[City documents, 1847-1867]

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

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City Document. — No. 12.

ANNUAL REPORT

OP THE

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

€xh ui Ikdurg,

YEAR 1858.

ROXBURY :
L. B. & O. E. WESTON, PRINTERS, GUILD ROW.

1 80S .

Cits of $0&bttrj.

In School Committee, May, 1858.

The Chairman appointed the following members as the Annual Exam-
ining Committees, viz. :

High and Grammar Schools. — Messrs. Bay, Shailer, Cummings, Nute,
Brewer and Williams.

Primary and Intermediate Schools. — Messrs. Olmstead, Putnam,
Seaver, Allen and Anderson.

These Committees, through their Chairmen, submitted their Reports
at the Quarterly Meeting in June, which were accepted.

November, 1858.

The Chairman appointed the same Committees to make the Quarterly
Examination.

At a subsequent meeting, Reports of said Examination were submitted
and accepted.

The Chairman, and Messrs. Ray and Olmstead were appointed a
Committee to prepare the Annual Report for publication.

December 15, 1858.
The Reports of the Chairman, and Messrs. Ray and Olmstead were
submitted and accepted. It was then

Ordered, That 2500 copies of the same be printed, under the direction
of said Committee, and distributed to the citizens of this City, as the
Annual Report of the School Committee.

JOSHUA SEAVER, Secretary.

REPORT.

The School Committee, to whom the citizens of Roxbury
intrusted the "care and superintendence of the public
schools/' for the year 1858, respectfully submit the follow-
ing Report :

The condition of our Public Schools is a subject which
commends itself to, and awakens a lively interest in, the
mind of every citizen interested in the improvement of
the rising generation. The Committee, in the perform-
ance of their duties, have repeatedly visited every School
under their charge ; and examined the same each quarter.
The results of these several examinations are embodied
in the accompanying reports. They have endeavored to
improve the existing system of instruction, without intro-
ducing any radical changes ; and, so far as they were able,
to render our Schools more efficient and profitable. They
have the satisfaction of assuring the citizens, that the
Schools generally are in a healthful and prosperous condi-
tion — and will compare favorably, both as to progress
and attainments, with those of the same grade in other
places.

4 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

Much must necessarily remain for our successors to
accomplish; and a constant supervision will be' requi-
site, to maintain the Schools in their present efficiency, and
adapt them to the wants of the community.

The whole number of Public Schools, under the care of
this Board, is Forty ; which are graded as Primary and
Intermediate, Grammar, and High.

The whole number of Teachers employed is Seventy ;
including a teacher of music for the Grammar Schools, and
one, in drawing, for the High School.

The whole number of Pupils belonging to all the Schools,
is Three thousand two hundred and forty-seven.

The cost of maintaining our Public Schools the current
year, is, exclusive of the erection and repair of buildings,
$29,559.13, or $9.10 per Scholar.

Primary Schools. — The number of Primary Schools is
Thirty-three, which are under the charge of Thirty-three
Teachers.

The number of Pupils belonging to these Schools, is
One thousand seven hundred and fifty-three, making an
average to each School of Fifty-three Pupils.

The cost of keeping the Primary Schools, the present
year, is $11,282.61, or $6.43 per Scholar.

The Primary Schools are located in different parts of
the City — so as best to accommodate the younger chil-
dren belonging to them. In some sections of the City,
four schools occupy the same building, and are classified
into three grades; in other sections, only one or two
schools are kept in each house. Where there are two,
they are arranged in two grades. Each School is com-
posed of both boys and girls. Pupils are received into
these Schools when five years of age, and remain members

SCHOOL REPORTS. 5

until prepared for admission to the Grammar Schools, the
length of time being about three years. They are here
taught the first rudiments of education : only a limited
knowledge of Reading, Spelling, and Arithmetic is acquired.
Yet here the child forms habits of study, attention, and
order, which he will carry with him through his whole pu-
pilage, and which will tend either to facilitate or retard
his future progress in study. Here, too, the development
and improvement of his moral and physical nature demands
attention. That teacher is most successful, who, possess-
ing a real sympathy for children, makes the school exer-
cises attractive, as well as profitable ; who adapts her
instruction to the capacities of her pupils, and, by familiar
illustrations and explanations, makes every subject easily
understood. It is by the use of such means that young
children become interested, and are taught to think for
themselves, and bring into use the various faculties of their
minds.

During the year, the City Authorities have erected a
fine building in Ward 3, to aiford additional accommoda-
tion for Primary School children residing in that part of the
City. The structure is two stories in height, and contains
four large rooms, and connected with each is a convenient
dressing room. The school yard affords ample play ground
for the pupils ; and altogether, the building is as neat and
convenient a Primary School House as any in the City.
The building, soon after it was placed in the hands of the
School Committee, was occupied by the two schools for-
merly kept in Orange Street, by the one lately in a
hired room on Washington Street, and by the school newly
organized.

