[68] 639; in the four schools without the peninsula, 280; making a total of 1,529. The lamentable number of absences is :commented upon. ‘These absentees hang like a dead weight about the school; the course of instruction is greatly interrupted, and those who are punctual and constant are retarded in their progress. The remedy is alone with the parents.’
The Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Charlestown Free Schools, adopted by the Board of Trustees, and bearing the date, January 1, 1833, is of interest at this point. After stating the age at which children may attend the primary and the grammar schools (from four to eight, and from eight to fifteen), the hours for the school session are given,—8 to 11 and 2 to 5, from April 1 to October 1; 9 to 12 and 2 to 5 during the other half year, except on short days, when the Schools may be closed at sunset. Instructors are to be in their rooms and to ring the bell ten minutes before the time of opening school. After the school is opened, no scholar shall be admitted without written excuse from his parent or guardian. Each school is divided into four classes, sub-divisions to be left to the teacher.
The holidays shall be Wednesday and Saturday afternoons; Election Day in January; Fast Day and the day after examinations in April; Monday, June 1, and June 17; July 4; in August, the time of meeting of the American Institute of Instruction and the day bf Commencement at Harvard; the day after examinations in October; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day. These rules are to, be enforced in the schools outside the Neck so far as is advisable. This year, also, changes were made in the curriculum, and the following list was authorized and approved:—
Fourth class, primary, alphabetical charts, words of two syllables.
Third class, Introduction to the National Spelling Book, Worcester's Second Book.
Second class, Emerson's National Spelling Book, Easy Reader, Worcester's Second Book.
First class, the New Testament, Emerson's National Spelling Book, the Analytical Reader, Hall's Geography, Arithmetic Cards.
