STATE EDUCATIONAL NEWS. SISKIYOU COUNTY. of the Profession," an able essay by Mrs. The Board of Education of Siskiyou S. M. Pritchard, and "A Plea for an county met at the public school building During the afternoon session Mr. McAmerican Language," by C. F. Miers. May 31st, at 9 o'clock A. M., continuing in session to June 3d. The following Chesney gave an extended and able exmembers were present: John Kennedy, planation of the "Reading Circle" and C. O. Sharpe, Miss Kate Cooley, P. P. its objects, and advised that reading cir Peterson and C. S. Smith. The Board cles should be established at various proceeded to examine applicants, of points in the county, which should be whom there were nineteen. The follow-liberally patronized and upheld by all. The Institute then resolved to organize ing received certificates: First grade, Miss Kate Arnold; second grace, Miss a county reading Circle, with headquarters at Yreka. On motion, C. O. Sharpe was elected President; and at 2:40 the Institute took a recess for conference among the teachers on the subject. Armeda Kaiser and S. H. Mathews. The Twentieth Annual Institute of the Teachers of Siskiyou county convened at 10 o'clock A. M., Tuesday, June 3, 1887, Superintendent C. O. Sharpe in the chair. On motion, Hon. H. A. Morse was elected first and Mrs. H. H. Stewart second Vice-President. On motion, John Kennedy was elected Secretary, and Miss Kate Arnold Assistant Secretary. The officers then assumed their respective stations. The President then announced the following permanent committees, viz: On Resolutions-Geo. M. Rice, M. F. Cowan, F. W. Hooper, John Kennedy. On Music-Mrs. H. H. Stewart, Mrs. S. M. Pritchard, D. C. Reed. On Introduction-Miss Kate Cooley, Mrs. D. C. Redding, Miss Mary Denny, A. G. W. Davis, C. S. Smith. By direction of the Chairman, the roll of the Institute was then called, and the names of teachers present and absent checked accordingly. Forty-two teachers responded. After the transaction of some other preliminary businass, the Institute adjourned to meet in the afternoon at 1 o'clock. The afternoon session was opened by an address by the County Superintendent, Mr. C. O. Sharpe. The Institute Conductor J. B. McChesney, of the Oakland High School, was then introduced by the Chairman. Mr. McChesney proceeded to consider "The Recitation,' what should be accomplished by it and the different methods of conducting it. An interesting discsssion followed. The second day was occupied in the discussion of the following topics: "Percentage," introduced by C. S. Smith; Mental Arithmetic," by George Rice; "Language," by M. F. Cowan; "Fractions,' by John Kennedy; "The Ethics Later the committee appointed for that purpose reported as follows: First, we recommend the organization of a County Circle as stipulated in the Constitution of the State Circle, with the organization of branch Circles in Scott Valley and Little Shasta, with as many more branches as may be desirable; the various branches of the Circle to report to the State Circle through the County Board of Directors; second, we recommend that each Circle meet semi-monthly with one yearly reunion at the Annual County Institute; third, we recommend that the County Circle organize during the County Institute, choosing their Board of Directors so as to include each precinct, empowering each Director to organize a branch within his precinct. Signed, S. M. Pritchard, H. H. Stewart, A. G. W. Davis, M. F. Cowan, D. C. Reed, F. W. Hooper, committee. The third and fourth days were taken up in the presentation of topics of most interest to the teachers of the county. In all the discussions it was evident that the teachers of Siskiyou county intend to keep abreast of the times, and make their schools equal in efficiency and worth to those of other portions of the State. On the last day of the session Conductor McChesney gave an interesting talk on poetry-how to criticise it and how to read it. When the Institute adjourned all expressed themselves well pleased with the week's work. BUTTE COUNTY. ates were as follows: Leoline Ladd, salutatory; Flora Pidge, Edward Fergu good advice and suggestions. The major was highly pleased with the "City of Roses," and thinks Chico a beautiful, son, Minnie Gardner, Francis Meade, progressive city. David Wilson, who recently graduated from the State Normal School, has been engaged as Principal