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ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

OP THE

CITY OF CHARLESTOWN.

DECEMBER, 1859,

CHABLESTOWN :
PRINTED BY WILLIAM W. WHEILDON.

1860.

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2011 with funding from

Boston Public Library

http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofsc1859char

SCHOOL REPORT,

The School Committee of the City of Charlestown,
as required by law, respectfully submit the following

ANNUAL REPORT.

The appropriation by the City Council of $44,100,
will, we are happy to believe, be sufficient to meet
all the expenses of the schools for the present financial
year ; and what will have been gained by the efforts of
efficient and faithful teachers, to instruct, encourage,
and advise the children entrusted to their charge, and
to guide them into paths of duty and usefulness, will,
we hope, be an adequate return for the very liberal
provision made for the purpose. We base our opinion
that the appropriation will cover the expenses, upon
the present condition of things, which may be seen in
the following statement :

The unexpended balance of the school

appropriation at this time is

$11,626.05

The remaining Roll for

Teachers,

9,087.50

Sweepers,

504.50

Rent,

18.75

0 filO 7*1

leaving a balance of $2,015.30

for other expenses, which will be fully sufficient.

The condition of the school-houses we report to be as
follows : The High and the Grammar School build-
ings are all in good condition and well furnished. The
alterations made in the Bunker Hill School, the present
season, were such as were needed to make it a comfort-
able and well-arranged building, which it now is. The
Grammar Schools are all well filled, but we do not see
why the present accommodations will not be sufficient
for another year at least. The number of scholars has
increased since the last report ; but making allowance
for a gradual increase, we think the building of another
Grammar School-house can be postponed beyond the
time for which the next annual city appropriation wil*
have to be made. Some of the Grammar school-rooms
are not so well ventilated as they should be, and more
attention should be given to the very important matter
of ventilation in all our school-houses. We desire to
call special attention to the condition of some of the
Primary school-rooms : and to urge with a great de-
gree of earnestness, that an appropriation be made for
building several Primary School-houses early in the
coming year. The location of the house occupied by

School No. 1, near the Bunker Hill School-house, is
unfavorable, and the room incommodious. The room
in Elm street, occupied by School No. 5, is anything
but what it should be. The room hired for the use
of School No. 7, is a poor one for the purpose, and is
made doubly so by the fact that it cannot be controlled
by the Committee. School No. 28 occupies what is
known as the Edgeworth Chapel, and must be provided
with a new room, as notice has been given that the
Chapel must be vacated at once, the owner contempla-
ting its removal and the erection of new buildings on
its site. The rooms occupied by Nos. 19, 25 and 28,
are such as no honest Sub- Committee can refrain from
unfavorable allusions to in every report which they make
upon the condition of the schools. The time has really
come when an expenditure for new Primary School-
houses should be made ; and when it is plainly the duty
of the School Committee to report the impossibility of
getting along without it. Early in the present year
the City Council was appealed to on this subject, but
action upon it was postponed till another year. We
now call attention to this report, and hope the matter
will soon be in the hands of a Committee who in con-
nection with a Committee from this Board, can select
locations and have the buildings commenced without
delay.

The subject of compensation for the education of
children residing in the Navy Yard, or in other towns,
has often been discussed in the Board, and was early in
the present season referred to a Committee, who made
the following report, which was duly accepted, and in-
structions given to the Treasurer accordingly : —

EEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.

From the opinion of the Justices of the Supreme
Judicial Court, given to the House of Representatives
in 1841, (1 Metcalf's Reports 580) and from Chapter
154 of the Statutes of 1836, Chapter 132 of the Stat-
utes of 1857, and Chapter 78 of the Statutes of 1855,
the law of the Commonwealth appears to be as follows :

1. Persons residing within the precincts of the Navy-
Yard are not entitled to send their children to the pub-
lic schools of the city. Consequently the Board have the
right to require payment for the tuition of such scholars
who do attend any of the public schools in the city.

2. Children, whose fathers are deceased, are entitled
to attend school in the city or town where their guar-
dians reside.

3. When scholars take up a temporary residence in
a city or town where their fathers or guardians do not
reside, for the purpose of attending the public school
therein, they may be permitted by the School Commit-
tee to attend such school, and their parents or guar-
dians are liable to pay for their tuition a sum equal to
the average expense per scholar of the school during the
period of their attendance. But when the attending the
school is not the sole purpose of their temporary residence,
they have the right to attend school without charge.

4. Arrangements may be made between School Com-
mittees of adjoining towns for those scholars who live
remote from the school in their own town, and in such
cases the Committee may pay from their school appro-
priation for the tuition of those scholars in the adjoin-
ing town.

