Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-05-09

councils and courts, and in one OF
the high schools it was brought out,
certain students were appointed to
study the traffic situation SO as to
relieve congestion in the halls be-
tween classes, and traffic cops were
appointed from the student body TO
direct traffic one way.
Dr.. A. o. Thomas, Maine commits
sioner of education, asserted that
when principals detail certain res
possibilities to the pupils it relieves
the principals of much of the de-
tail and gives them chance to
study the students themselves. He
said that he was glad that Maine
principals are taking this step which
gives students real responsibilities.
Conference Dinner
The conference dinner held at noon
at the Augusta House proved an en-
joyable and interesting occasion. The
principals were welcomed to the
city by Principal Everett V. Perkins
Of Cony high school and a fine pro-
gram of music was furnished by the
Cony high orchestra of Is pieces, Of
which Miss Gertrude Thorne, music
teacher, is the director. Brief ad-
dresses were also made by Principal
Shaw of Gorham, Supt. Woodbury.
of Skowhegan and Josiah w. Taylor
of the State department of educa-
ticn.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called
to order by Josiah w. Taylor, agent
for secondary education, State school
department, who presided.
Solving the problems of the small
Ter high schools" was the subject
treated by DR.. Emery N. Ferris, pro-
fessor of rural education at Cornell
University. Speaking of the program
Of studies, he said that every small
high school should have a program
broad enough to give every student
contact with every phase of life ac-
tivity, and that the idea is wrong
that ruarl high school should give
pupils only a perspective for rural
life. He discussed at some length
the curriculum needs in small high
schools.
First Year Qualifications
Principal Clarence w. Proctor, the
principal of Bangor high school and
chairman of the committee on the
study of the qualifications of first
year pupils, reported for that COM
mittee. The other members of the
Gorham and Carter of Rumford.
Principal Proctor brought up the
question whether it is worth while for
the principals to sponsor a movement
looking toward the testing Of all pu-
pills who are to come to the high
schools next fall.
A general discussion of high school
problems then followed.
Principals Association Meets
A meeting of the Association OF
Principals Of Secondary Schools Of the
State was held at o'clock in the
afternoon, Principal l.. c. Moulton of
Auburn presiding. At this session
there was a discussion of the report
of the committee Of the National Prin-
cipals' Association on interscholastfc
athletic contests for girls, this COM
mittee being strongly opposed to such
types Of athletic contests and strongly
recommending that ali State associa-
lions endorse this position.
The Maine association took no den-
mite action on the matter.
Reception by Gov. and Mrs. BreWstsr
A most enjoyable part Of the days
program was the reception rendered
to the visiting principals by Governor
and Mrs. Brewster at p. NJ. In the
Blame
ceived by Governor and Mrs. Brew
ster and Commissioner and Mrs.
Thomas The hostesses included Mrs.
Jessie C. Thompson and Mrs. Charles
E. Dustin of the executive department,
Mrs B. f. Packard. Mrs. J. w. Taylor,
Mrs. r. j. Libby, Mrs. F. w. Burrill,
Mrs. e. v. Perkins and Miss Florence
NJ Hale, agent for rural education,
State school department. Refresh
nents of punch and waters were serv-
ed by Miss Hale, Mrs. George Griflths
Miss Evelyn Wilson and Miss Louise
Stratton.
by Governor Brewster in
Evening
Secondary Education in Maine" was
the theme discussed by Governor
Ralph o. Brewster at the evening ses-
sion of the conference. Music was
furnished by the Cony High school or
chestra.
Governor Brewster discussed at
some length the constitutional amend
ment further restricting the appropri-
alton for private purposes of any por-
ton of public funds, which proposed
the Legislature has SUP
mitted to the people for their consid-
Grafton at the regular State election
to be held one year from next fall.
The amendment prohibits the grant |
of public funds to any institution of |
learning that is not entirely owned
and controlled by public authority, ex-
emption being made in behalf OF the |
of Maine.
1T is q matter of qualification that !
action ccn now be considered without |
regard to sectarian concern" he said. |
'No community" he continued, !
needs to lose any portion OF, the ed |
lcational service it now receives |
from private funds under existing |
provisions of the law and six years |
will be afforded for the transforma-
ion to be made. Meanwhile, every |
academy town that is now receiving |
grant of public funds can continue |
o receive these grants under exact |
Y the same conditions that all the |
,ther owns and cities Of the state |
low enjoy. The number of acad- |
,mies is negligible as compared with !
he number of high schools in our |
'taate. Five hundred towns and |
titles are interested in the equitable |
solution of the sectarian school pro- |
,lem in our state and intelligent !
of their position will |
'eveal inevitable The equity Of the |
proposal that Is now made"
Or. e. N. Ferris Speaks
Prof, Emery N. Ferris of Cornell |