of the Cherokee schools for the ensuing term. Mr. Wilson was raised in Cherokee, and his father's family now reside there. He graduated with distinguished honor, and Cherokee is to be congratulated on securing his services as principal. YUBA COUNTY, Laura Beauchamp, Grace Doone, Leonard Dowdy, Rudolph Herold, Charles Whitehurst, Will Cobb, George Wolfrom, and Nellie Sprague, the valedictorian. MONTEREY COUNTY. The Summer School of Science opened the present season at Pacific Grove on the morning of July 5th, and will continue in session until July 15th. The Chatauqua Society has had a prosperous year, with large accessions to its number. About a thousand people in California are now pursuing the regular curriculum of this home college, while fully as many more are irregular members, taking part of the course, and enjoying much intellectual pleasure in attending the meetings of the circle. The programme of the present assembly will prove exceedingly interesting and profitable to both regular and irregular members. Each day will be full of lectures, classes, musical entertainments and the usual pleasure of a Chatauqua assembly. The County Board of Education has completed its labors, and in addition to the teachers who were announced as having secured primary grade certificates the following were named in their order: For the county grammar grade, Misses Lizzie Walker, Emma A. Bronk, Edith L. Clothier, Iola Dunning, Lizzie B. Karr, and John L. Lang. In this grade Will A. Lotta and Charles L. Donohoe were successful, but lacking the necessary experience of one year, will not be given the certificates until they have taught that period. Miss Lelia Fisher was granted a primary grade certificate. Competent teachers will hold daily The following were given High School classes in botany, geology, zoology, congraduation diplomas: Mary Perry, chology, music, modern languages and Phoebe Thomas, Nettie Scott, Mary Sunday School normal work. The botany Cohn, Lilly A. Cilley, Minnie E. Town-class will be under the supervision of send, Louisa E. Clemens, Katie Cantlin, Kate Sheets, Pearl Dam, Myra Hopkins and Nellie Scott: The following were recommended to the State Board of Education for educational diplomas: Vesta Powers, Rose Farley, Josephine Sheehan, Amy Davidson and Lillie Brooks. In order to secure this diploma it is necessary to teach five years. Miss Vesta Powers, having taught ten years, she was also recommended for a life diploma. Mrs. Katie M. Wilkins and H. C. Babcock, county grammar grade certificates upon educational diplomas, and without examination. The members of the Board say that this is one of the most successful, in addition to being the largest examination class, that has even been held iu Yuba county. SANTA CLARA COUNTY. A new school district is to be formed, to be known as the Huyck School Dis trict. The commencement exercises of the Gilroy public school took place at Music Hall June 3, 1887. The class of gradu Miss M. E. B. Norton, of the State Normal School, San Jose, while lectures upon botanical themes will be given by the distinguished botanist Dr. C. C. Parry, the friend and co-laborer of Professor Asa Grey; also, by Professor C. B. Bradley, of Berkeley University. Geology and zoology will be taught by Professor George Kleeberger, of the State Normal School, San Jose; marine botany, by Dr. C. A. Anderson, of Santa Cruz; conchology, by Professor Josiah Keep, of Mills Seminary; modern languages (Meisterschaft method), by Professor T. C. Moe, of San Francisco; music (instrumental), by Professor F. Loui King, of San Jose; music (vocal), by Messrs. Kinross and Benham, of Oakland. A grand musical convention will be held the second week of the convention. Sunday School normal work will be under the supervision of Miss L. M. Washburn, of San Jose. Every person in attendance at the convention can select one or more studies which he would like to pursue, and be under the guidance of distinguished teachers. Popular lectures will also be given as follows: Rev. H. C. Milton, San Jose, subject: "Conservative Conviction-the Mainspring of Progressive Action;" Dr. G. L. Spinning, "Peculiar People Abroad;" Rev. S. Brown, "A Journey to Rome and Naples; " Judge M. Myrick, "Law and its Adaptabilities;" W. C. Bartlett, "Thoreau in Books and in the Woods;" Dr. F. F. Jewell, "Capital;" Dr. J. K. McLean, "Up and Down Mount