Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1892-03-21
SCHOOL OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
REPORT.

of Irasburgh I believe the citizens
have been earnestly and honestly
served by competent gentlemen and
ladies in the terms Of the past year.
The village school has been showing
a steady and encouraging growth in
attachments, mental and disciplinary.
The higher department, taught by B..
w. Merrill, has reached a marked de-
gree of excellency. He has had in
] this department a considerable num-
Der from other districts in town, and
it is greatly to his credit that all have
been able to make progress equal to
schools having years of prestige and
much popular sentiment in their favor.
1t can consistently be mentioned as
indicating the just appreciation in
which Mr. Merrill is held that his sal
airy has been doubled since he first
taught the school. His natural adapt
ability for teaching, coupled with the
study of superior methods Of the emf
nent teachers of our country, is bring
ing just reward. In the winter term,
Just closed, the work has been very
thorough. The class in algebra was
especially noticeable, showing superb
or drill and diligent application The
classes in analysis and bookkeeping
have laid deep a good foundation. The
memorized essays on noted authors,
and the review work in geography
won hearty plaudits from those
present at the closing exercises. The
primary department of the village
school, taught by Miss Gertie Parker,
has reflected great credit upon her
patience, forbearance and ability. It
is a trying situation, for which rare
publications are necessary. I am pleas
ed to state that I was surprised at the
ability evidenced by her in this de-
partment. She introduced new meth
DDS and accomplished excellent re-
suits. This department needs the fire.
quent supervision of parents, far more
than the higher. Let the little people
come to the conclusion that you have
not sent them to school because they
were troublesome at home and their
room better than their company, but
let them feel that you have deep in
terest in what is taking place in the
school-room, and in their progress
personally. This is a call to awake
from sleep. We ought not to be cen
serious if we are apathetic. You could
not be long in the school taught by
Miss nellie Foss without becoming
convinced that teaching with her was
a labor of love, and that the scholars
were impressed with the quiet dignity
and the assiduous attention paid to
their requirements. There has been
great Improvement manifest in the
winter term. I know this school con-
tains those who with fixed resolutions
deserve praise whether they receive
it or not.
In the school taught by Miss Flora
Gillis of Barton Landing there was
manifest superior excellence in disci-
pine. The work was systematic and
thorough; the demand made upon the
scholars was such as to bring out the
best qualities, and the teacher was
clear and concise in explanations, not
profuse, but stimulative in all branches.
Mrs. Macie was an excellent instruct
or, but needed to incorporate modern
methods. 1t is hard in this school to
sustain motivity. Completion in school
work is life, as it is in trade. Under
some disadvantages the scholars have
made good advancement.
Miss Beams school was a model in
order. Here was prominent the faith
full service of teacher of excellent
qualifications. The scholars in this
district seemed to realize the deep in
terest parents and guardians feel in
them, and bent to the work with will.
Miss Austin is a conscientious teach
er, and gave to the work her best eff
forts. I bespeak for her in the future
a large measure of success. This is a
school of wonderfully bright and apt
scholars. A very interesting school. |
I have mentioned in particular
schools having the same teacher for
two or more consecutive terms. The
terms of the winter have been excep
tionally good. There are some con-
ditions under which no teacher, how
ever high her attachments, can sue
ceed. Parents must not depreciate a
teachers work until they have been |
observant of it in the school-room. |
"What every one says is not always
true.'' There is not profession exist
ing to-day which makes such exact
ing demands on head, heart and hands
ten, by words of encouragement and
sincere personal advice, change the