READING, SPELLING, PENMANSHIP AND DRAWING.
It is not easy to correct bad habits acquired by years, but special effort is made to have pupils good plain readers, writers and spellers. Without reference to grade in other branches, they are required to give attention to these if found deficient. Free-hand drawing in class is taught without charge to all who desire it.
LECTURES.
Professor Hazzen, in charge of the department of Literature and History, gives familiar lectures on subjects connected with his particular line of work, conducts special classes in Shakespeare, leads clubs studying Browning and other authors, and in various ways seeks to kindle enthusiasm, and cultivate a correct taste and a genuine love for the best in literature.
Miss Slee gives useful, pleasant talks to her pupils and others on various subjects connected with art.
Familiar talks are given on health, manners, morals and other topics of special importance for young women.
Piano and vocal recitals are frequently given by the different music classes, at which helpful criticisms are made by principals of departments.
Representatives of composition, reading and music classes furnish a short program for each Wednesday morning after chapel.
Other opportunities for general culture are offered in the Literary Society and the reading-rooms. All are urged to connect themselves with the former, and make free use of the latter.
REGULATIONS.
TESTIMONIALS OF CHARACTER
are expected from all strangers entering. They may be from a pastor or former teacher, or any responsible person of whose standing the Principals may learn.
It is desired that pupils enter at the opening, and continue through the entire school year. As will be seen in the list of expenses, a deduction is made to those who remain to the close of the third term.
Damage done to Seminary property by any student will be charged to her. Occupants of rooms will be held responsible for all injuries done to rooms during their occupancy.
Money for personal expenses should be deposited in the Seminary safe, for which deposit a certificate will be given and the owner allowed to draw as she needs.
Borrowing and lending money or any article of clothing or jewelry among students is forbidden. Merchants and shopkeepers are earnestly requested not to give credit to any student, unless previous permission to that effect is given by the parents or guardian in writing.
Daily exercise is required.
A waterproof, an umbrella, and overshoes should be provided for each student.
Every article of clothing to be laundered must be distinctly marked.
Telegrams should be addressed to the Principals instead of to the students. They will be read by Principals, whether or not so addressed, before being delivered to pupils. The reason for this will be apparent to all.
Persons calling on pupils will please send their names to one of the Principals. No stranger will be received as a visitor to a pupil unless satisfactory evidence is given that the person is known and approved by the parents or guardian. If a gentleman, he will be expected to present to the Principals a note of introduction from parent or guardian of the young lady upon whom he wishes to call.
Students are not allowed to receive day pupils or other friends in their private rooms, without the permission of the Principals.
Each pupil is expected to attend church and Bible class on Sunday, at such place as the parent or guardian may designate, unless the weather is unfavorable or the pupil not well. Calls are not to be received or made on that day. The Principals do not approve of travel on Sunday.
Application for admission implies a willingness to comply with the regulations of school and keep faithfully its laws.
Experience has taught that more is lost to the institution, than is gained by the few, when one or two insubordinate pupils, or those out of harmony with the general requirements of the family, are retained with the hope of bringing them into ways of right thinking and acting by judicious discipline and ennobling influences, hence such will not be retained after it is found they are not in accord with the spirit of the school.
TO PARENTS.
We ask for your hearty co-operation with us. It will be a pleasure to meet you for consultation or to correspond with you, that you and we together may, seek the greatest good for your daughter.
Every proper means will be used to secure a cordial home feeling for them, which not only adds to happiness, but is a desirable aid to the improvement of time.
Allow us to say that we believe that simplicity should characterize the dress of school girls; expensive clothing and much jewelry are out of place in Mt. Carroll Seminary, where much work is required and little show desired.
You are requested to furnish a list of names of those with whom you are willing your daughter should correspond.
An abundance of healthful food is furnished, consisting largely of cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables. We urge parents to assist in maintaining the health of the institution, and explain ourselves by quoting from the catalogue of a sister institution. "We request that you do not send boxes of rich cake and confectionery to your daughters. Also, that you do not furnish them money for the purchase of these things. They are a fruitful source of sickness. Parents send us headaches and dyspepsia by express. We cannot send them back; they stay to plague us. It gives a child a moment's pleasure, and that through the appetite. It always teaches selfish, unwomenly ways; it breeds discontent; it interrupts studies; it is a premium upon sickness, and a mistaken kindness."
Every student is needed on the first and last day of the term. It is of the greatest importance that each one should be punctual in attendance upon all duties. Will you aid us in helping to form the habit of punctuality by requiring your daughter to be present on the first day of the term?
Should pupils in the correspondence with home friends express dissatisfaction, or complain of the rules of the school, or anything pertaining thereto, the Principals earnestly urge the propriety and justice of being informed without delay, in order that the wrong, if there be any, may be searched out and corrected. A prompt, frank communication from the persons immediately concerned will receive that attention the importance of the case may demand.
