The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-11

our bonds become drug on the market.
In conclusion we desire 10 extend our
hearty thanks 10 the teaching force OF the
city and TO the superintendent OF schools
and his very efficient clerk for the many
courtesies which they have extended 10
us in the administration OF the affairs OF
this, by far the most important branch
of our city departments"
SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT.
The report OF superintendent Draper
gives the following statistics:
Number OF children in public
Number Of children in paro-
chlal schools .................... 1856 A50
Number of children in private
Number OF children not in
school .......... .................1 1854 1916
Total ........ ................ $3.50 s797
Increase ..................... 1877
Since the term OF office OF the present
superintendent OF schools began after the
year was more than half completed. II
does not seem desirable 10 make an ex-
tended report upon the details OF school
management. The essential factor Of
good schools is an efficient and faithful
corps OF teachers. very large proper
tion OF the teachers in the schools OF this
city have received professional training
I'm colleges or normal schools or have ac-
CURED the art Of skilful teaching through
as my observation goes. there is no ex-
ception 10 the general rule OF faithful
endeavor and loyal devotion TO duty
Mr. Draper refers 10 the work done I'm
dergarten, and speaks I'm the highest
praise OF the results which have been at
tained. Continuing. he said:
SYMMETRICAL COURSES
Very largely through the extra exer-
tlons OF teachers and pupils in the. high.
the making up OF deficiencies in earlier
courses. the high school receives classes
well prepared for first-year work In this
school Throughout the four years OF
study the pupils follow symmetrical
courses under exceptionally well-qua H.
ned and successful instructors. and. upon
graduation, are thoroughly we'll prepared
for higher institutions OF learning and
FOR Intelligent service I'm the several lines
OF employment
My respect for the school has steadily
increased with each opportunity for clos
er knowledge OF Its work. and | have no
hesitation In giving II unqualified appro-
val The additional teacher so much
needed has been provided for the ensuing
year. and the proper conduct OF its pres
ent courses is assured. The extension OF
the scientific courses, strongly recon-
mended by the principal is extremely
desirable, especially for thoese pupils
who cannot receive higher education at
normal school or college
The irregular attendance OF chill
rem Is responsible for much of the
backwardness that calls for special
treatment In special schools. The
vigorous measures adopted by the tru-
ant officer. - the enforcement of the
attendance laws are securing the at
tendance OF most children not en-
ployed or In some way lncapacitated: :
and employers ere, as a rule, conform
ing TO the new laws governing child
labor"
TRUANT OFFICERS REPORT.
The report of Truant Officer Butler
was In part as follows: Number OF
cases OF absenteeism Investigated, e5s;
number OF parents notified TO send
their children TO school, 61I: number
OF manufacturing establishments visit
ed, "a; number OF children found en-
ployed contrary TO law. 40; number OF
employers notified. 40: number OF tru-
ancies determined by investigation, 40:
number OF truants returned to school.
81; number OF children warned 515:
number OF complaints issued against
parents, 4; number OF complaints is
sued against children, / number of
, convictions OF parents, A. number OF
| convictions of children. 2: number OF
| children brought back to school, on
| complaint OF absence by their teacher,
| ~; number of work certificates issued,
| l179; number OF children committed 10
|
number OF children not attending any
school returned to school by truant
| officer, 40
Some OF the employers In factories
are very strict In the hiring OF children
| and obey the law TO the letter, while
4 others do not seem to realize there Is
such thing as the factory inspection
law. though according to that law the
different rooms are supposed TO each con
tu Ia. Il
not so much with the owners OF said fac
tories as with the bosses or overseers who
hire children without exacting work
certificate. The maximum fine for such
an offense Is $500. and one or two con
| victions by the factory Inspector would
probably stop all such practices.
"A great injustice IS being done children
who are obliged TO stay from school en-.
tirely TO mind smaller children while III,
mother works to support the family. A.
there is a state law making school at.
tendance compulsory. the city should hell
support families of this kind so that tn,
children concerned should receive theI
proper education. The truant officer. n
such instances, does not want TO prose
cute, but such cases as the above shoul,
be given attention at the beginning o
the fall term.
''One OF the radical departures In tn
department has been the prosecution an,
conviction Of parents OF children Thi
was necessary In four cases and I'm eacl
Instance as a last resort In one famil,
there were 2S complaints since January
In another case. there was open denanc
OF the school authorities and the stat
law az regards the attendance at school
During the past term l found I'm on
family IN this city four children Of schoe
age who had never attended school Tn,
was brought 20 my attention by one q
the charitable organizations ~ this cit,
. I am pleased to say that those four chill
dren have attended school regularl
since.
; "A great many children have apple
} at the office for permits or certificates
work during vacation. Not all OF the
children are i3 years OF age. Such chi
; dren have been told that 10 receive
work certificate a child must produc
proof that he has completed 10 years
age during the year 1906"
On motion OF Mrs Fowler the report
were received and ordered printed.
REPAIRS ON SCHOOLS.
Mrs. Toble fron the committee o