Annual report of the School Committee of the City of Charlestown

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ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

OP THE

CITY OF CHARLESTOWN.

DECEMBER, 1860.

CHARLESTOWN :

PRINTED BY WILLIAM W. WHEILDON.

1861.

SCHOOL REPORT.

The School Committee of the City of Charlestown,
make the following report of their doings, and of the
condition of the several public schools under their
charge during the past year :

NEW SCHOOL-HOUSES.

One of the first acts of the Committee, after its or-
ganization, at the commencement of the year, was the
appointment of a Sub- Committee to petition the City
Council for the erection of two new Primary School-
houses. The petition was presented and referred to
the Committee on City Property, with instructions to
confer with the School Committee in regard to locations,
plans of buildings, &c, the result of which coriference
was the selection of a lot of land on Mead street, and
another on Moulton street, on which have been erected
two brick buildings, each to accommodate four primary
schools, and a description of which we give, as follows :
The school-house on Mead street is built upon a lot of
land about sixty-seven feet by ninety feet, and it is set
back twenty feet from the line of the street. This

gives a spacious front yard, which is enclosed with an
iron fence set upon a stone foundation, and paved all
over with brick. The passage from the front yard to
those in the rear, and the walks in the back yards are
also paved with brick. The back yards are enclosed
with planed board fences seven feet high, and each of
them is provided with a good well and pump, and
everything which the comfort and convenience of the
scholars will require. The building is of brick, with
vaulted walls sixteen inches thick, and is fifty- eight
feet long by thirty feet wide, and two stories, of eleven
feet each, high. Each story is divided into two school
rooms, 28 feet long by 19 feet 6 inches wide, and two
clothes rooms, 7 feet by 10 feet, entered only through
the school rooms, and suitable halls. The stairways
are made with an easy rise in two runs, with a platform
landing at one -half the height. The rooms are each
lighted with six windows placed on opposite sides to
give a good and rapid ventilation. All the rooms and
entries are finished entirely with hard pine, well oiled
and varnished, and fitted up with proper platforms,
blackboards, hooks, &c. Each of the rooms will be
furnished with fifty-eight seats and desks, similar in
style to those in the Grammar Schools, but of a new
and much improved pattern. The building is heated
by one of Bryent's hot air furnaces of the largest size.
The cellar is well drained and cemented. The build-
ing on Moulton street is of the same general plan as
that on Mead street, but it is heated with a "McGregor"
instead of a "Bryent" furnace. The lot of land is 62
feet by 110 feet, and the school-house is set back from
the street — the front yard being enclosed with an iron

fence, and the rear with wooden fences, as in Mead
street. The buildings are well proportioned and sub-
stantial, and every way creditable to the contractor,
Mr. J. B. Wilson, and to the city. The cost of the
one on Mead street, with the lot, $9,028.43 ; of that
on Moulton street, $10,395.00 ; cost of furniture,
$650 for each building.

CONDITION OF SCHOOL-HOUSES, &c.
The upper story of the High Sohool house was fur-
nished early in the year, with settees, desks, &c, and
with the exception of some defect in the ventilation,
and the manner of heating, the condition of things
about the building is all that could be desired. We
are decidedly of the opinion that it will not only add
much to the comfort of the school, but will be for the
interest of the city to dispense with the stoves now in
use, and arrange for warming the rooms with a furnace
and hot air pipes ; and at the same time, with small
expense, the defective ventilation may be remedied.
The Grammar School-houses are in good condition,
and have been carefully looked after by the Committee
on City Property during the year. Some of the Gram -
mar Schools are at times much crowded, a difficulty
which must ere long be obviated by additional school
accommodations. An alteration of the Bunker Hill
School-house may be made by the addition of another
story ; and the Winthrop School building, which is very
badly arranged inside, may be so altered, we think, as
to better accommodate a much larger number of schol-
ars. The manner of warming the Grammar School-
houses would be much improved by the use of furnaces ;

and the saving of fuel, and the cost of putting up and
taking down and repairs of stoves, would soon pay the
expense of the alteration. We hope before another
winter that these changes will be made. When the
Primary School districts are re- arranged, and the new
buildings occupied, most of the schools will be well
provided for. Since the destruction, by fire, of the
little school-house on Charles street, School No. 1 has
occupied a very unsuitable room in the third story of a
store on Main, near Cambridge street ; and we have sug-
gested to the Committee on City Property, that the
removal of the building now occupied by School No. 2,
to some favorable lot of land on the Neck, would rem-
edy this difficulty. It would be well, too, we think, to
dispose of the old building on Elm street, and provide
a more suitable one for that school. The old building
in the rear of the Gun-house, on Bunker Hill street, is
hardly creditable to the city. The location is a fine and
healthy one, and a small expenditure on the building
during the coming year, would be wise, in our judgment.
These improvements, with a change of furniture in a few
of the Primary School-houses, would require but a
moderate addition to the city expenses for the coming
year,' and we hope will be thought of when the annual
appropriations are being made up.

SCHOOL APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDI-
TURE.

The estimate of the Board, of the amount which
would be required for the support of the schools, the
present financial year, was Forty-six Thousand Dollars.
($46,000) ; which sum was appropriated by the City

Council. The amount already expended, is $32,934.91,
leaving a balance of $13,065.09, which will certainly
more than cover the expenses for the remainder of the
year. If our estimate of the additional expenses is
reliable, we think there will be an unexpended balance
of more than $2000, to the credit of the School appro-
priation on the 1st of March, 1861, and we shall be
very glad if it proves so, for we have appreciated the
liberality of the City Council, and have endeavored so
to expend the money placed at our disposal as to justify
the confidence reposed in us.

TRUANCY— ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL.

