The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-10-17
Change in Government of
Evening Schools.
Teachers Will Be Looked After
i. Sharply by the Committee.
A Growing Interest In Gaining Knowl-
edge After Lamps are Lit.

Just now evening schools occupy
great deal of attention and thought, not
only upon the part Of those who make
possible the opportunity and those who
earnestly desire to acquire an education,
and cannot go to the day schools, but al
30 those who have in years past hailed
the opening Of the evening schools with
delight, feeling assured OF little diver
sion on school nights, and comfortable
room to sit in for an hour or two, while
the wind is bowling without, and JACK
Frost 10 making merry with the nose, ear
and finger tips. The reason why so much
interest Is shown is because this year an
entirely new system has been adopted by
the committee on evening schools, and
visiting principal whittemore is sharply
engaged in thoroughly "weeding" them
out. The schools opened throughout
the city last Monday evening with con-
bly, larger attendance than hereto
fore, the evening high school alone having
nearly one hundred more pupils than last
year, and seven day school teachers are
employed to instruct them. Although the
attendance is so large, however, 1t is by
no means certain thal all those who nave
applied for admission will remain, and
I'm fact quite q number have been dropped
already for various good reasons, which
viii follow.
Contrary to the usual custom, the book
Of registration will not be opened until
next Monday, this week being devoted
largely to examining.
the qualifications of applicants, This is
done to prevent fraud which has hereto
fore existed, the "fraud" being on the
part OF pupils, so-called. Quite number
start in to attend evening school and keep
it up for two or three weeks, and then
drop out. Others go to keep out OF the
cold, while still others go for fan. These
is to be permitted TO remain away this
year, none being allowed to enter who
are not certified to by some responsible
citizen and who will not guarantee by
signing a pledge, that he will use his
best efforts TO attend regularly at least
four evenings each week during the
term: to be studious, obedient TO the
teacher and cause no trouble.
Those entering the evening high school
must have diploma or pass satisfac-
tory examination, besides furnishing a
reference from. citizen.
Those under IL years OF age, OF which
several try to get in, and have heretofore
succeeded sometimes in spite OF the Wig
ilance OF the authorities, will have to
nsve a special permit from the superin-
tendent OF schools, besides furnishing
the necessary guarantee and reference.
Those who want to attend the advanced
evening schools have to fill out card,
in addition to the other requisites, Civ
ing name, occupation, residence, ETC.,
and tell all about their school experience.
There are others who have been found
to be attending day schools at the same
time they go to the evening schools, and
still Others, whom Mr.. Whittemore has
not heretofore been able because OF their
duplicity to discover, who should at
tend day school but do not, either be-
cause their parents want them to work
when there is no need of 1t, or becaus,
they prefer to run around the streets dur
ing the day. These are dropped with
dull thud and made to go to day schools.
Another rule adopted this year provides
for books necessary to be loaned to the
pupil to study at home. Not Only he
signs a receipt and guarantee for the us'
and care of the book, but the parent oi
guardian also assumes the responsibility
At the end OF the week the teacher'
will in detail report the attendance to
Mr.. whittemore, who will in turn for
ward summary for each school to th'
superintendent.