The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-06-06

| medicine to all suffering women. =
Mrs. VAN CLEFT, 40 SAUNDERS AVE,
JERSEY CITY HEIGHTS, n. j.
ment and number remaining to date, over
last year
Fbur thousand eight hundred and forty
| seven visitors called at the schools with
! in the year. In former reports have
noted the significance of the large Est of
| visitors The best friend of the schools
! is the patron who knows their work most
intimately. The bitterest opponent TO the
| progress Of free public education, or any
/ special system, administration or teacher
! is he who knows least about the work
/ done-in fact, in nearly every case has
| never been visitor to the school he crit
/ icises.
The work Of the year started most sat
| isfactorily. Note is made in my second
| monthly report Of the very pleasant and
satisfactory beginning. In November the
the prevalence of diphtheria reduced the
| attendance in some schools over one-half.
A few cases of scarlet fever were report
ed at different times, but did not materi-
ally affect the attendance In December,
January and February the prevalence of
measles and German measles very much
affected the attendance throughout the
city. In no year of my experience has the
work been more broken than for four
months Of this year. However, the clos
ing work shows very efficient effort on
the part Of the corps. The corps has been
faithful and has labored most earnestly
to overcome the difficulties Of the year
Their success is an excellent testimonial
to the ability Of our teachers.
The manual of the course of study has
been a great assistance TO the teachers.
For several years past there was no out
line Of the entire course of the public
schools. The manual makes It possible
for each teacher to acquaint himself with
the entire course of study. but particu-
larry the work Immediately preceding and
following his own. This acquaintance IS
essential to the best and most intelligent
teaching Of any grade.
An event IN commencement week was
the public exercises Of the grammar
schools. The occasion was a very mark
ed success. The entire program reflected
great credit upon that department One
hundred and sixty pupils received diplo-
mas upon this occasion. If the present
years entertainment be the basis of judg-
ment, 1t indicates that the grammar
school commencement has become per
manent factor in the closing exercises Of
the year.
The argument made by many localities,
that the granting of diplomas at the close
of the grammar school tends TO keep pu-
pills from entering the High school, under
the impression or delusion that their
course is finished, has not been true, in
any degree. in our schools. The tendency
to stop school before completing the
grammar grades has been much lessened,
and the percentage of those completing
the work, entering the High school has
been increased under the present plan.
The High school has completed a very
prosperous year. The classes are still too
large, but the teachers have done well
Notwithstanding this unfavorable condi-
ton. There were in this department at
the close of this year: Freshmen-Boys,
A; girls, So; total, 1856. Sopohomores-
Boys. so; girls, &c; total, 93: Junior@Boys,
"a; girls. IS; total, 60. Seniors-Boys. y;
girls, 80; total, A. TotaI-Boys, rs; Girls,
223 Grand total, $50.
The following estimate IS made for at
tendance next year: Freshmen, EOS; sopho-
mores, 1913; juniors, 20; seniors 80; total $50
This estimate : conservative and VIII
quite likely be exceeded by the actual en-
rollment This Is six more than the seat
ing capacity Of the building.
Your attention IS called TO the estimate
made last year for this year: Estimate.
$40; enrolment 427. The pressing demand |
for more room IN this department is. re-
specially submitted Tor your considera- |
ton.
The plan of the High school work. the |
system Of instruction and the standard Of
excellence are the same under which the |
High school has worked for the past SIX |
years and under which it has gained such !
q permanent place in the public apprecia- /
ton, This Department. success warrants /
a continuation of the present pan-if ex- |
perjence is any basis Of judgment.
The resolution Of the board requiring all (
High school teachers, after the rcsolu- /
tons adoption. TO be graduates of repu- /
table colleges, was a mist marked step /
in advance. Il has digrifed the scholarly /
requirements OF the faculty. The boards /
action in this particular has been most |
highly commended by the educators OF /
the state. a continuation Of this policy |
Is most earnestly recommended.
The High school commencement. class /
day and sermon were all occass,ns of /
profit. The plan Of selecting the com /
meacement speakers is conducive TO earn /
est work and c52fers the honor upon the /
one who eNcels in his efforts. The plan I
meets with very general favor.
TIE class day was an entertainment /
aoourding n original idea. novel plans |
and pleasing surprises. The evening was
q source - much enjoyment. The senior I
class = so be congratulated upon the sue
cess, both financial and social. Of The mrs, I.
venture in class day programs.
/ have placed a statement OF the High +
school commencement receipts and ex- 4
psases in the hands OF ;ae Hisa school
committee.
The High School Messenger maintained
a high standard Of excellence Throughout
the year.
TWO literary clubs. one for 1,-,-S AND. .,