All the Primary School Houses in the City are, with one
or two exceptions, in good condition, commodious and well
adapted to school purposes.

6 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

Intermediate School. — This School is situated on
Vernon Street, Ward 2, numbering Eighty-eight Pupils,
who are arranged in two divisions, and are under the charge
of two Teachers.

The cost of maintaining this School, for the year, is
$856.64, or $9.73 per Scholar.

The rank of the Intermediate is the same as that of the
Primary Schools. It is composed of boys over eight years
of age, who are not qualified for admission to the Grammar
Schools, many of whom never enjoyed the benefits of any
previous instruction. The Pupils are promoted to the
Grammar Schools, as soon as they are sufficiently advanced
in their studies.

Grammar Schools. — There are five Grammar Schools
in the City. The Pupils belonging to each of these, are
arranged in the following number of Divisions : nine in the
Washington, six in the Dearborn (both for boys); — seven
in the Dudley, five in the Comins (both for girls); — and
one in the Francis Street (mixed). Each Division, averag-
ing Forty-eight Pupils, is under the charge of a single
Teacher ; with the addition of an Assistant to the Princi-
pal in the First Division of the Washington, Dearborn and
Dudley Schools — making the number of permanent Teach-
ers Thirty-one.

The whole number of Pupils belonging to the Grammar
Schools, is One thousand three hundred and thirty-seven.

The cost of maintaining these Schools, the current year,
is $15,160.92, or $10.60 per Scholar.

Pupils are admitted to the Grammar Schools, from the
Primary and Intermediate, semi-annually. Those who
complete the regular course of study, remain members four
or five years ; during which time, every facility and en-
couragement are afforded them to obtain an education, in
all the branches of study necessary to qualify them for the

SCHOOL REPORTS. 7

High School, or to enable them intelligently to act their
part in the ordinary pursuits of life.

It is to be regretted, that so many pupils leave school be-
fore completing the regular course of study ; and that some
fail to derive so much advantage, as they otherwise might,
by want of thoroughness in the more elementary studies, or
by frequent absence. Pupils are sometimes promoted to
a higher division, with the other members of the class, be-
fore they, from want of capacity or other causes, thorough-
ly understand the ground gone over ; but as these promo-
tions are generally made to make room for the next lower
class or division already full, they cannot always be avoid-
ed. A pupil may, from various reasons, fail to secure an
education equal to others of the same class ; but none can
pass through the different classes of our Grammar Schools,
without acquiring much useful knowledge, and receiving
that training of the intellectual and moral faculties, which
will be of inestimable advantage in after life.

The several Grammar School Houses are conveniently
located. The want of accommodation, for boys in the
Western Section of the City, and for girls in the Eastern,
has caused the overflow of the two Central Schools. It
has been found necessary to form a Division of the Wash-
ington School in the Primary School House in Orange
Street; but this can only afford temporary relief, besides
being remote from the main building. Three Divisions of
the Dudley School are kept in two different buildings,
separate from the main house, one of which does not be-
long to the City, and is not adapted to school purposes.
There will be a demand for the accommodation of
another Division within a few months. And that all the
pupils may be provided with suitable privileges and con-
veniences in attending school, further accommodation must
soon be made for both boys and girls.

8 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

High School (for Girls). — This School numbers
Sixty-nine Pupils, who are under the charge of two
Teachers.

The cost of maintaining the High School, the present
year, is $2258.96, or $32.74 per Scholar.

The High School for Girls is designed to give, to those
who have completed the Grammar School studies, and are
able to pass a satisfactory examination in the same, such
an education in all the requisite branches of study, as will
enable them to act efficiently as teachers in our schools,
or to be, by its refining and elevating influence, the better
prepared for the active duties of life.

The Latin and the English High School for Boys,
are free and open to all who possess the qualifications re-
quired by the Trustees. The former school is designed
to prepare boys for College ; the latter, to give them a
thorough English education. The School Committee have
no care or control over these Schools, and cannot report
upon their condition.

Teachers. — The teachers employed in our schools
are nearly the same as those of last year; some few
changes have been made, caused by the resignation of
those who were appointed to more lucrative situations in
other places, and those who were about to assume other
duties. Their places have been filled by new appoint-
ments. Two teachers have been added to the number,
one for the new division of the Washington School, the
other for the new Primary School in Ward 3.

