The Washington herald., 1912-06-30
PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFICIALS
WORK DURING SUMNER
While Pupils and Teachers Enjoy Vacation in Cooling
Places Heads of Departments Toll in Prepa-
ration for Ensuing Year

The wheels of the machinery operating
Washington'S public school system are
kept in motion the year around. An
endless chain OF oficial estimates, con-
tract letting. organisation, executive ad-
ministration, clerical computations, re-
visions, and judicious adjustments keep
the Official and clerical force at the
Franklin Building in almost perpetual
motion during the summer months
when school doors are closed and
teachers and children are resting after
their work is done. Principals OF high
schools, supervisors OF divisions, special
teachers, and school directors are SPEND
ing these first vacation days In pre-
pairing, systematizing, and classifying
school reports and inventories for the
year just closed, and Il submitting es-
Inmates and tentati'z plans for the
coming year
Before leaving their ofices for the
summer. high school principals arrange
definitely a plan for school organization
in the fall Particular classes are as
signed to special class rooms, study
hall periods are provided the aPportion-
ment OF teachers duties is adjusted.
and athletics, dramatics, debating, and
music are given due consideration.
Problem of Text Books.
Supervising principals have the ad-
ditional free textbook problem TO
cope with. In the closing days OF the
school year grade teachers collected and
examined every book used in the school
rooms. Accurate records were submit
ted to supervisors regarding the num-
Der Of books on hand in good condi-
ton, the number mutilated, or unfit for
future use on account Of their in
sanitary condition, and the number un-
accounted for. Just now the supervisors
are working overtime tabulatinG these
inventories and getting them into shape
for consideration in the Office OF A. T.
Stuart, director Of intermediate in
structiCn.
Among the special teachers. the out
look for next years equipment is being
carefully scanned.
DR.. RebeCca Stoneroad. director of
physical culture, and. therefore, deeply,
interested in Fairgrounds and athletics
Of all kinds is Weighing the relative
values Of different material used in the
construction OF tennis courts and track
courses; what particular piece Of appa-
ratus will be most conducive TO certain |
standards CT physical development: and |
how she can recommend the best and |
st Il keep within the apportionment Of
the appropriation set aside for her spe-
eialty.
Miss Anne Wilson. in charge Of draw
ing: Miss Watkins director OF kinder
gartens; Mrs Cate. at the head Of the
domestic art department, and Miss ia
cobs, in charge Of domestic science. are
all giving their attention and part Of
their vacation TO furthering the inter
ests and improving as far as possible .
the special department in which they are
working.
Child Labor Bureau Active.
One Of the most active departments dur
ing the summer season is the Child Labor
Bureau. The compulsory education law
and the Juvenile Court are closely re-
lated to thIs bureau As soon. as school i
closes hosts oEsboys apply for permission
10 engage in work Of some kind, and the
permission Is generally granted II after
investigation all the requirements are
to Mrs. Bushee.. who is win
ming more than a local reputation for
unusual success and remarkable adapta-
hility for this particular phase Of social
work.
Newspaper badges are issued TO boys
over ten years Of age, where the Condi-
tons seem to make it necessary. They
must have attended school 100 days, be
accompanied by at least one parent or a
guardian when applying for
the badge, and be able TO sign their name.
During the summer Mrs. .Bushee super
intends Camp Good VIII, where she has
-o0 children to provide for
No man gives more time and thought
10 the efficient administration of his de-
1artmenr than John A. Chamberlain.
director Of manual training. He usually
s found at his desk practically all sum /
ner. For some weeks to come he will
'e preparing acquisitions for 1873 From
he thirty manual training centers he a
ecelves an inventory of supplies and .
,quipment on hand. He grants each :
eacher in charge OF a center the privi-
ege Of recommending what he needs. o
these needs are grouped into four /!
c