Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1876-09-02
For Representative,
WATTS s. HUMPHREY, of Cheboygan.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The time for the opening of the fall
term of the public schools is at hand
and in their success all of our citizens
are, OF should be, deeply interested. How
to make our schools success is a cues
ton worthy the consideration of all. No
doubt the first requisite is the securing
OF competent teachers. This does not
only include having a competent
education but also includes the facul-
ty OF imparting the knowledge they
possess i'll such manner to those
under their instruction as will ell.
able them to gain full and comprehen-
sive understanding of the studies they
my be engaged i'll, for no matter how
proficient teacher may be in all the
branches taught, if he cannot impart
that knowledge to the pupil it is of no
avail. As far as the public school of Che
boySan is concerned, the teachers en-
ployed are persons of practical expert
ence, and have given evidence of their
abilities as teachers, but 10 make the
schools a success requires more than able
and competent teachers, and here we
think is where the impediments to
the success OF Our schools rest, prin-
cipally, the teachers are not sufficient
ly sustained by the parents and those
having control of the scholars. Their eff
forts in the school room are not properly
supplemented by the parents at home,
too much dependence is placed upon the
teachers efforts alone, and the expecta-
ton is that the teacher must do it all.
This should not be. The parent should
endeavor TO incite IN interest in their
children in their studies, and encourage
them to perseverance, and it the lesson
should appear difficult, render what as
sistance they can to their child in the
study of the same. Another great det-
riment to a successful school is irregu-
larity in attendance. This not only re-
tards the advancement of those who are
allowed to indulge in the practice, but is
dead weight upon the progress of the
class or classes to which they may belong
and 1t not only entails a loss Of knowledge
that wonld otherwise be attained, but has
tendency 20 cultivate instability of pur-
pose and character, if child is allowed
to remain from school OH almost axy
pretcxt, it certainly must contract the
habit of allowing itself to be overcome at
every small obstacle that may present
itself in after life; whereas if they were
impressed with the fact that knowledge
was only to be attained by diligent, con-
slant and persevering study, and not be
allowed TO have their own way when for
some uninportant reason they may de-
sire to remain out of school and encour-
age them III perseverance, in their studies
they would soon find that their lessons
would be more easily learned, and per-
severing habit would be formed which
would be of incalculable advantage to
them in after life. Let parents see that
the children are regular in their attend
ance, and encourage them in their studies
all they can-support the teachers III ev-
cry Way possible-encourage them by
taking an interest in the success of their
labors-take an interest in the schools
and show that interest by visiting the
same as frequently as possible. If this is
done we 90 not think there will be any
doubt about having successful schools.