Blanc;" Dr. J. H. Wythe, "Mind and Brain;" Dr. C. C. Stratton, "Labor and Capital;" Miss L. M. Washburn, "Bible Lands;" Dr. C. C. Parry, "What a Botanist Saw in Europe;" Professor Josiah Keep, "The Zodiac." MARIN COUNTY. Recently a meeting of the ladies of San Rafael was held for the purpose of starting a free kindergarten at that place. Miss Eva Petit, of San Francisco, who has had considerable experience as a teacher in kindergarten schools, was present and gave her views of the matter. It was resolved that such a school be started there, all present being heartily in favor of the proposition. The following Board of Directors was elected for the ensuing term: Mrs. Gen. Allen, Mrs. Wm. T. Coleman, Mrs. J. M. Donahue, Mrs. H. Wilkins, Mrs. Robert Watt, Mrs. G. H. Butler, Mrs. A. Foster, Mrs. Whittemore, Mrs. J. Sheehy, Mrs. V. Neale and Miss A. Worn. An election of officers took place, which resulted in the selection of Mrs. Gen. Allen as President; Mrs. Wm. T. Coleman, Vice-President; Mrs. J. M. Donahue, Treasurer, and Mrs. Wilkins, Secretary. Executive Committee-Mrs. Robert Watt, Mrs. G. H. Butler, Mrs. A. Foster, Mrs. Whittemore, Mrs. J. Sheehy, Mrs. V. Neale and Miss A. Worn. The Society has leased the Almy building, on the corner of Fourth and E streets, and school was opened on the 6th of June, with Miss Eva Petit as Superintendent, and Miss Jessie Brewster as teacher. All children from two to seven years of age will be admitted free of charge. The hours of school will be from 9 A. M. to 12 M. It is the intention of Miss Petit to train some young lady of San Rafael as teacher for the school, but as yet no selection has been made. It seems to meet with the approbation of the citizens of San Rafael that M. Murray serve another term as School Trustee. The gentleman is thoroughly fitted for the position, and having done so well in the past, it is but proper that he should be returned. Superintendent Furlong has been visiting the school districts of Tomales, Clark, Estero, Aurora and Franklin. He reports them in a flourishing condition. ALAMEDA COUNTY. The Vista visit to the Vista and Mountain House Superintendent Fisher lately paid a Districts. He expresses himself as much pleased with what he saw. school is in charge of Miss Sadie Myrick, of Oakland, and is attended by about seventeen pupils. They are somewhat cramped for room, but are making the most of their facilities, and are doing good work. Miss Sadie Russell is the teacher in the Mountain House District. About twenty-seven children attend this school. All are well advanced, and the most perfect discipline prevails. The class day exercises held at the State University, Berkeley, by the class of '87 were the most successful that have been witnessed there for many years. After the overture by Brandt's band. President McCann made a few introductory remarks. He spoke of the importance to the class of '87 of the occasion as marking their transition from school life to an entry on the duties and trials of life. He referred in humorous terms to the trials of student life, and referred to the introduction of the gown and mortar board as the distinctive dress of the collegians. The publication of "The Blue and Gold," and its success as a representative college annual was commented on, and an affectionate farewell was bidden in the name of the newly fledged alumni to their Alma Mater. Miss McNealy read an exhaustive essay on the drama. H. B. Rathbone followed with an oration entitled "Opinion." Miss C. E. Wilson read an interesting poem on Savonarola, in which she made a charming picture of Florence and Florentine life. Mr. W. J. Bartlett then delivered an oration on "Our System of Law an Evidence of Increasing Nationality.". Arthur H. Ashley then, in behalf of the class of '87, presented the class memorial. A few remarks in response in acceptation of the memorial were made by Prof. George H. Howison. After the morning exercises were concluded, there was an intermission of an hour for lunch. The friends of Sigma Chi Chi Phi and Zeta Psi fraternities were entertained at the respective clubhouses. Others adjourned to the restaurants, or, having brought their lunch, picnicked on the beautiful lawns of the University. The afternoon exercises con- | been going lately, it is only a question sisted of the reading of the class history by George D. Dudley; the prophecy, by J. D. Murphy, and of the dispensation, by Julius Wagenheim. The students and teachers of Washington College, in this county, issue an interesting little sheet entitled the Occasional, of which the first number has been received. The paper shows evidence of the careful and thorough training given at the college. