Catahoula Elementary Handbook
1970-71 Catahoula Elementary Student-Parent Handbook
CATAHOULA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ROUTE 2, BOX 298-C
ST. MARTINVILLE, LOUISIANA
STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK
1970-71 SESSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
History of the Catahoula School…….1
School Calendar……………………..3
School Staff………………………….4
Curriculum……………….………….5
Library Rules………………..……….5
Bell Schedule…………………..…….6
Arriving and Leaving School…….….6
Closed Campus…………………..….6
Attendance and Absence…………….8
Candy Bars, Bets, Toys, Transistors….9
Bus Rules…………………………….9
Bicycles………………………..…….10
Personal Appearance…………….….11
Student Conduct…………………....14
Textbooks……………………...……15
Care & Respect of Property…………16
Marked Clothing…………………...16
Cafeteria…………………………….17
Recess Play Areas…………..……….18
Off Limits……………..…………….19
Assemblies…………………………..19
Use of the Telephone…………….….20
Fire Drills……………………..…….20
Health Services………………….….20
Insurance…………………………….21
School Pictures………….……….….21
Field Trips………………………..….21
Visitors…………………………..….22
School Activities…………………….22
4-H Club...…………………..….22
School Newspaper……………….22
Charity Fund Drive……………...22
Parties………………………...….23
Parent - Teacher Conferences…….….23
Parent Involvement……………….….24
Special Service Personnel……….…...24
For Parents Only……………...….….25
Catahoula Elementary School
FOREWORD
The Catahoula Elementary School program is directed toward giving the children of the community the advantage of the best possible preparation toward living successful lives. Our most powerful ally toward the attainment of this objective is a well informed, loyal, and cooperative group of students and parents. Parents and students will find here much information that should be helpful to them in answering many of the questions that occur to them from time to time regarding the school and the school policy.
HISTORY OF CATAHOULA SCHOOL
The Catahoula Lake School opened at its present site on September 19, 1936. Hugh Daspit, as principal, along with five other teachers taught grades one through seven. The six room structure was of cement blocks but without modern conveniences.
In 1940 the wooden gym of the St . Martinville High School was moved to Catahoula. The building was converted into a gym-auditorium with two classrooms to the rear. The same year a butane gas system was obtained to replace the kerosene fuel. Drinking fountains were also installed but this caused a water shortage. The School Board Installed a deep water well system to solve this problem.
In 1944 Catahoula Cove School grades 1, 2, and 3 were transferred to Catahoula Lake. This increased the enrollment considerably.
In 1946 two classrooms and indoor rest rooms were added to the sides of the six room cement block building.
In 1939 surplus commodities were furnished by the Federal and State Government. This was the beginning of a “Lunch Room” at school. Prior to this children brought their lunch or went home to eat.
In 1942 Mr. Hugh Daspit was called to the Armed Services. Mrs. Lloyd Boulet replaced him as principal during the war years.
In 1947 the present cafeteria with all modern conveniences was constructed. The student enrollment at the beginning of world War II (1942) was about 160 pupils. This increased to about 260 after the War and in 1947 an 8th grade section was added to the school. In 1965 the library building which houses the library, speech therapy room and teachers’ lounge was completed and the services of a part-time librarian were obtained. In 1969 the school obtained a full time librarian.
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Mr. Daspit retired in 1966 with about 45 years of service to public education and as principal of Catahoula School. He was replaced by Clifford Durand, Jr.
In 1967 the Benoit School Cafeteria was moved to Catahoula to be used as a book and storage room. In 1968 the parish started its kindergarten program and this building was remodeled for the kindergarten class. The enrollment then jumped to about 316.
A metal building was also constructed near the kindergarten building to provide for classroom space for the schools increasing enrollment. In 1968 a full time secretary was obtained for the school.
The educational standards raised gradually with the times when the school began 95% of the children spoke only French. Today about 85% speak only English. Some of Catahoula’s pupils have graduated with honors in the colleges of Law, Education and Home Economics.
The school has grown steadily over the years and presently has an enrollment of about 330 pupils served by 14 full time teachers and six other employees.
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SCHOOL STAFF 1970 - 71
Principal—Mr. Clifford Durand, Jr.