In every instance of an appointment, the Committee,
after a thorough examination of the literary qualifications,
credentials, &c, of each applicant, have selected the one
who afforded the best evidences of being qualified and
adapted for the particular vacancy, and after placing her

SCHOOL REPORTS. 9

on trial for several months, if she then gave satisfaction,
the appointment was confirmed, but not otherwise.

It is a mistake to suppose that a teacher will succeed,
because she possesses the requisite literary attainments ;
for beside these qualifications, she must understand how
to impart instruction, and, when a subject is being studied
or recited, be able to explain every difficulty, to the com-
prehension of her pupils ; she must have sufficient knowl-
edge of Physiology and Hygiene, to understand the inju-
rious effects of inadequate ventilation, bad position, and
want of exercise j she must know the best methods to
subdue the obstinate, arouse the indolent, and encourage
the dull, and to win the confidence and affection of all ;
she must be able to correct the bad habits and evil ten-
dencies of her pupils, and set forth the attractions of mo-
rality and piety. If she does not possess these requisites,
she is not qualified for the position to which she aspires.

It is a greater mistake, to suppose that teachers of in-
ferior attainments will answer for Primary Schools, or
that almost any one can teach small children. It is most
important to commence aright in the process of education.
Habits of study and order are soon formed, and when
once formed, it is almost impossible to change them. The
education a child receives in the Primary School, is the
basis, largely, of all his after attainments, and shapes and
directs his course in maturer years. Hence, only compe-
tent and thoroughly qualified teachers should have charge
of the Primary Schools.

Most of our teachers are successful and efficient, devo-
ted to their work, and especially valuable to their par-
ticular schools.

Parents. — It is a gratifying fact, that so few com-
plaints have been made during the year, in reference to
our schools. Whenever any distinct charge has been
made, it has received the prompt attention of the Com-

10 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

mittee ; if it was well founded, and sustained by facts, such
action was taken as to prevent a repetition of the offence,
and to remove all proper grounds of complaint. All teachers
are required by this Board to maintain order, and secure
obedience to the rules of the school, without the use of
harsh or improper means. If a child is treated with un-
due severity, it should be made known to the Committee,
whose duty it is to see that justice is done to the child,
as well as to the teacher. The welfare of the schools
would be promoted, if parents generally were more dis-
posed to aid the teachers and Committee in the work of
education; by conferring, in a spirit of confidence, with
them, in any case of difficulty; by inculcating upon their
children the duty of obedience to the rules of the school,
and respect for the teachers, and by exhibiting more in-
terest in the studies and exercises of the school room.

Truancy. — The City Ordinance in relation to truant
children, and absentees from school, is of little avail in di-
minishing the number of idle, vicious boys, about our
streets. The want of some suitable place, to which they
could be committed after being arrested by the truant offi-
cers, is sensibly felt. Should the City Government pro-
vide a house of reformation for juvenile offenders, means
would then be furnished to carry out the design of the
Law. The existence of such a place, with a certainty of
the execution of the Ordinance, would have a salutary in-
fluence, in deterring many from becoming truants, while
those who should be subjected to the discipline of such a
place, would be reclaimed, and instead of pursuing a course
of vice and crime, would there form habits of industry and
honesty.

Committee. — The care of the Public Schools has be-
come more important, and more laborious, than it was for-
merly. The Committee have promptly met the increasing

SCHOOL REPORTS. 11

demand upon their time, although the proper discharge of
the duties imposed upon them, in this relation, has at
times seriously interfered with their other engagements.
The interest to be looked after has become so extended,
that the expediency of enlarging the Committee, or
employing a Superintendent of the Schools, demands at-
tention.

During the greater part of the year, the Committee have
been deprived of the experience and valuable services of
one of their number; one who has so faithfully devoted
his time and talents to the interests of the Public Schools
of this City, for the last seven years. It is a satisfaction
to know, that he has regained his health, the loss of which
caused him to withdraw from the duties of Chairman.

HORATIO G. MORSE.

HIGH SCHOOL.

Examined May 2\st.

Several of the Committee were present, and devoted
the whole of the day to this school. Very marked success
attended every exercise. Reading, Spelling and Defining
were every way creditable.

In Algebra, Geometry and Natural Philosophy, the pu-
pils showed a quickness of comprehension, and power of
thought highly gratifying.

French and Latin Sentences selected by the Committee
were read and translated with remarkable correctness and
fluency. The presence of several ladies and gentlemen,
who came in to witness the exercises, together with the
enthusiastic and ready manner of the scholars, contributed
to make the occasion one of unusual interest. When we
remember that this school was organized less than four
years ago, we feel justified in saying that it has met our
highest expectations ; and that it is preeminently entitled
to occupy the honorable position we feel it has already at-
tained in the estimation of the public, as well as among
the High Schools of this Commonwealth. And we con-
gratulate our citizens upon the possession of such efficient
aid in the moral and intellectual training of their children
as it presents. No amount of interest which they do, or
may in future manifest in its behalf, no amount of judicious
expenditure of money for its accommodation and support,
will, we think, fail to give a full and satisfactory reward.
The school is not large, and so long as only girls are ad-
mitted, and the supply comes chiefly from our present
Grammar Schools for Girls, its number will not be, per-
haps, very greatly increased.

