Mexico Missouri message., 1916-09-14
RURAL SCHOOLS
by W. Clyde w. Johnson.

At last l have caught up with the
all but unending Office work and am
able to get out and see how the
schools are getting along.
Wednesday attended the conven-
tion of the Christian Churches of the
county at Vandalia and also the
school 1t was their record day. The
enrolment is good and everything is
starting off well. NJ. G.. Thomas
seems to be a very thoro and capable
school man. l shall have something
more to say about the school later.
Thursday morning 1 stopped for a
few minutes at Bear Slough. Miss
Beatrice McNiel, teacher She had
six pupils who were very proud of
the IL new desks that have lately
been put in.
At Prairie Hill, Miss Geneva Girls
well, teacher. They report "a pu-
pills, in the "Y" Glass. They are
keeping the dust down by the use of
a sweeping compound.
Pleasant Plains had 80 pupils,
with Miss Erie Kirtley as teacher.
Hall had a new concrete platform
in front of the door. Maps and black
boards have been ordered.
There were IL pupils at Hickory
Grove. Miss Atha Gregg is again the
teacher. The heater has been en-
ameled and shines like new. We shall
hear of additional improvements
later.
Miss Blanche Sipple is the teacher
at Cauthorn. She has 23 pupils. A
sweeping compound has been order
ed.
School has not begun at Edwards.
Miss Blanche Brooks is the teacher.
The we'll was cleaned out-There
were about 25 beer bottles, thanks
to those who travel the State high
way, found in it. I also noticed a
new concrete platform, walk to the
well, concrete top for the well, a
drain for the water away from the
we'll, new roof, and a new fence.
They have been busy in weell-doing.
Eureka. with Miss Alma Brown,
teacher for the fourth consecutive
term is still growing. This year she
has "a pupils, twice what she had
the first year.
At Prairie Chapel the stove has
been moved back to the corner of the
room. A new fence has been built on
two sides. Miss Ruth Miller is the
teacher. She had seven pupils, just
enough to have a very interesting
game of ball since the teacher takes
part herself.
Again E. f. Shay is principal at
Benton City. lie had 22 pupils, and
Miss Moore, who is the primary
teacher for the third term has 2S.
They have a new organ which the
school is paying for. They will have
an ice cream supper next Saturday
night to help in this matter. Keller
hal Brothers have made each room
present of very useful and help
full pencil sharpener. Swings have
been put up under the trees and are
very much enjoyed by all. The floors
have deem oiled.
was very much disappointed not
to find any of the floors of the ru-
raj schools oiled, as this is a very
necessary step in keeping down the
dust, preventing disease and making
for the general health of the chill
dren. But / believe that some will
yet be oiled, Not a town school this
year that will not be oiled. II it is
worth while for the town children,
then why not for the country chill
dTen?
All the weeds had been cut and
the houses cleaned and scrubbed.
Several have already ordered equip
ment, some are going to have a sup
per, and all are doing something TO
make their school homes as comfort
able as possible.
Erisman had a big ice cream sun
per last Friday night. A large crowd
was present and a good time was en-
ioyed by all present.
Stauffer had a supper last We'd
nesday night and South Liberty has
already had a supper and are plan
ming Parents Day soon.
John Francis Of Monroe county
fall frnnn q lnhhn, nnh e. o......-l L l.