The Ronan pioneer. [volume] (Ronan, Mont.) 1910-1970, 1916-12-01

at least, were rescued from the curse
OF idleness. With the progress of
the work developed the pride heal
thy boy naturally feels in achieve
ment. An impetus was given to the
feeling lurking in every boys nature
to do something.
"And lastly they earned some
money. Checks, ranging from SIS
to $50, were paid the boys. In sever
al instances this was the beginning
of a savings account"
In the Lewistown schools all of
the repair work and alterations are
done by the boys, who also make
considerable furniture, including ia
bles, chairs, desks and cabinets used
in the schools. Industrial work,
such as weaving, cutting, etc., begins
in the first four grades to develop
control of the muscles and the eye.
Manual training work starts in the
fifth grade and is compulsory for all
boys.
The girls are given as thorough
a training in home making as the
boys are in manual training. They
are thoroughly schooled TN sewing,
care of the home, nursing and kim
dred arts, so that when they have
reached the eighth grade they are
useful little women. They also have
general charge of charity work, as
sembling clothing donated by char
liable persons, and making them over
for the needy. The distribution of
clothing is under the direction of the
school nurse.
There are 1,400 pupils in the
grade schools of Lewistown, and $50
high school students. Each building
is devoted to certain grades only.
For instance, in one building all of
the rooms contain fifth or sixth
grade pupils; another seventh and
eighth grade pupils; another prim-
airy grades. The teachers specialize
in one subject. They go from room
to room, teaching only that subject.
Mr.. Frankie says the best results
are obtained in that manner.
One OF the features of the Lewis
town schools is the health depart
ment. Every child is examined once
each year, at least, by a specialist
for apparent or latent defects. For
instance, specialist on eye, ear,
nose and throat sees that these or
gans arc in normal condition, aid
their general health is looked after
as carefully. The teeth of all chill
dren are examined by a dentist.
Wherever any defect is discovered,
the school nurse reports fully to the
parents and points out the proper
course to pursue to correct it. She
explains to them in what way the
defect is detrimental to the child in
school work and general health. If
any child is feeling ill, the school
nurse investigates and gives proper
treatment, if necessary taking the
needed to prevent an
epidemic.
Lewistown was thu first Montana
city to provide for a school nurse.
1t is the duty of this official to visit
the homes of the children and dis
cuss with the mother the questions
of sanitation, pure air, nutrition in
food and general hygiene. All cases
of school children treated by ply
sicians are reported to the school
district clerk and record of the case
filed.
It might be thought that the cost
of conducting the Lewistown schools
is more than that of other districts
in the state, but the contrary is
found to be the case. Since Mr..
Frankie introduced the present sys-
tenn, although teachers salaries have
been raised and numerous depart
ments added, the school tax has
dropped from 10 mills to eight mills.
The introduction of business meth
DDS has effected the saving.
The school board has placed Mr..
Frankie in complete charge of the