Librarian—Miss Florence Fournet
Kindergarten—Miss Paula Dewailly
Grade 1A—Mrs. Margaret Bienvenu
Grade 1B—Mrs. Vivian Thomas
Grade 2A—Mrs. Celine Dautreuil
Grade 2B—Mrs. Emma Pugh
Grade 3A—Mrs. Aglas Dutile
Grade 3B—Mrs. Lilla Mae Stovall
Grade 4—Miss Nina Maraist
Grade 5—Mrs. Mary Baxter
Grade 6—Mrs. Estelle Labbe
Grade 7—Mrs. Madeline Bernard
Grade 8—Miss Darlene Doiron
Speech Therapist—Mr. John Dupuis
Music Teachers—Mrs. Joyce Menard, Miss Gale Lormand
Secretary—Mrs. Jean R. Lasseigne
Custodian—Mr. William "Nick" Latiolais
Janitress—Mrs. Beatrice Clawson
Cafeteria Workers—Mrs. Bronislawa Johnson, Manager, Mrs. Margie Latiolais, Mrs. Bernice Blanchard
Bus Driver—Mr. Olden Blanchard
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CURRICULUM
Kindergarten is a period of growth, development and discovery. It is a period of change from home environment to school environment.
In the primary grades mathematics and the language arts—reading, writing, language and spelling are stressed. Social studies, science and physical education are introduced by drawing on the child's experiences and language associations.
In fourth, fifth and sixth grades, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science are the major subjects. Music, art, and physical education are included as enrichment programs.
The curriculum of the seventh and eighth grades include five major subjects—English, reading, social studies, mathematics, and science. The Junior high program is enriched with French, homemaking, industrial arts, music, physical education and writing.
LIBRARY RULES
The Catahoula Library is well equipped with many books, records, filmstrips and aids. It is opened every day from 8:00 A.M. to 3:25 P.M. and will remain open after school if requested.
Pupils are required to observe library rules and regulations. These include:
1. Entering and leaving the library quietly.
2. Sitting properly at the library table.
3. Avoiding needless talking.
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BELL SCHEDULE
8:30 AM Beginning of school
10:10 AM Morning Recess Bell
10:20 AM End of recess
12:00 Noon Bell
12:35 PM Begin afternoon classes
3:15 PM Dismissal
Arriving and Leaving School
First and second graders are dismissed at 3:00 P.M. and their parents should make arrangements for them to get home immediately.
Local students should not come to school earlier than 8:00 A.M. and preferably 8:15 A.M. because the teachers do not come to school until about 8:10 A.M.
All local students must leave school immediately after the dismissal bell unless requested by the principal or teacher to stay after school.
CLOSED CAMPUS
The St. Martin Parish School Board adopted a resolution on Wednesday, November 4, 1970 declaring that all school campuses are to be closed as of January 4, 1971. This simply means that students will not be allowed to leave the campus until the classes are dismissed for that day. Some of the information which is submitted below specifies exactly what the resolution implies:
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1. Once a student reports to the campus in the morning, he is not to leave until school is dismissed at the end of the school day. The only exception to this regulation is a student who has been granted permission by the school administrator to leave the campus.
2. School children who ride the bus are to report directly to school and may not leave the campus during any part of the day—unless permission has been granted by the administrator.
3. Students who have a dental or medical appointment may leave the campus, if the parent (s) have made such a request to the principal in writing. (dental or medical appointment slip is adequate)
4. Please be reminded that students are not to be allowed to leave the campus to run errands.
5. A student may be allowed to leave the campus if the activity he is engaged in is directly related to his school work (example—field trip)
6. Parents are allowed to pick up their children at anytime during the school day.
7. Children are not to be allowed to go home for lunch even though they live close to school - unless the parent or guardian picks the child up in the principal’s office. An exception may be made if a child has a medical request.
A student leaving Catahoula school with permission must sign out on the Student Sign-Out Register in the principal’s office. Students leaving school without permission can be suspended from school.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE
Normally there are 180 school days a year and in order to get the most out of school a child should attend every day. Listed below are a few school regulations about attendance and absence.
1. A student is considered tardy or late when he reports to school after the bell has rung. If a pupil is tardy three times, this is considered a whole day's absence.
2. Any student coming to school after 10:30 A.M. or leaving before 2:15 P.M. will be counted as absent for one half day.
3. If a student leaves school any time during the school day (8:30-3:15) for more than one hour for a reason that is not school sponsored, he is considered absent for one-half day.
