University of Southern Mississippi - Southerner Yearbook (Hattiesburg, MS)

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- Qurnl Eggivnr MEL RHINE SIMPSON COUNTY in ,um nr T has been said that, cleanliness is next to Godlinessf' But judging from the hygienic and sanitary conditions of many of our schools, an outsider might say that this is not true of Mississippi. This is because hygiene has not been proper- ly taught. It has not been made practical. Very little constructive work along this line has been done. We all know the devitalizing effect of hookworm on childreng how it prevents children from maturing, and deprives them of the energy, enthusiasm, and joys of life to which they are justly entitled. Hookworm has been tolerated in our State chiefly because of ignorance and prejudice. Therefore, the problem is, how to get people that have hookworm, to take the treatment. This necessitates knowledge on the parent's part plus his co-operation with the teacher and the health authorities. In dealing with parents the teacher will find that there are three general classes: those who know every thing and can be told nothing: those who do not know but are willing to learn, and those who do know but don't care. Happily, the first and third classes are greatly in the minority and the best way to deal with them is to let them alone. It is with the second class with whom we have principally to deal. The solution of this problem means skilled and sympathetic work on the part of the teacher. It is done by patient and persistent showing. Tactfully com- pare people who have hookworm and those who have never had hookworm, those who formerly had hookworm, but have been treated. Compare the doctor's bills, the farm work done, and the health and disposition of the children. Finally show that the cure is free and has very little trouble and pain attached to it. Do not theorize and look wise. Of course there are many abstacles to be overcome. One is that two classes of parents mentioned above will try to hinder and annoy you. Another is that some of the second class are prejudiced against hookworm treatment for some reason, probably because owing to some external circumstances the treatment did not pro- duce the expected effect. Finally, there is a feeling of false modesty which prevents a sensible view of the question. The iirst two require a great deal of individual judgment and plain, every day common sense. The last requires the same thing and more of it. It is not a disgrace to have hookworm, but it is a disgraceful sin to continue a victim and carrier of it. This is not a laughable matter, but a serious, practical question. It has affected the past, is affecting the present, and will affect the future. Therefore, let every teacher plan and organize his work toward ridding Mississippi of this pest. Our future citizenship demands it. MEL RHINE.

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Tlhr iiarvnt-Elearheru' Aaanriaiinn in the illural Glummunitg ALMA RAE coPlAH COUNTY' H E N we consider the aims, and the purpose it accomplishes, there can be no doubt but that a Parent-Teachers' Association is a good thing in the Rural Community. Such clubs have received the endorsement of prominent edu- cators all over the country. Charles A. McMurry says: The purpose of the National Congress of Mothers to bring parents and school into closer relations is so important and so essential to our social well-being at the present time that we cannot overesti- mate it. The schools are suffering from lack of strong moral support from the homes. Success in club work is like success in any other line. It should have its plans made out before beginning the work. The reason clubs or associations do not accomplish as much as they should is because they have no definite purpose. The purposes of the Association are: to study the childg to bring into closer relation the home, the school and the community so that parents and teachers may co-operate intelligently in the education of the child: to raise the standard of home life, and to arouse the whole community to a sense of its duty and responsibility to the child. Among other values to be derived from the association are the following: gives chance for co-operation by means of exchanging information, thoughts, and carrying out of plan suggested, encourages group spirit, works for good of communityg gives opportunity for teacher and parent to know each other better: and gives the teacher a knowledge of the child's home environment, which enables her to help him more. The best place to meet is in the school building. Notice of the meeting may be sent the parents, and announced from the pulpit. If local talent of a musical or literary order may be secured and announced in connection with the opening meeting, it adds to the probability of a large attendance. When meeting is called to order a temporary chairman is appointed, officers are elected, and committees are appointed. The duty of one committee being to prepare a constitution and by-laws, to report at next meeting. Phe association should meet not less than once a month. At the meetings topics of vital importance pertaining to children and child life should be dis- cussed. In these discussions the parents and health officer should be called upon to take an active part. Clf further information is desired, it may be had by writing to the State President, Mrs. J. B. Lawrence, Jackson, Miss.J A report, however small, should be sent to the county paper, so the public will know what the association is doing. The size of club is not always measured by the number of people in it. A few of the right kind may be a great dynamic force. ALMA REA.

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ll - y An iilrmrnt nf Surrraz EVELYN SCOTT COPIAH COUNTY HE yellow spotted cat thought that she was the only inhabitant of those hills as she noiselessly leapped the water from the stream that flowed among the straggling pines. A great big brown dog suddenly made his appearance. The little cat felt her insignificance as she stood before the rough creature that had dominated for years. Her first impulse was to flee and the dog was ready to pursue her, when all at once she assumed confidence and looked at him squarely. The dog recognized and admired her pluckg the little cat stood her ground. Faith in one's self, like faith in one's God, faith in one's friend, faith in one's purpose, grows by exercise. It is obtained by assuming it and it strengthens every time it is put into practice. Whether this self reliance is to grow from the tiny mustard seed to the large tree depends upon theindividual. The rural school teacher that does efficient work must use much self confidence for it is the thing that makes affective his scholarship and professional training. What is the ambitious young Normal student going to do when he goes into the country school? He is very well versed on the theory of education and his mind is filled with ideals of what the school should do for the child. The first thing to confront him is a school room poorly ventilated and lighted and an inadequate equip- ment, and unorganized course of study. He at once recognizes his opportunities and starts to execute a half dozen plans. In talking to the patrons about his plan he finds that some of them are indifferent to progress while others deliberately oppose it, at the end of two weeks the school room has not changed its appearance very much and the course of study, if changed, does not seem well adapted to the pupils because they do not take a great interest in it. It is the neighborhood gossip that the new teaceer is not satisfied with the school and is trying to make it over. No encouragement comes to the teacher from any source. He thinks about the lack of appreciation and the opposition he is experiencing. If he were to do the Way his unprogressive predecessors did it would mean less toil on his part and it would please the patrons. What is this young teacher going to do? Shall he be overpowered by the old dog of custom and yield to fright or shall he in reassurance stand firm by his purpose and plans for better rural life? EVE LYN SCOTT.