We are sorry that we have reason to make another
appeal to the City Council and to the officers appointed
to carry into effect the ordinance in relation to Truants
and absentees from school. But we should fall short of
our duty did we not reiterate what we have expressed
in previous reports, that too little interest is taken in
this subject, and but little if any effort is made to en-
force the law. The ordinance was passed for the pur-
pose of accomplishing something towards the cure of
the evil of Truancy, and the City Alms-house was as-
signed as the "institution of instruction, house of
reformation or suitable situation" required by the law
of the Commonwealth, for the commitment of truants
and absentees from school ; and sometimes when com-
plaints are made, they are sentenced and taken by the
duly appointed truant officer to this place, but no pro-
per provision for their care and instruction while there
has ever yet been made. They have been allowed to

run away with impunity, and so loosely has the whole
affair been managed, that instead of checking or lessen-
ing the evil, it has rather had the effect to aggravate
and increase it. Truancy is a great evil, and we should
all be alive to the fact that a few idle, neglected, mis-
chievous children can greatly disturb any community.
The interest of all our children and the happiness of all
our parents, the comfort and usefulness of teachers, the
proper care of our schools, the quiet and security of our
people generally, all demand that the utmost vigilance
should be used in counteracting the evil influence which
neglectful parents, and neglected children, are continu-
ally exerting, and besides we should never disregard or
be remiss in the duty which we owe to these unfortu-
nate children themselves — to care for, to instruct and
to protect them from the dangers and troubles which
beset and surround them. We earnestly hope that
greater interest will be manifested in this matter here-
after, and that when we refer again to the City Ordi-
nance in relation to Truants, it will be to speak of it
as a faithfully executed and efficient law. And here,
as this report is intended for general circulation, we
desire to add a word or two which we hope will meet
the eyes of all parents who have children in the schools ;
and if any of them have not realized it before, we trust
they will not fail to understand the truth of our remark,
that constant attendance is indispensable to the success
of the scholar and the interest of the school, while fre-
quent absence for slight causes, is the step towards the
greater evil of utter dislike of school and truancy.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

During the past year the changes of teachers in these
schools have been as follows : — In May, Miss Lane,
who had charge of No. 1, resigned, and Miss Ellen M.
Crafts was appointed to fill the vacancy. In Septem-
ber, Miss Sampson, by vote of the Board, was granted
leave of absence for six months, and Miss M. J. Smith
was placed in charge of her school (No. 3) until her
return. On the 23d of October, the Board received
the resignation of Miss Susan L. Sawyer, the teacher of
School No. 7, to take effect at the end of the term. Miss
Sawyer had been employed in the schools as a teacher,
for a very long time, and a vote of thanks for her faith-
ful and efficient services, offered by the Sub-Committee
on her school, was passed unanimously by the Board.
Her place has since been filled by the election of Miss
M. A. Foster. Miss Mary A. Pillsbury, who was
elected on the 21st of June to fill a vacancy in No. 27,
has since been transferred to the Intermediate School
No. 2, and Miss Susan V. Moore has been elected to
fill the vacancy occasioned by this change.

No alterations have been made during the year in the
Primary School Districts, notwithstanding some of the
schools have been very full, and in one or two instances
altogether too large for the care of the teachers. This
inconvenience has been suffered and submitted to, by
the Committee and teachers, while the new Primary
School buildings were being erected, with the expecta-
tion that a new arrangement of all the districts would
be made as soon as they were ready for occupation.
The new buildings are now nearly completed, and a

10

Committee has been appointed to re-arrange the dis-
tricts, so that comfortable accommodations for schools
of reasonable size, will soon be the condition of the Pri-
mary department of our school system.

The semi- annual examination of the Primary Schools
nave generally warranted favorable reports. Many of
the teachers are admirably fitted for their work, and
most of them have given evidence of fidelity and effi-
ciency. "They secure good order without any direct
effort at governing — vary the exercises of the school
with great tact and skill, so as to keep the children
employed without wearying them, and win their confi-
dence and love by uniform kindness and attention. —
They look carefully after the manners and habits of
their pupils, and are patient in explaining their studies
and duties." These are some of the excellencies of
many of the Primary School teachers, which have at-
tracted the attention of the Sub -Committees, and have
been mentioned in their reports to the Board. With
so many schools as we have in the city it can hardly be
expected that all of them will be kept up to a proper
standard of discipline and instruction, or that all the
teachers will manifest that decided interest in children
which is requisite for successful labor. Yet it should
always be the aim of the Committee to secure such a
state of things, and wherever there is evidence of unfit-
ness or lack of adaptability, however unpleasant the
task, the work of reform must be accomplished.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
We continue to think highly of these schools, and to
rate them second to none in importance, not only to

11

the scholars who enjoy their advantages, but to the
community. The class of children who attend them,
need more than any other, the protection and interest of
the public, and they should always be carefully and
faithfully dealt with. We are happy to present very
favorable extracts from the reports of the Sub-Commit-
tee on both schools. Of No. 1, in May, the Committee
remark: — " We have visited this school frequently
since our appointment, and always with pleasure and
satisfaction. The teacher maintains fully her high
character. She is patient and thorough in her instruc-
tion ; good order always prevails ; the scholars are con-
tented and happy, and make rapid progress. Twenty-
four of them were sent up to the Grammar Schools
after the last examination, and they were fully quali-
fied for the promotion." In November, they add : —
" We are more than ever convinced that this teacher is
fitly placed in charge of the class of children who are
under her care and instruction. Twenty-one pupils
were found qualified to enter the Grammar Schools at
the examination in October." Concerning School No. 2,
the Committee report in May as follows : — ;'The teacher
appears much attached to the scholars and shows an
earnest desire to do her whole duty ; and under her
energetic and judicious management we are confident
the school will continue to maintain its well-earned
reputation." The report in November, alludes to the
resignation of Miss Trowbridge and to the appointment
of Miss Pillsbury, who had but recently entered upon
her duties, but whose experience and success heretofore
as a teacher warrant the expectation that she will make
good the place of her predecessor.

12

BUNKER HILL SCHOOL.

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

ASSISTANTS.