The Committee report the following scale of prices to
be generally adopted :

For the High School, Forty Dollars a year.

" Grammar Schools, Eighteen Dollars a year
' ' Primaries, Eight Dollars, or at the same rate
for a fractional part of a year.

G. WASHINGTON WARREN,
JAMES ADAMS.

In the Primary and Intermediate, and in several of
the Grammar Schools, some attention has always been
given to Vocal Music ; and the Committee are unani-
mously of opinion, that the time taken for this purpose
has been well employed. It has served to make the
schools moie united, and to strengthen the attachment
of the children to their teachers : it has promoted good
feeling generally, and so influenced the minds of teach-
ers and pupils, that the other duties of the day and
school have been performed with better relish and more
certain benefit. Firm in this conviction, the Commit-
tee have thought it proper, since the middle of Septem-
ber last, to employ a music teacher, to visit the several
Grammar Schools, where his services were needed, and
to give such instructions at stated times," as would tend
to produce harmony of sound, that its influence in pro-
ducing harmony of soul might not be lost upon the
school ; and we have no doubt that perseverance in this
plan will be of great service not only to the scholars,
but to the teachers, who will do well always to bear in
mind that they have hearts as well as heads, to deal
with and educate. The expense of this instruction in
singing has, so far, been paid out of the private funds
of the Board ; but the coming year we think it should
be made an item in the appropriation asked of the City
Council for the support of schools.

The evil of Truancy^ is a matter requiring the joint
influence and authority of the teachers and the regu-
larly appointed officers to carry into effect a City Ordi-
nance on that subject. The teacher's duty is chiefly
with first offences, and must necessarily be confined to
appeals to the parents and children, prompted by their

good feelings, and a desire to save the children from
the influence of bad example and association. But
they must not so interest themselves in the manage-
ment of truants as to interfere with their duties towards
those who are regularly at school to claim their proper
attention. For this reason, the complaint of a teacher
to the truant officers, should, we think, always receive
prompt attention, and no time should be lost in the
commitment to a secure and proper place of reforma-
tion, of such children as are proved to be disorderly
and idle, and who cannot be at large without exerting
a very baneful influence upon others. The provisions
of the law on this subject are ample, and we wish we
could add that they are properly enforced ; but the
number of idle and vicious children about our streets,
is evidence too strong of inefficiency or neglect some-
where.

The memorial presented by the Board of School Com-
mittee to the City Council, in 1858, asking for the
passage of an ordinance requiring the appointment of a
Superintendent of Public Schools, and giving authority
to establish a salary for said office, did not meet with
favor ; and no such ordinance has been passed. The
School Committee have so often urged the expediency
of this measure, that it seems unnecessary, in this re-
port, to repeat the arguments which have been made
in its favor ; it may, however, be well to state the sim-
ple fact, that this Board has seen no reason to differ in
judgment with its predecessors, and that the members
unanimously agree in recommending the subject to the
careful consideration and early attention of the next
City Council.

RETURNS,

UAL EXAMINATIONS 1

THE |

Term ending April,

1859.

Term

ending Nov.

1859.

XI .
t/j S

_B
O
0)

a5
cm

XI .

° £

73 2

Xi 1

Si 1

SCHOOL

AT THE SEMI-ANN
OF

S
|

X) XI

iff

B E

a xj
bo

>
<

a
1

o
O

o
>^

B
P

.- ^
>1
° 1

a
2

§ to
• |

C3
XI

1 §

>
<

196

>
O

a
P

0 _ 1
-- — i

-° !
s 1

2 ]
31 J

i High School, -

177

115

1521 54

159

152

113

213

135

192

126

192

! Bunker Hill School, -

4S1

250

231

438| 224

214

375

381

433

553

295

258

449

239

210

386

404

17 5

! Warren School,

388

205

183

317 167

150

306

316

315

422

224

198

345

185

160

994

327

3I 3421 22 \

! Winthrop School,

- No. I.

182

107

175| 94

169

155

174

246 132

114

214

107

186

197

l| 213| 24 i

No. 2.

3ia

156

163

254| 123

131

217

239

250

262] 122

140

205

110

191

189

3| 2021 24 j

j Harvard School,

- No. 1.

223

115

108

205| 103

102

171

181

195

250 124

126

190

160

166

91 181 33 j

No. 2.

245

139

106

201

107

94 164

166 2

199 | 20

236 124

112

167

143|

138

5 162 27
11 490| 46
58 5 j

J Prescott School,

591

324

267

490

275

215, 465

482 26

4tJ4| 29

636 341

295

501

263

238

4331

445

i Intermediate do.

No. 1

108

27 45

53| 5

74 30

35! 32!

do. do.

No. 2.

