The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1900-09-06
THE CITY SCHOOLS.
Work Will Open Next Monday,
September 10.

|
work on Monday, 10th inst, for the
ensuing year it seems advisable to
correct an error which has prevailed
to some extent &c regard &c the
boundaries of the different school
wards of the city. A number of per-
sons who have spoken to me on the
subject have understood that the
school and civil ward boundaries are
identical and that the children must
necessarily attend the school in that
civil ward in which they happen to
be living. Referring to the Manual
we find under "Rules and Regula.
tions for the Government of the
Schools" page 81, section 5, the fol-
lowing:
Districts The Board does not
/ recognize civil ward lines in school
! boundaries. The superintendent,
under the direction of the Board
shall assign pupils to the respective
buildings, having in mind the various
/ conditions of grade, numbers, dis
tance and general convenience.
This regulation was made neces-
sary a number of years ago because
! of the great difference in the number
of school youth in different wards
and because certain grades or rooms
in one building might be over-crowded
while corresponding grades and
rooms in another building lacked in
number sufficient to form good
classes.
When it becomes necessary to re-
lieve congested room or establish a
proper equilibrium between CORES
ponding grades in adjoining build
ings the most careful attention is paid
to all the conditions affecting the
case.
Personally we would be glad TO
carry out the preferences of each in
dividual patron in reference to build
ing, teacher, etc. in placing pupils,
but this is frequently out of the ques-
ton and is readily seen to be con-
fusing and unbusiness-like.
Now, thatthe school board have put
forth every reasonable effort to rem
der all the buildings comfortable and
healthful by providing heat, light,
ventilation and drainage, there can
not be the objection to one or two of
!! the buildings that formerly existed.
Hoping there may be no epidemics
or accidents TO interfere with our
work, we confidently look forward to
a splendid year OF school and earn
estly seek the cooperation of every
body concerned in the welfare Of the
children or Unls district.
Through the kindness of the news
papers we give below page from
our School Manual published last
year, entitled Points for Parents. .,
/ If a child has been detained at home
+, Tor any ause so that he is tardy or ab-
! sent, please send simple statement OF
I, fact by him to his teacher when he re-
| turns to school, The purpose of this
regulation is not to annoy you or to in
quire too losely into your domestic af-
fairs, but to enable the teachers to
! know that the parents know of each case
OF tardiness or absence. 1t is also neces-
sary to enable the teacher and prin-
, cipal to determine what cases are real
ly unavoidable in applying rule for sus-
pension It IS a simple, necessary, bus
mess regulation. Please comply with It
cheertully. Without such a statement
from you the child must be counted
/ truant"
1t IS barely possible that some in
convenience will be experienced by YOU
on account OF the management of schools
Dut these are simply unavoidable. In
taxing advantage OF public institution
sacrihces must frequently be made BY
the individual. In the making of courses
OF study, arrangements of programs, the
hours OF opening and closing, the meth
j DDS of instruction and discipline, only
the highest good of all is sought"
To properly educate a child there
must be the constant cooperation of ali
the forces that affect hinl-the father
! the mother, the teacher, the school the
church the community We feel that
the school is not only responsible
party, and that the reason for failure
may sometimes be found elsewhere
But no school is perfect, and intelligent
helpful criticism is always invited"
AN occasional visit to the school will
help your child, but remember. in visit
ing a school that the teacher is employ
ed to attend to school duties. Do not
expect her to visit with you. Questions,
however, relating to the work, are always
in order"
Remember that there are two sides
to all questions Having heard your
cnlidrens story, it will be well TO hear
what the teacher has to say"
Children who are in school should be
weil fed; should 60 to bed early and
sleep long enough; should take an a.
bundance Of outdoor exercise: should as
ssociate with decent people only; should
nave proper books and periodicals to
read and take time to read them: should
spend their evenings at home; and are
entitled to be directed by the mature
Judgment of parents"
Please do not look for miracles in
the way of good habits and character,
physical and moral health, good scholar
ship. These will come as results. They
are the products of right influences.
They are of slow growth. A neglected
potato vine will yield no tubers: a neg
lected child is not apt to attain nobility
of character"
There is no doubt but that the best
investment we can make is in the brains
and culture of our children. Your child
may be as well worth educating as any"