CAROLINE PHIPP3.
PHCEBE A. KNIGHTS,

MARY S. THOMAS.

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

Sub-Committee— HENRY C. GRAVES,
HORACE B. WILBER,
HERBERT CURTIS,
SAMUEL M. POOK.

In their May report, the Committee say: — "We
have endeavored to give a careful and thorough exami-
nation to each department of the school. Sufficient
time has elapsed since the changes in the building were
made to enable us to judge of the benefits resulting.
There is a marked improvement through the entire
school, especially in the discipline and order. Some of
the divisions may be considered as models in these
particulars. Division No. 1, has always satisfied the
Committee, both as to discipline and thorough mental
training. Almost every pupil could give a rationale of
recitation with clearness and ease ; and where analysis
can best be applied, as in Arithmetic and Grammar,
that has been the course pursued. We are entirely
convinced of the faithfulness and ability of the teacher.
His manner of instructing is calculated to give charac-
ter to his pupils and to develope quick and accurate
thinking and mental power. The second division has
some excellent scholars, and showed considerable disci-
pline of mind. The Sub -Master exhibits a commenda-
ble knowledge of the improved methods of instruction.
Each one of the assistant teachers now employed in the
school, is believed to be faithful and well adapted to the

position she occupies. While there are some things of
lesser importance, we would correct, in general we are
unanimous in commending the course of instruction in
each of these divisions. In some of the classes the
Reading was excellent ; while in each division and every
recitation, the pupils showed a promptness and clearness
of perception, which made it a positive pleasure to con-
duct the examinations. The good effect of instruction
in Music was very evident. The exhibition was largely
attended, and afforded evident gratification. We doubt,
however, the practical utility of school exhibitions as at
present conducted. An exhibition of what the scholars
can do in the various branches of study taught in the
schools, would be far more useful, and we believe more
satisfactory to the majority of parents." In November
the Committee remark : " Each pupil in division No. 1
was carefully questioned in all the studies pursued dur-
ing the half year, and the rank estimated according to
the standard commonly employed in the school — five
being the perfect mark. In deportment there were no
failures. To each of the scholars test questions were
given, selected at random from the text books. Of 28
pupils examined, one made no mistake, eight were
marked fractionally between 4 1-2 and 5, thirteen 4 to
4 1-2, four between 3 and 4, two between 2 and 3.
The average percentage of recitation was 66 plus. This
examination shows just what the pupils can do when
thrown entirely upon their own responsibility. The
instructor, as in previous reports, we recommend as
efficient and faithful.

"The same course of examination was adopted in
the second division, under the charge of the Sub-

14

Master. We express our gratification at the decided
improvement made during the term, both in govern-
ment and the mode of instructing. In this division
one pupil was marked nearly perfect, two between 4 1-2
and 5, sixteen ranged from 4 to 4 1-2, fifteen from 3 to 4,
two from 2 to 3. The number examined was 39 minus.
PeFcentage of scholarship, including deportment, 60.
We are confident this average is much better than that
of last spring's examination ; and can therefore recom-
mend the teacher with greater confidence to the Board.
Division No. 3 showed the great amount of patient drill
bestowed upon it, and the general readiness- of answer
in all the lessons, and the good order which prevailed.
Division No. 4 seemed a model for thorough discipline
and accurate instruction. Division No. 5 appears not
to have fallen behind in rank that of former examina-
tions. No. 6 is also in good condition. The teacher
of No. 7 is qualifying herself constantly in that which
is wanting in young teachers, namely, experience, and
we pronounce her faithful in her position. No. 8 is
the largest and most fluctuating division in the school.
It is often overcrowded with scholars, especially directly
after the promotions from the Primary Schools. The
Committee are of opinion that it will be necessary, ere
long, to re -arrange the school and form a new division;
to accomplish which the building will have to be en-
larged by the addition of another story, which may be
finished as one room. A hall of this character is needed
for singing and other general exercises."

HARVARD SCHOOLS.

TEACIIKKS.

No. 2.
JOSEPH B. MORSE, Principal.

ASSISTANTS.

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

No. 1.
C. SOULE CARTEE, Principal

ASSISTANTS.

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

Sub-Comrnittee-r WILLI AM W. WHEILDON,
EDWIN F. ADAMS,
G. WASHINGTON WARREN.

We extract the following from the reports of the Sub-
committee : — "The several divisions of School No. 1
were examined by different members of the Committee,
and were found to have made the usual progress in
their studies. The pupils were quite ready to answer
the questions put to them, and to perform such exerci-
ses in Arithmetic and Grammar as are customarily re-
quired. In Reading and Spelling, the first division
exhibited commendable proficiency. The school was
neat and orderly, and it always gives evidence of being
under good discipline. School No. 2 was examined
early in April, and was entirely satisfactory. The first
division was small, and has had for some time the whole
attention of the Principal, the good results of which
were apparent in the examination. The teachers ap-
pear to be in all respects faithful to the trusts reposed
in them." "The examination in November, found
School No. 1 in all its departments in a satisfactory
condition. The Principal is a careful and conscien-
tious teacher, who always manifests a deep interest in
the success of his scholars. He has methods of instruc-
tion peculiar to himself, and in his hands they are pro-
motive of good results. The assistant teachers in this
school have been long in their present places, and. are

still entitled to the confidence and commendation of the
Committee. They keep up the system heretofore prac-
ticed and continued, and we believe do all that can be
done for the advancement of the scholars. Of School
No. 2, we have nothing particular to say, except that
in its several divisions it appeared to be in as good con-
dition as at any former period ; and the teachers con-
tinue to be attentive and faithful."

WARREN SCHOOL.

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

MARY A. OSGOOD,
MARIA BROWN,
MARY J. FULLER,

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

Sab-Committee— GEORGE B. NEAL,

CALVIN C. SAMPSON,
HENRY K. FROTHINGHAM,

CHARLES F. SMITH.

