Norwich bulletin., 1917-03-24
Endorses Reorganization of Grades
Chamber Considered Vocational School Ques ton Largely Attended Meetins-Supt. E. J. Graham . Favors Recommendation of Committee -Secretary's
 Quarterly Report Accepted

kitchens, a room for sewing and mill
 inery work, and facilities for hand
 work of all kinds. Such facilities are
 imperative. for children in these grades, yet cannot be provided on an adequate
 scale for all school buildings as we are organized at present.
 By such concentration it would also
 be. possible to equalize classes, avoid
 Ing both very large and very small
 sections. In this wey the efficiency could be notably increased.
 By concentration of these grades it
 would be possible to have teachers de-
 vote themselves to whatever line of
 work they can do best, thus reducing
 the strain of teachers and improving
 the quality of their work.
 Simplifies Discipline.
 By separating the larger from the
 smaller children the problem of dis
 cipiine would be largely simplified
 since the methods suited to one age are
 principals and teachers would be freed
 from many needless annoyances and enabled more effectively to supervise
 the work of teaching.
 It is impossible, and it would be un-
 desirable if possible, to train boys
 of from 12 to Is years of age for def1- mite trades, but it is possible and high ly desirable to give them such general
 training of the hand and eye shall
 enable them readily to adapt them selves to the requirements of what ever occupation they finally enter. This regard as one of the most inn
 reorganization and adoption of a uni fled course in one building for grades seven and eight.
 The above plan would make for
 economy as well as ef1iciency by by equipment for handwork up to it's full capacity.
 If such an intermediate school should render school work not only more eff fective but also so much more at tractiye as to hold in school many who drop out and thus increase the number of children to be educated. I have fuli confidence that the people of Norwich would rejoice in the fact and consider money spent well spent.
 In answer to a question asked by Robert A. Perkins. Rev. MT. Selden
 said that the Smith Hughes fund is to be distributed through the state is not disposed to help any but strictly trade schools.
 Albert Boar1man spoke strongly in
 favor of the strictly vocational school Vote of Thanks For Committee. .~On motion of Robert A. Perkins, a vote of thanks was extended the com n1ittee or vocational education and they were continued in office. Fred eric Cary offered an amendment to the above motion endorsing the rec onlmendation of the committee notice of such action to be communicated to the town school hoard. The amend ment was passed unanimously. Principal Henry A. Tirrell who was called upon spoke few words ir which he said that ile was heartily in favor of any movement in the interests of boys and girls. He made clear the difference between a trade, schoo school .which~is intended to turn out artisans and a pre-vocationa1 schoo which is not intended to turn out artisans. but to open the eyes of the boys and girls to their opportunities. At the close of the meeting a buffet l luncheon was served and cigars were passer around. Ma abrew catered. The committee in charge of the evenings entertainment comprised F. E. Ricket- son. chairmar. Charles W. Perkins George H. Young. Harry Prentice. Ja- cob A1unz, Robert A. Smith, Fred R Smith, E \. Tracy. r. W. Cook, A Chester Brown and Charles A. SaXton