Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1879-06-11
OUR SCHOOLS.

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Wlmssr scheels . NE Year ending
March, 1879.
On atcount Of the teachers insti-
tute / failed to write any notes of
the winter schools of this county in
April as l promised, and had nearly
concluded to omit this duty. But
doubtless some may still remember
the promise and it may be that these
notes may be so written as to encour-
age, or furnish suggestions for the
teachers now engaged as well as pro
nounce words of merited comenda-
ton for the earnest workers of last
winter.
The school in district No. 4, was
visited near its close. Attendance
had been very irregular, owing to
several causes, the greatest of which
probably was the lack of unanimity
among the officers and patrons. The
school was taught by Mr.. Charles
Hopkins who has had experience,
and has been successful in some dis
tricts.
In district No. Is Miss Electa
Hopkins was the teacher. She APP
peared to have the respect of her
pupils, and to be extending a very
good influence. The school was not
large and the attendance quite regu-
lar. Were pursuing the primary
studies. Industry medium.
Mr.. James Wood taught four mos.
in district No. 30, with satisfaction
to the patrons. This district has
been a good situation in the past on
account of the support extended to
influence. The attendance
was regular and punctual. Industry
good. intermediate studies pursued
except that English Grammar has
been much neglected.
The Jefferson schools were taught
Mr.. Bernard Feerick in the adj
vanced grade, and Miss Nora Smith
in the primary. Mr.. Feerick had
so enrolled in his department.
Attendance had been fair, industry
MI. Feerick worked faith
fully to advance his scholars-al-
most to a fault-by the abundance
of instruction given. Others thoughts
do not well develop the student.
The school is not yet far advanced,
but contains some ambitious scholars
who are doing well. The deport-
ment appears to be good. Miss s.
had about 60 scholars enrolled;
about 40 were present on day of visit.
In her room were the primer, LIST
and End readers. Lessons in num-
bers were taught on the blackboard.
Miss S. had won the love OF her nu-
charge. Industry medium
for primary grade.
The school in district No. % was
by Mr.. T. J. Norton. My
visit occurred in the spring near the
close Of the term. Very few schol-
mrs for some reason were present.
Some reading was very well perform
ed by the scholars, also other reclta-
we're had showing care and at
tention on the part Of the teacher.
Regular, punctual attendance must
be secured before we can hope for
the best results in our schools.
In district No. s, Mr.. A. Wright
first engaged to teach. He taught
one month and then surrendered his
contract. Mr.. Wright is a young
man of good habits. In the winter
of 1878 taught q term with fair sue
cess in district No. 13. He was sue
ceeded by Mr.. 4. Il. Collins who
three months successfully.
This is a large school greatly in need
Of a better house and furniture.
Mr.. j. B. Adney was very popular
in district No. Az as a teacher. |
did not have an opportunity to visit
his school.
A school was taught in district No.
II by Miss E. A. Patten.
Mr.. Isaac Daily taught in district
Nc. 5. l did not have an opportuni-
ty to visit this school.
The school in district No. Is was
by Mr.. Potter, who has had
much experience in district schools,
and at once sets to business. Valu-
able points in his management of
schools are enthusiasm and prompt
ness. He teaches his scholars some
but more often prompts to original
investigation. Attention and indus
try were good.
Miss Katie Ryan was Employed
district No. 6. This district has
been unfortunate. Last summer an
old rotten structure denominated a
school house was replaced with a
good frame building well planned
for school purposes when finished.
In this building Miss Ryan taught
. three months term of school and
commenced a second but during one
night the building was consumed by
fire. Another unfortunate thing was
a contest in the district in regard to
the teacher. l visited the school
and of course found some things to
be regretted, and also some things to
approve. The district board though
not agreeing as to the best thing to
do were solicitous for the good Of the
school. The teacher was earnest and
active and some Of the scholars were
obedient and industrious.
The school in district No. 20 was
taught by Obey Anderson. l think
about Is scholars were enrolled.
Attendance was not very regular,
industry medium. A few good stu
dents in the school, but too many
were irregular and tardy in their at
tendance. MIR. Anderson received
the approval of his EMPLOYERS