SCHOOL REPORTS. 13

GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.

The labor of examining these schools was sub-divided as
follows: The exercises in Reading, Spelling, Defining and
Declamation were conducted by Messrs. Ray and Brewer,
— in Grammar, History, Writing, Compositions and Book
Keeping by Messrs. Nute and Williams, — in Arithmetic
and Geography by Messrs. Cummings and Shailer.

The number of Grammar Schools remains unchanged.
The Washington and Dudley continue very much crowded,
to the great inconvenience of teachers and pupils, and the
Committee regret to report that a large number of boys
have been denied admission to the Washington School
who were fully qualified to enter, for want of room, and
made to suffer great injustice at our hands, by being kept
in the Primary Schools while they should be enjoying the
advantages of promotion.

Foreseeing this difficulty and recognizing the moral and
legal right of parents to require of the City through the
Board of School Committee suitable accommodations for
the education of their children, the Board of last year re-
quested the City Council to furnish such accommodations as
the obvious necessities of the case demanded, but were re-
fused. At a meeting of the Board in the early part of the
present year, the subject was again presented, and the im-
mediate and pressing wants of these Schools, properly and
respectfully' urged. The very unsafe condition of the
Washington School House, the probable cost of altering
and enlarging it to meet the demand, the necessity for
a substitution of more modern seats and desks for the
present inconvenient and health-destroying ones which the
scholars are compelled to occupy, together with such eco-
nomical reasons as the whole subject suggested, were, it is
believed, faithfully represented. But the Committee on

14 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

Public Property reported against making any appropria-
tion for the purpose, and, therefore, the request of the
Board of School Committee was again refused.

The subject is, however, by no means disposed of, and
it is confidently expected that the desired alterations and
improvements in the Washington School building, will be
made during the coming season.

DEPARTMENT OF READING, SPELLING, DEFINING AND
DECLAMATION.

Eight days were devoted to the examination in these
studies, and so nearly alike did all the Divisions appear,
age and grade considered, that the Committee think it
not necessary to single out any of them for either censure
or praise. Reading in all cases was good, and in some
instances, excellent.

The habit which many of the scholars have of holding
the book too low, and bending the head so far forward as
to cramp the vocal organs, thereby preventing a clear and
distinct utterance, greatly marred the otherwise creditable
performance ; and seriously endangers the health. Nearly
all the defects which were noticed in this truly valuable
exercise were chargeable to a bad position of the body.
Spelling, in some instances, fell a little below the point de-
sired, yet, on the whole, it might be considered as good.
Each Division contains about forty-eight pupils; but so
many were absent on account of sickness as to reduce the
number present on the day of examination to about forty.
The words were selected from the reading lesson by the
examiner, and each scholar allowed to spell once. Four
words in each Division, on an average, were misspelled.

The Definitions in most cases were not so clear and
distinct as could be desired. There seemed to be a want
of language to express the precise idea. Your committee
regard this as a very important branch of study, and one
which should receive greater attention.

SCHOOL REPORTS. 15

GRAMMAR, HISTORY, WRITING, COMPOSITION, AXD
ROOK KEEPING.

English Grammar. — In the lower Divisions of the
Grammar Schools, the examiner proposed various extem-
poraneous questions, involving some of the more simple
and obvious principles of this study, and required answers
to the same verbally and from memory. But in the first
Divisions, and in the Girls' High School, a different and
more reliable method was adopted. A list of eighteen
questions embodying many essential and leading principles
of English Grammar were given to each school, and the
pupils required to answer them in writing. The impor-
tance of this branch of study, in the opinion of the Com-
mittee, cannot well be over-estimated, and the examination
was conducted in a manner correspondingly thorough.
The result, as a whole, is creditable to the scholars and
their respective teachers, and satisfactory to the examiner.

History, Writing, &c. — Goodrich's History of the
United States is used as a text book in this branch of
study, which is not much taught below the 1st Divisions.

The scholars were questioned concerning the discover-
ers of our country, the early history of the Colonies, the
War of the Revolution, the first settlers of the different
States — their characteristics and the principal events in
their early history; and they answered correctly and
promptly. — Some of the scholars delineated upon the
black board the battle of New Orleans, and the capture
of the city of Washington in the last war, in a manner
which showed an intimate knowledge of the history of
those events. — There are, perhaps, few accomplishments
of greater practical utility than a plain, easy and uniform
hand writing. This, under a judicious system of instruc-
tion, almost all, perhaps, may acquire, though all may not
become elegant writers in the highest sense of the word.

