Union County star and Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1859-1864, 1862-10-24
COMMON SCHOOLS.

COMMON SCHOOLS.
As the time is fas, approaching whe,
most of our free schools are to commenc
their winter term, word 10 parents an
directors may not be out of place. Th
great object of these schools is to develol
the pative talent of the young Of all clas
ses of society, store their minds with sount
practical knowledge, and thus prepare then
for lives of usefulness.
In order to attain this OF ject there mus
be hearty cooperation of teachers, pa
rents, and directors. Without it, the bes'
plans and efforts of the teacher will te
almost fruitless. Especially should The
directors stand By the teacher. Ii they
listen to the few in every district who arr
always grumbling about the teacher, a dis
turbauce in the school is soon created, and
his influence for good destroyed.
Directors should examine school houses
before the schools open, and see that they
are in good repair. How often does the
heart of the teacher become discouraged
as be cutters the school-room the hrs
morning to begia his school. A dozen
panes Of glass broken, four or fse desks
loose, a DOT covered with dirt, stove CRATE
broken, 20 wood to kindle the fire, no
broom-all because the directors have ueg-
lccted their duty.
Directors should remember that it is
.L-;- Inir ta risit the schools every month
In some districts this duty is almost en-
tirely eglected, to the great discourage
ment of the teacher. The Secretary should
carry with him, on these visits, orders OIL
the Treasurer Of the districts for those
teachers to whom they are due. We have
known teachers who, after having labored
hard to earn their salary, bad to travel
eight miles in one direction to the Secrc-
tsry for an order, three or four in smother
to get the signature Of the President, aud
in still another direction for the Treasurer
Parents should, if possible, send their
children on the first day Of the term.
Those who como in few weeks or mouth
after the school has commenced, lose the
bcuri, of what their classes have already
passed over. They should also send them
every day. You soon discourage your
child by seudips hin one day and keeping
bin at home the next. lie gets behind
his class. Ddrin, his absence, his teach
er has explained to the rest Of the class
some difficult principle, or problem, or
rule, which they now understand, but the
one who was absent does not. He tries to
overtskc bis class, but fails. lie becomes
discouraged, and makes bu, little progress.
Parents should not neglect to procure
for their children the necessary books,
pens, ink, paper, slate pencils, &c. Many
. precious hour is wasted just because
these articles are wanting. A carpenter
can not get along very well without tools,
nor 3 farmer without the proper imple-
ments, neither can student be expected
TO make much progress without necessary
books.
Make your children study at home dur
Jog the long winter evenings. In towns,
especially, are the children allowed to run
tho streets aud loaf around in the stores
and shops after night, wien they should
be at their books.
Psreuts, make it your business TO visit
the schools, frequently. The true teacher
will always gladly welcome you, and the
smiling faces Of your children will show
that they arc not displeased. Parental
visits are encouraging both to the teacher
aud scholar.
IL directors and parents pursue a course
similar to tho one indicated above, much
good will be accomplished in our schools
during the coming wiuter.-.MMinLury
1etegraph.