58 36

22 39

6. 11

111! 58

27' 48'

54j

7° 8 1

L_„„

2775

1 1449

1326

2343J1209

1 134)21 10

217o| 163

21S0, 223

3003(1528

1475

2391

1202

1 189|2069|

21571

180 2211| 237 ,

Primary Schools.

LOCATION OF

Term ending Apri

1, 1859. J

PRIMARY

Z I

i -

Teachers Names.

SCHOOL-HOUSES.

°H

•F

; r-

" °F3 j 1

k'o

l£

£l

a l^'= )

\ 1

Elizabeth N. Lane,

Near B. H. S. House,

101

4ft

49 65

371 |

'i 4

\ a

Malvina B. Skilton,

Mead street.

9,9

3(1

2Si 41

21 \

12 (

\ '

Hannah H. Sampson,

Adjoi'g WM Room 3,

108

36 42

30 1

\ h

Elm St., near llijrh.

3b'

Xti

35 47

8 (

Frances Hichborn,

Hertford street,

34 50

30 (

Susan L. Sawyer,

Boylston Chapel,

■23

•>,?.

23! 41! 45

\ H

Cross street,

H-r,

liS

««

25 67 1

1 :«

Helen B. Chalk,

3(1

11 I

Common street,

»?.

311

?,+

(ll

811

511

»>

1 12

Pauline B. Neale,

Bow street,

fin

S-i

\\:i

O. W. Trowbridge,

3ti

°7 "

Sarah E. Smith,

h!>

(16

117

U';

Common street,

Sophronta Worthnn,

B. H. street, at Point

5 )

4-9

Muulton street,

«a

Soley street,

»l

Sullivan street,

*)'|

»n

hfl

4'i

"('

Haverhill street,

<>7

'£!

ve,

a»

fifi

Adjoi'irW'd Room 2,

Mary A. Eaton,

Aims-House,

10 „

V*'

Catb. M. Kimball,

Bunkor-Hill streot,

«H

Edgeworlh street,

Ward Room .Vo. 3,

I !

— — — ~„

2257

1110

1147

1910

961

919

1333'l573'

779!

794

1839

165 '

I Primary Schools,

Teachers Names

zabuth N. Lane,
Ivini B Skilton,
nnali II. Sampson
izle Oehlois,
limes Hichhorn,

00 s''WiIoy"'
len B. Chalk,
ui.™ A. Pratt.

Sara

1 E. Smith,

Eliza

R. Hamilton

Abhy E. Hinckley,

Soph

ronia Worther

Lydi

t M. Butts,

a W. Honire

Matilda Oilman.

Fran

es E. Kverct

Fran

es M.Lane,

Hole

1 G. Turner,

Susa

T. Croswell

Artel

ne Jl. Smith,

Cath

M Kimball,

Jane

J. Loring,

Pame

ia E. Delano

Term ending November, 1859.

80 1 4;

91 54 I 37 791

3852|1291|1261|1M1|1006 9S8 1460 1622

25 89
361 81

30 79

Sub-Committees }

Primary Schools-

II Henry C. Qrnve

" Ilnnrv C. Grave

Wm. P. Conant.

Hall.

Timothy T. Sawyer.

William N. Laoe.

Calvin C. Sompso

A I.,

- Cutter.

1 John K. Fuller.
Wames Adamn.

6 Abram E. Cutter.
12 Edwin F. Adams.

1 Wm. W. Whoildon

5 Nathan A. Tufts.

7|GeorSe B. Noal.

KJohnSanbon

10 J

do.

5 H~. K. Frothlugbai
do. do.

(L-nrgr Johnson.
QeorKe B. Neal.
G. Wash. Warren

Hall.

John K. Fuller.
Nathan A. Tufts.

At the close of the term ending October 31, the
schools, teachers and scholars numbered as follows :

28 Primaries, with 28 teachers, 1944 scholars.

2 Intermediate, 2 " 128

7 Grammar, 44 " 2071 "

1 High, 6 " 192 «

38 schools, 80 teachers, 4335 scholars.

