Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-08-02
We Need Consolidated Schools

Dear Household: This Monday morning / be
gan the summer session Of my school, a coun.
try school in Cobb county. While the school
sure lacks many things that would greatly
benefit those attending, still 1t Is fairly com
Portable.
This particular school ranks higher than some
OF the dilapidated buildings that can, am
sorry to say, be seen occasionally, but there is
a great deal more 20 be desired
Consolidation OF schools would solve many
Of the perpIexing problems that now confront
buildings could then be improved. many things
that are necessary for the success Of a school
could he supplied. and better salaries could be
paid the teachers. thereby helping them to
become more efficient.
$40 per month for five months Of the year,
and on this mesger stipend the teacher is
expected TO live the whole year.
IL is not Lot only expected that she dress
nicely take normal courses. buy reference
books and keep up with current events OF this
fast age. but II is an absolute necessity FOR
to these things soon becomes one OF the has
beens.
II is only the carrying out of the old maxim
Of the survival Of the fittest, and wouldn't
change II II ! could
But II is an utter impossibility for one to
live on the money that is paid teacher dur
ing even two terms, aand enable her TO take
normal course.
II she is one who must work for her living,
IL is imperative that she be working during
what is mistakenly termed vacation, and where
pray. is the opportunity for normal course!
finished school at the age Of 16 began
teaching the next year, and have been con-
stantIy employed since that time, not once dur
ing that time have / had leisure for rest or
opportunity for any concerted, definite course
Of study.
Give the teacher a chance: we are not
machines: pay us a reasonable salary, coop
crate with us; become interested in our work.
A few words OF sympathy and good will,
Just a little evidence Of Thoughtful apprecia-
ton on your part will help wonderfully.
One who is really teacher is naturally OPP
timistic cheerful and patient, bot sometimes
the pessimistic side comes up, sometimes the
cheerfulness is overcome by deepest discour-
agement; sometimes the clouds are dark and
heavy and so close to US that we are positive
there is no silver lining TO them.
Then Is when a kind word spoken is like
seed sown in good season. that spring up
bearing precious fruit in the shape Of re-
newed courage on the part of the teacher;
reviving determination 10 be up and doing,
even though there be no tangible results OF
our lsbors.
when / see the indifference manifested
toward the all-important question Of the prop
er education Of the child when l think or
the handicaps that the uneducated person
must ever labor under. the bitter humiliaton
that will inevitably come IL the person be at
all ambitious. then IL is that my heart IS
sore and I wish / had the power to open
the eyes Of the people so that the light would
penetrate 10 the innermost recesses Of their
souls causing them to put forth untiring
efforts until every persons shall have obtained
at least a common school education.
All the wealth Of Croesus could not induce
me TO part with my education. 1t is one OF
the most priceless Of my possessions.
Aunt Hattie. thank you so much for the
Kind words you spoke Of me.
Mrs FeIton's article on the pri1e-fight was
That disgraceful episode remains a hideous
blot on the escutcheon Of the white race
CLARA MAE JONES.