Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1867-07-17
Our City Schools.

School No. /. Those who were present
during the closing exercises were much pleased
by the signs of progress manifested by the pu-
pills, and felt satisfied that Prof Bernhard and
his WORTH assistants had faithfully performed
the important duties imposed on them. Union
scheo1 No. comprises ten grades three pri-
mary, tire. intermediate, three grammar, and
the upper grade.
Monday afternoon was devoted to the exam
nation of the three primary divisions, and we
were surprised to Witness the manner in which
the little boys and girls could draw, write and
lsing. The first thing placed in the hands of a
child in this school is a slate and pencil. Let
tiers and simple pictures are drawn by the
TEACHER on the black board, and the young be-
ginners copy them on their states. They
thus become familiar with the form of letters,
and early accustom the eye and hand to skill
full exercise This manner of teaching is a
great Improvement over the old way of com
peling child to prattle over his A, B, G, like
a sensless parrot.
Tuesday was devoted to An examination Of
the three intermediate an lower grammar de-
partments. The principal studies pursued IN
the intermediate department. are reading wri-
ting, drawing, geography, arithmetic and his
tory. One interesting feature of the examina-
ton on this day was declarations from Good
richs Uni versal History, which is he
text book used by the history class. TIL
a, sod +l,
distinct articulation, and very correct pronun-
citation.
On Wednesday was completed the exainina-
ton of the remaining departmehtsof the school.
The examination of the class ia mental and
written arithmetic and algebra showed a
thorough instruction of the pupils in those
sciences, and knowledge on their part of the
intimate relation which these kindred branches
ercises in spelling were accompanied by defn=
itions and Derivation of words. In the after
noon classes were examined in Latin, En- glish
and German grammar, and in physical geogra-
ply. A comparison was made, showing the
similarity in the construction of these lam
gdages, and the differences existing between
them. The exercises in physical geography
were illustrated by numerous specimens show
ing the formation Of the various geological
strata which constitute the exterior OF the
globe. The geoloo zeal specimens which we
saw were collected by Prof Bernhard, and
comprised Lake Superior iron and copper, Ca
and metamorphic rocks, fossils and corals.
Those ofour citizens who have rare or curl Gus
specimens of minerals, rock or fossils would
confer great benefit to the cause of education
By donating the same to Prof. Bernhard for
the use of the school. good geological cabi-
net il of amo=t incaculabe value to students
IN physical, geography, chemistry or geology.
Drawing is taught in all the departments,
and the scholars manifested great proficiency
in the art. A collection of some of the best
drawings are hung n the school-foom, with
the artists name attached. We were partic u =
larly pleased with the drawings of Master R.
Achtenhagen, while the works of many Others
were praisewort by. -
On Friday afternoon the scholars of the
schools to the number of some 600 enjoyed q
delightful pic mic in Richards grove. Many
pleased to witness the innocent sports and rec
reations Of the children.
The Superintendent complains very mG ch
about the poor attendance Of good many
cboJar Last -
keep their children out Of school for any tri-
fling cause. This should rot be So The ex-
penses such as teachers wages, &c, are all The
same whether the school s well filled or half
glad to learn that it is the intention of the Su-
perintendent to strictly enforce the rules AMI
regulations in that respect upon the beginning
of next term. Scholars absenting themselves
| from school without beig properly excused
for very good reasons, will 10 their seats aud
not be re-admitted during tie term. Exper-
fence shows that irregular scholars make, III al
most every case, very poor progress; and MAJ
ny parents, instead of seeing that aud sending
their children regularly complain about poor
schools and teachers A new set of rules and
regulations, defining the<duties Of teachers and
regulating the whole course of the schools,
based on the Union school system will be laid
before the Board of Education for adoption,
anG if adopted, will be en- forced from the be-
ginning of next term.
The schools will be opened again on the 1st
Monday in September, when the new Union
school house will be also ready. 1t is the in
tenton of the Board Of Education to abolish
all the old ward schools, and unite the scholars
houses, with perhaps the exception of prima-
ry school in the 9Th ward, and one at Richard
grove. The advantages ola well regulated and
c=z,lad cahacl l-arat r, larcc boa