The required and important information concerning
them is given in the following tables of statistics :

PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Since the last report teachers have resigned in Nos.
12, 15, 17 and 18, and others have been appointed in
their places. There are now twenty -eight Primary
Schools. Favorable reports upon them have been made
by most of the Sub- Committees, and we are happy to
know that most of the teachers are efficient and faith-
ful. To some the finger of warning should perhaps be
pointed ; and there may be those not blessed with the
tact to govern and instruct young children ; for it re-
quires tact, intelligence and good judgment, to control
and give proper direction to young minds. The per-
son who undertakes the management of fifty or sixty
children, from five to eight years old, ought to feel a
great degree of responsibility, and to consider carefully
as she pursues her work whether she is calculated to
mould the material placed in her hands into that goodly
shape without which it may be wasted and useless. The
manners and dispositions of young children, how much
they may be influenced by the manners and dispositions
of their school teachers ! and what lasting injury not
only to the scholars but to community even, may be the
result of the unsuccessful government of only a Primary
School ! We think that too much care can hardly be
bestowed upon these schools. The foundation of all
that is proposed to be done in the future is laid here.
Who can calculate the value of a good impression, or
measure the mischief of a bad one, made upon the mind

of a child when it is unguarded by any judgment of its
own ! We repeat, then, that too much attention can-
not be given to our Primary Schools, and nothing should
deter us, in the future, from providing discriminating
teachers, and comfortable accommodations for the chil-
dren composing them. And here we take occasion to
say, that some of the school rooms are entirely unfit for
the purpose, and discreditable to the city ; and it is for
this reason, that in another part of our report, we urge
upon the City Council the necessity of an expenditure
for new Primary School rooms as early in the present
year as possible.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.

We have at the present time two of these schools,
and another will soon be needed. Closer attention, and
greater pains on the part of the teacher are requisite
for the instruction and management of the class of chil-
dren attending the Intermediate Schools, and the num-
ber of scholars at the close of the term ending in No-
vember would make three schools of 43 members each,
allowing nothing for increase, which has been very
considerable during this year. We are more than ever
satisfied of the value of such schools. They are de-
manded by every consideration which enters into the
idea of public instruction ; and on some accounts, not
only to the children who compose them, but to the com-
munity, are perhaps the most valuable of all our schools.
In their reports the Sub- Committees speak of this as "a
hard field of labor," but they bear witness to the fitness

of the teachers, whose industry and devotion to their
duties, are worthy of all praise. Many well qualified
scholars have been promoted to the Grammar Schools,
and constant effort has been made to advance all the
pupils in their studies, and to give them good ideas of
duty generally.

BUNKER HILL SCHOOL.

TEACHERS.

WILLIAM H. SANDERS, Principal.
L. A. DARLING, Sub-Master.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS.

CAROLINE M PHIPPS,
PHCEBE A. KNIGHTS.
MARY S. THOMAS.

ANNIE M. LUND,
MARTHA A. BIGELOW,
CAROLINE E. BIGELOW,

Sub-Committee— NATHAN A. TUFTS,
HENRY C. GRAVES,
WILLIAM H. CONANT.
GEORGE JOHNSON.

In their report in May, the Committee say : " We
have devoted much time in visiting, and to the exami-
nation of the school in its several departments ; each
scholar having had a thorough examination in the sev-
eral branches of study pursued. We report the school
in a highly satisfactory condition, both as to disci-
pline and progress in learning. The Principal exhibits
marked energy in controlling the school, and tact in
infusing into the minds of his pupils a love for learning,
and his general influence is salutary. The Sub-Master
is assiduous in the discharge of his duties. The alter-
ations in the arrangement of the school rooms, which
have been authorized by the City Council, will not only
greatly aid in promoting discipline, but allow the Sub-
Master more time for teaching in his appropriate divis-

ion, and enable him to bring his many good qualifica-
tions for teaching into more vigorous exercise. The
good results attained in this school could not have been
reached without the prompt, efficient, and zealous co-
operation of the Female Assistants in the performance
of their arduous duties. They have been very faithful,
and it must be gratifying to them to know that they
have been so successful."

In their fall report, the Committee give a descrip-
tion of the alteration in the school rooms, as follows :
"During the August vacation, a much needed improve-
ment for the accommodation of this school was made
by the city, in the re-arrangement of the rooms so as
to give each division a separate apartment. The parti-
tions in the upper rooms can be raised at pleasure, so
that the school can have the benefit of one room when
needed for exhibition, or for instruction in singing, or
for uniting in the opening exercises of every day. — ■
New desks and seats have been provided in all the
rooms, and the house is now in fine order." They give
the result of their examination of the school in express-
in^ their opinion that the teachers all continue to be
faithful and heartily devoted to their work, and that
the general condition of things is creditable to all con=
cerned.

HARVARD SCHOOLS.

TEACHERS.

No. 1
C. SOULE CARTE E, Principal.

ASSISTANTS.

ANN E. WES TON,
MARTHA BLOOD.
SARAH E. ARCHER.

No. 2.
JOSEPH B. MORSE, Principal.

ASSISTANTS.

ELIZABETH SWORDS,
CAROLINE S. CROZIER,
HANNAH J. BLISS.

Sub-Committee— WILLIAM W. WHEILDON,
EDWIN F. ADAMS,
NATHAN A. TUFTS.

