Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-07-14

in orr schools. / give the registration
for the past three years for March.
when the state year ends, and for
June, when our own year ends. The DIFF.
ference between the numbers in June and
March is due to the fact that the first
shows the number actually in attendance
and the March number shows how manv
different pupils are registered during the
whole year. The total registration for all
our schools:
June, 1897, no
June, 1898, 723 March, 1898. slA
June. 1899, 759 March, 1890 $50
For the High schools
June, 1897, 80
June 1885 los March, 1898. 10
June, 1899 1913 March 1899, 127
These figures are especially pleasing in
that they show a very much larger proper
tional increase in the High school reg
istration than in that of all the schools,
proving what is evident in other ways. that
more pupils are completing the High
school course now than three years ago.
Grading and Promotions.
The question of promotion in school is
fruitful of discussion. just how we are to
decide best the question Of fitness for pro-
motion, and just when promotions shall be
made, no one has yet told us. l do not
care to enter upon any lengthy discussion
of the matter here. That some relief from
the infexible graded system is necessary
seems to me beyond argument. Without
any attempt to overthrow any system,
some changes have been made this year
Quite number of pupils who showed
marked proficiency in their work have
been promoted during the year. The fact
that all of them have carried on their work
in the new grades successfully leads me to
believe that judicious application of this
plan is wise. No examinations are re-
quired. Excellence of work on the part of
! the pupil, coupled with teachers recon-
mendation, should entitle to advancement
Examinations for promotion in June have
been dropped also. If pupil has failed
altogether of good work he should not be
advanced. If there is doubt about his
passing an examination but he shows
\ probable ability to do the work of the next
grade he should be given a chance. If he
proves unable to do the harder work he
must drop back and wait until he can do
| 1t; he may not have to wait a whole year,
| however.
Gifts 90 the schools.
1t is my pleasure to record several Gifts
to the schools this year. Mr. Walter II
Childs, TO whose generosity we are indebt-
ed for our meteorological apparatus, has
made still farther additions to this equip
ment, and to his former gift of books has
added several bound volumes of the Pom.
lar Science Monthly. We have ample
proof of Mr.. Cbilds's interest in the
schools. Mrs. August Lewis of New
York city made a valuable gift to the High
school of nine pictures, including three
photographs of the famous Bronze Gates
of Ghiberti and two of the Cathedral of St.
Marks. Some fine old reproductions OF
paintings of Raphael complete the gift.
Mr. G. II. Thompson has presented three
very fine pastes by Crown TO the grade
schools. A picture from the Freshman
class in the High school, two from the
ninth grade, one from the sixth, and two
from Mrs. Warren complete the list.
Mrs. b. V. ID. Crosby and Miss Emma
! Gregg, teachers OF drawing and music.
make reports regarding the work under
their charge respectively. Figures are
given showing the financial transactions
OF the district during the year, including
the salaries Of the teachers and the
amounts paid for all purposes. The APP
paratus of the High school meteorological
station is described, and programs are
given of the class day and graduating ex.
ercises, with list of the members of the
graduating class; the Grammar school
class day program and the list of graduates
The calendar Of the year, with list of holi
days, closes the report.
Two longtime officials of the district
have died dnring the year, b. d. Harris
moderator, and A. G. Davenport, auditor