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.—No. 12.
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EXAMINATION
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FOE, THE
YEAE 1857.
ROXBURY:
NORFOLK COUNTY JOURNAL PRESS.
185 7.
CITY OF ROXBUKY.
In School Committee, April 28, 1857.
The following Committees were appointed by the Chairman, to make
the Annual Examination of the Public Schools for the current year :
High Schools. — Messrs. Geo. Putnam and Nute.
Grammar Schools. — Messrs. Shailer, Brewer, A. P. Putnam, Cum-
mings and Farley.
Primary and Intermediate Schools. — Messrs. Robinson, Morse, Seaa'er,
Pay and Allen.
June 24, 1857.
The several Committees appointed to make the Annual Examination of
the Schools of the City, presented their Reports, which were accepted.
July 1, 1857.
Mr. Ryder, the Chairman, presented his general Report of the condition
of the Schools of the City for the School Year of 1856-7, which was ac-
cepted ; whereupon, on motion of Dr. Nute, it was
Ordered, That the Report submitted by the Chairman, together with the
several Reports of the Examining Committees, be printed as the Report of
the Annual Examination of the Public Schools, and that the same be dis-
tributed among the citizens.
Attest, A. I. CUMMINGS,
Secretary of the Board.
REPORT.
The School Committee of Roxbury hereby submit to the
citizens their Report for the year 185G-7.
NUMBER OF SCHOOLS.
The whole number of Public Schools in the City is 41.
These represent 65 Divisions, and are under the care of
67 Teachers. Three of these Schools are graded as High,
5 as Grammar, 1 as Intermediate, and 32 as Primary and
Sub-Primary. The High, Grammar, and Intermediate
Schools are the same in number as last year; the Primary
Schools have increased two since our last report.
NUMBER OE PUPILS.
Last year our Public Schools contained 2864 pupils.
This year they contain 3287, and they are distributed as
follows :
High Schools, . . . . 136
Grammar Schools, . . . . 1328
Primary and Intermediate, . . 1823
This is for the year a decrease of 22 pupils in the High
Schools, an increase of 158 in the Grammar, and an in-
crease of 287 in the Primary and Intermediate.
The whole number of persons in the City, between the
ages of 5 and 15, May 1, 1857, as returned by the School
4 CITY DOCUMENT.— No. 12. [May,
Census, was 3969 — males 1989, females 1980; born of
foreign parents 1796, foreign born 323. Of these there
are
In our Public Schools, . . . 3287
Attending Private Schools, . . 252
Not accounted for, ... . 430
COST OF THE SCHOOLS.
The entire cost of the Schools to the City for the year
1856-7, exclusive of New School Building, has been thirty-
five thousand, six hundred and seventy-seven dollars,
seventy-eight cents. And this money has been paid out by
the City Treasurer, —
For Salaries of Teachers, . . $24,323.44
" Contingent Expenses, . . 5,997.14
" Fuel, . ' . . . 2,282.20
" High School for Boys, . 3,075.00
NEW SCHOOL HOUSE ON WINTHROP STREET.
The Primary School House erected on Winthrop Street,
last year, proves to be a very suitable and substantial
building, and is satisfactory to the School Committee. It
is constructed of brick, and cost five thousand three hun-
dred and nine dollars, and sixteen cents.
SCHOOL HOUSE ON CENTRE STREET.
The School House on Centre Street, near the West Eox-
bury line, — an old, inconveniently located and unsuitable
building, — has been sold by the City Government, and
they are now putting up a fine house on Heath Street,
which will be ready for use at the commencement of the,
September term.
SCHOOL HOUSE ON MUNROE STREET.
The loss by fire of the School House on Munroe Street,
lias rendered it necessary to erect a new building in that
locality. It is but just to the teacher to say that she is in
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 5
no way responsible for the burning of the building, as the
parties who set fire to it have been arrested and confessed
their guilt.
SUMNER STREET.
The lower room of the old School House on Sumner
Street is now occupied, temporarily, by a portion of the
Sub-Primary School on Eustis Street. The Committee
very much regretted the necessity of re-occupying it, as the
place is really unsuitable ; and they would not have done
so could they have done any better. One hundred and six
pupils presented themselves at the Eustis Street Sub-
Primary School, and they must be accommodated some-
where ; and as no other room could be obtained, this was
necessarily taken. In the mean time, the Committee on
Public Property are arranging for the immediate enlarge-
ment of the Eustis Street Building, so that by the Septem-
ber term it is expected that the Schools in that vicinity
will be well accommodated.
DUDLEY AND HIGH SCHOOLS.
Nothing has as yet been done for the better accommodation
of the Dudley School. One Division of it is in the new Pri-
mary School House on Winthrop Street, and two Divisions
of it are still in the uncomfortable, not to say unhealthy
rooms of Octagon Hall. The School Committee have not
proposed any changes in school buildings for the relief of the
Dudley School, because they have not themselves settled
upon the best policy in the premises. Several topics are
involved in the decision of this question. (1.) Shall the
High School for Girls be removed from the Dudley School
building on Kenilworth Street, and the entire premises
from Bartlett Street to Kenilworth be devoted, as hereto-
fore, to the Dudley School ? (2.) If this is done, a build-
ing must be erected for the use of the Girls' High School,
as there is none now constructed suitable for that purpose :
but, (3.) instead of spending so much money for the ac-
6 CITY DOCUMENT.— No. 12. [May,
coniniodation of one High School, would it not be better
to expend a little more, and thus erect a building which
would be sufficiently ample to receive all the High Schools,
thus securing a more thorough classification, with English
and Classical departments, and considerably lessening the
cost of the High Schools, even with the interest on the pro-
perty deducted? The time has fully come when these
questions must be met, and as the whole subject is now
receiving the careful attention of the members of the Board,
it is expected that some plan will be fixed upon which our
successors may be able to carry out.
NEW SCHOOL HOUSE ON TEEMONT STREET.
It will be imperatively necessary to erect next Spring a
building for Primary Schools, at some point on Tremont
Street, near the Eailroad Station. The Schools adjacent
to this locality are full to overflowing. To relieve the
pressure in that neighborhood, a new Division was organ-
ized last year, and placed in a room over Mr. Worthen's
Grocery Store, on Washington Street, opposite Hollis
Place, that being the only room at all suitable that could
be obtained. Of the 58 pupils now in that Division, all
but two reside on Tremont Street, or in the places leading-
out of it. No portion of the City is so poorly provided
with school buildings as this. Ward III. contains 1124
children between the ages of 5 and 15, and 818 under five
years of age. Some three hundred of this number — four
or six Divisions — can best be accommodated near the
point mentioned above.
SINGLE SESSIONS.
The importance of some rule in regard to single ses-
sions of the Schools, on what are called stormy days, has
been often urged upon the notice of the Committee during
the year, both by teachers and parents. The printed
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 7
Regulations of the School Committee require that " The
Schools shall be kept three hours in the forenoon, and
three in the afternoon of each day, Sundays and the holi-
days and vacations hereinafter specified excepted. " (The
Girls' High School is also excepted.) Chap. 3, Sect. 2, p.