"The Sub- Committee on the Harvard Schools, Nos. 1
and 2, attended the regular semi-annual examinations
in April, as usual, and went as carefully through all
the divisions as their time and convenience would per-
mit. In general terms they have to express their sat-
isfaction with the condition of the schools, and their
opinion that the teachers are faithful to their engage-
ments and endeavoring to do all that they are able to do
for the advancement of their scholars. In the more
essential branches of study the Committee found the
several divisions of the schools ranking as high as they
had reason to expect. In our public schools, of course,
very little attention can be given beyond the rudi-
ments of education, and in these, it is the wish of the
Committee, and the object of the teachers, to make
their pupils as familiar as practicable, in the time to be
devoted to the purpose. The Committee were particu-
larly gratified with the Reading and Spelling in School
No. 1, in both of which exercises the first division of
this school exhibited a commendable proficiency. As a
large proportion of the scholars in the first divisions of

these schools have been rapidly advanced from the lower
divisions, some of them almost from necessity, the Com-
mittee did not expect to find them quite as well drilled
and instructed as though they had been in those divis-
ions for the usual time. It is sufficient to say, that
they bore, in both schools, a very creditable examina-
tion. The exhibitions which followed on the 19th of
April, were largely attended by parents and friends of
the school, and were both interesting and satisfactory."
The November report speaks of School No. 1, as fol-
lows : "We have been gratified in our frequent visits by
the good discipline and neatness which prevail in its
several departments, and the apparent interest and
faithfulness of the teachers. At the semi-annual ex-
amination the condition of the school was satisfactory,
and we were especially pleased with the readiness and
proficiency of the classes in the firstjlivision, under the
immediate instruction of the Principal. The school,
which was quite full at the commencement of the term,
is now not entirely full in either of its divisions. Its
condition is alike creditable to the teachers and the
city." Of School No. 2, they say: "We have fre-
quently visited this school during the past term, and
held as usual the customary examinations of its classes.
We are prepared to say, that these examinations have
been highly creditable to the teachers, and satisfactory
to us. The school has been, especially in its upper
divisions, less full during the term than was expected
at its commencement, and it is apparent that these di-
visions have profitted by that circumstance."

WARREN SCHOOL.

TEACHERS.

GEORGE SWAN, Principal.
WILLIAM BAXTER, Sub-Master.

MARGARET VEAZIE,
REBECCA M. PERKINS,
JULIA A. WORCESTER.

MARY A. OSGOOD,

MARIA BROWN,

MARY J. FULLER,

Sub- Committee— GEORGE B. NEAL,

CALVIN C. SAMPSON,
WILLIAM N. LANE,
H. K. FROTHINGHAM.

In May, the Committee remark that "The condition
and progress of the school, during the past term, has
been most satisfactory in every respect, and without
exception all the teachers, for their faithfulness, dili-
gence and constant devotion to the best interests of the
classes under their charge, as well as the general wel-
fare of the school, merit the cordial approbation of the
Committee. The orderly conduct of the pupils, both
in the school rooms and at recess, has often been the
subject of remark by those who have visited the school ;
and for this essential characteristic of a well governed
school, much credit should be awarded to the efficient
Principal." The Committee speak particularly of the
care given to the exercise of writing, and add, "an ex-
amination of the writing books is sufficient to show that
the instruction in Penmanship is unusually thorough
and successful." " The pleasant and agreeable exer-
cise of Singing has been continued through the term,
under the tuition of the Principal, with such good re-
sults, that the Warren School has become famous for
its excellent vocal music, and many strangers have
been attracted thither on that account." From the
examination, which was thorough, the Committee were

satisfied that the school was accomplishing the purpose
for which it was established. After the fall examina-
tion, the Committee report : "This examination proves
that the teachers have discharged their duties with
faithfulness, and with the promotion of the best inter-
ests of the school, and the proper training and disci-
pline of their pupils ever in view."

PRESCOTT SCHOOL.

TEACHERS.

JOSEPH T. SWAN, Principal.
STACY BAXTER, Sub-Master.

ASSISTANTS.

SARAH M. CHANDLER, I ABBY L. SWAN,

MARY JANE BROWN, JOSEPHINE M.' FLINT,

H. A. T. DADLEY, FRANCES M. CLARK,

HANNAH M. SAWYER, ELLEN M. WHEELER.

Sub-Committee— JAMES ADAMS.

A BR AM E. CUTTER,
GUSTAVUS V. HALL,
TIMOTHY T. SAWYER.

