Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1904-06-16

school career. To aid the pupils in this
economy of time, we have discontinued
promotion by, grade SO soon as the child
enters the eighth grade. We no longer say
to the child in the eighth and high school
grades, Because in half the studies of the
grade you have failed, you must waste half
of your time by still continuing the sub
jects in which you have passed, the grade
must not be broken" No, we say, you
cannot afford to lose so much time, you go
ahead as fast as you can" Thus giving
the boys and the girls the advantage, in
wolves the principal and the teachers in
considerably more work than they would
otherwise have; indeed, to make arrange
ments for the time schedule of recitations
as we'll as for other matters pertaining to
an efficient system, is the solution of a
Chinese puzzle, and requires the toll of the
teachers for days and nights.
In the matter Of promotion through all
the grades, it is the earnest purpose of the
teachers to place the child in the grade
where he can do work to his greatest adj
vantage. This accounts for the 'Epartiality"
SO frequently attributed to the teachers.
Let me explain John is a bov careless and
Indifferent both as to work and attendance.
He builds on his last years knowledge of
the work of the grade, and having been
over the work once before, by very little
efford may acquire grading of "satisfac-
toryp for the first few months. Little by
little, the work becoming more difficult
and involved, Johns grade of work is con-
stantly lowered until at the close of the
half-year it ranks as poor" James is
another kind of boy in the same grade. He
has been careful, studious boy in every
grade. James works hard but succeeds in
gaining only s'poor" grading the first few
months; by reason Of hard toll he over
comes hindrances and stands high at the
close Of the half year.
Average the reports of these two boys,
and it may appear, as it has many time
during the last five years, that John has a
higher average than James. Which of these
boys is prepared to do the work of the next
grade? You will say James, and we agree
with you. Therefores to every child Of the
James kind give your influence and good
wishes forward, and uphold the teachers
that labor SO earnestly for the good of all,
not desiring that any child should be thrust
forward beyond his capabilities, nor held
back to his disadvantage.
take this opportunity to thank the par
ents, and the citizens of Woodbury. for the
many words Of kindness and appreciation
to the teachers in their labors of education.
When problems almost beyond human
power to solve confronted us, you, by your
sympathy in word and act, have given us
courage and hope. And now also plead
with you to continue your efforts in giving
your boys and girls such an education as
will put them on the vantage grounds to
gain the noble position of having done
something creditable to nation and human
ity; let me also express my firm belief that
the educational prospects of Woodbury. are
bright, and that if carefully administered,
she need not take second place in giving
public school advantages to her hoys and
girls.
Mr.. Livermore made the speech Of well
come, and said that the Board was proud
to acknowledge the graduates and to make
it officially known that they had completed
their school duties. Mr.. Livermore, after
presenting the diplomas wished the class
success in their new duties. He then made
the motion that all in the audience who
were in favor of expressing to DR.. Haneher a
vote Of thanks for his excellent oration say
1. The vote was unanimous
An orchestra selection followed while the
ushers were presenting the class with the
bouquets which numerous friends of the
class had brought. The flowers were most
beautiful. The class then sang its farewell
song, Hail and Farewell" and Rev. Jas.
L. Howard pronounced the benediction.
After this each member of the class was
presented with Jersey cabbage adorned
with gold and white, as farewell token
from the class Of 1905.
West Deptford Commencement