Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1907-10-25
CANTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
E. c. WOODBURY., Supt.
CANTON, s. D., October, 1907.

CANTON, S. D., October, 1907.
To THE PATRONS: In the beginning of a school
year, it seems that a closer relation between THE SCHOOL
and THE HOME will promote the best welfare of all con
cerned.
What are the ways in which parents may assist in
making school work effective?
(a) BY seeing that their children are punctual and
regular in attendance. In any one instance it may seem
not to make much difference, but nothing is SO democrat
izing to school work as a lack of these. In order to en-
courage the pupils, all grade pupils are given a quarter
holiday the last Friday of each month if their record is
perfect in both respects. Further, in any room that has
an average of SO per cent. in attendance and no more
tardies than one for each ten pupils in the room, the en-
tire room is given the quarter holiday. Parents are
asked to excuse children for necessary absence, in ad-
vance if possible, otherwise upon the pupils return. A
new truancy law was enacted by the last legislature re-
quiring the presence at school for the entire term, of all
pupils between the ages of eight and fourteen inclusive
and providing heavy penalties for such non-attendance.
There are now not to exceed five such pupils in the dis
trict and it is expected that they will start Immediately
upon receipt of this letter.
b) By seeing to it that pupils do not keep late hours
during the week. The superintendent is striving to i'm
press the Importance of this upon both teachers and pu-
pills, and parents can assist in creating a sentiment in
this direction by misunderstanding parties, dances, any
thing calling for late hours during the school week.
l) In all grades from about the fourth up some
home study is expected. In all the upper grades and
High School, it is necessary if the pupil is to keep up.
It would be of great assistance if parents would see to it
~ va oho Ihp 0i 10
injurious as it makes pupils dependent instead of indie
pendent, but judcious help often tides them over hard
places.
d) Every six weeks in Grades Is and every quar-
ter g weeks in Grades 9-12 reports are sent home BY
the pupils. Parents should insist upon seeing and exam
lining these reports. They are then to be signed and re
turned promptly. An average of IS per cent. with-no
study averaging below 20 per cent. is required for passing,
but grades to be satisfactory should be higher than this.
In High School promotion is not by classes. but by
studies, and 70 per cent. is required for promotion.
Anything lower should be promptly investigated.
() Most parents always intend to, but rarely do
visit schools. This is a duty you owe your children and
no consideration should allow you to omit it. It seems
to me.that. all the teachers are doing hard, conscien-
tious, effective, and enthusiastic work and the time is
ripe for a loyal school spirit in Canton
60 In case you doubt the correctness of a teachers
course, you should never permit yourself to say one
word in the hearing of the children or of outsiders not
concerned. First, try to see the teacher herself. In
nine cases out of ten. this will avoid all further trouble.
In case no understanding can be arrived at, then see the
Superintendent. In the rare cases that may still remain
unsettled, there still remains the School Board to be
seen, but they do not care to be annoyed with matters
that can be settled without their aid, and are not likely
to give q sympathetic hearing to any matter of minor de-
tail. The feel very strongly, and the Superintendent
shares the feeling, that when parents accept their re-
sponsibiity toward the school and discharge it to their
best ability, then will the schools accomplish much more
than they ever have in the past.
Education is on the upgrade in South Dakota and in
Canton. Your aid in every way possible is most earnest
II desired. Very Sincerely,
p. 9. WOODBURY.,
Superintendent.