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY. The Trustees of Paso Robles have submitted to the County Superintendent the plans for a new school building to be erected there, which, when completed, will far surpass anything of its kind ever built in this county. It will have a seating capacity of about 125 pupils, and will be a model of architectural beauty and convenience of arrangement. Complaints reach us that many of the teachers fail to receive THE PACIFIC JOURNAL, the official organ of the Department of Education. It should be in the hands of every teacher, and if they fail from any cause to receive it the matter should be reported to this office. If clerks of Boards of Trustees do not care to read it, they should give the teacher authority to take it from the Postoffice. It is paid for by the State, and the information it contains is too valuable to be lost to the teacher and district.—Supt. Armstrong in San Luis Obispo Register. 66 of a short time when two teachers will be required. Miss Leland is in her second term with the school, and gives entire satisfaction to the public and her pupils. There has been purchased a large bell, which was placed in the cupola of the school building this week, and hereafter the pupils will have no excuse to be tardy at school in the morning, as it will be rung at 8:45. The bell cost $75, and was purchased by subscriptions from the citizens in town and vicinity.—Nipomo News. Superintendent Armstrong reports the schools of this county as prosperous and in the hands of competent teachers. He says: "A noticeable feature among those in the dairying region along the coast is, that since the dairies have passed into the hands of Swiss residents the attendance has greatly fallen off-in some localities almost to the point of forfeiting their district organizations. Not that the Swiss people are unfriendly to popular education, but a large proportion of them are men without families, and hence do not contribute to the attendance in the schools." The Teachers' Reading Circle is constantly adding new members to its list, although as yet very few orders for books have been received by the Secretary. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. B. L. Hogshead, who for the past IN THE PACIFIC EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL for June will be found excellent year has had charge of the public school at this place, left for Ukiah recently, acsuggestions for both studying and teach-companied by his brother John Hogsing The Lady of the Lake." We would head, who has been teaching at Caspar. earnestly recommend that teachers take Before leaving, Mr. Hogshead tendered the lessons as there outlined and substi- his resignation as principal of our school tute them for the regular reading lessons to the Trustees, it being his intention to at least once a week with their advanced enter the State University at Berkeley. pupils. It will prove to be a delightful We are extremely sorry to lose Mr. change from the monotony of the regular Hogshead. During the time he has had lessons, and cannot fail to accomplish charge of the Mendocino public school wonders in the way of developing intel- he has, by his success as a teacher and ligent thought, careful study and correct his many good qualities, ingratiated himhabits of reading. The poem may be had of booksellers, in cheap paper form, and the citizens of this place. In leaving self both with the pupils of the school at 15 or 20 cents a copy.