Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1870-06-18
For the Register.
Graded Schools.

NJ. Ep,roR II think Of no change
in our Free Schools more desirable Than
thorough .vslem Of graduation. This we
may no, be able to accomplish at present
excep. 10 the towns. But there certainly
is no good reason why we may mol os'e
oar schools in Shepherdsto"n. Charles
town and Hsrper's Ferry, Thoroughly
graded. &C.
The present policy seems tobe' 10 es'
,,bIish Primary School in the various
corners OF the town. wherever a nut Of
snf;cieni dimensions TO take in IRON My
70 a hundred children can be secured.
These buildings. too many oil them, are
badly lighted. badly heated. badly ven'lIs-
led. Frequently there is no play ground
save perhaps q mujhole or dirty street. in
front. TO these pieces we send our
children. someiimes more than hundred
in place. Of all ages and sizes, and Of
different stages Of advancement, TO sit on
sears-if there is room for ihem-con-
s,ruc,ed without regard either 10 beauty,
comfor, or the laws Of ply sioiogy. II
the children get sick Of being so uncom-
fottsbly stalled, and don't want 10 attend
The school. we blame The teacher. No"
how can this abuse be remedIed
Let Us pvt tie towns or vlllages, such
as Shephertstown, Harper's Ferry and
Charlastowu, each into one district
whether they belong to one or more town
ships. as The law provides. See ,. H.,
page 5, Sec. 10 Then sell our old
school houses win The lots for stores and
stables and select in some central location
The most prominent acre of ground. new
er less) INA, can be found and build there
on school house with lour or more SUIT
able rooms, such as will be an ornament
10 The town. HE PRIDE OF both parents and
children. 1t is less expense to secure
four good rooms under one ROOT. than I'M
der four, while four ordinary school lots
will Just about make one good one. II
desired, the 10, may be divided, giving
the boys and girls separate yards. though
my preference is that The play ground oe
undivided Then let the school be care
fully graded. putting the beginners IN
class by themselves under a comPeienIta-
DIV Iescher-men are not FIT ID tesch chH'
dren. Those further advanced III 30 In
iermeGisle School under another teacher
Then establish a Grammar School Tor
those sill lUriher advanced with first
class man al the head Of it; and when HE
time comes high School.
There are msnv advantages in such
classification. The same teaching lorce
can accomplish fully double the work.
One teacher can better teach fifty pupils.
who are all IN one class than twenty pick
ed Up promiscuou>ly. Such school
properly managed, offers a strong Incen.
tive 10 study.
Let i, be understood that once IN three
months their will be public examination
by Tie County Superintendent IN he
presence Of parents and visitors, and that
those only are promoted TO higher
school who successfully pass an exami'
nation. Then me children will begin to
be ambitious to excel. Lea there be
regular course Of study established in tho
Grammar and High School. and lie. those
who Grish those courses receive suitable
Diplomas.
Let US, If we have not already, make
our Free Schools the very best in the
community, so as to challenge the patron
age Of all classes o. our citizens.
A VOTER.