The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-08

would be allowed to come before the
BOARD The question was brought III
Dy JOSIAH Jordan who wished to limit
the speakers to five minutes
I'm wondering if we are an audi.
ence to listen to speakers" broke in
e Z. Nicholson of the North side I'll
they would reduce what they have te
tiers very much.
jas Cuthburt: II say business first. -
MRS. G. j. Evans: Il believe if the
members of the board would devote less
tlIne 10 dlscussin- the matter there
would be more time for the speakers .
s A Swendson: LAS a matter of
speak"
1t was put to a vote and those in the
ION mere alioWed to have their say.
put WnlIe the discussion was taking
pace Il was rather embarrassing for
the ladies in the ROOM
Want Night School.
Joseph Seher. foreigner, was pres
ent to explain petition which had
ueen signed by himself and about so
other foreigners, mostly Russians ask
ing that night school be established
In order that these people could have
the opportunity to learn the English
!anguage and familiarize themselves
with republican form of government
1t was turned over to the proper COM
mlttee for consideration
All bids were rejected on the old
washington school building, the high
est of which was $40. The clerk was
instructed to readvertise for offers
1t was decided to add five persons to
the force of colored teachers. They
were NJ. E. Ridley. Jennie Grant, Harry
Abbott. Bertha Bardell. and Emma
Cooper.
Teachers Report.
Inc report of the teachers commit
tee was in part as follows
In general find and ha1iaVe from
personal Investigations, information and
reports that the schools of Topeka are
the best in the state as has been and
can be shown by any reasonable test
of efficiency and excellency which can
be applied. and that our schools are
second to none in the west
There seems, however, to be pop
ular demand Cor the introduction of
certain studies in commercial branches
and to meet this demand we have re-
queSted the superintendent and the
principal of the high school to lay be-
fore this committee at some future
meeting plan looking to the instaIla-
ton of commercial and other branches
in the high school course of study
1t was decided to secure a fire in
surance policy to the amount of $10,-
600 on the new Washington school
building.
for the teachers in the graded schools
will be further considered by the teach
ers' committee.
Whittemore's Answer.
superintendent L. d. Whittemore
gave an exhaustive report on the city
schools which is as follows
In view of the prevailing interest in
the public schools of Topeka, 1 desire
to submit the following report to the
board of education and to the citizens
generally:
importance of Schools.
&c
he entire community than the well
fare of the public schools. To tax,
payers and patrons and to every family
in the city the questions whether the
schools are good or bad and whether
they are wisely, efficiently and econom-
lcally administered. are of immense
Importance Hence, the recent dis
cussion of matters which relate to the
condition Of the schools is encourage
ing as giving evidence that the peo-
pie recognize the Importance of their
Institutions. Since criti-
cism is of no value unless it is based
on accurate information. it is safe to
assume that full and complete public
ty regarding the administration and
operation of the schools will be well
coined by the people; and it is equally
safe to assume that criticism which is
based on full knowledge of existing
and which recognizes the
progress which has already been made |
n the development of the schools, and
Nhlch can propose acceptable remedies |
-or defects; i. e., criticism which Is in |
sympathetic and constructive, |
Will be welcomed by those who are |
for the administration of |
he schools; for it is undoubtedly the |
act that those who are directly con- |
lected with the schools as members of
he official board of education. as ad-
officers, or as principals |
md teachers, are doing what they can |
With the means provided to raise the |
standard of excellence in the Topeka |
schools and to keep them equal to the |
pest.
Purpose of Schools.
1t will be agreed by all that the pur-
poses for which the schools are main |
aimed include the following:
L. To give every person in the COM |
nunity the knowledge, training and !
experience which will enable him to |
make the most of himself and to be |
IF service to society
. 2. To help every young person to /
determine wisely his life occupation I
md to make him efficient in his life |
work.
LII who will accept them, regardless of :
apparent social diStin ctiOns
4. To give a broad outlook and a |
knowledge of the world so that one
nay recognize his privilege as a citi- |
zen OF the world
5. To make good citizens, intelligent |
With reference to their city, state and |
nation, and ready to devote themselves |
n patriotic self sacrifice for the coun- |
rvs welfare in time of peace as we'll |,
is in war.
6. To arouse ambition and to offer
Incentives which will inspire high en- |
ieavor towards worthy accom- plish- |
nent.
q To open the doors of opportunity
% the gifted for large and conspicu- |
Jus success and achievement
8. To develop Sounu and healthy |
bodies, to teach the proper care of the |
person and to cultivate a liking for |
sport
8. To give everyone the capacity for |
enjoyment of the best things and the !