably numerous, where they have given certificates to those whom they did not consider qualified to discharge the duties of teachers. It is also an evil that teachers are employed late in the season by prudential committee men, and come unprepared to commence their schools before they have been approbated. * * * We therefore give it as our opinion, that the condition of our schools would be greatly improved by giving the choice of teachers wholly to the school committee, as they would then obtain satisfactory evidence of their qualifications and capacities before they would engage them. * * * * Had it not been for the absence of one of your committee and the ill health of another, we think [this] school would have been stopped and some of the money saved. But your committee have some doubts whether they have a right to stop a school, as there is nothing to that effect in the letter of the law. We think this point ought to be defined by the Legislature. * There are defects in some of our schoolhouses. * SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-DAVID PRATT, SAMUEL GLOVER. * DUXBURY, {(1) (1) Population. 2,789. Valuation, $449,113 30. Number of Public Schools, 11. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 588-In Winter, 695. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 353-In Winter, 476. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 566-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 73.—No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 56. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 100 mths. 14 days.-In Summer, 57—In Winter, 43 14. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 1-F. 10.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 10-F. 1. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board To Males, $36 90-To Females, $14 43, (8) Average value of board per month--Of Males, $9 90-Of Females, $5 76. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $27 00-~Of Females, $8 67. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $2,500. (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, 2.-Aggregate of months kept, 24.-Average No. of Scholars, 55.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $600. (14) Amount of Local Funds, $ .-Income from same, $ BOOKS USED.-Spelling Emerson's National, Hazen's Speller and Definer. ReadingWorcester's Series of Reading Books. Grammar-Smith's. Geography-Olney's and Atlas, Parley's. Arithmetic-Smith's, Emerson's and Parley's. All others-Boston School Dictionary, Goodrich's History of the U. S., Comstock's Chemistry and Philosophy. REMARKS.-There is a fund of $10,000 now at interest, for the establishment and support of a High School, as soon as in the opinion of the trustees it has accumulated sufficiently to carry it into operation. It is the munificent bequest of the Hon. Geo. Partridge, and has been at interest nearly twelve years. Besides those returned, there are several schools kept during the recess of the town schools, for small scholars, and one designed for children under four years of age. SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * The teachers of the several schools have been examined according to law, and such, and such only, as appeared to be qualified, have been furnished with certificates. * * * We are happy to state, that for several years past, and during the last year in particular, there has been manifest improvement in the appearance of the schools; and this improvement, we think, is chiefly owing to the endeavors which have been made to establish a uniformity of books, and to cause all the scholars to be supplied with the same. And we doubt not that all parents and guardians, who feel interested in the education of their children, will be so far convinced of the utility of this regulation, that they will henceforth not only be reconciled to it, but will give it their uniform and hearty support. To follow up this improvement, so happily begun, we respectfully recommend to each and every district in the town, to purchase a school library. Such a library has been prepared by the Board of Education, and is now ready for delivery to purchasers. The Legislature of the State have encouraged this measure, by authorizing each district to raise thirty dollars for the first year, and ten dollars in each succeeding year, to procure a school library; and we are fully of the opinion, that the pleasure and instruction which might be derived from the perusal of the books, both by parents and children, would be an ample compensation for the money laid out in obtaining them. * * We rejoice to see the general willingness of the people in appropriating the means to subserve the interests of the rising generation. But at the same time, we cannot refrain from expressing our regret, that the children are not furnished with better accommodations in most of the schoolhouses. With two or three exceptions, the schoolhouses throughout the town are very faulty, in regard to their internal construction. The consequence is, that the teacher, in his endeavors to keep order, though naturally of a mild disposition, will insensibly become a tyrant. Under these circumstances, it is no wonder that many children are indifferent, or unwilling to go to school, and when there, dislike their studies and perhaps their teacher too, and both get a bad name, when the originating cause is not in their bad dispositions, but chiefly, if not altogether, in the ill-constructed and incommodious schoolhouse. In order to make children love their school, love their studies and their teachers, it is necessary that the place, where they are to spend months and years in acquiring an education, should be made as comfortable, convenient, and pleasing as pos sible. This being done, let there be a suitable supply of books and a compe tent teacher in each school, and, generally speaking, parents may rest assured that their children will honor them by good behavior, and by making the desired improvement in the various branches of a useful education. We find the whole number of scholars belonging to the several districts to be 695; and from the registers kept by the teachers and returned to us, we find that the average attendance on school is but about 428. This is a great deficiency, and we feel it to be our duty to call the attention of parents to this subject, and to entreat them to consider how much the education of their children is prevented for want of a constant and regular attendance on school, while it is keeping. Parents can, in a great measure, provide the remedy. To them we look, and to them we address our earnest solicitations, that they will not detain their children from school unnecessarily, but will cause then to attend as constantly and punctually as possible, that they may receive the whole benefit of our happy school establishment, and thus become qualified, in their riper years, for respectability and usefulness. * * * SCHOOL COMMITTEE -G. B. WESTON, THOMAS BEEDE, ERASTUS H. BARtlett. E. BRIDGEWATER, {(1) Population, 1,927. Valuation, $265,018 16. Number of Public Schools, 8. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 429-In Winter, 485. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 311-In Winter, 341. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 563.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 30.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 36. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 53 mths. 7 days.-In Summer, 31-In Winter, 22 7. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 8.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 7—F. 1. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board—To Males, $31 55—To Females, $14 92. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $8 28-Of Females, $5 47. (3) Average wages per month, exclusive of board—Of Males, $23 27—Of Females, $9 45. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $1,200. (11) Amount of board and fuel, if any, contributed for Public Schools, $ (12) No. of incorporated Academies, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 6.—Average number of Scholars, 22.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $93. (13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 2.-Aggregate of months kept, 5.-Average No. of Scholars, 34.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $55. (14) Amount of Local Funds, $230 00.-Income from same, $ BOOKS USED.- -Spelling-New National. Reading-First Class Book, Introduction to National Reader, Popular Lessons, Emerson's Primer. Grammar-Smith's. GeographyWoodbridge's, Peter Parley's. Arithmetic-Smith's, Colburn's First Lessons, Federal Calculator, Emerson's 3d Part. All others-Goodrich's History of the U. S., Comstock's Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, Colburn's Algebra. SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * The committee take pleasure in stating, that an increasing interest, in the improvement of the condition of the schools, is manifest in every district. In all the districts except one, a number of the parents of the children have visited the school at the closing examination. The committee carnestly desire, that this practice may become more fashionable; or rather, that parents would consider it an imperative duty to visit the schools at the closing examination. * * * The prudential committees deserve much credit for their effectual exertions, in procuring competent and skilful teachers. Much improvement has been made the past year in the mode of teaching. * * |
