The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-07-10
SUPERINTENDENT J0HNST0N'S
REPORT.

dS lilCy may dIlO SuOulu DC.
Good work wherever observed and
there has been some good work done
this year-has been encouraged and
impractical methods have been dis
couraged.
Substantial buildings were erected
in Orange, Fishingcreek, and Sugarloaf
townships. One in each.
Slate black boards were put in one
school in Hemlock. three in Green
wood, and seven in Locust. Locust
now has such boards in all the schools.
Flags were put IN the schools of
Centralia and Conyngham.
The Bloom directors having exam
ined many courses Of study of the best
schools of the country have adopted a
new course for their schools.
Practical business training. short
hand, and Type. writing are included
in the course, and such instruction Is
contemplated as will fit the graduates
of the High school to enter the Senior
class at the Normal. This Board is
also considering the subject Of Manual
Training.
Improvements are being made
throughout the county in the school
houses, apparatus and furniture, but
not sufficient attention is given to the
out-buildings and the grounds.
Fifty-seven Of our teachers are Nor
NAL graduates five hold permanent
certificates twenty eight hold profes-
sionals and one hundred and twenty
two hold PROFESSIONALS.
The standard is being gradually
raised and there is an encouraging ten
dency among teachers to secure higher
grade certificates
AS a rule our teachers are earnest,
faithful workers. There are still few
who do not seem to realize what is re-
guired of teacher, or, realizing it,
lack the energy to do that which may
justly be expected of them
Yet with our present teachers doing
more professional reading; working
more uniiedly with the same definite
end in view; taking more interest in
Teachers Associations; and with
closer supervision which appears in the
distance, there is no limit to the good
that may be accomplished by our
schools
Our directors are doing commenda
bic work. They seem to be earnestly
working to have better school-facilities
| and better schools.
The Directors Association is in a
flourishing condition.
Every school in the county was visi-
tied once, and number twice.
1t is possible to Aisit schools twice
in districts having a term of eight or
ten months. Once before the other
schools have commenced and once
after the others have closed. But
owing to the large territory to 60 over
one visit is all that can be made to
schools having the minimum term.
In every district one or more direc
tors and sometimes citizens usually
accompanied me in my visits. In
several districts the directors visit the
schools regularly. 1t is most desirable
that such be the case in all.
The Normal school under the able
leadership of Prof. Welsh is in very
prosperous condition. The largest
class in the history of the school was
graduated this year.
Prof Russell with three assistants is
doing good work at the Greenwood
Seminary.
The Orangeville Academy in charge
OF Prof, Moore is sustaining its reputa-
ton among the institutions of learning
of the county.
A good and largely patronized Pri-
vate school in Bloomsburg is conduct
ed by an efficient educator, Miss Amel-
ia Armstrong, ably assisted by Miss
Mildred Knorr, graduate Of Vassar.
The Berwick, Catawissa, and Cen
tralia High Schools sent out number
of graduates.
By those competent to judge, the
county institute was great success.
The instructors ard lecturers pres
ent were Hon. d. ]. Waller, Jr., Supt.
| Walton, Misses Armstrong, Knorr,
and Miller, Mrs. Welsh, Profs. Welsh,
Wilbur, Noetling, Becht, Cope, Har-
kins, Albert, Geddis, Richardson, Hall,
Rev. Steck, DIR. Hedley, Meig Sisters,
and Mrs. Mary A. Livermore. DIR. Je-
rome Allen of New York city, and
Prof. Brumbaugh of Huntingdon were
absent on account of sickness.
Seven successful local institutes
were held during the year. As brief
accounts of each were given in the
| monthly reports nothing further will
be said here.
My thanks are due and heartily ten
dered to the Department for friendly
| counsel; to the press of the county for
| valuable service rendered. to directors,
teachers, scholars, and citizens for
their kindness and cooperation.
w. {. JOHNSTON.