The times., 1899-05-10
SUMMER SCHOOLS.
Important Action of the District
Authorities.

Authorities.
A well attended meeting of the School
Board was held yesterday afternoon in the
Franklin School. and a number OF matters
were brought up for discussion. the most
important of which was presented by
George II. Harries. He believed that in
Washington, in other large cities, it
would be advisable to establish summer
schools. In Boston and various other
places this has been done. and while there
were not in this city as many children
who are not reached by the winter schools
there were, however. enough TO easily fill
one school building in each division. In
structions would be given by school teach
ers who were interested in the work, and
he knew of several, he said, who would
give their services without charge TO the
District.
Superintendent Powell then presented a
letter from Raymond Riordan and Charles
Hart. who had expressed their willingness
to conduct summer schools, without know
ing of the intention of Mr.. Harries to pre-
sent the matter to the board. Mr.. Powell
stated that Mr.. Ricrdan was an instructor
in physical culture. and that Mr.. Hart was
teacher at Tenleytown. He expressed the
greatest confidence in them. Mr.. Harries
then introduced a resolution authorizing
them to open their schools. The resolution
Vas adopted. 1t was almost Immediately
amended to permit the establishment of
summer schools by the heads OF each di-
vision when the necessity for them arises.
The teachers in these schools are to receive
no compensation, and the only expense to
the District will be the supplies which will
have to be furnished.
Each member of the board was heartily
in favor of the plan. The schools will
reach children who. either because schools
during the winter are frequently very
crowded or on account of poverty, receive
very little education. Mr.. Harries stated
that the average child was Obliged to stop
attendance at the schools in the sixth or
seventh grade. many of them to go TO
work. Summer schools would give a large
number of this class a chance for an edu-
cation.
A letter was read to be sent to Barry
| Buckley, Secretary of the executive COM
mittee of the Peace Jubilee, declining to
! allow the High School Cadets to partici-
pate in the parade. This action was reces-
| sary owing to the date OF the annual COM
pstitive drill of the Cadets. which will be
| held on the day following the parade. 1t
was feared that the boys would be too
| fatigued to drill after a long march on the
day before.
committee composed of S. n. Brown.
F. II. Wright. and Mrs c. E. Grimke
was appointed to draft a set of resolutions
on the death of Henry P. Montgomery. TO
| be ready at the next meeting of the board.
| 4 resolution of considerable Importance
and one likely TO decrease the number of
| Normal School graduates. was offered.
suggesting that applicants for the Normal
School be subjected to a rigid physical ex-
animation, which would determine their
fitness for entrance. 4 similar examina-
| tion was advised for students Just before
| gadgation. Those failing to come up to
| the standard would not be allowed to teach.
! In this way, it was claimed. the general
average OF physical ability would be raised.
The following appointments were made:
| First division. F. C. Mortimer, permanent;
Third division. b. L. Yoder. temporary !;
! Fifth division, E. w. McKenna. perma-
nent; Sixth division. NJ. L. Queen. tenn
porary; Eighth division. L. E. Bryson:
Eleventh division Z. ". Brown. appointed
to Fill the vacancy caused by the death of
H. p. Montgomery. with an increase in
salary from 81, 800 to 1000.