Annual report of the Trustees of the Charlestown Free Schools

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

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ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

OF THB

(ttts of efiarlefi5toton»

FEBRUARY, 1849,

CHARLESTOWN:

WILLIAM W. WHEILDON, PRINTER,

184 9.

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2011 with funding from

Boston Public Library

http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportoftr4849char

REPORT.

The time has again arrived, when our citizens are accustomed
to look to those intrusted with the educational interests of our
city, for a statement of the condition of our Public Schools, and
what provisions have been made to secure to the children of
all classes in our midst, the means of efficient and thorough in-
struction in all the branches of knowledge usually pursued in
these institutions.

At the commencement of the present municipal year, some of
our schools were, and had for some time been, subjected to incon-
v«nience and embarrassment, from a want of suitable school ac-
commodations ; occasioned by the action of the city government
relative to school houses.

On the 14th of June, 1847, an order was passed in both
branches of the city government, in favor of a petition made to
the Mayor and Aldermen, for the erection of a new Grammar
School house in Ward 2.

On the 21st of the same month, an order passed the Common
Council, which was also passed in the other branch of the city
government, for the removal of the school houses and other build-
ings from the Trainingfield ; and on the 9th of August, 1847, an
order passed the common council, which was also concurred in
by board of aldermen, for the re-building of the Har/ard School
house. These measures were carried into effect by the appro-
priate committees from the city government, and consequently the
scholars of the Harvard and Winthrop schools, xvere deprived of
the use of their school-rooms until the new buildings were com-
pleted.

The new school house in Ward 2, which was to supply the
place of the Winthrop School house, removed from the Training-
field, was first occupied by the scholars on the 27th day of March,
184S, and the Harvard School house was occupied on the 29th of
the same month ; — the Winthrop contains seats and desks for
364 scholars, and the Harvard for 432.

The joint standing committee on public instruction from the
city government, by whom the above improvements were carried
out, recommended to the city council the adoption of an order for
the erection of a building, and the establishing of a High School
for boys and girls ; which order was passed on the 12th of July,
1847, and an appropriation was made to defray the necessary ex-
pense of the same, which sum was placed at the disposal of the
above committee.

On the 6th of June, 1348, a vote was passed by the joint stand-
ing committee on public instruction, directing their clerk to inform
the school committee, that they should *' deliver over into the
charge of the school committee, the High School building, on
Saturday, the 17th of June instant." On the receipt of this no-
tice, the school committee made arrangements for publicly receiv-
ing and acknowledging this new trust, and dedicating it to the
purposes for which it had been created.

The day selected for this service, was one prominent not only
in the annals of Charlestovvn, but also in the history of our
nation's freedom and prosperity. It was a fit time from which to
date the establishment of another of those institutions which are
the pride and glory of New England, (her public free schools,)
and one, too, dedicated to the culture of the higher branches of
knowledge and science, — free alike to the children of every class
of citizens in our community.

The large number of persons who were present to participate in
the exercises on this occasion, was a *naik of the warm and general
interest felt by our citizens, in welcoming to their midst, an insti-
tution promising so much for the advancement of science, litera-
ture, and useful knowledge, among the youth of our city.

Under the date of January 3d, 1849, the School Committee re-
ceived a communication from the clerk of the common council,
transmitting, under a vote of that branch of the city government,
information relative to the cost of erecting and furnishing the
Winthrop, Harvard, and High School buildings, under the direc*

tion and superintendence of the joint standing commiUee c( lh«
city council on public instruction, for the year 1S47.
By this communication, it appears that the

Cost of the Winthrop School House, with Ward-
room, kc. in the basement, was - - - $ 21,040.88

For re-building the Harvard School House, with

Engine House in the basement, - • - S 12,949.26

For the High School building, .... $ 25,393.81

Examinations of Scliolars for tlie High School.

