Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-22

kept, at the direction of the principal,
at a virtually profitless level If re-
turns from these cafeterias show size
able earnings, prices are cut. Where
the cafeteriaS are providing free lunches
to needy pupils however. the profits
are permitted to stand to cover that
cost In some instances. Kramer added
pupils work out" their meals by per-
forming tasks in the cafeterias, though
these energetic youngsters are not
always ''in need"
Elementary Problem.
In the elementary schools, DR. Bal
LOUIS statement asserts. the problem is
more difficult through the lack Of lunch
rooms.
Funds for feeding the elementary
SCHOOL, children" the statement con-
tinues ARE being furnished from the
surplus accumulated in the milk fund
established for all pupils by parent
teacher associations and by contribu-
tons from teachers and officers.
Parent-teacher associations have very
generously and eficiently promoted the
program of milk and cracker lunches
for all pupils. The Board of Education
has suggested that the District Of CO.
lumbia Congress of Parents and Teach
ers give special attention to the situa-
ton as it now exists and encourage and
assist the local organizations in meeting
this present situation.
Officers of that association have in
dicated Whole-hearted cooperation
with school officials in the solution OF
this problem. 1t is believed that the
sources of financial support that have
heretofore been used and such other
financial assistance as may be readily
secured will be adequate to meet the
present situation. One of the problems
that 1t appears to be desirable TO under
take to solve at once Is proper dis
tribution of this financial burden more
generally among parent-teacher asSocia-
lions and the members of the teaching
profession than is now being done.
U. S. Aid Unnecessary.
Mrs Joseph N Saunders, president
of the District Columbia Congress OF
Parents and Teachers, said last night
that the survey apparently indicated
that the problem of providing luncheons
for needy public school children Is not
too great for any thoroughly local
agency or group of agencies which
might undertake the task She added
that in her opinion Congressional ap-
preparation for the relief would be I'M
necessary as well as inadviSable.
Il don't see why with the figures
indicating as low percentage OF needy
children of those contained in DR..
Ballou's report, we cannot meet all
needs confronting us Mrs. Saunders
/ said. 1T seems to me We of our own
! community ought to be able to relieve
/ the situation where the needs are
! found. but We should remember that
| the extent of the need for relief prob
! ably is an emergency condition requir-
] irg temporary relief, and not a perma-
1 nent condition. l fail to see where
| Congressional appropriations would be
necessary"
Quick Action Planned.
Mrs. Saunders. however, declared that
methods must be evolved by which any
| kind of relief might be assembled and
administered For this purpose she and
| other members of the District Columbia
| Congress of Parents and Teachers will
meet with school officers at the earliest
convenience of both parties. She
stressed the fact that Congress is
anxious TO cooperate to the fullest ex-
tent with DR. Ballou and his staff, and
expressed regret over the difficulties and
differences of opinion which apparently
have arisen between the congress anc
Dr. Bailou and Mrs Giles Scott Rafter
former president of the parent teacher
central body. With DIR. Ballou in at
tendance all this week at the annua
convention of the Departments q
Superintendent of the National Educa.
ton Association at Detroit, the frs
conference probably will be held with
Stephen e. Kramer, first assistant
superintendent, who has remained or
duty as acting superintendent.