In May, the Sub-Committee on this school report as
follows : " The semi-annual examination of the Pres-
cott School in all its departments was made in its pro-
per season. A difference in the capacity and experi-
ence of the several teachers was indicated by their,
various degrees of success ; yet as a whole, the recita-
tions were satisfactory to the Committee. From nearly
the commencement of the year, the Principal of the
School has been, not only in ill health himself, but has
been afflicted by the severe sickness of several members
of his family, and recently by the death of his wife and

youngest child. These sad bereavements have borne
heavily upon his spirits and rendered it necessary for
him to be out of school for many weeks. He is now
absent from the city with the remaining members of
his family, endeavoring to recruit his health and renew
his courage. From this absence of the Principal, it is
natural that some disarrangement of the school should
result ; and it has been particularly noticeable in the
relations of the several teachers to each other — questions
as to their individual right having arisen and been the
cause of some trouble ; but we are of opinion that no
permanent evil is likely to ensue. In the examination
of the records of corporal punishment made by several
of the teachers we were impressed with the opinion that
Section 14 of the School Regulations has not been pro-
perly studied and observed. No better order was found,
and no better recitations were heard, in rooms where
the rod appeared to be the governing power, than in
that where milder measures were generally adopted, and
the rod used as authorised only by this Board in the
rule referred to." In November, the Committee re-
mark: "Early in the last term the school fell into a
disturbed and unsatisfactory condition. Not only the
Principal, but the First Assistant Female Teacher were
compelled by sickness to be absent for several months.
The Sub-Master was unfortunate in his temporary ad-
ministration of the affairs of the school, and failed to
secure the respect and confidence of the Assistant
Teachers and the scholars ; several complaints from
parents, of undue austerity in the discipline of their
children, were made, one of which was formally brought
before the entire Sub- Committee, who were constrained

by a sense of duty to withhold their approval of the
course pursued by the teacher, upon which he tendered
his resignation. We were, however, very fortunate in
obtaining the services of Mr. Stacy Baxter, who has
since been elected by the Board as successor to the for-
mer Sub -Master. We regret that the salary paid him.
is not more in accordance vvith his worth and with his
previous position as a successful Principal of one of our
Grammar Schools. We have recently made a thorough
examination of each of the divisions, and can report the
state of things generally about the school as entirely
changed since last spring. The Principal has returned
with his health restored, and there seems to be a preva-
lence of good feeling, and unity of action among the
teachers. The influence for good upon the whole school
is very apparent. In the ability and tact of the Assist-
ant Teachers, there is still a marked difference ; but
they are all doing very well. The promotions from the
Primary Schools have nearly filled all the ten rooms,
and on several days more than five hundred scholars
were present, and we now hope and expect that this
school, so favored in the convenient and well-arranged
building which it occupies, and the honored name
which it bears, will stand before the community as one
of its beautiful ornaments, indicating the true progress
of New England civilization."

WINTHROP SCHOOLS.

TEACHERS.

No. 1.
B. F. S. GRIFFIN, Principal.

ASSISTANTS.

SOPHIA W. PAGE,

H. AUGUSTA ADAMS,

SA.RAH A. ODELL.

No. 2
SAMUEL S. WILLSON, Principal.

ASSISTANTS.

NANCY W. CASWELL,
ELLEN A. RICHARDSON,
ELIZABETH B. M. KNOX,
ABBY M. CLARK.

Sub-Committee— G. WASHINGTON WARREN,
HENRY LYON,
JOHN K. FULLER,
JOHN SANBORN. -

"The examinations of Winthrop Schools, Nos. 1 and
2, were conducted on different days during the week
ending April 20th. From the result of these examina-
tions and from the visits of the members of the Com-
mittee during the term, they report both schools to be
in excellent condition of discipline and study. A large
number of scholars from both divisions of the school
were admitted to the High School. All the teachers
of the two schools are deemed by the Committee to be
assiduous and faithful in their labors. In both schools
particular attention is paid to music, with great benefit
and success. The exhibitions of both schools gave great
satisfaction to the large number of visitors who were
pleased to attend them."

HIGH SCHOOL.

TEACHERS.

Principal, A. M. GAY.

Sub-Master, CHARLES E. STETSON.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS.

KATHARINE WHITNEY, I SARAH A. GRIFFIN,

FRANCES M. READ, MARY CURTIS.

SUB-COMMITTEE.