Previous to the completion of the High School building, notice
was given in each of the Grammar Schools, and in the public
journals, that on the 19th day of May, there would be an exam-
ination of all applicants for admission to the High School, when
146 candidates presented themselves and wore examined ; 62 of
this number were boys, and 84 were girls. None were to be re-
ceived for examination who were under 13 years of age ; this
being the age fixed upon, at that time, by a vote of the School
Committee, as requisite to entitle any applicant to a certificate of
admission for the examination. The questions submitted to the
scholars, were all printed upon sheets of paper, and were in
American History, in Grammar, in Geography, and in Arithmetic,
— in all forty-eight; some of these, however, were compound
questions, requiring more than one answer, which made the
answers required to the whole series, seventy.

The names of those answering any particular series of these
questions were not known to the Committee, as each applicant
was furnished with a card containing a number, which number
was affixed to each sheet when answered, with the addition of the
letter B. or G. to designate the sex by which the number was
held.

After the result was made up, a list of the successful numbers
was sent to each of the Grammar Schools, where they were an-
nounced by the teachers, in order that those holding them might be
registered for admission to the High School.

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It will be seen by the above result, that there were 90 of the
applicants who passed a successful examination, but it was subse-
quently ascertained, that two of the successful numbers were held
by scholars who were not 13 years of age ; consequently, a certifi-
cate of admission to the High School could not be allowed them,
without violating the rule which the Committee had adopted, and
from which they did not think it prudent to depart.

These were both girls, which reduced the number who were
admitted to the High School ©n the 19th day of June last, (the
day on which this school was organized) to 88, of whom 40 were
boys and 48 were girls.

8 Boys and 0 Girls answered from 88 to 41 questions correctly.
i «< 41 *' 45 " '*

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' I. 50 " 55 " "

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* •' 60 questions and upwards.

The largest number of correct answers which were given by
any one scholar, was 67, and these were by a boy who held
No. 101 ; the next was 66, and were by a boy who held No. 1.

By the present rules and regulations of this board for the gov-
ernment of our public schools, the age required for the admission
of boys to an examination for the High School, is 12 years, and
of girls 13 years.

The second examination of scholars for promotion to the High
School, was held on the 27th day of January, 1849, at which
lime 110 presented themselves as candidates, 42 of whom were
boys and 68 were girls.

The mode of conducting this examination was the same as that
adopted at the previous one, and the number of questions sub-
mitted was forty ; these were in American History, in Grammar,
in Geography, and in Arithmetic.

Of the 110 who were examined at this time, 52 were succeisful,
25 of whom were boy«, and 27 were girls.

4 Boys and 0 Girls answered 24 questions correctly.

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3 " 2 " •' " 32 " 35 " ♦*

3 •' ♦• " 35 *' 38 *' "

The highest number of correct answers (38), were given by
No. 39 ; the next highest (36), by Nos. 20 and 38.

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In addition to the 52 in the above table, who were successful at
this examination, there are to be added, the two girls who
answered the required number of questions correctly in May last,
but who were at that time disqualified for admisv«.ion to the High
School on accojnt of age, which disqualification is now removed,
and they have been admitted ; making the whole number admitted
at this time, ffly-four.

These will enter the school on the 1st Monday of February,
current, and with the 71 who are now members of the school, will
increase its number to 125, — which is as many as can be ac-
commodated in the room now occupied.

HIGH SCHOOL.

This school, as herein before stated, was organized on the 19th
day of June last, at which time 86 of the successful candidates
availed themselves of its privileges.

The course of study commenced was a '* thorough review by
the whole school, of Arithmetic, Grammar, and Geography, this
last study being pursued in connection with History and the
drawing of Maps."

In addition to this, the study of " Algebra and Ancient and
Modern History, have been pursued by the whole school," and after
a full explanation of what would be expGc;.ed in the department of
Latin, all who wished it were permitted to commence this study,
when 70 of the number in school availed themselves of the oppor-
tunity of pursuing it.

In addition to reading, the scholars have had " frequent exer-
cises in composition upon subjects connected with, or suggested
by their studies, which composition served likewise as lessons in
writing, punctuation, &c."

