The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1870-01-29
OUR SCHOOLS.

That Rock Island schools are fast taking
q hrst rank among the schools of the state
Is An indisputable fact, and we to ke pride
In thus referring to them. Yesterday We
took occasion to visit several of the depart.
ments, and were highly pleased with all
that We saw. From Superintendent Bemis,
We lesrd the following facts, that will be in
teresting to oil Of our citizens: There are EN-.
ployed twenty FIVE teachers, including Super
intendent and writing teacher, who daily
instruct over fifteen hundred pupils. The
schools occupy twenty.one rooms. OF these
nine are primary schools, and accom- modate
over half of the whole number of pupils en-
rolled, who attend on the half day system,
thus giving the teachers nearly double work,
and greatly benefsting the children. 1t has
been found that they learn more rapidly, give
the teacher less trouble, and allow accom-
modstions for double the number Of pupils
this demonstrating the great advantage OF
the half day system over the long TEDIOUS
health destroying intellect crsmPins ~no'e'
day system Besides these there are siA
intermediate departments averaging about
sixty pupils each; five grammar depart
mep,s averaging sixty scholars; and the
High School with nearly seventy students
under charge Of Mr.. Upton. And right
here we must say that we were exceedingly
we'll pleased to see so many of our citizens
and ladies attending the exercises of yes
terdsy afternoon in this department, as ii
shows the deep interest they have in the
success of this department of our grand
educational system. We would also say a
word of encouragement to the young ladies
aud gentlemen who read such excellent es-
says and acclaimed so acceptably. Patrons
of the schools, let US advise more of you to
take look in upon your children and their
teachers and see what they are doing. We
End that there are nine grades-of year
classes below the High School, and, that,
no room has more than two classes "A very
good change made by the board IN thus alb
sndoning the plan of large rooms with reci-
tation rooms. Another important feature
is written examinstions-a new thing We
believe in the schools, and which must be
attended with excellent results. In only
one Ward school did we find a principal.
OF the course of study, we did not have
time to post ourselves in, and therefore leave
this subject for some other tine. We are
assured, however, that one has been adopted
that will obyiate the necessity Of any OF our
vouug men and women going away from
home to attend schools, for want OF proper
instruction in the natural sciences and high
er msthe mates.
Let US urge upon you all-especislly you
who have children in the schools, to make
your visits TO the schools oftener-go and
&c what your children are dong, encourage
them as we'll as the teachers, by letting
hem know that your are interested in their
success. We are building up the city in
wealth of manufacturing, trade and com
merce, let us not forget the schools, for it is
these things that give character to g city
Good scho OILS are all powerful in inducing
people of refinement, of high literary cul
.ure, and wealth to settle in any place, and
they can only be made good, practical ard
servicable, as the people are interested in
them. Think OF these things, and let Us
meet more Of you IN the school room.