The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1917-04-06
COUNTY SCHOOL NOTES

The students of the Flat River
High School Teacher Training Class
are spending this week in practice
teaching in the rural schools. This is
in accordance with a requirement of
the State Department of Education.
1t is q move in the right direction. 1t
gives the prospective teacher practi-
cal experience and it enables school
officials to get aproper cline" on the
ability of the would-be teacher.
The pupils of the Mitchell school
recently journeyed to Davis Crossing,
where was staged second contest in
spelling between these two schools.
Immediately after the smoke of bat
tie had cleared away, an impromptu
reception was given the visiting
school. The patrons, teachers and pu-
pills of each school spent most en-
ioyable and profitable afternoon.
DR.. w. j. Hawkins, Field Secretary
of Washington University, recently
made an interesting and practical adj
dress to the patrons, teachers and pu-
pills of the Esther school. DR.. Haw-
kins has had a wealth of experience
as an educator, having for years serv-
ed as President of the Warrensburg
State Normal School. He covers an
extensive era in his work as Secre-
tary, so could draw interesting com
parsons between the needs and ad-
vantages of a mining community as
opposed to thote in which other inter
ests, such as oil wells, farming and
other occupations. are dominant. He
brought out the fact that the lead
mines are almost permanent thing,
that is, the people living in such
community can well afford to build
for the future. In so planning it Is
especially necessary that well
equipped school is available, espec-
tally one in which vocational training
is given He brought out the inn
portance of building which contains
good auditorium, wherein the peo-
pie can assemble not only for school
activities, but for civic or social mat
tiers. He pointed out the fact that
the people of Esther without increas-
ing the rate Of taxation one cent
could own a building that would very
nearly approach the ideal, where their
own boys and girls could have adj
vantages equan to any, and where the
community could gather from time to
time for social improvement and en-
| joyment. He further stated that all
citizens realize that such thing is
necessary if town is to really live
in the deepest and truest sense.
An interesting letter has been re-
ceived from Prin. Luther F. Black
well of the East Bonnie Terre school.
He writes as follows regarding the
work of his school. "Our playground
is equipped with slide, 3 see-saws, a
merry go-round, two volley balls,
vaulting standards and device which
the boys term IAN acting pole Most
of these were made or purchased by
the pupils and teachers. Various
games are taught to the pupils by the
teachers who get out and enjoy play
as much as the pupils during play
time. Appropriate pictures are kept
on the walls of the rooms, also dis
play of drawing and other work of the
pupils. Blackboard borders for spe-
cial days, or occasions, are put on the
blackoarbds. Each room contains sew
eral pots of flowers of vorious kinds,
which add much to the appearance of
the rooms as well as to the pleasant
ness" More about Mr.. Blackwell's
work next week.
co. SUPT. OF SCHOOLS,