In May, the Sub- Committee remark as follows : —
" Since the date of our last report, we have visited this
school often. It has also had frequent visits from other
members of the Board, and from teachers of schools in
other cities, who have expressed themselves highly
pleased with the order of the school and the proficiency
and readiness of the pupils. Not the least attractive
part of the exercises has been the Yocal Music, which,
under the efficient training and instruction of the Prin-
cipal, has been brought to a greater degree of perfec-
tion than is generally attained in a public school. The
semi-annual examination was conducted as usual by
the Committee, who are happy to bear witness to the
continued zeal, and faithfulness of the teachers, which
was clearly shown in the condition of the school and the

17

advancement of the pupils in their studies. The ex-
hibition was a pleasant occasion, and was very largely
attended by the parents and friends of the children.
We are of opinion that too much valuable time is
expended, both by teachers and pupils, in preparation
for these exhibitions, and that for a long time before,
and several days after they take place, the school is in
such a state of excitement, that little, if any progress
is made in the studies ; and that all this is allowed for
a single afternoon's entertainment. ' ' From the Novem-
ber report, we extract the following: — "We have dur-
ing the past six months made frequent visits to the
school, and have heard recitations from the several
classes in the various studies pursued by them, in order
to form a correct judgment of the progress of the class-
es, and of the individuals composing them. We have
also at different times in the day made short calls, to
observe the appearance of the teachers and scholars
while in working order. From these visits as well as
from the semi-annual examinations, we have made up
our minds that the progress of the pupils has been good,
and that the parents as well as the Committee have
reason to be gratified at the condition of the school."

18

WINTHROP SCHOOL.

TKACHERS.

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

ASSISTANTS.

SOPHIA W. PAGE,

H. AUGUSTA ADAMS.

SARAH A. ODELL.

No. 2.
SAMUELS. WILLSON, Principal.

ASSISTANTS.

NANCY M. CASWELL,
ABBY M. CLARK.
ANN M. HOBBS,
AMELIA R. HAMILTON.

Sub- Committee— HENRY LYON,

JOHN SANBORN,
JAMES B. MILES.

In May, the Committee report as follows : — " Suffi-
cient time was given to the examination, which was
conducted entirely by ourselves, to allow of a pretty
thorough scrutiny of each class. Corresponding classes
in both schools were examined as near as could be to
each other, with a view of judging in regard to their
relative advancement and the relative merits of the
teachers. In general we report the school in a healthy
condition. While decided differences were found to
exist in the character of the instruction and training
under the different teachers, nothing was found which
appeared to us to call for special mention to the Board.
We found some of the teachers making greater efforts
than others, and some more successful than others, and
we shall endeavor by admonition and friendly counsel,
to stimulate the backward and correct the faulty, with
the hope and expectation of decidedly good results."

The Committee say that in their opinion a Superin-
tendent of Schools is greatly needed. That Sub-
Committees can at best become but very imperfectly
acquainted with the schools under their charge. They

19

cannot devote time enough to them, and some one who
has the time, and whose business it should be to visit
and look after all the schools, should be employed by
the city, and paid for his services.

In November, the Committee say: — "Our examina-
tion of the school has been as thorough as the limited
time at our disposal would allow, and the result afford-
ed, on the whole, about the usual amount of satisfac-
tion. As is generally the case, some classes acquitted
themselves finely, while others did but tolerably well.
We have made this difference the subject of special
attention at the school, the effects of which, we have
no doubt, will be seen in the improved condition of
things at future examinations." They allude again to
the great need of a Superintendent of Schools, and say
they "are more than ever convinced that in such a
place as Charlestown it is a real want." "In the
Winthrop. School there are ten divisions, and each di-
vision has at least two classes, no one of which pursues
less than five studies, including Reading, Spelling and
Writing, and to suppose that the Sub- Committee can
become very much acquainted with all these classes
during the brief and infrequent visits which are made in
term time, or that in the time provided in the School
Regulations for the semi-annual examinations, they can
form a correct judgment of the character and ability of
the teacher, or of the standing of the school, is absurd.
A Superintendent of Schools could examine thoroughly,
and make comparisons between the different divisions,
which would be of real service."

20

PRESCOTT SCHOOL.

TEACHERS. .

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

ASSISTANTS.

ABBY L. SWAN,
JOSEPHINE M. FLINT,
FRANCES M. CLARK,
AMY E. BRADFORD.

SARAH M. CHANDLER,
MARY JANE BROWN,
H. A. T. DADLEY,
HANNAH M. SAWYER,

Sub-Committee— JAMES ADAMS,

ABRAM E- CUTTER,
GUSTAVUS V. HALL,
TIMOTHY T. SAWYER.

In May, the Committee remark : — "The general con-
dition of this school has not much changed since oar
last report. The teachers are faithful, and worthy of
the confidence of the scholars, their parents and the
Committee. The Board having concluded to reduce
the number of teachers to ten, the Principal has to take
the whole charge of the classes in one room ; and it
will be expedient, we think, to relieve him from the
responsibility and labor of superintending a part of the
lower divisions, and to place them under the care of the
Sub-Master. Indeed, an arrangement of this kind
seems to be absolutely necessary ; and we are of opinion
that if two equal and separate divisions can be formed,
it will be for the comfort and advantage of the whole
school. As this school is located near large tracts
of open and unoccupied land, which afford peculiar
facilities for the congregation of vagrant and truant
boys during school hours, who at times disturb the
school, and tempt the scholars to wrong doing, the
question is often suggested, Why cannot the laws be
enforced and the evils of Truancy be met and removed 1
And the only answer that we can get to this question,
is the unsatisfactory one, that the city makes no provi-

21

sion for the payment of the officers they appoint to look
up unruly and truant children, but only proposes in the
terms of the law t<* pay them in fees for as many as be-
come so notorious and bad as to be brought before the
magistrate. This is surely wrong, and the good of our
community requires the employment of officers to follow
up exposed and tempted children, and to deal properly
with truancy in every stage, from the first offence to
the inveterate habit."