4. Students missing more than 15 days of school during any 6 week period will not receive report card grades for that period.
5. Parents should notify the teacher or principal when a student is absent.
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6. Pupils are allowed to miss school only if they are sick, if there is the death of a relative or close friend, or if there is severe illness of a member of immediate family. Students missing for other reasons will receive an unexcused absence and will not be allowed to make up their work. State law states that no student can miss school to work.
7. The principal must report to the school board office the names of any students that are missing a lot of school.
8.State law requires that children cannot quit school until they are 16 years old.
CANDY—PETS—TOYS—TRANSISTORS
Pupils are not permitted to bring candy, gum, soft drinks, toys, hard balls, and pets to school unless given permission by the teacher and principal.
Pupils are not permitted to chew gum, indulge in alcoholic beverages, or smoke at school.
Pupils can bring their own transistor radios, tape recorders, musical instruments and other gadgets only when they are needed
for some planned school activity and with the prior permission of the teacher and principal.
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BUS RULES
I. Be at the assigned place ready to board the bus at the time the driver has assigned.
II. Occupy the seat assigned by the bus driver.
III. Stay off roadway while waiting for the bus.
IV. The bus must come to a complete stop before a pupil gets on it, or leaving one’s seat when getting off.
V. Never ride with arms or head out of the window.
VI. Remain seated while bus is in motion.
VII. Cross the roadway after being discharged. Cross in front of the bus not the rear.
VIII. Keep the inside of the bus neat and clean.
IX. The bus driver and the principal are responsible for the discipline of the students.
X. Pupils who ride the bus in the morning must ride the bus in the afternoon. Special permission not to ride in the afternoon can be granted if a signed permission slip is presented to the principal.
XI. Students must obey and be courteous to the driver.
XII. No objects must be thrown from the windows.
BICYCLES
Students are permitted to come to school on bicycles and other safely constructed bleycles. They must practice safety rules at all times. Bicycles are parked in a designated area near the front entrance of school. During the vacation days and afternoons when students are watching football practice, bicycles can be parked inside the school ground to the left of the back entrance gate. At no time are students to ride bicycles on the covered walks around school. Horses and other such animals are not permitted on the school ground. Automobiles and trucks must stay on the driveway and are not permitted to drive on the campus grounds without a good reason.
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PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Good grooming and appropriate and decent dress are conducive to the proper atmosphere for learning. This also enhances the reputation of the individual student and the school. The following rules are minimum standards and are meant to help the students reach the ideal. They were drawn up by a committee of students, teachers and administrators and approved by the parish school board.
GIRLS
(Grooming)
Grades K-12
Girls’ grooming and hair style should be appropriate for school wear. Extreme hairdo’s and make-up should be avoided. Hair rolled up in pin curls or curlers is considered inappropriate school grooming.
(Dress)
Grades K - 6
Girls are permitted to wear maxi-dresses, midi-dresses, conventional dresses, Bermuda shorts, slacks, scooter-skirts and cullotes. Pants-like attire listed above should be designed for girls. All shirt sleeves and pants must be hemmed.
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Grades 7-12
Girls are permitted to wear maxi-dresses, midi-dresses, conventional dresses, pant-dresses and pant-suits. A pant-suit is a coordinated outfit. It includes the pants and coat, tunic or vest with a blouse. The coat, tunic or vest must extend to mid-thigh and be square cut. Slacks, jeans, shorts, string vests, sweat shirts and short sweaters are not pant-suits therefore not acceptable. A pant-dress is a garment which has a skirt or skirt flap in front and back and resembles a dress. Cullotes and scooter skirts are not pant-dresses, therefore not acceptable.
Excessively short or tight-fitting garments are not considered appropriate attire. Head gear and sun glasses (except prescription-type) should not be worn inside the building. All dress apparell must be hemmed. Clothing with slogans or badges, handwritten or otherwise, are not permitted. BOYS
BOYS
(Grooming)
Grades K-6
Hair should be neat, well-groomed and of reasonable length.
Grades 7-9
Hair should be neat, well-groomed and of reasonable length. Hair lengths that are over the collar or covering the ears are not acceptable. Afro styles are acceptable provided that are neat and of reasonable length. Side-burns, neatly trimmed to the bottom of the ear lobes, are permitted. Faces must be clean shaven.