-San Luis Mendocino he carries with him the best Obispo Register. wishes of its people for his future success. Mendocino Beacon. Nipomo is fortunate in possessing an elegant school building and a well regulated school. It is seldom a school so well disciplined will be found outside the large towns. Miss Leland, the teacher, informs us that there are 51 scholars in attendance at present, and it taxes her to find time to attend to them. If the increase continues in the way it has Riverside has voted $50,000 to build a new school house, and will establish a High School. Red Bluff has also voted to issue bonds to build a $25,000 school house. Good! The dome of the telescope at the Lick Observatory is now in position. PERSONAL MENTION. Prof. C. H. Allen and family are at their summer residence at Skyland. A. G. W. Davis, the Fort Jones, (Siskiyou county) school teacher, is in this city. Miss Kate Wertz, of the Oakland High School, is in camp with friends in the Sierras. T. H. McCarthy has been elected principal of the Calistoga Public School. A good selection. Miss Louise Allen, a successful teacher of Oakland, of several years experience, was married June 4th. Dr. Stillson and Prof. Bickel, of the Vacaville Normal College, have purchased the Red Bluff Academy. Prof. J. H. Elwood, of the State Normal School, is having a handsome residence erected at Pacific Grove. Miss C. C. Jackson, of Miss West's School, San Francisco, is spending her va cation at Santa Cruz. W. O. Dickson was elected Principal of the West End School, Alameda, July 5th, in place of D. L. Lenzinsky. Miss Alice E. Pratt, a teacher in the Santa Rosa Seminary, left on July 1st for a four months visit in the East. Prof. C. B. Bradley, of the State University, is camping with a party of friends in Bear Valley, Nevada county. We were pleased to receive a call, on the 1st inst., from E. L. Rugg, one of the leading teachers of Yolo county. Miss Juanita Connolly has been engaged to teach in the San Luis district, Sonoma county. A. M. Armstrong, Principal of St. Helena Academy, will open a school in Colusa. The citizens of that place guarantee him a certain salary and give him a building, rent free. Warren Woodson, Postmaster at Red Bluff, was married in this city, on July 6th, to Miss Florence Bettis, a successful Tehama county teacher. The schools' loss is Mr. Woodson's gain. Ladies Seminary, favored THE JOURNAL Miss Alice Darling, Principal of the Napa office with a call recently. She was en route for Los Angeles, where she will spend a few weeks. Philip Prior, Principal of Noe and Temple Street Primary School, honored us with a brief call at the commencement of his vacation. We were pleased to learn that he had just closed an unusually successful term. Prof. Andrews has resigned the Principalship of the San Diego City Schools and will devote himself to the study and practice of law. The teachers profession loses a good school man. Prof. J. K. Davis of Montana, who comes to California well recommended as an educator, will succeed Mr. Andrews. Miss Agnes Manning, Principal of one of the Departments of Lincoln School, San Francisco, her head assistant, Miss M. A. Roper, and Misses Mary and Fannie Mooney, teachers, are spending a portion of their vacation in Humboldt county, visiting places of interest. Miss Manning is a tourist and re-writer, contributing often to the Overland. Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Stout, teachers in the Tehama Public Schools, are spending their vacation at Sissons, Siskiyou county. Miss Sarah D. Hamlin of this city, centy delivered a lecture on "Michael Angelo," before the Chatauqua Literary and Scientific Circle at Pacific Grove. We were pleased to receive a call recently from Inspector James G. Kennedy of San Francisco. He reports the city schools in a flourishing condition. Misses Belle and Minnie Duncan, Laura Carroll, Minnie Robertson, Mary Fuller, Belle Miller and Laura Bettis, Tehama county teachers, are spending their vacation in this city. F. W. Benson, ex-Superintendent of Schools of Douglas county, Oregon, and now Principal of the Oregon Normal School, at Drain, with his wife and child, is spend ing the vacation with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. H. C. Benson,. at Santa Clara. Prof. H. A. Morse, ex-County Superintendent of Schools of Siskiyou county, has removed permanently to Spokane county, Washington Territory. Prof. Morse proved a good and efficient official, as well as a worthy citizen, whom the people of Yreka regret to lose. The JOURNAL wishes him the greatest prosperity in his new home. In the resignation of Mr. W. A. Scott, the State of California, and especially the county of San Mateo, has lost one of its best teachers. While in charge of the Grammar School at San Mateo, Prof. Scott made a host of friends, all of whom will regret his departure, though rejoicing at the good luck which has placed him in charge of one of the large Grammar Schools of Syracuse, New York. |