Milford chronicle., 1932-01-08
PARENT-TEACHER
ASSOCIATIONS

Reports received from local Par
ent-Teacher Association publicity
chairmen during the month of De-
cember indicate a general interest
in the subject of proper selection of
toys and their place in the childs
development. Eleven out of every
twelve associations in touch with
the State office used the material on
this subject suggested by the State
Program Committee. Lists of toys
suitable for the different age levels,
from birth to twelve years and Ov-
er, were furnished to all affiliated
associations. These lists compiled
by experts for the American Associ-
alton of University Women, were
used to guide program cnairmen in
the selection of toys for exhibition.
The most interesting program re-
ported for the month was planned
by Mrs. George B. Potter for the
Harrington Association. of which
Mrs. William Reed is president. Lo-
cal merchants generously loaned
their toys, which were attractively
displayed on the stage decorated
with Christmas trees. Instead of the
lecture" or informal discussion
method, used by most associations,
Mrs. Potter varied the program with
an original playlet, in which girls
from to II years of age, demon
strated the suitability of various
toys and play materials. Mrs. r. w.
Sapp discussed and demonstrated
Suitable Toys for Children From
Three to Eight Years" Charles G.
Murray talked about Sports for
Boys and Girls over Twelve" Music
by an adul quartet and such appro-
pirate piano solos as: Wedding of
the Painted DOLL" March of the
Wooden Soldiers" and christmas
Ring Dance" were features of the
meeting.
A number of associations empha-
sized in their exhibits home made |
toys and the possibilities in mex
pensive play materials. Perhaps the |
most unusual "hOme made" object |
exhibited was the Napoleonic coach |
which won first prize in the State |
in the Fisher Body Contest. This |
was displayed at the Lewes meet |
ing, NJ C. Vaughn, president, by |
John Cannon, who explained the de-
tails of its construction. /
The increased satisfaction found |
in music is shown by the number of
musical programs prepared for the
Christmas meetings. In the special |
districts, glee club and orchestra
numbers were directed by the music
teachers. For associations without
special music teachers, the presen-
tatiOn of: "Why the Chimes Ring,
christmas Eve" "Santa's Toys
Come to Life" and the use Of MOh-
ler records and toy band instru-
ments, show the influence OF the
State Department of Music, Glenn
GildersleeVe, director.
At many meetings Christmas
presents made during the school art
period were exhibited. Frequently
the Parent-Teacher Association Of
fered to provide transportation to
Rotary Club Christmas Theatre Par
ties for the less fortunate children.
Carol singing, holly, Christmas
trees, treats" and even the pres
ence of Santa himself, added fes-
tive note to the toy exhibits.
Parent Teacher Associations
throughout Delaware at their De-
cember meetings went on record in
favor of various measures ranging
all the way from general welfare
and health work to the provision of
books and victrOla records. Sympa-
thetic parents, convinced Of needs
hold card parties, sell refreshments,
give entertainments, resort TO all ]
the old devices, to raise money that
their children may enjoy swings,
modern work tables, etc. This is
evident outside the Spe- :
cial Districts.
Diphtheria prevention was discus
sed at Mt. Pleasant, Milford Cross
Roads, Oak Grove, Elsmere and
YOrklyn. At Seaford the danger in {
the common Gold" was discussed.
Oak GrOve-Elsmere, +. Ray Phil
lips, president, is continuing the
welfare work done last year. Some {
are fed in the school cafe c
Leria. Funds raised at parties are
used for needy families of the COM v
Fl
At Laurel seventy-fve children "a
we're served a turkey dinner, made
possible by contributions of the tea S
,hers to welfare work. The local II
ROtarians assumed responsibility d
or the transportation of the chill o
lren. The Laurel Colored Parent
Teacher Association, Mrs. ArZie
Stewart. president, has made over
n repaired more than sixty gar A
nents. Some of these are already n
Deing used by needy children. The
,olOred association at Milford, Mrs. II
ella f. Ross, president, is under
aking similar work. In
The Dover Parent-Teacher Asso- NJ
iation, Rev. M. S. Andrews, presi- M
lent, has already raised more than
l40 for the Nutrition Fund This q
Droject, started last year, to furnish Il,
milk to undernOurished children, q
attended its field to care for needy
hildren to whom a hot breakfast in
nd lunch are served.