Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1900-03-01
THE HOME SCHOOL.
EDGAR @. DOUDNA, SENIOR CLASS.
(pIatteville Normal school.J

tPIdtleNilt Norman ScioOl.)
As mans motives are judged by
his actions, so the enterprise of
community is judged by its public in
situations. A spfing cannot rise
above its source, neither can school
rise above the community in which it
exists. Too often 1t falls far below
this level, ana Is consequently not
matter of pride to its patrons We
praise the patriot who seeks to adj
vance the material prosperity of the
country, let Us also praise the patriot
VINO raises the social standard and
helps To make life more useful and en-
ioydble. Upon the schools OF this
country, more than upon It's armies,
depends its future. 1t is the duty then,
OF every citizen to support not only
financially but morally, the school of
his own district. IL should be mat
ter Of pride To him that his school is
as good as possible under existing
circumstances. We are better pro-
tected by school houses than by forts,
educated citizens than 10y soldiers.
Let us take the axiom, There's moth
ing too good for the school, and
insert the word our and then make
il the basis OF our actions. Give The
home school the best teachers that the
district can afford 10 hire; make the
school house aud grounds neat and
homelike: aud you nave furnished the
strongest incentive for the children to
attend the school and enjoy It,
There is tendency To under.esti-
mate the country school. Admitting
that there are some advantages IN a
graded school, we can also see advan-
tdges in the country school. The
| brainest men OF this country are the
products OF the farm and the alumni
of the district school. Eighty -four Of
the ninety United states senators be-
gan life on "a farm, and their own
| humble school directed the develop
ment of the minds that now guide the
| snip of state If such men nave been
| the product of schools OF the past,
what may we not expect from those OF
| the present?
The child begins his school life
! fresh from home Influences; Then he IS
| entrusted to persons VINO know little
OF his passions and tendencies. Yet 1t
| Is III these early years that the char
acter is made or married. How I'M
pUrtant then that the teacher cooper
ATE with the parent and that together
they give the child the best 10 which
be Is entitled--and he Is entitled 10
the best the world can give him. Most
of the trouble beseLtlng n teacher may
| be traced to some misunderstanding Of
| his motives II parent and teacher
! would meet on common ground ana
discuss impartlally the difficulties en-
couutered III the management OF the
child, one of the greatest obstacles &c
success would be surmouuted.
The point we desire to make is this
In the effort To make the school OF
| your own district the best possible
the parent ana teacher must unit
forces for the good of The child. BS
this course the social side OF the com
munity will be improved, the school
will become matter of pride, and tht
character of the child and future citl
zen will be shaped under favorina
conditions. Nothing else can so Ger
tainly ensure the safety OF the nation
No need then to
Fear the tyiHnt's bigot rule
Who're near the church spire stands th'
. school"