Daily Kennebec journal., 1896-10-23
Our Suburban Schools.


degree Of interest and enthusiasm sell
There is also an earnestness and devo-
ton on the part of the teachers which
assures thorough discipline and rapid
progress.
This whole change in the complexion
of our schools may be traced to the
adoption of a new policy for them.
The watch word for the year has been:
Concentration. Small schools have
been suspended and those located fa-
yorably have been enlarged by convey
ing pupils hither from these smaller
schools.
ANY radical change is liable to pro-
woke criticism and opposition, especi-
auv such changes as may seem to
threaten any favorite, personal interest.
Such has been the case with the
present change in the conduct of our
schools For. With deep gratitude let
it be said, there is no question in which
the American people take such a lively
interest as that pertaining to her
schools. A few have stoutly resisted
the committee and have made it diff
cult for them to carry out their plans.
privileges rather than to cooperate in
the new movement.
While il has been necessary for the
committee to act with firmness, they
have endeavored to act with the great
est kindness and consideration to all
and have sought. where possible. 70
adapt themselves to local conditions,
that unnecessary irritation might not
be occasioned. For in all cases the
greatest advantage of the pupils has
been sought.
1t is possible now to consider the
question With a degree of justice. Ire
new movement is fairly under way
and its advantages will appear
l. Pupils living at great distances
are carried in a comfortable manner to
and from school. This is healthful and
enjoyable to the pupils. Some have
objected to carrying cold dinners, and
yet III a vast majority of cases they
did it under the old system, so that
this matter hardly comes into account.
| During absence from home the pup.l
| is under the teachers care.
= Larger schools are certain 10 he
| more effective. Enthusiasm is greater.
tone of the school is better. The in
struction will be OF higher quality.
There is more to inspire a teacher. The
advantage every way is greater.
| 3 1t is also a matter Of great econ
| omy II there were no indirect advant
ages. this consideration alone should
| be sufficient to incline one To it. IN
| the maintainance of simply enc school
| this year. there viii pe an actual say
| ing of over $500. The saving Throughout
| the schools of the city is considerable
! There is only one school where there il
not a saving by this method. At the
hospital school by mutual agreement,
a stated tuition is paid to the Williams
district, and III addition to this We
furnish transportation for the greater
part Of the year. The expense is about
the same as under the old system. But
the advantages afforded by the Will
liams district are so much appreciated
that there is little objection.
Now observe what it is possible to d.
for the pupils with this which We save
on other expenses.
/. We lengthen the school year from
30 to IS weeks thereby giving schocl
| training in the country equal in time to
| that in any village or city.
| =. We have introduced a new system
| or drawing which is invaluable to the
pupils and is greatly appreciated.
| 3. We have introduced music into
all the larger schools at considerablo
expense, but with the heartiest ap-
| prevail of all.
| 4. We have supplied the schools al
an expense of several hundred dollars
with dictionaries. cyclopedias. globes
some of the English classics. Americas
writer's Of today, and other small sup
| plies. All this is greatly needed and
adds much to the interest and profit Q!
all.
| 5. Last and most important of all
| we have been able to employ a substi-
| tute and training teacher whose duties
are varied. In this particular we LEAD
| in the State in a most practical and
| significant movement. We have the
services of one of the most talented
| teachers available; one thoroughly
| familiar with the work of the country
and village schools. and whose meth
| DDS have been highly approved. Sucf
| q teacher was employed at first witt
some hesitation. But the work thus
| far has abundantly confirmed the wis
dom of the plan. She gives her atter-
| ton entirely to the work, not only witt
| the hope of reaching uniform method.
! but OF bringing the work up to The
| level Of the best in the village schools;
| To this end she conducts a teachers
| training class on Saturdays. with tn,
assistance of such specialists as WI
may deem it advisable to employ. Tht
| country teachers are expected to AT
| tend this without failure Disregard o.
! this appointment is sufficient reason fol
| the dismissal of a teacher. 1t is meet
| ing of great Importance. Here meth
| DDS and plans are discussed freely
| Outlines are given. Teaching is illus
tratcd. Light is thrown upon difiicul
ties. During the week the training
| teacher is in the different schools tc
see that the methods are carried out.
| The results of this work are plainlJ
manifest.
| In addition to this general oversight
| the substitute teacher carries the wori
| along in case of failure or sickness ol
| necessary absence for any reason. The
service is regarded by educators as eX-
| ceedngly important. In our judgment
l r,t, s.. 4t,A 70