Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1871-03-30
For the Republican.
THE SCHOOLS OF PLYMOUTH.

OF the hepuCf ican.
THE SCHOOLS OF PLYMOUTH.
We have recently taken occasion to
visit the various schools of this place,
with view OF aseertaining their condi-
tion. wants and necessities. and calling
attention TO Some things Of the utmost
importance to the growth and prosperity
of our town and county. That parents
are so negligent of their duty In visiting
the public schools, is matter TO be re-
GREETED. Yor': horse or COW turned out
to grass are. apparently, objects of more
concern than the children of youl school.
You at least visit the pasture field to sat
isfy yourself that The pasturage is good
and the wafer abundant; but when were
you inside of the school room? When
did you take the time and pains to satisfy
yourself that your children were receiv-
ing that mental and moral food which Is
so necessary and all important? What
trouble have you taken TO inform your
selves as to the ability OF he OF she under
whose care or training you have placed
your children; whether they ale in pos
session OF those qualities of head and
heart which qualify one 10 "rear the ten
der thought, and teach the young idea
how to sLoot."
Then again il is your duty to teachers,
to give them that encouragement which q
visit TO the school room always affords.
They have labored long and faithfully,
perhaps,-bcrne with the eccentricities
of your children in instructing them in
that knowledge which requires so much
labor,in the common schools. A few
years later--when by the labors of the
public school teacher, the student is pre-
pared TO enter ccllege-how different is
the interest manifested by the parent
Great attention is then given to his or her
welfare. Letters are written, inquiries
made, and visits frequently made to learn
that all is going well, when perhaps, the
critical period in their history wss passed
in the old school house, and the habits
there formed for veal or woe.
Then visit the Common School; moth
ing but good can come from a better ac-
quaintance and closer intimacy between
parents and teachers.
We invite your attention to the sketch
we herewith present, and the facts stated,
taking the different schools separately,
and at the close making few sugges-
ticus.
THg PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
We have a high school building in
which there are ur departments and
four teachers. We take first the high
school department. Ii is under the charge
Of Prof. r. A. Chase, thorough scholar,
q fine gentleman, and an industrious and
efficient principal. There are fifty
scholars in this department, and an aver
age attendance of forty-sevcn. The
ages of those in this department range
from fifteen to twenty years. The mum
Der OF young ladies exceed those of the
young men by about one-third. There
are no scholars in attendance this term
from the country, but during the winter
a comparatively large number attend, and
q majority of these come 10 prepare
themselves for teaching. The number
from The country will increase every year,
r sufficient interest is taken in the pros
periiy Of he school by the citizens of
own. The course of instruction is not
30 comprehensive as last year, as n num-
Der of young men and ladies who have
teen FOR some time in the school have
finished their studies and gone to teach
ng. In addition to the ordinary English
branches. German Is taught. There is a
arge and interesting class in drawing.
The opportunity for a thorough educa-
iol is excellent in this department, and
Le course of studies is prepared with q
REV to Ill the scholar for college.
The grammar department is under the
of Mrs. c. J. Pierce an &C
aud successful teacher. There
are fifty six boys and girls IN this depart
nent. varying IN ages from ten to fourteen.
They are the middle grade Of scholars
md are all from town. Three classes
rom the high school department reclte
N this room, and Mrs. Pierce also has
charge of the drawing class, which is
of scholars from three depart
nents, and are taught in the Principals
room. The scholars are orderly and at
lentive, and are progressing in their
studies under a successful and earnest
teacher.
The intermediate department is under
The charge of Miss Mary Dickson, and
has an average attendance OF forty-six.
The ages range from nine to twelve years
They are well behaved schclars-brighi
and Intelligent This department en-
braces the classes from the Third TO the
Fifth readers inclusive. The rudimeEts
of drawing are taught In this room, and
one class in geography from the gram
mar school recites in this room. The
teacher seems well adapted to her posi-
tion, is wide awake, and so are her
scholars.
The primary department is under the
charge Of Miss Arvada Nichols, who has
taught in this department for almost two
years. The scholars are from six 10 ten
years old, and average in their daily at
tendance fity-four. The " Webb Word
Method " is taught in this room to those
first beginning 70 learn. 1t is compare
lively new, and an improved method of
teaching children to read. The teacher
seems 10 be well liked by her schola RS
and takes great pains both in teaching
aud preserving order. Small states have
been procured for each scholar and fas-
tened upon the desks, and primary les
sons in the formation of letters and draw.
ing are given. This slate exercise Is a