The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-03-23
HbW ~ Aiu nat SCHOOLS.
The Teachers Need Encouragement Rather
than Scolding.

Editor OF The Times:
Sir,-The Times has recently given con-
siderable attention to the public schools
OF Virginia It is hard to reconcile much
that has been written with an effort TO
elevate and improve them.
If it is true that after twenty-five years
under the supervision os such men as
Ruifner, Massey and Southall. men
whose hearts and whose brains have been
in the perfecting CT our system of public
education, such is the condition that only
one decent school can be found in the
country then all effort has been In vain.
Surely no enemy Of our schools could
give more solar plexus blow than to as
sert Elm twenty-five years nothing has
been accomplished" that "the time.
money, and some of the best brains and
energies Of the State have been for
naught"!
If you wish to help the schools, do some
thing more than find fault, blame. and
condemn No one objects to a criticism
that is wise and Just, but abuse never
yet inspired any one to exertion. II as q
teacher you had rather dull boy. could
you arouse him to effort or make him
Jealous to excel by continually telling him
he was fool?
If a true friend and wise instructor.
would you not. when possible. commend
and encourage?
schools of tho county claims they arr
all they could be. but does this imply
that much has not been Accomplished!
No one thinks for a moment that every
teacher is just what we would like 10
have, but does that prevent there bcirs
many, yes, very many, hrst-class. spien-
did. ur-to-date teachers?
True that our school-houses are small
and poorly furnished, but the size and
equipment of the house does not always
make the best school. and we are improV-
ing our buildings as fast as our very linz
tied means allow. Do you judge of
mans brain, information. and capacity by
the size and style of his hat?
We are among those who believe that
much has been done and are thankful for
it. but not satisfied. Progress is the
watchword for the schools. and upon tha
hearts of all of it's friends it should os
Impressed, making each year as mucn
better than the preceding one as our
means and opportunities afford
But if you want to heip the ssHco'S
give. them credit for what they have done
End helm them to do more. Much OF what
I have seen from the schools faftt'
finders has been along this line: Ihe
teachers are not the proper sort. and
| 1.-The houses are not suitable" Does this
general criticism suggest remedy!
This constant fault-findins is doing
harn1 to the schools by bringing them
irto bad repute. Will abuse of the schools
arouse the interest of our best people!
r. we could only bring our good peopis
in closer touch with the schools by speak
lug with pride and enthusiasm or tins
great and noble work that is being done.
OF the much good that has been accom-
plished. and of the grand future hetora
US with Excelsior as our motto. NOT
pic ture them as some vile means OF vast
irs the peoples money. subjecting their
children to almost uncomfortable hard
Ships an institution OF such gigantic
failure no man wants to have his name
associated with it.
Here is a way you can help the coun-
INV schools Stop abuse. Send to tbs
counties some real friend Of the schools.
q practical instructor in school work. ia
| talk to the people. and assure them tna1
INC public schools are worthy OF their
| interest. time and best efforts; that they
| should take pride and pleasure IN I'M
p-ovng. beautifying and doing all IN their
! rt.,yer TO elevate their local school [
anu satisfied that much of the work no"
| done by trustees at a heavy drain on
their meagre fund would be Infinitely
| letter done by the patrons of each schoot.
| could you only arouse the proper interest,"
| III the work. Especially would this Apply
| to the Improvement and Announcements
| of school buildings and grounds
JOHN WASHINGTON.
| Paige. Caroline county, va. March ~.
| 1eC2-