The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1882-12-20

The Annual Report ofthe County Super
intendent, for the Year 1889.

=
ally considered, Forest county has
ever known; we do not wish to be
understood to intimate that it has not
been. We wished to see more accom-
! pliShed than has been done, vet are
! gratified to know that much has been
accomplished. There had gone up a
] cry from the length and breadth of
our county that our educational in
terests be aroused, and quickened in
| to livelieF and more healthful action;
that our educational standard be rails
| ed. Responding to the call, and at
the same time believing that no legi-
innate or lasting good could be ac-
complished without a careful syste-
matte plan, and concerted and harmo-
nious action of all the factors entering
in to compose the machinery of the
school work, an effort has been made
the past year, and is still being con-
tinued toward success, to put our
schools in such a shape and condition
that we may, by them, sooner and
better accomplish the results so justly
expected of them. The results of this
effort are not yet so apparent as to
warrant an extended reference there
to at present yet we confidently eX-
pect against another year has ended
to see the best of results accruing
from the steps taken the past year,
and followed up this year. Realizing
this to be the better way to accom-
plish with permanency the object in
view we have submitted our plans to
the Boards of Directors for their Off
cial action and adoption. Thisstamp-
ed with authority, our plans reduced
to particulars have binding force
upon the teachers who must of necess-
ity be the the artisans by whom are
wrought out the ends we aim at.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
There are in the county forty-five
houses used for school purposes. OF
these, seven may be considered as un-
fit for school houses some of the re-
naming barely fit. The fault ofthese
! things cannot be laid at the door of
any one, or ones, particularly. Our
people, generally, have done as we'll
as they could. Three new houses have
been built during the year; all nice
comfortable, substantial buildings;
two in Hickory, and one in Howe
township. The one at East Hickory
is two-story building containing
two rooms. 1t supplies the place of a
| single room grown too small to acco-
modate the more. than sixty pupils
who sought its shades to gather the
inspiration of learning. During the
year Hickory township put patent
desks into all her houses. Green
township also completed the reseating
of her houses. This is step in the
right direction, and one no doubt
other districts will emulate so far as
to do likewise the present year. In a
number of our schools the furniture,
both in its hygenic and moral results
is injurious; detrimental to discipline;
unfit for teaching writing properly.
and, esthetically considered fail
ure.
APPARATUS.
Only one school house in the cOun-
ty boasts of a Dictionary very few a
globe, some outline maps, and some
larger map of Pennsylvania. One q
map of the county. One house has a
small slate black board. Not house
in the county can be said to be well
supplied with black board. Some
have square feet enough of surface,
but they are SO placed as to be above
| VIC use VI bhC ullNl Ill
every instance to be unfit for use
through improper structureand pain
ting; very few school rooms are sup
piled with erasers and pointers. Some
have had reading and writing charts
in days gone by, but the dust of ages
and the neglect of teachers to proper
ly care for them, have so visibly eff
fected them as to render them unfit
6 for present or future use. Once in q
wEilewe find house supplied with
basin, soap and towel; but these are
not always taken care Of by the teach
er, and, in fact, not often asked for
by the teacher, so that directors are
, Indifferent towards supplying these
things. We could have more appa-
ratus in our schools if our teachers
would only use what we do have and
show to their patrons, and the direc,
tors that it amounted to more than
ornaments; that there is "some good
r in it.Y
GROUNDS.
In a few instances school ground,
were improved during the year
} There is room in this direction fol
, great Improvements, yet, however
One reason why our school grounds
. are not in better condition is that il
many instances it is not known how
long the school will remain in th'
= same place, as we have, to great eX
tent, Floating, unsettled population
S and so it is not thought wise TO i'm
I prove fairgrounds suitably until tn,
location of the house is fixed.
WATER.
!, Very few houses have good waite
a near by; and yet our county is a lane
of flowing springs, with the best 0
: water. Some houses have no water
@ within quarter ofa mile.
. OUTBUILDINGS.
There are twO-thirds of our houses
a without suitable privies, and quite
4 number without any priVy at all