Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-09-10
sehooIs onen AaaIn.


with the advent Of September the
schools begin and hundreds Of thousands
Of school children commence another term
OF school life with all II stands for to
them now and hereafter.
Colleges and high schools are getting
ready for the more advanced pupils. and
il win require only a few days for the
mammoth educational machine to start
up regularly for another scholastic year.
I am acquainted with a dear lad who is
an orphan boy, but happily situated in
the family OF beloved relatives and guar
dams He took the honors In his class
and received his certificate OF scholarship
last term. He felt he must now go to
another school TO At himself for busi-
ness life. When he told me he was going
away from home TO boarding school /
could well imagine what Will be his lone
ly feelings In strange school and among
strange faces AS gazed into his noble
boyish face and babe him goodbye ]
couid hardly restrain my tears. 1 did
take the liberty OF giving him motherly
kiss, with God bless you" attached to
It.
This going away is his debut into the
wide. wide world. After he thus steps
across the threshold Of childhood's home
he is not exactly the same boy any more.
he has In large measure put away child
ish things and entered upon the serious
duties Of life.
II is a long step forward. and I feel
sure this precious orphan boy will do his
part well and nobly. Nevertheless my
heart was filled with strong emotion
wnen he babe me adieu. for could un-
derstand what he must encounter that he
yet knows nothing about, and hope the
good Lord win keep my little friend under
the shauow of His protecting wing.
After the pleasure and relaxation of
vacation It Is always a little difficult TO
s.art on a regular course Of study with
school confinement. Later on the work
grows easier and something monstrous.
But every observer OF passing events is
capable OF understanding the meaning and
importance Of beginning in the right way
new year In public school education.
1ne training of immortal minds is the
highest calling known to the human race,
and IL Is well for teachers. equally with
pupils, to feel impressed with the respon-
sibiities OF their position and an impair
undertaking, viii go long way toward
stimulating both zeal and integrity in
their vocation.
Little children are so confiding in their
attachments 20 favorite teacher that a
teacher is not only an instructor in books
but an example in manners. habits, dress
and conversation.
to an every day experience. know a
little boy who has lately begun HIS first
school attendance and his love for his
young teacher is touching in its childish
fervor and confidence. No matter where
he sees the teacher-at church or on the
street or in a crowd-the little boy is
looking out Tor this young man, who is
decidedly the most important parsonage
in the youngsters life outside Of his own
family. The teacher represents to the
little boy his first intimate friendship and
association with the world. Perhaps the
complexion OF that small childs life will
be colored by the teachers influence and
example upon IL.
II Il Jay In my power TO whisper a good
word in the ears Of all of our numerous
teachers would say Seek TO instruct
/ the child, Of course, but do not fail TO
make the child love you"
Protect the confidence the child displays
toward you and do not ever forget that
there is no neutral ground In this bust
ness for the teacher viii either do thechild
good or harm II they are kept together.
And a good teachers kind. sympathiz-
/ ing Instructors such a blessing to the
child. when, the two. are well agreed in
essentials. fundamentals OF duty. honor
and affection.
Discipline is a good thing. It is true, but
harshness As a common error with the
thoughtless ones who assume the vocation
OF teacher without due regard to the
weight OF responsibility which goes along
with the calling In every case.
do hope the dear orphan lad and the
conhding little urchin may each find a
l genuine friend as well as teacher In their
school lives and that their love for the
teacher will never wax cold or wane!
| Some OF the sweetest thoughts Of my long
life cluster about my good teachers in
early youth.