Rio Vista High School - Netherland Yearbook (Rio Vista, CA)

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Miss Verdie Gordon, May 1, 1934. Rio Vista, California. Dear Miss Gordon: I was a little surprised when you asked me to make a short contribution for the present issue of THE NETHERLAND. Sur- prised first because I did not know that you could bring yourself to talk to any one unless compelled to do so: second I thought, that after having had algebra, plane geometry and English III in my classes, you had possibly heard enough from me. I was unable to get an expression from you as to the subject, and so I feel perfectly free as to the direction in which to go. If I could say something which would lead to improvements in the school, I should do it cheerfully. In visiting the classes from time to time the general impression has been left with me, that perhaps we are rather too strongly academicg I have felt, not infrequently, that we were giving too much emphasis to col- lege preparatory work. I do not forget, however, that in the be- ginning that was the single idea in organizing high schools. I am rather of the opinion that their legal existence stands on that idea. However, with the changes which time has brought, it is quite possible that other ideas and so other lines of work should receive more consideration. Every day I meet young men and young women who have gone out from this school. In many cases it is a matter of some pride to me, to note the ease with which they have fitted them- selves into the life of the community-taken a definite place and become self-supporting, self-respecting, law-abiding citizens. Not infrequently, however, I meet one who is just going around and around, and not getting anywhere. And I have frequently won- dered whether the school might not have given some other lines of work so that all might be ready to take up, and prosecute suc- cessfully some line of work. In the last few years we have had a regular nightmare on the conservation of natural resources. And I have wondered, not in- frequently whether a proper evaluation had been made of the boys and girls in high school-for in the last analysis they con- stitute the only natural resource that is actually worth conserv- mg. In outlining work for school the financial side is important if not uppermost. It costs more to give proper instruction in mat- ters of food, clothing, health and housing than it does in algebra or English. It is quite possible that instruction on the intemal combustion engine in its various forms and applications would give a fuller return than instruction in ancient history: but it costs more. Expansion along the line of commercial work seems to be the one change that can be made at a minimum outlay. The work done by those who have actually taken that work in school seems to justify a movement in that direction. Sincerely, J. S. DENTON, Principal. 4459 1' '1 X ,If pri? 57.7