The Van Buren press., 1871-12-26
A Word to the Patrons of Our Schools

know the people of Van Buren, are inter-
ested in the education of their children and a
few words from me on this subject will be
kindly received There are at present over
two hunalca end fifty pupils enrolled in the
public schools and the number is still increas-
ing The corps of teachers is larger than 1t
has ever been before, The daily average at
tendance during the present term has been
much better than 1t was last year, and the pu-
pills have made a fair degree of progress in
their respective grades These facts indicate
prosperity, and are, of fcourse gratifying to che
patrons. But should the question be asked
"have the schools done all the good possible !:
has their success been what 1t ought to have
been ~ we would be compelled to answer no.
l believe that more hearty cooperation of
the parents with the teachers and Board would
have produced results far more gratifying
Not that the people of this place are any
worse in this respect than those of other Sec
tions; 1t is n fault too coruanon with parents,
that they neglect the most sacred trust God
has given them, the education of their chill
drcn. Having elected Board to control the
schools, and seen that persons were employed
to do the teaching, they are prone to think
their duty ended. No greater mistake than
this could possibly be made. Their direct and
personal responsibility ends only when the
child has reached maturity, and is no longer
subject to parental authority. There are
many ways In which parents can assist the
teacher; and certainly with such great inter-
ests at stake. they ought to neglect no oppor-
tunity for doing so. Much Of the trouble
arising from irregularity In attendance might
be avertcd II the parents would only exercise
little jndicions care; pupils who are permit
ted to remain at home whenever the weather
Is too cold. " or >" too warm, " or unpleasant
In other respects, or whenever there chances
to be little extra work on hand, can make
but little progress In their studies, and always
impede the advancement Of their classes, The
habit which many pupils acquire of being al
ways tardy, is often due to the carelessness of
parents; yet this habitual tardiness is apt to
prove one of the most disastrous impediments
to success in after life. II is impossible for
the parent to judge correctly of his child's
comfort, conduct or advancement without
visiting the schools, yet how few ever take
the trouble to go there. have been connect
ed with the Van Buren, schools fourteen
and In that time not one fourth of
the patrons have made single visit, and not
one-half have asked me q single question
about the progress of their children. The
presence of a pafentin the school room en-
couragcs the child. and stimulates him to
greater effort; 1t conviuces him, more than
any thlng else could,of the interest that par
ent feels in his advancement. To secure the
punctuality of his children, and give encour.
agemcut to both teacher and pupil would cost
the parent but little effort. and yet would be
an incalcUlable advantage to the school
Probably the most pressing want of the
schools now isa larger and b,tter arranged
building The children of school age within
the city limits cannota all be accommodated In
the building now used !, and many outside the
district, ready and willing to pay tuition,
have been refused admlttance. The erection
OF n suitable building Is a matter that must
come before the people soon. and the sooner
1t Is considered the better. IL will involve
considerable expense, yet the expense will be
amply repaid in short time by the increased
1t will afford their children and
the advance In the vane Of their property the
presence Of a first class graded school would
cause.
To build up pnbic schools here unsurpass-
ed by any IN this or any other State should |
be the object Of the people. Education and |
that alone will insure to their children civil |
and religious liberty. Intelligence will be |
their only protection from the CALLING chains |
VI political despothm. In supporting the |
public schools, party and party pIejudices
should be forgotten; the Republican and the |
Democrat the Confederate and the Unionist
should act In perfect harmony; for the true
interests of all are equally at stake.
have written the above prompted by the
interest which my connection with the schools
now seyered-has created. and my desire to |
ee them prosper in the future. IL the par