In November, the Committee report: — "We have
examined the several divisions and classes of the school,
and find no marked change since the Spring report.
With one exception the same teachers have been em-
ployed, and with about their usual success. The new
teacher is trying hard to interest her pupils, and in the
opinion of the member of the Committee having partic-
ular oversight of her room, with a good degree of suc-
cess. In a former report a suggestion was made in
relation to a division of the work of superintendence of
the lower divisions, between the Principal and Sub-
Master. We are now decidedly of opinion that this.
change should be made. The school is very large, hav-
ing 515 pupils on its roll, and it is impossible for a
teacher having special care of one of the higher . divis-
ions to give that attention to all the other divisions
which they need. And we see no reason why there
should not be parallel divisions throughout the school,
culminating in two parallel first divisions from which
promotions can be made to the High School. We
commend this subject to the early attention of the new
Sub-Committee."

22

VOCAL MUSIC.
The experiment of making Vocal Music one of the
regular studies in the Grammar Schools, which the
granting of our request for an appropriation by the
City Council, has enabled us to try, has proved success-
ful. And the Sub-Committee of this Board, having
the matter in charge, speak of it as follows:— "The
progress made by the scholars is of a highly gratifying
character. The teacher employed has a happy faculty
of imparting to children an elementary knowledge of
rhythm and melody. The time devoted to this study
is two hours per week in each school, and although
some children cannot learn to sing well, all may derive
benefit, physically and morally, from the introduction of
this delightful change in the routine of duty."

HIGH SCHOOL.

Principal— CHARLES E. STETSON.
Sub-Master, J. M. FAIRFIELD.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS.

KATHARINE WHITNEY, I MARY CURTIS,

FRANCES M. READ, HELEN F. WEST.

SUB-COMMITTEE.

TIMOTHY T. SAWYER,
G. WASHINGTON WARREN,
WILLIAM W. WHEILDOxNT,
JAMES ADAMS,
HENRY LYON.

The report in May speaks of the school as follows : —
"The teachers continue to maintain good reputations,
and are pursuing their duties faithfully. This opinion
is expressed as the result of the examinations. The
general" aspect of each of the divisions, the quiet and
happy appearance of the scholars, their respectful man-

ner towards their teachers and towards each other, their
willing attention to their studies and their manifest
interest in the character and progress of the school,
afforded conclusive evidence that a healthy influence
had been exerted, and that tact and judgment had
been successfully exercised by the directing minds in
the school. With so large a number of scholars, it is
of course to be expected that some will fail to make the
best use of their advantages, and that others will be
unequal to the mental requirements of the school ; and
so fall behind in their classes, or be unprepared for ad-
vancement. Such cases were found to be few, and were
disposed of after consultation with the Principal, in the
manner thought to be most promotive of the interest
of all concerned in them. And in this connection we
would remark that the experiment authorized by the
Committee of last year, of allowing some scholars to
deviate from the studies required by the rules of the
Board, has failed to show such results as to warrant its
continuance. The teachers are unanimously of the
opinion, that each of the scholars in each class should
be required to pursue all the studies of the class ; and
that confusion in the school, and injury to the scholars
has been uniformly the result when special privileges
have been granted. It may be that the course of stu-
dies now required by the rules of the Board, can be
changed to advantage. But this should only be after
careful investigation and deliberation by a Committee,
and not because of requests made by parents, and based,
as is generally the case, on the wish of their children
to be relieved from studies not particularly interesting
or pleasing to them.

24

"The exhibition of the school took place on the 19th
of April. It was as as successful, we think, as any of
the previous exhibitions, and on some accounts an im-
provement upon them — less time being taken up by it,
and some things deemed by many persons to be objec-
tionable being omitted entirely. The Committee be-
lieve that there is a growing opinion among our peo-
ple that these exhibitions had better be discontinued.
Those who know how much time is taken in prepara-
tion for them, which could certainly be more profitably
employed, are decidedly of this opinion. And those
who judge from what takes place on the day of exhibi-
tion, and compare the interest and enjoyment of the
occasion, with the disappointment and dissatisfaction
which grows out of the necessity for limiting the num-
ber of tickets of admission, are also generally disposed
to doubt at least their utility and the good policy of
continuing them. The Committee, understanding both
the amount of time misappropriated, and the impossi-
bility of distributing satisfactorily, the number of tick-
ets warranted by the capacity of the largest hall in the
city, are very glad to fall in with the adverse opinion,
and they recommend such a change in the rules of the
Board as will dispense with the annual exhibition of the
High School, and substitute therefor public days, at
the School-House, at such times as the Sub- Committee
may deem to be convenient and advantageous."

In November, the Committee allude to the resigna-
tion of Mr. Gay, the former Principal, which took place
on the 19th of September, unexpectedly, and on very
short notice, and they add, "under the circumstances
we were obliged to make the best arrangement we could

for the school. Mr. Stetson, the Sub-Master, (who was
on the 4th of October elected Principal,) was at once
placed in charge of Mr. Gay's classes, and entrusted
with the management of the school, and an additional
female assistant (Miss West) was temporarily appointed
by the Committee. This arrangement was continued
until October 26, when Mr, J. M. Fairfield, the newly
elected Sub-Master, entered upon his duties. Since
that time the Board have elected Miss West as a per-
manent teacher, and the school is now amply supplied
with instructors." The Committee add : — "It will be
seen from the foregoing, that the school has labored
under great disadvantages during the greater part of
last term. With his mind on the formation of a private
school which he has since established, it is hardly to be
supposed that the former Principal kept up fully his in-
terest in this, during that part of the term in which he
remained in charge ; while with the changes which were
made necessary by his resignation, and the increased
care thrown upon the new Principal, it would be unrea-
sonable to expect that everything would go on as
smoothly, and as much progress be made, as if the case
were otherwise. Yet the Committee believe that the
new Principal, with his assistants, by extra attention
and labor, have succeeded in overcoming these difficul-
ties and in keeping up the character and standing of
the school. In its examination we were assisted by
Mr. Miles and Mr. Graves, of the School Board — the
former of whom, by request, gave particular attention
to the classes under the immediate instruction of the
Principal, and the latter rendered good service in the
examination of classes in Geometry and Trench. The

