Gilpin observer., 1909-03-11
PARENTS DAY

of this kind that has ever been held
| in the state. Over 100 homes were
represented and school patrons and
teachers listened to a program that
was exceptionally good from start to
finish. Mr.. Ben Seymour made a
, first class chairman, serving in place
Of Mayor Jenkins who was unable to
be present. A piano solo. waltz
Mystery" by Paul Wach, was beauti-
fully rendered by Mrs. Froid and was
heartily appreciated by those present.
The county superintendent, Mrs Fran
els Mayhew, introduced the discus
sion on the question, when and
How Shall Parents Visit the
Schools" Among the many good things
she said we have noted the follow
ing:
When we speak of our educational
system as beginning in the primary
department, extending through the
grades, high school, and university,
we do not go back far enough, for
in truth our educational system be-
gins in the home.
I'm all stages Of educational his
tory, the family is the chief agency
in the education of the young.
"The>true mother is a true teacher
whether she knows it or not and
she stands before her child as the
embodiment of all that is good.
''The school is the second potent
influence in the formation of the
character and ideals of childhood and
should be the close ally of the home
in the education for life
ITO assist educators and legisla-
tors in matters pertaining to the eth
ical. mental and physical develop
ment of the child, to better appreci-
ate the methods of modern instruc-
tion and keep pace with the growing
philosophy of education, there must
be cooperation between the home and
the school. the parent and the teach
er. The teacher knows much better
how to deal with the child, If she is
acquainted with the mother, and
knows the home environment and in
fluences; and many of the require
ments made of the child at the
school will be better understood if
the mother comes to the school. makes
the acquaintance of the teacher, and
familiarizes herself with the school
environment of the child.
There seems to have been a feel
ing prevalent with some parents, at
least, that when the child enters
school, their responsibilities end as
far as education is concerned, that
this matter has been taken entirely
out of their hands. To visit schools
too much. to inquire too much into
the methods, plans, etc.. of the school
| would be to infringe on the rights of
the teacher; and the teacher on the
| other hand, has been chary of con-
sulting the parents when difficulties
arose with the pupil, lest it would
] cause trouble and bring unpleasant
feelings. This gulf, as it We're, be-
tween the parent and teacher is
| detrimental to the utmost extent to
the best development of the child.
1t can only be spanned by the hearty
cooperation of teacher and parent.
The greatest perfection in our
schools for the development and ed
ucation of our boys and girls, for the
making OF true, strong, brave, help
full lives can only be accomplished
when the parents visit the school and
not when it is in holiday attire, but
in the every day work, in a spirit of
harmony and helpfulness to lend
their support and assistance to the
teacher. and to receive in return the
teachers aid by placing in the hands
OF the parent the product of her re-
search, thought, labor and education.
when the parents and teachers
join forces to secure the highest ef-
ficiency in the physical. mental and
moral development OF the youth then
and not until then will we send our
boys and girls out into the world
fully prepared to take their places
In home and state"
Superintendent Mayhew closed her
discussion with this appeal:
| Parents, visit the school and put
yourselves In touch with the agency
which has SO much to do in the
formation and development OF charac
ter. 1t is your duty to your child
Teachers. put yourselves in touch
with the home, that you may develop
In the highest degree, those whom