The weekly Alaska citizen., 1919-10-13

Tn an interview given a represent ative of The Citizen shortly before his departure for the coast, Terri torial Commissioner of Education L.. D. Henderson was enthusiastic in his praise of the local school system and commended in the highest terms both both instructors and students. He declared that in point of efficiency it was second to none in all Alaska. MT. Henderson strongly endorsed the pro- sal to establish a gymnasium in con- nection with the school.
 The residents of Fairbanks may justly be proud of their excellent school system. The teachers are well prepared for their work and are dis playing an interest in the advance ment of the school and the welfare of the pupils which is highly grati- flying. The pupils manifest an enthusi- asm for the school and an interest in the various activities which it pro- vides which indicates that it is so organized as to meet real need in their lives. The material equipment of the school is adequate to meet the requirements of the courses which are being offered. In fact, the library and laboratory facilities are superior to those of any in the territory. The plans which are now under way look ing toward the erection of a gymna- sium will meet 8 vital need in the community. No school is now com plete which does not make adequate provision for the physical we'll be- ing of the pupils. The gymnasium project should be supported by every organization anl individual in the con- munity to the enl that it may be made available for use as soon as possible. The full commercial course which was this year added to the high school curriculum is step in the right direction. This department will meet the needs of those students who de- sire this type of practical vocational training. As soon as possible it should be the aim of the school board to add work in manual training and do- nestle science. In the past we have prided ourselves on the fact that our American public schools offer oppor- tunity to all. We know that this has not been the case. That the course of study has been too much designed to serve the needs of those boys and girls who are sufficiently academic in thot and interests. We have not made the school sufficiently attrac- tive to those who are motor minded and whose interests in arithmeticS Shake speare, Latin, and geometry has not been sufficiently strong to keep them in school during the years when they should be securing the training for life and citizenship which the school affords.
 The Fairbanks high school is do- ing grade of work which entities it to place on the list of high schools accredited by the University of Wash ington. Arrangements were recently made whereby Alaska schools may be placed unon the recommendation of the commissioner of education. Such a recommendation will be pre- sented to the university authorities in the near future. While high schools graduates from this city are now received at the university without ex- animation on the recommendation of the superintendent of the schools, the fact that it's general work is such as to merit place on the accredited list of the university will, no doubt, be source of satisfaction and pride to all those who are interested in its advancement.
 The general spirit of harmony which prevails among the members of the Fairbanks school board. together with the progressive spirit which that body has displayed are matters which are worthy of special comment. In this connection it may also be stated that the present efficiency of the schools is to a marked degree the result of this spirit of harmony and board members, teachers. and patrons cooperation on the part of school of the school generally.
 Alaska generally brides herself on four things: First of all, she yields second place to no state in the Union in the war record of her schools. In war-gardens, war-savings, Red Cross work and food conservation in relief activities of every description and in active support of every "win-the- war measure" there were few laggards in the whole territory. Alaska further brides herself on the training and experience of the teachers in her public schools. More than two-thirds of the teachers in Alaska are gradu- ates of normal schools or colleges, and large percentage of this number have had advanced training in addi- tion to graduation. The average ex-