Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1908-04-01
IMPRovINa RuRAA SCHOOLS.
Some Timely Suggestions AS to the
Most Practical Ways.

Bounty Land, March 27.--SpeciaI:
it Is with much regret that we learn
That the sentiment of rural school
Improvement meets with so little en-
couragement in this county, espe-
cially as we have been selected by our
efhcjent County superintendent of
Education, and have recently been
appointed by the State organizer of
the Rural School Improvement AS
ISOLATION, as an eligible successor to
one who has labored with whole-soul-
ed energy in behalf of the cause.
While we very much appreciate the
honor conferred, yet we feel our ut
ter Incompetence to f1ll such posi-
ton with credit to ourself and the
county. We fail to see any reason
why the work should be suspended
which was 80 ably begun and so zeal
ously fostered by our faithful State
superintendent of Education, o. B.
Martin, who, we believe, has done,
more for the cause of education than
any of his predecessors.
Each teacher should be an active
worker In the improvement of the
school over which She Eve use the
feminine pronoun here because of the
majority of lady teachers In the coun-
ty, but of course we want the men
to help us in this work --presides,
remembering that she who is instru-
mental in bringing about the great
est improvements will seldom have
to seek a positi ~, but her services
are sought after. A good reputation
Is worth more than money.
Now We earnestly urge every rural
teacher In the county to feel that 1t
is to her personal interest, as we'll as
to public good, to promote the pro-
gress and upbuilding of the school
whose mental proficiency has been
entrusted to her care
Each school should be provided
with well-selected library. A great
many OF ouf. schools are already
equipped with libraries, patent desks,
charts, etc., but where these are
lacking, will the teacher of such
school not show active interest in
suggesting and helping to carry out
plans for securing these advantages?
Many such schools would readily re-
spOnd to suggestions made by one in
whom confidence could be placed as
a leader, and in such school an e.
fort on the part of the teacher would
result In a complete metamorphosis.
Money to aid in the purchase of IL
brary could be easily obtained by
Shui 6ih6 u Sinai lSS III
the closing exercises Of school. Many
of the districts have voted two or
three-mill tax to procure money for
building PURPOSES. OF course there
Is always some opposition to this,
but in each case the opposing par
ties are ready to point with pride to
the new building and say, 1--WE killed
the bear" and harmony Is soon re-
stored. e-rtrr.. a
Now, few ecumenical remarks
regarding the improvement of school
grounds. What Is more pleasing to
the eye or more beautifully adapted
to use as a play ground than a ver-
dant lawn? Bermuda or bluegrass
sodded during March or April would,
by next spring, not only present
most attractive appearance, but serve
as a protection to the floors, and we
feel sure that the patrons of every
school where the grounds are not al
ready improved, would readily re-
spond to earnest, persuasive solicita-
tion, on the part of the teacher In
charge, to meet on an appointed day,
when farm lands are too wet for
plowing, and sod the school grounds.
Comfortable public buildings with at.
tractive surroundings are indicative
of the prosperity of the section In
which they are located.
Hoping this article will meet the
approval of the patrons and teachers
of rural districts, am, respectfully,
Mrs. Jasper Doyle.
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