Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1882-07-19

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The High school this year has been composed Of the
Eighth, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh grades. The
Eighth and Ninth grades arc clearly defined, but
the Tenth and Eleventh grades are less so. We
hope, however, that the Eleventh grade will be able
to finish tho work of the Twelfth grade by June 49,
II this should be the case, the first graduating ex-
ercises of the school will occur at that time. The
success of this department and the interest Of the
pupils can be seen from the fact that the number
belonging on June ESD was greater by one than on
April 81, the beginning of the term.
For the guidance OF the primary and grammar
school grades during the coming year, a carefully
prepared course of study has been drawn and is
now on file at the superintendent office. AT the
opening of the year it will be possible TO furnish
each teacher written statement OF the amount OF
work required for each term, and, If necessary Tor
each month of each term. This will obyiate
any possibility of a misunderstanding on the part
Of the teacher Of the scope Of the requirements OF
the grade In drafting this course IL has been borne
in mind that the main object of the public school Is
"to introduce the child 10 the technicalitos OF lit
erature, science and history" or, in other words,
TO teach him reading, writing and arithmetic. The
teaching Of writing has been commenced much ear
lier than was formerly the case: At his very en-
trance into school the child is required 10 learn the
script letters and TO write his lessons instead OF
printing them. AS a consequence OF this the ma
jory of the first year pupils can write hand that
is easily read. The study of English is made
prominent feature throughout the entire course
and ample drill has been provided for, in the prep
aration of essays and declarations by both boys
and girls
But while the principal work of the school must
always be the teaching of the fundamental studies
we should by no means wish TO confine all the in
struction 20 these subjects Experience has proved
that the introduction of singing and drawing serves
the double purpose of relieving the mind and ele-
waiting the TASTE Music has for the past three years
received marked attention, and special teacher
has been employed 10 give instruction in 1t. AS a
result of this, you are TO be congratulated on the
excellent condition of the school regards its mu
steal culture. During the past year, in order fully
10 employ the time of the special teacher, Prof.
Cheesbro was asked to give instruction in all the
schools Of the city. This was not the case during
either of two preceding years that he has been en-
Moved, Using my own best Judgment, and that Of
the primary teachers as well am inclined to think
that as good il not better results can be obtained
by an arrangement which shall require less instruc-
ton in the primary department by the special
teacher and moro by the teachers themselves. In
the Central building this is not the case. The
scholars arc older and can better avail themselves
of the benefits TO be derived from special teacher
This can by no means be said TO discriminate
agoinst the ward schools, for henceforth the high
and grammar schools alone are TO occupy the cen
trail building, making it in no sense ward school
bnt city school. IL may here be remarked that
the school is largely dependent upon itself for mu
sic nj he closing exercises of the several terms, and
nj special entertainments. Our public exhibitions
given in June could not have been so successful as
hey were without the music. AS the preparation
of This requires extra time upon the part of the
speca teacher il would seem but fair that certain
amount of this extra time be provided for and
snacHed I'm the contract with the special teacher.
No special teacher in drawing has been employed
during the year, but the teachers, especially in the
primary departments, have taught IN 10 some ex-
the grammar grades map-drawing has been requir-
cd in addition 20 tho simple work OF committing
tbe lessons The value of this exercise can hardly
be over estimated No scholar can be said to have
A correct idea OF country until he has mental
picture of il ever at his command, and in no way
can this be obtained so well MS by drawing the map
nj tbo country with his own hand This require
ment seems 10 have met with some criticism, and
from the above you will see the grounds upon which
il WAS asked. .
ence of an unusual number Of primary scholars.
This has been very great inconvenience this year
on account of the lack of room. Every primary
room in the CITY has been crowded, and in the first
ward during the spring term, forty have been adj
mitted on half time. The erection of the new first
ward school house, as provided Ior by the board,
evident however, that the providing OF extra room
in the Second and Third wards cannot safely be de-
layed beyond another year. ANOTHER thing to be
ness of the first year pupils According to the laws
of this State, the legal school age is five years In
the great majority Of cases. It Is much better to de-
two beyond the legal age. Children OF five years
are too young TO endure the strict discipline essen
tia TO the school as at present conducted; Parents
will not however they have not been in the past,
be MT ali likely to keep their children at home until
seven years OF age even until they are six. For
these reasons it would seem that q room should be
school age can be instructed in part according to
the kindergarten methods, which give more liberty
to individual scholars. AZ the May meeting OF the
absence to permit her 10 observe the kindergarten
system of teaching, rs practeed AZ the schools OF
Boston and Quincy, Mass, where she has oeen ioI
TO position in the primary department L would
that she DO furnished with such appli-
ances as will enable her successfully to conduct her
Your attention is respectfully called to the Libra
ran's report, which has already been submitted
IL would DO very much TO the advantage, not only
of the school, but of the city at large, IL the num-
ber of books could be materially increased. During
the year an exchange was made OF Colton's geog-
raphies for Swintons without cost TO the scholars
and Swinton's Language Lessons have been intro
duced outside OF the high school, and no further
change has been made in the text books,
BY reference 10 my monthly. reports 1t will be
found that the greatest number belonging was IS In
January; and the least number, $40 in December
The average number belonging during the year was
Gs3 The per cent of attendance reached its lowest
point in February, s7.5, and its highest in June
TO- The record of hardness shows gratifying
decrease during the latter months OF the year. 1t
reached its maximum IA November, 563, and its
in June 2s7. The evil is atill too great,
and the cooperation of parents is earnestly request
cd in order to correct IT.
Finally, gentlemen, wish to express my thanks
for the unlinching support you have given me dur
ing the past year Your frmness in the discharge
of your duties the kindly words of praise you have
from time TO time spoken and the deep interest you
have always manifested in the success OF the school,
have been great source of encouragement not on
" TO myself but TO the devoted corps OF teachers,
whose sole ambition seems TO have been the good Of
the school Coming TO this city perfect stranger
TO any of its citizens, wish in conclusion TO take
this opportunity publicly 10 thank not only your
selves the teachers and the scholars but also the
parents and friends of the school for the confidence
they have so generously bestowed. 1t Is 10 this
this earnestncss on the part OF teachers
and scholars, and this support on your part, that
the present hopeful condition of the school is due
Respectfully,
j. w. SMITH,
....t. h..