1G CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

Very gratifying proficiency in this important branch has
been made during the year past. In Composition consid-
erable progress has been made in the higher Divisions.
It is the practice of the teachers to furnish the pupils sub-
jects On which to write, and to combine good writing with
good composition in estimating its merits. Some very
scholarly productions, and beautifully written, were shown
the Committee, in the 1st and 2d Divisions. — Book Keep-
ing is taught to a limited extent, showing the pupil how to
keep in convenient and simple form ordinary accounts, to
make out bills, drafts, &c, so as to qualify him, should he
pursue the study no further, to keep accurate accounts of
the ordinary business transactions of life.

ARITHMETIC AND GEOGRAPHY.

Arithmetic. — The examiner intended to devote suffi-
cient time to this department to enable him to judge of
the condition and comparative advancement of the classes.
He remarks that, after having gone through with the exam-
ination, the conviction was left that the Schools had an-
swered a reasonable expectation. The methods of dif-
ferent teachers are so various that the same method of
examination with about the same list of questions will
show seeming inequalities which do not in reality exist,
and commendation or blame is very likely to be misplaced.

The advancement in the text-book of the classes of the
same grade in the different schools is about equal. " The
exceeding value of intellectual and analytical Arithmetic
is apparent; and continued and large attention to these is
to be commended."

" The practical shorter methods of analysis, which may
be carried into all the different rules, should be instilled
for the purpose of practical life as well as for the intellec-
tual training and the ultimate principles and philosophy of
fin-ures."

SCIIOOL REPORTS. 17

Geography. — Several days "were spent in the examina-
tion in this study. The large amount of absences for sev-
eral months past, occasioned by sickness among the pupils,
had an important effect in the results of this, as well as of
the other examinations. " It is not our design," says the
examiner, " to speak fully, at this time, of the results of
our examination in each class seperately, and in detail, as
such a course would extend this Report to an unreasonable
length. As a whole the classes sustained the examination
as well as, under the circumstances, could have been ex-
pected. The average of correct answers in all the divis-
ions examined, was about seventy-five per cent., which is
a very fair average indeed, and shows conclusively that the
teachers have labored hard, and successfully, and are worthy
of our confidence.

Various methods of teaching Geography are employed
by the Teachers, — and although much knowledge in this
important study had been acquired by the pupils, we fear
that sufficient prominence has not been given to the Ge-
ography of our own Country, — its Soil, Productions, —
Climate, — Commerce, — Government, — Religion,. &c.
Several excellent specimens of Map Drawing, executed by
the pupils in the Washington and Dearborn Schools, were
examined, and the Committee recommend a continuance of
the practice, and also that it be introduced into the Dudley
and Comins Schools.

MUSIC AND DRAWING.

"In these ornamental branches of education, the ex-
amination was strictly elementary and conducted upon
the inductive principle. It was somewhat protracted
and thorough. In the former branch, it embraced the
whole of the first and second departments of music, called
Rythm and Melody. In the latter, it was confined to the
principles of Linear and Perspective Drawing. And suffice

3

18 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

it to say, that the pupils examined gave convincing evidence
of having put forth untiring efforts to acquire a practical
knowledge of these accomplishments. It is due to the pu-
pils to say that, with few exceptions; they bore the exami-
nation in a manner highly creditable to themselves and
their accomplished and worthy teachers, and which fully
satisfied the Committee that the small outlay required to
continue instruction in these ornamental branches, is a ju-
dicious and commendable expenditure."

EDWIN RAY.

SCHOOL REPORTS. 19

STATEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION IN ENGLISH
GRAMMAR.

[Prepared by Dr. T. R. Nute, Examiner.]
QUESTIONS.

1. Define English Grammar, and state the several parts to which its
principles relate.

2. State the several departments of English Grammar, and define
each.

3. State the several classes of words or parts of speech, and define
each.

4. Mention the several classes or kinds of the noun, define each class,
state its several properties, and define each.

5. Mention the several classes of the adjective, define each class, state
its several degrees of comparison, define each, and state in how many
and hy what ways it is compared.

6. Mention the several classes of the adverb, define each class, state
its several degrees of comparison, define each, and state in how many
and by what ways it is compared.

7. Mention the several classes of the pronoun, define each, state its
properties, define each, mention the several leading personal pronouns
and decline the second person in both numbers.

8. Mention the several kinds or varieties of the verb, define each
state its several properties, define each, and mention its several voices
and define each.

