Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1877 — OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. [ARTICLE]

OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The school Trustees arc trying to | select good teachers snd so grade the i pupils that the term commencing i September 3rd 1877, maybe a success. It may not be amiss, to call the attention of the readers of your valuable paper, to a few leading thoughts upon our public schools. If they are practical, will those interested please j * preserve the same for reference and ! discussion. ! | GRADES. The school should be so classified and graded, that teachers may have occasion to give thorough and pupils maybe incited to improxe their time. Allow three years in the Primary, two in the Grammar school, and three years in the High school, and then allow the faithful student, a merited diploma. The process of grading may not please all pupils at j first, but in a short time it will give general satisfaction. BOOKS AND NUMBER OF STUDIES. Tlie number of books taken to the school-room by pupils should be limited, strictly to the text hooks prescribed by the school trustees. Books of reference should be on the teacher’s desk, or at the pupil's home. A multitude pi books in a pupil’s | desk causes mental as well as visible confusion. No pupil should be permitted to- cairy on more than threo text-book studies at one time. The teacher should own and not borrow the books needed in the performance of duty. HOME STUDY At least one hour each evening, and one hour each morning should bo improved bv pupils in study at home. Parents should encourage this and discourage all sports, plays, amusements, parties, meetings and excitments that would be likely to induce pupils to omit home- study.

DECORUM The school Law says, good behavior shall be taught in all the public schools of the state. Parents, Guardians. school Truetpes, Superintendent, Teachers anu pupils should all unite in an effort to confirm the walk, talk and actions upon the school premises according to the rules of good-nature and decorum. The school premises are sacred public jn'operty. ATTENDANCE. Let the rule be every day and hour, early, prompt and without tardiness. All patrons and pupils should consult the superintendents time and conform to it strictly. Tardiness and irregularity in attendance, sap the life and power of a school more than all else. COST. Our public school will cost about 55400, per month of public money. ! Then count the time of three hundred and lifty children. The loss of one minute of the school day would be in money value at least 60. 12aeh time a pupil is tardy and stalks into school late he does the school at least six dollars direct damage without reference to the remote evils following such intrusion and example. It is to bo hoped that no tardiness will have to be recorded by the teachers at the coming term. MOKE ANON.

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