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Grades 10-12
Hair should be neat, well-groomed and of reasonable length. Hair lengths that are over the collar or covering the ears are not acceptable. Afro styles are acceptable provided they are neat and of reasonable length. Neatly trimmed side-burns to the bottom of the ear lobes are permitted. Neatly trimmed mustaches which do not extend beyond or below the top 11p are permitted, otherwise, students should have clean shaven faces. Goatees of any type are not permissible.
(Dress)
Grades K-6
Neat, clean clothes of an appropriate style must be worn. Belts should be worn with trousers that are designed for belts. Short pants or Bermuda shorts are permissible. Students are encouraged to wear shoes. All shirt sleeves and pants must be hemmed.
Grades 7-12
Neat, clean clothes of an appropriate style must be worn. Belts should be worn with trousers that are designed for belts. Shirts designed to be worn inside must be worn inside the trousers. Shirts shall be buttoned. Tee shirts designed to be worn as an undershirt are not permitted. Sleeveless or cut- away shirts are not permitted. Shoes and socks must be worn. Ravelled trousers or shirts will not be permitted. Clothing with slogans or badges, handwritten or otherwise, are not permitted. Head gear and sun glasses (except prescription-type) should not be worn inside the building.
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STUDENT CONDUCT
Students attending school should behave in an orderly and proper manner.
Students are expected:
1. to show respect to teachers, the principal, the superintendent, and all employees of the school board and to tell the truth in all dealings with them.
2. to use good clean language at all times.
3. to treat each other with respect and in such a way as not to cause harm or injury to another student.
4. to show pride in their school by helping to keep the buildings and all school property neat and clean.
5. to bring to school only things necessary for school work. All other Items, especially those which may be dangerous or harmful to others, should be left at home.
6. to play only authorized games on the school grounds. Students should not engage in any activity that is harmful to another person. Only balls are allowed to be thrown and only in certain play areas.
7. to remain on the school grounds or in the classroom unless permission 1s given to leave.
8. to attend school regularly and to arrive on time.
Students are also expected to behave properly and orderly when going to and from school. Students are expected to:
1. behave properly on the bus and take pride in keeping the bus clean and neat.
2. take pride in their community and help keep the streets and roadside neat when going to and from school.
3. Students old enough to walk alone or ride bikes are expected to observe all traffic and safety regulations.
Any student not conducting himself in the above manner is subject to disciplinary action and possible suspension or even expulsion from school.
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TEXTBOOKS
State textbooks are issued to students at no charge. These textbooks are expensive and are on loan to students for their use. The students and their families are responsible for the books and if they are carelessly damaged must be paid for before any books can be issued to the family the following year. Listed below are some rules for pupils in care of books:
1. See that your name is written in ink on the label on each cover, and that no other marks appear on the pages or the covers of your books.
2. Keep the corners and edges of the pages clean and straight.
3. Keep your books in good order at school and at home.
4. Learn and practice the good citizenship code.
Good Citizenship Code!
I pledge myself to obey the good citizenship book code.
The Law of Respect: I will respect and take care of the property of the school.
The Law of Order: I will keep my books in good order at school and at home. I will arrange my books neatly in my desk.
The Law of Cleanliness: I will keep my books clean outside and inside. I will not mark them with pen or pencil. I will not spoil their pages with finger prints.
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The Law of Honesty: I will guard my books as a trust from school. I will return in good condition to my teacher the books which the school lends me. I will replace or pay for those books that I lose or damage wilfully or unreasonably.
The Law of Right Dealing: I will keep my books fit for those to use who come after me as I expect those who come before me to keep their books fit for me to use.
CARE AND RESPECT OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students should take pride in their school by taking care of the equipment that they use daily. This includes their desks, classroom equipment, busses, physical education equipment, textbooks, library books, and a l l aids. Any equipment purposely or carelessly damaged will be paid for by the student. Any student damaging school buildings and writing on them can be suspended from school. Since the school is the place in which the student spends 6 or 7 hours of his day, the looks of the grounds is a reflection of the way the students act. The students should use the school litter barrels and conduct clean-up drives. No student is to climb over the fence, reach under it, or climb on top of a building or covered walk unless he is supervised by a teacher or adult school worker.
