Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1885-07-15

file their acceptances by June 10th. Eight OF
the old teachers decided not 10 remain. and
these with the new ones added, viii make In all
eleven new teachers The Committee ON Ex-
aminatlons has taken the utmost pains TO select
suitable persons for these places, and, although
In some eases II was necessary 10 rely wholly
upon recommendations, yet It is believed that
on the whole the force has been strengthened.
There Is one question In this connection which
will year by year assume larger proportions,
and which must sooner or later receive the at
tentlon Of the Board. refer TO the confidence
with which inexperienced graduates look for
ward to an appointment as teachers In our pub
lie schools. To occupy such a position is GER
tainly worthy ambition for any young lady Of
our High school to entertain, but for the Board
to grant positions, Unfortunately TO all who
may graduate, would seriously endanger the
efficiency of the school. Any public school or
college which should draw its teachers wholly.
or in the main, from its graduates who have
had no experience elsewhere would be in the
very greatest danger OF falling into the ruts and
OF staying there. IL needs new life blood and
plenty of 1t TO keep the body In healthy condl-
ton The new ideas which teachers may have
gathered In other schools are often OF the great
est service TO the whole school. For the Board
TO deprive itself OF this advantage would be
very great mistake, and our graduates should
be given to understand that diploma is only
certificate OF scholarship, and that whether
an appointment to n position viii follow the
giving Of a diploma will be largely determined
by other considerations.
TRUANCY.
The manner in which the Truant Law has
been enforced this year has not been entirely
satisfactory. In 1884 the City Council, upon re-
quest of the Board, appointed one policeman
to act rs truant officer. Under his vigorous adj
mnistration great good was accomplished.
This year the Council laid the duty upon the
whole force, and the truth of the old adage that
"What is everybody's business is nobody's bust
ness" has again been verified. do not mean
to be understood that nothing has been DONE
but the result has not been satisfactory to me-
and l would respectfully recommend either
that the City Council he again requested to APP
point n particular policeman to act as truant
officer, or that the attempt to enforce the law
be given up.
HEALTH OF THE SCHOOL.
During the past year. two of the scholars,
Jacob IIayle of the eth grade, and George Breb-
ner of the 9th, have died. Both Of them were
excellent scholars and had, 10 all appearances,
n bright future before them. AS mark of re-
spect, their respective teachers and classmates
attended the funeral in n body, and large
number united with the friends in paying at the
grave the last tribute of affection. Aside from
this the general health has been good On one
or two occasions 1t was deemed advisable to ex-
clude scholars from school because OF expos
ure to contagious diseases and all further
trouble has been avoided. The sanitary cOndi-
ton OF the buildings has received careful at
tention and the ventilation has been greatly
The latter subject has received
special attention from the Chairman Of the
Executive Committee, and under his vigorous
direction yentilators have been placed In near
ly all the rooms OF the city, outside of the Cen
trail building II the same system could be
used, ut least In the lower rooms OF the latter,
great good could not fail TO follow. 1t would,
1t seems to us, contribute very largely TO the
health and comfort OF the school IL those build
lngs which are constructed so as TO receive
them could be provided with furnaces. This
method Of heating, rs proven in Lockwood this |
winter Is the most economical. the most con- |
venent, and insurcs perfect ventilation. The |
Second Ward and Obed Smith schools would |
be especially benefited if this method Of heat |
Ing could be adopted. During n large portion |
Of the year the water supply Is cut off by the |
frost from all of the ward schools except the |
Lockwood. II there is any possible way to |
this II should be taken.
LIBRARY.
From the following statistics you will be able
to judge the condition Of the Library;
No. volumes in Library $50
a. IL .11 V.wsw. 10.