The Little River news., 1922-08-26
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 whites cost the tax payers of the Ash down Special $14,750 for teachers salaries, janitor's service and truck hire. This does not include the num- erous bills for water, lights, tele- phone, school supplies, fuel, insur- ance, interest On bonded indebtedness etc. Neither does it include the extra clothes, books, and other incidentals required by pupils. All must agree with me that it takes money to edu- cate our children. The question I wish to raise is, are we seeing to it that the children get the most possi- ble out of the school year? Are we making their environments the most favorable for school work?
 During the year closing last May, there were 1902 failures in the third to twelfth grades inclusive. Various parents may we'll ask why this great number. Various reasons may be of fered. One thing is certain, the blame rests with pupils, parents, or teachers, or all are more or less re- sponsible
 It is not my purpose to excuse the teachers. They all make mistakes; all could have done little better work. The pupils are also at fault. Some are indifferent, indolent, lacking in ambition and will power. But I want to lay.a part of these failures at the door of the parent. Some, I gladly admit, are doing thair best, while others are saddling these failures on the pupils and teachers (There is about as much difference in the in terest and attitude shown by parents toward their childrens education as there is between a Hottentot and a University graduate.) Some are .visi- bly, concerned and deeply disappoint- ed over the poor resords made by Ftheir children; while others look far more carefully after their hog pens and the inmates thereof than they do after the educational welfare of their children.
 eW need more parents who start their children on the opening day, keep them going rain or shine, and see to it that they apply themselves vigorously and show up at the end of each month with a creditable report One of the leading causes of these 1902 failures was the distractions and diversions caused by attending pie ture shows, wiener roasts, and church suppers during school nights.
 But some over indulgent, soft heart ed q wish that every parent could and would distinguish clearly the difference between soft hearted and kind hearted) parent will reply that the, children must have pleasure and recreation. l grant it. But are not Friday, Saturday and Sunday eevnings sufficient? Is it not a double waste of money to allow them to spend their evenings and pay the price incident to such outings?
 | But the more time consumed in 1 these socials is a small part of the outlay, it's the before and after eff fleets. The thoughts of anticipation, | the note writing, the private tete-a- tetes; the hours of planning before hand and the sweet recollections and fond "reminiscences the morning after that play havoc with school work. If you doubt this, take day off and visit the school the day before and the day after one of these recreation stunts"
 In view of these facts-for 1 claim they are facts-I am asking the par ents, who have the interests of the school and their children at heart, to enter into an agreement with me to eliminate this frolicking, time wasting custom that has worked so much harm to our school. If you can be made to realize the gravity of this evil I feel sure that you Will lend me your hearty support. l urge this for the moral and educational up- building of the community. I am try ing to make the most favorable en- vii onments for the boys and girls in order that they may get the most pos sible out of their school course. l must have the cooperation of the pat rons if I attain a measure of success. The oft quoted saying, "As is the teacher, so is the school" is true In part only. It requires pupils, par ents and teachers working earnestly and tremendously. to get the desired results.
 Will you covenant with me to make this coming year. the best in the his