Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-01-10
j. w. Taylor
Outlines Plans
for Secondary
School Principals

The School and Home Club plan
rs n solution of the problems of the
high school period which are espec-
tally difficult for parents, is recon-
mended for many schools ly Josiah
w. Taylor. State agent for second
airy education, in n letter which he
sent out Wednesday to secondary
school principals all over the State.
This club brings parents. pupils and
faculty together socially for short
period. provides for an informal con-
ference OF parents and faculty, and
later for taking part in the recrea-
tional activities of the pupils.
"a weak spot in most of the Maine
schools is the library" Mr.. Taylor
continues in his letter. There are
noticeable evidences OF progress.
This has been brought about usually
by making someone responsible for
library development. If you cannot
have a trained school librarian-she
Is the most useful and least expensive
of the whole faculty designate
teacher librarian. Make her respon-
sible for library development. Put
on a publicity campaign for school
and community. Have your material
put into good shape and used. Send
Tor the State travelling libraries. They
may not be just what you want but
are at least worth the price. If you
want special libraric; in English or
social science including history you
can get them. Write the State Lii
brarian, Augusta. Write me for
suggestions on library development.
The First Objective-Ilealth. Phys
ical Education is required by law in
all pubic schools. This does not ex-
cept the high school. Health is the
first of the cardinal principles OF
secondary education. Two five-min-
ute periods a day for relaxation, pos
ture and deep breathing drills, and
one OF Is minutes per week for IN
struction in hygiene will meet the
minimum requirements. but no more.
Athletics should be made n part OF
this program and as such should
reach ali pupils through n larger par
ticipatton in games. inter class or
intra -class contests. The Public
School Athletic League scheme and
other plans will tie athletics up to
the health program and reach more
pupils.
1.-THE winter sports are with us.
Every principal and coach should
make a stand for clean basketball
and effective refereeing. Basketball
for girls should be watched with
great care. Let us hope for day,
or night. when outdoor winter sports
will crowd out basketball. These
sports should be pushed as far as
possible. Skiing. snowshoe clubs,
ska ting. hockey have great posibii-
tiles. We have found that links can
be made and kept in condition, that
winter contests are interesting and
exhilerating. Let us boost Names
winter sports as part of the school
program.
"Ventiiation needs much attention
now, Foul air will not flow out
through closed ventilators. over
heated rooms are not conducive to
good work or good health. Study the
problem in your school and work II
out as best you can. Don't overlook
the matter of light. Windows throw
light only twice their height. the
best light is from the top. The maxi
MUM light in winter is rarely too
much. Curtains should seldom be at
half mast. They are intended to
conserve eyesight and not to decorate
rooms.
.The appearance of many buildings
ought to be improved. Only. few
are showing the addition OF 5000