Mexico weekly ledger., 1915-04-01
SCHOOL NO TIES
BY ". CLYDE JOHNSON.
County School Supt

The most Of last week was spen
looking over and examining severa
hundred papers written by rural pu
pills who are working for diploma
of graduation. There has been
marked change both in the scholar
ship evidenced by the pupils and tn
~earefulness and a~eeurateness Of grad
ing done by the teachers, Very few
of the pupils or the teachers arr
failing TO meet a high standard of eff
hcieney. Already As diplomas have
been granted to pupils representing
II different schools. These are the
schools that have short terms. But
so faithfully have teachers and pupils
labored that only a very few have
failed. More than so schools are yet
to be heard from. Last year in all,
only a few more than a hundred dip
Tomas were granted. Those to receive
diplomas this week were Bolts, Miss
Beulah Crawford, teacher, three grad
yates; Beagles, Miss Maple Newland,
teacher, four graduates; Gatewood,
Miss Sudie VIM, teacher, four grad
yates; Oak Grove, Miss Beulah Syler,
teacher, one graduate; Hedgedale,
Miss celia Brown, teacher, one grad
uate; Dye. Miss Lola Spencer,
teacher, two graduates; and Benton
City, Miss Edna Ernst, principal
three graduates,
Thursday, Miss Leta Moore held a
Parent Day at New Michigan. Near
~ all the farmers of the community
were at work in the field. However, a
few came and spent the noon hours
with us, enjoying the excellent dinner
that these good people know so well
how to prepare, also the fine display
of the pupils work of the year which
was well arranged on the walls around
the room. Miss Moore is a graduate
of the Vandalia High Schol with a
Teacher Training Certificate. She is
devoting her whole time and thought
and energy to her school. She loves
her pupils and they love her. She is
giving entire satisfaction. A large
number of the mothers and friends
present, also R. W. Moore and
wife of Vandalia, Miss Leta's parents.
Mr.. Moore made a very interesting
talk comparing the children's advan-
today with those of his day,
and encouraging the children to make
good use of their splendid o%pportunit-
les. My talk was on the value Of an
education. Michigan has an approved
a good building, good equip
ment, especially a very large library,
and they alone of "a rural schools in
the county, have a 9 months term.
They believe in a good school and a
long term.
Wednesday afternoon | visited the
at Benton. The patrons are well
in fact | heard Of no dissat-
sfaction. Many said it was the best
school they had had for years. Miss
edna Ernst is the principal and Miss
Nora Moore the primary teacher. Both
ire conscientious and untiring work
RS, teachers Of noble character and
Ugh ideals. The board has com
changed the appearance of the
ichool and made it very home
Both rooms were painted and
'apered, shades were hung at the
windows, new stoves replaced the old,
nd in many other ways were the at
raetiveness and comfort improved.
Friday was the last day with a big
asket dinner, a fine program by the
and a large and a%ppreciative
udience Of the patrons. The day was
great s~uccess,a fitting close for such
pleasant and profitable school year.
iany rewards were given the pupils
y their teachers because of faithful
ess, diligence and punctuality. !
'ish especially to mention the three
.eautiful large pictures given by the
.rincipal. | am sure they will have a
-reat influence upon the lives of the
oys who receive them, more no doubt
nan a book would have. How | should
Ike to see such a pictures in every
oy's room, and in every school room.