Declamation has been attended to by the boys.

At the close of the vacation at Thanksgiving time, in Novem-
ber last, it was found advisable to class the scholars with reference
to their proficiency ; which arrangement gave a new stimulus to
the whole school.

At this time, exercises in " Book-keeping were introduced ;
all the girls receiving lessons in single entry, and the boys who
desired it were taught in double entry ; — about twenty availed
themselves of this privilege."

The instruction given by the teachers in this school, is, in the
2

10

opinion of your committee, thorough and systematic. Nothing
appears to have been hurried over, nor has any difficulty been
left unexplained. The endeavor has been, to make each scholar
master of every lesson, and generally with good success. "Very
few scholars have been found, who have not appreciated the privi-
leges of this school, and most of them have devoted themselves to
their studies, and accomplished all that your committee could rea-
sonably desire."

The teachers connected with this school are competent, devoted,
faithful, and ardently engaged in their calling; and your com-
mittee would recommend them and the High School, to the confi-
dence and patronage of the citizens of Charlestown.

'• A good foundation has now been laid in this school, and dur-
ing the present and succeeding years, studies will be pursued
more peculiarly belonging to a High School. The study of
Rhetoric, Geometry, Physiology, and French, has been com-
menced, and will be pursued this term. These will in time give
place to other studies, necessary for a thorough preparation for
college, or for the various duties of active life."

If this school continues under the present organization, your
committee believe that it will, as its plan is more fully developed,
compare favorably with the best schools of its class, — public or
private, in this vicinity or elsewhere, and commend itself to the
highest confidence and the cheerful support of all classes in our
community.

Teachers in the High and Grammar schools the past year, and
the amount of salary paid to each.

High School,

Caleb Emery $1,312 50

William C. Bradlee 665 00

Rebecca T. Duncan 206 25

2,183 75

Bunker-Hill School^ No. 1.

Benjamin F. Tweed 750 00

Philip C. Knapp 202 76

952 76

Amount carried forward 962 76 2,183 75

11

Amounts brought forward 952 76 2.183 75

Robert Swan 487 80

David Atwood 142 08

• 629 38

Martha A. Chandler 250 00

Bunker-Hill School, No. 2,

Lydia A. Hanson 19 21

M. Louise Putnam 230 79

— 250 00

Mary A. Stover 250 00

Warren School, No. 1.

Calvin S. Pennel! 1,000 00

Thomas Metcalf 621 14

Frances H. Clarke 37 10

A. J. Davis 3 60

M. Louise Burroughs 203 13

246 83

Winthrop School, No. 1.

William C. Bradlee 335 00

Luther W. Anderson 655 85

990 85

Luther W. Anderson 187 25

Charles F. Latham 460 81

• — 648 06

A. j\l. Bradley 250 00

Rebecca T. Ames 250 00

1,832 14

500 00

M. M. Hayes 250 00

~ 2,117 97

Warren School, No. 2.

Joseph T. Swan, 1,000 00

William S. Reynolds 621 14

Mary J. Chandler 250 00

Sarah T, Chandler 250 00

2,121 14

2,138 91

Amount carried forward 10,893 91

12

Amount brought forward
Winthrop School, No, 2.

10,893 91

Robert Swan

96 13

William S. Williams

906 53

1,002 66
648 06

Samuel S. Wilson

M. L. Rowland

7 93

Frances T. Holland

10 41

A. A. Moulton

219 79

230 20

Maria L. Thompson
Lucy F. Hall

62 50
187 50

250 00

Harvard School, No. 1.

Stacy Baxter
William H. Ladd
A. E. Hinckley
E. A. Flint
S. F. Kittredge

125 00
106 96

1,000 00
630 74
250 00

231 96

Harvard School, No. 2.

