South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-02-14

South Bend has a secondary school system Of
which little is heard but which, nevertheless is
adjunct serving purpose far more important and
valuable than is generally realized. This educational
organization is composed Of the night schools and
vocational classes for both and which
held at least three afternoons nights each
week
Enrolment figures for the 25 classes Of this
Ondary school system produced by Supt. L. j.
Montgomery show that than 500 persons took
advantage O. this of securing instruction
during the present school year This is by far the
largest enrolment for the night schools and
tona classes in the history of the plan here, which
has been in operation for number Of years.
Probably the most valuable interesting fea-
lures OF this secondary educational scheme the
night classes, which are conducted the Laurel
and Oliver school buildings for the benefit OF the
foreign population of the side. Here in these
classes are found the really ambitious immigrants
who have come to America with the hope of i'm
proving themselves.
These young men and women also older men,
night schools operated in South Bend
the one means by which they may advance them
selves and hundreds are taking advantage Of the
opportunity offered them Being unable because Of
lack of funds because they have passed the
limit attend the day schools these people
finding the night schools be the solution of their
greatest problem, that OF learning the English
language and American customs.
But night spent in of these evening classes
proves the enormous need for the institution.
migrants who have been in the United States
perhaps two years often unable to give the
English names for even the simplest and most COM
things. Methods Of teaching unique and
the resources OF the instructors oftimes taxed
the limit effort to explain to the foreigners
the English language and its expression.
Glasses at the Laurel and oliver schools are held
three nights each week in the basement rooms of the
buildings which have been apart for the purpose
During the present winter the enrolment the
Laurel school reached 1913, although with the ap
proach spring the numbers decrease. Three teach
charge OF these classes in which English
and the rudiments OF civil government are taught.
boys of all attend the evening
classes At the Laurel school one of the most in
81 udp is
studies alongside Of boys young II. This
elderly pupil TO this country several months
ago with his son. leaving behind him in Russia his
wife and family and his property. He entered the
Laurel night school last fall and has been attending
regularly since
several DAYS ago he told his instructor Prof
Berry that ne had received letter from his wife
in Russia saying that the cars government had
ordered their son, who is in America 10 take up
join the army and the $500 is lacking the family
is in danger losing its property through con-
nscatiOn This is but illustration OF the type
Of men and women who attend the evening classes.
The majority 81 pupils in the oliver and Laurel
schools are Of Russian, Slavish Hungarian or I'D
dish parentage- During the day they Work IN the
factories or shops, but prompt in attendance at
schools Although it is found that some of them
are difficult teach the instructors say that they
the most willing OF workers and anxious 10
learn.
A peep into the class rooms at the Laurel school
reveals of the odd but practical methods that
are employed in teaching these Americans
Each door has sign. Door tackled upon it. A
each window simple sentences are written upon the
blaczboards. Tools and articles OF everyday use are
stacked in the OF the The instructors
use these for teaching their pupils the names.
Here is where the night schools OF the west side
are finding their greatest handicap Lack of equip
rnent for teaching the foreigners is proving prob
lem for the instructors who have almost exhausted
available means for Illustrating the many points
which arise during the study periods. The newcom-
ers 10 this country naturally do not know the Ameri-
can names for articles of common usage and il IS
only through illustration that these names be
impressed upon them.
An ordinary observer would be startled by the
methods employed by the instructors who before
class rurnmage around the buildings articles
which may be discussed during the study period.
These articles may include single and tub, a
rake a shovel perhaps a ladder a hinge
The pupils asked TO name the various articles
which display. Perhaps one or two are able
20 do so, but the rest although they know what the
tub is used for. cannot give IL the English name.
The teacher names il, discusses II with the pupils
and does everything possible Co impress upon them
che OF the specific article.
The one need Of the night schools is large as
sortment o. supplies OF various kinds for in