17. It has however become customary, especially among
the Primary and Girls' Grammar School teachers, to keep
on stormy days but one session per day, and to make up
for the time so lost, to detain the pupils in the morning-
one or two hours beyond the time for dismissing the
school. The Committee have not thought it proper to
object to this custom, inasmuch as they are fully aware
that there are days, both in warm and cold weather, when
one session of the Primary Schools and Grammar Schools
for Girls, would be better than two. They think it impor-
tant, however, that there should be more uniformity as to
the practice of single sessions, and it is but reasonable
. that the teachers should desire to know what the pleasure
of the Committee is upon the subject. First of -all, it is of
course expected that the teachers will conform, as far
forth as is practicable, to the letter of the Regulation of
the Committee ; but in case of a very stormy day, when,
in the judgment of the teachers, it would be improper for
the children to come out, and when they would not be
likely to leave their homes if they did not attend school,
the teachers are authorized so far to depart from the letter
of the Regulation, as to keep but one session. But in such
case the teachers are directed not to- detain their pupils
beyond the regular school hours. Three hours is long
enough for one session, especially of a Primary School ;
the scholars will learn little or nothing beyond the hour
for closing, and had better return to their homes, ready to
perform any useful service which may be required of them
there.
8 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
TREES.
Most of the trees planted about the school buildings
last year by the City Council, have lived, and are growing
finely. It is hoped that, at the earliest opportunity, those
which have died will be replaced by live ones.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS OCCUPIED BY SEWING CIRCLES, SUN-
DAY SCHOOLS, ETC.
Some of the teachers have reported to the members of
the Committee, that their school-houses are occupied on
Wednesday or Saturday afternoons, or on Sundays, by Sew-
ing Circles, Sunday Schools, etc., which, they complain, is
attended with inconvenience and trouble to them, in disar-
ranging the school-rooms, soiling the floors, and hindering
the sweepers in the performance of their duties. Applica-
tion for one other of the Primary School buildings for a
similar purpose, has recently been made to the local Com-
mittee and chairman, which was not granted, on the ground
that it is inexpedient to permit the public school buildings
to be used for other than public school purposes, if indeed
the Committee have any authority to grant their use for
any other object. Such a decision, while it exposes the
Committee to the charge of partiality, does not remove the
difficulties, already existing, against which complaints are
made.
It does not appear, from the records of the School Com-
mittee, that the Board has ever granted to any one the use
of one of the public school buildings for a Sewing Circle,
Sunday School, or for any similar purpose. On the con-
trary, March 14, 1855, a petition was presented to the
Board, signed by influential citizens of various sects and
parties, asking that the hall in one of our Grammar School
buildings " may be used and occupied for the purpose of a
Sabbath School, and other religious exercises, on the Sab-
bath ;" whereupon it was voted, that " it is not expedient to
grant the prayer of the petitioners." Those now occupying
the public school buildings for such purposes, have done so
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 9
by sufferance rather than by direct authority of the Board
of School Committee. Who is answerable for the use of
fuel in cold weather necessary to keep the buildings warm,
for the greater exposure of the buildings to fire, and for the
additional labor of keeping the buildings clean, we are un-
able to state. At any rate, the evil has become sufficient-
ly serious and troublesome to require attention, and while
the Committee regret the interference with the benevolent
labors of certain persons which this decision will occasion,
they feel called upon to give notice that those now occu-
pying the School buildings, for other than public school
purposes, are requested to vacate them on or before the
first day of December next.
MONITORS.
There seems to be a growing dislike to the use of Mon-
itors in our schools. Parents complain that they do not
wish their children to serve as monitors, or be reported by
them. Doubtless there are objections to the system, and
our teachers are desired to employ monitors in the govern-
ment of their schools as seldom as possible ; but in a school
organized like the Washington, where there are three
Divisions in each of the two large rooms, two of the teach-
ers of which must necessarily be most of the time in the
recitation rooms attending to the lessons, it must be nearly
impossible, without additional teachers, to dispense with
monitors altogether. If the City Government shall see fit
to alter the interior of the Washington School House, so
that each Division shall have a separate room, according
to a plan which has been presented them, and at a saving
of some $400 per annum, by dispensing with the services of
a male assistant, this objection, in regard to the absence
of the teachers from the main rooms, will be removed.
The Committee of course expect the teachers to do the
governing, and do not wish them to call the pupils to their
aid except where it is absolutely necessary.
2
10 CITY DOCUMENT.— No. 12. [May,
REPORTS OF EXAMINING COMMITTEES. — GEOGRAPHY.
The reports of the Examining Committees, which accom-
pany these remarks, contain a somewhat minute statement
of the condition of the several schools. These reports are
in general very favorable, and reflect credit upon the con-
tinued faithfulness and industry of the teachers. Geogra-
phy is less favorably spoken of than any other study.
This is an important branch of a practical education, and
special effort will be made to remedy the defect, if such,
upon further examination, it shall prove to be. Geogra-
phy is, however, contrary to the general estimate, a hard
study to teach, unless the instructor be thoroughly familiar
with it, and has the ability orally to communicate her
knowledge to her pupils. Arithmetic must be understood
by the pupil, or he cannot proceed : so with Grammar ;
the teacher is constantly reminded that the pupil does not
understand the subject ; but in Geography, where so much
may depend upon the memory, it is possible for him to go
on with a considerable show of knowledge, with a very
confused idea of the " description of the surface of the
earth." Geography, as it is generally taught, and as the
text-book makers appear to have intended it should be
taught, is almost entirely a matter of memory. For which
reason the danger is, that teachers may too fully rely upon
the answers to the questions which are given in the book.
There are numerous questions in Mitchell's School Geog-
raphy, under the head of Geographical Definitions, which
require at the hands of the teacher the most careful expla-
nation, often repeated and tested, which questions must be
understood by the pupils before Geography can be profit-
ably taught them. Of this class are those which relate
to the general arrangement of the surface of the earth,
its divisions into land and water, and their various sub-
divisions ; the form of the earth, the methods for fixing
locality — latitude and longitude ; how distance is measured,
circles, degrees, &c. None of these things can be taught
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 11
children by definitions alone. The definitions may contain
the idea, -which the teacher perceives clearly enough ; but
the pupil, in committing them, will get nothing but the
words. It is the business of the teacher to put the idea
into the words — to explain, illustrate and enforce the
definition. Thus broadly viewed, our text-book in Geogra-
phy is not very faulty ; but upon the memorizing plan much
of the time given to Political Divisions, Races of Men,
Stages of Society, Government, Religion, Languages, and
the twenty-five pages of very hard Map questions which
follow, will be spent to small profit.
There is also danger of giving too much time to minute
details, in attempting to have the pupils remember compar-
atively unimportant things, such as the names and location
of places on the map, of which places very few in this part
of the world have ever even heard, after leaving the school
room, if indeed many ever heard of them in it. Of what
practical importance are such questions as these to the
boys and girls who live in the United States ? What river
flows through Little Bokhara ? What island east of Mant-
chooria ? What countries in Anam ? What country north
of Anam ? Which are the five principal Oases in the Great
Desert ? Which are the Mascarenha islands ? What is the
capital of Foota Jallon ? Of Ashantee ? Of Kaarta ? Of
Dahomey ? Of Bambarra ? Of Yarriba ? Of Bergoo ? etc.
If the pupils shall succeed in finding out the answers to
these questions, and in committing them to memory, it is
not possible that they should hold them long. For this
reason our teachers are advised to pass over, as they gene-
rally do, such difficult and needlessly minute questions, and
give their attention chiefly to the leading topics of the
science, and to the more practical bearings of it. Schools
so taught may not pass as good an examination, — be so
ready in their replies to set questions selected from the
text-book, — but they must have, if their teachers are
equally competent and industrious, a better knowledge of
12 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
the general subject of Geography, than if their minds had
been strained and confused by such profitless details.
Slow and sure is a safe rule in the school-room as well
as elsewhere. Teachers are very apt to overvalue the
ability of their pupils : they are young — boys and girls —
they will be men and women by and by, if we give them
time to grow. Our schools are organized, not to teach
words but ideas ; not to fill the mind, but to develope it.