G. WASHINGTON WARREN,
WILLIAM W. WHEILDON,
NATHAN A. TUFTS,
HENRY LYON.

In May, the Sub-Comuiittee report : " The exami-
nation occupied the different members of the Committee
the principal portion of two weeks. Nearly fifty differ-
ent classes were presented for examination. The exer-
cises proved to the Committee that the pupils were
instructed in a thorough as well as a familiar manner ;
and that great pains were taken to make them under-
stand the subject of their studies. It was ascertained
that only a few pupils were disqualified for promotion,
and in these cases with a little extra exertion it is hoped
and believed the scholars will be able to rejoin their
former classes. Six of the pupils admitted the present
year, and six from the other classes, have expressed
the desire of their parents that they should be allowed
to attend to an English course. These applications and
a wish somewhat generally expressed by the communi-
ty, have determined the Committee to recommend that
authority be given to establish an independent or par-
allel course of English study to occupy about three
years, and be substantially the same as the course pre-
scribed for the English High School in Boston."

In November, the Committee say : "The Committee
believe that these periodical examinations, occupying
as they do about two months every year, show the im-
portance of having a Superintendent of the Schools, who
could assist the Committee in this duty. In fact, a
Superintendent devoting his whole time to the interests
of the schools, visiting some one more every day, and
callin2; the attention of the Committee to such matter
as might require it, would render the means of instruc-
tion which are so amply provided by the city more use-
ful and available. The High School still maintains the
position which our community have assigned to it. The
classification, the arrangement of studies, and the sys-
tem of instruction pursued are as well adapted to the
wants of the school as they can well be considering the
number of scholars and the variety of studies pursued.
The average attendance of the scholars is remarkable,
being ninety-seven per cent, during the term."

GENERAL REMARKS.

It needs no argument to prove, that any amount of
money that can be spent advantageously, and wisely,
for the education and real benefit of the children of
Massachusetts, is cheerfully appropriated by her citi-
zens ; and that in almost every town and city within
her borders, liberality and generosity are shown in the
provisions made for educational purposes. Good school-
houses are provided, teachers are well paid, and School
Committees are continually spurred to duty, by the
ever prevailing sentiment, that the common school is
the most precious of all public interests, and that as
much is entrusted to them in its management much
will be expected in return.

The profession of the teacher, the nobleness of which
has been so much remarked upon, needs but the industry
and persevering interest of those who follow it, to ren-
der it most honorable. Rightly viewed, it has more in
it to encourage and stimulate to exertion than any
other piofession ; for from faithful effort is sure to come
that which will be a certain source of pride and satis-
faction in the future — the building up of character and
fame on foundations laid by the teacher's skill. Do
our teachers realize this fact, and enter into their work
as if they felt and were influenced by its greatness
and importance ? Do they love it, and see in it a
noble calling, worthy of their continued and never-
failing attention ? Do they know the vast influence
which they can exert upon the present and the future

by the management and guidance of the many minds
placed under their control ? Do they think sufficiently
of the future to be made up of the children of to-day ?
and if conscious of that future, are they of the present,
and of their duty every day to encourage, to make
cheerful, hopeful and useful, the children who are with
them, and looking up to them for influences in this
direction ? It seems sometimes as if teachers could see
nothing but drudgery in their profession, and were
blind to the interesting and blessed influences with
which they are surrounded, and the pleasant path of
duty which is open before them. They chafe and fret
at the activity and playfulness of childhood, puzzle over
the reasons for what they call perversity, and shut their
eyes to the great fact ever before them, of the constant
progress and growth of good, the continued reaching
out for healthier and freer development. Childhood
must develope into manhood, and like the plants in
their growth, it will have light and air and nourish-
ment if they can be found : the root and the branches
are seeking for what will give strength ; and faith in
this fact, will alone fit the teacher to perform his part
in giving direction and force to this development.
Faith in the capabilities of children, and in their gen-
eral tendency to do right, and watchfulness of what is
mischievous and wrong, only to understand its cause,
and if possible to bend the peculiarities and power which
are behind it, to good uses. How can common schools
be improved ? is the question always in the minds of
those who are interested and working for that end.—
And after so much has been said, and with truth
too, about the difficulty of managing children, their

tendency to mischief and wrong, their evil home in-
fluences, "the hard material which teachers have to
deal with," — why may it not be well, for once, to turn
attention to the teachers, to see if virtue cannot be
found in a word of suggestion to them: To see if their
estimate of their own calling is not below the standard
requisite for the most efficient labor and success. We
think there can be no doubt of the truth, that much is
lost to our schools by forgetfulness of the real meaning of
education, and of the dignity, importance and responsi-
bility involved in the acceptance and occupancy of a
teacher's post. We are almost prepared to believe that
the whole matter of progress and improvement in the
common schools of Massachusetts, is in the hands of the
teachers. We have made these remarks, not because
they are particularly applicable to our own schools, but
as generally applicable to all schools, and as worthy of
careful thought and consideration.

