Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1872-06-29

correct speaker or writer. The methods Of
teaching these subjects have been greatly mod.
fled during the last few years; they still need
much modification. Instead OF spending so
much time ON the above named subjects, and
In the way in which we are urged TO teach
them. would recommend that portion Of
each day be devoted to giving instruction In
the natural sciences, and especially in those
that will best cultivate the habit Of observa.
tlon, of thinking, and will teach the pupil To
take care of his health, and to use his powers
to the best possible advantage.
The instruction given IN vocal music during
the past year has bccn attended with good re-.
suits. | need say but little on this point as the
| Board as well us the patrons of the school
have had ample opportunity TO observe the
progress in this branch of study Itis 10 be
hoped that some way may be devised by
which Prof Hamlen may be ratalned in the
schools next year, and follow out the plans
laid this year No doubt much more improve.
ment would be made In tue coming year
than has been made IN the past, could these
plans be but into practical effect. The net re-
ceipts of the three concerts given by Prof
II 'mlen have paid for our organ, lacking $4S7.
Prof Ham'el is entitled to the thanks of all
connected with the school for the extra labor
he has performed and for the valuable assist.
anc, given us in our endeavor to secure this
instrument for the High school.
Good progress has been made In penman.
ship during the year. Under the direction of
the teachers, the pupils in all the schools cx-
cept the High aud part of the Primary, have
devoted from twenty to thirty minutes each
day to this study. Many of the pupils have
made decided improvement, Others have done
but little this; of course, is to be expected
The results prove the wisdom of the Board in
not allowing this branch to be thrown out as
il was last year
The following Is o condensed statement of
the "book business" for the year,
Paid for Books, &c, $52S24
Paid for Express, ETC., 2O93
Paid for Money orders, 3Sl
Paid for Chemicals 425
Total S55723
Received for Books sold, S522.a7
Received for Tuition, 3S.45
Total, $jGl.42
Books on hand, $27445
Cash on hand, 41O
To be collected, 1271
Donated and lost 1852
After relunding to the Board the amount
advanced three years ago, there will be left
books and accounts To the value of $l45S9.
This sum has been gained by introducing
books at "inlroductory rates" and selling
them at Wholesale rates as per your direction.
! recommend that these books and accour Is,
as far as possible, be converted into money, du-
ring the coming year, and the money thus OBJ
timed be expended in the purchase of books
FOR the school library. further recommend,
that the business be closed up, rs soon as pos
sible, and handed oyer TO the merchants of
the village make this recommendation for
the following reasons:
1st. AS the school is rapidly increasing in
numbers, my duties and labors are increasing
accordingly, and the time required TO attend
to this book business" though most of il is
given ont of the regular school.workng
hours, ought 10 be devoted to direct school
work.
2d. Some of the patrons of the school are
opposed to the business" and have obtained
books for their children elsewhere.
3d. Many of the citizens of. the village are
opposed to it, for various reasons, and hence
there is not that harmony of feeling and ac-
ton between the school authorities and the
citizens, which the best interests of the school
demand
4lh, Those who have favored the "business'
have received the advantages of il, now, for
three years, AMI no doubt will be willing to
have it go back TO Legitimate channels" at
least for time.
l do not make this recommendation, be-
cause l wish TO shirk any responsibility, duty
or work the Board may see fit to require o.
me, do it because the highest good of the
school demands it.
l think l shall not be charged with egotism
when l say, our schools are now in n very
prosperous condition, especially when il is
added, that this prosperity is largely due to
the efforts and cooperation of the lady teach
ers, and the Board of Education. The pat.
rons of the school have aided us greatly du.
ring the past year, and to them, too, belongs q
'rge share of the credit. 1t is my earnest de-
sire that whatever Of efficiency and popular
ty our schools have gained in the last year Ol
two, may not only be retained, but largely in
creased during the coming year, and to thi,
end beg the cooperation of all interested
and cordially invite the Board of Education
the Board of Examiners. and the citizens o
the village to visit the schools often. and thu
encourage and assist both teachers and puril
in the good work of education among us.
Respectfully submitted,
l. NJ. CLEMENS, Supt.
Rail Road Matters.
The new arrangement of proprietOrs in IL,