of
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| History of Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume I, 1911, pages 349-350
METHOD OF PROMOTION. In September, 1901, the method of promotion in the city schools was changed from once a year to the semi-annual basis. In the lower grades provision was made for even more rapid promotion by breaking classes into smaller groups according to the individual needs of the pupils. It gives flexibility to the course and aims to fit the schools to the needs of the pupil rather than the pupil to the needs of the system, as is the tendency of annual promotions.
In the past nine years there have been comparatively few changes in the principals of the several schools in the city. Principals are most important factors in the educational economy of a school system and Muscatine has been fortunate in having teachers in these positions of more than average efficiency.
R. M. Arey was principal of the high school during all these years. He is scholarly and capable and has strengthened the high school in many ways. His successor, G. E. True, is giving evidence of his ability to maintain the school's standard of efficiency.
Our congressman-elect, I. S. Pepper, was principal of the Washington school from 1901 to 1903 and then showed his budding forensic ability by interesting his boys and girls in debate and holding frequent debating contests. His successor, Miss Leona Howe, is still principal. Her popularity and efficiency are undiminished. She is a teacher and leader of teachers of rare power.
In the Jackson school Mrs. A. C. Jackson was principal practically all this time. Her term of service ended only with her death. She was beloved by patrons and pupils, not only for her efficiency, but also for those graces of mind and heart that made her an ideal leader of teachers and pupils. She is succeeded this year by H. 0. Roland.
The Jefferson school has had the following principals: Thomas McCulloch, Arthur Franklin, C. N. Spicer, R. K. Corlett and Miss Mary Whicher. The latter is still at the helm and is eminently qualified in every way for her responsible position. Messrs. Spicer and Corlett are still engaged in school work, the former as county superintendent of schools at Bloomfield, Iowa, while the latter is principal of one of the ward schools in Burlington.
In the Franklin school Miss Cina McCoy was then principal and still holds sway with popularity undiminished. The same is true of Miss Jessie A. Braunwarth in the Lincoln school and Miss Mary McDougall in the McKinley school.
Since 1901 the Garfield school has had several principals. Miss Franklin was followed in succession by Mr. Te Winkle, R. K. Corlett and Miss Marie Herwig. The standard of work in the Garfield school compares favorably with that of the other schools. Miss Herwig grows in power each year and will see to it that the Garfield school does not lag behind in morals and efficiency.
Since 1901 the board of education, with the exception of Dr. J. D. Fulliam, has completely changed in its complexion. The late Dr. G. 0. Morgridge was an honored member of the board in 1901 and several times its president. He was a member of the board longer than any other man in Muscatine and resigned before the expiration of his term of service because of failing health. Because of his interest in and service for the schools of the city, his name will remain forever linked with the schools. Another who was a member of the board at that time and who has served in this capacity almost as long as Dr. Morgridge is J. B. Hunt, who might still have been a member had he not declined to serve longer last spring. His excellent work in behalf of the schools will be remembered by teachers and patrons. The list of those who have served for a shorter time but with credit to themselves and the city could be greatly extended.
The policy of the schools for years has been conservatively progressive. It has been the aim to incorporate the new in matter and method when it counts for real progress and at the same time not neglect the sound and essential things of the old. Reading has always been emphasized as the basal study of the elementary schools. Along with it careful attention has been given to the study of spelling in all its forms. Closely correlated with reading and spelling is the language work. It, too, has received its due proportion of time. The essentials of arithmetic likewise have not been neglected. Since July 1, 1910, T. W. B. Everhart has been superintendent of the schools.
Back to Historical Index Page
