The Nenana news., 1918-01-26
NIGHT SCHOOL REPORT
 SHOWS STEADY GROWTH

The report of the Citizenship Night School board for the second month of the night school term, which has just been submitted to Judge Bunnell, shows healthy growth in the attendance and most satisfactory progress in the work, under the direction of Instructor John C. Murphy. The report covers twenty sessions of the school, vary i ing in length from three to three and a half hours. The enrolment shows an increase of ten pupils, the total number now being 42, with an average attendance during the second month of 29.
 "The foreign born constitute much | over nine-tenths of the enrolment" says the report, "the ages of the pupils ranging from P to 52 years. Almost every country in Europe has a representative and some four and five. There were 39 men and three women, two of the latter being mar ried and one unmarried.
 Evidences are many of the en- thusiastic interest being taken by the pupils and which is so gratifying to those in immediate charge. All instruction is given in the English language, and its use, together with brief history of the United States. Then brief study on the Constitu- tion, form of government, both fed eral, state, territorial and civics. Added instruction is given in read ing, spelling, writing and elementary arithmetic. On special nights, heart to heart talk is made, comparing the ing in the world, with the democracy of the United States. Then flag in- struction and salutation is impressed
 "We cannot refrain from com mending the patriotic legislature that made possible such night schools Every true American knows and feels, that our public school is the hope of our beloved country, and what splendid idea it is, to extend the sphere of it's influence by this Citizenship Night school. The seed sown now, will in the main, ger minate, with results, bountiful har- vest of true souled, loyal and in telligent American citizenship. True, it is intended primarily for the foreigner, but it urges and welcomes the native-born man .or woman, with no limitation as to age, who has had no chance or was neglected in the use of same. What future of aims, seeking and reaching the un- educated and misguided ones so as to remake and thus become of real service to themselves, their country, God and truth.
 And so it seems to us, one of the essentials for the success of such schools as this, is the striving to in- spire the pupil with confidence and from the very first moment have him or her feel, that something is being learned, which will fit him for his present and future surround ings. May we be permitted to add, that there is to our minds, most imperative demand, that if we would preserve the destiny of our republic, we must aim with every means in our power, at progressive educa- tion for our immigrant masses where ever found. We must insist on Eb- eral appropriations for the support of our entire school system, and then with wise leadership, progressive and human pedagogy to direct the forces I've can and shall have every hope for the future, for faithful citizens loving our school system, honor our flag and rejoicing in the permanency of American institutions.
 Respectfully submitted,
 | J. c. MURPHY,