Library Collections: Document: Full Text

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES.

PERKINS INSTITUTION AND MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND, SOUTH BOSTON, October 9, 1895.

To the Members of the Corporation.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN : -- The finance committee of the trustees, as authorized after full discussion at your last annual meeting, has decided to close the fiscal year one month earlier than hitherto, namely, on August 31, in order to give the time needed for preparing the reports of the treasurer and auditors for your meeting today. Hence our present report covers eleven months, from October 1, 1894, to August 31, 1895.

We are glad to report that the institution continues to prosper in all its branches, and to receive the approval and sympathy of the public. While we have no marked changes to record, there has been steady progress everywhere, and there is every reason to be thankful and gratified at the results of the year's work.

The number of pupils, as the following table shows, has increased materially: --

The health of the pupils has been very good. There has been one death at the Massachusetts General Hospital from pneumonia, and one during the summer vacation from pulmonary consumption, in addition, to the much lamented decease of Mr. Thomas Reeves, the talented, faithful and beloved head of the musical department.

The teachers have been earnest and skilful, the pupils industrious and successful.

Daily physical exercise, both in and out doors, has been required of all, except where valid reasons have prevented, and has received close attention. Our admirably equipped gymnasium and skilful instructors have contributed to its effectiveness.

In the literary department the instruction, which includes nearly all the branches taught in the best New England academies, still aims less at the accumulation of facts than to develop the pupils' minds, and to teach them to observe, to reason and to express themselves clearly and simply.

Music continues to receive a very much greater share of attention than in schools for the sighted, because in its study and practice the blind arc less at a disadvantage than in other matters, and because hence it affords them a less difficult means of support.

Manual training, conducted especially with a view to its educational effect, has had much attention.