Durango semi-weekly herald., 1906-11-29
LA PLATA COUNTY
TEACHERS MEETING


TEACHERS MEETING
On Saturday, the Gath the teachers
of La Plata county met at the High
school building in Durango.
In spite of the storm there was a
good attendance.
In the room of the first and second
floor the work of the children was
displayed. A good many parents Wis
tied the exhibit during the afternoon.
The work was not merely for show,
and its practical nature was noticed
by all. Spelling books, work in arith-
metic, maps, drawings, were side by
side with raffa work, weaving and
painting
The rural schools couldn't all show
their work because of the bad roads;
but we feel as If we should specially
notice the work from Thompson S
Park; the children in that school are
small and yet their work was OF most
excellent quality, and compared favor
ably with the work in the city schools.
The work from Animas City reflects
great credit on the board and teach
ers. The improvement there has been
very rapid and the people there may
Justly be proud of their schools.
All the grades in the city schools
made a display and 1t would be very
difficult to say which was best where
all were so good
The county superintendent placed
before the teachers matters that re-
quired their considerations for the up
building of our schools: The securing
of Normal school for Durango; the
support of the teachers pension bill,
etc.
In order that we may more effec-
lively help in these and other matters
the La Plata County Teachers asso-
citation was organized with the follow
ing committee: Mr. Il. E. Smiley,
Mr.. T. S. Parson, Mr.. Frank Rodecker,
Mrs. Ida Wales, Miss Rolena Fickel,
Mr.. Edwin Bluck of lockwood, Mr..
Arthur Carr of Bayfield, and Mrs.
Rosepha Pulford.
Judge Pike gave the teachers a very
interesting and instructive talk on the
work of the Juvenile court, showing
the teachers most clearly how they
may work with the forces of the law
to help the children. The Industrial
school is not meant as a place of pun
ishment. but a place to make good cit
liens.
Mr.. George Moody opened the dis
cussion about the teaching Of gram
mar and spelling. It seems that our
schools are more severely criticized
in regard to this work than any other
and teachers are anxious to find out
If the criticism Is just, and, If So
what is the remedy. He was followed
by Mr. Smiley, Miss Fickel Miss
Roger, Mr.. Rodeker Miss Okerstrom
and others. More drill seems to be
the opinion of all. but as TO where this
| drill should be given we find diff
ference of opinion.
The principal of the Animas City
schools. Mr.. Rodecker. invited the
teachers to hold their mid-winter meet
ing in their school, and the Bayfield,
school board telephoned that they
| would be pleased to have the associa
tion hold its spring meeting in theii
new building.
Both invitations were accepted with
enthusiasm and 1t is to be hoped that
there will be large meeting in each
place.
Many OF the teachers are planning
to attend the state association in Den
yer, December &c, 81 and 2S, and hope
to bring back enough inspiration to
help all.
The teachers wish to ask that the
parents all through the county will
make an effort to visit the schools
more frequently.
II you could realize how much heir
these visits are to the children and
teachers we feel sure you would come
more frequently.
1t is duty you owe your children
to show them you are interested and
wish to work with and not against the
teacher and We hope this duty will
prove a pleasure when you see how
much pood IL dnec