Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1895-11-21

two more institutes, one at Cobb Nov. 18th and
l6th conducted by President Chalmers. and the
other at Arena Nov. 22d and I'D, by Prof'
Cheever.
which Is expected to meet at Intervals during
the season, for the interchange OF Teas and
consideration Of topics for the benefit OF the
teachers and schools.
Three teachers meetings were held during the
winter, the first object OF which was the special
consideration Of the Manual for the common
schools. An earnest effort has been made 70 In;
troduce the Use OF the Manual into every school
in the county with some success, rs over one.
half OF the schools are now organized under that
course of study.
Arbor Day Is believed to have been very gen.
orally observed, although the official report
gives cighty-four schools only, with $50 trees
planted. Circulars were sent to each school
containing a program and selections for the ex-
crcises OF the day In many cases, owing 10 inc
encouragement In anting trees, caused IN
previous years by drouth. the efforts ef teachers
and pupils were directed towards an improve
ment In the school grounds, and marked DIFF
ference was seen In the appearance Of these ne
fore and after Arbor Day. There Is but one IN
stance In which II IL known that the day WIS
not observed, and sll were spent IN such mai
ncr az To combine pleasure with profit.
EXAMINATION or COMMON SCHOOLS AND DIPLOMAS.
This line of work iS increasing very rapidly
and IN becoming one of the most potent In
tuences IN the management OF our common
schools. At the last examination, ID schools
were represented. IS pupils receiving diplomas,
nm increase OF ~ over the previous year. IL IL
now known that large number OF pupils are
making preparations for the examination dis
year. aud this undoubtedly stimulates the inter
est in the common schools. aud creates desire
for higher education.
Bonds are now required 10 he given by the
superintendent and these were furnished TO me
amount OF 900. or the laws passed by the last
legislature. all have been observed, except the
one relating 10 the purchase Of flags for the use
of the schools, and II Is to be dcpl"rcd that TIL,
was not by all the schools Circulars were scut
TO cnch school board chilling attention 10 thu
law. but the superintendent hcsitacd In using
stronger mSnsuics, IN the hopes that school Of
iCcrs would realize TINT II cheerful adherence
10 the laws IN The duty of all loyal citizens, ana
especially OF those to whom the fnlilmcnt of
the laws ~ inirustcd. II IL bell we'd that In most
cnscS II was simply the lack Of convenient iacil.
tiles for the purchase Oi flags which caused the
non com lInncc with the law, nnd ns these Will
be provided. II IL thought that flags Will soon be
found In MI Oi the schools.
There IL certainly much improvement IN the
schools of Iowa county In the last few ychts but
q great deal yet rrmnus TO be done, and II In
only by the united efforts Of all who are Inter.
CStcd I'm education TINT the schools emu be
standard maintained when once reached. Each
has his share IN the work IN be DONE either dl-
rcGrly or indirectly.
The present low wages for teachers are due In
all probability, to the general business uGpfcS'
HiOu and II " to be hoped that with the return
OF more prosperous times the teacher will not
DO the Inst TO feel the reaction. Tho tenChcrs
Of Town county have responded chcerfully To
tho demand for II higher grade Of teachers, and
have taken advantage of MI opportunities for
gaining additional knowledge, spending both
time and money IN lifting themselves for the po'
sitlon of teachers.
Tho present superintendent has been aided
aud encouraged by the sympathy and cheerful
cooperation Of the people OF the county, for
which thanks arG gratefully returned. Tho law
has been faithfully followed, and although at
times It has cunlliCtcd with individual Interests
AMI opinions, yet II has been chcerlully ncqnl.
GGCod IN nj all times.
Altogether feel that very gratifying results
haYO been attained during the last year, nnd
! realize more hlly that, In u measure, tho
futures Of these young people md little onos nro
entrusted to my cnrc
Very respectfully submitted,
EMMA q. UNDERWOOD,
County superintendent
On motion of w. A. Jones, the report
was ordered placed on flo and pub,
iished.
A petition OF George q. OAK, for ro.
fund of taxes, was presented aud ro'
ferred to the committees on tax claims.
On motion, the board adjourned un'
Til . II. IN. to morrow.