26

result of their labors is given in written communica-
tions annexed to and making part of our report. The
other classes examined by us, were generally found to
be in as good condition as heretofore. The order of
the school is fully maintained, and so far it seems to be
as skillfully disciplined under the new arrangement as
the old. The new Principal has entered upon his duties
with great interest and zeal, and the new Sub-Master
stands well with the teachers and scholars, and bids fair
to be an acceptable and successful teacher. Mr. Graves
in his communication speaks of the classes examined by
him as follows : — "The class in Geometry were begin-
ners, but had evidently been thoroughly drilled in the
principles of the science which they had discussed, and
I was abundantly satisfied with the recitation. The
two classes in French gave evidence of faithful and
accurate instruction. I was especially pleased with
the thorough manner in which . the recitation was con-
ducted by the first assistant teacher. I think the classes
seemed to labor under the disadvantage of too frequent
change of teachers, having had four different ones since
commencing the language. Another fact which it ap-
peared to me acted against a rapid and thorough pro-
gress was, that only two recitations were heard per
week. French requires much practice viva voce to
familiarize the pupils with the pronunciation, and I
would suggest that the recitations should follow more
immediately each other, and if no more time during
the term can be given to the study, for a portion of the
term there should be at least four recitations per week,
which, it seems to me, would more than double the
amount of actual knowledge acquired." From the

27

communication from Mr. Miles we take the following :
"I examined four classes in Latin and one class in
Greek. I determined to occupy ample time and to
make the examination so extensive and thorough as to
satisfy myself in regard to the character of the instruc-
tion and the diligence and application of the pupils. I
am happy to say the result was, with hardly an excep-
tion, highly gratifying. The Senior class, composed of
about an equal number of Misses and Lads, read to me
from the iEneid of Virgil, and rendered the Latin with
a good degree of neatness and precision. In regard to
the principles of Grammar, to which I give great pro-
minence, I questioned the class somewhat freely, and
was gratified with the evidences that they had given
a commendable attention to these. This class is about
to take up the subject of " Scanning," when the im-
portant departments of Ortheopy and Prosody will be
made matters of especial study.

"Next in order came the College Class, which I care-
fully examined in Caesar's Commentaries and Felton's
Greek Reader. This class is in the first stage of pre-
paration for College, and expect to enter one year from
the next Commencement. It gave me great pleasure
to find they had been taught upon the principle, that it
is better to accomplish a little thoroughly and well,
rather than go over a great deal of ground imperfectly.
The class showed an unusual familiarity with those parts
of the Greek Grammar to which they have attended.
I regret there are in the School, no scholars who are to
enter College the coming year. I also examined two
large and interesting classes of beginners in Latin — one
class in Latin Reader, the other in Latin Lessons. —

28

Both of these classes seem to be mastering, successfully
the rudiments of Latin, and give good promise for the
future."

At the close of the term ending October 31, the
schools, teachers and scholars numbered as follows :
27 Primaries, with 27 teachers, 1986 scholars.
2 Intermediate, 2 " 120

7 Grammar, 44 " 2172

1 High, 6 " 142 "

37 schools, 79 teachers, 4420 scholars.

The following tables will afford the required infor-
mation concerning them :

riOKS J

j|

Term ending April, 18GC

.

Term ending Nov.

j

1860.

t3 ft

a

§

a

tfl

c5

S

.1°

1 i

D3 a *

,3

■« S

H

-a

a

CO

to

02

GO B

H

3

-a

a

a)

en

m \

SCHOOL

E SEMI-ANN
OP

a

a
a

2^
25 -a

l£

1h

a
1

°

c3

£■3

oh
1 SP

&5

1h

i

£" S

a

3

&

m

3

^

M

5

<

(5

169

O

153

a
,6

a

a
2

34

J3

174

pq
59

3

115

142

40

3
102

<
145

142

6
119

S3

23

1
z 1

25 5

$ High School, -

. .

1S7

65

122

169

59

lHll 161

{ Bunker Hill School. -

538

293

245

466 2511 2151 417

40b

6

460

17

551

291

260

455

242

213

401

410

4

451

19 2

j Warren School,

. .

401,

214

192

371 180 191 331

347

3

368

35

428

211

21/

3(11

191

179

323

326

4

366

22 \

Winthrop School,

-No. 1.

••II

, 124

116

1981 10l| 97| 176

183

20

178

44

273

144

129

240

125

llo

194

216

4

236

19

No. 2.

230

1 15! 115

199| 961 103 1691 173

1

192

25

320

164

lob

233

120

113

198

226

9

224

35 \

j Harvard School,

- No. 1.

284

150 131

23SI 125 113 212| 218

2361 28

236

131

10a

18a

10a

81)

144

16(1

16

1611

28 6

5

No. 2.

9,80

1 131, 149

223 124j 99 199 1CJ'~

6

217 | 34

263

130

133

174

82

92

146

103

6

168 20 j

j Presco't School,

587

1 307', 2S0

538| 280J 258 480 481

31

507| 13

612

313

299 615

273

242{ 4i4

442

14

501 11 i

5 Intermediate do.

No. r.

;■

31 ;:9

57 281 29 1 42 48

57' 10

72

37

35 1 62

31

31! 33

44

62 10

do. do.

No. 2.

90

1 47 1 43

1 601 321 281 461 50
1 1 I 1 1

60! 12

82

40

42l 58

1

30

28! 42

52

5SI 11 \

j

2912

| 1477, 1435

J2519'il276[1243|22S6|2267

228

2291,252

3011

1520|1491(2434|1239

1195J2070

2171

167

225s| 200 f

Primill'V fl.elioiils.