From nothing said in any portion of these remarks, or
in the Reports which accompany it, should it be inferred
that our Schools are below those in any town or city in
the Commonwealth. The Public Schools of Roxbury will
bear criticism : our teachers are, as a body, industrious,
energetic, capable, — of which they have given renewed
evidence in the results of the late annual examination.
From a personal acquaintance with the teachers, and with
some knowledge of what each has done during the year,
as well as the degree of fidelity with which the Sub-Com-
mittees of this Board have attended to the duties assigned
them, we take great pleasure in reassuring our fellow citi-
zens that our Public Schools are doing a good work for
our City, and that they promise well for the future.
W. H. RYDER,
Chairman of School Committee.
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 13
HIGH SCHOOLS.
G. PUTNAM, ) n
T E, NUTE \ Commtiiee-
The Examiner of the High School for Boys reports, that
the exercises, which he attended in the upper Divisions,
were highly satisfactory, and that the present condition of
that portion of the school is such as to maintain the well-
established reputation of the institution ; and that, if the
appearance of the lowest Division is in some respects
slightly less gratifying, it is owing to causes of a tempo-
rary character. He thinks the school worthy of all the
confidence it has hitherto enjoyed.
The Examiner of the Girls' School reports, »that the
recitations were in many instances excellent, and in some
imperfect — in a few instances, failures; that there is good
evidence of a healthy intellectual and moral tone through-
out the school, and of a broad and generous culture.
The school seemed to make an honest exhibition of its
merits and defects, the former preponderating. The lower
Division, on account of many of its members having been
imperfectly fitted to enter school, has necessarily been
occupied, through a great part of the year, with studies
that should have been completed in the Grammar schools.
In this Division, however, there is a fine spirit of mental
activity prevailing, and much evidence of efficient progress
and a well-spent year.
We abstain from more extended remarks on the state
of these schools, because, on referring to the Report of last
year, we find a very complete and faithful account of them,
which really covers the whole ground, and which it is not
worth while to repeat so soon. There has been no mate-
rial change in the condition or numbers of these schools
since the elate of that report. The teachers, with one ex-
14 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
ception, are all the same ; the studies the same ; the statis-
tics nearly the same.
The Committee will take the liberty to remark, that, in
their opinion, the standard of admission to these schools,
though high enough according to the printed rules, is, prac-
tically, put too low. The work that properly belongs to
the Grammar School has to be done here. Many pupils
are admitted who are by no means qualified to enter upon
the proper studies of a High School. The error should
be corrected by more strict examinations in future. The
High Schools should be devoted, strictly and only, to High
School studies. Whatever reduction of numbers might
follow, this principle, we are confident, ought to be firmly
adhered to. The Grammar Schools should be permitted
and required to accomplish their own appropriate work.
Grammar- School studies should be completed there ; and
then, the few who have time remaining for further study,
are the subjects, and the only legitimate subjects of High
School instruction. Necessaries before luxuries. Read-
ing, Writing, Arithmetic and Grammar first; and then, if
there be time, Algebra, Geometry, Philosophy, French,
Latin, Botany, etc. We must renounce the pride of num-
bers in relation to our High Schools. If, instead of a
hundred and fifty, there are only half that number qualified
to be members of them, let us honestly confess it, and let
the public see the fact ; and then let us see what we can
do, through the greater efficiency of the Grammar Schools
and otherwise, to increase the number. [Upon the princi-
ple here recommended, we think the Girls' School, the
next year, would not exceed fifty in number, and that it
might be well accommodated in the upper room alone,
leaving the lower room for the use of the Dudley School.]
The Latin School is not under the control of this Board ;
one of this Committee has, however, taken occasion lately
to visit it. It is free and public, like all our schools. Its
business is to prepare boys for College. It may interest
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 15
a portion of our citizens to know that, in our opinion, it is
in all respects a first-rate school of its class ; and that
better instruction of its kind is not to be obtained in any
school, public or private, in Massachusetts.
The Committee have been led, in the performance of
the duties assigned to them, to give some attention to the
subject, lately broached, of the consolidation of our High
Schools. They, however, abstain from any expression of
opinion at present, as that matter has been confided to a
Special Committee.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
The Committee to whom was assigned the Annual Ex-
amination of the Grammar Schools, respectfully submit the
following Report :
Our Grammer Schools are five in number — the Wash-
ington and Dearborn for Boys ; the Dudley and Comins
for Girls ; and the Francis Street School of one Division
for Boys and Girls.
Although within a very few years two new buildings
have been erected for Grammar Schools, we have yet
insufficient accommodations. The Dudley School needs
immediately additional room for two hundred pupils, more
than can now be accommodated in the building which the
City appropriates to it. For the present, one Division
occupies a room in a Primary School House, at considera-
ble distance from the school, and a room which may be
needed in the Fall for the Primary School; and two Divi-
sions occupy a hired building, which is in every respect
ill-suited. There will be still another Division for the
school at the beginning of the Fall term, which suggests
the absolute necessity of immediate measures to supply
the deficiency.
16 CITY DOCUMENT.— No. 12. [May,
Your Committee are fully convinced of the wisdom of
putting the Girls' schools under the charge of female
Principals. By careful observation, to compare them with
the Boys' schools, they find them to bear the same high
relative standing as when they were under the charge of a
male Principal.
For the purpose of having all of the schools pass under
the examination of each of the members of the Committee,
the studies pursued were divided into four departments, to
correspond with the number of the Committee.
THE DEPARTMENT OE READING, SPELLING, DEFINING,
AND DRAWING.
There is little to be said except in commendation of the
Reading in the several schools.
Obviously, careful attention had been given to the first
principles of good Reading, and the many examples of ex-
cellent reading gave evidence of intelligent and accurate
instruction in this branch of study. Perhaps a word should
be said in commendation of the increased attention which
has been given to exercises in " Yocal Drill," which may
have contributed to the more distinct enunciation of all
the syllables and obscure parts of words. In this exer-
cise the teachers have been essentially aided by the assist-
ance of Mr. D. S. Smalley, who has to some extent been
employed in our schools.
With the Spelling, so much satisfaction cannot be ex-
pressed. There were certainly too many errors in a large
number of the classes, — in several amounting to fifty per
cent, of the words, both from the reading lesson and the
spelling book.
This large per centagc was confined to the lower classes.
But the failures in Spelling were too many in a large num-
ber of the Divisions. Possibly the Spelling-book is not
sufficiently prominent. It should be the aim of our Gram-
mar Schools to make perfect spellers. The Committee
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 17
feel bound to insist upon the eminent importance of Spell-
ing. They commend the practice of writing Spelling les-
sons, which was observed to some extent, and they would
also commend any other good appliance of the teachers,
which will tend to give the very desirable result.
The Denning of words, practiced in the higher Divisions?
was very satisfactory. Perhaps it should be introduced
into more of the Divisions. Scholars, as soon as they read
words readily, ought to give attention to their definition.
It should be an exaction of the teachers, till it becomes
the habit of scholars, not to pass words in any of their les-
sons which they cannot define.
Some attention has been paid to the first principles of
Drawing, under the thorough instruction of Mr. Bartholo-
mew. And it has obviously been a profitable exercise.
Not that our Grammar School scholars have acquired
much skill in Drawing ; but its beneficial effects are seen
in the Penmanship, in the habit of accurate observation,
in the just notions of proportions and relations, as well as
in the ability to sketch the outlines of objects according to
some orderly method. It is surely an exercise of much
utility, and should have its proper place in our schools.
J. S. SHAILER,
For the Committee.
GRAMMAR, WRITING AND COMPOSITION.
The examination in these branches occupied five half-
days, and was generally satisfactory. There is, however,
a very marked difference, in both the manner of teaching,
and the degree of proficiency and interest in the several
schools, as well as in different divisions of the same school.
