Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 August 1881 — Normal Notes. [ARTICLE]

Normal Notes.

Often and urgent is th* Command sent to the teacher, "Learn my boy reedin’, ’ritm’ and ’rithmetic, and nothing more.” And yet the very parents, who are so determined as to the amount of "book lantin” their children shall have, are the readiest to aooept and enlargOupon the fact that the welfare of our nation and the safety of our government must, in a few years hence, devolve upon' the yoaths of the present Not one should shirk his duty, but bravely place his jthouL der to the wheal and help to advance the oar of ojvitixatina rattier than ait on the fence and see It go by. There will be a larger contract left on the hands of the rising generation than has been given to any one of the past Bat coaid our great men of to-day deliver the noble achievements of American gen. ius and fruits of her industry into the hands of persona who had mastered only the three r’s—could they do this aid feel that the destiny of their oountry was safe in such hands? Think over it Many of us claim that we have the right to decide just what the future of our children shall be. We have the right to advise but not to decide. Let each one carve his own fortune and fashion it after his own desire. If you would have your children intelligent, industrious and snooteaful in life, by all means help them to an education, which, though slow, is sure. In giving them this you will have bestowed upon them the most enduring token of parental affection.

Melissa Mitchell, Laura Rathfon, Mary Hilton and others have taken up the cross. The query box, opened daring general exercises, has given rise to. numerous spirited, yetr good humored controversies, into which the teachers are sometimes drawn and speedily “used up," if on the wrong side. / It has been~mentioned that the grades were raised and we now have the pleasure Of them in most solemn array. 1. A general average of 70 per cent., not falling below 66 per cent, in any study, entities the applicant to 6 months lioense. 2. A general average of 80 per cent., not falling below 65 per cent, in any branch, entitles the applicant to 12 months lioense. .8. A general average of 90 per cent, not falling below 70 per cent, in any branch, entitles the applicant to 18 months lioense. 4. A general average of 95 per cent., not falling below 75 per cent, in any branch, entitles the applicant to 24 months license. None failed to notice the vast improvement in the schools of 1880, and there is a still brighter prospect for 1881. There will be better trained teachers, a milder winter and universal good feeling. Don’t fail to attend Institute next week. I.