Evening star., 1939-05-18
400 at Banquet
Hear Dr.. Bahou
Praise P.-T. A. Work
Skits Take Place of
Speeches on Program;
Mrs. Lowe Elected

School officials are coming to
realize more and more the value of
the city's Parent-Teacher Associa-
tions. This compliment was given
by DR.. Frank w. Ballou, superin-
tendent of schools, at the annual
banquet of the District of Columbia
Congress of Parents and Teachers
held last night at the Mayf1ower
Hotel. Approximately 400 persons
were present.
After praising the work Of the
associations in creating understand
ing of school problems on the part
of parents, and vice versa, DR.. Ballou
pledged himself to support fully
the associations in their projects.
Mrs Emil Smith was dinner chair
man and toastmistress at the ban
quet. Held in lighter vein than in
years past, the dinner was featured
by skits and music rather than by
speechmaking.
One skit, "Confidentially-Off the
Record" was written by Mrs. Ed
ward R. Seal, publicity chairman
for the congress, and directed by
Mrs. Smith. The other, "A la
Carte" was presented by the Bu-
chanan PIT. A. The Mothersingers,
q group of singers made up of
members, and stringed trio from
the faculty of the National Insti-
tute of Music provided music for
the occasion.
Resolutions Approved.
At the final business session yes
terday the congress unanimously
approved resolutions indorsing the
Board of Managers action in op-
posing establishment of a race
track in the District; supporting the
Senate bill prohibiting compulsory
motion picture block booking and
blind selling, and urging strict en-
forcement of the law prohibiting
granting of liquor licenses to estab-
lishments within 400 feet of public
school property and places of wor-
ship.
Other resolutions adopted we're:
Support of an autonomous board
of education for the District, urging
more health education in schools,
support of child welfare and the
public schools, including education
of the nature of alcohol and mar
cotics and their effect; opposition
to gambling in the District; in
dorsement of the Board of Man.
ayers action in opposing repeal of
law; recommendation for granting
of sick leave to teachers; and in
dorsement of wholesome radio pro-
grams for children that do not dis
turb intellectual poise, or interfere
with sleep, study or health"
Mrs. c. D. Lowe was elected presi-
dent of the congress, succeeding
Mrs. Walter B. Fry. Other officers
elected were Mrs. P. c. Ellet. first
vice president; Mrs. j. Darlington
Denit, third vice president; Mrs.
Evelyn Bright Buckley, fifth vice
president, and Mrs. w. N. Streeter,
seventh vice president.
Panel Discussion Held.
Miss Myrtle Moore, retiring sew
enth vice president, led panel dis
cussion on Guiding Environment in
q Democracy" at the morning meet
ing. Work of their particular fields
in training for democracy was ex-
planned by Mrs. Charles H. Pierce,
for the home; Dr. P. Paul Schearrer,
the church; Assistant Supt. G. w.
Holmes, for the schools; Miss Dor
othy Davidson, D. c. Girl Scouts;
E. A. Drumm, Y. M. c. A; Miss
Esther Dudley, Child Adjustment
Bureau, and Mrs. L. w. Hardy of
the Community Center Department.
Mrs. Richard J. Purcell, sixth vice
president, presided.
Mrs. George A. Lingebach pre-
sented honor roll certificates to P,
T. A. groups from two high schools,
five junior high schools and 38 ele-
mentary schools, and parent-te teacher
scrolls were awarded to 13 groups bv
Mrs. M. B. Root. Mrs E. J. Bowling,
fourth vice president, presided dur
ing the presentations.
Registrations for the two-day
conclave totaled 631 delegates and
Al board members, as reported by
Mrs. Gene Starr, general chairman
of the convention. Mrs. Arthur c.
Watkins conducted the installation
of officers at the close of the meet
ing, and the resolutions were read
by Mrs. Joseph N. Saunders, char
man of that committee.
Flowers were given to Mrs. Lowe,
newly elected president, and to Mis-.
E. R. Seal, publicity chairman, In
recognition of her efforts as the con-
gress' delegate to the national con-
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