Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1876-09-22
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

LARGEST PERCENTAGE In The UNIOf
THE GRADED sYsTEM--THE TEACHERS
SC, &C, &C
Three years ago, the 9th day of Octo
Der next, the Public Schools entered upol
their new life, starting with one hundred
and seventy-fve pupils on the first day, al
told, and seven teachers.
On Monday last these schools entered
upon their fourth year, enrolling between
500 and 800 whites, and about 100 colored
with fifteen schools and as many teachers
including vocal music, making in all six
teen teachers.
THE TAX PAYNE Mt.
4 very few instances occurred where
children we're refused enrolment by reason
of their parents failure to present the re-
quired ticket for the payment OF the capl-
tation tax for 1875, and never has this re-
quirement been so promptly and cheerfully
complied with as now.
FRESHMEN.
Upwards of one hundred little chlldren'
Just coming Of the required school age,
we're registered, and started on their new
and pleasant school career. With smiling,
rosy faces these came in happy groups to
the various schools adapted to them. Who
could have the heart to withhold this in
estimable blessing from these dear little
ones, SO happy and bright!
GROWTH OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FEELING
limo instance within Our knowledge has
any enterprise shown such rapid growth,
and that, too, healthy and strong; such
deep and thorough hold upon the confidence
and sympathy Of the entire community:
such a complete humiliation of hitherto
deep seated prejudice as has the cause Of
popular education in the city of Stanton.
The morale Of these schools is unques-
tionably of high order. The discipline,
firm kind and parental The child is made
happv in striving to do right, and preserve
a high and pure course of life. The system
is rigorous. and carried out to the letter.
Justice is administered to all with strict
impartiality.
Bv close inspection the observer will be
able to see more fully the beauty OF this
so-called Graded System, this year. In
most of the schools an entire 'move on"
has been made For instance, in the low
est Primary Grade, the whole class goes to
the intermediate. to make room for a new
set just entering. The Intermediate
School goes to the FIRST Grade Grammar;
the First Grade Grammar to the Second
Grade Grammar; the Second Grade Gram
mar to the junior class of the High School;
the Junior class of the High, to the middle
class of the High; the middle class to the
senior, and thus every school has made
step forward. By this a new zeal is given,
and ambition is aroused.
These promotions are made from examl-
nations, made at the close of the session,
in June.
Those who reach certain percent are
promoted: those who fall below are de-
graded, and go over the old work again.
This is humilating and much dreaded by
all.
The graded system is somewhat intri-
cate, and requires time to perfect its woI k
ings. When it has had q few years it runs
like clock work, with little friction.
Several
YOUNG MEN
from the adjacent county have been en-
rolled, while a good number are expected
after seeding.
The number of scholars in our schools
will nearly reach
1000 THIS YEAR.
The number already enrolled shows the
largest percentage of attendance in proper
ton to population Of any city in this coun-
try.
FIFTEEN FAMILIES
have moved within the corporate limits
since the year 1876 began, for the sole pur-
pose of sending their children to the pub
lie schools.
The
at the Academy are of the high grades;
the high grammer grades and the high
school grades are here. There are about
800 pupils in this building.
The old Methodist Institute building is
devoted mainly to the low grades. There
Won will find the very youngest, the little
& wear olds and under These are watched
and cared for by able, experience, KIND
teachers of whom Miss Josie Brown is
chief in charge. If you would see pretty
sioht 90 into the lowest primary school at
the Institute. then go on through all ana
you will be fully repaid.
The Madison street school for the chill
dren is a beautiful building, very cheerful,
neat and convenient, Miss Lucy michel
10 the chief here, and has model for all
to see. Miss Alice Wilson assists her.
These are splendid schools and will soon
be full.
THE TEACHERS.
The names of teachers are as follows
J.H. Leckey, Senior High.
Mrs, V. Thompson, Middle High.
Mrs. M. G.. Dillon, Junior High.
Miss Annie Mills, I'd Grammer School.
Mrs. R. Sturges, LIST intermediate School.
Miss L. Beers, 1st Primary School.
Miss Josie Brown, LIST Primary School.
Miss Julia Atkinson, Assistant to MISS
Brown. .c.,,
Miss Jennie Johnson, I'd Grammar School
Miss Sue Howard, 1st Grammar School.
Mrs. w. B. johnson, LIST Intermediate
School.
Miss Kate Nelson, I'd Urinary School.
Miss Lucy Mitchell, Principal LIST Gram
mar School.
Miss Alice Wilson, 1st Primary School.
Miss Mary Thomas, LIST Primary School.
These schools are all instructed in vocal
music and rhetorical science by the ex-
perienced and skilful Artist, DR.. }. l..
Brown every other day.
FREE GYMNASTICS