In Grammar, especially, those schools composed of Girls
rank highest, as a whole. This, in our judgment, is gene-
rally true, while, in some other branches of study, boys
3
18 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
generally excel. Among the teachers we find, as is ever
the case, that some have not only a particular love for and
interest in, but also peculiarly felicitous methods of teach-
ing Grammar, in such a manner as to give to the pupil a
clear knowledge of, and a love for, language in its pure
and elegant formation. Others have a love for Mathe-
matics, or some other branch of science, and consequently
are liable to neglect, to some extent, at least, Grammar,
or other branches of study.
Another general point to which we should, perhaps,
refer, is that of Text Books. One class in the Washing-
ton School, (the 1st Class, 4th Division,) commenced with
Tower's Elements of Grammar. They have been only
eight weeks engaged in the study, and have had but two
lessons per week ; and yet, in our judgment, this class, of
twenty-four pupils, have made more actual progress in ac-
quiring a knowledge of the composition of language, pro-
portionally, than any other class in any of the schools.
Analysis in Grammar is as necessary to a thorough
comprehension of the elements of any language, as in Math-
ematics, or any other branch of science. Butler's Grammar
is, in many respects, a very excellent work, but is better fit-
ted to be useful to advanced classes than to those who are
commencing the study. Too little time is, in our opinion,
given, in many of the Divisions, to the study of this impor-
tant branch. The lessons are thereby rendered so infre-
quent, as to cause the pupil to forget, in a measure, at least,
what he has previously learned, and also to cause him to
lose, to a great extent, his interest in the study. One
lesson each day, at least, it would seem, is absolutely ne-
cessary to a good degree of progress, especially for those
commencing the study; and if sufficient time for this cannot
be allowed, it is better to postpone the study to a future
time, when it can be allowed.
The comparative standing in Grammar, of those schools
which are composed of pupils of one sex only, and which
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 19
are graded, are, 1st, the Dudley; 2d, the Comins; 3d, the
Dearborn ; and 4th, the Washington. In this comparison,
the above schools are each taken as a whole, and not by
Divisions. It is but justice to say, in relation to the.
"Washington, that some of the Divisions — especially the
First — bore an excellent examination ; but the Second
Division was comparatively the least worthy of compli-
ment of any Division examined in any of the schools. A
change of teachers may have been, to some extent, the
cause of this ; but apart from the comparative duluess of
most of the pupils, the order was very deficient and unsat-
isfactory. Your Committee has the highest confidence in
the excellent Principal of this school, Mr. Kneeland; and
his labors and interest, as well as his indefatigable indus-
try for the good of the pupils, were rendered very appa-
rent by the examinations.
The Dudley School, as usual, appeared remarkably well,
and never was it more evident to us that Miss Adeline
Seaver, the Principal, is worthy of our highest confidence
and esteem, than during this examination. Long may the
pupils of that school enjoy her instruction, and her kind
regard for their welfare, heretofore so valuable.
All the classes in this school appeared to have made
excellent improvement, and their thoroughness and readi-
ness in answering questions, gave ample evidence that the
labors of their teachers had not been in vain to them.
The Comins School, under the care of Miss Sarah A. M.
dishing, we are happy to say, bore an excellent examina-
tion as a whole. The pupils in the First Division are, on
an average, younger than those of the Dudley. The first
class of the First Division consists of only seven in this
branch, but they were found to be fully equal to the aver-
age of the same class in the Dudley School. Miss Cush-
ing has labored hard and successfully, and is worthy of
high commendation and the full confidence of the Board.
The other teachers in this school have been successful in
20 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
their labors for the advancement of their pupils, at least in
the department of Grammar.
The Dearborn School, which, as a whole, stands, in our
opinion, next to the female schools, bore a very good ex-
amination in all its Divisions. Mr. Long, the Principal,
has for some time felt the need of an Assistant, to enable
him to give more time to the other Divisions under his
care, and for the welfare of which he is, to a great degree,
held responsible, and we are not sure that an Assistant
may not profitably be employed in this school. Having
the entire charge of the First Division, the Principal can-
not judiciously leave his pupils often, or for any length of
time, and if he does so, it must be to the detriment of his
Division necessarily. We suggest to the Board the expe-
diency of providing an Assistant for the Principal in this
school. The examination revealed a good degree of im-
provement in the several Divisions, and, as a whole, in this
branch of science ; and we believe the Principal and
teachers are doing a good work, and commend them
accordingly.
As regards the Washington School, of which we have
spoken, it is but justice to the Principal, and female As-
sistants, to say that they have been indefatigable in their
labors, and were the Second Division as well regulated,
and as good in proportion as the others, it would, as a
whole, rank fully with the Dearborn in Grammar.
The Francis Street School is the only mixed school in
the City ; and if the members of the Board will visit, and
examine thoroughly that school, we think they will find
there a strong argument for mixed schools. More emula-
tion exists among the pupils of that school than we have
been accustomed to find in most of the Divisions of the
other Grammar Schools of the City. The influence exert-
ed by the sexes upon each other, are, in our opinion, in
many ways salutary. In the first place, a strong desire is
manifested by the pupils to answer the questions of the
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 21
Examiner correctly, that their blunders or failure may not
subject them to the criticisms or the mortification of a
triumph over them by those especially of the opposite sex :
thus rendering them more careful to answer correctly.
Again, in point of deportment : this school excels in the
respectful and kind manner in which the pupils conduct
themselves towards each other and towards their teacher.
We might enumerate other points of interest observed,
arising from the associating of the sexes, but have not
room to spare in this Report. The teacher of this school
is, in our opinion, admirably adapted to the place she oc-
cupies, and the intelligence and general praiseworthy con-
duct of the pupils give ample evidence of the value of her
labors, and especially in the department of Grammar.
The whole number of pupils in all the Grammar Schools
engaged in studying this branch, (Grammar,) is Jive hundred
and six ; distributed as follows, viz.: in the Dudley 130,
Dearborn 124, Comins 59, Washington 169, and in the
Francis Street 24.
As a whole, the schools have made commendable pro-
gress in this branch. The knowledge of the pupils seems
to be thorough and practical, so far as they have advanced,
and we believe that in no previous year has the general
standing of the schools, in this branch, at least, been more
encouraging and satisfactory to the Examiners than at the
present.
It remains only for us to speak more fully on one or
two points, already noticed, so far as this branch is con-
cerned.
We wish, if possible, that Trior e time could be devoted
to this very important branch of study. Two lessons each
week, as we found in some cases, at least, to be the extent,
are not enough, even to keep up the interest of the pupil ;
and he will necessarily forget, from one lesson to another,
much which he has previously acquired. Again : the study
should be rendered practical by the teacher, and the pupil
22 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
should commence parsing, or, what is very much better,
analyzing, as early as possible. It is not necessary that
all the parts of speech, and their connections, should be
learned previous to commencing to render the lessons
practical, and the mere study of the parts of speech, etc.,
without a knowledge, to some extent, at least, of how they
are to be applied, cannot but be dry and uninteresting.
The Analysis of language should be attended to early, that
the pupil may learn in what manner he shall need so many
parts of speech, etc. Grammar may be as advantageously
taught from examples on the Blackboard, as Mathematics.
For years we were accustomed to teach Grammar in this
manner, and used the Text-book only as a work of refer-
ence for rules, etc. After pupils become interested in this
branch, it is generally a favorite study with them, and they
then make rapid progress ; but the first few lessons are
generally dry and uninteresting.
WRITING.
