Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1883-11-01
Prineinal's Rennrf.


Lancaster, Oct. 9th, 1888.
Members Of The Board Of Education:
GENTLEMEN:-I have the honor to pre-
sent herewith, my report of the Lam
easter schools for the six weeks end
ing October goth.
You viii notice an increase OF attend
ance in nearly all the departments over
last year. In the Grammar Depart
ment it is mainly due TO the large pro-
motion from The intermediate Depart
ment, and to the fact that promotion to
the High School was far more rigorous
than it was the year before. Quite
number were retained down stairs who
were better prepared for the High School
than those who were promoted before.
In fact, each grade in the entire School
is farther advanced than the CORES
ponding grade was year ago. The
large enrolment in the Grammar De-
partment at present promises large
'~ShCOA NAV
Iregret that have been obliged to
take so many classes again this term as
almost to prevent supervision of the
other rooms. The Principal of so large
school ought not, | am COW need, to
have eight recitations per day. The
other teachers are also obliged to do
more than is best for the interests of the
pupils
The general condition of the School
is better, | think, than at any of my
previous reports. There is more sys-
tenn, better application to study, better
department, and better examination
results than last year. The teachers
all seem to be awake to the response
bilities and Importance of their work,
and the students as class are arousng
from much of their former lethargy,
and are exhibiting more interest and
enthusiasm in study. The Philoma-
tnean is taking a long step in advance
OF its former accomplishments. The
new heating apparatus and other i'm
provements add considerably to the
comfort of teachers and pupils. The
philosophical apparatus will be great
addition to the resources of the High
School. The outlook is encouraging.
aud as the year progresses, | hope to be
able to report still greater improve
ments. Yours obediently,
L. Nj. WooD, Principal.
The following are among the advant-
ages of monthly examinations: First,
they afford the most satisfactory basis
for systematic promotion; Second, they
serve as an incentive to the stu
dents to do better work before
examinations; Third, they show
tie pupils what they lack,
and where they are weak, and thus
often serve as spur to increased effort
after examination; Fourth, they fire.
quently have the same effect on teach
ers, showing them where they have
failed to do their work well; Fifth, they
forcibly impress upon the minds of the
pupils the fact that something more
than wealth, or social position, or fista
is needful, and therefore make study
more popular; Sixth, they incite whole
some emulation; Seventh. they supply
most valuable exercise in mental CON
centration, neatness, accuracy, and ex-
preston; Eighth, they occasion regular
reviews, and produce more uniformity
in the work of the different depart
ments; Ninth, they afford parents a
better opportunity to ascertain the pro-
gress and thoroughness of their chill
dren.
The programme of the Philomathean
Society last week included six recita-
tions, two declamations, six select
readings, two essays. one PRESERVATION,
two songs, and four debaters;
or q different performances. The
exercises were good, and none present
were unprepared. We believe that the
cooperation of the teachers, and the
labor that they perform in hearing re-
haarsals and making criticisms afford
advantages that are rarely enjoyed in
such societies. 1t is gratifying to see
indications that the students are begin
ming to appreciate and improve these
opportunities more than last wear
With a few regular prizes and the con
tinued aid of the teachers. the society
may become leading factor in achiev-
the highest mission of the School. Long
live the Philomathean,
Below is an abstract of the statistical
report Of the Lancaster schools for the
SIX weeks ending Oct 26: also the same