ESSEX COUNTY. AMESBURY, { (1) Population, 2,471. Valuation, $604,299 00. Number of Public Schools, 12. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 617-In Winter, 347. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 398-In Winter, 241. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 527.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 38.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 34. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 77 mths. 7 days.-In Summer, 42 14-In Winter, 34 21. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 2-F. 13.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 10-F. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $22 50-To Females, $9 86. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 00-Of Females, $500. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $15 50—Of Females, $4 86. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $1,500 00. (12) No. of incorporated Academies, 1.—Aggregate of months kept, 4.-Average number of Scholars, 45.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $160 00. (13) No, of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 4.-Aggregate of months kept, 24-Average No. of Scholars, 123.-Aggre. gate paid for tuition, $214 00. BOOKS USED.-Spelling-Emerson's New National. Reading-Bible, Rhetorical, National and Young Readers, Introduction to National, Child's Guide. Grammar-Smith's and Perkins'. Geography-Smith's, Olney's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Colburn's First Lessons and Sequel, Emerson's First Lessons, and Smith's. All others-Woodbridge's History of the U.S. SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * Your committee are happy to state that the schools under their supervision, during the current year, have, in many respects, taken a much higher stand than in any preceding year of their observation. This they consider as resulting, in part, from the continuation of tried and experienced teachers in our schools, from year to year. Many of the schools have been taught by the same teachers, two or three terms. This, wherever practicable, is truly desirable. It has been found by experience that where the teacher has a good faculty of governing a school, and is apt to teach, the school will do much better the second than the first term; and, if so, then, ordinarily speaking, the frequent change of teachers is a real detriment to our schools. By such changes, much time is lost by the pupil in acquiring the different methods of instruction pursued by different teachers. There is, therefore, obviously an advantage gained by continuing such teachers as have given satisfaction from year to year. In order to secure the same teacher, let it be suggested to him, on closing his school, that his services will probably be needed another term; then take early measures to select the prudential committee, and instruct him accordingly. * But, on the supposition that to secure the services of tried and experienced teachers, it becomes necessary to give more wages than would be necessary to secure the services of others, would this be of sufficient importance to justify the risk of getting a good teacher in exchange? There has often been a great mistake in this respect; people have been unduly fearful touching the expense of their schools. The policy in regard to our schools is entirely different from that adopted in other concerns. In hiring help in our houses, work-shops, or on our farms, respect * is had to the qualifications of the person hired; and if an ingenious, experienced, able hand can be procured, it is considered good policy to secure such help, even at the risk of a much heavier draught upon our purse. And why not, on the same principle, be willing to give the experienced, skilful teacher, whose abilities you have already tried, more wages than one of less skill, or one concerning whom you have no positive knowledge? Another cause of the high stand taken by our schools, is the truly laudable efforts used by the prudential committee to secure good teachers. Much, relative to the prosperity of our schools, depends upon the interest taken in them by the prudential committee. If they act on the mistaken policy that they are serving the district to the best advantage by securing the services of such as can be obtained with the least trouble and the least expense to the district, they will probably have a cheap school, and receive ample remuneration for their parsimonious folly. It is poor economy indeed, to provide for our children teachers whose principal recommendation is that they will keep the school cheap. If we have entrusted to us the construction of an edifice in which we feel an interest, and wish to have the workmanship in the best possible style, we spare no pains or expense to secure good workmen. But if we feel little or no interest as it respects the manner in which the work is done, we shall be liable to get such help as can be obtained with the least inconvenience. On the same principle, if a man feels a deep interest in the school and wishes to have it managed well, he will be willing to make a sacrifice to obtain the object. It is true that those who feel the deepest interest may be deceived, and secure a poor teacher; but, as a general thing, they will be more likely to be successful than if they did not feel this interest. But since this office is often a thankless one, it is many times turned off upon those who can be persuaded to take it, without any regard to their qualifications to act in this capacity. This, however, is mistaken policy; and just so long as our districts act on this principle, they will be liable to have their money misapplied. * * The sacrifice could not be very great for each parent to spend two or three half days in the school, in connection with the visiting committee, or at other times. And yet this small sacrifice might be of incalculable value to the school. * * * SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-L. W. CLARK, J. B. HADLEY. ANDOVER, {{ (1) Population, 5,209. Valuation, $1,474,475 00. Number of Public Schools, 19. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 1,010-In Winter, 963. