The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1877-05-10
Austin Graded school.

UeuueSudy IcpOItcI vi Inc CIAlEo'
MAN visited the above institution,
cleaning points interesting to readers.
1t has been in operation since the first
of October, and during this time it has
grown much IN public favor. The
school building belongs to the Austin
school precinct, and is at the distribu-
ton of the county court, and by it was
turned over to board of directors,
composed of citizens of the precinct,
to be used for one year as graded
school. The result has proven the I'M
dertaking to be one which must be
encouraged and fOstered, and no doubt
remains that the proper authorities
will continue its administration, so
auspiciously commenced.
The graded school system had not
been tried IN this city previous to this,
and hence many difficulties, cured by
experience, have been met. The
school is under the direct superintend-
ence of board of regents, composed
of S. G. Sneed, r. W. Lowry and N.
G. Shelley. The teachers now en-
ployed are, IN the male department:
First grade, Mrs. G.. Donnan; second
grade, Mrs. NJ. L. Smith; third grade,
Miss Gertrude Bacon; fourth grade,
H. L. Aten. Female department.
First grade, Miss Clara Burnham;
third grade, Miss Fannie Campbell;
fourth grade, r. w. Lowry. Most of
these have been connected with the
institution from its beginning, and to
their untlring labors, and even self
denial, is due much of the success with
which 1t has met.
At this time there are three hundred
pupils in attendance, enrolled previous
to May 1. Some who have been in at
tendance heretofore are not so now.
During May and June the school will
be conducted as public free school,
under the existing State law, and all
pupils enrolled at any time during the
session will be entitled to benefits
arising from the law. The rates of
tuition established range from $1.5 to
50, but during these two months no
fees will be charged, the State paying
tuition. Patrons of the school thus
receive benefit, while the teachers
experience loss, but these good peo-
pie take delight in their task, and seem
willing to subject themselves even to
losses to attain success.
The revenues of the institution are
derived solely from tuition. 1t has u
capacity for the accommodation of
$50 pupils, and when full will sustain
teachers or full salaries, and leave even
asurplus to be placed to the credit of
tuition.
The order maintained ia the school
rooms and even upon the play grounds
Is notable. The children are happy
and contented, and seem much attached
to their teachers. On reaching the
school house in the morning, the
scholars are required to go at once to
their grade room. School hours COM
mence at Q A. N. and extend to - NJ,
when recess is given till / P. NJ, dur
ing which time all amuse themselves
as most inclined. While on the play
grounds they are under the supervision
of three teachers. The female depart
ment occupies four rooms on the sec =
ond floor; the male the same number
on the third floor. The rooms are
large and airy, and even during the
summer months their elevation and
ventilation will make them delightful
for occupation.
The present session win close, on
the twenty-eighth day of June, with
usual commencement exercises. It
should be borne in mind that contin-
ued attendance at the school until
that tins entities each scholar to =
certificate of grade for the ensuing
year, and this is of such Importance
that none can afford to forget il Pu-
pills win be examined privately by the
faculties for this purpose.
Il would hardly be proper to close
this article without writing of the ex-
treme nestness preserved throughout
the building. Everything II a. tidy