Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-04-04
narticnlar several of the districts

are resulting to their schools. That
in about one-half the number no
effort has been made, and that in
the other half the plan has just
obtained a footing are certainly
facts not calculated to justify any
Boosting; but it is to be kept, in mind
that the scheme has not yet passed
beyond the experimental stage IN
any part Of the State. The constant
agitation of the subject in teachers
institutes and other gatherings Of
teachers keeps it prominently before
them, and may be relied on to
bring about the same results here
that it will elsewhere.
Important as may be the place
occupied by this grade of schools,
it is not possible to place before the
pnblic any adequate view Of their
condition, owing to the lack Of the
necessary information, and the
insufficiency of space were this
obtainable. But no inconsiderable
part of educational interest centers
about the larger schools and the
facts of their condition are not SO
difficult of access. A note adj
dressed to the teachers in charge
of those schools of the county that
have more than one department,
met with a prompt and cordial re-
spouse in nearly every case. The
several statements here appended
contain the substance Of these re-
sponses. At the outset it should be
stated that an apology is due to the
several writers of these statements
for the length of time that has been
allowed to elapse before this ac-
acknowledgement of their receipt.
Nothing less than the unremitting
pressure of daily duties during this
time would excuse it:
HIGHLAND.
Mr.. l.. S. Kelley Of the Highland
Free High School writes as follows:
"Our school consists of four departments. the
High school, Grammar. intermediate, and Pri-
mary The Grammar department is taught by
Miss Mary +. Frawley of Black Earth; the
by Mr.. +. Il. Goodsell, of Highland,
and the Primary by Miss Maria Duffy. also Of this
place. The school is organized and disciplined
according to the provisions OF the Free High
School law. The school house is comparatively
new and, among the best in the county. Our
course OF study enables pupils to fit themselves
to enter the General Science course in the Uni
versity OF Wisconsin Many improvements were
made on the school house, and the premises con-
nected with it during the summer vacation.
In connection with the school, Is school
library, containing about one hundred volumes,
consisting OF lexicons, books of reference, and
various books of choice literature. We have a
good supply OF apparatus for teaching, and
students can obtain here a good practical edu-
cation.
The chief evil which we have to combat with,
is irregular attendance. But pupils who fall
behind i'll their studies, because OF irregular at
tendance faithlessness or otherwise, so as to
become drag" in the class are sent TO lower
grade, or to a lower department unless the lost
ground is promptly regained. The personal pride
of the pupils is sometimes wounded by this, but
grading should be made in accordance with
learning, rather than height or age.
In all departments of the school, two hundred
pupils are enrolled, This is a larger number than
was enrolled in any term last year.
Active earnest work is being done III all tn e
departments; the patrons seem to feel u deeper
interest in the school than usual, which is Ger
tainly commendable, so that can predict for the
school in the future. II sure and steady growth. "
LINDEN.
Mr.. A. ID. Prideaux of the Linden
Graded School:
We think we can truly say that the progress
of our schools since the erection OF the new
building in the summer of - has, on the whole,
been very satisfactory. The number OF pupils
since that time has nearly doubled. several
coming from the surrounding districts.
The distribution of pupils in the various de
partments mp TO the present time is as follows:
High school, 40; intermediate 67 primary 80
This is makes a total enrolment of 16i, which
will be farther increased during the year, 1t
reaching last year go
For the instruction of this large number OF
children there are, yet, but three teachers
The high school being provided with commo-
dious recitation room, four teachers can be
accommodated when the people see fit TO make
that addition.
Although our high school is not organized
under the State law, still we adhere TO the course
Of study prescribed by the State Superintendent
and strive rs far possible to afford the advan-
tages offered by the high schools of the county
The necessary apparatus for the successful car
rying on of the school is quite limited; scarcely
keeping pace with the demand. Yet We feel very
grateful to the Board of Education for the many
ncedful additions made since the opening of the
fall term. the high school having been supplied
with complete set of maps and a webster's
Unabridged Dictionary, the primary with an
excellent system OF charts.
One very encouraging feature, is the fact that
the pupils manifest lively interest in their
work and seem proud of the increased facilities
provided for them. This promises success for the
future provided parents do their part by CO.
operating with the teachers in their work and BY
offering all needfll encouragement to the pupils.
COBB.
Miss Nellie Bentley of the Graded
School at Cobb:
THE public school consists Of two depart
ments; one primary. Two teachers are en-
mar department and has general supervision of
TIT school. Lou Humhert is the efficient worker
with the little ones. The length of the school
year is nine months, being divided into three
terms The teachers salary during the year is
s72l There are IS pupils enrolled. varying in
age from 40 % years Average daily attend
ance. 20 There are six grades of work: first
second and third primary; first, second and
third grammar.
The building is new and convenient, the
school furniture and apparatus in good con
ditiou. With skilltul management the school
certainly should prosper.
MIFFLIN.
Mr.. Frank L. Gilbert of the Milf