Paul H. Sweelser
J. P. Averill

John S. Osgood
Rebecca Drake
Mary J. Whiting
Adeline M. West

2,138 85

2,112 70

98 90

922 75

1,021 65

607 68

250 00

4167

204 00

94/? «7

2,125 00

Total

$17,270 46

The salary of each Primary school teacher is S 250 per annum,
and the amount of salary paid to this class of teachers the past
year, has been S 6,266 84.

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The following table presents the number, and other statistics
relating to our schools, at the close of the examinations on the
31st of January, 1849.

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High School

1 3

2,183,75

71

73

Absences are very
rare in this School.

Grammar Schools ....

8 29

15,086,71

1340

1064

276

Primary Schools

25 25

6,266,84

1656

1205

451

It is computed that the number of children in this city between
the ages of 4 and 16 years, is 3,675.

It appears by the records kept by the several teachers, that the
members of the School Committee have visited the High and
Grammar schools 480 times, and the Primary schools 529 times,
during the past year.

We give below the number who have been members of the
Grammar schools during the past year, together with the per
centage of absence in each school.

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SCHOOLS.

Whole N

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Year

Whole N

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of the Y

Average da

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Year

er centage

mces for t

1848-

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Bunker Hill, No

.1.

172

139

104

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2.

174

99

76

23

Warren,

1.

298

165

141

21

»> «'

2.

298

186

139

2U

Winthrop, ....

1-

289

187

145

20

»> »»

2.

261

171

141

19

Harvard,

1.

253

182

153

16.i

»> s»

2.

293

211

162

18

We deem it our duty to make a passing remark relative to ab-
sences and lateness in our Grammar schools. It will be seen by
the above table, that this evil prevails more in some schools than
in others ; but in any school, however rarely it occurs, it is preju-
dicial to the pupil and the school. Sickness must, of course, al.
ways be a sufficient excuse, and so also necessary detention

15

by the parent. Parents who look well to the best interest of thpir
children will exert themselves to break up the practice of de-
taining them from school for trifling purposes, and also that of
allowing them, during school hours, to attend to duties for the
famil}; which may be just as well done in the intervals of school.
No parent can feel that he has a right to interfere with the pro-
gress of the children of others, by detaining his child upon slight
grounds from the exercises of the school, as all such detentions
interrupt and embarrass the progress of the division of which the
absentee may be a member.

Such instances are evils which call loudly for reform, and we
cannot but appeal to all parents, to do whatever lies in their power
to correct this fault, both for the good of their own children and
for the general welfare of our schools.

We give below, a table which presents the number of children
in the High and each of the Grammar schools at the close of the
examinations on the 31st of January, 1849; together with the
number who were promoted from them to the High School, and
also the number of scholars in the High and Grammar schools,
after the accessions were made to them on the first Monday in
February; the time at which scholars are sent up from the Pri-
mary schools, and also from the Grammar schools.

1—1

n3 "o

Ol o

E m

ng after

uns

School.

School
cession
Schools

Scholars
hool.

[
S i

SCHOOLS.

ole N
on Ji

er pr(
High

'S '*^ -^

igffi

in the
the ac
the L.

incre;

e Sch

-C o

^ OJ

<1> »-i n^

s s?

, w

> 2

a -B

^^s:

"-I c

• 03 C

«o %

i»* ^

3

«->

O e^ O

1^ ^

o "^

2 2

1 2

^^ti:

H

High School,

71

71

125

54

54

Bunker Hill,

139

18

121

142

21

21

>> »> »

99

....

99*

99

....

Warren,

1.

165

S

163

193

30

»» >» )»

2.

186

6

180

211

31

61

Winthrop, . . . ,

1.

187

5

182

208

26

»> >i >>

2

171

4

167

184

17

43

Harvard,

1.

182

U

171

188

17

»> j» )»

2.

211

4

207

229

22

39

218

Aa many came into this School from the Primary Schools, as were pro-
moted from it to th« upper division of the Bunker Hill School

16

It will be seen by the above table, that there are now in the
Grammar schools 1454 scholars.

