Report of Principal of Washington St. School.

Mr. James M. Crane, Superintendent of Schools,

Dear Sir:-Our school opened in September of last year with six hundred thirty-eight pupils. In the sixth grade there were so many that it became necessary for us to ask for the transfer of more than twenty pupils. The three classes of the first grade were so large that we were obliged to form a half-day class, and so relieved the pressure in that grade. During the year we had in attendance seven hundred seventy-eight pupils of all grades, with an average attendance of five hundred eighty-three. Our attendance was good for the first half of the year, after which time it was quite seriously interfered with by an epidemic of measles. The disease was of a mild type and but few deaths occurred.

Our school library now numbers four hundred eighty-seven volumes. During the year twelve hundred twenty-nine books were taken out by the pupils.

Revolutions never go backward, it is said, yet in the matter of penmanship it would be well if they did. The old system of slant writing used for so many years, has, as you know, been superseded by vertical and semi-vertical methods, the effect of which has been, in many instances, to induce pupils to contract the habit of writing backhand. I have spoken of this matter in a former report, yet deem it of sufficient importance to again call your attention to it, hoping that something may be done to produce writers that business. men will seek for rather than avoid.

Since writing the above I find the following little editorial in American Education, that I take the liberty of quoting.

“It has dawned upon the school authorities of some cities that the pupils are to be fitted for business standards already established. A feeling of distrust as to the advisability of teaching children vertical handwriting has arisen and inquiries are being made of business. men as to what form of penmanship they approve. The slant sys

tem is generally preferred by commercial houses, but business interests have had small influence in matters of education. It is a wise thing to allow the practical demands of business to replace theory in some of the essential subjects taught in the school room."

In addition to the several readers and books for supplementary reading in the several classes there have been added in our fifth grade" Around the World, Third Book," and in the seventh grade, "The Story of the Empire State." The improvement made in our reading since the introduction of Ward's books is now being felt in the higher grades.

The various anniversary days authorized were duly observed with appropriate recitations, songs, etc.

Concerning infectious diseases, we learn in many instances of their existence and require children living in houses where such diseases are, to return to their homes, as required, before official notification reaches us through the proper channels, and it seems as though physicians and others interested cannot exercise too much caution in reporting all such cases to you with as little delay as possible.

It is my custom to visit all rooms in the building each day of the school year so as to be of assistance, where possible, to the teachers of the several grades, in looking after attendance, discipline, and the general welfare of the school.

All of the number work done in the second grade must be read aloud by the several teachers, they having one copy each of "Wentworth's First Steps in Number." This is a serious tax upon the vocal organs which might be remedied by the placing in the hands of the pupils, of copies of an easy primary arithmetic. This would not only relieve the teachers in the matter spoken of above, but it would also be of great assistance to the little ones in learning to read, as well as in applying what had been read by them. Should you agree with me in this suggestion, will you kindly call the attention of the proper committee to the matter, that desired action may be taken for the future.

I find a very limited knowledge of reading music by note, beating time, etc., etc., among pupils of the higher grades that come to us from other schools, and would suggest that teachers in all of our

schools be required to give more time to the consideration of that subject. Many in the seventh and eighth grades know little more of music than those who come to our floor from the third grade of the primary department.

Our teachers as a rule are quite regular in their attendance upon school duties, yet we required the services of substitutes for eighty days of the school year, most of the absences being caused by illness. Seven of our teachers were present every day and two others were absent but one half day each. There was but one case of tardiness. with this exception all were registered on time for every session.

In many instances parents are responsible for the irregularity in the attendance of their children and trivial causes that seemingly might be avoided are given as excuses for absence. When pupils are not in their places we are very particular in ascertaining the reason for non-attendance.

Nine pupils were absent during the year without the permission of their parents and are classed as truants.

If the state authorities could be induced to establish a school for truants and incorrigibles it would, in my opinion, be a step in the right direction.

I am pleased to report that our teachers are always ready to work for the interests of our school, its pupils, and its patrons.

For an efficient and helpful superintendent, a well equipped school building, and abundant supplies, we are all grateful to the constituted authorities.

Respectfully yours,

WM. H. KELLY,

Principal Washington St. School.

Newburgh, Oct. 12th, 1904.