Evening star., 1941-03-16
President of PIT. A. Stresses
Three Resolutions on BUDGET
Need of Mental Clinics, Education
COunselors and Aid for
Handicapped Is Cited
RY MRS. C.. ID. LOWE.


Board of Managers Of the District
Congress of Parents and Teachers
last Tuesday, are of more than pass
ing interest and should merit the
sympathetic support of every one in
terested in the proper education OF
our young people.
Paramount in Importance. to my
way of thinking, was that asking for
a restoration to the 1912 budget
bill of an item of $9,700 for the sup
port of mental hygiene clinic. This
amount had been written into the
bill when it was sent to the Comnis-
sioners for approval, but, unfortu-
nately, it was removed. Informed
school people, as well as practicing
psychiatrists of Washington, are
unanimous in their opinion that such
a clinic is a vital need In our school
system, believing it would aid in
solving many of the maladjustments
that occur. particularly in the lives
of teen age boys and girls.
Counselors Proposed.
The second was an Endorsement
of a resolution adopted by the Cor
don Junior High School Association
and is a request to the Bureau of the
Budget-and other interested Of
flcials-for funds sufficient to pro-
vide full time, qualified vocational
and educational counselors in our
public schools. The reason behind
this request is the fact that many
boys and girls approach the end OF
their junior high school period and
the beginning of their high school
work with a muddled understanding
of what subjects they should pursue
or what new courses they should
undertake.
1t is believed If qualified persons
were available for consultation with
these young people, many of the
otherwise unfortunate choices OF
studies would be avoided and the
puzzled students would be started on
a program which would yield much
in satisfaction and educational per-
fection. School officials have long
recognized the need for such ad-
visory service and are heartily in &C.
cord with the desire behind the re-
quest.
Aid for Physically Handicapped.
The third resolution asks for ar
appropriation of $4,000 in the 1941-:
school budget to provide for ade-
quate education of the physically
handicapped children in Washing
ton. Since November, 1888, 1,40(
handicapped children have reported
for home teaching and there is nc
reason to suppose that this number
will be decreased. Rather, the op-
posite may be expected. The SENSE
of the resolution was that this stated
amount be written into the new ap-
preparation bill, but that there also
should be made permanent budget
which would be progressively in
creased in amount as the need be.
came apparent.
Sometimes. I am afraid. in oul
zeal to help the victims of infantile
paralysis We forget the hundreds OF
boys and girls who are crippled just
as badly from other causes. These
boys and girls are almost always
capable of taking a normal educa-
ton. the difficulty heretofore being
a lack of proper instruction. For the
last several years this lack has beer
supplied by w. P. A funds and by
other Federal agencies. Now it i:
the consensus that this item in the
school budget should be made &
permanent thing, with an increase
in the amount appropriated as it i.
found necessary.
All of these resolutions should
have the active support of every
thinking citizen. and it is hoped thai
enough favorable comment will bt
evoked to insure their favorable
consideration.
Members of the Board of Man.
ayers will be hosts at tea for the
entire Parent-Teacher membership
on April from to 5 pm. at the
Grafton Hotel. General chairman
of the event Is Mrs. Edward r. Seal
with the following serving on vari-
GUS committees: Hostesses, Mrs
Evelyn Bright Buckley, with the
division representatives assisting
decorations, Mrs. Clinton Ward
Mrs. j. A. Smithson and Mrs
Thelma Richardson; refreshments
Mrs. Charles B. Sinclair and Mrs
Paul o. Gottwalls; table hostesses
Mrs. H. N. Stull, and identification
badges, Mrs B. NJ Eldred. Incl
dental music, Mrs. Andrew A
Stewart.
Central High School.
DR.. Harold S. Hand of the Uni
versity of Maryland will speak al
the meeting tomorrow evening on
The Parents Part in Fitting Extra
Curricula Activities Into Vacations
Tnis ManOene q student will rora