Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1903-06-18
SCHOOL BOARDS
JUNE MEETING.

Members present-Turner, Watson,
Erickson, Hamlyn, Johnson, sCoyle,
Service, Hort, Laning, Reeves (Presi-
dent), Custer. Parker, Sellers.
( Applications for position as teachers
were received from Anna 7. Hogan,
Laura I. Norton.
Marguerite 9. Kenny presented a
request that she be released as teacher,
which was granted.
ALI teachers elected at the last meet
ing have signified their acceptance,
with the exception of Miss May
Reeves.
The Secretary made report Of the
balances on hand in the several appro-
priations.
superintendent Hitchner offered his
monthly report from which we ex-
tract:
Another school year. with it's suc-
cesses, mistakes and misappiled en-.
ergies has passed. As we take ao-
count of books and supplies at this
time, and carefully forecast the wants
for the..coming year, SO I think it is
we'll to weigh the results Of the year
work, searching for weak points,
studying remedies for them when
found when there is shown improve
ment and progress, let it but be an
incentive for greater effort. Thus
only can we grow, and in this way
alone can we justify our right to con-
tinue to hold positions in the school
system. either as member of the
Board of Education, as Superintendent
or as teacher.
"In the past, our severest adverse
criticism has been upon our English.
We have felt that this, in large
measure was just, and for the past
two years have steadily set our faces
toward a remedy. More written
spelling has been required, and at
least one composition each month ex-
oept the last. has been passed in. The
High School teachers report that this
work has been very creditable, and
the many pieces that have examined
more or less critically show consider
able skill in the use Of language.
'Our teachers meetings have been
harmonious, and rarely is teacher
absent from them, when she is well
enough to attend. All show will
ingness to take any part assigned,
and all enter into the discussions with
a disposition to help and to be helped.
and thus is growing year by year, a
professional spirit which must reflect
itself upon the work of every class
room.
''It is purpcsed in future, to call an
occasional grade meeting, in addition
to the regular monthly meeting of all
teachers. Thus can be taken up lines
Of work that are especially important
to the grade teachers alone.
"Too much reporting, too many
calls upon the teacher, is as detri-
mental as too few. After teacher
has faithfully done the days work,
something essentially beneficial must
be presented to justify call for an
other hour of thought and study.
'The larger things of the schools
have moved along through the year
with no undue friction, and with a
general tendency toward harmonious
work. No business or calling is free
from annoyances and vexations that
seem to be unavoidable, and the teach
er's work and life is no exception.
Only the teachers profession, being
of semi public character, paid for
from public tax, is peculiarly open to
criticism, and the average American
is not slow in asserting his rights in
this direction. He feels that his
money is helping to maintain the
schools, and when any phase of school
economy runs counter to the supposed
individual rights of his child, the
stinging lance flies, and the teacher
is summarily condemned, though the
result Of her teaching and personality
is such as to be commended.
'Work upon the list for supplies
will commence tomorrow. When it
is done, copy will be given to the
president, for the purchasing commit
tee. Book covers and mending ma
terials should be ordered soon, that
we may be sure to have them when
new books come.
"The Rhetorics and Civics ordered
last meeting have arrived, and old
books for exchange have been sent.
The following bills were ordered
paid: Seymour Davis & Bro, $1S5.S6,
percentage due; Maynard. Merrill &
Co., $67.15, for books; D. Q. Heath
& Co., $56. 55, for books; Electric
Co.. $500, for current; City Band,
$25, for service at corner stone laying;
r. \ o.