Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 71, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1915 — Mother is the Missing Link [ARTICLE]

Mother is the Missing Link

In our great educational chain in Indiana there is a “missing link." You are in a number of ways trying to bring home and school together, but as yet you have failed to use the right material. Our superintendents and teachers have high grade diplomas but sometimes when one w so cultured- it subdues all emotions. Therefore they lose their principal -means of control. When they substitute military discipline for love and kindness they cast aside the greatest powers in the world. The higher officials visit the common schools in the various districts once or possibly twice each year. Are there less than half a day. Compliment the teacher on the Bplendid order, tell the pupils how fortunate they are in having huch a desirable instructor, etc. They are not personally acquainted with the parents, pupils or teachers. They just know the reports duly signed are sent to them regularly and they are accepted as schools doing good work. The advisory board and directors db not go near. Not one of these officials nor teachers go to the parents for a heart-to-heart talk. And if a mother objects to some proceedings they are promptly shown they are out of place. So where there should be unity, there is a decided line drawn between home and school. One may call at the school, the teacher invites you, but try making a suggestion and you are not considered competent of having an opinion worthy of trial. Think of it! Patrons are entrusting their dearest possessions to the care of teachers for from 6% to 9 months of the year. Still they meet with resentment if they disapprove their management. However, all the above are doing just what they were hired to do, fulfilling their duty to the letter. But we mothers have cared for our little boys and girls for 6 years, watching them and protecting them as best we could. Now we are compelled to send them to school. They

are timid, things are all strange and new to our babies. They may be seated where their feet can’t touch the floor, making their little legs ache, or punished unjustly. The room may' be kept too cold or draft come directly on them or they are marched out*side regardless of the temperature. Or perhaps there is no well. When water is carried for from 26 to 36 children there is never a sufficient amount. When we hear the pathetic appeals it makes us frantic because wo are absolutely helpless. This winter my little 7-year-old boy froze two tiny toes and one ear while going to school in a “kid hack.” There was no heat or foot warmers and not a blanket for the children. It was 16 degrees below zero. We are expected to send them in it. There is no one to assist when wrapping up to ride the five miles home. Their lunch is set in the hall where it freezes and must be so eaten. The toilets are often positively filthy at country schools there is no one to look after them and the schoolhouse is never disinfected. Let some good loving mother tactfully inspect these things once a month and report conditions to the proper authorities and there would be a number of changes for the better that are sorely neglected though so important to harmony. Other parents and teachers would feel free to talk to her and all would work together for good. What do men know about children’s needs? Yet it is ours not to reason why. Now we beg for a right to see after the comforts of our babies. Make it lawful for the patrons of every district to elect or appoint a Mother as Inspector regardless of diplomas. One whom the people consider would exercise love and kindness and who is broad enough to include the teacher’s rights as well as the students. They should receive a nominal fee for time on duty. Give the Mothers a chance to help and you insert the Missing Link between Home and School.