MARKED CLOTHING
All removable clothing should be clearly marked with the child’s full name. It is especially important for Kindergarten children as well as P. E. students to mark all clothing. Articles that are found are sent to the office and it would be very help- ful 1f they were marked - These articles that are not claimed are kept one year and then disposed of.
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CAFETERIA
Our school cafeteria plays an important part in meeting the nutritional needs of all students. The children are encouraged to take part in this program. School Board closed campus policy states that children are not allowed to go home for lunch even though they liveclose to school— unless the parent or guardian picks the child up in the principal’s office. An exception may be made if a child has a doctor’s request. Lunches are served daily in the school cafeteria for 15¢ a day. This may either be paid by the day, the week, or the month. Payment by week or month is preferred. Any parent unable to pay for child's lunch should contact the principal so that application can be made for the free lunch program.
There are rules to be followed while in the cafeteria so that all students may enjoy their lunch. Some of these are:
A. Walk in the cafeteria in an orderly way.
B. Carry food to tables carefully so as not to spill food on the floor.
C. Sit properly at the table.
D. Do not talk too loudly.
E. Carry all empty milk bottles and plates and place them in the proper containers.
F. Pick up all straws, napkins and bottle caps.
G. Children may get a second serving if they wish more food by asking the cafeteria manager. Additional milk can be bought.
H. Pupils in the lunchroom are responsible to the teacher on duty in the lunchroom.
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OFF LIMITS
Behind the gym and kindergarten building is off-limits to pupils. They must also keep away from the filter bed. Pupils can go into the janitor's workshop, the workroom, and the aids room only if the secretary or teacher supervises them. Children are permitted to play on the school grounds after school and on weekends, but only on the back campus and must stay away from the buildings and front campus. No one is allowed on the school grounds from sunset to sunrise every day.
ASSEMBLIES
General assemblies are usually held on the third day following the end of each period of school. At this assembly the Honor Roll for the period is announced. This is usually accompanied by a short program—either entertaining or educational, or both.
Parents are welcome to the assemblies which begin about 2:30 o'clock and end at 3:15.
All school children are expected to observe the following “Standards of Behavior” in assemblies:
a. Respect to performers.
b. Respect to special guests.
c. Respect to other students.
d. Be good listeners.
e. Talking or booing is not good manners.
f. Whistling as a means of applause is not proper indoors.
g. Clap at the right time.
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USE OF TELEPHONE
Telephones are in the school offices and may be used by students in case of emergencies. Permission must be obtained from the principal, secretary, or a teacher before using the telephone. Parents are asked to call students only in case of emergency during school hours.
FIRE DRILLS
Fire drills are held regularly at unannounced periods throughout the year. These drills are to instruct children in proper behavior and self-control in times of emergency. Parents should impress their children with the importance of cooperating in these drills.
HEALTH SERVICES
The school keeps a health record of each child from the time he enters kindergarten—a record of his growth from year to year, the communicable diseases he has had, vaccinations and inoculations against communicable diseases, and any other pertinent information concerning his health.
The visiting nurse from the Parish Instructional Center in Breaux Bridge comes to school periodically to check pupils with health problems. The pupils with problems are referred to her by the teacher of the child concerned. She gives advice to the pupils, and if necessary to the parents.
The St. Martin Parish Public Health Unit does its utmost to keep school children in good health. It takes care of the immunization of children and also of the children referred to the Crippled Children’s Clinic. Students becoming ill at school are sent to the sick room where they receive attention if their illness is not serious. If a child seems to be seriously ill, the parents are contacted.
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INSURANCE
Accident insurance is available to all students. Rates are economical and claims are, as a rule, handled promptly. Coverage usually begins in October and is effective for one year. Information concerning the policy is sent to parents before the announced collection date.
SCHOOL PICTURES
School pictures are valuable but inexpensive souvenirs of memory. They are made by a reputable company and are usually taken once a year. The school usually has a first sale of individual pictures at the beginning of the year and a second sale of class pictures at the end of the year. Arrangements are always made to offer this service to preschool children also. Picture taking is voluntary. The school receives some profit from picture taking and this money is used to buy supplementary aids and materials.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are valuable educational experiences. Classes are permitted to go on these trips when supervised by their teachers. Children must have written parental permission. Students are required to follow rules and regulations.
