Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1898-04-29
SCHOOL REPORT.
Superintendent George Sawyer
Summarizes the Work.

Summarizes the Work.
PROGRESS AMONG TEACHERS. NEW
BUILDINGS. THE COUNTY INsTI-
TUTE. THE REPORT IN FULL.
The work of the school year just
passed compares favorably with the
record of previous years if it does
not even surpass it both in advance
ment and in the interest manifested.
The teachers were earnest and
faithful, willing to do all that could
be done to promote the best interests
of the pupils. Their desire to do
good teaching has stimulated an un-
usually large number of them to en-
deavor to raise their standard of
scholarship, and as a result, the
schools were made better, the pupils
had the advantage of drawing from
broader minds, and a new impetus
has been given to the work that can
be attributed not only to the desire
of pupils to advance, but to the mu-
tual interests of scholars and teach
ers.
The results obtained from the an
nual county institute held in Milford,
October 26-30, were very encourag-
ing, many things having been pre-
sented there which were put into
practice, and consequently were
productive of good results, especially
so in the case of our younger teachers.
Ninety -four per cent. of the whole
number of teachers were in atten-
dance and an unusually large num-
ber of directors. The meetings both
day and evening sessions, were well
attended by the public. Instruction
was given by Supt. George W. Twit-
myer, of Bethlehem Prof, E. L.
Kemp, of East Stroudsburg normal
and Prof. w. II. Detwiler, of Blooms
burg.
The standard of examinations has
been raised over that of previous
years, in consequence of which only
those who are progressive find a
place in our corps of teachers. The
less ambitious or poorly equipped
ones being dropped from the list.
All examinations are written and
each teacher of class has the same
questions. This method is not very
interesting to the spectators who
assemble, but it is the fairest and
best way to test a teachers qualifi.
cation.
Ten public and nine special exami
nations were held during the year
One hundred sixteen applicant.
we're examined, thirty two of whom
fell below the required seventy-tivt
per cent. to class them as properly
qualified teachers.
Irregularity in attendance, dut
partly to sickness, but largely t.
other causes that might have beeI
prevented, has not only broken int
the regular classification of pupils
but has been hindrance to the ad
vancement of those who were ablC
to be present every day. There hat
been, however, better attendanc,
throughout the year than at an!
time during my term of Office, sever
of the eleven districts reporting al
increase in attendance of from fiv
to eight per cent.
One new school house was bull
in Palmyra district during the year
Il is substantial frame building
finished on the inside with Georgian
pine ash, etc., is furnished wit
patent desks aud presents a cheerful
appearance.
A number of the plaster walls il
the buildings of the various district
have given place to Georgian pin
finish.
The school houses in Greene dis
trict were all repainted and furnish
ed with slate blackboards, boo
cases, ETC., during the year.
The interest shown by director
in the advancement of the school
has been commendable, and to then
to the press, patrons of the school
and to all who have helped to max
! the work of the year pleasant, o.
tend my sincere thanks.
(From the report of State Superb
bendent Schaeffer, copy of whic
has, through the courtesy of Count
J Superintendent Sawyer, reached u
we note regarding the schools
/, Pike that there are in the Count,
Sixty-six houses, of which fifty-tv
! are good, with seventy-five room
} and seventy-one schools, and thi
thesBible is read in every one thi
4 there are 26 male teachers employC
with an average salary of $27 2
} Is female teachers, whose averaJ