Rosebud County news. [volume] (Forsyth, Mont.) 1901-1906, 1903-05-07
STATE SUPERINTENDENT SUGGESTS INTER-
EsTlNc PROGRAM.
TO OBSERVE TUESDAY, MAY II
BY Planting Trees, Etc. and Other Appro.
pirate Ceremonies.

OOuuky AIkOuOChA 0Cl ~ uOC AVA
Higgins has received from the Office of
state superintendent of schools copy
of 24-page pamphlet filled with mat
ter relating to Arbor Day, which is to
be observed in the schools of Montana
on Tuesday, the 18th of May.
The pamphlet contains a suggestive
program for the day, letter from the
state superintendent, Governor Toole's
Arbor Day proclamation, an article by
r. w. Fisher, assistant holticulturist
at the experiment station at Bozeman,
on the various trees best suited for the
planting in Mo ,tana, and much other
matter that will be helpful in the prep
aration of the exercises Of the day.
In his letter on Arbor Day, Super
intendent Welch says:
''In the preparation of program for
Arbor Day for 1908, have had in
mind mainly the thought of beautifying
the school grounds by the use of those
means which nature so bountifully
provides, and the creation of healthy
public sentiment in favor of making
the places where the children must
spend so much of their time very pleas
ant places. All who have given the
matter any thought realize the very
great Importance and value of environ
ment in the education of the young.
This factor includes not only the intel
1ectual atmosphere in which they live,
but everything which can be made to
minister to them.
"A great deal of attention is now
paid to the hygienic conditions of
school buildings, not simply because
of the effect of the physical welfare of
the pupils, but because of the inf1u-
ence upon their moral nature. In the
same way the general appearance and
condition of the school house and school
grounds aid directly in awakening in
the pupils pleasurable and uplifting
emotions, or the reverse, as the case
may be.
81 fear that we do not fully realize
how sensitive children are to their SUR
roundings. We cannot be too part:cu-
lar in the matter of seeing that every
thing of an Objectionable nature is
removed from the school grounds.
Then, if possible, add something of a
desirable nature, if nothing more than
having the fences repaired.
Il realize that many cannot plant
trees, shrubs or flowers with any as
surance that they will receive atten-
ton after school has closed, but all |
can assist in the creation of an active
public sentiment in favor of putting
the school grounds in proper condition
for future planting. recommend that,
unless you can plant with some degree
of confidence that care will be given to
what you plant, you refrain from
planting. I believe that to plant and
then permit your trees to die and let
the dead trunks and branches remain
to attract attention is more harmful
than to never have planted at all.
'It is expected that all will carry |
out a program on Arbor day, and that
all will enter into the observance of the
day in manner calculated to touch |
the hearts of the pupils. Remember
that your pupils will soon be the school
officers of the state and will, if they |
have received proper notions, be more
in favor of bestowing care upon the
school grounds than the present gener-
alton. You have the future condition
of the school grounds of the state in
your hands. Do not think that unless
you can plant you do no good.
Every city, village and rural school
house and site should be attractive by |
reason of it's beauty.
1.-The school house should be always
associated in the child's mind with the
most pleasant memories, it should
suggest to him ways and means of
making his life beautiful. To this end
let us this year inaugurate a series
of activities that will, if continued,
transform the most desolate and unat-
tractive school grounds into centers of
pleasure and delight.
ar "a -. III cot 70 ,uorly ,l1 |