On the 24th of April, 1848. an order passed the Common Coun-
cil, and subsequently, on the 1st of May, the Board of Mayor and
Aldermen, appropriating S^.lOO for building recitation rooms for
the Warren Schools. On the 8th of May, 1848, it was ordered in
the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, in which order the Common
Council concurred, that the "moneys appropriated and placed at
the disposal of the Joint Standing Committee on Public Instruc-
tion, for constructing an addition to the Warren School House, be
transferred, and placed at the disposal of the School Committee,
for the same purpose."

These improvements were completed under the superintendence
of the School Committee, and in conformity to the original plan of
the same, embracing also an improvement in the ventilation of the
main school rooms, to conform with the mode of ventilating the
other Grammar Schools in the city, and all in a thorough and
workmanlike manner, for the sum of $2,075 00, being S25 00
within the appropriation made for the above purposes.

The amount appropriated by the City Government for the sup-
port of the public schools in this city the past year, was as follows,
viz :

For the "salary of teachers," $23,955 00

There has been disbursed from this amount,

for salaries, $23,537 30

Leaving a balance on this account of $417 70

For "contingencies, fuel, small repairs of

buildings, care of same, &c.," $5,045 00
There has been expended for the above pur-
poses, the sum of $4,967 27
Leaving a balance on this account of $77 73

Total amount uncApended, $495 43

It will be remembered, that previous to the date of the last
School Report, the citizens in the western section of the city, to-
wards the Prison, petitioned the School Committee for a new Pri-
mary School in that part of the city. This subject was presented
to the City Council by your Committee. An appropriation for the
salary of an additional teacher for the proposed schooh and for
another teacher for a new Primary School which was wanted in

17

the eastern section of Ward 2, was made by the City Government ;
but no buildings having yet been furnished for these schools, the
amount appropriated for the salaries of the teachers has not been
expended.

We give below the statistics of the Primary schools, at the re-
cent examination, showing the whole number, average attendance,
Sec. for the past term, which closed on the 31st of January, 1849.

Teachers'
Names.

Location of Schools.

2 JO

^V2

Caroline Phipps
M. B. Skilton

E. IM. Sweetser
M. H. Rico
M. H.Farnsworth

F. A. Sawyer
S. Ij. Sawyer

^ E. A. Thorndiks
9 S. E. Woodbridge
Elizabeth Emei
Joanna S. Putnam
M. E. Pennell
M. E, Lincoln
Sarah E. Smith
Jane E. Rugg
A5bv E. Hinckley
E. W. Butts
.^ Louise A. Pratt
19 S. E. Sanborn
2oIe C. Hunting
121 1 Deborah Norton
92 Frances M. Lane
93|cJ. J. Bradbury
24 Ann M. Gregory
25lF. A. J. Morse

Near Bunker-Hill School-House

Mead strt^et

Rear of ]87 Main street.

Basement of Warren S. House

Elm street, near High street

Ehn street, near Medford street

Main street, renr of 162

Corner of Cross and Bartlett streets

Corner of Cross and Bartlett streets

Common street

Common street

Bow street

Bow street

Bow street

Bow street

Common street

Bunker-Hill street, at Point

Bunker-Hill street, at Point

Moulton street

Winthrop street

Corner of Sullivan and Bartlett sts

Corner of Sullivan and Bartlett sts

I Cor. Kingston st. and Medford road

Common street

Ward-room of Ward 2.

52
68
76
83
57
68
70
48
58
56
75
54
88
82
54
65
76
57
70
69
60
60
46
50
108

be c

Kl

Sub-Committee
for 1848-9.

