The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-02-12
A PUPILS VIEWS.
TO The Editor Of the Press,

TO The Editor of the Press:
Throughout all the long discussion on the
subject of our high school, have, as yet, seen
no communication from any one OF its pupils.
Thinking it may be of interest to hear the
opinion of some of them, take the liberty to
volunteer few words.
The opinion seems to be gaining ground
among parents of high school mem bers, that
the school is not accomplishing what it should
to increase the usefulness of those under its
charge. 1t seems proper that the scholars
themselves should have voice in deciding
what shall be done to fit them for after-life
They do not seem to be perfectly satisfied with
the course which they are compelled to pur-
sue. Many parents have said that their chill
dren must submit to the rules of the school,
even if such rules be rot for the best advan-
tage of the pupils, but boy who knows that
he must work for his living, and that, 100. be-
fore many years, will not, if the power of re-
sistance lie within himself, spend his time in
the pursuance of studies which he knows are
not as well adapted to his needs, as others of a
different nature might be.
According to the rules of the school commits
study, classical and general course" Upon
examining the list of studies for the general
course. it will be seen that those mentioned
are not such as will fit hoy for active bust
ness life, although each study in itself, is i'm.
portant. OF the branches assigned to the
classical department, it will be perceived that
about three-fourths of the time is spent upon
studies which pertain almost exclusively to
college work, for the small insight into the
larger part of the studies, which can be ID.
tanned in the short time allotted, cannot be Of
much practical use to the boy who is to engage
in mercantile pursuits. Why is it, then. that
so many boys, who do not expect to ever en-
ter college, undertake the classical course?
The most frequently occurring answer to this
question is that the pupils desire more am
bition course of study than that offered by the
general department, and, as but two courses
are presented to them for choice, they choose
the only alternative
The high school is annually graduating bows
who do not have the intention of following a
profession, who has Q little idea of every day
business such as that transacted in all counting
houses, and less idea OF the handling of TOOLS
In consequence thereof, the average gradu-
-;s5 an age at Wnlen ne should De wei establish
ed in some profitable employment, learn some
mechanical trade, or accept situation which
equally well FILL
II our High school should add OF substitute
for some of its less practical branches, a COM
mercial department. which should teach the
pupils bookkeeping, banking. custom house
operations and such transactions as are COM
mon to business life,we might see better results
for the time and money expended in sustain
ing it, To be sure, bookkeeping has been
placed upon the list of studies, but for what
purpose, the writer is not able to conjecture;
for, during his experience in the High school,
he has not heard of one scholar to whom it
has been taught.
If three courses Of study were adopted tho
general course would fit the girls for an honor
able position in refined and educated society;
the classical course would prepare the 'eollege
boys'' for future study, and the commercial
course would enable those intending to enter
business life to compete favorably with persons
from other schools and countries. The change
suggested could we think, be made with but
little or no extra expense, and with such an
efficient corps of teachers as that with which
the High school is now favoted, the change
would be followed by the desired results.
W. M. G.