Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-01-15

this city having Chliuren IN lnc SCHoOis.
He alleges a general lack OF fraternal
interest, and plans as a remedy to have
I'll the school buildings equipped with
lighting facilities and to hold evening
meetings, at which the matter can be
brought to the attention OF the busy
parents In some Instances this has
already been done with considerable sue
cess.
In speaking Of tho attitude Of the ma
jorfty Of fathers. Supt. Stuart stated en-
phatically that he had no intention to
find fault with them and explained:
Under present conditions understand
how impossible it Is to the great major
tty TO attend school gatherings. They
must. of course. attend to business first.
But as It Is now. fathers come to school
to inquire about their children only
when something has gone wrong. This
can also be said of a certain per cent OF
the mothers. too. I believe that IL night
meetings could be held the fathers would
take an active part In the school life Of
their children. And that is no more
than they should do.
=
AT present practically none of our
school buildings is equipped with
lighting facilities. except those in which
night classes are held. Only a short
time ago I recommended to the board
OF education an investigation OF this
matter. with view to its correction"
The Home and School Association OF
the Western High School is the pioneer
Of its kind in Washington, as that or
ganization has been In existence about
three years. Among its members are
Included not only some Of the most
prominent business men of the District
But senator's and representatives as
veil The officers OF the association are
Frederick l. Siddons. president: Mrs
Edward NJ. Weeks. recording secretary
MISS Edith c. Wescott. principal OF the
high school and corresponding secre-
tary: Mrs. Giles Scott Rafter. treasurer;
BENJAMIN Micou. Mrs. Leon Dessez, DR.
G. Hart Merriam and Miss A. l.. Wood,
vice presidents.
Cd in the constitution, is to foster "the
friendly cooperation between the home
and the school, with a view to the bet
terment of educational conditions and
the furthering of such activities. both
within and without the school as give
promise OF broadening the interest Of
the pupils that they may become more
healthful and intelligent students and
more responsible and useful citizens"
In speaking OF the work of the as
ISOLATION and the attitude of the fathers
toward il. Mr. Siddons was inclined to
believe that the men were already TAX
ing an active part in the work at West
ern High School, at least.
II have not found them uninterested."
he said. I'm fact. at our meetings
there are always as many men as
women. OF course. 1 realize that my
experience in this matter has been OBJ
tanned only in the last couple of years.
but during that time L have found the
men actively interested"
Mr. Siddons is heartily in favor OF the
broadcast possible use OF the school build
ing as a social center and believes that
the energies of both men and women
should be bent toward making 1t a pleas
ure as we'll as an education-g giving
source.
DR. Charles w. Eliot" said Mr.. Sid
dons. lin a lecture delivered before the
students of the University Of Virginia,
touched upon just this point. In speak :
ing of several movements. he especially
advocated the one that purposes to use
;a1