‘ [77] an extra portion of time for the purpose of giving instruction in this exercise is one of the proofs of their enthusiastic devotion.’
The report closes with a reference to the State Board of Education that has been lately established. An appropriation of $10,000 is asked for. $9,962 will be needed next year for teachers' salaries, against $9,415 of this year. ‘A sense of duty compels us to ask an appropriation of $200 for the repair of the schoolhouse in the Russell district. The building has not been repaired since its erection: the seats and benches are in bad condition, and the whole interior needs refitting.’
1838-1839.
The teachers of the district schools this season were: Mary W. J. Evans, of the Gardner; Clara D. Whittemore, of the Russell; Sarah M. Burnham, of Milk Row; Elizabeth P. Whittredge, of Prospect Hill; and Abby Mead, of Winter Hill road. May 9 Mr. Forster was authorized to procure a teacher until Miss Mead is able to take charge. Miss Ellen A. Damon was elected to this position June 11. These schools were assigned to the care of Messrs. Allen and Underwood for the trustees. They gave permission to children contiguous to the Neck who wished to attend the Neck school. It was they who had charge of the repairs made during the summer at the Russell school. ‘It was voted that the summer vacations this year be the first week in June and the last two weeks in August, and that the district schools be allowed a vacation every Wednesday afternoon during the summer.’ Voted that the form of Register received from the secretary of the Board of Education be adopted, and that the teachers begin with it the first of June, 1838. Voted that the board attend the convention at Lowell Monday, July 27, ‘and that teachers of the grammar schools be invited to attend with us.’Voted that a male teacher be elected for Winter Hill, to begin September 1, and continue until May 1. James Hovey received the appointment. Amos F. Allen was elected to the Prospect Hill school, Levi (should be Philemon R.) Russell to the Russell school, William R. Bagnall to Gardner Row, and Joel Pierce to the Milk Row school.
