The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-06-12

y
practice as well as in public speaking.
A reasonable amount of literary work
is required Of all pupils, though in
these exercises degree of freedom is
usually allowed pupils in the choice of
parts to be performed. This work is
supplemented by elocutionary training
at the close of each torn for the junior
and senior classes. The annual junior
contest and commencement exercises
testify to the value of this training.
TEXT BOOKS.
The recent fire destroyed all text
books belonging to the school district,
except few which were in the hands
of pupils. The schools have been sup
piled with new books throughout except
in two or three branches where it was
deemed advisable not to order until the
close of the term, when more consider
alton could be given to a new adoption.
An inventory is herewith submitted Of
all books and supplies on hand. These
books are practically new and in best Of
condition. A change of text books may
be desirable in certain branches, such u
change may introduce new matter and
infuse new life into the study Of some
subjects, yet no change of books ought
to be made at an expense to the school
district without very careful consdera-
tion and until it is evident that the new
adoption suits the needs Of the school
and of the course of study better than
the one discarded. No small amount Of
harm is sometimes wrought upon the
school system by hasty and inconsider-
ate changes of text books and not in
frequently does it occur that the book
discarded is superior to the new adop-
tion. The points to be considered in
the adoption Of new text book are ~
its subject matter, the arrangement Of
that subject matter and its adaptability
TO the grade in which the book Is TO be
used and to the adopted course Of study,
as compared with the old book; (2) the
style in which the book is writtcn, and
l3) its mechanical construction and cost.
These points ought TO be well weighed
before any text book is discarded in
favor Of a new one.
THE ALUMNI.
The Alumni Association was organ
lied in 1896 and now numbers 30 active
members. This association is proving
to be potent influence in inducing stu
dents to finish the course of study.
Many of the graduates are now pursu-
ing a course in higher institutions. The
remainder are engaged in the successful
pursuit of useful vocations. The aver
age age of the graduating class of 1901
is II 81 years. Owing to the recent
additions to the course of study, the av-
erage age Of future classes at gradua-
tion will be somewhat increased.
TUITION STUDENTS.
1t will be seen from itemizcd report
submitted herewith that the total
amount collected for tuition during the
past year from nonresident students
are less than the actual cost per pupil
of maintaining the school. The rates
should be so revised that the charge to
nonresident pupils would be at least as
much as the cost per pupil of maintain
ing the school.
LECTURE COURSE.
The patronage Of the popular lecture
course for the past year has been much
in excess of that of previous years. In
addition to the educational value de-
rived by the community from this
course OF lectures and entertainments
the schools have received considerable
financial aid. We are unable to report
the exact receipts and expenditures of
the lecture fund prior to Feb. l6, for the
reason that all records and accounts
were lost in the fire of that date, but
the profits from the lecture course are
estimated at about Sl75 Sl2i.55 of this
amount was expended in purchasing
cases for the laboratory and in improv-
ing the stage in the Assembly Hall, On
Feb l6 there remained in the treasury
$49.0l. This amount is carried forward
in the itemized statement of receipts
and expenditures submitted herewith.
The receipts of the lecture fund from
entertainments of all kinds from Feb.
l6 to June /, including amount carried
forward were Sl97sl. The expendi-
lures during the same period as shown
by itemized statement were $252.05,
This shows deficit of $54.2l caused by
the receipts of the commencement week
falling considerably below the expenses
of the same. This deficit is carried as
II debt upon the lecture fund into next
year.
SCHOOL SAVINGS BANK.
The school savings bank was institut-
ed on March 3, 1900. Deposits have
been received on Monday morning only,
of each school week. The total deposits