LOCATION OP

Ter

m ending April, 1860

\ 6 1 Teacnsis Names.

PRIMARY

SCHOOL-HOUSES.

as

1

i

u

a

3

il

||

i.

1

»f

»!

. -J j

V*

1

i"S

<"

£a

3

1 1

Eh/.atieth N. Lane,

Near B. H. S. House,

95

1.

60J

81

40

41

62

<■;

32

35

81

10 1

Malrina B. Skillon,

Mead street,

37

4I1

72

34

38

53

68

33

35

8 j

1 :'

Hannah 11. Sampson,

Ward lt«i..m No-

6!)

37

32

60

31

29

46

49

26

23

60

5

I.i/.zi,: Dcblois,

Elnr street,

78

42

63

29

34

45

51

23

28

63

5 (

Prances Hichhorn,

Mi-dlord street,

66

35

.31

S3

30

23

40

45

22

; 23

53

6 '

|

Susan L. Sawvur,

liuylston Chapel,

65

35

30

56

32

24

38 40

'""

-i

Alice S. Wilc'v,

76

39

37

37

35

53 61

31

{ :

Helen R. Chalk,

87

49

38

40

36

52

0.'

29

76

11"

Eouisa A. Pratt,

92

40

52

72

40

51

64

30

34

i <

11

Joanna S. Putnam

4a

3:i

60

35

25

46

54

32

22

60

5 5

Ellen M. Armstead,

Bow street.,

65

34

31

61

31

30

37

44

61

4 i

0. VV. Troivhri.lj..,

84

30

48

32

44

58

63

25

38

76

Sarah E. Smith,

91

40

61

.14

40

66

68

31

37

74

Eliza'h R. Hamilton,

79

43

36

62

27

46

53

26

25

62

Abby 13. llinekloy,

Common street,

98

51

47

S3

45

38

55

28

S3

5 j

Sophronia Worthon,

0. H. street, at Point.

80

39

41

34

411

52

58

24

34

7-1

IS

l.r.h.i 51. Units,

so

47

42

76

39

37

56

66

24

42

19 Louisa W. Huntress,

Moulton street,

87

45

4-2

78

43

58

117

36

31

78

iOl.M.ililtla. Oilman.

Soloy street,

70

41

29

63

32

21

38

47

2^

19

52

1

Prances E. Everett,

Sullivan street,

89

49

40

85

45

40

64

68

4(1

28

85

Frames M. Lane,

S3

41

40

78

40

38

51

65

35

78

Helen G. Turn !r,

Haverhill street,

70

37

33

58

29

29

38

54

29

51

7

4 j

Catharine C. Broker,

Common street,

74

40

34

69

37

32

■ 44

56

29

27

69

Atlaline M. Smith,

Adjoi'tiWd Room 2,
Alms-Houso,

83

42

41

71

35

36

49

GO

31

29

71

4 1

Catli. M. Kimball,

Bunker-Hill street,

101

56

45

90

52

38

50

60

36

24

90

1 9 !

:j':

Jane B. I.oriile;,

Eilirowonh street,

83

45

80

47

33

55

36

26

80

1 j )

I'amolia E. Dolano,

Ward Room .\'o. 3,

73

43

36

67

33

3)

48 59

2S

31

67

1 U \

2187

1120

1067

1900

9S3

917

\::::: 1572

789 7S3

;■?:

8 ii74 I

f

Term ending November, I860.

\
1

j!

Primary Schools

\

v

a .

Z =

a

f" '" «

.

Sub-Committees I

t-

Teachers Hames

^

!'

5

f£

^ [ 3

<i

-K

d

51

i
Primary Schools.1

r

2f~

Zz

I

<

\fs\l°

■X"

1

? I| Ellen M. Cruris,

Si

47

37 7i

36| 36, 51

34

22

12 72

11 'Tin, ,tl,v T. Saivjer .5

J 2 M ilyina B pulton,

79
85

40

1

70

56

50

28

27

28
23

7
71

]

s Henry c. Graves. 1

87

42

45

69

33 31 16

55

25

311

68

1

91

50

41

10

35l 301 15

5(1

29

66

91

56

40| 27

15

57

36 21

Sli

42

4-1

71

31

54

23 27

71

10 1 do ' do. ' 1

100

50

56

85

45

10

59

40

Mi

12 Gustavus V. Hull. (

96

42

51

09

31

38

56

63

::o

.33

69

2 Ahrom E Cutter, j

SI

46

35

70

41

29

60 59

35

24

70

6 James 1!. Miles.

! 12 Ellen M. Annstead,

105

53

72

37

49

34

31

6 James Ada,,,,.. i

5I3C. VV. Trowl,rid»e.

813

42

44

67

34

:;

67

34

33

) 14 Sarah E. Smith,

109

57

52

78

43

:;:.

61

66

33

33

S Edwin F.' Adams'.

SI5 Eliza'h It. Hamilton

1 "1

58

51

61

33

:::

42

■u

2!)

06

5 |W,n. VV. Wll lildon

IS v.le. 1;. Hinckley,

IIS

66

52

86

61

Si

56

69

39

30

SO

5 Henry Lyon. J

Ml

43

4'.:

07

31

■ '■

50

61

28

33

67

5 '(iioree 11. Ncal. f

llhiuik^flnn'tress

96
92

49
43

•17
49

73
78

39
41

34
37

5S
59

61

31

28
24

7S

7 JohnSanhorri. )
4 ! do. do )

so

4i 1

34

56 1 31

-16

51

28

56

1-Jl'Pmni-os E. Kverott.

104

6.1

41

83| 51

07

721 43

29

S3

4

II. K. Frothinghum.

jaa Frances M.Lane,

110

54

90

45

66

05 36

30

90

4

(_>:] Helen G. Turner.

