The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-07-15
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS.

ANNUAL School Report of the Supelin-
tendent Of Somerset County for the year
ending January 1st 1874.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS.
The general advancement in the cause
of education in our county during the past
year was not all flat could be desired the
march of progress is with such measured
stems that the result ola single year must
be great 10 be plainly perceptible. But
that we have progressed slowly but surely,
| think is evident. One cogent evidence
of progress we find in the erection of four
teen rood substantial houses. Two entire
new schools were formed two were grad
ed. and two that had been closed a few
years for want OF pupils were again open
ed. Our teachers also deserve a word OF
cheer and comfort for their zeal, energy end
Skill, as well as Che public acceptance with
which labor has been received, And by
their p manifestations, we have reason
TO believe, upon the whole, that each sue
ceeding year brlpgs q more efficient corps
OF directors. Although quiet and unpre-
tending we consider our work an improve
ment on the preceding year. The slope
to educational perfection is long, tedious
anu uLlAlINAkt anu - AAhA ENiANo "a 0NAlfAJ
and intervals of repOse are not so well cal
culated to reach the summit as the tireless
energies OF a regular, though toilsome line
OF progression. The work Of educating
the masses cannot be accomplished ip a few
briefyeara but if we can show that ad-
yancement has been made in a single year,
it is reasonable TO infer that the time will
come, when we shall have better schools
than now, and general intelligence will
occupy a vantage ground not held before.
HOUSES.
Of the new houses erected during the
year. Brothers Valley, Larimer and Sum.
nit have each two, and jefferson, Milford,
Northampton, Paint, Quemahoning, SOM
erset, Stonycreek and Upper Turkeyfoot
one each. With but few exceptions ths
houses arc pleasantly ,oeetea, heaF and
comfortable and generally having ample
playground reserTed for the recreation of
pupils. Several districts have now oil
new houses with good furniture well plann-
ed and painted which bespeaks for its d.
reciors a degree of progress and intelli-
gence. On the other hand a few districts
still have some houses that present a sorry
appearance. The Union School House Of
Somerset wa repaired Increasing lis capacii
" about one third; this is a fine building.
4 portion of the houses have no means
of ventilation except from apertures in the
wall. windows or doors, and ii is to be re-
rletted that teachers are sometimes found
knowing Iess OF piyglelpgy and the laws
ofhea1th than ofsome other things, enclOs.
ing themselves and pupils in alright
rooms with the murcury almost at y tenn
peratpre Of s~utfocailon,
AFPARATrs.
But little has been accomplished during
the year towards supplying the schools
with apparatus there seems to be a lack
of Interest In this respect, nc doubt owing
to the fact that those districts that have
purchased globes and other apparatus at a
high price have not derived the expected
benefits thereof excepting black boards
a few districts arc almost entirely deslitute
At appeEatusf "a Sadiiion 10 sufficient
black board surface every school having
small pupils should by all means have a
set Of primary speiliag aud reading charts,
.dt-lihe maps, class bell and a set Ofscbool
notices.
TEACHERS.
Our teachers have rendered gsaersl
satisfaction may oltaen AaboFed faiih-
fully aHa save peen very, sactessiuli some
have been earnest sLuaeRts-and are amply
qualified 10 govern and instruct, hut il Is
true that we have some teachers
who do not strive to excel but endeavor
10 do as little as possible. They do not at
tend institutes or educational meetings, !