Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-02-02


The only answer is: by giving intense
interest, untiring energy and close APP,
lication tothe better plans and methods
by the individual worker.
TO accomplish the great work that
lies before us; bringing up our schools
to the same ratio Of Improvement; it
seems logical to say; that it can only
be done by the combined effort and
energy on the part of all the factors
that tend to make up our school organ
izatlon. A little reflection along this
line of thought will awaken our dor
mant energies and set forth q stimulus
for greater achievements in the train
Jag and uplifting of child life, both in
home and the school. Now is the time
TO start the movement with renewed
vIgor for greater success and advance
ment in the elevation OF the schools of
our county. The educational forces
mast come closer together, for cooper
lion lie a strong factor in the success
of every great movement. This cons
b ned with liberal and united effort
of the school Off ciais, teachers, and
p ,trons, will in my mind work out the
unsolved problem to the satisfaction
and honor of oil.
What has been said must not be
taken in the sense, that the working
Of our rural schools is not good For
In great measure success has charac-
terized the work of these schools for
the past years. There has been de-
finite and marked progress which has
brought our system up TO a standard
equal to any other county in the state.
This degrees ofsuccess is still gro wing
and developing more ideal system,
through the active, earnest, and deeply
interested class of teachers working for
the same great cause, education.
Yet, there may be instances where
the standard is not what it should be,
but let us remember, so long as we are
clad in our imperfections such failures
will come. Where the work is falling
below fair degree of advancement,
immediate and active interest should
be exercised on the part of the officials
and all who are interested, to adjust
the matter and place it under more
favorable conditions. The most prud-
emit, uplifting, and encouraging treat
ment should be given in such cases, so
as, not to fall below the dignity of the
work and profession.
Reports and information gathered
FROM principals and superintendent OF
village, town and city schools, show a
very increased activity and progress il
all graded courses of study. With
these encouraging results before us,
every thinking person should be aroas-
ed with vital energy to forward the
great educatiolal moveme nent for a
freer, higher, and better lie. There is
no standstill in knowledge ? ~.-'-
lectual attachments. Let tue watc.l
word, be onward and upward. The
limitation for higher and nobler things
is unmarked and boundless in extent,
w haNS just pSSun 10 educate.
There are vast fields for intellectal
cultivation. The opportunity is ours.
Let us be alert and doing. come not as
dictator but friendly helper, asking
united action on the part of every
citizen in the county for the promotion
and mole ideal System of the public
schools in the future, where the little
liked School House" will become the
center OF ennobling society, the parent
an enthusiastic CO. worker and the trne
teacher fully recognized as au ideal
man or woman, who stands for Cul-
ture, Progress and Humanity.
f. n. ZeiIor,
Co.. Sup't of Berkeley Co