The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-02-25
coat" He finally brought me tiny sii-
yer heart, more precious to me than II

coat" He finally brought me tiny sli-
yer heart, more precious to me thah Il
1t had been a diamond Jewell
About o'clock ono summer moGhtas
when Totsy was about nine years oio,
he brought me four magnolias and told
me he was going to grandma's, but ne
wasn't going to forget me. Whenever ne
found eggs he was going to put one away
to bring back to me in September.
a very bad hoy came to me- I tried
every way to win him. All failed. He
would not study or be good. Then he was
absent for several weeks. The day he
returned his mother sent for me. She
: said: II have been very sick and Frank
has had to nurse nc. He has been so
patient and gentle. I did not know that
he could sing, but whenever l became
restless he would sing and hum the sweet
songs he had learned at school. 1 want
to thank you for the songs you have
taught HIM
GREATEST DIFFICULTY.
The greatest troubles teachers have Is
the lack Of cooperation from parents. 1t
frequently happens, though. that the par
ent who condemns teacher for her
methods of discipline in the early part
of a term will write and thank that
same teacher. at the end of the session.
for the Improvement in the child.
words would be left out of tea school
if parents and teachers knew one an
other. Ambitious teachers suffer great
deal 1t is hard to work to improve your
self and then have another teacher pro-
NOTED, who has not read four books In
five years. 1t is hard to teach subtrac-
ton and division when ones soul is fill
ed with music, literature and history.
1t is hard to see one teacher receiving $50
who 10 n hing
advancement of the school, while anoth-
er receives S45 and gives her whole life
to the cause Cases like these are rare
in Richmond schools. Our superintend-
ent is a man of thorough judgment and
promotes on merit alone. (She is wise
teacher who learns to stand in with the
principally
Many amusing things occur in our
school-rnons Chewing gum. sticking
pins, painting faces, pulling hair, throw
ing wet sponges, breaking pencil points,
using bad words. hiding hats. smearing
ink, passing answers to examples. throw
ing pebbles have {: place on our pro-
gramme.
We cannot keep our little people from
loving each other. I have found it best
to gain the confidence of the little lads
and lasses and not to be too harsh.
Often have seen rough little fellow
work hard all day because ne kHe"
pair of big blue eyes would see him walk
up to the desk to get his perfect ticket
when the day was ended.
Often the little pupil will try to bride
his teacher. One little fellow said: pa
pa says if I get 30 per cent. this month
he will give me 81, and I'll give you half.
One little girl wrote me note before
examination, saying ''if she got pro-
NOTED her mamma was going to send
me a lace handkerchief. ] don't think
our teachers can be bribed.
I would like to tell YOU of the curious
ideas advanced by our pupils. of the lu-
dicrous mistakes they make, of the beau
tiful thoughts they originate, Of the pro-
gress the public schools of Richmond are
making in every line-new branches be-
ing taught, better and more comfortable
buildings. more efficient teachers princi-
pals, superintendent, and school board
working tremendously for the advance
1nent of the children. Richmond public
schools rank first in the south land.
The majority of our teachers are not
grunters.
One word to the young women contem-
plating graduation: When Hon. J. Tay-
lor Ellyson presents you with your di-
ploma in June be sure that he confers
upon YOU at the same time ''ten pounds
OF pu1verized sugar.
MAMIE PEGRAAI.
Teacher West-End School.