Small Haynerville Schools' Big Impact On The Future
As you know, Haynerville School , District no. 8. is just one of many small schools in this area. However, this school makes a big impact our our community. The students and teachers here,along with all over the town,are very dedicated. Some students have to walk over a mile just to get to school every day, if the weather conditions are unfavorable, making it difficult for the students, they have to find their way to school! Even though farm and house chores are their primary responsibility, students continue to attend school almost every day.
Who? Family and community members from Brunswick.
What? School Picnic and Entertainment
When? November 19
Where? Haynerville, NY
Fall Time Fun!
All students including their families of this community are invited to attend a fall picnic that is commencing at 1 o’clock PM, next saturday. Music will be provided by the Excelsior Band. Other entertainment includes recitations of “The Little Boy’s Lament” by Herbert Hayner, as well as a five-act comedy show by Punkin Ridge. This event is of no-charge to attend. This day is sure to bring joy to all who attend. As most of you are aware, William H. Frear is a successful merchant in Troy. His Company, Frear’s Troy Bazaar, will be sponsoring this event for his deep appreciation of his Brunswick patrons. Even though, thanksgiving is coming up, we hope to see everyone there.
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Congratulations to our Eighth Grade Graduates!
Every year, Brunswick Common schools celebrates their eighth graders achievement by having a formal commencement ceremony at one of the town’s local churches. Last year’s commencement was held at the Gilead Lutheran Church in Brunswick. We were excited to celebrate the student’s achievement. This years cerminony is currently being planned. The teachers of all the local schools are already coming together to make sure this years ceremony is just as memorable as the previous years.
School Has Started
For the parents of students who have entered school
for the first time this semester, I implore that you read this article. You may also care to share this article with your children as well.
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Inside Haynerville School
A mere two months ago, the school year started. This was a very exciting time for Haynerville students to get back to school and learn the 3 R’s as well as to socialize with other children of the community. The teacher, Ms. Lillian Flower, welcomed all the new and returning students and was so happy to see all the new faces. Each year, there are about 30 students who attend this school.
Day to Day Affair
The school day begins with the ringing of the bell, which beckons all students to the school house. The teacher rings the bell at 9 O’clock AM sharp each morning. All students must be seated at their desks, with their books which are usually wrapped with a leather strap, by the time the bell has finished its last ring. Students will be provided with writing tablets made from slate and waltham brand crayons. Ink pens are also available, however, students must take care not to spill the ink that they are provided with.
Students learn from books that may include Swinton’s Word Primer, First Lessons Geography, Smith’s Grammar School Speller, Harvey’s Revised English Grammar, Progressive Intellectual Arithmetic, Better English Higher Book, and Cyr’s Second Reader.
All students from grades kindergarten to fifth grade sit in one fairly large room each morning. “It was quite common, though, that you didn’t know what grade you were in… in this type of school you will proceed as you are able, and the teacher can assess your knowledge in the terms of whether you arrived at a sixth grade level or a eighth grade level.” -Ms. Mildred McChesney. Before the learning starts, the pledge of allegiance is recited. Each day,at noon, the students are dismissed for lunch. Students may choose to walk home for lunch or stay at school and eat the lunch that they have prepared in their tin lunch pail. Students who remain at school, shall eat their lunch at their desks. During this fall and upcoming winter months, while the furnace is used to heat the school, students are welcome to bring a raw potato, which they are allowed to place on the furnace. They will have a hot baked potato by the time the students are dismissed for lunch. After the students have finished eating their lunch, they are welcome to go outside and play in the school yard. Students play games, such as baseball, hide and seek, jump-rope, kick-the-can, or hopscotch. Following the children playing, classes resume from 1 O’clock PM to 3 O’clock PM, at which point all students are dismissed for the day.
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The Foundation
The history of education helps people to understand how the community that they are part of has become what it is today.
If the students of Haynerville don’t know the history of their school, it’s hard for them to know who they are. It all started in 1851, when Henry Hayner decided to be the granter of district number 8, also known as the Haynerville school. The deed was recorded March 22 of that year. Haynerville school wouldn’t be there today, if it weren’t for Mr. Hayner’s generosity.
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After Haynerville School
After the completion of 5th grade, students
are welcomed to finish their grade school education at one of the other community schools within the township of Brunswick. Some schools that they may wish to attend include Cooksboro, Cropseyville or Raymertown school.
High School
High school is not always the best option for the former students of Haynerville school because they must pay a tuition fee to attend.It might be impossible for some students to walk to these schools. Students will either have to find their own transportation or board with someone in the city. “Travel over dirt roads is slow. So a trip to Troy takes all day,” - Shirley Hakes interview of Mrs. Brigham Morrison. In addition, dropout rates are fairly high.It is estimated that 10% of high school students end up dropping out of school. In high school there usually fewer students in grades 10,11, and 12, than in grade 9, because of these dropout rates. It may be more reasonable to get a job on a farm or local mill or factory. High school is a very good way to increase your education level, but for some students it is just not practical. Students who wish to pursue education at the junior and senior high school levels, will be welcomed by either Troy or Lansingburgh schools. For those who moved forward with their education this fall, we wish them luck in high school.
-Kerianne Bugbee
(Brunswick Historical Society)
(Rensselaer County Historical Society)
(Brunswick Historical Society)
(Brunswick Historical Society)