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 780-In Winter, 707. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 1,369.—No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 55.—No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 83. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 137 mths, 21 days.-In Summer, 79-In Winter, 58 21. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 23.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 16—F. 4. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $27 09-To Females, $11 93. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $8 22-Of Females, $6 01. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $18 87-Of Females, $5 92. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $2,400 00. (12) No. of incorporated Academies, 4.—Aggregate of months kept, 40.—Average number of Scholars, 241.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $3,678 18. (13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 9.-Aggregate of months kept, 64.-Average No. of Scholars, 177.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $1,005 60. (14) Amount of Local Funds, $7,470 00.-Income from same, $375 50. BOOKS USED.- -Spelling-Saunders' and Primer. Reading-Bible, Child's Introduction to National, and Rhetorical Readers. Grammar-Smith's. Geography-Parley's and Smith's. Arithmetic-Smith's. All others-Colburn's Algebra, Parley's School History, Webster's Dictionary, Comstock's Philosophy, Political Class Book. REMARK. Of the Local Funds, $200 belongs to one district only; the other, amounting to $7,270, consists of the "Phillips Fund." SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * In the Centre district, the school, on account of its size, was conducted in two departments, each division, with its teacher, occupying a separate building. This arrangement proved to be a very judicious and beneficial one, since the increased proficiency of the children more than compensated for the additional expense which was cheerfully borne by their parents and the friends of popular education in the district. In two of the summer schools, those taught in the Holt and Ballard-vale districts, a daily exercise of a few moments in singing was very advantageously introduced. From its tendency to promote cheerfulness and good order among the scholars, if for no other reasons, the committee confidently recommend the exercise for the adoption of all the schools. In conclusion, the committee would say, that the experience and observation of another year have only tended to deepen their conviction of the value and importance of our Common Schools. They are one of the pillars on which our valued civil and religious institutions lean for support. It is then the duty of every citizen to sustain and patronize them with a firm and liberal hand,-to watch over their interests with unwearied vigilance,―sacredly to cherish them among the precious things he best loves. SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-SAMUEL FULLER, JR., SAMUEL C. JACKSON, JESSE PAGE, NATHANIEL HARVEY, JOHN L. TAYLOR. BEVERLY, { (1) Population, 4,689. Valuation, $1,306,509 00. Number of Public Schools, 10. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 594-In Winter, 751. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 504-In Winter, 593. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 1,249.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, -No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 50. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 88 mths.-In Summer, 46-In Winter, 42. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 2-F. 10.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M, 10—F. 3. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $28 43-To Females, $9 00. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $9 20-Of Females, $500. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $19 23—Of Females, $400. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $2,240 10. (12) No. of incorporated Academies, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 12.—Average number of Scholars, 27.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $600 00. (13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 22.-Aggregate of months kept, 164.—Average No. of Scholars, 550.—Aggregate paid for tuition, $2,300 00. BOOKS USED.-Spelling-Cummings'. Reading-Testament, Introduction to National, National and Young Readers. Grammar-Smith's, Murray's. Geography-Parley's and Woodbridge's, and Atlas. Arithmetic-Colburn's First Part and Sequel, and Greenleaf's. All others-Holbrook's Geometry, Fowle's Linear Drawing, Colburn's Algebra, Bowditch's Navigator, Blair's Rhetoric, Comstock's and Perkins' Philosophies, Goodrich's History of the U. S., Sullivan's Political Class Book, Story's Abridgment. success. SELECTION FROM REPORT. * *The committee have learned, with much satisfaction, that in some of the districts the subject of obtaining the Common School Library has been agitated, and with an interest that promises ultimate When it is considered that this most valuable collection of one hundred volumes, from the best authors, can be obtained by an assessment, or contribution of less than twenty dollars for three successive years, it can hardly be doubted that those of our districts especially in which few opportunities, private or public, of reading are now enjoyed, will secure for themselves this invaluable means of at once diffusing general information, and increasing the efficiency of our Common School system. * * * SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-C. T. THAYER, JOHN SAFFORD, W. BUSHNELL, ROBERT RANTOUL, JOSEPH ABBOTT, STEPHENS BAKER. BOXFORD, { (1) Population, 941. Valuation, $387,304 00. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 209—In Winter, 233. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 236.—No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 21.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 28. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 38 mths.-In Summer, 21 24-In Winter, 16 04. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. -F. 7.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 7—F. . (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $26 14—To Females, $10 93. