East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1909-09-07
NEW ATHENA SPIRIT.
SCHOOLS WILL BE
CONDUCTED ON BROAD LINES
superintendent Case Outlines Views
Regarding Prospects-Says Scntl-
mcnt FavOrs Better Work and
Same Will BE Given.
(specIal Cortespondence.l }


Athena. Ore, Sept. 6.-This has
been a busy week for those most in
terested in the Athena high school.
Prof II. G.. Case and Prof. Mulkey,
with several Of the school board have
visited many Of the patrons with most
satisfactory results Many Of those
In the higher grades, who had plan
ned to go to other schools, have de-
cided to remain here and special
preparation is being made for them.
Many improvements have been
made and the new laboratories and
desks will be put in as soon as pos
sible.
School will begin on Monday,
September 13, with the strongest fac
ulty in the history of the school,
backed by the deep interest Of all
the people in Athena. In speaking
of the school Prof. Case said: 1T
seems to me that public sentiment
here is ripe for genuine educational
progress, minus the petulant fault
finding so prevalent in many small
towns. It requires the harmonious,
consistent as well as persistent CO.
operation of patrons, student and
teachers to make a successful school
No one can escape his share Of re-
sponsiblity for the success or fall
ure. Now that the new spirit of pro,
gress has been awakened, Increased
efficiency will be demanded and sat
lsfactsry results will follow.
with the wealth or Athena district,
its schools should be placed upon par
with the best schools in towns of the
same class. First, by having its lab
oratorles adequately equipped for
preparatory teaching science. The
physics laboratory might be purchas-
ed this year, the biological next year
and the chemical two years from now,
so that there would be gradual devel-
opment as conditions required.
Second, music should be encour-
aged and arrangements made by next
year. If possible, for teaching vocal
music throughout the grades A piano
for high school and Sth grade would
awaken interest among the students.
hope to see a glee club organized
and shall invite the musical talent OF
Athena to cooperate to that end.
Third. literary societies and de-
batting clubs can be maintained 10
the benefit of the school.
Fourth. Athletics properly super
vised and subordinated to school work
creates a spirit of loyalty among the
student body. With the farmers ar
ound Athena employing the most up
to-date methods the school should ad-
opt the same in educational matters.
There are habits of communities as
well as individuals.
"To introduce innovations requires
enthusiasm. endurance and encourage !
ment. Changes sometimes engender
unjust, destructive criticism. There |
need be no experiment in the organi-
zation of a first-class high school as
the requirements are too well known |
and established. A spirit of cordiality,
mutual confidence and sympathy
should at once overcome all opposi-
ion to success. All high schools nave
grown in accordance with the princi-
1les or normal development
The higher grades are dependent
IN the lower grades. When right
habits of study are formed higher
deals will be obtained. Students will
,ome to have a we'll defined purpose
md finish the regular high school
course.
with 10 years experience in high
chool work, can safely say that in
NY opinion the school board and citi-
.ens | have met seem to have the
light conception of what the school
leeds and II the ideal can be adhered
o long enough, to firmly establish
he school on a good working basis,
PATRONS will assume right attitude
owards their home school and stu
Ients will develop loyalty under such
environments.
This will be the critical year there
or loyalty of patrons, teachers and
tudents is an imperative need. We
iced the quiet, determined influence
f the church. press and laymen. 1t
$ a good thing to get in the habit of
ndulging in meritorious commenda-
ion in your home the school and town
n which you live. l assume that the
oys and girls of Athena are just as
right and courteous as in other
owns. The students conduct is an
ndex to his home life. We want all
he students we can get. Students
rom other districts are cordially in
tied to join us-more especially do
re solicit the eighth grade graduates Il!
rom other districts"