Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-10-19
SCHOOL NOTES.

The first month OF school work in the
Shepherdstown Graded School for the
session of 1905 and 1906 furnishes the
following items of interest to the pubic.
The enrolment was 223; the daily per
centage of attendance %. The grad
uating class contains Is pupils. Cases
of hardness were rare and only two
of truancy. The school has been well
organized and faithful and elective
work has been done by my predecessor.
CHANGES.
The exchange of teachers in grades
two and four has been favored and per-
mitted by the Board, as a mutually sat
isfactory arrangement for Mrs. Fairall,
who desires, and is qualified TO perform,
more advanced work. Miss Bessie Lick
lider proposes to fit herself for primary
teaching, she has special fitness for such
important work. and relinquished the
fourth grade from no lack OF ability TO
fully discharge the duties there. The
progressive spirit and wisdom OF the
Board was displayed in securing an as
sistant teacher in upper grades. am
sure the selection has been a Iudlclous
one. 1t will, doubtless, prove adVarta-
reous to have another male teacher In
the school, for one of us will be at the
building each day during the noon hour.
There is not the slightest reflection up
on the ability, faithfulness or earnest
ness of the excellent lady teachers In
the fifth and sixth grades. We all real
i've that that which is best for the school
shouId he done. None would seek per-
sonal preferment at the expense OF the
schools best interests.
THE LIBRARY.
Recognizing the value of a library TO
the school, the Board of Education re-
uuired that | should take that matter
In hand. That service was gladly &C
cepted. for it has been constant and
earnest purpose of my life to establish
libraries wherever | have taught. The
teachers are taking lively interest IN
this matter and are rendering valuable
assistance. AT Joint meeting OF the
Board of Education and the faculty
constitution and rules for the govern
ment of the library and reading room
we're adopted, the officers chosen and
action taken in regard TO book recep-
ton.
Further notice of this, with pro-
cramme and copy of regulations, VIII
appear in next weeks issue OF the REG
IsTER. Books donated need not nee
essarily be new ones, but should be
such as are suitable, in every respect,
for teachers and pupils. AS the gift OF
large number of books by Prof. Jo-
seph McMurran consisted almost eX-
clusively of volumes adapted to teach
ers and adults, it is suggested that those
donated should be almost entirely for
children. They will not be accepted
unless they impart clean, wholesome,
inspiring lessons and accurate iniorma-
ton. Subscriptions TO such periodicals
as st. Nicholas, the Little Chronicle,
etc, will be acceptable, as will also cash
donations.
SUPERVISION.
Another positive demand Of the Board
was that / should give the school care
full supervision. This, too, met with
my approval, and it being evident that
such work could not be accomplished
while my room contained two grades
and * daily recitations, the Board Sc
cured competent young man as an as
sistant. No doubt is entertained of the
wisdom of the experiment, or that Mr..
Lester Miller will not prove to be efii-
cieht and helpful.
Allow few statements Of some
what personal nature. Whatever chang
es are being effected by my admlnistra-
ton, it is but fair that no hasty judg-
ment should be passed upon them ; all
should feel that 1t is my sincere desire
and earnest purpose TO so direct, super
wise and teach as to make the school
the "center of the best life Of the com
munity." With a high ideal of the
teachers work, strong appreciation
of the great task entrusted TO me, and
an experience of twenty-three years in
varied grades of school work, beg the
hearty cooperation of parents, school
officers and the general public in train
ing our boys and girls for the best pos
sible service in the home, the church
and the state.
+. A. BYERLY.