Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 December 1920 — COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES [ARTICLE]

COUNTY EDUCATIONAL NOTES

Co. Supt. Sterrett) ! An enthusiastic “Better, Schools”; program was given at the McCoys- < burg school house last Friday eve- • ning. The school, under the guid- 1 ance of its teacher, Miss Beatrice 1 Tilton, gave a very interesting open-1 ing number. At the conclusion of; tlie speaking boxes were sold, thus transforming the meeting into an entertainment for the young people, who were present in goodly numbers. Trustee George Parker presided "during the speaking. Superintendent C. R. Dean of the Rensselaer city schols gave an interesting talk wherein he outlined the advantages of good school buildings, teachers, equipment, etc., to boys and girls. Superintendent Dean was followed by ex-County Supt. L. H. Hagnilton, who gave the chief address of I the evening. This speaker empha-1 sized the value of mental and phys-1 ical work. He spoke unreservedly | and pointedly to an audience that manifested full confidence in the expedagogue. He felt at home in this : township as it developed that Mr. • Hamilton had taught ms first term at J Fair View and his last at McCoysburg. Again he seems to have taken i his better-half from Hanging Grove township. Under such conditions he spoke with exceptional buoyancy. The teachers of Jasper county met; at Rensselaer last 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 other exhibits. It served as an inspiration to the pupils, parents and teachers. There were very few schools in Jasper county 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 the schools close next spring. Jasper county’s 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 grouch. When that type of nonprogressives 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 goqd cle&n 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 quickening Christian service in ttyeir great work. The minister’s teaching experience furnished him the tactful wording of his appeal to make it impressive. Miss Oka Pancoast Of Marion township was elected secretary-

treasurer xOf the institute and Miss Blanche Merry of the Rensselaer city schools was elected president for tho period in which a delegate to the constitutional 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 repre. sent Jasper county in this convention at Indianapolis on January 18, 1921. The committee's nomination was referred to the teachers and accepted by acclamation. The speaking program for the day was filled with addresses represent. Ing careful preparation. Each Speaker congested his remarks so that every sentence was pointed, free from verbose and correlated about his theme. Trustee Charles Postill of Marion township spoke against using the state as the school taxing 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." Louis H. Hamilton talked upon “The Good Teacher and Her lifluence.” The Hon. W. L. Wood gave the concluding address of the day and very ably expounded section 1 of article 8 of our state constitution. Mr. Wood offered a few other 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 a 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. Tho 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 Mabel Kemper of Wheatfield township. This musical rendition, coupled 'with an instrumental piano solo from Supt. Thos. F. Mahan - of the Wheatfield town schools, 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. k The day ended with but two numbers 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 the institue In the afternoon and the former had to leave before the Institute closed. No one day’s session for the last preceding four years can parallel the good that came to the teachers and patrons from, all angles -of Jasper county. The day and place represented the meeting point of the most effective co-operating 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 these corporations allow pay for attendance. The other corporations allowed their teachers pay ifor one township institue for attendance. The professional spirit manifested throughout this In. stltute was a concrete indorsement 6f the great educational renaissance piloted by State Supt. L. N. Bines last month. The teachers through-

out the county deserve the bisheat commendation for their active intbr eat taken this fall In co-operating with the state department in thia drive for "Better Schools/'