The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1901-03-08

Owing to weather and health condi-
tions, the number Of children entering
the primary grades at the mid-year
has been very small, the total enroll
ment showing an increase of only six
The increase of 80 in average attend
ance over last month is satisfactory
in that it shows rapid return to
normal conditions.
Teachers throughout the schools are
nearly unanimous in request for a
postponement of the annual spring va
cation until Friday, March 29th. The
length of the winter term is regularly
ten weeks; but the month of March is
always a good month for school work,
whereas if the change is made, the va
cation will coincide more nearly with
the spring fever season, which in it.
self would be great boon to both
teachers and pupils. 1t is furthermore
urged that the spring cleaning of
buildings, which occurs at the vaca-
ton time, would be done to greater
advantage after the breaking up sea-
son. 1t will be remembered that the
objection made to this request last year
was that the change incurred short
ening of the spring term to less than
40 days, thereby reducing the 40 day
attendance apportionment by reason of
the children entering after the spring
vacation Since the resolution was
passed forbidding entrance in the pri-
mary grades at the middle of the sem
ester, this objection is now removed.
State examinations will be given
at the close of this year in the high
school Some of these examinat ions,
falling on Saturday after commence
ment, will cause embarrassment unless
changed arrangements be made. The
matter would be easily adjusted if the
spring vacation for the high school
were extended to ten days. at the same
time setting the commencement date
forward from Friday, May 31st, to
Tuesday, June 4th I therefore rec
ommend that these changes in spring
vacation and the date of commence
ment be officially made.
Tuition collections for the spring
term of ten weeks have reached $31. 30,
with two cases of doubtful residents
still pending.
On Mr.. Fletcher's motion, the spring
vacation was postponed from March
10th to March Goth.
A motion by Mr.. Fletcher to change
the date of the commencement to June
18th sPti and to Grant !. the high school
a week was lost by unanimous vote,
the mover voting against it. This &C
tion was the outcome of a discussion
in regard to giving the graduating
class the state examination. Supt.
Uline was in favor of having the final
examination made through the state
questions, but the members of the
board thought that this examination
would be too difficult, and it was de-
cided that the teachers should give
their own examination.
The bills were allowed.
On the recommendation of Mr..
Keysor, w. B. Davies was elected to
fill the vacancy from the second pre-
cinct caused by the resignation of
Mr.. Wilson. Mr.. Davies is the district
court reporter, formerly city recorder
and president of the board of public
works, and very capable gentleman.
Mr.. Coughian asked how many
children are out of school on account
Of not having been vaccinated.
Mr. Uline said that he was unable
to state without consulting the
teachers
Mrs. Smith said that the Ladies
Relief society is very much exercise