Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 4.

[p. 23] great dilligence in them and in their Instructors. The discipline is excellent without severity; and the method of teaching is most thorough and accurate. In these respects it is believed that our schools will bear a comparison with any similar institutions in the State.

It is a well known fact that children are apt to fall into idle habits and soon come to take little interest in Schools, which are neglected by their parents. The Committee cannot too strongly urge upon their fellow citizens the importance of visiting the public schools often, that they may encourage and stimulate both Teachers and Pupils by their attention, and see for themselves in what manner & with what results their money is expended. They should remember that their outlay for the purposes of education is invested in the character and best interest of the rising generation; and, that, if well employed, it will yield a return richer than any other expenditure. If parents would make the most of their advantages, let them cherish in their children a profound respect for the character and authority of their Instructors; and be careful that they are constant & punctual in their attendance at School. Much harm is often heedlessly done by complaining sometimes in the presence of pupils—without a sufficient knowledge of facts.

The Committee are of opinion that the appropriation of the last year has been profitably expended. They recommend the continuance of the present organization of the Public Schools, the usefulness of which becomes every year more apparent. They should be cherished as the pride and hope of the Town. Let every effort be made to sustain them at the highest point of excellence, that they may afford to all the means of a thorough practical education; that, in these seminaries, the children of the poor and the rich may be trained together, with feelings and principles in harmony with the genius of our institutions, which recognize no distinctions but such as arise from character.