Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1879-03-24
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL SUPER
INTENDENT OF DERBY.

UenttemeH announcer annual cycle
has rolled by. In its progress it has
borne to US new advantages and oppor-
tunities; and commensurate with these
it has devolved upon US new duties and
responsibilities. In proportion as there
have been recognized and responded to,
whether in our individual or corporate
capacity, in that proportion has true
progress been made. In few if any de-
partments of human activity has there
been greater enterprise exhibited than
in that pertaining to the general dissem-
lnation of knowledge and the culture
of mind. The universal fairs and ex-
positions so frequently repeated are il
Illustrative of this fact. They are the
worlds schools. bringing together all
nationalities and teaching in the most
forcible manner by object lessons. The
employment of some of the best talent in
many of our cities and large towns, on
school boards and in the school-room, is
gratifying indication. The adoption
of the most approved school systems, in
some of the Southern States, where, un-
til recently, the doors have been closed
, against the masses, is suspicious. These
and many other indications of education
al progress. characteristic of the age, are
cause for rejoicing by every patriot and
philthropist; for, upon the general en-
lightenment and virtue of the people,
depends the material prosperity of orr
country, as we'll as the perpetuity of her
cherished institutions.
Proceeding now to speak of the pub
lie schools of this town for the past year.
l am happy to be able to state, that in
several respects there has been marked
improvement. On the average, we have
had more efficient class of teachers in
charge of our schools, -teachers who
|
have manifested both the ability and
the willingness to carry out the sug-
gestions made by your Superintendent
one year ago, in reference to improved
methods Of class drill designed to excite
thought and stimulate investigation
The result has been to awaken a deeper
interest in the minds of the pupils
to develop the reasoning powers, and
and arouse spirit of inquiry. Valua.
BILE aid has been rendered in this direc.
ton by the normal drill instituted il
the academy last fall, as also by the i'm
proved methods of class drill employed
in this institution, whereby the teachers
awaiting themselves Of these advantages
become acquainted with the latest ant
most approved modes of class exercise
used in the first class training schools o
the country. 1 will give you short re
port of each school, after which | will
offer few suggestions of genera
character that have occurred to me in tn
course of my connection with the schools
In this matter do not presume neve
to have misjudged; but l have sedulous
ly guarded against any personal favor
itism or other improper influences. Ii
the matter of granting certificates I hav
been guided by the explicit and bindin
statute requirements. Ihave regards
individual interests as subordinate t
those of the district, and when thes
interests have been conflicting, | hav
been ready to act in the interests of tn
many-those for whom the schools al
supported. If, in any case, my actio
has seemed dilatory, would say ths
such delay was for the purpose of ascel
tanning the facts relative to the cas-
that injustice should result to none.
Bates Dist. Ne. Miss Marth
, Norris had charge of this school durin
. both terms. Her efforts were attende
with good degree of success, decide
improvement on her former efforts
, this town. The school suffered quite