River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1884-01-03
work. The live, widc.a-wake teacher

-~--N~ SUN AAtN14i5 VI
The two weeks Institute, conducted
here by Prof VIM. E. Barker last sum-
mer, was well attended, and the work
done was of a practical nature. Those
teachers who failed TO attend, permitted
rare opportunity to advance themselves
in methods and information to pass by
unimproved.
During the summer, three new school
houses have been erected in the county.
The one in the village of Maiden Rock is
two-story stone structure and cost
$1,000; the others are substantial frame
buildings. We are sorry to have to say
that in all sehool-houses built this sum-
mer, as far as we have been able to
special view to ventilation other than by
lowering the windows, a method that is
often accompanied by the most calama-
tous results such as protracted illness,
and often, DEATH As there are several
school-houses to be built in this county
next summer, we beg of the parents to
see to it that the above named defect is
removed and means devised by which
pure, warm air may be admitted to the
scFfool-room.
Since our last report, we have been
making special inquiries as to the results
of the plan of the district purchase of
text books in those districts where they
buy their books, and we find the plan
highly recommended where tried.
There are few districts in the county that
have not adopted a list of books as re-
commended by law. This should not be
so. We had blank printed and sent to
each district for recording books adopted
by the School Board, and said blank to
be posted in the school-room. If the
adoption has not been made, or the list
of textbooks adopted be not posted in a
conspicuous place in the school-house, let
the Board see TO it once that it is prompt
ly attended to-
The course Of Reading for Pierce Coun-
ty Teachers has received considerable at
tention from the teachers and indicates
desire on their part to improve them
selves in that direction.
The number of certificates issued this
year is about the same as that of last
year. Our ranks have been depleted by
marriage and other causes to an unusual
degree within the past twelve months, so
that the present number of teachers in
active service is not so large as it would
otherwise be. In order to obtain limit
ed certificate the applicant was required
to attain an average of only fifty per cent.
iii the third grade scheme, thus admit
ting some to the teachers ranks whose
scholars hip is very low, yet there be
those in the county who clamor for
lower grade Of teachers than even this
low standard gives us.
Since my last report l have made $50
official school visits, being 10 more than
were made last year. In these visits
have endeavored, as far as | could, to
commend that which was worthy of
praise and to make suggestions where it
seemed to be necessary.
The average length of the school year
ending June 80, 1888. was II months,
and in many of the districts the same
teacher was retained in the school for
the entire year. This seems to us to be
a move in the right direction, because
when a teacher has once become &C
quainted with the school and its needs,
she can do better by it than stranger
would probably be able to do.
The management of the schools is be-
ing improved and simplifed by an at
tempt to follow settled line of policy,
and the number of recitations per day
has been reduced, thus enabling the
teacher to do more complete and effect
ual work in less time than under the old
system
BY requiring the teacher to report to
his successor the standing of each pupil
in the school at the close of the term and
leave a record of the same with the
Clerk, the incoming teacher has basis
on which to commence school without
loss of time, and the pupil is advanced in
stead of being compelled to pursue the
the same parts year after year until he
becomes heartily discouraged in his
work, and with every thing connected
Herewith.
Financial Statement of the Incidental Fund.
Amount received during the year......S200
Amount discussed as follows:
fflutlng 20
PostaSe do 81
stationary ...,............,....- 20 50
Total amount...................
For the coming year, we would sug-
gest that 300 be set aside as an appropri- |
alton for the Incidental Fund, the above |
statement showing about the requisite
proportion required for printing, postage, |
and stationary.
In conclusion let me express my in |
debtedness for whatever of success may
have attended my efforts in the super
vision of the schools of the county, to an |
intelligent and earnest corps of teachers,
and an appreciative people. Without |
the hearty support that has been given |
me, the arduous labor of directing the
important interest committed to my cafe
must have been in vain.
Being encouraged by the past, we hope
for greater results to our labors in the fu-
ture, looking to practical means and in
strumentalities rather than to grand ideas
and good maxims, for the remedy of
whatever yet remains that is weak and
unproductive in our school work.
Respectfully yours,
A. RosENBERGER.
Co. School Supt.
VICE'S FLORAL GUIDE.