The pupils, in all the schools of this grade, attend to
Writing, and, as in all other branches, their proficiency is
variable, some making rapid progress, and some, seemingly,
very little, if any advancement. The time given is twice
a week, and this is, it would seem, sufficient, in proportion
to the time allowed for other branches. Girls generally
write better than those of the other sex, but we found
many excellent penmen among the boys. As a whole, (for
we have not room to particularize,) the improvement in
Writing was very satisfactory, and in many instances meri-
torious. The writing-books, as a general thing, were found
neat and clean, showing much care on the part of their
owners.
Some specimens of beautiful Map Drawing were shown
us at the Dearborn School, and, though not belonging to
the Department assigned for our examination, we cannot
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 23
forbear to say that they were not only beautiful, but re-
markably accurate, and deserve notice and commendation.
"We think this form of Drawing should be encouraged in
all the schools, as it is certainly a very useful and practi-
cal accomplishment, and affords opportunity for' recreation
as well as improvement. We hope other schools will
follow the Dearborn, in this respect, and that we may in
future have specimens often presented.
COMPOSITION.
This is the last branch upon which it devolves upon us
to report. The comparatively few compositions present-
ed for our inspection, or read in our presence, in the seve-
ral schools, were sufficient evidence to us, that if more
time and attention were given to this very important
branch, the pupils would be much the gainers. Although
considerable time and attention are given to this exercise
in the several schools, there is still great room for im-
provement in this respect. In the Dudley School we heard
several read, and perused a few personally, which were
highly creditable to both teachers and pupils, and which
would do no dishonor to many whose effusions are ushered
into the world by the press. In the Comins School, also,
we read a few of the same character. The same may be
said, to a limited extent, of the other schools. Several
letters to the teacher were shown us at the Francis Street
School, which did honor both to the head and heart of the
writers. In the "Washington School a form of Book-Keep-
ing has been introduced in the First Division, in which
each pupil keeps an imaginary account with the other
members of the Division, and occasionally, especially if one
of the pupils is to leave, all the others make out their re-
spective bills, from their Day-Book, against him, for settle-
ment. The charges are of course purely fictitious. Many
of the books thus kept, and the bills made out, were very
24 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
neat and accurate, and of course are matters of great
interest to the pupils, as they are all subjected to the crit-
icism of the Principal or some teacher.
We approve heartily of this plan, as by it the pupils
learn Writing, Arithmetic, Book-Keeping and Composition
simultaneously. The Compositions of the Dearborn School
were many of them very excellent. We wish more atten-
tion could be given to this valuable exercise, since the
want of practical knowledge in this respect frequently
renders even epistolary correspondence irksome, and not
unfrequently subjects letters thus written to ridicule, on
account of their numerous errors and faulty style, or,
rather, no style at all. The examination, as a whole, in
this branch was very satisfactory.
Respectfully submitted,
A. I. CUMMINGS, Examiner.
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY.
The examination in History and Geography was com-
mitted to the undersigned. In consequence of previous
engagements, that could not be deferred, I was unable to
make the examination entire in all the schools, at the pre-
cise time required ; and I am happy here to acknowledge
my personal obligations to the Reverend Chairman of the
Committee, who, at my request, very kindly consented to
take charge of the examination in History in the First Di-
visions of the Dudley and Comins Schools, and in Geogra-
phy in the four Lower Divisions of the Dearborn School.
That duty was readily and cheerfully performed by him,
and it is unnecessary for me to say, that it was well and
faithfully discharged, and the results of his examination I
give in his own language :
" Some three hours were spent in the lowest four Divi-
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 25
sions of the Dearborn School, upon the topic of Geogra-
phy. The pupils had some knowledge of this important
branch of study, and gave, on the whole, correct answers
to the question put them. About the average progress
has been made. There was nothing very striking about
the recitations, — some of them dragged a little, and out-
side the text-books there was less clearness than within
the limit of the definitions. A comparison of the Divisions
with each other will hardly be expected.
" My examination of History, in the First Division of
the Dudley School occupied half a day. Of the twenty-
three pupils belonging to the class, eighteen were present,
and though somewhat wearied from the hard week's labor,
were in good spirits, and entered upon the work cheerfully.
Of the result, I am compelled to speak more qualifiedly
than I could wish. Important facts and dates had passed
out of the minds of the pupils, so that they did not go on
as they had expected to, and as their teacher had reason
to hope they would. While from one point of view the
examination in History might be justly styled a failure,
from another it was very successful, for no exercise which
I have witnessed in this school has done more towards
deepening my conviction of the faithfulness and competen-
cy of the Principal of it, or of the diligence and conscien-
tiousness of the pupils. And while I state these facts in
reference to the examination on the afternoon of the 21st
of May, because of that time and occasion they are facts,
it is but simple justice to say, that I am fully satisfied that
there is as much knowledge of History in the Dudley
School, as can be found in any corresponding Division in
the City, and our schools are, all things considered, second
to none in the Commonwealth.
" I visited the Comins School May 22d, and asked a few
questions in History, but the examination was too superfi-
cial to aiford data for a report."
The same reason prevented me from examining the three
4
26 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
lower Divisions in the Dudley — (though I have since then
examined two of them) — one Division in the Comins, and
the Francis Street Grammar School ; and I am happy to
record my obligations to Drs. Nute and Cunrmings, who
readily consented to add this to their other duties assign-
ed to them in the annual examination.
The Divisions in the Dudley School, examined by Dr.
Nute, are represented by him, verbally, to me, to have
given satisfaction.
Dr. Cummings says of the Comins School, " The Division
examined has but just commenced, and the lessons have
been from the outline, maps. The examination in this Di-
vision was very satisfactory."
Of the Francis Street School he says, " The answers were
given promptly and accurately, in most cases, and show a
thorough drill on the part of the teacher. The proportion
of correct answers were full eighty per cent. I doubt if
many classes have made more real advancement in Geog-
raphy than those in this school."
The Second Division of the Dudley School was exam-
ined by me in History. Considerable progress has been
made since the last quarterly examination in this branch
of study ; and I am happy to report the condition of this
Division as satisfactory.
One entire afternoon was spent in examining the First
Division in the Washington School, in History. The result
of this examination was entirely satisfactory, and pre-
sented evidence, that neither the teacher nor the pupils
had been unmindful of what might be expected of them in
the discharge of their respective duties. Important facts,
dates, circumstances, and general details were well re-
membered, clearly and accurately stated, to disconnected
questions, put outside of the text-book, in different periods
of time, and clearly demonstrated that the labors of teach-
ers and the efforts of the scholars had been well directed,
and that their success was well deserved.
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 27
History forms no part of the studies pursued in the
Dearborn School. The particular reason for this omission
I am unable to present to the Committee ; and as this is a
matter more particularly under the direction of the Local
Committee of that school, my duty will be sufficiently dis-
charged by a simple statement of the fact, without comment.
The examination of these Divisions was conducted
orally.
The examination of the First and Second Divisions in
the several schools, in Geography, was made by the under-
signed. Questions, to the number of 228, were prepared
and printed on a letter sheet, and distributed among the
pupils of these Divisions. Some four hours were allowed
the pupils to write their answers. The papers were then
gathered together, and an examination afterwards made,
to ascertain the number of correct answers.
The result of the examination is as follows : —
Dudley School.
First Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 125, or 55 pr. ct.
Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 114, or 50 pr. ct.
Second Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 117, or 51 pr. ct.
Secoiid Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 95, or 42 pr. ct.
Per centage of correct answers of the two Divisions, 48.
Comins School.
First Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 157, or 69 pr. ct.
Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 130, or 56 pr. ct.
28 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
Third Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 96, or 42 pr. ct.
Second Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 88, or 39 pr. ct.
Per centage of correct answers of the two Divisions, 48.
