East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1915-09-23

BY A. c. Hampton, Acting Super
intendent Pendleton Public Schools
At this time school administrators
may not expect to escape the close
scrutiny of every item OF expense BY
the taxpayer, but they should be glad
to furnish to the public all the data
whereby patrons OF the school and
taxpayers, generally, may know the
cost Of their own school system in
relation to other systems of the same
general class.
In comparison with other cities Of
its class, Pendleton ranks high in
school expenditures, reckoned upon
total population. but the total popu-
lation outside of school does not con-
stitute a true basis Of comparison.
The true basis Of comparison must be
reckoned upon the per cent of the
pupils who remain in school during
the 10 year period.
II has been found upon investiga-
tion that so per cent OF the children
mated by the time they have reached
the sixth year, rs per cent by the
eighth year and that less than 10 per
cent enter the high school. 1t Is
manifestly true that the average city
provides for the education of only
so per cent OF It's children above the
6th grade. rs per cent above the sew
enth and less than 10 per cent above
the eighth For instance, Or. Leon
ard Ayres OF the Russell Sage Foun-
dation conducted an Investigation in
3s6 cities OF the United States and
found that for every 1909 pupils who
enter the first year OF the elementary
school only Sc reach the fourth year
Of the high school.
In the Pendleton schools last year
there enrolled lit in the first, 113 in
the sixth year and Ss in the eighth,
so II Is manifest that instead OF so
per cent being eliminated by the
sixth year and rs per cent by the
eighth. that only per cent have been
eliminated by the sixth year and l6
The percentage who enter the high
school after completing the elemen-
tary course, We are glad to say. is very
much above the average.
Now the logical question for any
citizen to ask is why Is Pendleton able
to hold such n large per cent of her
young in school. even to the compile
ton Of the high school course? The
answer is very clear when we note
the increase In attendance In the
high school since the Industrial
courses have been added. Before
these courses were added the largest
attendance during the year was $50,
while the total number enrolled last
year In all the course was 302. We
believe that Pendleton Is holding her
young people In school for the rea-
son that those who are responsible
for their progress are endeavoring to
prepare the pupils for life. 1t is the
aim OF the school to be Of the great
est possible service to every individ-
ual enrolled. The greatest possible
care Is taken TO find out the work
that each individual Is best fitted for
and then they are given the work
that will aid them most. This Is
made possible by the large freedom
OF choice OF subjects offered the pu-
pill. The traditional curriculum was
rigid in its requirements, compelling
each individual to follow a certain
line OF work without consideration OF
individual preferences and capacities
In the Pendleton high school the
student, with advice Of parent and
teacher is allowed to choose his ma
jor subject and then elect such sub
jects as will best III him to carry out
his chosen line Of work The school
offers, in addition to the regular de-
partmental work, four distinct lines
OF vocational and industrial training,
viz. manual training, domestic sci
ence and art, commercial and agri-
culture.
Home Economics.
The Home Economics Department
under the direction OF Miss Alice
Butler. occupies the three rooms in
the west end OF the building on the
third floor and the domestic science
kitchen is surpassed in equipment by
none in the state. II you visit the
kitchen the girls are only too happy
to show you the well cared for uten-
sils Of aluminium, white handled
knives and forks and maple top ta-
bles. Here the girls learn to cook
plain. wholesome food and are taught
the necessity OF economy and fitness
of food, shelter and clothing.
The second year class is given a
definite sum with which to purchase
food, and two girls at a time are re-
qulred to prepare a meal with this
sum and serve It in as short a time
as possible.
The dining room is equipped with