The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1894-03-14
The Public Schools.

The time IS rapidly approaching Wnen our
public schools will ali close Tor the long
summer vacation. In fact in few districts
the teachers have already taken final fare
well OF those who for the last six months
had been their pupils A few words relative
TO the closing Of the schools, therefore, may
be timely and interesting to the general
educational public
A Successful Tes7a-Tbe schools throughout
the county have had very full and regular
attendance, as well as the advantage OF a
strong teaching force These favorable con-
ditions together with the benefits derived
from free text books and supplies, will, we
believe, show very marked progress in the
school work Of the county during the last
term. Only in few small sections have
any of the diseases, common TO children,
interfered with the schools While COM
plete returns alone can show the record made
yet from present indications that record will
be very encouraging to all workers in and
for the schools.
Free Tert- -BOoks-The sudden and general
application of the free textbook law has re-
suited IN some frictions, and in most districts
a greater expense than was at first anticipat-
ed. Bat few boards of directors had made
any provisions for meeting the additional
expense of purchasing books and supplies
Because of this fact and the general reduc-
ton in the pro rata of the State appropriation
nearly all our districts have been Obliged to
incur debt which was not intended or de-
sired. From general estimate, | believe
that more than half Of the books used in
the schools were supplied from the public
funds II is evident therefore that the ex-
pense will not be nearly as heavy in any one
future term, and after all books are once
owned by the districts, the cost of maintain
ing an adequate supply will be comparative
ly small.
There has been a very general and hearty
approval OF the free book system, because of
its very marked benefit OF the schools. EI-
perienee and careful management will. we,
believe, overcome all bjection to it. and in
a very few years prove its real economy.
Care Of the Boots-The care and keeping of
the free books is left to the local boards
most of whom have already made provision
for storing them duung the summer. Strong
bookcases placed in the schoolrooms, seem
to afford the most convenient and satisiac
tory arrangement. If this is not done the
books should be boxed and placed in care of
some responsible citizen of the district.
The State Superintendent has ruled that
free textbooks cannot. under any conditions
be used in summer normal or select schools.
Directors haYe not the Discretionary power
to permit their use in this way.
Grading the Sehools-Whatever We may
have lacked in previous years in the thor
ough grading Of all our schools, has been
supplied by the system Of free books. 1 am
pleased to note that all our teachers have
used and followed the Course of Study,
adapting it TO the needs and conditions of
the individual schools which is their right
and duty. Term Report blanks have been
mailed to each teacher and il is earnestly
hoped aud requested that these reports be
promptly and fully made, so that the sue
ceeding teachers may know the clsss-siand-
ing, the grade and the work Of each pupil at
the beginning Of the next term. II the
blank has not reached its destination new
one should be ordered at once.
Applicants for Misunderstanding upon the
suggestion made 10 teachers at the Coury
Institute. limited number Of applicants for
graduation have been recommended and
these show higher average age than last
year The object is to strengthen the Course
of Study and to advance gradually the stand
ard required for graduation. The following
dates and places will we believe, accommo-
date all the applicants thus far reported
March IO-Fairview S. II for Brothers
valley.
March lO-Glade City S. H. for Summit.
March l7-Cupp S. H. for Somerset Twp.
March I7-Lambertsville, for Stonycreek
and Shade.
March 21-Sipesville for Lincoln.
March 22-Jennerstown for Jenner and
! Jennerstown.
March 22-Ursina.
March 23-Conhuence.
March 24-Kingwood. for Upper Turkey
foot
March 29-Berkey S. II. for Paint.
April MILLER S. II. Conemaugh.
April lS-Salisbury.
lockwood, date to be announced.
April l9-Berlin.
May 3rd.-Meyersdale.
May 4th.-SOmerset.
Examinations begin at o'clock. Let ap-
plicants be prepared for written work.
Local committees, if not elected will b'
appointed, 10 arrange for holding the ex-
aminations and assist in the usual work
Directors, teachers and patrons are invited
10 be present.