Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1896-08-21
To Parents and Pupils.

School will open at y
o'clock on Monday morning, August 81.
We shall, of course, expect TO find the
rooms full of the eager and happy faces
of those who have profited by delight
full vacation. We shall also be pleased
TO have our friends drop in for the open
ing exercise of the year. Ii is highly
important that pupils should be present
from the very f,st Work in earnest
begins on Monday. Lessons will be
prepared and recited Tuesday. The
program has been made out for month;
so you see we are ready for business.
There are four changes in the teach
ing force. Miss Cora Dunlap, who last
year had the Fourth and Fifth Grades,
will take Miss Otis work. Miss Dunlap,
by the excellence of her work during her
first year with us earned a promotion.
Her room has been assigned to Miss
Hubbell who deserves, but does not need,
any words of commentator or assur-
ance to our people. The Third Grade,
made vacant by the advancement of the
latter will be filled by Miss Stella Eagon,
whose summer has been passed IN
special study in methods under two OF
the best training teachers i'll Michigan.
She is one of our own girls and we have
great faith in her. AT the last moment
Miss Stepanell resigned to accept a
position more alluring, both in work and
salary. The Board of Education i'm
mediately rendered the position to Mr.
j. T. Northon at the same salary. lie
has accepted the position. Mr.. Northon
will hardly need an introduction to our
pupils or people He has already served
us faithfully and ably in the same
relation. We may deem ourselves for
tunate in securing his services again.
He has recently graduated from Alma
College, having won there as thorough
student and able man.
In the interests both of economy and
of the children the Board of Education
decided to have the kindergarten open
only atjcrpooas from 10 20 700, giving
the pupils the same amount OF time
with the teacher and saving them the
extra walk. The morning will be given
to those children who have finished
kindergarten work and begun in the
First Grade These also Will come but
half IA day. In other words Miss
Mitchell will have the First Grade
Division G in the forenoon and the Kin
dergarten in the afternoon. II Is be.
leved that the halliday session Will be
better for the children's health, and that
better work can be done with them
when the undivided attention of the
teacher can be given them; and it is GER
tain that the salary of IN assistant
teacher employed for two years past,
can be saved.
Any persons having rooms in which
light housekeeping can be earned ON, t.
rent, will probably serve both themselves
and pupils by giving me their names.
/ have had several inquiries by young
ladies for places 10 work for their board,
and have not been able TO care for all.
There are several boys, too. who would
gladly do chores, etc, for board. They
desire to make full return in labor for
what they receive; and at the same time
the assistance is often a great kindness.
shall be in my office at the school
house Monday and Tuesday, of the first
week, to meet and classify any new
pupils, talk over plans with inquirers
and examine any who failed last year
and have been studying, or any who
have been trying to make up a branch.
1t is always a pleasure to meet any
interested in school work, and | should
be pleased TO have you call, either at
that, or some other time.
In conclusion, permit me to urge the
vital importance of promptness and
regularity of attendance. From Kind
ergarten up to High School there is not
grade to be neglected. not a day
work omitted. | believe mne-tenthS of
the absence, and yet more of the tardi
ness is unnecessary. Let Us form a
league for the cultivation of the good
business habits of punctuality and regu
larity in the boys and girls. \ very
slight effort may be productive OF great
good. Very respectfully yours,
RALPH 9. ELY.