Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 304, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 December 1920 — COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES. [ARTICLE]

COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES.

A very enthusiastic “Better Schools” program was given at The McCoysburg school house last Friday evening. The school under the guidance of their teacher, Miss Beatrice Tilton, gave an interesting opening number. At the conclusion of the speaking boxes were sold, thus transforming the meeting into an entertainment for the young people who were in goodly numbers. Trustee George Parker presided during the speaking. Superintendent C. R. Dean of the Rensselaer City schools gave an interesting talk wherein he outlined the advantages of good school buildings, teachers, equipment, etc., to boys and girls. Supt. Dean was followed by ExCou.ity Superintendent L. H. Hamilton, who gave the chief address of the evening. This speaker emphasized the value of mental and physical work. He spoke unreservedly and pointedly to an audience that manifested full confidence in the expedagogue. He felt at home in this towhship-'.as it developed that Mr. Hamilton had taught his first term at Fair View and his last at McCoysburg. Again he seems to have taken his better half from Hanging Grove township. ‘Under such conditions he spoke with exceptional buoyancy. The teachers of Jasper county met at Rensselaer last Saturday upon a two-weeks’ notice to bring specimens of superior work for display on that day. The display was a decided success as it enabled teachers to compare their schools with others in exhibits. It served as an inspiration to the pupils, parents and teachers. There were very few' schools in rt Jasper cßunty that failed on this angle of the program. It is hoped that an exhibition similar to this can be given on the third Saturday in March at the Court House. Teachers throughout the county can begin preparing for a county-wide display again before schools 'cloqp next sjying. Jasper county schools will become as important as the teachers make them. By persistent effort and sacrifice the schools will forge to the forefront in the estimation of the most tight skinned ground. When that type bf ncnprogressives are converted to our cause then the school accomplishments can be made with more ease and satisfaction. The display is a means of assisting in making a good clean school sentiment in the entire county. The institute opened last Saturday when the Rev. W. .T. Barbre of the Christian church offered prayer, scriptural readings and concluded with an appeal to teachers, for a quickening Christian service in their great work. «The minister’s teachx, ing experience furnished him with the tactful wording of his appeal to make it impressive. Miss Oka Pancoast of Marion township was elected secretary-treasurer of the institute and Miss Blanch Merry of the Rensselaer >city schools, was elected president for the period in which a delegate .to the constitutional 5 convention at Indianapolis to redraft the constitution for the State Teachers’ Association was to be selected, A° nominating committee was - appointed and recommended Supt C. R. Dean to represent Jasper county in this convention at Indianapolis on January 18, The

committee’s nomination was referred to the teachei-s and accepted by acclamation. The speaking program for the day was filled with addresses representing careful preparation. Each speaker congested his remarks so that every sentence was pointed, free from verbose and correlated about his theipe. Trustee Chas. Postill of Marion township spoke against using- the state as the school ta x ing unit for tuition purposes. County Agricultural Agent Mawhorter gave a talk, on reciprocated confidence between teacher and pupil. Miss Addie Harris of Tefft spoke on “The Community Institute.” Supt. C. R. Dean discussed “Irregular Attendance.” Truant Officer Philip Blue talked to the teachers on a few matters relative to truancy. Miss Margaret Marshall of DeMotte spoke on “The School Library.” L. H. Hamilton talked upon “The Good Teacher and Her Influence.” The Hon. W. L. Wood gave the concluding address of the day and very ably expounded section 1 of article 6 of our state constitution. Mr. Wood offered a few obiter remarks' on centralization at Indianapolis that seemed to kindle the teachers even after listening to the all day program. The program of the day was spiced with a reading from Mrs. Messman, who is a patron of North Marion. She was enthusiastically encored and her encore was also applauded with equal enthusiasm. This is the second appearance of this talented patron and mother on our school programs. Th£ pupils from South Marion gave the institute their songs in a very successful manner. Mrs. Kenneth Allman is the music instructor for this school. Mrs. Allman also favored the teachers, trustees and patrons with a vocal solo that was appreciated. The pupils of North Marion sang a Christmas song followed by “Good Night.” These little fellows all did their work wonderfully well. The afternoon session opened with a vocal solo from Miss Mabie Kemper of Wheatfield township. This musical rendition coupled with* an instrumental piano solo from Supt Thos. F. Mahan of the Wheatfield town shools made this end of Jasper county recognized favorably before the school audience. The only vocal duet of the day was given by Miss Alma Garling and Miss Hazel Gray of the Rensselaer city schools. These two vocalists gave the institute two songs, both of which were properly applauded. The day ended with but two num-

bers not executed. Prof. A. C. Campbell had a short talk on “Athletics” and Trustee Rush of Newton a short talk on “Model Schools.” The latter was unable to be at institute in the afternoon and the former had to leave before the institute closed. No one day’s session for the last preceding fb’ttr years can parallel the good that. Came to the teachers and patrons from all angles of Jasper county. The day and place represented the iheeting point of the most effective co-oper-ating institution in Jasper county. The city of Rensselaer, the towns of Remington and Wheatfield were Represented with practically their entire teaching bodies, yet none of those three corporations allow pay for attendance. The other corporations allowed their teachers pay for one township institute for attendance. The professional spirit manifested throughout this institute was a concree indorsement of the great educational renaissance piloted by State Supt. L. N. Hines last month. The teachers throughout the county deserve the highest commendation for their active interest taken this fall in co-operating with the state department in this drive for “Better Schools.