The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1879-07-30

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finished; but in three instances the site
have been very carelessly selected. Di
rectors should be careful in the perform
ance of this part of their duty, as the hap
piness of the pupils as well as the healtl
OF q community frequently hinges upoI
this point. In every case where q new
house is TO be erected, at least half an acr'
of smooth and well drained land should b
procured. The idea that o piece of rock,
or marshy land, totally unfit for anything
except to furnish a hiding place for snake
OF a solitary retreat for the croaking frog
is a suitable place TO build q school house
simply because it can be procured for /,
few dollars, is too ridiculous TO be enter.
tanned by an enlightened people and 1t il
hoped that henceforth directors will b
more prudent in selecting sites for schoo
buildings.
Fourteen houses are unfit for use: bul
several of these win be replaced by new
buildings before another term opens. A
number Of districts are still without the
requisite out-houses, and as the cultiva
ton of modesty and chastity is as essential
in the formation of character as the train.
ing OF the intellect, and it is sincerely
hoped that this matter will receive the at
tention il demands.
Appdratas.-Blackboards are in all the
schools. Outlined maps, globes and charts
are in most of them; a few, however, are
still without apparatus worth mention
ing.
In many of the schools there is a want
of proper classification, resulting from O
H.. =. - ~ ta.t tSaIe In oapSa 1scf rsAse
the changes of books have been 50 frequent
that citizens feel unwilling to bear the
burden OF purchasing the books adopted,
and the result is the want of uniformity
referred TO. Ii a uniformity could be De.
cured throughout the county this evil
would be obviated. Experience has taught
us that an attempt at a gradual change al.
WAYS results In more or less confusion
hence, the way TO secure the desired end
is to carry il into effect at once. We there.
fore suggest the agitation of this question
by directors, teachers, and all parties con-
cerned, from this time TO the next trien
NAL convention, when measures can be
taken toward uniformity throughout the
county.
Iedchers.-Two hundred and twenty
nine were employed in the schools during
the winter. OF this number one hundred
and ninety-nine were males and thirty fe.
males. There has been great advancement
in the character, spirit and literary quail.
flea. Us Of our teachers within the last
year. An-with the exception of nine.
teen-exhibited a c~ommendable desire TO
improve. They realize the responsibility
of their mission and, Notwithstanding the
steady decrease OF wages, they have so
faithfully and cheerfully discharged their
arduous duties, that in the future we can
expect much from the present corps of
noble teachers in the county. In this con-
nection we notice the lamentable fact that
while many OF our teachers are readers OF
standard works on teaching, there are 9TH
ers who fail even TO read an educational
journal. II the farmer, mechanic and
physician find it necessary TO read Jour-
mails devoted to the interests of their re-
spective callings, in order TO keep pace
with the age in which they live, how
much more important is ii that the teacher
to whom is committed the work OF training
those who are to fill all these avocations
shall by the same means endeavor 10 keep
up with every progressive movement that
is made in his more responsible callingi
EramiSations.-Eleven public examina-
tons were held. Two professional and
three hundred provisional certificates were
issued. Fifiy-seven applications were re-
iected.
The standard Of qualification was slight
ly raised above that of the preceding year.
This while II gave full satisfaction 70 the
progressive and energetic teachers, ELECTED
much murmuring from the drones, many
OF whom claimed that they received as
good il not better certificates four years
ago.
These teachers have always been con-
tent with certificates of a low grade. and
now since the standard has been raised
and they are weighed in the balance and
found wanting" they feel disposed to
complain. and impeach the judgment and
fairness of the Superintendent but as this
dissatisfaction wasjevinced only by a few
non proficient applicants, and as We knew
the progressive teacher is w ready for q
more thorough inspection, we have deter
m ined TO raise the standard of qualifica-
at least twenty per cent. during the
year upon which we enter.
InstitUtes.-Our County Institute con-
vened in Somerset on the 23d of Deem
Der and continued in session five days.
The attendance was good. tar better than
we expected, as the weather was extreme
ly inclement during the entire session
Prof. Beard, of California State Normal
and Miss Leonard, of Indiana
State Normal, were our lecturers and in
~ rtrrsnrc and yha,p uv1~r xro l,~h1. an
preciated by all who had the pleasure of
attending our meetings. Valuable aid
was rendered by the professional men Of
Somerset. among whom were Rev. Whet-
stone and Hon. A. ]. Colborn. The teach
FRS deserve credit for the active part they
took in the exercises, and the honor of the
Institutes having been a success is largely
owing TO their m~eritorious efforts. Six
districts held local Institutes. The teach
ers OF these districts are among the most
energetic and enthusiastic workers IN the
cause of popular education We have in the
and the condition OF their schools
IS sufficient evidence of the advantages
from these meetings.
Tisitdtions About sixteen weeks were
spent in visiting schools. During this
lime all the schools in the county were
but three, an average of an hour
and a halt being spent in each. A number
schools were visited a second time.
The severity of the weather and deep
which the roads were some
lines so filled as TO render ii impossible
impeded my visitations very much but
he friendly greeting which l received in
every district, prompted me TO double my
Efforts In the performance of my duty. In
many schools the pupils were waiting for
he accustomed visit and inspection. and
he teachers for the usual friendly confer
,nce. One or more directors usually ac-
,ompanie6 me. The secretary of the board
If Elklick townshipaJ. n. Davis deserves
special mention. He not only accom-
panied me TO all the schools of his own
but continued with me in my Wis
tations to three schools of adjoining dis
riots. Il is highly gratifying to state that
Of the schools are visited by directors
md parents. and that six boards have made
he secretary district superintendent. The
distance TO be travelled in visiting all the
chools of this county is 50 great as to rem
Ter anything like close supervision impos-
ible hence. q monthly visit to the schools
,y an intelligent district superintendent is
much needed auxiliary.
Conclasios.-I feel hat we have not
made as great advancement in building
md furnishing school houses Is our past
md present condition demands, yea we
rave done reasonably well. all things con-
idered. Our directors are generally awake
o the wants OF the public schools, and.
with a few exceptions. manifest . disposi-
ion to discharge their duties. 1t viii be
noticed that the per cent of attendance ID
than it has been for some time pest.
This has not been caused BY any negli-
fence on the part OF either school officers
VI patrons. but is owing entirely 10 the
Unusual severity Of the winter and the i'm