The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-21
PREPARING FOR
 SCHOOL OPENING New and Conditioned Pupils to
 be Classified Today STUDIES IN HIGH SCHOOL
STUDIES IN HIGH SCHOOL
pr, ]. H. Phillips Had a Conference Yesterday With Principals and Janltors-courses of Study
 Are Arranged.

Preparations for the opening of the public schools next Monday morning are being made each day, and Superintendent J. H. Phillips is busl1y engaged in got ting everything in readiness.
 All new pupils except those entering the first grade of the grammar schools and all those conditioned in one or more studies, are requested to meet the prin- cipals of the schools in their respective districts this morning at 10 o'clock Tor the purpose of classification. | Dr. J. H. Phillips was at his office from early yesterday morning until late last night. disposing of matters preparatory to the opening next Monday. He had meeting in the morning with the janitors of all the schools and in the evening he | had a long conference with the prin- | cipals.
 At the meeting in the afternoon the principals of all the schools in the city were present except Samuel Adams, the principal of the Barker school. Mr. Adams is out of the city.
 pr. Phillips discussed with the principals matters of importance pertaining to school government. He emphasized the question of caring for the health of the pupils. Such matters as cleanliness, ventilation and heat were carefully discussed. pr. Phillips also discussed with the prin- cipals special conditions In the various | schools
 The meeting in the morning was equally as long as the conferenCR with the prin- cipals, and according to Dr. Phillips was equally as important. pr. Phillips told the janitors that 1t was just as neces- sary that they have a thorough under standing of their duties as it was for the principals and teachers to be capable of discharging their duties.
 Dr. Phillips said to the janitors:
 Talks to Janitors.
 "Each one of you men have in your charge the health of hundreds of young children. You have been selected to your positions because you are thought to real ize the importance of the physical wei fare of the pupils. The health of the children depends on the discharge of your duty.
 "I have given positive orders that not a broom nor a feather duster shall be used in any of the public school buildings in the city. My reasons for this are ob- vious. The broom tends to stir up the dust and All the air with impurities, and the feather duster only serves to remove the dust from one place to another.
 "In the place of these articles you shall use brushes and most coths. This plan has been tried efore in Birmingham and in the schools where the broom and dus- | ter are now used. not only have the buildings been cleaner but they have been more healthful for the pupils. q desire also to impress you with the importance of proper ventilation. The fresh air rooms should be kept absolute ly free from trash or dust. If these pre- cautions are taken by you they will safe guard the pupils from infectious diseases and especially from tuberculosis.
 You should understand that it is one of your most important duties to see that fresh and pure water is put in the coolers in the various class rooms daily and that the coolers are thoroughly clean ed once each day. The Birmingham pub lie schools have always taken pride in the fact that they have been exceptionally free from disease and 1t Is your duty to maintain this reputation
 
 of the white schools this year. Dr. Phil lips said yesterday that this would be done for the reason that white men are more capable of understanding the regu- lations and could better care for the health of the pupils.
 Parents need have no fear in send ing their pupils to any of the public schools this year." said he. 'The usual precautions in regard to vaccination and other preventives of disease will be taken and especial attention will be paid by teachers to cleanliness. venti- lation and pure water"
 Courses of Study.
 The courses of study in the various schools and especially in the High school, have been completed
 The changes and improvements made in the High school courses owing to the ad- ditional facilities afforded by the new building, puts that school on a par with the best high schools in the United States.
 In the High school this year six courses of study will be offered. Three--general, scientific and classical are intended to 1 prepare youth TOT entrance Into coiiese, or to develop culture of mind and breadth of interest In those who do not wish to enter college; three-English, manual arts and commercial are designed to fit the pupil for a life of industry or busi- ness.
 Domestic scince will be taught this year in all four classes In the first year in this department sewing will be taught In the second year lessons will be given ! in dressmaking and millinery. In the third year cooking will will be taught.