The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-05-18
ABOUT The SUMNER SCHOOL.
Letter to County superintendents
Tells Plans for State and
CouTIty Summer Schools
for Teachers.

State aperintendent of Education
O. B. Martin has written to the vari-
Gus county uperintendents of educa-
tion in reference to the summer
schools. He tells OF the plans not
only of the Winthrop school but of
the county summer schools. several
of which have consolidated. Mr..
Martin says:
"We are proceeding as rapidly as
possible With the organization of the
summer schools. AS already been an
nounced, the State Sumner school
will be held at Winthrop college, June
29th-July 9th inclusive. The State
Teachers association will be held at
the same place July 15th-16th. Re-
duced rares of one fare plus 25 cents
for the round trip have been granted
by all the railroads for both occasions.
The faculty is complete and we expect
large attendance.
'sThe counties Of Florence, Darling
ton, Lee, Marion, Marlboro and Will
liamsburg have united to hold strong
district summer school at Hartsville.
This will be known as the Pee Dee
Summer school and it will be held
June 29th to July 9th. Reduced
rates have also been granted for this
occasion and the faculty, which is an
excellent one, will be announced
within a few days.
1.-The counties of Berkeley, Charles
ton and Dorchester have agreed to CO.
operate ut Summerville. The dates,
faculty. etc.. will be announced in
due time. Other county superintend-
ents and county boards have been
making efforts to consolidate and hold
stronger schools. J. hope that other
successful efforts may soon be reported.
cas- I announced some weeks ago,
we cannot afford to use the money on
small SC nools with only small per
cent. Of actual teachers. wish to
have it understood, therefore, with
county boards and with summer school
instructors that, if a school does not
have as many as 20 bona fde teachers
in attendance, 1t will be discontinued
at the end of two weeks instead Of
running a month as heretofore.
"With reference to the course of
study in the sammer schools, in ad-
dition to whatever review of the COM
mon school branches that may be neces-
sary, 1 hope that you will provide a
sample rural library for the use Of
the teachers and in order that in
struction may be given in library
work. ] should like for especial at
tention to be given to the books on
nature study, plant life and agricul-
ture as we'll as those which pertain
especially to literature. Hughes
Mistakes in Teaching will be the
basis OF work in pedagogy. Peter
mans Civil Government is also sug-
gested and the instructors will be
urged to give lessons on our State
constitution and State government
Acting on the question of the State
board, the teaching of current history
will be introduced. Many children
and some teachers are ignorant of the
history which is being made every
day and published in the newspapers
and magazines. ! believe that some
systematic study a.long this line will
enable chilrden to appreciate more
the history of the past. Whenever
possible, I hope also that obstruction
may be given in drawing, manual
training. and vocal music.
eff you have not sent in your
recommendations i'll regard to summer
schools, I hope that you will do 80 at
an early date