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VISITORS
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to visit the classroom. All visitors must first go to the office and obtain permission from the principal before visiting any teacher or classroom.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
1. 4-H Clubs
There are two 4-H Clubs—The 5th-6th Club and the 7th-8th Club. Membership is on a voluntary basis. The club members are excused from class to meet once a month. An exhibit day is held once a year at which time club members display projects they have worked on and completed during the year. The Club members sell seeds during the year to pay their dues.
2. The School Newspaper
The school published a school newspaper four times a year The purpose of the paper is to help keep the students and their parents informed about school activities and happenings. The students in all grade levels from first through eighth learn to write articles about their class and express themselves through short stories and poems. Students in the upper grades are taught to collect and edit articles and how to plan and lay out a paper.
3. Charity Fund Drives
The St. Martin Parish School Board permits its schools to have only one drive for charity per year for such organizations as Tuberculosis, Heart, Cancer, Crippled Children, Boy Scouts, and Red Cross.
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The Catahoula school drive is usually held before Christmas and lasts for one week. In the classroom the teachers and students talk about the charities and how they help others. They talk about the charities and how they help others. They talk about the "good feeling" and satisfaction of giving. They bring in their pennies, nickels, quarters daily. The student leaders keep chart graphs on the daily progress of each class and on how close the school is to reaching its set goal of money.
4. Parties
Parties are permitted in individual class rooms for Halloween, Christmas and Easter for the last half hour or so of the school day. The pupils look forward to these parties as ther day approaches for the friendship and many treats they will share.
PARENT—TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents are welcome to come to talk to teachers. If they can't come, send a note in a sealed envelope or write a letter addressed directly to the teacher. We would like for conferences to be scheduled if possible. This will allow teachers to work the conferences into their schedule. We would like to know at least one week in advance, but in case of things which parents feel cannot wait, do not hesitate to come to school immediately.
Parents and Students: please do not wait until the 5th week of the six weeks period to schedule a conference concerning problems such as discipline or grades. Two or three weeks after the first six weeks is a good time.
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Try not to schedule conferences until three weeks have gone by at the beginning of school. The reason is that many problems can be “ironed out” between students and teacher during the first month. If a parent sees a problem is arising, try to consult with the teacher before losing your temper. A quiet, calm conference with both parties in a good mood will make better conferences and teacher-parent relations.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents can play an important part in the operation of their school. At all times we do need volunteer help at school in the office, library, kindergarten, classroom, and as teacher replacements. At the beginning of each year a survey of our parents is made to find out who would have time to help at school for a morning or an afternoon or a few hours for sometimes as little as only once a month. One need not have any special qualifications as the tasks are easy to learn.
SPECIAL SERVICE PERSONNEL
There are several professional people that visit Catahoula School regularly to assist with the education of the children. A parish guidance counselor comes once weekly to assist some students that are having school problems. He also assists the school in the distribution, administration, and evaluation of achievement and mental ability tests. The St. Martin Parish Diagnostic and Evaluation Team consists of a team of four or five specialists that help children that may have serious problems. They give recommendations to the parents and teachers which may help to solve or eliminate the problem. The parish school nurse visits school every two weeks to help pupils with their health problems.
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She also tests the children’s eyes and ears. The public health purse also visits school during the year and helps the children get the proper shots they need to remain healthy.One or two specially trained music teachers visit our school once a week to help the students and teachers with their music program.
The art coordinator comes by about once a month to help with the school's art program. A parishPhysical Education Coordinator comes to school often to work with t h e students and teachers and to administer physical fitness testing at the beginning and end of the school year. Special Language Arts and Math Teachers, coordinators and superyisors and other administrative personnel visit our school occasionally and help out in these respective areas. The Instructional and Media Center in Breaux Bridge is the source of many services for students and education personnel in St. Martin Parish.The S. Martin Parish Bookmobile comes to school once monthly and students can check out books on a voluntary basis. There are many other services provided to the children of St. Martin Parish by private individuals, the School Board, and other public agencies.
FOR PARENTS ONLY
Personal Habits are Important. Every year some children enter school without having received proper toilet training. This is cruelly embarrassing for them. The little ones should know how to tie their shoes and how to dress themselves for outdoors. They may detest overshoes and gloves, but they can be taught to wear them, just as they can be taught to eat vegetables and meat.
