North Carolina Public School Bulletin

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VOLUME IV *%? December, 1939

NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOL BULLETIN

Issued by the State Department of Public Instruction Raleigh, North Carolina North Carolina Public School Bulletin

IN THIS ISSUE Page

Superintendent's • Letter . . . 3 Editorial Comment 3 Notes and Announcements 4 National Essay Contest 4 North Carolina Mineral Collection 4 More Radio Programs 4 1939-40 Directory Available 4 Material on Brazil .4 American Legion Oratorical Contest ...... 4 Nautical School Commission 4 Council Against Intolerance In America .... 4 Counties Having Special Legislation Permitting the Issuance of Bonds by Districts 4 New Booklets for Adult Education 4

Among Departmental Members . 5 N. E. A. Questionaire 5 N. C. E. A. District Meetings 5 1939-40 High School Debate 5 Surplus Foods 5 F. F. A. Chapter Makes Progress 5 Another "Know Your School" Leaflet 5

Suggestions for Improving Safety Instruction . . 8 North Caroliniana—Some Native N. C. Writers ... 6 State Museum Circular—Classification of Birds ... 6 Book Column 7 Laws, Rulings and Opinions 7 From the Office—High School Forums 8 Education for Economic Efficiency 8

From the Field—Music in the Durham City Schools . . 8

This Month's Calendar We Point With Pride This Month's Quotation

2—Monroe Doctrine presented to Congress, 1823 Let every hall have boughs of green, To The— 17—First airplane flight of With berries glowing in between; Wright brothers. Kitty DURHAM CITY SCHOOLS In the week when Christmas comes, Hawk, N. C, 1903. Let every doorstep have a song for their Sounding the dark streets along, 18—First North Carolina Consti- In the week when Christmas comes. tution ratified, 1776. Splendid Music Program 21—Winter begins. Eleanor Farjeon 25—Christmas. 29—Andrew Johnson born, 1808, Raleigh, N. C. North Carolina Public School Bulletin

North Carolina STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA Public School Bulletin SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION RALEIGH

December 1, 1939 To Superintendent, Principals and Teachers: Published monthly A copy a Resolution the last General Assembly, "A Joint Resolution except June, July and August of of to Provide for Giving Instruction in Safety Education in Schools," was included by the in the November issue of this publication. This Resolution is one of the many ways in which the public is expressing State Department of Public Instruction an interest in the development education. Public interest Raleigh, North Carolina of programs of safety in safety education, however, instead of being a condemnation of what the schools are doing, is on the contrary an expression of the feeling that the schools can and do influence habits of safe conduct. The steady decline in the accident Clyde A. Erwin, State Superintendent rate for the elementary age group throughout the nation is evidence of the of Public Instruction results that can be achieved. In order to keep this accident rate low among the children of the State and L. H. Jobe, Director Division to bring it even lower than it now is, the schools must be forever on the alert. of Publications, Editor They must assume a share of the responsibility for accidents among school

age children; and to assume this responsibility , they should at every opportunity point out the dangers that exist in the everyday lives of the children themselves. There are many ways by ivhich this teaching habits may be performed. Entered as second-class matter No- of safety A few suggestions of this kind are presented elsewhere in this Bulletin. vember 22, 1939, at the post office at / hope that all teachers will become "safety conscious" to the end that no Raleigh, North Carolina, under the Act life will be sacrificed for the lack of adequate safety knowledge and habits. of August 24, 1912. Very truly yours,

Vol. IV December, 1939 No. 4

All material herein is released to the press upon receipt. State Superintendent of Public Instruction

best, but rather to guide the stu- umn for this month some sug- dent in fact-finding trials and ef- gestions concerning a "Discus- Editorial Comment forts of expression. This high sion group" program in the high school forum offers a tremendous schools are presented. This state- Discussion Groups opportunity for teaching the ment was prepared by Mr. A. B. child to think, to form opinions Combs, who will be glad to assist During the past few years and to defend his decisions about any principal in the organization many communities have provided everyday problems. of a high school forum. programs for public discussion Certainly there is no dearth of Your "Word Diet" groups. These programs have questions for discussion. United Guest Editorial been very valuable in aiding States Commissioner of Educa- Everyone has his pet words or adults arrive at their opinions on tion, John W. Studebaker, pre- phrases, but do people have to the questions of the day. It has sents the question: "What Pol- overwork those poor unexpres- been the purpose of such discus- icy Should Our American Democ- sive, everyday ones such as cute, sions to bring all the facts and racy Pursue in a War-Torn precious, darling, sweet, and knowledge about a particular World?" We note in The Spot- silly ? Why not go on a diet with subject together and to discuss light, Oxford Orphanage High these words and use them in very the problems involved in the School publication, that student limited amounts? broadest sense with a view of opinion is presented on the ques- Probably when they were first shaping a final opinion or conclu- tion: "Should the United States coined, these words may have sion based on serious study and Join England and France to had some expression, but at the discussion rather than upon pas- 'Whip' Germany." These are present everyone is just "driving sion and prejudice. nation-wide subjects, but in a few them into the ground" with over- High school groups are not years high school boys and girls use. Try using such synonyms too young to begin this sort of will be adults living in a nation as clever, shrewd, daring, spark- undertaking, especially when the shaped by the actions of men and ling, animated, vivacious, snappy, program is carried out under the women today. To have some lit- or witless, simple, shallow, smug, guidance of a competent teacher tle part in the destiny of this na- and see how they pep up conver- or principal. It is not the duty of tion is the opportunity provided sation and give you a "pictures- the leader to dictate which opin- by a vital discussion program. que personality." — High Life, ion on a given topic is right or In our "From the Office" col- Greensboro. North Carolina Public School Bulletin

