The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1892-05-20
BLOOMsBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

One Of the most successful years in
the public schools closed Wednesday
of last week, and was publicly com
memorated Thursday evening May Ia,
when Hattie f. Carpenter. Minnie G.
He'll, Kate PETER, Irene l.. Girtor,
Jessie b Ent. Emma Cadman. Theresa
He'll and G. Carrie Briggs. graduates.
took part in the first Commencement
of the Bloomsburg Public Schools
Two causes brought about this re-
suit. The first was the compilation
and adoption of a graded course of
study, having as an object, graduation
in the Normal course, Business course
and Semitic course. The course Of
study was arranged by the committee
on text books, etc, and about a year
ago adopted by the Board Of Directors.
The first step having been accomplish
ed, the next was to secure person, as
principal, who could begin the work
upon the new basis. The Board by a
unanimous vote selected Prof l.. p.
Sterner, who had served as assistant
in the High School for the two previous
years. The new principal entered up
on the work with a determination to
give the course of study a thorough
test, that it might be ascertained how
well it was adapted to the schools and
if defects were found to report them
to the Board of Directors most Of the
teachers in the district labored dill
gently with the principal. The super
vlsing work that is necessary for a
principal where we have three separ-
ate buildings, consumed much time,
attention could therefore only be
chiefly directed this year to the one
course, viz the Normal course and
accordingly eight persons have gradua-
ted
A class in the Business course was
commenced this year, from which a
number will graduate next year. A
few have commenced the Scientific
Course, who wish to pursue more ad-
vanced studies.
Soon after the opening of the fall
term the principal appointed monthly
teachers institutes to be held the Sec
ond Saturday Of each month. These
institutes were attended by the teach
ers; with but few exceptions; much
good resulted. The attendance was
better, while the citizens seemed to
give personal attention 10 the welfare
ol their children--this cannot be bet,
ter illustrated than by stating that 7oI
persons visited the schools against on
ly 363 the previous year; r45 visits to
the High School against IS. Six
pupils outside tn. district attended the
High School, against none the previous
year. The members of the Board Of
Directors were aroused to the needs Of
the schools and made frequent visits,
offering suggestions when needed.
The principal made monthly reports
to the Board of the progress of the
schools, this was an innovation; and
was more faithfully carried out than
the Boad had hoped for when it was
incorporated in the rules to the prin-
cipal it was a qualification to the
Board to learn monthly of the progress
in the schools. In the final report
there was recommended few changes
IN the course of study, the adoption
of system of physical exercises and
music, and course of supplementary
reading.
There are many things that claim
the attention of the Board during the
summer, before beginning new term.
The attendance in the schools will re-
qulre additional teachers, the buildings
at Third and Fifth street should be re-
nodded and we ought to give nine
months term Of school. The progres-
sive spirit of the town has entered the
Board of Education and it is hoped
our schools will soon rank first in the