Norwich bulletin., 1916-10-04
PLAINFIELD
Annual Report of Superintendent Chapman of the Work Of Town Sohoos-Figures of tire Vote in Mondays Election.

The annual report of John Lee Chapman. superintendent of schools of the town of Plainf1eld, follows:
 To the Town School Committee:
 Gentlemen: 1 herewith transmit to you the 11tf1 annual report of the su- perintendent of schools.
 The past year has been one of strug- gle to maintain our usual excellent standard because of the great increase in absenteeism on the part of both absenteeism absolutely unavoidable, for never in our experience has illness been so prevalent as during the latter part of the fall term and throughout the winter term.
 While we had no real epidemic, con- taglous diseases were numerous, measles, whooping cough, scarlet fever and grip took toll in large num- bers from our schools, and produced conditions extremely unfavorao1e to successful progress.
 Spring Term More Favorable.
 The spring term was much more favorable and considerable of the ground lost during the winter wae gained. In many instances pupils made rapid progress after returning to school, So that at the close of the year we were able to allow them go on to the succeeding grade on trial, even though they had not wholly nalc up all the work lost There were Ill such cases. and it is estimated by the teachers and superintendent that full 90 per cent. of this number stand an excellent chance of maintaining their grade throughput the coming year.
 Teachers Meetings.
 Grade teachers meetings were held throughout the fall and winter terms and on May f a general meeting was held which was addressed by Harry Houston, supervisor of penmanship iE the New Haven schools and author of the Houston system of penmanship, in use in our schools. MT. Houston also visited the schools in Central Village and Plainfeld and observed the work in penmanship. He expressed himself as much pleased at the progress in writing so evident in the schools he on the up grade here in Plainfield in the matter of writing, and with the continued good work by the teachers the subject of pennanship will be one of the high spots in your schools"
 Work Along Special Lines.
 Last year mention was made by the superintendent of the work begun in special lines, folk dancing, agriculture systenatized play and the like.
 Visiting Schools.
 Thursday. Nov. 4, 1915, all grade
 
 in the city of Providence By special arrangement with the superintend dent, Mr. Winslow, opportunity was given us to observe the worl. being done along these lines. This visit was so enjoyable and the work witneesesed of so practical q character that a great impetus was given us to continue in the work we had already begun. The teachers in the Central Village school accomplished a great deal during the winter and on June 2 gave a splendid exhibition on the lawn which was wit messed by 2 large gathering. It was exeellently planned and carried out and was much enjoyed by all.
 Work Beneficial.
 That this work is of material benefit to the schools is evidenced by the standing of the Central Village schools. The average rank maintained by the pupils in all grades in Central Village has advanced nearly 20 per cent. dur