9. Define the term mood, mention the several used in English Gram-
mar, define each, and state the auxiliaries used in each mood.

10. Define the term tense, mention the several used in English Gram-
mar, define each, state which are used in each mood, and give the sign
of each in each of the different moods.

11. Write a synopsis, with the pronoun I, of the verb touch, through
each of the several moods, through each of the several voices, in each
of the several tenses, and mention the several participles derived from
the same verb.

12. Inflect the verb touch in the indicative mood, past tense, passive
voice ; in the potential mood, active voice, past perfect tense ; in the
subjunctive mood, passive voice, future perfect tense ; in the infinitive
mood, active voice, perfect tense ; and in the imperative mood, passive
voice, present tense.

13. "Write the plural number of each of the following words, viz :
loaf, grief, journey, fancy, this, that, and state the rule for its forma-
tion, in each instance.

20 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

14. Write two sentences, one containing a noun in the possessive
case, singular number, and the other, containing a noun in the posses-
sive case, plural number, and state the rule for its formation, in each
number.

15. Compare the following words, viz. : few, many, near, far, wisely,
ignorant, well, soon, beautiful, and state the rule applicable to the
comparison of each word.

16. Decline the principal relative pronouns in both numbers.

17. Correct the errors in the following sentences, viz : Both cold and
heat have its extremes. Books not pleasure occupies his mind. Pa-
tience and diligence, like faith, removes mountains. He not they
are mistaken. Several persons were entered into the conspiracy.

18. Parse, in accordance with the several models laid down in tho
Grammar used, each word in the following sentence, viz : The lips of
Isaiah, the prophet, were touched with fire.

The above questions, in the aggregate, resolve themselves into 140
particulars, which were answered as follows, viz : —

Girls' High School.
First Division — Senior Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 135, or 97 per cent.

Middle Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 133, or 95 per cent.

Junior Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 131, or 93 per cent.

"Washington School.
First Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 127, or 90 per cent.

Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 115, or 82 per cent.

Comins School.
First Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 125, or 89 per cent.

Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 108, or 77 per cent.

Dearborn School.
First Division — First Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 121, or 87 per cent.

Second Class.
The average No. of correct answers was 112, or 80 per cent.

SCHOOL REPORTS.

21

Francis Street School.
Tlio average number of correct answers was 113, or 81 per cent.

Dudley School.
First Division — First Class.
Tho average No. of correct answers was 98, or 70 per cent.

Second Class.
The averago No. of correct answers was 95, or 68 per cent.

TABULAR ABSTRACT.— Br Classes.

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25
25
23

9
16
20
19

9
20
25

Girls' High School — Senior Class
Middle "
Junior "
Washington School — First Class.
Second " .

Coniins School — First Class

Second "

Dearborn School — First Class ....
Second "

Francis St. School

Dudley School — First Class

Second "

135

5

97

3

133

7

95

5

131

9

93

7

127

13

90

10

115

25

82

18

125

15

89

11

108

32

77

23

121

19

87

13

112

28

80

20

113

27

81

19

98

42

70

30

95

45

68

32

m

16*

151

131

13*

14£

13*

141

14£

131

15

14*

TABULAR ABSTRACT. — Br Schools.

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Washington " . .

121

19

86

14

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Comins " .

117

23

83

17

14

39

Dearborn "

116

24

82

18

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Francis Street " . .

113

27

81

19

131

49

Dudley •• . .

97

43

69

31

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TABULAR ABSTRACT. — In the Aggregate.

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ALL THE SCHOOLS COMBINED.

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Summary of all

116

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83

17

U*

REPORT ON PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Examined May, 1858.

Besides the writer hereof, the Committee to whom was
assigned the annual examination, so called, of the Thirty-
three* Primary and Intermediate Schools of the City of
Roxbury, were Rev. Dr. Putnam, Ira Allen, M. D., Joshua
Seaver, and R. P. Anderson, Esqs. The absence of Dr.
Putnam, for a number of weeks, at the period of the Ex-
amination, gave him valid claim to be excused from
service, which was promptly discharged by the acting
Chairman of the School Committee, Dr. H. G. Morse.
The Committee on the Primary Schools performed their
labor mostly during the month of May, preceding immedi-
ately the close of the Spring Term. They found many of
the schools greatly thinned in number, and put back in at-
tainments, by the prevalence of an epidemic, (Measles,)
which had raged for weeks previously. From this cause,
some of the schools had been more than decimated, reach-
ing in a few cases to a reduction to half their usual at-
tendance. It must be plain, that the operation of such an
agency, just at the time of its existence, must have been a
serious hindrance to the favorable appearance of not a
few of the schools.

