The record-union., 1897-01-28

rest with those who have not done
likewise
NIGHT SCHOOL.
The number enrolled In the night
school is 144; number of teachers em-
ployed is 4. This school Is conducted in
three Observation-Disclosures draw
ing, stenogra phy and typewrting-an
the common branches, including book
keeping. The greater number of those
who apply for instructions at this
school are those who have not had an
opportunity to attend day school or who
have neglected to do so until actual
necessity has made demands upon
them Therefore they are, as a rule.
found to be earnest, industrious and
progressive students. The good that
our night school is doing for individuals
and for the community is far reaching
and incalculable.
COURSE OF STUDY.
The work of the public schools Of this
city covers fifteen years. Beginning
with the Kindergarten at the age of 1
years, the average pupil will graduate
from the High School ait the age of 19.
1t has been the aim of this board to
make the work of the grades symmet-
f1cal, giving the pupils that which IS
OF the most value to them at the time,
from the beginning, SO that should a
pupil quit school at any time that
which he has learned will be of the
greatest value to him. A pupil is not
required to pursue a study in one de-
partment merely because it will be use
fm in higher department, as a ma
Jority of the children never complete
our school course. In the lower grades
less attention is given to arithmetic
and more is given to other subjects.
In years passed nearly half the time in
school was given to arithmetic, as it
was supposed arithmetic was necessary
to develop all the mental powers. In
consequence many pupils became ex-
perts in the solution of arithmetical
Notwithstanding more. OF language,
literature, etc, they knew but little
Children can have but little, if any
conception, of commercial and business
operations, upon which so many prob
lens given to them are based 1t is far
better that rapidity and accuracy in
numbers be acquired than the relation
ship of the different parts of complex
problem be attempted, which is beyond
the child's mental grasp.
DISCIPLINE.
The ability to govern class is one
of the most essential qualifications of a
teacher. The child, even if it is DISC
bedlent, is an admirer of good disci-
pline. Without attention, instruction
cannot be received; amid confusion.
application cannot be made. Pupils
E,o
authority, and the proper regard for
the rights of others Obedience to the
law or rule of the school room prepares
the youth for the duties of good cjti-
Zenship.
The best method of government is
that which leads to obedience rather
than that which drives but when the
former is Intellectual the latter must be
applied, for no pupil should be per-
mlUted to continue in open disobedi-
ence to the rightful authority.
THE TEACHER.
Nothing is more essential to the ad-
Vancement of school work than the per-
sonality of the teacher. 1t is neces-
sary that a teacher has a correct
knowledge of the subjects to be taught.
and has also the ability to present 1T to
the pupils in the simplest form: but
this alone rs not sufficient to make the
work Of teacher a success in the
school room.
A teacher to do the best work must
be in sympathy with the pupils.
The most successful teacher is the one
VINO can enforce discipline and at the
same time maintain the good will and
aHectlon OF the pupils. When obedi-
ence is submission to authority through
lear 1t is merely mechanical; but when
1T is response through affection it is
sincere. | can think of no better rec
cmmendation that a teacher can have
than that she is liked by her pupils
W hlle IT can be said that some of o,r
teachers are superior to others in school
work, we can say they are all progress
sive, energetic and efficient in their
work. They have faithfully carried ont
all instruction of this board and are
working in harmony throughout the de-
partment.
TEACHERS MEETINGS.
Teachers meetings are being held ty
grades and are productive of com
mandatory results. The adaptability
of the course of study to the needs OF
the grades are discussed and adjusted.
the progress of the classes in the differ
ent schools is compared and made uni
form, methods of instruction and gov
ernment are discussed and compared
with results; thus teachers engaged in
the same grade of work are able to
give valuable assistance to each other.
PATRIOTISM.
one of the aims of our public schools
Is to prepare our children for America
citizenship. Something more than to
point TO our flag or to the pictures of
our American patriots is necessary II
lnculcate true patriotism Pupils should
be taught to love their country and m
be devoted to its principles and welfare
py pointing out to them the adyant-
ages rights, Justice and privileges they
ENJOY IN H. The American flag is caused
10 noat over each of our school build
ngs as reminder that our public
schools are not for a class but sra
free and equal to all The pictures or
washington, Lincoln and other eree
patriotic statesmen are pointed to on
the walls of our class rooms as heroic
defenders Of this great principle.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Following is a statement of recair+r
and disbursements for kinderga rtan
primary, grammar and night school for
the year ending December 81. 1896:
Cash on hand Jan
4, 1870 .SSS,O OF 81
Reed from State. 43O3S so
Reed from county. =. ~ 041 IL
Rec q from city. Al ST. So