The Portland daily press., 1895-06-12
Especial to the PRESS.) }

course OF study at GOfI1am ana CaStine.
Especial to the PRESS.)
Augusta, June 11.-The law passed at
the last session of the legislature in re-
gard to the state certificaion of teachers.
will have tendency very largely increase
the attendance in our normal schools,
seminaries, academies and high schools
Giving the teachers of the state an op-
portunity to show their fitness to be
placed on an eligible list of instructors,
will ss..induce larger number to better
fit themselves for their work. 1T is pecu-
liarly fortunate that the state has recently
made, and is now making arrangements
for getting better facilities for instruc-
tion in the several normal schools of the
state.
The building at Gorham is one of the
finest in New England, and has loca-
tion that is unsurpassed by any institu-
tion of learning in this part of the coun-
try. During the summer, the building
Will be thoroughly renovated and put in
first class condition for the school in the
fall. Mr. Dana Estes, of the firm of Estes
donated to the normal school trustees
for the state valuable piece of property
for the use of the school. The grounds
given adjoin the normal school lot, and
add very materially to its sightliness and
value. The work upon the new dormi-
tory, voted by the last legislature, will
be commenced about the middle of June.
first class in all its appointments 1t
will be, in part, located upon the land
donated by Mr.. Estes
The building at Castine is to undergo
thorough and extensive repairs during
the summer, being painted throughout
and certain additions will be made to
the appliances and conveniences of the
usefulness. The trustees have under
consideration the fitting up of girls
gymnasium in the third story of the
building ample space being available for
that purpose. 1t is hoped that they will
also be able to provide a smaller gymna
sium for the boys, and thus give the
school many of the things needed by a
buildings, and apparatus at this school
are very complete, and of a character that
make the school one of great usefulness
The work upon removing the old part
OF the normal school building at Farm
ington has already begun; and the work
upon erecting the new structure will
be pushed forward with all possible
speed. The new building will be modern
in all its appointments and thoroughly
fitted up for a first class normal school.
The grounds and surroundings at Farm
ington are admirable in every respect
Steps are already being taken to COM
plete the building of the Madawaska
Training school. A large hall will be
finished in the second story, with stage
and the necessary appliances for gene
raj assembly room, and model room will
be fitted up A new teacher will be added
to the school; and it is also hoped that
another instructor will be added to the
corps at Castine. The Madawaska school
is doing excellent work, and it is entit-
led to the cordial support of every friend
of the common school system.
Our other normal schools are better
known, and their work is meeting with
a larger and more just appreciation.
The course of study at Gorham and
Castine has been extended for three
years, thus giving additional facilities
for advanced instruction in the language,
English, science and mathematics, and
by this means placing these schools on
an equality with the better grade of nor
NAL schools in New England.