The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-09-26

who may this year decide that but one
kind of books shall be used in their
schools. If it is not convenient to give
printed notice, written handbills, posted in
two or three conspicuous places, would
answer the same purpose.
~. Many schoolhouses are not prop
erly ventilated. This defect in their con-
struction may be easily remedied by eau
sing three or four windows in each of
them to 6opcer from the top. The improve
ment will cost but mere trife, and the
health and comfort of pupils absolutely
demand that it should be made.
V. That provision of the School Law
which requires the president of every
board of directors to take sufficient bonds
from the treasurer and collector, it is ho-
ped, has not been neglected in any district
in the county during the present year.
Serious loss has heretofore resulted from
failure to comply with this provision of
the law. If this duty has been neglected
by any president, it is not yet too late to
exact the Unnecessary bonds. Thelaw holds
the president who neglects it responsible
for all losses which may ensue.
VI. Directors mast legy tac and keep
open the schools. This duty Of directors is
plainly defined by the State Superinten-
dent and the Attorney-General in the July
number of the School Journal for the cur
rent year, pages Il and 13. The penalty
for neglect Of duty is removal from Office
by the Court Of Quarter Sessions, upon
complaint of six taxpayers residing in the
district where the schools have not been
opened. See sec. 9, page Ii, of the Com
mon School Law.
VII. Directors are requested not to cut
docn the aoages Of teachers. They should
rather address themselves to the task of
urging prompt collections by collectors, SO
that teachers can be paid their wages
when earned. 1t is very poor policy
that cuts down the wages of teachers and
then asks them to wait long and dreary
months for their pay Directors need not
expect to secure the services of good
teachers unless they are willing to pay
fair wages with reasonable promptness.
TO TEACHERS.
I. I have no hesitation in making pub
lie the fact that there will be demand
in many of tire districts of the county for
a 5etter class Of teachers than that which
had charge of the schools last winter
Worthy teachers who last winter found
employment in the county, will have no
difficulty in obtaining their old situations !;
but, on the other hand, those who proved
themselves unworthy, either in scholar
ship, government, or general department,
will be rejected. Directors feel the ne
cessity of this discrimination, and, SO Ear
as duty requires me, [ will aid in carry
ing out their wishes. Worthy teachers
are therefore encouraged to attend the
examinations. Ihcy are Wanted.
IL Teachers who intend to make ap-
plication for situations are referred to the
June number of the School Journal, page
1868, for information touching the qualifi-
cations that will be required for the differ
ent grades of Provisional certifcates.-
Those who are aware OF their deficiency
in any of the qualifications there enumer-
ated, will fnd it advisable to ''brush up"
Unless unaUoidod{y necessary, no certificate
will be issued with lower figure than 's4''
and. a, no case will certificate be issued
when the average would be less than ''3. !"
Sec pages SO and 80 of School Journal for
August The standard OF qualifications
must come up. The Department requires
it, and experience has demonstrated its
necessity.
III. Special attention is directed to the
branch of "Mental Arithmetic" and to
the new blank in the certificate upon the
's7heoay Of Teaching" In the former
teachers are advised to mako themselves
familiar with one of the many textbooks
in that science, and in the latter, some ac-
ouaintance with either 'sPage," "North-
end,' or the volumes of the School Jour
nal, with disposition to become an active
member of a District Institute, viii be
expected.
". At the District examinations no
Professional Certificates will be granted.
The examination of applicants for this
form of certificate viii take place at two
or three accessible points in the county,
after | have visited every teacher within
its limits. Public notice will be given OF
the time fixed for these examinations.
V. Teachers residing outside of Cam
bria county, and unknown to me, who
may apply for situations during the COM
ing Fall, are requested.to bring with them
certificates of moral character from some
creditable source. See page 1868 of School
Journal for June, section 2S6.
JAMES NJ. SWANK, Go. Supt
,~rowH, August 2S, 1861.