The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-09-17

the decorative plan of the different
schools, three expensive pieces of
statuary and $4,000 worth of play
ground apparatus which is to be in
ground apparatus which has been in
stalled at the Central School.
In this connection it might be we'll
to state that the schools during last
year did not ask contribution from
the business men of the town or any
one out side of the business circles
for any school purpose, athletic, de-
corative or otherwise. Several en-
tertainments were given, it is true,
in order to raise funds for these
purposes, but it was the aim to give
full value for any such expenditures.
On one occasion (The State Champion
ship Foot Ball game) we asked for
a guarantee from the citizens and
each who went on this guarantee were
asked to pay their pro rata of the
deficit from this game, which amount
ed to 35 per cent of the amount sub
scribed, on account of the severe
storm which prevailed on Thanks
giving day. It will be our effort to
ask for absolutely no contributions
this coming year, as we feel that the
business men have more than their
share of donations forced upon them.
A Lecture Course is maintained by
the High School and has become a
popular and paying institution. We
consider this part of our education
al activity and deem the efforts along
this line not only a help to the
school children in cultivating a taste
for the best but of great value to
the community at large in broadening
and developing the better parts O.
the social mind.
Several tests have been applied
during the last year as to the eff
cheney of cur grade. school work such
as are being given in the better East
ern schools. 1t is with pleasure
that we are able to announce that
several of the grades were very eff
Gent as shown by comparing them
with these eastern schools. 1t is
the plan this coming year to apply
these efficiency tests to every grade
in the schools. A later announce
ment will be made concerning the
results.
| An increase in actual enrolment in
the entire school system of % per
cent during the last year brought
the rooms up to capacity. In fact
several were 50 crowded that it was
impossible to do the pupils justice
A like increase during the coming
school year will necessitate fourth
school building. 1t now looks like
this year will usher in such a con-
dition.
Every pupil who lived in another
district but attended the grades of
the Blackfoot schools was charged
a tuition varying from $4,000 to $25. 90
In several cases the tuition was
transferred from the funds of the
home district.
Each high school pupil who at
tended our school but lived in ano-
Their district had his pro rata school
funds transferred to District No. g.
The fine new Weber piano which
is such a delight to high school audi
forum audiences has been complete
ly paid for by the activities of the
school without one cent Of school
taxes being used.
1t is now planned to issue a bulle-
tin from time to time during the
comings school year informing the
patrons Of school affairs in general
and calling attention to those things
which are most urgent to the de-
tailed work of the individual pupils.
Earnestly asking your study OF
this report. 1t is submitted for your
critical inspection.
| Very truIy