39
52
54
58
45
53
49
39
49
41
50
40
65
59
41
45
38
48
51
40
44
50
33
42
80

1656 1205 1283

41Joseph F. Tufts
54!joseph F. Tufts
51 Edward Thorndike
69 Cha's W. Moore
38 Cha's \V. Moore
55 Edward Thorndike
55 H. K. Froth ingham

47 N. Y. Culbertson

51 N. Y. Culberison

48 James Adams

57 George A. Parker
44 George P. Sanger
73 Seth J. Thomas
68Seth J. Thomas
44 George P. Sanger
50 James Adams
43 James Miskelly
40 James Miskelly
55 H, K. Frothingham

43 James Adams

52 Lemuel Gulliver
46 Lemuel Gulliver
31 Joseph F. Tufts

44 George A. Parker
84 Edward Thorndike

The above number, 1658, represents those who were members
of the Primary Schools at the time the examinations were held,
and not the number who have been enrolled in them durinsf the
term.

The number in these schools is constantly changing, from vari-
ous causes, mainly however, in consequence of families moving
from one section of the city to another, so that we find on the reg-
isters of these schools, the names of 2,106 children who have been
members of them during the past term. The average daily attend-
ance in all these schools, it will be seen by the above table, has
been 1205, or 48 to each school. This however, is not the usual
attendance, as one or two stormy half days in a week, will dimin-
ish very considerably the average for that week, and so also for the
month or the term;— besides, the average attendance in this class

18

of our schools, is not as large in the winter as in the summer
terns.

This class of our schools with but very few exceptions, are
found to maintain a rank highly satisfactory to your Committee,
and the teachers to be competent, devoted and successful, in the
work in which they are engaged.

To conduct these schools properly, and regulate the hours ior
recreation and study, which must necessarily be changed more fre-
quently than with an older class of children, in order to give vari-
ety and interest to the exercises of the school, requires tact and
judgment on the part of the teacher.

The cultivation of mild dispositions in early childhood, — of grace-
ful manners — of ready and cheerful obedience, is a no less impor-
tant part of the teacher's work, than the correction of a sing-song
or artificial tone of voice, peculiar to many children; or of impart-
ing intelligibly to her pupils, a correct knowledge of the elements
of the English language. In these schools must be laid the foun-
dation of all future educational interests, and therefore, attention
should be directed to them, in order that what is done in them
may be well and thoroughly done, or else nothing is done to any
good purpose.

SEMI-ANNUAL EXAMINATION.

The semi-annual examination of all the Public Schools in the
city, which takes place during the last 15 days of January, under
the immediate supervision of the sub-committees of the several
schools, has just been completed, and all the reports from these
committees have been presented; together with the statistics of
each school. From these reports, it appears that the Grammar
Schools have been subjected to a very patient and thorough exam-
ination by the Committees, they having spent in almost every
instance, an entire week in the two rooms of each of the Grammar
Schools.

This is in addition to the occasional visits by members of the
Committee from time to time during the term, at which they listen
to recitations from the several classes in the school.

19

After these examinations were completed, there was an exhi-
bition at each of the Grammar schools, which parents and citizens
were generally invited to attend. From the large number of per-
sons who were present to witness the exercises on each of these
occasions, and the expressions of approbation so frequently made
by them, it does not appear that any argument is required from
your Committee in support of our public schools, or that any thing
they may be able to say in their behalf, will strengthen the con-
viction which is believed to prevail so generally among our citi-
zens, that our schools are now in a highly prosperous condition.
Your Committee will only add here their own convictions, that
whatever may have been the standing of our schools in times past,
there has been no period when they have more highly deserved
the confidence and support of the community ; nor has there at
any time been associated with them, a more devoted, efficient, and
successful corps of teachers than at the present moment.

BUNKER-HILL SCHOOL.

