River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1916-03-16
The Responsibility
OF The School
BY SUPT. H. C. ALMY
continued from page Il

/ AN0h4SAA0NA = NAAA PN~SN -
or sane. It's complex and delicate
machinery cannot and should not be
changed as rapidly and as frequently
as some demand. 1t may seem slow
in adapting itself to some of these
demands, but to the one who looks
all along the line with keen vision,
the judgment is one very favorable
to the schools and teachers. They
have met the ever increasing per-
picking and important demands with
patience and tact.
What are some of the near respOn-
sibilities thrust upon the school?
Patriotism, temperance, sanitation,
saving the birds, improving the
landscape, kindness to animals, in
dustrial training, domestic science,
the dignity Of labor, obedience to
authority, respect for others, love
for the institutions Of home and
church, all these are now regularly
taught in our public schools. Young
sters who never knew what it was to
obey cheerfully have been taught a
proper respect for law. Selfish little
"only children" have been given the
lesson Of cooperation, of give and
take, of live and let live, duties as
we'll as rights. Order, regularity,
punctuality, are taught to those
who should have been taught these
things at home. Children who never
think of helping father or mother at
home, are taught the dignity of la
Dor. Domestic science students who
never washed a dish or cooked a
meal before taking the work in
school. are commonly reported as
asking permission to do these things
at home. Habits of cleanliness such
as face-washing, hair combing, nail
cleaning, and tooth brushing are now
regularly instilled by teachers, when
the home has not done its plain
duty. Above all this, the great les
son Of politeness Ito do and to say,
the kindest thing in the kindest
way" is made part of the regular
instruction, especially in the lower
grades, where the children are in the
most important period of their lives.
All these things, and many more,
are now uncomplainingly assumed as
responsibilities of the school. But
is there not limit to what we may
be asked to do?
While we are willing to assume a
share in all these added responsible
ties, we do feel that it is time for
the home to measure up to its re-
sponsibility more completely. To
have better boys and girls. we must
have better fathers and mothers.
The danger point is reached when
the father is too occupied with his
business, his lodge and his club, to
become acquainted with his boys: or
when the mother becomes so inter-
ested in society functions, economic
service or care for other peoples
children. that she has no time for
her own, but must leave them to the
tender solicitude of nurses and tu-
tors. But even with this danger
point realized in many parts of
America, the outlook is hopeful.
Our schools and colleges are prepar-
ing better fathers and mothers for
the future. There is on at present
campaign of education by the
press, the pulpit and the platform,
to enlighten and inspire the present
heads of homes. The purpose of
this Better Baby Week campaign
will have failed if it does not result
in better fathers and mothers.
So in conclusion, we say, let the
schools share the responsibilities of
the home, and Lee the home not work
the less faithfully. Let the two in
stitutions cooperate more closely
and let us all as individuals work for
more and better homes; homes orna.
mented with happy. wholesome boys
and girls; boys and girls that the
school, the church and the home may
make into citizenship worthy of
the great responsibility which must
rest upon our republic more and
more as we assume greater leader
ship among the nations of the world.