Washington School.
First Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 190, or 83 pr. ct.
Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 163, or 71 pr. ct.
Second Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 103, or 45 pr. ct.
Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 100, or 44 pr. ct.
Per centage of correct answers of the two Divisions, 64.
Dearborn School.
First Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 85, or 37 pr. ct.
Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 99, or 43 pr. ct.
Second Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 70, or 30 pr. ct.
Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 83, or 36 pr. ct.
Per centage of correct answers of the two Divisions, 36.
Taken together, the result is as follows : —
Average number of correct answers, was .... 114
" " of incorrect answers 28
" " not answered 86
Per centage of correct answers 50
1857.]
SCHOOL EXAMINATION.
29
Perhaps it would be better understood by the Commit-
tee, if the results should be presented in tabular form.
The following tables, therefore, have been prepared, and
the results will be seen more in detail.
The first table presents the result of the examination
by Classes.
The second table presents the result of the examination
by Divisions.
The third table presents the result of the examination
by Schools, and also the result of the schools taken to-
gether. The number of scholars — average age — average
number of correct answers — average number of incorrect
answers — average number not answered — and the per
centage of correct answers, will be found in each table.
TABLE I.— BY CLASSES.
KAME OF SCHOOL.
CLASS.
= 2
Eo
S02
to
2*
<3 60
><
<
6«
6tc fe
a>»- -
<
Co
a g S
611- p
fe ° s
>*<
<
O ^
Dudley.
(Girls,) First Division
1st
18
141
125
35
68
.55
u a
2d
23
13i
114
28
86
.50
Second "
1st
14
13
117
46
65
.51
K a
2d
29
121
95
31
102
.42
COMINS.
(Girls,) First Division
1st
6
14
157
19
52
.69
a u
2d
13
13i
130
34
64
.56
u a
3d
13
12
96
27
105
.42
Second "
1st
17
111
88
24
116
.39
Washington.
(Boys,) First Division
1st
29
131-
190
21
17
.83
u u
2d
26
12*
163
39
26
.71
Second "
1st
16
124
103
45
80
.45
n cc
2d
25
12
100
30
98
.44
Dearborn.
(Boys,) First Division
1st
23
14
85
14
129
.37
u a
2d
12
13
99
13
116
.43
Second "
1st
24
121
70
20
138
.30
U t(
2d
15
12
83
17
128
.36
30
CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.
[May,
TABLE II.— BY DIVISIONS
NAME OF SCHOOL.
So
•A
o
bo .
<!
o +-■ .
° £ s
snS|
«<1
6o
"" r %
fci 9 ^
>^* "Z
-a
»f «
c i. &
p-i
Dudley. First Division
Second "
41
43
13?
12*
US
102
31
38
79
8S
.52
.45
Comins. First
Second "
32
17
13
11*
121
88
28
24
79
116
.53
.39
Washington. First
Second "
55
41
13
12i
177
101
29
36
22
91
.77
.44
Dearborn. First
Second "
35
39
133
12i
90
76
14
19
124
133
.39
.33
TABLE III. — BY SCHOOLS.
NAME OF SCHOOL.
So
3tB
03
6*j
a s-. o
go|
o— 5
6 o
**»
<u o **
■a
a> o o
£2«!
o
tj«S3
c ? s-
o s
fc
<
^
<
Ph
Dudley
84
131
110
34
84
.48
49
12^
110
27
91
.48
96
128
145
32
51
.64
74
13
82
17
129
.36
Total ....
303
1265
114
28
86
.50
Upon a careful examination of the papers returned, it is
seen that there are pupils in all the schools, "who are enti-
tled to great credit for so large a per centage of correct
answers ; the best averaging from seventy-five to ninety -
eight per cent. That they have been laborious in their
efforts, the written evidence clearly establishes beyond all
question, and it is exceedingly gratifying to witness the
results. But while these cases are comparatively few,
there are far too many whose deficiency is too manifest,
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 31
to allow the examination in this branch of study to be con-
sidered as entirely satisfactory. The questions prepared
and submitted "were principally elementary in their char-
acter, embracing general . definitions in Natural, Political,
and Mathematical Geography, which the pupils in the two
higher Divisions of our schools ought to be able to answer
readily, and with a good degree of correctness, or else
what they have learned in the lower Divisions has been of
little benefit to them. To teach this science successfully,
a great deal depends upon the teacher and the mode of
imparting instruction. We should not rely too much upon
the text-book for all that is necessary to be known re-
specting it, for many of these are based upon defective
systems, as well as being destitute of philosophical ar-
rangement. And to this, perhaps, more than to any other
cause, may be attributed the failure to accomplish all that
we desire. Says an intelligent author : " Hard labor may
enable the pupil to learn the government of a country, the
population of a city, the length of a river, and other details
equally dry and repulsive. But Geography is something
more than a mere collection of detached facts ; it is a sci-
ence founded on fixed principles, which underlie its details,
and which must be thoroughly understood before the lat-
ter can be profitably learned. Its province is the whole
earth ; and only when the characteristics of the earth, as a
whole, the arrangement and distribution of its elements,
the relations subsisting between its various parts, the
agencies constantly at work on its surface, and the phe-
nomena peculiar to it, both as an individual planet and as
a member of the solar system, — only when these are intel-
ligibly fixed in the mind as a great and enduring founda-
tion, can the superstructure of facts and statistics be pro-
perly reared."
In conclusion : it is but justice to say, that while the
result of the examination in some of the Divisions is
satisfactory, the result of the schools, taken as a whole,
32 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
falls below the standard which the Committee have a right
to expect. And how are we to account for this result ?
Has too much time been devoted to other branches, and
too little to this ? Is the teaching faulty ? Are the text-
books used, the best we can obtain ? These are questions
which it would seem proper for the Committee to consi-
der ; and having considered them, they would be enabled
to propose remedies for existing deficiencies, and cause a
higher standard of excellence to be attained in this highly
important branch of study.
JOSEPH N. BREWER, Examiner.
ARITHMETIC.
The Committee to whom was assigned the duty of ex-
amining the Grammar Schools in Arithmetic, visited most
of the Divisions, and would state briefly the general con-
clusions which he formed respecting their condition and
merits. It is not necessary to single out here any parti-
cular Divisions for either censure or praise. Not for cen-
sure, certainly, when, as a whole, the schools appeared, in
this branch of study, so well, and when, perhaps, every ex-
ceptional case might be explained, to a great degree, by
other causes than by an absolute inability to perform the
examples which were submitted. When all proper allow-
ance has been made for the natural diffidence of some of
the pupils — for that fear which others have that they
may fail, and which so often itself ensures the dreaded
result — and for the fact that the Committee was wholly
unknown to most of those whom he was called upon to
visit — it may be said, with truth, that the acquaintance
with Arithmetic, which these Grammar Schools gave evi-
dence of possessing, was highly satisfactory. There were
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 33
some classes in Colburn's First Lessons, which appeared
remarkably well. The promptness and the accuracy with
which some of the smaller children answered the questions
which were put to them, and which were chosen at random
from every page they had studied, were admirable, while
the familiarity which they displayed with the principles
therein involved, attested the fidelity of both teachers and
pupils.
It was noticed, that in some of the Divisions, those who
studied this book had been always accustomed to the use
of their copies during the recitation, while in others the
questions were repeated from simply hearing them stated
by the teacher, and were * faithfully retained in the mind
until they were solved. In the latter case it was a purely
mental process, and as such it might be well recommended
to those Divisions in which it is not yet generally observ-
ed. It forms better habits of attention in the pupil,
strengthens his memory, gives him greater grasp of mind,
and quickens the play of all his faculties.
A. P. PUTNAM,
Examining Committee.
