The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1891-01-23

Have established special days for visitors
days, for which occasion several patrons are
invited by postal communication. Nc.
Sec'y Dewey in circular says concern
Ing school affairs that at the commencement
of the present school year the Board Of EX-
aminerS determined to make a vigorous
effort for the improvement of district
schools, and to this end organized the Shia-
wassee Co. Teachers reading circle and in
troduced the use of the State Manual. 1t may
not be Improbable to look the field over
and ascertain how far the plans of the
Board have been successfully carried out.
Early i'm September, acircular was issued,
which fully set forth the necessity and
benefits of course of systematic reading;
all teachers were requested to enroll them
selves as members. A large proportion of
the teachers have complied with this re-
quest and the Board is well satisfied with
the amount and character of the work done.
The State Manual, issued by the Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction, Is carefully
devised plan for the classification of the dis
trict schools. A copy of this manual was
sent TO each district before the opening of
the winter term, accompanied by circular
letter of instructions to the teachers. The
necessity for its introduction in the district
school was apparent to every thoughtful
school patron or teacher.
How far are the schools Systematically
graded? 1t is with keen sense of right
that we are compelled to state that the work
is not being satisfactorily done. In some of
the districts-perhaps quarter or even
third of the whole number-reasonable pro-
gress is being made, while few are thor
Ougbly graded. The Board would again
ee all teachers to begin this classification
at once.
Examination questions for the next quar-
tiers work will be as follows Page on
Teaching-Pages 1S6-303. Barnes Gen
eral History 1890.
Examination questions for all grades will
be prepared and mailed to each district in
accordance with the plan of the Manual,
covering the work designed for the winter
term. These questions will be sent out
about the last of FEBRUARY.
The regular annual examination of pupils
who have completed the work of the eighth
grade, will be held in each township on
Saturday, March nth, and in the same
school houses as heretofore. The township
Board of School Inspectors will conduct the
examination; all pupils passing this eXamin-
alton will receive diploma admitting them
to any high school in the county.
The Secretary of the Board will make his
Office in the Court House ON the first and
third Saturdays of each month during the
remainder of the winter term, unless pre-
vented by other school duties.
The regular semi-annual examination of
teachers will be held at Corunna, on Thurs
day and Friday, March 5th and 9th. All
special certificates expire at that date. All,
who desire to write for first or second grade
certificates, will be expected both days.
The examination for third grade certificates
will be held OH Friday. Applicants are
expected 10 report promptly at 8 a. m.
At the annual meeting of the Board of
School Inspectors this Board was instructed
to procure paper tor examinations, il the
same could be procured and distributed at
reasonable expense. Owing to the large
amount of paper required for the several
schools, it was deemed impracticable to
purchase it; however, through the kindness
of Parkill q Son, of Owosso, the Board has
secured $4,000 sheets. This paper will be
furnished to any district applying for it at
the Office of the Secretary. 1t Is the hope
of the Board that each director Or teacher
will come or send for supply at once.
Recognizing the Importance of the fire.
quent meetings of the teachers for the con-
sidefation of educational topics, the Secre-
tary has so arranged his visits that he will
be In Venice township the fourth week in
January, and requests the teachers to meet
at the school house in District No. A., on
Tuesday Jan. 81, at 1880 p. m. The follow
ing Tuesday, Feb 3, the teachers of Wood
hull are requested to meet at Shaftsburg.
While these meetings are designed prl-
marily for teachers, all school patrons and
officers will be most cordially welcomed.
This is new departure i'm this county but
will meet we trust, with the approval Of
those interested In school matters. III these
gatherings prove pleasant and profitable,
similar ones will be called in other town
ships. The work of the reading circle and