Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-07-16
WASHINGTON co. COMMON SCHOOL
CONVENTION

UNIV
Agrceably to the call of the County Supernten
dent of Common Schools for the County of Wash
ington, goodly number of Town Superintendent
Clergymen, Teachers &c. met at the Free Churcl
in Montpelier, June %, at ten o'clock, a. M. The
meeting was called 10 order by the County Super
intendent, and the Convention was organized I'M
medatcly and permanently by the election of Rev
+. ]. Scott of Montpelier, Chairman; G. w. IL
Dwinnell of Marshfed, Secretary, and H. P. Cush-
ing, Asst Secretary.
Prayer by the Rev. Mr. IIozen.
r. Wheeler, d. P. Thompson and L. j. Scott
were appointed Committee of Business.
Mr.. Gillian of Ncw-York was then introduced
to the Convention, and requested TO take part in the
discussions of the Convention. Mr.. Gillian arose
and briefly replied to the request
Mr.. Coburn Of Montpelier then addressed the
Convention on the calling of the Teacher.
Adjourned to half past one p NJ.
AFTERNOON.
Prayer by the Rev. Mr.. Manser.
Mr.. Gillian then introduced Mr. Towns Chart OF
Elementary Sounds, and with explanatory remarks,
read the exercises Of the Chart.
An address by Hon. ]. +. Kedield was then de-
livered, upon the government Of Common Schools.
The Committee of Business then presented Sc
rics Of resolutions, which we're accepted by the
Convention.
Hon. Mr.. Eaton then addressed the Convention,
setting forth the situation and condition Of the
public Schools in this State.
The resolutions then came up for discussion
Nlessrs. Gridley, Colburu, Worcester, Gillian and
others taking part. Each resolution being taken
separately and discussed, was adopted.
Voted, that thanks be rendered to the several
speakers of this Convention for their services.
Voted, that the Secretary present copy of the
proceedings Of this Convention, to the publishers
Of this town, with a request for its publication.
Voted, to adjourn sine die.
RESOLUTIONS.
|. Resolved, That the course Of instruction in
common schools, ought to be so ample and various
as to meet the wants of all classes of community,
who shall attend them
9. Resolved, That, as man possesses both moral
and an intellectual nature, it is the duty of the
Teacher to cultivate the Heart as well as the Head,
to educate the youth in the great duty OF being
good and doing good.
3. Resolred, That the profession of a public
school Teachers one OF the nobest and most USE
full: and that, all efforts to prepare those intending
to devote themselves to this high calling, for the
more intelligent discharge of their responsible du-
ties, merit the favorable consideration and encour-
agement Of every friend of education and humanity.
a. ReSolccd, That Teachers Institutes ard drills
are among the most efficient means Of elevang the
business of teaching TO Its own proper eminence.
D. RESOLVED, That Committee of seven be APP
pointed by the chair to consider the subject, and if
practicable make the necessary arrangements for
establishing Teachers Institute on the less ex-
pensive arrangement of drills, in this county, the
ensuing autumn.
6. ReSolred, That it is important that Town ST.
perintendents endeavor to establish Teachers as
socations in their respective towns, for an inter
change of opinions, the discussion of different
modes of teaching and TO take into consideration
generally, the best means to promote the interests
of education.
2. Reso'ved, That the cause of popular education
would be greatly advanced by more frequent visits
of Committees, Parents, Guardians, &c. at the
School House; and to accomplish this important
object, we recommend TO the inhabitants of each
school District to enter into an arrangement to
visit their school in rotation every week Of its con-
tinuancc.
BY Rev. Mr., Scott:
Resolved That as the friend of Common School
education, we deprecate and will dscountenance
all attempts from whatever to create or fos
ter an unriendly feeling towards the higher inst-
tutions of learning.
Resoired, That the introduction of vocal music
into our schools is cordially approved by this Con-
vention, and recommended combining the
happiest and purest moral influences, with the
strongest incentives 10 order, quiet and harmony,
on the part of the pupils.
RESOLVED, That convenient play grounds and
small yards for the cultivation Of flowers, should be
connected with our school houses,