Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-04-26

10 be provided tor, Sl2,3OO 90
Property valuation of district, 1871 81 SOL ,2j9.
| Rate of taxation, 1871, 37-l0O of per cent.
| number OF changes have taken place in the
| ranks Of our teachers, during the past year.
AT the close OF the summer term, Miss Deering
| resigned her position as Assistant in the High
School. aud Miss Sturevsnt was elected to fill
| the vacancy.
Miss Reed Of the Chestnut street Primary, was
| elected TO take the place of Miss Gilman, in the
| t,rove street Intermediate school.
Miss. Lincoln, graduate of our high school,
was elected as Miss Reed'- successor, but at the
clO'e of her second term the state her health com
| PEELED her TO resign. and Miss Allen Of Hallowe
an experienced teacher was elected to the posi-
ton.
Miss Shaw, graduate of our high school. tenn
porafily took the place of Miss Norton in the
grammar school for one term.
The average attendance on the schools during
the wear just closed, has been as follows:
High school. 50; Grammar school, 1877.
Intermediate Schools-Chestnut St, 80 Grove
ST. 42; Kendall ST., 2s l-2; Crosby St, 80 10.
Primary Schools-kendall St. 50; Chestnut ST.
"a -; Grove St. So Crosby St. AZ 10 Total
average attendance on all the schools, $50
The primary schools are of such great impor-
lance that il has been the aim of the Directors to
make these schools as efficient as possible. They
therefore aim to secure the very bes, talent in
them. The teachers hold regular meetings for the
discussion of topic. incident to their work But
pered by scanty accommodations and limited ap
planes.
Under the patient lead of well fitted teachers
the intermediate schools are doing a very credits-
BILE work. Much improvement is manifested in
the Art et writing and drawing. The drawing les
sons educate the eve and train the muscles Of the
hand 10 be ohedient to the will.
The grammar school has continued to sustain its
excellent reputation as model school.
The high school is in a prosperous condit ion,
those "a n IN II haVa 40
ed credit upon the school.
The President Of the Board of Directors receiv-
ed the past year from the Commissioners of the
Centennial Exposition, medal and diploma,
awarded to the schools of the Village District for
the excellence of their exhibit at Philadelphia. The
diploma is handsomely framed, and, together with
the medal, will be permanently placed in the high
school building. Ibis testimonial to the skill and
fidelity of the pupils also speaks of the excellence
of orr school system and of our methods of in.
S'ruction.
No system has vet been devised, which will,
without the cooperation of the parents secure the
attendance al school of those pupils who absent
themselves without permission. The Directors
remind the parents of such children that our
schools are not intended TO take the entire charge
of the Young. The same thing is true in regard
to general discipline. That notion is a mistaken
one which supposes it to he the province OF the
school to take entire control of the moral as well
intellectual development of the pupils. Obedi
ence, like charity, must begin at home The dis
cipnc of our schools is uniformly good. There
have been but few cases of aggravated disobedi-
euCe.
Musical instruction has been continued in the
schools, with great interest and profit. A constant
Improvement is in the singing Of the children
hut greater benefit is realized in the knowledge
they gain of the rudiments of music. Every
recognizes the worth of musical education, but
unless such an education is begun in early years,
very many wonld never acquire any knowledge of
the art. The influence of music upon the human
character is so beneficial, that, regarding our
schools as promoters of civilization, this branch
should receive special attention.
The teachers give special attention TO drill in
voice -huildihg and elocution, continuing the work
begun bv professional training in former years.
The Directors close their report with the fol
lowing statements and wise Suggestions concern
ing the condition of our school buildings
The condition of the school buildings in the
District remains substantially the same as at the
date OF our previous report. The small amount
expended for repairs during the year has not ma
| tcraly improved them. With the exception of
| the high school house. they are diapidated, in
convenient, uncomfortable and unhealthy. 1t is
not believed that they can be repaired remod-
eled so render the apartments suitable places
| to educate the children of the District.
| The primary schools are now crowded greatly
| beyond the Capac itv of the rooms The number
| in daily attendance is also much beyond the ply
steal ability of the teachers to successfully manage.
| w It'll the rooms impefectly ventilated, progress
| must be retarded, comfort sacrificed, and health
| endangered.
| The demand for more loom and better accom-
| modations is imperative, and must he met in some
| form. 1t is for The people of the District to say
| whether they will furnish the necessary means,
and convenient and healthy places for the educa-
| ton of their children. The expenditure neces
| sary to secure all that the wants of the District
| require, is comparatively small, and there shaHEd
he no hesitation the part of the voters in meet
! ing the question parents regarding the welfare
| of their own children, and as men interested in
all that concerns public order, humanity and pro-
gress.
1t would undoubtedly be in the real interests
| of economy, if the District would erect small
| building for the accommodation of the high
| school, remove the grammar school to the present
| high school room, and partition the grammar
| school room into apartments for the of the
| lower grade of schools. BY this arrangement, the
| Chestnut and Crosby street houses could be dis
pensed with and sold, the corps of teachers less
| ened in number, and a more perfect and useful
| grade in the schools secured"
Colby University Notes.
The present term is drawing to a close. The
oral examination began Wednesday last. Two Of
the examining committee were present, DR.. Shall
| andD arn s,.a1 H.,