Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1920 — COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES. [ARTICLE]

COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES.

Last week closed one of the most inspiring institutes held in Jasper county for several years. The programs were supplemented daily with short talks from men representing various angles of interest. Messrs. King and Watkins talked last Wednesday to the teachers about primary methods. John F. Haines talked last Thursday to the teachers about the Y. P. R. C. books. Miss Helen Lamson spoke relative to the organization of Junior Red Cross societies in the schools last Friday. Miss Florence Ryan, the home service secretary for the Red Cross, gave an interesting talk last Friday also. Mr. T. A. Coleman, of Indianapolis, demonstrated the use of the Victor Talking Machine before the institute on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. L. H. Hamilton, secretary of Rensselaer school board, gave a very interesting talk before the teachers last Tuesday on the general topic “The Newspaper.” Trustee Alfred Duggleby, the north Jasper humqrist, talked last Wednesday about some of his experiences in Australia. Trustee John Rush of Newton township gave a well received talk last Thursday afternoon. Mr. Rush gave many forceful reasons why a teacher should learn her patrons early in the term. Trustee Charles Postill of Marion township gave a nice talk la«t Friday afternoon on the subject of behavior. Mr. Postill talked on the 30th anniversary of his wedding aay and the 30 year reminiscence seemed to inspire as well as make his talk exceptionally buoyant. These collateral talks coming from interested men and women add a spice and variety to an educational program that is congratulatory to Jasper county. The musical numbers were very extraordinary again this year. Mrs. Ed Randle of Rensselaer favored the institute with a well rendered solo on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Dr. Gwin played the piano accompaniment and Miss Ruth Wood also accompanied with her violin. This musical triumvirate won the hearty applause from the teachers that they courteously 'deserved. On Thursday afternoon Mrs. Kenneth Allman gave the teachers another musical treat by way of vocal solos. She was accompanied at the piano by her husband. On Friday Mrs. Bert Hopkins sang two solos that were exceptionally well rendered. The large audience gave expression to their approval by a long and continued applause. On Friday morning Morgan L. Sterrett, Jr., the youthful eight-year-old son of the county superintendent, played a violin solo which seemed to please the teachers very much. On Friday afternoon little Lois Campbell of Fair Oaks spoke two little pieces that pleased the

teachers as was indicated by the enthusiastic demonstration from the large audience. Prof. Elson and Prof. Evans each fulfilled their place on the program in a very satisfactory manner. Mr. Elson talked throughout the week on history and government while Mr. Evans talked on literature. These men are exceptionally strong in their particular lines. The general verdict among teachers was that the 1920 institute was one of the best in years. The success of an institute depends upon many factors. It seemed that every factor contributing towards a successful institute revealed itself. The county superintendent was handicapped on account of an affliction but the teachers assumed any and all of his duties with a charity and compassion that was met with its proper reciprocated appreciations from the county superintendent. The spirit of the institute could not be excelled by any other of its kind. The township trustees reported late Friday evening that their schools were all supplied with teachers. Most corporations opened on Monday, Sept. 6th. Fair Oaks high school received a severe setback when a Miss Eleanor Murphy of Indianapolis refused to fulfill her obligations to Mr. Harrington. She refused to come to institute and at a late hour Thursday phoned her resignation. Such samples of teaching integrity should remove one from the profession or subject her to some financial loss in the form of an indemnity bond.