This school has, during most of the past year, been under the
charge of Mr. Benjamin F. Tweed, as principal and Mr. Robert
Swan as sub-master. Mr. Tweed, who has been principal of this
school for the past ten years, and, as is well known to the parents
in this school district and to our citizens generally, eminently suc-
cessful in his labors, resigned his position in November last ; —
the loss of such a teacher is regretted by this board and by all who
feel an interest in the prosperity of our schools. About the same
time, Mr. Swan, who had been filling the office of sub-master in
the school for about nine months, " with good success and to the
satisfaction of the committee of this school," resigned his place,
leaving two vacancies to be supplied at the same time. This re-
sult could not but be regretted, as such changes are always attend-
ed with some interruption to the prosperity of a school. These
teachers were succeeded by Mr. Philip C. Knapp as principal, anc
Mr. David Atwood as sub-master, who are now laboring with de
votion to promote the best interests of those intrusted to thei
charg'e. The female teachers in this school are devoted to thei
calling, efficient and successful in their labors, and the Committe
express themselves " satisfied with the result of the recent exami-
nation and exhibition of the school."

WARREN SCHOOLS,

No. 1 AND No. 2.

These schools are both in a prosperous condition; and the resnh
of the recent examination has been most gratifying to the friends of
these schools. The sub-committee assigned to them, in their re-
port, speak of all the teachers connected with them, as well qual-
ified for their work, and as being ardently engaged in promoting
the best interests of the pupils intrusted to their charge.

There is decisive evidence of improvement in the general de-
portment of the scholars, — of a cheerful compliance on their part
with the wishes of their teachers, and a ready cooperation in alJ
that will help to advance the welfare and prosperity of the schooL

These schools have for several years been laboring under some
disadvantage, from the want of recitation rooms. This want has
been supplied during the past year, and each of the two schools in
this building, has now two conveniently arranged and well venti-
lated recitation rooms. The mode of ventilating the main building
has been improved, and the accommodations and general arrange-
ments for the scholars in these schools, are as convenient as those
at the other Grammar schools in the city.

WINTHROP SCHOOLS.

No. 1 AND No. 2.

These schools are found to be in good condition. No 1 has
been subject to some interruption in consequence of the transfer of
Mr. William C. Bradlee to the High School, and the appointment
of a new sub-master in place of Mr. L. W. Anderson, who was
elected as principal in place of Mr. Bradlee. The result of the
examination in these schools, shows a " competency and faithful-
ness on the part of the teachers, and satisfactory improvement in
the scholars." " In both these schools, the importance of thorough-
ness on the part of the pupils is required as a paramount consid-
eration, and is practically adhered to in all the departments of edu-
cation embraced in the studies pursued in them."

21
HARVARD SCHOOLS.

No. 1 AND No. 2.

The examination of these schools b}' the sub-committee, " was
extended to all the studies pursued in each of the classes in them,
and the result was entirely satisfactory."

The teachers in these schools, " without exception, are entitled
to the confidence of the Committee and of parents." Both schools
are now in a very prosperous condition, and may be said to " stand
high, but high as they now stand, at the close of another term,
under the same teachers, with the same inducements to labor, they
will have made a manifest improvement upon their present con-
dition."

SCHOOL BOOKS.

The books authorized by the Commiitee for the use of the
scholars in the Grammar schools, are as follows, viz. :

Tower's North American Reader ; Tower's Practical Reader ;
Tower's Gradual Reader ; Lynd's First Book in Etymology ;
Parker's Exercises in English Composition ; Tower's Grammar ;
Tower's Gradual Speller; Wilson's History of the United States ;
Cutter's abridged Physiology ; Morse's Cerographic Geography ;
Smith's Primary Geography ; Colburn's First Lessons in Arith-
metic ; Frederick Adams's Arithmetic ; Emerson's Third Part
Arithmetic ; Tower's Intellectual Algebra ; Crosby's First Lessons
in Geometry.

MUSIC.

J. Edgar Gould, Teacher of Music in the High and Grammar
schools.

Vocal music has been taught in the High and Grammar schools
by a skilful teacher and with good success. It needs no argument
from this Committee to prove that it enlivens the school-room, —
is elevating and improving in its influences upon the mind, — is an
important and healthful exercise of the lungs ; — that it tends to
soften the feelings and subdue passion, and that, by acquiring a
taste for, and a knowledge of, this science, we are only cultivating
one of the faculties which an all-wise and beneficent Creator has
seen fit to bestow upon his children. We hope it may be con-

22

tinued as a branch of common education, for the healthful influ-
ence it exerts upon the discipline of the schools, and for its happy
and lasting effects upon the character of the pupils. We recom-
mend the subject to the attention of parents, teachers, and the
friends of our public schools.

