Smyrna times., 1915-10-06

At the regular monthly meeting
held recently, the teachers Of the
Smyrna Public Schools discussed plans
for the information Of a Parent Teach
ers Association. These plans are
now we'll under way and il is hoped
that parents and all persons interes-
ted in the welfare Of the children will
get back Of the movement and help
TO make it a success. To make il a
success means not only hard work on
the part Of the teachers, but also
the support and cooperation Of the
parents.
Why Parents Should Take Interest
Some reasons why Parents AssOci-
alton are worth while.
l. Hcme and School are the two
great agencies in the education of the
child their aims are identical neither
can work effectively in ignorance Of
the other.
2. Certain problems arise in the
school which teachers should not be
obliged to decide. Questions Of
social life. dancing. ETC.. for example.
Where Parent Teachers Organizations
exist the responsibility is readily
placed upon the parent.
8. The intelligent demand of
school patrons for Improvements of
any sort will often meet with stten-
tion from Boards Of Educstion where
that of teachers is ignored.
4. A child's loyalty to the school
is almost invariably a product of
home understanding.
5. A fixed and regular date Of
meeting IL q saving Of time for both
parent and teacher. The latter can
present a problem or explain point
as quickly to fifty parents as TO one.
The former can be sure Of getting
the desired information without in
trusion.
6. A ready means Of suggestion
from trained teachers to unframed
parents should be provided. one day
each month when parents regularly
assemble in the school house gives
opportunity for discussion containing
valuable hints for the home.
z. The reaction of the child to
his school work is seen fully only in
the home; the teacher who has uc
point Of contact with that homs
loses the best opportunity Of testing
the value Of his work
Some Results To Be Attained
Some results Of Parent-Teacher
Associations in schools.
1. Doubling educational service
Of schools by directing education oi
parents in child nuture through parent
teacher associations. supplied Wit
educational eourfes by National Con
gress Of Mothers
2. Power fer united work 70
childwelfare by the strength Of thi
national organization Of parents an
teachers.
3. Better mutual understandin
between the two great education,
agencies in life OF the ehild-hons al
school.
4. Raising the standard Of hon
life through the education of peren
in child nurture.
5. Enlarging the teachers Of
pOrtunities by making possible
knowledge Of the child's home el
viuonment and influence and the pa
ents' new pSint
8. Intelligent cooperation to s
cure improved conditions for the q
velopment and education Of all chi
dren.
Helpful in School improvement
Improvement Of sanitary conditio
in school buildings and outbuilding
Furnishing rest rooms for teacher
Purchase of pictures to adorn scho
walls. Planting trees. shrubs a
vines in school grounds and distribu
ing seeds to children for plantii
vegetable and flower gardens a
vines about their own homes. Pr
chase Of musical instruments to insu
an abundance Of the best music. Pts
ming and carrying cut successful soc
gatherings for the pupils. designed
supplant fraternities and sOroriti,
Instituting campaigns Of education
favor Of simple school dresses
girls. Supplying equipment for hou
hold economies and manual traini
and securing teachers for classes
same. Care for the health Of child
through medical and dental inspecti
The addition of Fairgrounds TO
school property. Study Of the sch
curriculum. Conferences on the wis
way Of dealing with questions o.
cial hygiene.
Temperance conundruni.
ct rant understand funurn