The schools examined by Dr. Allen were numbers 9, 10,
15, 16, 18, 19 and 22, being those in Vernon Street, Avon
Place, and Francis Street. Teachers : Misses Fay, Durant,
Backup, Adams, Russell, Rice, and Waldock. " Satisfac-
tory," and "very satisfactory," are the terms used by the

* By the completion of the new Primary School House on Heath
Place, the number of the Primary and Intermediate Schools is now
Thirty-four.

SCHOOL REPORTS. 23

examiner, in describing the state of these schools. The
largest number of pupils present (in No. 19, in Orange
Street,) was 75, the average belonging to the School being
87; the smallest attendance is in connection with the
School in Francis Street, 21. The largest per centage of
attendance is in the most numerous school, — Orange
Street, — 91.|, though Number 9, in Vernon Street,
nearly equals it, being plus 91; the lowest per cent.
of attendance is 79. These schools are generally large,
exceeding forty, and, in some cases, fifty scholars. Dr.
Allen thinks the number connected with Number 19, of
the Orange Street School, " altogether too many for one
teacher," and hopes " the new School House will soon be
completed, and better accommodations provided.''" Still
he found " the order good, and the school in a healthy con-
dition," which, in such circumstances of disadvantage, re-
flects, he well concludes, much credit on the teacher.
The school room of Number 10, in Vernon Street,
wants facilities for better ventilation. The First Class
in Number 9, of the same school, are using the text
books used in the Grammar School, by permission of the
Local Committee. This class consists of twenty-five, out
of nearly sixty, in the school. They might enter the
Grammar Schools, were room offered for that purpose.
The over crowded condition of several of the schools, is
due to the same cause.

Dr. Morse examined the four Schools in Yeoman Street,
under the instruction of Misses Jennison, Brown, Bab-
cock and Hosmer, which schools have an aggregate of 238
pupils, or an average of 59 J. " The examination was
every way satisfactory," "the teachers are faithful and effi-
cient." The classification of the schools, by which the
scholars pass from one to the other, through a graded
scale, is thought to promote progress, and was " so appa-
rent " to the examiner, that he recommends it for " adop-
tion in all cases where it is practicable." Seventy-five pu-

24 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

pils were admitted to the two lower schools, during the
quarter, and sixteen in the first were prepared for the
Grammar Schools at the time of the last promotion. The
per centage of attendance in two of these schools reaches
92, in the others 89 and 90.

Mr. Seaver examined the two schools on Smith Street
— teachers, Misses Waldock and Eaton, — the four schools
in Sudbury Street, taught by Misses Dickerman, Stone,
Bills and Williams, also the school at the Mill Dam, Miss
Holbrook's. Some of these schools, as that last named
depending on a floating population, and having pupils rang-
ing from 5 to 13 years of age, and the over crowded one in
Smith Street, labor under disadvantages which, however,
have been coped with in a successful manner. Mr. Seaver
speaks in one case of a little lack of energy in one of the
teachers, but applies the terms "well," and " excellent," to
the schools generally, which he examined. The per cent-
age of attendance in the Smith Street Schools, is 92 and
87; in the Sudbury Street, somewhat less. Speaking of
the matter of order, he says : " Of all the schools exam-
ined, a large majority of the scholars are children of for-
eigners, but the best order was manifested by those who
had the best teacher to govern, so that I do not wish to
hear that if a school is not well governed, or well taught,
it is because the pupils are foreign, for I believe the fault
is in the teacher."

The largest number of Schools examined by any one
member of the Committee, was by Mr. Anderson, ten in
all, being the two Schools in Centre Street, taught by
Misses "Wood and Morse, the two in Edinboro' Street,
Misses Savage and Hewes, the two in Eustis Street, taught
by Misses Wales and Davis, the two in Sumner Street,
Misses Young and Neal, also the Monroe and Washington
Street Schools, under the instruction of Misses Chenery
and Duncklee. He speaks of these schools, for the most
part, in terms of commendation, as exhibiting "cleanli-

SCHOOL REPORTS. 25

ness," " goo<5 order," " contentment," and a * disciplfne,"
including affection, as a prominent element In all lie
found, in addition to the branches usually taught, phonet-
ics attended to. The manner of ingress and egress of the
school rooms on Centre Street, were found objectionable,
and the situation of the School on Washington Street is
noisy and bad, accounting, in a measure, for the lack
of order in the school, — if not for the want of proper
ventilation. The per centage of attendance in No. 23,
Centre Street, is 93. The largest is that of School
No. 5, Eustis Street, 95; No. 6, in the same building,
reaches 92.

