Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1860-12-06

III. Edd0r:-In n recent number II Tie
Gazette / noticed one paragraph, which sug
geSted several ideas and arguments in respect
to tie subject named above. \ Epu spoke Of
the recess Of the public schools as being a
nuisance" Not doubling your wise use of
language, | wish to call the attention of the
citizens Of LewistOw2 to a few considerations,
which, if they do not produce immediate ne
ton toward Union school will at least
elicit some discussion Of the matter.
| suppose the reccsses are " a nuisance
for two reasons first, because the children
are on the street, and therefore eery liable 10
be in somebody's way, and second. because
they make such an amazing quantity If noise,
not of the most musical quality,
Every one believes in the utility nf recess
es, for the purpose of affordipg both teacher
and pupil opportunity for RELAXATION, Cor re-
gaining vigor and freshness Of mind. This
implies some active, merry exercise, which in
turn, implies sufficient room to move in. In
the yard near your Office are from two hun
dred and fifty to three hundred scholars: Of
course the recess for all the schools taught
there must be at the same time, otherwise you
can imagine the vocal power necessary in any
school while the other schools were having a
recess. All being out together, the yard
seems prison; there is hardly any room for
them to turn around; so they pour out into
the street and naturally make recess just
what you called it Il nuiSanca." 1t is mora
or less so Of all the other schools in the Dor
ough and III the present ntarrangementof school
buildings, it cannot be otherwise. The unc
remedy for this evil, OF annoyance and the
one grand improvement now needed here,
is a Union school house. large enough to ac-
commodate all the schools in the borough,
with proper regard to its probable growth,
and surrounded by grounds sufficiently am
pie to give room for all necessary recreationS
Some of the more important advantages
resulting from a Union school are these:-lst
A more complete graduation and classified
ton of scholars could be effected than is pos
sible now. This would bring together those
Of the same degree of advancement, and
from the apportonment of classes that could
thus be made, teachers would have more time
for every recitation and could pursue more
thorough and full systematic course Of in.
struction. This remark may seem Of slight
moment to those who are not familiar with
the workings of scholars but those who are
familiar with these, will recognize its great
Importance.
2d:-There might and should be a regu
lar course Of instruction. from the Alphabet
through the studies usually taught in the best
Academies, arranged for each session and for
each school. thus forming complete SYSTEM
of instruction open to every child in Lewis
town, a system, which if properly passed
through. would give as full and useful an
education as is now attainable outside Of Col
leges and very few Sem;naries.
3d:-There would, Of course, be Princi-
pal whose qualifications and experience
would be a careful supervision and success
full operation of the whole. Assistants would
naturally be continued for series of years,
if properly qualified, and thus the school
would have dignity and permanent charac-
ter highly beneficial to pupils, and eminent
ly honorable to the town,
Other important advantages might be men
toned as the preservation of the health OF
teachers and scholars, which the present high
school building does not secure; ; the great
benefit of having one responsible person at
the head of the schools here, giving system
and efficiency to all. Suth lent has been said
to show the desirableness Of Union school
house
How about the cost? am confident some
plan can be devised by which the burden o1
erecting suitable building may not fall
heavily on the people Of Lewistown for any
enc year, or for series of years. Of course
the tax would necessarily be increased tc
some extent, but not so as to be seriously trou
blesome TO any. | do not propose to Offer
any plan: doubtless there are men who take
an interest in this matter, who will commun
icate some plan. 1t sufices for nay presen
purpose, to call public attention to the sub
ject by suggesting some considerations tina
seem to me full of importance.
LeBistown has good churches let her als'
have a good school building worthy of bel
beautiful situation, afording the best Of edu
cational advantages to her children, and prov
ing the wisdom, generosity and public spiri
| of her citizens. :.