Maple Avenue Evening High School - Progress Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Day Classes lnaugurated fEclitorialD N recommendation of Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Dorsey, seconded by Arthur Gould, Supervisor of High Schools and W. S. Kienholz, Director of Vocational Education, the Los Angeles Board of Education on Thursday, May 3, made an order appointing Sadie C. Atherton, who has been principal of this Maple Avenue Evening School ever since it was first organized, to the position of Co-ordinator in a trade extension division of the vocational department of the school system. This, in effect, creates a new department in local school activities and the -action was taken only after strong and repeated representations and petitions had been received from large and representative employers and groups of both employers and craftsmen in the industries, who View with alarm a condition that is fast becoming, in their opinion, a menace to the growth and prosperity of the community,-namely, the ever-increasing scarcity of fully trained mechanics and artisans and the lack of any ade- quate system of apprenticeship by which to replace the veteran mechanics who are naturally dropping out of the ranks from time to time. Since its inauguration six years ago, the Maple Avenue Evening School has been conducting work along trade extension lines. Although being but an evening school and consequently limited in scope, the work here has at- tracted attention and apparently proved beneficial as practically all of those Who have petitioned for a trade extension division withday classes, point- ed to the work here as being of the right. kind and an exemplification of what might .be accomplished on a larger scale with properlyorganized day classes. . . W Indeed for many months past, yes, years, .employersof the city have made inquiries of this school and requests for ,day classes. . In -recent months these requests became of so frequent occurence and were of so urgent a nature that it was decided to lay the whole matter before the properofficials of the school administration. r i Page ,Twentysseven

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Mrs. DOTSG37 EI1CiOI'SeS WOFiQ NOTE: When the Student Body announced the decision to get out an Annual the members were greatly pleased and encouraged to receive the following letter of commendation and approval from the Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Susan M. Dorsey: The Letter: OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS h February 1, 1923. Committee on Publication Maple Avenue Evening School Annual, Los Angeles, California. Dear Friends: p You are to be congratulated upon your plans for issuing another An- nual setting forth the aim and accomplishments of the Maple Avenue Even- ing High School, especially in view of the merit of your former publication. Fine work is being done by principal, teachers and students. Long since this school passed the experimental stage. Your vocational Work is varied and excellent while the opportunities offered for improvement in English and the Fine Arts are increasing with each year. It must be a source of real satisfaction to all who have watched the school from the beginning to note the lengthening list of those Who have profited by its instruction and have become its loyal supporters. ' This phase of adult public education, through which the man on the job is helped to do his Work better and the woman who desires to improve herself in an occupational or academic Way has an opportunity for such betterment, is looming larger each year. It promises Well for the future of society and the state that increasing numbers of men and Women in school and out of school are recognizing that education is not a thing ac- complished in youth, but is a progressive and continuous process. ' ' Very truly yours, p Susan M. Dorsey, Superintendent. Page Twenty-six

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These requests came, not only from employers and groups of employers but from groups of workers and mechanics also. A hearing was held on the proposition by the board of education on April 23rd. when letters were presented from many of the large indust- ries and representative men, some of whom appeared in person, petition- ing that a trade extension department be inaugurated. Following this meeting an investigation was made which verified the representations ofthe petitioners and showed a widespread demand for the work. Therefore, at the following meeting of the Board, the resolution was passed creating the department and appointing Mrs. Atherton Supervisor. It will be the duties of Mrs. Atherton to make a thorough survey of the field and organize classes in such of the trades and industries as are most in need of them. To these classes the younger workers will come a certain number of hours each week under full pay of the employer and receive supplemental training in their chosen trade. Such industries as the Tile and Marble dealers, Plumbers, Brick Masons, Manufacturing Jewelers and Plasterers have been for several months past, endeavoring to work out a plan of training along these lines and some of them have a considerable number lined up who are ready to begin attendance as soon as classes are started. Negotiations are under way, to procure a vacant lot adjoining the premises at present occupied by this school upon which to erect a building for some of the classes. The men interested in the brick industry-manufacturers, contractors and journeymen-have offered to furnish the necessary brick and erect the building and the plumbers have offered to furnish and install the necessary plumbing. The Building Material Dealers Protective Association has also signified a willingness to supply material. A complete description of trade extension work in the school will be found in other columns of this publication. It is rather a new departure and will be watched with interest. Thorough cooperation is the greatest essential and it will be necessary for both employer and worker to give the fullest possible cooperation. The faculty and students of the Maple Avenue High School are much pleased with the recognition and honor shown Mrs. Atherton and also with the approval bestowed upon the work of this school. Page Twenty-eight