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Study Habits Start Before School
The school can teach a child how to tie his shoes 1f he doesn't learn at home. But i f the home has not taught him a sense o fresponsibility and the meaning of discipline, his school work Is certain to suffer - all his school work, for eight or twelve years.
Quiet is an important study habit that should be learned at home. I know it is difficult to quiet a houseful of small children, but periods of quiet are necessary—not only for mother to maintain her sanity, but for the youngsters to develop the sense of calmness and the habit of reflection which are necessary for any serious effort t study and homework. The greatest enemy of quiet i most homes is the television set. It is a wonderful gadget, but you cannot expect children, particularly preschool children, to know when they've had enough.
Make sure your set is turned off for lengthy periods during the day. A child from a home in which the television set is constantly blaring can't sit down for even five minutes to think for himself. You must realize that your four, five, and six year old sons and daughters are not old enough to acquire a taste for quiet unless you help them. Leave it to the youngsters, and they will have the TV or the record player running from morning till night. This is bound to leave some mark on their personalities.
Obedience Must Come From Home
Teachers can't do their jobs properly if they have to spend most of their time acting as policemen. Obedience to direction 1s something a childshould learnyearsbefore he starts school. As his parents, you will of course supervise the development of this habit as your youngster grows older and faces new problems. Obedience cannot be learned well at school if it has not been first learned at home. It gives a security every child craves no one is more frustrated than the child who has his own way constantly.
Responsibility Can Be Taught. School difficulties encountered by some older children often go back to the parents’ failure in developing this important trait.
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You give your child a sense of responsibility when you give him a job to do and see that he does it. It doesn't make much difference what the job is—helping mother wash the dishes or hanging his clothes on the proper hook—as long as he understands that he has a continuing responsibility todo it. The habit is taught over weeks and months, as the child earns that performance is expected, and that shirking will not be tolerated.
Teach your child that he has an obligation to perform certain tasks and that he will be held responsible for them, you will be giving him an essential study habit that will benefit him through his school career and for the rest of his life.No basic characteristic is more lacking in today’s youngsters than this sense of responsibility.
Because they haven’t been taught at home that they era responsible for a given piece of work, they see no particular urgency about schoolwork. this training is hard on the parents who see their children as young and tender and lovable. It’s hard to enforce demands on them, teachers can’t possibly serve your child properly unless you prepare the child to receive what the school has to offer.
Open-mindedness is Contagious
Your child will pick up many of your prejudices unless you are careful. You may remark to a friend, “Janie’s having trouble with her arithmetic again, but I can’t say that I blame her. Figures were always hard for m too.” And Janie, who has heard you say this will feel perfectly justified with her poor performance in arithmetic.Your child is a completely different person, endowed with different gifts. Yet he will inheritsome of the mental roadblocks if you allow yourself to talk him into it.
Don’t Put Too Much Emphasis on Grades
It’s simply not warranted. A mother once stopped a teacher after a meeting and said, “Now Jane isn't going to get another ‘F’ on her report card, is she?” Her tone clearly indicated that if the teacher were considering such a mark, she had better reconsider it. Yet why shouldn’t Jane get an “F” if her work merits it? Why is she in the arithmetic class—to learn arithmetic, or to get marks on her report card that will please her parents?
“I hope Bart can get some higher marks by the end of the year,” another woman commented. Both of his brothers got higher marks, and it just won't do for him to keep coming home with those low grades.” How much more constructive was the attitude of this mother, who said:
“Anne got-a ‘low’ mark in spelling on her report card”; and then asked the teacher, “Where do you think I can help her?” It iswhat the child learns that is important—not the grades that he makes.
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Discipline
School discipline is a necessity if one wants his child to learn. We saw that training in character traits must begin long before the child is old enough to enter first grade. Since the teacher represents the parent i the classroom, there has to be a genuine unity of purpose and practice between the parent and the teacher. Otherwise, a child will be torn between two authorities. The resulting confusion will make it difficult, if not impossible, for him to learn.
No school, no teacher is perfect. But, is any home, any parent? Parents hake mistakes, and it is likely that at some time in your child’s school career you will unwittingly do something at home that will undo some of the work the teacher has been accomplishing at school. How would you feel if the teacher came to see you and complained about it? How would you feel if she told you in front of your child, how you were falling down on the job? It would be hard to imagine a more damaging scene for an impressionable child. Yet this same sort of thing happens—in reverse—all too frequently today.
