Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1904-03-22

The Lowell building in the seventh
ward has been remodeled and furnaces
have been installed. Grand Rapids
now has four ward buildings which
are in every way credit to the city.
We have been fortunate in having
the Wood County Normal school To-
Gated in this city. 1t will do much
to improve the work of the school SO
Wood county, and whatever does this,
aids the schools of Grand Rapids. 1t
has occupied rooms in the Lincoln
bull ding. The relations between
Normal and the city schools have been
pleasant and helpful.
The people of Grand Rapids are to
be congratulated on their progressive
and liberal spirit in which they have
maintained their school system. The
thanks of all who are interested in
the welfare of the schools are due to
the liberal and public spirited citi-
zens who have made possible some
of the advantages we now enjoy.
1t may not be amis, however, at
this time, to suggest some lines along
which future progress is desirable.
The kindergarten system this year
comprises two kindergartens on the
west side and one on the east side.
This makes the distance to the kinder
garten so great that part of the pupils
of kindergarten age on the east side
are unable to attend. 1t seems to us
that the system should be extended
the coming year to embrace two kim
dergartens on each side Of the river,
so that the advantages of the kinder
garten will be within the reach of all
pupils of kindergarten age in the city.
Business Department Necessary.
If we are to make the high school
of the largest possible value to all
classes of students, especially to the
80 per cent who will probably not &c
on to take a higher education, bust
ness department should be added A
large number of high schools in Wis
consin such as Merrill, Wausau, Green
Bay, Tomahawk, and many others
have already recognized this and have
added this department.. 1t is we'll
known that the work in bookkeeping,
typewriting, shorthand, business pen
manship, business arithmetic, and
commercial law afford quite as much
educational training as other branches.
1t also places student who has taken
one of these branches each year in his
three other required studies in po-
sition when he has graduated to make
a beginning in the business world.
At least a part of his education is in
such form as enables him to turn it to
practical account in earning living.
In addition to this business course
will hold and interest many in the
high school so that they will stay
and complete the course, and gel
training and culture along with tbs
business branches.
Domestic Science Course.
If we are to equip the girls for the
J serious business of life in which al
girls expect sooner Or later to engage,
domestic science, comprising cooking,
sewing, chemistry O. foods, dress
making. etc. ought to be included in
our high school courses. This is 8
department of school work the value
, of which is now everywhere recog
: nized. It has been introduced in
) Wausau, Marshfield, Oshkosh, and s
: large number of other strong Wiscon
sin high schools. 1t is to be hoped
that Grand Rapids may soon be in
cluded in the list.
Course in Chemistry
In the new Lincoln building la
boratory has been provided for chem
, istry. All necessary tables, cases
; hoods, ETC., were furnished with TIL,
| building. 1t requires but small
> additional outlay for equipment t,
, add this branch, and to offer lnstruc
, ton to highschool students in thi:
r science, which is more important il
. the high school today than ever be
4 fore.
. Benefits Of Physical Training.
In manual training the course
I should be gradually extended SO as tt
nd L
work III wood, metal work, forging
& holding, etc., as fast as these ar
f needed. Bench work in wood wa
IS ample this year. Next year tn
d work should be CRIED ON to. includ