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $8 14—Of Females, $4 69. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $18 00-Of Females, $6 24. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $500 00. (13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 24.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $208 00. (14) Amount of Local Funds, $3,166 00.-Income from same, $190 00. BOOKS USED.-Spelling-National. Reading-Miss Edgeworth's "Frank," Introduction to National and National Reader, Bible, First Class Book. Grammar-Smith's, Murray's. Geography-Malte-Brun's, Smith's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Emerson's 1st, 2d and 3d Parts. All others-Colburn's Algebra, Worcester's History, Comstock's Philosophy. NO SELECTION from Report. SCHOOL COMMITTEE —SAMUEL KIMBALL, MOSES KIMBALL, GEORGE W. SAWYER. BRADFORD, (1) Population, 2,225. Valuation, $410,963 00. Number of Public Schools, 8. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 534-In Winter, 530. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 356—In Winter, 335. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 654.-No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 75.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 75. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 68 mths. 3 days.-In Summer, 44—In Winter, 24 3. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 1-F. 8.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 8—F. 1. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $24 54-To Females, $10 43. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $7 29-Of Females, $4 37. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $17 25—Of Females, $6 06. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $1,110 00. (12) No. of incorporated Academies, 2.—Aggregate of months kept, 20.-Average number of Scholars, 110.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $1,960 00. (13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 1.-Aggregate of months kept, 10.-Average Number of Scholars, 40.-Aggregate paid for tuition, $800 00. BOOKS USED.— -Spelling-Emerson's. Reading-Murray's, National, Young and Introduction to National, First Class Book, Bible. Grammar-Murray's, Smith's and Parley's. Geography-Olney's and Malte-Brun's. Arithmetic-Greenleaf's, Colburn's and Walsh's, &c. SELECTION FROM REPORT. * * There has been, in most of the schools, a deficiency in the supply of books. The stationery has been better than that of many former years, and the great improvement which has been made in writing shows the wisdom of the change. The books, the schoolhouses, and the various appendages of the school, have been kept quite clean and free from mutilations and defacings of any kind, and it is believed that those who live in the vicinity of the schools have been but comparatively little annoyed by any injury done to their property, or by noise consequent upon bringing so large a number of children together; and upon the whole, the committee report their general high satisfaction with the general conduct of the youth, with the progress they have made, and with the ability and faithfulness of the in structers. SCHOOL COMMITTEE.—Gardiner B. Perry, BENJAMIN GREENLEAF. (2) No. of Scholars of all ages in all the Schools-In Summer, 909-In Winter, 976. (3) Average attendance in the Schools-In Summer, 654-In Winter, 745. (4) No. of persons between 4 and 16 years of age in the town, 1,250.—No. of persons under 4 years of age who attend School, 30.-No. over 16 years of age who attend School, 50. (5) Aggregate length of the Schools, 129 mths. 21 days-In Summer, 70 07-In Winter, 59 14. (6) No. of Teachers in Summer-M. 2-F. 13.-No. of Teachers in Winter-M. 13—F. 3. (7) Average wages paid per month, including board-To Males, $32 00-To Females, $11 50. (8) Average value of board per month-Of Males, $10 00-Of Females, $550. (9) Average wages per month, exclusive of board-Of Males, $22 00-Of Females, $6 00. (10) Amount of money raised by taxes for the support of Schools, including only the wages of Teachers, board and fuel, $3,500 00. (13) No. of unincorporated Academies, Private Schools, and Schools kept to prolong Common Schools, 3.-Aggregate of months kept, 24.-Average No. of Scholars, 65.—Aggregate paid for tuition, $1,070 00. (14) Amount of Local Funds, $2,000 00.-Income from same, $100 00. BOOKS USED.- -Spelling-National. Reading-Bible, Rhetorical, National and Young Readers, First Class Book, Worcester's Third Book. Grammar-Murray's. GeographyOlney's and Parley's. Arithmetic-Greenleaf's, Colburn's, and First Part North American. All others-Worcester's Dictionary, Young Scholar's Reference Book, Flint's Surveying, Wilkins' Astronomy, Goodrich's History of the U. S., Bailey's Algebra, Comstock's Chemistry and Philosophy, &c. REMARK.-The fund belongs to one district. SELECTIONS FROM REPORT. * * With a liberality deserving of all praise, the town, last spring, voted to raise $500, in addition to the sum usually appropriated to the support of Public Schools. * * * Your committee are aware that many in the town doubted the utility of this increased expenditure in behalf of the Public Schools. But the experience of the year has tended to confirm us in the opinion, that the increase was not uncalled for. The money, we believe, has been usefully expended, and has been of more actual benefit to the town than it could have been, if devoted to any other purposes. It has enabled some districts to maintain a man's school throughout the year, where it was greatly needed; it has aided others in lengthening their summer, or winter terins, or both,—and allowed one to open a winter school, of which it has been deprived for several years. Would parents and guardians, and, indeed, all who are interested in the prosperity of the rising generation and the welfare of our common country, but take the subject into consideration in all its important bearings, we are satisfied they would acknowledge that education is not the proper subject upon which to carry out the popular doctrines of retrenchment and reduction. On matters of minor importance, these principles may well be brought to bear; and no doubt |