Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-02-12

have changed and that methods have
changed. too.
Education and Industry
Approximately one-fourth OF our
population is engaged in manufacture
ing in the industrial plants In and
near the city. Certain it is that q
considerable number of our pupils
will follow in the footsteps of their
elders. Why then should we not
provide for these pupils some elemen-
tary training along industrial lines!
Thus far we have laid great stress on
academic subjects (and very proper
ly SOY but why not lay some stress
on shop subjects? Is it not fair that
the pupil who goes from school to
the factory should be as well prepar-
ed as the one who goes from schooi
to college? Something akin to this
thought must have been in the minds
of those who built the Junior High
schol for they provided a room to be
known as the textile room" and
through the courtesy of the Lock-
wood Company a loom was placed
there. Very recently, Mr.. Quinton,
the agent of the Lockwood Company
has kindly offered to assist in fur
Their equipping this room to the end
that itNmay become actually used In
textile instruction. An elementary
course may well find a place in the
Junior High school. said course to be
supplemented by some actual work
in the mill for which the pupil should
receive credit. Such plan is al
ready in operation In a number OF
cities in other states and in Sanford
in this state. 1t could be introdl ced
here in Waterville with the aSsur-
ance that it would prove a mutual
benefit to the employer and the en-
ployed.
Our nearest approach to anything
in the nature of vocational education
is now offered in the manual train
ing. auto mechanics and home econ
omics courses. The reports of the
ments are presented herewith.
Registration and Attendance
Reference to the Table of Registra-
ton shows a total of 2436 pupils en-
rolled. a gain over last year of 217.
In addition to this number in the
public schools there are 1899 resi-
dents of the city in attendance at
private institutions exclusive of Col
by. This makes a total school popu-
lation of 1885. The attendance ip
the public schools is good on the
whole. There is some tendency how
ever to allow children to stay out for
trivial reasons.
Every possible effort to secure an
accurate census should be made,
bearing in mind that three dollars
Is received from the State for every
resident between five and q years
of age whether or not in attendance
at school. During the month of
April the census taker is supposed
to call at every residence within the
limits of the city for the purpose of
listing all within the ages stated
above. No name should be with
held; Furthermore If by any chance
he should fail to call at any home
someone there should report the de-
sired information to the Office of the
school department, which is open
every school day from 8 A. M. to II
and from 1.15 2. NJ. to 5 o'clock.
Senior and Junior High Schools
With the beginning of the school
year last September some few
changes in the courses pursued in
these two schools were inaugurated.
They have proved beneficial thus
far.
Conclusion
During the year the work we have
attempted has been greatly aided by
the splendid attitude on the part
of the public in general. We are
mindful of the inspiration afforded
by those busy people who have CIV
en- their time to address the stu
dents or visit the classrooms. The
attitude of the press has done much
good and is thoroughly appreciated.
To his honor, the mayor, and to the
city government we are grateful for
their generous financial support,
without which our whole endeavor
would fail
In writing this report the aim has
been to present the case of the
school department fairly, without
prejudice or favor, so that he who
reads may more fully understand
the nature of the work we are try
ing to do. Let me here publicly
express my personal appreciation to
the Board of Education for the
counsel and assistance they have
given me to so marked a degree.
c. f. GLOVER,
Supt. of Schools.