85

45

40

08

34

34

61

31

30

68

6

Horace B. Wilbur.

ji| Catharine C.Browor,

101

57

44

40

31

55

29

21 i

74

leoiae E. Neal. {

■2SI Adeline M. Smith,

85

39

46

92

41

51

60

73

32

■11

97

23

i. Wash. VV'arreo. j

126

lO-iSusan V. Moore,

120

59

ill! 84

41

43

77

65

31

34 S4

10

Charles F. Smith !

1-28 Jane 1!. l.orin;,

30

321 65

■:.

!■;

61

30

81 65

''

1. Wash Warren. S

■29 Pameiia E. Delano,

95

44

51 76

35

41

■is

61

28

33 76

8

.-harlcs P. Smith, j

I 1-2539

122

I217| 198s

1031

^i

14171596 133:il 703ll!!84

JL

202

20

It will be seen by reading the foregoing reports on
the High and Grammar schools, that there are several
subjects of importance and interest referred to, and re-
commended with some decision and emphasis. The
Public Exhibitions of the Schools, which for a long time
heretofore have been authorized and encouraged, and
which have called together large companies of the
parents and friends of the children and teachers,
are thought now to be of no practical utility. They
are made up of exercises and representations, which
are well enough for amusement and recreation, and
which children will be very apt to spend a good deal
of time about, but which time should not be taken from
school hours. Heretofore we have thought that per-
haps the gain in interest in the school, would compen-
sate for the loss of time which has been taken in pre-
paration for, and recovery from the excitement of the
exhibition, but more careful reflection upon, and inquiry
into the matter, has convinced us that neither teachers
or scholars are paid for their trouble, and that the
pleasure of those who witness the exhibitions would be
very much lessened, if they understood that the time
taken in preparation was so considerable as really to
interrupt the course of study, and retard seriously the
progress of the school. We are inclined, therefore, to
recommend a discontinuance of these exhibitions, and a
substitution of public examinations, on public days,
when visitors will be expected , when they can hear the
recitations and witness and listen to the usual exercises
of the school, and so form a fair judgment of how the

30

children are employed, of the course of instruction, and
of the manners and influence of the teachers over the
children entrusted to their care.

These remarks are intended to apply to the Grammar
and High School exhibitions; but in the latter .case
there is an additional reason for the discontinuance of
the exhibition, which is referred to in the report on
the school, and which we will repeat in the remark,
that until a more spacious and convenient public hall
than any now within the limits of the city shall be pro-
vided, it will be impossible to have a satisfactory public
exhibition of the Pligh. School.

Another matter referred to in the semi-annual re-
ports, is that much talked of subject — a Superintendent
of the Schools. The appointment of such an officer
depends upon the passage of an ordinance by the City
Council, authorizing it to be done. Without such an or-
dinance, the School Committee have no warrant, under
the law, however much they may believe in its import-
ance, to appoint or pay for the services of a School
Superintendent. They can only appeal to the City
Council ; and this they have done by presenting, early
in the year (February 13,) a memorial, referring to pre-
vious memorials, and setting forth some additional rea-
sons why their request should be granted. The action
upon the application of this year, so far as we have
been able to learn, was a reference of the subject to
the appropriate Joint Committee of the City Council,
who have finished up their official year without making
a report. So much has been said in previous reports
on this subject, that it will be, perhaps, inexpedient
and useless to enlarge upon it in this ; nevertheless we

31

shall venture again to ask for a careful examination of
the subject, and to express our unanimous judgment
that the ordinance should be passed, a Superintendent
appointed, and the experiment be fairly tried.

Our judgment is, that school privileges are afforded
for our children, because that is the best use of so much
of their time. Substantial and tasteful school-houses,
neatly furnished, are provided, because the mind can
be best developed and exercised, when the body is
comfortable .and the senses calm. And what is accom-
plished in the schools must be done by diligent and
patient application to study. We know that children
need physical exercise, amusement, and contact with
the world, and that these are no less important than
study and restraint ; but we firmly believe that habits
of industry, and application, are essential to the proper
enjoyment and use of time. And the school-room is
not the place to effect much in the way of physical ex-
ercise and developement, or to cultivate and gratify the
lighter part of our natures. Employment for the mind
and constant industry in that direction, should be the
duty and desire for school hours. Freedom from re-
straint, activity and mirth, for hours of recreation.
The cultivation of the affections — a generous friend-
ship and an unselfish spirit, is an unceasing demand, at
home, in school and in the world. That they may
understand, be happy, and be useful, is what we aim
at, and mean, by the education of our children.

By order of the Committee.

TIMOTHY T. SAWYER, President.
Charlestown, December, 1860.

32

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

Dr.

1860. Jan. 1, To Balance brought forward, 645.65

«'« 3, Interest on $5000 note, 6 mos. of City Treasurer, 150.00

" 3, Tuition of sundry non-residents, ... ... 11.15

May 11, Interest on $600 note, one year, of City Treasurer, 36.00

July 3, « $5000 note, six months, " 150.00

Cr,

Jan. 24. By paid Elliott & White, Cyclopaedia No. 8, 3.50

April 22,

May 7,

« 14,

«* 14,

Oct. 31,

Mary Curtis, on acct. of salary, 12.50
Elliott & White, Cyclopaedia No. 9. 3.50
E. S. Ritchie, repairing apparatus, 75
Smith, Knight & Tappan, diplomas, 12.50
Elliott & White Cyclopedia No. 10, 3.50

36.25

Balance in hands of Treasurer, $956.55

992,80

GEORGE B. NEAL, Treasurer.
Charlestown, Deeember 27, 1860.

We the undersigned hereby certify that we have examined the above
account, and have compared the several items thereof with their respective
vouchers, and find the balance on hand to be nine hundred and fifty-six
55 100 dollars, ($956.55.)

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

Charlestown, Jan. 7, 1861.