Evening journal., 1914-02-20
HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS.

KAI lsMlNGTON HIGH SCHOOL IS in pressing need
w OF .hree important things.
One is large study room. to which students may
repair DUR study periods
Another is a gymnasium in which the boys and the
girls may obtain healthful physical exercise and
tematc training
Yet another is athletic field, which outdoor
sporting may be held proper supervision
and direction
Complaint is heard on all sides relative TO the way
in which the High School pupils are compelled to
spend their study periods. In uptodate high schools
large study provided TO which pupils may
and in quetude prepare for their recitatons free
from the confusing clamor of the classrooms We
have nothing Of that sort in High School Because
Of congestion the boys and girls sent scurryng
about the building hunting for vacant seats in which
to prepare their studies for recitation later. They
only lose valuable time in going about the building
hunting for such study places but, after they find
them, disturbed by the recitatons that in
progress. There is growing feeling that the eh-
cheney of the work of the High School would be in
creased we're a suitable study room provided.
So far the gymnasium is concerned. It may be
said that there is thing that does to slim
uate and maintain High School spirit than athletics
The agitation in favor Of High School gymnasium
here is in new II begun years ago by
the Wilmington High School Alumni Association and
supported by the local press and persons who know
High School abreast of the times In that
spect nd that the efficiently Of its work suffering
in consequence. From time TO time the agitation has
been renewed but it has found friendly
in the Board of Education. While other communities
many of them much smaller, have kept pace with the
times in recognition Of the value of the High School
gymnasium. community has stood still. and suf-
fered in consequence only in the quality OF edu-
catlonal done in the High School but also in the
physical fitness of the children educated there and
turned out upon the community. Those children who
physically ht enjoy that blessing because Of
the Board Of Education but in spite Of it.
Much has been said within the last year relative TO
the need for athletic field for use in connection
with public school system. That movement has
had the support the Wilmington High School
Alumni Association, the Wilmington High School Ath
letc Association the local newspapers and many rep
resentative citizens, like Judge Rice, for instance.
Thus far nothing an effective nature has been done
to supply this great educational need Like the GYM
nasnm, Il has fallen into the stand-gt doldrums in
the Board Of Education
The Board may contend. with or less justice,
that has not the money 70 supply such needs Backed
by overwhelming public sentiment and the student
body It get the money If II viii drop its stand-pa
policy and adopt policy Of progression along APP
proved educational lines which have been found in
other and much less favored communities to be pro-
ductive OF much good to the children.
With the city assessment ia the course Of making
and with much additional revenue assured ct g. time
the Board Of Education plume itself for
gressive policy looking the obtainment OF enough
money to put the High School upon a proper basis
of efficiency.