PRIMARY AND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS.
The Committee appointed to conduct the examination
of the Primary and Intermediate Schools, close their la-
bors with the following
REPORT:
The importance of Primary Schools is not likely to be
over-estimated. It is in them the foundation must be laid
for a good education. Here a large proportion of the
5
34 CITY DOCUMENT.— No. 12. [May,
children of our City receive their first impressions of a
necessity for neatness and order, of a regard for those ap-
pointed to rule over them, of a reverence for law.
The home influences exercised over many of the children
gathered here for instruction, render the duty of the teach-
ers, in many cases, arduous. Not only is a thorough knowl-
edge of the elementary branches needed by them, but a
facility in imparting oral instruction upon general subjects
which children can comprehend. Very much valuable
knowledge may thus be gained by the children, which shall
serve as a stimulus for gaining more. With all this
is needed unwearied patience, that can give line upon
line and precept upon precept, repeating and re-repeating
the necessary instruction, until the proper impression is
made upon the plastic minds under their care. This the
teachers, in general, appear to understand, and the good
order maintained in the schools, the affection in many cases
manifested between teachers and pupils, are very gratify-
ing to the Committee.
The labors of the Committee were sub-divided; the
Intermediate and Primary Schools Nos. 5, 6, 9, 10 and 25
were examined by Dr. Morse. They are " all in a satis-
factory condition : Each school had been drilled in the
characters on the charts representing the elementary
sounds of letters and syllables, and had made a good de-
gree of proficiency in the analysis of words, which, when
thoroughly learned, will, from the clear distinct enuncia-
tion of each syllable, make better readers, and prove of
much advantage to our schools.
" The teachers are faithful, and devoted to their work ;
some have been more successful than others, but no more
so than could be expected. The attainments of the pupils
of a school will vary with their ability to acquire knowl-
edge, so that a school, with the same teacher, but with
different pupils, may rank high one year, and fall consider-
ably below that standard the next. Good order is main-
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 35
tained in all the above schools." The several abstracts
of the above schools are herewith submitted.
The Committee are gratified to learn from the Mayor,
that an eligible lot of land has been purchased on Heath
Street, ninety feet front, and extending back from 125 to
133 feet, and containing 11,610 square feet, on which it is
the intention of the City authorities to erect a handsome
and convenient School-house, suitable for two Divisions of
scholars ; when this shall have been done, School No. 25
will be removed from its present unsuitable and inconve-
nient location to this place.
Schools Nos. 17, 26, 27 and 28 were very thoroughly
examined by Mr. Eobinson, on the 14th, 15th and 16th of
May. Much time was spent in going through with all the
exercises, and on the whole the result was satisfactory :
The order is generally good, very good in No. 17. The
abstracts of these schools are herewith presented. The
Committee learn, with pleasure, that a School-house on
Munroe Street is soon to be erected, suitable for two Di-
visions of scholars. When this is completed, it provides
a proper place for No. 28.
Schools No. 18 to 24, inclusive, were examined by Dr.
Allen. No. 18 is divided into four classes; the first and
second classes — comprising one half the school — in
Heading, Spelling, Arithmetic and Geography, were highly
satisfactory. The order and general appearance were
good. No. 19 was satisfactory ; the present teacher has had
the charge of the school only six weeks, during which time
one half of the pupils now belonging have been admitted.
Many of them have not attended school before, and belong
to families in which very poor order and discipline have
been observed. The number of scholars is too large for
any one teacher. The success of the present teacher will
no doubt satisfy the reasonable expectations of the School
Committee. In No. 20, the several exercises were very
good — order and general appearance unexceptionable.
36 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
No. 21 — the Reading and Spelling fair; the number of
scholars, we think, is the largest belonging to any Sub-
Primary School ; large average attendance. Some arrange-
ment ought to be made for further accommodation of a part
of the pupils. The teacher has applied herself faithfully
to the school. No. 22 was highly satisfactory. No. 23,
Reading and Spelling very good, order and general -appear-
ance good; average attendance is small, which we think is
the fault of the parents. The relation existing between
teacher and pupils are of a happy character. No. 24 was
very satisfactory ; good order and attention are maintained
here, giving great pleasure to the Examining Committee.
The abstracts of these schools will be found herewith.
Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 29, 30, 31 and 32 were examined by
Mr. Ray. In 3 and 4, Sub-Primarys, the Reading and
Spelling fully answered the expectation — creditable to
the pupils and their excellent teachers. Nos. 1 and 2 dif-
fer a little in grade. The scholars are promoted from
Nos. 3 and 4 to No. 2. and then to No. 1, Reading,
Spelling, Geography, Addition, Multiplication and Punctu-
ations quite satisfactory. Oral Lessons and Singing pleas-
ing ; order, discipline, and cleanliness good. The teachers
deserve high commendation. Nos. 29 and 30 is beauti-
fully located. Since the opening of the Winthrop Street
School, it has been relieved of a part of its scholars, and
greatly to the advantage of those that remain. The ex-
amination was perfectly satisfactory, proving the faithful-
ness of the teachers. In No. 29 is a class of six or eight
pupils, older than most of the others — kept from entering
the Grammar schools by request of their parents, appa-
rently to their own disadvantage. The propriety of com-
plying with such a request may well be doubted, unless in
case of very delicate constitutions. Nos. 31 and 32 are
in a healthy and prosperous condition ; the pupils sustained
the examination in a satisfactory manner. Very pleasing
Oral Instruction is here given by the teachers as well as
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 37
in 29 and 30. The introduction of Phonetics, as an exer-
cise, meets the approval of the teachers of the several
schools examined by the Committee, and seems likely to
succeed well. The abstracts of these schools accompany
this Report.
Nos. 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were examined by
Mr. Seaver. No. 7, though considered by the teacher Sub-
Primary, appeared to the Committee to rank above the
average grade of such schools; Reading, Spelling, and all
the exercises were excellent. No. 11 reflects great credit
upon teacher and pupils, and the examination was highly
satisfactory. No. 12 presented an unfavorable appearance ;
it is but just, however, to say, that the present teacher has
been here only one month, which may be an excuse on her
part for the dulness of the scholars. The Committee con-
sider her competent ; but more energy is wanted to wake
up the scholars.
No. 13, a Sub-Primary, was found in an excellent condi-
tion; the teacher appeared well fitted for her vocation.
Nos. 14 and 15 passed a fair examination, "but there is
abundant room for improvement."
No. 16, formerly taught by Miss Crowninshield, has been
under the charge of the present teacher since 1st Febru-
ary last ; it is Sub-Primary, and passed a very fair exam-
ination. The abstracts of these schools will be found
herewith.
Your Committee feel it to be their duty to call the
attention of the Board to the fact, that several of the Pri-
mary Schools have not been visited by their Local Com-
mittees during the current quarter, as required by the
Rules of the Board, and by the best interests of the schools.
Respectfully submitted,
Per order of the Committee,
J. P. ROBINSON, Chairman.
38
CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.
[May,
ABSTRACT
Of the High Schools for the Yea?- ending May 23d, 1857.
High School for Boys.
S. M. Weston, Principal. \
George H. Gorely, Assistant.
Total,
High School for Girls.
Rob't Bickforcl, Principal. <
Martha S. Price, Assistant.
Total,
16
27
34
T7
19
14
34
"67
15|
26i
33*
751
18
13
32
~63~
.97
.98
.98
^98
.95
.93
.94
.007
.004
.002
^004
.005
.005
.006
.0051
16}
15*
15*
1^
16*
151
ABSTRACT
Of the Grammar and Intermediate Schools for Quarter
ending May 23d, 1857.
s
p
03 «.Q
sf
£ a
> -
o .
