Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-05-09
THE CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOLS.

For some years nave gwen thought
tul attention TO the subject OF centralizing
schools.
Much reading, some observations and
personal experiences greatly strengthen
my conviction of its efficiency.
ALI the forces of nature teach us the
power of organized and systematized eff
fort.
The genial rays of the sun shed light
and heat because they fall upon the earth
in a manifold mass of life-giving force.
The towering mountains about us are
accumulations OF tiny particles Of matter.
The stalwart tree is vitalized in the ag-
gregate.
Our marvellous physical structure is an
animated union of cells.
This age OF Stupendous combinations
of business enterprises reveals the same
cogent law OF strength in unity. Further
illustrations are needless.
Let us now give few facts which will
set forth some advantages OF consolidat-
ing schools. In almost all instances the
expenses are leSSened. This is not an
exalted argument in favor of the plan we
are considering, but it appeals forcibly to
the average taxpayer and TO school Off
cialS. Reports from many States and
the records of the Educational Depart
ment at Washington establish this fact.
Consolidation will as materially aid in
the construction OF better roads as better
roads will encourage centralizing schools.
The fine highways OF Jefferson county
furnish superior advantages for convey
ing children to and from school. The
children are better cared for and watched
when in a vehicle with careful driver
than lettering along the way to school or
homeward bound. There is much avoid
ance OF using bad language, quareling
and fighting. More punctual and regu-
lar attendance is secured.
In two sessions two vehicles were only
twice late, ten minutes each time-in
eleven months. This is an accurate rec
ord OF my own experience at Wardens-
vile, Hardy county.
The children enjoy the ride; the social
features, chatting, laughing, discussing
school topics, singing on the way, giving
chiId-nature'S exuberance of innocent
and healthful expression.
Echoes OF the outburStS OF fresh young
voices on the crisp morning air as the
wagon approached the School-building
will ever be pleasing reverberations in
my memory.
Another important social and ethical
feature is that the country children are
not "clodhoppers" nor Country Jake" y;
neither are the village children "ToWn
Tackles" nor "Stuck-up Dudes"
The protection from the elements inse-
we're weather is an advantage. Al very
little cost safe heating apparatus can be
placed in the wagons.
Where families are not conveniently
grouped one or two can combine for car
rying the children who cannot reach the
public conveyance.
The children OF the towns soon per-
ceive that they must be on their metal TO
equal or excel the rural lads and lasSles
in acquiring knowledge. The children
from the farms acquire little more ease
of manner and polish.
Racially they are formed from the same
clay, off of the same piece, OF one blood.
This is an essential feature where all are
being trained for an equality OF Citizen
ship.
A spirit OF progressivenesS and interest
in beautifYing school building and PREM
ises is stimulated. A commendable n
yalry is created in "thingS worth while"
at school.
The school equipments and apparatus
can be more readily secured and used to
greater advantage. Ventilation and SAN
itation can be much better. Societies tor
debates and other literary activities tos-
tered. The grading and classification OF
pupils far superior, and the school day,
as unit, employed to much better pur-
pose and with much less clashlng OF
topics than under the, old system.
Centralizing with more perfect grading
and longer recitation periods prepares
the pupils more thoroughly and rapidly
for high school work.
Longer terms and the better quallflca-
tionS demanded will encourage the best
teachers to seek positions in such schools.
More young people who really desire
to make teaching vocation will be induc-
ed to secure the best preparation possible.
The school officials, too, will see that
they must obtain instructors well fitted
for the work 10 be done. The quotations
following are from The U: S. Government
report on CONSOLIDATED Rural Schools, "
than which no higher authority can be
cited:
"The ultimate success OF the agricultu-
raj high school is largely dependent upon
the consolidated school" :"
"At a conservative estimate Is, 900 more
children are attending schools now than
would be under the old system"
Consolidation, with IFS attendant func-
ton of the public conveyance Of pupils,
is now a part of the rural school system
of thirty-two States"
Massachusetts, the Oldest State in
consolidation experiences, furnishes the
longest record"
"Changes Of population do not affect
consolidated schools to any noticeable
degree"
at has become trite saying that the