The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-07-21
ANNUAL R EPORT OF THE SCHOOLS
OF O0LU MBIA COUNTY, 1893.

During the past year 2,3 teachers
were engaged in the a2o schools of
the county. This was an increase
over last year of IS teachers and II
schools. This necessary increase in
the number of schools and teaching
force Of the county makes more work
for all school officials, but it proves
that the directors are wide awake and
progressive and that just demands for
better schools will be promptly and
prudently supplied.
The schools and the working of the
public school system of this county
are in good condition. There is,
however, properly and necessarily,
room for improvement, yet it certainly
may be justly said that the schools
never were in as good condition as at
present and that the aim and the ef-
fort of all connected with them are
evidently in the right direction.
Five new school houses were erect.
ed during the year. A one.room build
ing in Centre, one story, tworoom
building in Fishingcreek, a one room
building in Orange, a one story two
room building in Scott, and one
room building in Sugarloaf.
These are good substantial build
ings, supplied with patent desks and
slate blackboard surface.
A number of school houses were re-
paired and repainted and better furn
iture was put into many of them.
Anatomical aids were put into the
schools of Beaver, Centralia, Fishing
ingcreek, Main and Pine.
Again this year entertainments were
held by several schools and money
thus raised to purchase books.
These schools which had libraries
added new books to their collections ;
other schools started Libraries.
This is one Of the most encouraging
and praise worthy efforts that has
been made by teachers and pupils.
Everything possible is being done to
encourage and assist this movement.
1t promises much.
Many Of the schools have intro
duced complete series Of supplement.
,ary reading. 1t is decided success.
Webster's Unabridged Dictionaries
were put into sixty seven schools this
year, and most of the schools not yet
supplied with this necessary book will
be furnished with one the coming
year.
Several of the districts supply par,
Of the text books free.
1t Is understood that some districts
will follow the example set by Jackson
and supply all books free.
Columbus Day was quite generally
and appropriately observed. A num-
Der of schools were presented with
flags on that day.
The High Schools of Catawissa,
Centralia, Berwick and Bloomsbury
sent out number of graduates this
year. Some of these graduates join
the Senior class at the Normal and
are graduated from that Institution at
the end Of one year.
The Normal prospers, the largest
class (II3) in the history of the school
was graduated this year.
Improvements are still being made
in the buildings and the Faculty has
been increased to meet The demands.
The following districts heightened
the school term one month: Benton,
Berwick, Briarcreek, Catawissa, Fish
ingcreek and Greenwood. Montour,
Orange and Scott increased the length
OF the term two months, and Millville
Borough, incorporated within the year,
commenced with eight months.
In the following districts the aver
age salary paid teachers. was increased
Beaver, Benton, Berwick, Bloom, Cat
awissa, Centre, Centralia, Fishingcreek
Greenwood, Franklin, Jackson, Mad
ison, Mifflin, and Mt. Pleasant.
Every district in the county has
done something to advance materially
the cause of education.
During the year, 3I5 visits were
made to schools. Some were visited
three times, about IS were visited
twice, and every school in the county
was visited at least once.
Nearly all schools are visited by
Directors. In some districts Direc
tors visit regularly 1t would be wei
If this were so in all.
Our teachers, with but few excep
tons, are careful, industrious ane
faithful.
The majority of them are doing
more professional reading than evel
before and their work is better anc
more fully appreciated.
The best teachers naturally anC
properly seek positions where salaries
are highest and terms longest.
1t is gratifying and encouraging tt
observe that MANY of our Director!