It was believed, that, under the present arrangement of the
additional force of teachers in our Grammar schools, much would
be accomplished by them, and that the scholars would show a
marked improvement in the various branches of study pursued in
them. In these expectations, your Committee have not been dis-
appointed.

It is true, that the Grammar schools have not numbered as
many scholars the past year, as can be accommodated in them ;
owing partly to the draught made upon them for the High School,
and partly to the increased accommodations furnished by the erec*
tion of larger buildings for these schools, than were afforded in the
old school houses. In ihe four buildings now occupied by eight
Grammar schools, there are seats and desks for 1572 scholars. It
will be seen, therefore, that with the present compliment of teach-
ers in each school, the average number of scholars to each teacher,
when the schools are full, will not be less than 50 ; — a number
large enough for any one teacher, however competent and devoted
such teacher may be ; if it is expected that full justice will be done
to those placed under his charge.

None, wc presume, will doubt the necessity of moral in connec-
tion with intellectual training, — of establishing good principles and
forming good habits ; and to this end, the teacher will take into
consideration the character and ability of each scholar, in order
that he may, by addressing the reason and the affections of his
pupils, overcome any prejudices which may exist in their minds, —
secure their regard for him and his authority, and strengthen in
each, such a sense of character and self-respect, as will secure a
healthy tone of public opinion throughout the school.

A knowledge of individual character, and the keeping of that
character constantly in view, is indispensable to the teacher, in
order, that by applying the right means in a proper direction,
whatever is wrong may be overcome, and whatever is right sup-
ported and strengthened ; thus producing results, alike useful to
the individual, and the best interests of the school.

23

Your Committee believe this to have been accomplished in an
eminent degree, and that, in addition to the increased attainments
of the children in our Grammar schools the past year, the present
force of teachers employed in these schools, by the appointment of
a sub-master to each of them, has afforded the means of a more
uniform and thorough oversight of the scholars, and the internal
regulations of the schools, by which means the frequency of cases
requiring punishment, has been reduced to a very limited number,
and most of these arise from impulsive outbreaks of passion or ex-
citement, in which youth is somewhat prone to indulge, under a
mistaken view of what they deem their individual rights or privi-
leges.

We can say, and not without a knowledge of the facts, that there
has been no single year of our acquaintance with the schools in
this city, when resort to punishments has been so infrequent, or
the occasions for them so rare, as during the year which has just
closed. Teachers, by pointing their pupils to the right path and
warning them against the wrong, — presenting to them the advan-
tages of following the first, and the difficulties which surround the
second ; have done, and can do, much to exert an influence which
is essential to a mild and wholesome discipline^in school, and to
secure a surrender of individual wishes or will, to the benefit and
good order of the whole school.

In discharge of the duties devolving upon your Committee dur-
ing the past year, they have not been unmindful of the deep re-
sponsibility which has attended their trust, and they have endeav-
oured to keep constantly in view, the best interests of our schools,
in every action of theirs which would effect their prosperity or
usefulness.

On resigning the charge which has been intrusted to them, your
Committee cannot but be impressed with the importance of com-
mending OUT free schools to the highest consideration of those who
may be called to administer to their advancement ; that, as the
nurseries of a free and intelligent community, they may still secure
the admiration of our citizens, and continue to be the bulwarks of
safety to the free institutions of our land.

HENRY K. FROTHINGHAM, Chairman.

In School Committee, Feb. 22, 1849:

Voted, That the foregoing Report be accepted by this Board.
Voted, That twenty-five hundred copies be printed and distrib-
uted to the citizens.

Edward Thorndike, Secretary.

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