The examination of the Intermediate School on Vernon
Street, taught by Miss Delia Mansfield and Miss N. L.
Tucker, was conducted in the Spring and Fall Terms, by
Messrs. Seaver and Anderson, both of whom speak of the
the School in warm commendation. The 'programme of
studies, as submitted by the teachers, shows a defined aim,
which includes, very manifestly, the idea of efficiency and
progress.

The Schools not already enumerated, were examined, so
far as he was able to attend to that service, by Mr. Olm-
stead. These were the Schools in Heath Street, taught
by Miss Heath, Winthrop Street, by Miss Brooks, and the
two Schools in Elm Street, under the tuition of Misses
Dudley and Scammell. The per centage of attendance,
owing to the cause named at the beginning of the Report,
has not been up to the usual average, ranging from some
seventy to eighty, and more. The schools, especially
those in the Fifth Ward, were found in a good condition,
in respect both of discipline and teaching. The Heath
Street School labors under the disadvantage of being the
only one, in a large territory, where there is a demand
for Grammar School instruction, besides being, as com-
pared with nearly all the others, newly organized. The
keeping of such a school requires qualifications, not alone
4

26 CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

of experience, and knowledge, and character, but of adap-
tation. Your Committee are impressed with the need of
the presence of this element in the guidance, especially, of
our Primary Schools. The pupil is taken here at. an age
of great susceptibility to the moulding influence of sympa-
thy, and of the hand that almost instinctively touches the
delicate springs of opening being and character. One
cannot pass through these schools without marking how
important is the possession of this power. He will be
led to question, we think, whether beyond a certain age in
the teachers, especially of such schools, that power, with
rare exceptions, does not begin to decay.

Since the foregoing was written, the Fall examination
of the Primary and Intermediate Schools of the City, has
been assigned to the same Committee, who have, without
exception, performed the duty faithfully. The attendance,
generally, was found better than at the annual examina-
tion, but complaint in most cases was made of the loss of
the most advanced pupils, by promotion to the Grammar
Schools. The Committee bear uniform testimony on points
of order, and of general features, in the schools. They are
reported, with almost no exception, in a healthy and good
condition. In the matter of phonetic, and other vocal
drill — in some cases singing included — the Committee
found a difference. In a few schools singing seems at
such a discount, as to have nearly or quite ceased, as an
exercise ; in others there was no method of physical exci-
tation, and discipline, by means of varied positions; in yet
others, the drill by analysation, if ever adopted, had gone
into disuse. Decline in all these respects is lamented, on
grounds as well of wholesome diversion to very young
minds, as of other utility. It must be clear that the chil-
dren in our Primary Schools need, quite as much as good
instruction, a certain tact in the use of proper expedients
for the right play and employment of the juvenile restless-
ness, and the enthusiastic sport which, at so early an age,

SCHOOL REPORTS. 27

assert themselves. The mind is then commonly less active
than the body, and the mental far less than the flow of an-
imal spirits. Formation is what is now wanted, and in its
development the teacher should know well how to touch
the right " strings," and make thus good music on those
immortal instruments, with which, for a brief season, she is
largely entrusted.

To do this well, is quite as needful and important, as
the most successful rudimentary teaching. Your Commit-
tee believe this qualification — including, always, the right
moral influence — can never be kept too distinctly before
the minds of our Primary School Teachers — teachers
whose vocation, as one of normal influence and power,
yields to no other.

J. W. OLMSTEAD.

2S

CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 1%.

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CITY DOCUMENT. — No. 12.

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Yeoman Street.

Eustis Street. . .
Sumner Street.

Eustis Street. . .
Vernon Street.

Sudbury Street.
Avon Place. . ..

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(3

No. 1. Sarah T. Jennison.

2. Eliza Brown. . . .

3. Sarah 0. Babcock.

4. Sarah H. Hosmer.

5. Margaret E. Davis. .

6. Maria L. Young. . .

7. Mary F. Neal. . . .

8. Emma C. Wales. . .

9. Harriet H. Fay. . .

10. Susannah L. Durant.

11. Sophia L. Stone. . .

12. Charlotte Williams. .

13. Cornelia J. Bills. . .

14. Sarah E. Field. . .

15. Ann M. Backup. . .

16. Clara M. Adams. . .

17. Sarah W. Holbrook. .

18. Almira B. Russell.

SCHOOL REPORTS.

31

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SCHOOL COMMITTEE, FOE 1859.

ELECTED AT LARGE.

George Putnam, Arial I. Cummings, William A. Crafts.

ELECTED BY "WARDS.

Ward 1. — Horatio G.Morse, Franklin Williams.
" 2. — Joshua Seaver, Ira Allen.
" 3. — Timothy R. Nute, Richard Garvey.
" 4. — Joseph N. Brewer, John W. Olmstead.
" 5. — Edwin Ray, Robert P. Anderson.