Evening star., 1942-12-27
P.-T. A. Leader Sees
Busy Year Ahead
For D. {. Members
Proise Given Citizens
For Cooperation
In War Effort
BY MRS. p. c. ELLETT,

BY MRS. P. c. ELLETT.
President. District OF Columbia Congress
of Parents and Teachers.
We are at the close of one of the
most momentous years in the history
of the world 1t is difficult to under
stand all that is happening.
But of one thing we are certain:
We have all learned, the hard way
what the word preparedness means
and what it will continue to mean
for many years to come. l venture
to say that not one member Of the
Parent Teacher Association wanted
war: none of us was eager to have
our young men removed. practically
over night, from their ordinary
peaceful pursuits, and enrolled in
the college Of war. But when cir
cumstances. over which we had no
control, suddenly plunged us into a
situation where self-preservation be-
came the paramount issue, there was
not one of us who would shirk a
fight to the finish as it were.
Citizens Praised.
AS the old year prepares to close
its books and balance its accounts,
I believe it will find that the majority
of Americans have been found far
from wanting. As we read the
record. I believe we shall discover
that the average American citizen
has done the very best he knew how
IN this emergency, and If he has
sinned, it has been of omission and
not commission.
1t is not easy to uproot an estab-
lished. orderly way Of living without
some readjustment OF the machinery
that makes such routine possible.
But these readjustments are being
made every day, and 1t is unusual
to find any one who is selfishly
thinking Of his or her own personal
discomforts; rather, each is &C
cepting cheerfully the needful
changes, and greeting with a smile
any suggestion of further relocation.
This new year of 1943 brings with
it the greatest challenge we have
ever faced It reaches into every
nook and Granny of our lives, re-
gardless of how far-removed we may
have thought we were from the real
impact Of total war. This coming
year will provide the real test of our
courage. of our will to do, OF our
unselfishness. 1t will be no year for
weaklings, for shirkers. or for the
privilege seekers. But it will be a
year that shall broaden our horizons.
deepen our thinking, strengthen our
hearts.
Children's Welfare Stressed.
Parent-teacher people will 60 for
ward, l am sure. with serene con-
fidence in the worthiness of their
undertaking. They will know that
the welfare of children is of primary
Importance. and they will continue
to work as they have in that past,
for the preservation OF our homes
and the maintenance of our family
life. And they will also know that
If they do these tasks well, they will
be making the greatest contribution
possible to the continued greatness
OF our own United States.
So may We greet this new year
with courageous hearts, and with an
unfaltering belief in the ultimate
triumph Of our Christian way of
life, knowing that complete and de-
cisive victory shall come to our great
armies, and that each day but brings
that great day closer.
Kenilworth.
The Executive Board will meet
January at pm. to be followed
by meeting of the association when
Policeman Pilkerton will speak on
Safeguarding Children in War
time" A movie will also be shown
Brookland- Noyes.
Mrs. r. w. Keys and Mrs. William
Spates, membership chairmen, have
reported a 100 per cent teacher and
over . 100 per cent parent enroll
ment In both schools
Mrs. G. Danials. student aid chair
man, reports that all clothing sent
to the schools on bundle day was
mended by members of the associa-
ton prior to sending 1t to student
aid headquarters. .-
The association is sponsoring the
sale of War amps in both schools
each Wednesday morning.
Addison Curtis Hyde.
At the December meeting the
parents and teachers were enter
tanned with a Christmas program
given by the children of the Addison
School
John Burroughs.
Mrs. w. F. Cones, chairman, Is
making plans for q stocking shower
for benefit of student aid work, to
be held In January.
The Executive Committee Will
meet January 7 at 1:30 pm.
Open houso viii be obeerved from