[47] eleven months each. At the examination of the primary schools (within the peninsula) 486 children were present out of a total of 580. The first two classes of the grammar schools were publicly examined in the Town Hall, by a special vote of the trustees. ‘It is believed that an annual examination of this character would be exceedingly beneficial and would excite in no small degree a deeper interest in the public schools.’ Four hundred and eighty-seven pupils were present, although the rolls exhibit 641 names. There are now ten primary and five grammar and writing schools within the Neck, and four common schools beyond the peninsula, making nineteen :schools supported at the public expense, and comprising 1,432 children. All the schools show a fearful list of absences; thus nearly one-fourth of the good effect ‘is suffered to pass away.’
Seven thousand dollars is asked for next year, and as ‘the brick school at (the Neck is suffering for want of immediate repairs, an additional appropriation of $400’ is asked for that purpose.
‘Several citizens in the village beyond the canal bridge make a request that the school boundaries in that part of the town be so altered as to admit their children to attend the school at the Neck. It will be recollected that the present boundaries were established several years since, at the time when the Winter Hill schoolhouse was built in consequence of their special application.’
It is voted to retain the children in school until the age of fifteen.
The trustees' records give as additional information for this year the fact that the school districts were re-numbered, that at Winter Hill being known henceforth as No. 4, that at Milk Row as No. 5, the one in the Alewife Brook neighborhood as No. 6, and the one at the extremity of the town as No. 7. Mr. Tenney had the care of No. 4 and No. 5 Mr. Wyman of No. 6 and No. 7.
The summer schools were examined Wednesday, October 14, and the teachers, according to this numbering, were Miss Mary Dodge, Miss Catherine Blanchard, Miss M. Whittemore, and Miss Maria A. Stearns. The two former received $112, the two latter $78.
