Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-01-03
For the spY.l.
PnhIic Schools.

The examinations of the public schools have
just closed, and the pupils will undoubtedly en-
JOY to the fullest ex tent, the New Year holidays
We believe that the schools generally have been
very successful during the past quarter. We
were unable to devote as much time as it is de-
sirable that every friend of education should give
to the examinations OF the various schools, but
we have felt amply repaid for the time which We
have bestowed, and feel assured that if parents
and citizens generally, as we'll as the Committees
would lay aside their ordinary pursuits during the
season of the school examinations, and employ
their time in visiting the schools, they would not
only be highly interested themselves, but would
thus silently exert very salutary influence upon
the schools.
We were particularly pleased with the examin-
alton and exhibition in the High School. In the
Rotations, sound and thorough scholarship
seemed to be the marked characteristic of the ex-
ercises, rather than superficial and snowy dis
play. And this was true of all the departments.
1t was not deemed sufficient that the pupils
should be able to pronounce Latin, Greek. and
French, correctly, and to translate elegantly and
with rapidity, but careful analysis of the Ian
guage was instituted, and the pupils were re-
quired to apply the rules of syntax and those for
the division OF syllables TO a practical purpose.
They were required also to render English into
the language they were acquiring, and to give
words in English which are from the same root
with given Latin word Considerable attention
was given to ancient geography, and the ready
answers of the scholars showed that this impor-
tant branch of classic education was by no
means neglected. We were exceedingly pleased
with the recitation in geometry, although the
lateness Of the hour rendered it difficult to dis
tlnguish the figures upon the blackboards.
The pupils were taught to reason not to com.
nit to memory-to understand, not simply to
recite glibly. 1t was this principle of thorough
lnstraction-which extended through every reci-
tation In the High School, to which we had the
pleasure of listening-that particularly pleased
us. Whatever is worth learning is worth learn
ing well;" and whatever is worthy of being
taught in this school, is evidently considered
worthy of being taught Thoroughly. We are
glad that such is the fact, and that the school is
subjected to strict and wholesome discipline, It
augurs well for the future prospects of the
school Scholars are inclined to prefer teachers
who will grant them the most indulgences, but
in after years, they will remember with greater
satisfaction those who obliged them if necessary,
to do their aohole duty,
Many of the declarations, readings, and COM
positions, were deserving especial commenda-
ton, and reflected great credit upon both pupils
and instructors.
We will say, in closing, to the citizens of Wor-
cester, you have public schools of every grade,
which are well worthy patronage and earnest co.
operatlon-schoos which ought to be the pride
OF every resident of the city See to it, that you
perform your whole duty in regard to them.