Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1847-03-24
For the Ypsilanti Sentinel.

| Mr.. EdifOr:-I have something yet to say
upon the subject or general education, and wish
to consider briefy,the duties of parents and guar
dams, in this important business. The little
knowledge have of this subject, has led to the
conclusion that there is a radical defect, at the
very foundation of the system. have often
heard parents say, who had children to send to
school, too, that they had not attended school
meeting; and have actually known the annual
meeting of respectable school district, to adj
iourn for wont of sufficient number present to
transact the necessary business. Indeed, sir,
the all important business of educating their
sons and their daughters, they have entirely
committed to other hands; or at least, neglec-
ted themselves. The parents who support the
schools are often ignorant of who the officers in
their own district are, until the year closes,and
new ones are chosen. AS to the school room,
whether it is fit to teach school in, whether it
| is comfortable for their children, they cannon
tell; very many of them have never been with
in its wall. It's windows and doors-ts ceiling
and foor-may all be broken without their ever
being troubled about it, unless an unweIcome
tax is presented, to repair it. Still, more than
this, the children are sent to school, some at
nine, some at half past nine and some at ten
o'clock; but are they watched with anxiety by
their parents, to know whether they 60 direct
ly school, or loiter by the way? why no, that is
the business ofthe teacher, of course; the teach
or ought to know whether the scholars come
directly to school, or not, and if any thing is
witnessed like ill-conduct in the scholars the
teacher is to blame, If he does not duly notice
and timely correct it. All this prepares the
way for greater laxity on the one hand and ad-
ditional labor Oh the other. The scholars must
Threshold of their own dwelling before the pa
rent can at all consent to have their fuiet dis
turbued by the care of their OWE children. am
reminded of the ladywho dfsdaining TO have the
care of her children, sent them away TO be nurs-
! ed, and procured fap-dog for herself. Now
let it be understood BY the children that their
parents have no concern about them through
the day, they viii not call themto an account
or enquire after their conduct at night. What
will be the influence thus exerted upon their in
diviual minds, or, upon the school cogectivelvl
How many will interpret it as licence to DO
as trey please. while out Of their parents sight.
Surely, most dreadful result will follow to the
no little disadvantage of the school, But on
the other hand, let it be thoroughly UNDERSTOOD
that although they attend school, and are un-
der the tuition and government of the teacher
during school hours, yet, their parents and they
} alone. are to superintend and have the absolute
! CONTROL of their education and conduct at home
and abroad. That not one jot of parental au-
> thority is relaxed, that misconduct or idieness
S will be as rgi dly punished by the parents while
children are at school, as while at home. That
their parents seek to know from correct sour
E ces where their children have been during the
. day, what has been their conduct, what advance
they have made, and what they ought to make;
/. and radical change would at once take place.
s in our Primary Schools.
: Children are often absent from school an en-
tire half day, at play; and are not corrected or
IT, even called to an account by their parents
e The teacher supposes them at home busily en-
J. gagged, when they are lettering in idleness and
d vice, with other reckless children. These chill
n dren contract habits of Incidence and vice which
d make them pest to the school while they are
% there.
y Who are to correct these evils! Will not
, these children attach their ignorance and dis
d grace, to the want of faithfulness in those to
when they sustain the endearing relation Of
If chidrena Now, it is plain that after the hours
of school, the teacher will not see them or have
o any opportunity with them, and it may be, he is
e ignorant altogether, of the circumstances con-
n nected with their absence; but they are at once
o brought into the society of their parents, and
Il how natural and proper for the parents to make
, inquiry of their children in regard to the school
). and pass such an examination of their conduct
and improvement, as shall draw from them the
important facts of each days exercises, con-
3hected with the school. Such a course could
t not fail to throw around the children those ne
: cessary restraints which would be of great val
ne to the school, and 'ong and permanent bles-
q sing to their children.
r Iwould then have every parent in the land,
feel that they and.they alone are responsible for
the physical intellectual, and moral education
OF their children. That although they NAV em-
ploy others to assist for the time being, in their
education, yet that the responsibility rests upon
4 them. That it grows out of the relation they
sustain to them as parents, and that this respon-
i sibility can never be transferred or dsannulled,
: and that its importance will appear most pain
fully prominent in the future condition of their
. offspring, if neglected.
e Under these reflections l wou Id have them
IS carefully watch the actions and doines Of the