I'l
<t si
P-iH
o
TO to
><
Dudley School for Girls.
Adeline Seaver, Principal.
Ellen M. Haskell, Assistant.
1
54
48
.89
.016
14J
Caroline Alclen,
2
50
45
.90
.009
13j|
Ellen A. Marean,
3
56
51
.91
.026
124
Clara B. Tucker,
4
53
50
.93
.006
11
Caroline J. Nash,
5
49
46
.93
.006
1034
Clementina B. Thompson,
6
50
46
.92
.004
9
Helen J. Otis, .
7 48
42
.87
.008
9*
Total,
|360
328
.91
.011
HI
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION.
ABSTRACT— Continued.
39
Washington School foe
Boys.
John Kneeland, Principal.
Harriet E. Burrell, Assistant.
Benjamin C. Vose, .
Anna M. Williams, .
Alice C. Pierce,
Sarah M. Vose,
Rebecca A. Jordan, .
Margaret A. Mathews,
Caroline C. Drown, .
Total
Dearborn School for Boys.
William H. Long, Principal.
Louisa E. Harris,
Ruth P. Stockbridge,
Louisa J. Fisher,
J. Ellen Horton,
Henrietta M. Young,
Total
Comins School for Girls.
Sarah A. M. Cushing, Prirtl.
Mary C. Eaton,
Elizabeth W. Young,
Almira W. Chamberlain, .
Total,
Francis Street School.
(Both Sexes.)
Sophronia F. Wright,
5h3
60
49
49
50
49
52
57
57
4"23~
44
48
50
48
46
274~
37
46
52
54
189"
35
59
45*
47"
46|
46
50i
55A
54"
4~oT
37
41
46
48
44
44
260
44
47
50
176"
31
0h<J
.98
.93
.96
.93
.94
.97
.97
.95
.98
.94
.97
.96
.92
.95
.002
.004
.010
.016
.011
.008
.005
.009
JH)8~
001 131
.95
.95
.95
.91
.91
193"
.91
.003
.003
.004
.005
.005
Tool"
.015
.009
.035
.022
^02l"
13i
12|
ni
n
10*
101
10
JL
11
12-
Hi
11
qi
H
is1
11
ioi
9
lof
.002 11»
40
CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.
ABSTRACT — Continued.
[May,
s
o
5
|1
H
<
6
© 3
611 •O
£ a
© u
•55
OS
© ^
o ^
<
Intermediate School.
Delia Mansfield,
1
48
37
.77
.037
11
Nancy L. Tucker,
2
44
35
.79
.045
10
Total,
92
72
.78
.041
m
OJ the Pri
ABSTRACT
rimary Schools for Quarter ending May 23d,
1857.
TEACHERS.
o
So
= 02
Z
|" s§
<
6
, «
© a
©3
!> £
o 2
o =
o •
si 1
(2 H
1
48'
45
.93
.04
2
49
46
.94
.04
3
50
45
.90
.08
4
52
48
.93
.12
5
49
44
.89
.on
6
73
66
.90
•Oil
7
31
27
.90
.03
8
9
52
45
.85
.09
10
59
48
.81
.04
11
51
45
.88
.02
12
48
42
.87
.02
13
52
44
.85
.04
14
55
45
.81
•04
15
32
28
•90
.07
16
50
41
.82
.14
Sarah T. Jennison, .
Eliza Brown, .
Sarah 0. Babcock, .
Julia B. Burrell,
Elizabeth A. Morse, .
Margaret E. Davis, .
Maria L. Young,
Vacancy. .
Harriet H. Fay,
Susannah L. Durant, .
Emily Gardner,
Sophia L. Stone,
Cornelia J. Bills,
Charlotte P. Williams,
Ann M. Backup,
Carrie M. Adams,
54
6^
u2
6
8
7
?
1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION.
ABSTRACT— Continued.
41
TEACHERS.
o .
j= O
Ho
si
»c s
CO C o
fe = m
QJ
•a
s-s
a *
° 5
o u5
" a
U-3
= 31
;za
>£
QJ 03
><
fc
«!
«
Pu<
ChB
<
Sarah W. Holbrook,
17
39
33
.85
.10
7
Almira B. Russell, .
18
51
46
.90
.03
8
Carrie Y. Rice,
19
68
62
.91
.02
6
Mary A. Waldock, .
20
50
46
92
.02
8
Harriet L. Macarty, .
21
73
68
.93
.05
6J
Elizabeth Waldock, .
22
27
22
.81
.03
%
Henrietta M. Wood,
23
48
36
.75
•06
8
Mary A. Morse,
24
37
33
.90
•04
6,1.
Caroline N. Heath, .
25
47
33
.70
•10
n
Plooma A Savage, .
26
35
30
.86
.04
%
Mary G. Hewes,
27
39
32
.82
.02
5k
Margaret G. Chenery,
28
24
21
.87
.02
7
Sarah A. Dudley,
29
35
31
89
.02
ri
H. B. Scammell,
30
39
39
.74
6*
Catharine N. Stowell,
31
42
38
.91
.07
H
Frances N. Brooks, .
32
55
45
.82
.03
7
Total,
1460
1264
TsT
~05"
"ef
RECAPITULATION.
TEACHERS.
"5 £
u
>- a
qj —
* a 0
<1
6
u
•g
^j a
■Sol
Sa
z$
<u —
c Jg
. Ov
<
High Schools, .
Grammar Schools, .
Intermediate Schools,
Primary Schools,
2
5
1
31
144
1281
92
1460
138
1199
72
1264
.96
.94
.78
.87
.005
.010
.041
.050
I5j
Hi
10*
63
Total,
39
2977
2673
.90
.030
10
SCHOOL COMMITTEE, 1857.
ELECTED AT LAEGE.
George Putnam, William H. Ryder, Julius S. Shailer.
ELECTED BY WARDS.
Ward 1. — Horatio G. Morse, Henry W. Farley.
" 2. — Joshua Seaver, Ira Allen.
" 3. — A. I. Cummings, T. R. Nute.
" 4. — Joseph N. Brewer, J. P. Robinson.
" 5. — A. P. Putnam, Edwin Ray.
William H. Ryder, Chairman. A. I. Cummings, Secretary.
RESIDENCES OP THE COMMITTEE.
George Putnam, Highland st.
William H. Ryder, 48 Vernon st.
Julius S. Shailer, Washington, corner of Ruggles st.
Horatio G. Morse, 65 Zeigler st.
Henry W. Farley, Eustis, opposite Plymouth st.
Joshua Seaver, Ruggles st., corner of Sumner place, (Office
Webber Block.)
Ira Allen, Cabot, corner of Sudbury st., (Office, corner of
Ruggles and Tremont sts.)
A. I. Cummings, 121 Dudley st.
T. R. Nute, 163 Dudley st.
44 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12. [May,
Joseph N. Brewer, 37 Centre st.
J. P. Robinson, Cedar st.
Alfred P. Putnam, Mrs. Field's, Regent st.
Edwin Ray, Walnut, corner of Dale st.
SUB-COMMITTEES.
Regulations. — Messrs. Shailer, Nute, Seaver.
Books. — Messrs. Ryder, Shailer, Morse, Farley, Brewer.
Finance. — Messrs. Seaver, G. Putnam, Robinson.
Filling Vacancies in Primary and Intermediate Schools.
— Messrs. Ryder, Morse, Shailer, Cummings, Ray.
Curator of School Buildings. — Jonas Pierce, Jr.
Residence on Bartlett Street.
1857.]
SCHOOL EXAMINATION.
45
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46
CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.
[May,
ft
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3
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1857.] SCHOOL EXAMINATION. 47
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