Newark post., 1915-04-21

blame for the tardiness. This
caused considerable feeling among
the teachers and at the next meet
ing of the association only two
teachers attended. AS a matter
of fact it is claimed that the re-
ports show but two per cent tardi-
ness in the local schools which is
claimed to be an excellent show
ing Many interested in the Parent
Teachers Association fear that
this incident may injure the use
fulness of the association.
Mrs. Houghton, chairman of the
Education Committee of the New
Century Club, when interviewed
by representative of The Post
this morning made the following
statement:
Concerning the criticism that
all the members of the committee
are college women," Mrs. Hough-
ton said, 81 can positively state
that they were chosen because
they were interested mothers, ac-
quainted with school problems
and having children of their own
in the schools. 1t was mere chance
that they happened to be connect
ed with the college element. The
committee in question during the
last two years has met with the
Board of Education four times.
The members attended the meet
ing in response to an invitation
from the Board, and took up the
work with the sole idea of being
helpful. The first intention of the
committee has been to deal tact
fully with the problems that pre-
sent themselves. The ladies have
visited the schools frequently, and
in return, at the request of the
board, made suggestions. These
in no instances have been speci-
fic, but entirely general. The fol-
lowing suggestions have been
made by the committee and favor
ably acted upon by the Board: (D
in regard to matter of tardiness.
This subject was taken up as re-
suit of personal observation on
the part of the chairman, who had
noted that many children on a
number of occasions were late.
The committee suggested to the
board that every child be made to
feel that it was his duty to be
there on time, with the feeling
that every teacher would be glad
of the suggestion. The percent
age of hardness had not been
found large in any one grade but
the committee felt that the sug.
gestion was worth while for the
few who were inclined to be tardy
A few Of the teachers did not re
ceive the suggestion kindly. (2)
The committee asked that Home
Study be not required up to thu
Fifth Grade. 1t might be option
al but not required. (3) The com
mittee suggested that the Home
and School credit system be in
troduced. (4) They advocated
placing the Book or Knowledg,
upon the library shelves. (5) The,
asked the Board to keep in mine
the urgency of employing a spec
ial music and drawing teacher
when the funds were available
They did not expect them to do so
however, until funds were avail
able. CO. They advocated connect
ing with the sewer. CD They asket
if possible that Mr.. Friedels worl
might be arranged so that h,
might have more time for super
vising and thus be more helpful
to his teachers. 90 They mad,
the suggestion that new system
of dismissal be introduced in tn,
Grammar School. This" Mrs
Houghton said, "we are told ha
been one of the best things don
in the Grammar School for SOM
time. We have been criticised TO-
making this suggestion. (9) TIL
Committee asked that DRAWN,
exhibit be prepared by the teach
ers to be displayed during Com
mencement this coming June.
"The article in question state
that we have gone so far as to i'm
pair the teaching staff. l can stat
there has been no mention of al
individual teacher, except to he
credit. We have been told b,
many of the teachers that we hav
been helpful; we have been aske
for suggestions, and have givel
them to individuals. We have ais
been asked to assist in outlinin
the work. In our visits to tn
schools we have been cordially re