The extracts we have given from the reports of the
Sub-Committees are intended to show the condition of
our schools, and we are happy to add that we believe
they will compare favorably with other schools in the
neighborhood. The generous appropriation made by
the City Council, and the favor which it has received,
show conclusively that there is no lack of encourage-
ment on the part of the parents of the children, so far
as willingness to be taxed is concerned ; indeed it has
always been the case in Charlestown, that all classes of
her citizens have favored liberal expenditures for
schools. An incident which took place some years ago,
and which it may not be out of place to relate, will
give a very good idea of the state of feeling with
4

which applications for school appropriations have been
met. An individual, whose journey through life had
not always been by the pleasantest paths, was a uniform
attendant at all town meetings, and almost as uni-
formly an opposer of all new projects. He was more-
over a speech-maker, and not unfrequently his remarks
were characterised by severity and much distrust of the
motives of those who favored increased expenditure of
money for any purpose. On one occasion, the School
Committee, to carry out some proposed improvement,
had applied to the Finance Committee of the town for a
considerable increase in the annual appropriation for
the support of schools ; and feeling sure that the report,
which was favorable to the application, when presented
at the meeting, would meet with decided opposition
from one person at least, and apprehensive that as the
increase over the previous year was large, it might fail of
acceptance, they had in a quiet way rallied as many as
possible of those who would be sure to favor the meas-
ure. The report was read, and as anticipated the old
gentleman was on his feet in an instant. "I notice,"
said he, "that a very considerable addition is asked for.
by the School Committee. Well ! the money is to
be spent for the benefit of the children. Our schools
can't be too good! The School Committee should
never be cramped for want of means ! and to make
everything sure, I propose an addition of two hun-
dred dollars to the appropriation." The proposal was
unanimously agreed to, and the report accepted. But
willingness to be taxed is not all that is needed of the
parents. There is a kind of encouragement which is
too seldom extended to the schools. It is that which

grows out of immediate interest in the business of the
school room, and which tells upon the deportment and
the industry of the scholars. We call it properly,
home influence, and it is the influence which keeps up
the connection between the home and the school, and
which while it gladdens the heart of the faithful teach-
er, at the same time materially increases his responsi-
bility. The child who takes with it to school the evi-
dences of parental care and interest in its education,
takes with it, as a general rule, a guarantee of fairness
and attention on the part of the teachers ; and the
teacher, if he fails of general inspiration in the duties
of his calling, will be reminded of the necessity for care
and thoroughness, by the neatness, good manners, and
intelligence of the child well cared for at home.

In closing this report, we think it proper to say that
at the present time there is one great want with our
schools, and if we include in it the Committee, the
teachers and the parents, and add that it consists in a
lack of life — a need of more energy and spirit, — we think
we shall have stated about what is the true condition of
things. We surrender our charge into the hands of
the new Committee, advising them of where we have
failed and where they may improve.

By order of the Committee.

TIMOTHY T. SAWYER, President.

Charlestown, December, 1859.

GEO. B. NEAL, TREASURER, IN ACCOUNT WITH
TRUSTEES OF CHARLESTOWN FREE SCHOOLS.

Dr.

1859. Jan. 1, Tt Balance as per former account, . . . 658.60

" 5, Received of City Treasurer interest on $5000 note, 150.00

May 3, " " " $600 " 36.00

July 19, <" » " $5000 " 150.00

Cr.

March 15.

April

.22.

May

20,

July

12,

July

23,

Sept.

14,

Oct.

17,

Nov.

15,

Dec.

31,

Dec.

31,

Dec.

31,

$994.60

By paid L. A. Elliott & Co. Cyclopaedia,

No. 5, . . . • 3.50
» E. P. Dutton& Co., outline maps, 25.00
" J. B. & C. Wilson, case for High.

School 57.56

" Wm. Cumston, rent of Piano,

High School, . • . 11.33
" Smith, Knight & Tappan, diplo-
mas, . 9.75
Elliott & White, Cyclopasdia No. 6, 3.50
E. S. Ritchie, bill, . . 13.31
" Mary Curtis, on account of salary, 12.50
Elliott & White, Cyclopasdia No. 7, 3.50
" Mary Curtis, on account of salary, 12.50
" S. D. Bassett,one quarter to date, 150.00
« Geo. Swan, rent of two Pianos, 20.00
" W. W. Wheildon, bill for printing, 26.50

348.95

Balance on hand,. ...... $645.65

$994.60

GEORGE B. NEAL, Treasurer.
Charlestown, January 1, 1860.

We the undersigned hereby certify that we have examined the within
account and have compared the several items thereof with their respective
vouchers, and find the balance on hand to be six hundred and forty -five
65-100 dollars, ($645.65,)

W. W. WHEILDON. }
GUSTAVUS V. HALL, I Committee.
JOHN SANBORN, J

Charlestown, Jan, 7, 1860.

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