history that lies behind the happenings Counties Having Special Legislation of today. This program is Notes and presented Permitting the Issuance of by the NBC Red Network every Fri- Bonds by Districts Announcements day 10:30 to 10:45 P. M. Reprints of each talk may be secured by sending The following is a complete list of 10c in coin to the Columbia University units having special legislation per- Press, National Essay Contest New York City. mitting the issuance of bonds by local A $1,000 cash prize will be won by 1939-40 Directory Available school districts: some high school student in the United Year County Chapter Page The Educational Directory for 1939- States for doing the best research and 1935 Cleveland 559 502 40 has come from the press and a copy writing, from 500 to 1,000 words, un- Amendments to Cleveland County has been sent to each superintendent der the subject of "The Benefits of Act: of the State. Others may secure a copy, Democracy." Principals and teachers 1937 Gates G41 593 if needed, from the Division of Pub- 1937 Pitt 388 362 are requested to inform their students lications, State Department of Public 1937 Alamance 536 504 about this opportunity, and if this es- 1937 Burke 583 544 Instruction, Raleigh, North Carolina. say can be scheduled as a class assign- 1937 Franklin 601 564 1937 Cleveland 220 211 ment, to make such arrangement in the Material on Brazil (This Act validated bonds of city of Shelby current semester's program. voted un der Chapter 559, P. L. L. 1935.) Superintendent Erwin has received The $1,000 is the first award in the from the Brazilian Representation New laws, similar to Chapter 559 1939-40 National Essay Contest spon- of the New York World's Fair a supply (P. L. L. 1935), but not amendments sored by the Ladies Auxiliary to the of literature regarding the agricul- to it: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U. 1937 Buncombe 279 266 tural, social and cultural life of that S. Other prizes in this fifth annual 1939 Iredell 336 321 country. Teachers may secure copies 1939 Randolph 535 592 competition are $500, second award; of these folders and pamphlets for a 1939 Yadkin 522 577 $250, third; $100, fourth; ten consola- 1937 Southern Pines, Moore County unit of study on Brazil upon request tion awards of $10, and ten more of (Ch. 552, p. 484, P. L. L.) (Dis- to the State Department of Public In- trict authorized to vote bonds, but $5. struction, Raleigh, North Carolina. new district not authorized.) A folder containing complete infor- 1937 Valdese, Burke County (same as mation about this essay contest may American Legion Oratorial Contest Southern Pines, Chapter 551, P. be obtained from the State chairman, 518.) The rules and regulations govern- Miss Lillian Wagoner, Greensboro. ing the Third Annual National High New Booklets for Adult Education North Carolina Mineral Collection School Oratorical Contest have been announced by the American Legion. Six booklets for adult students and A collection of 42 small, representa- All arrangements for the State Con- teachers have recently been issued by tive mineral specimens found in North test are left to the Department Com- the State Superintendent of Public In- Carolina, mounted permanently on a mittee. The winner in the State struction. These booklets were devel- card, 8%"xll", may be obtained from contest must be certified to the National oped by Mrs. Elizabeth C. Morriss Biljimcrafts, P. O. Box 456, Cherry- Americanism Commission not later and four members of her staff: Mrs. ville, North Carolina at $1.50 per col- than April 1940. leaflet J. M. Day, Mrs. Marie Mutart, Stella lection. The collection includes a print- 5, A concerning this contest may be procured from Barton, and Mildred Moore, the latter ed leaflet describing the specimens pre- The American Legion, Indianapolis, having drawn the illustrations. sented as to mineral and common Indiana. Highway Safety is the subject of names, general uses and occurence by Snecific announcement governing the State Contest will be two of the booklets. These safety book- counties in the State. The collection made lets were developed after a check with has been later. approved by the Division of the Highway Safety Division revealed Instructional Service as optional ma- Nautical School that more than 3,000 automobile driv- terial for the public Commission schools of the ers in the State have drivers' licenses State. In compliance with Chapter 311, signed with the X-mark of illiteracy. Public Laws of 1939, the Governor re- More Radio Programs Book I of this series has 20 lessons on cently appointed the following to a Highway Sions, while Book II has 20 The following NBC Radio Programs commission "To investigate the advis- lessons on The Driver Studies His are worth calling to the attention of ability and feasability of establishing Test. A third booklet, The Driver teachers and principals: in the State of North Carolina a nau- Takes His Test has been mimeo- (1) Pilgrimage in Poetry. This tical school for the purpose of in- graphed. series of broadcasts, under the direc- structing the students in the science The two 20-lesson pamphlets of the tion of Ted Malone, NBC poetry com- and practice of navigation, seaman- home series are Our Howe and Our mentator, are given every Sunday af- ship, steam and electrical engineer- Home, Our Family, Our Friends. As ternoon at 1:00 P. M. from October 15 ing": Senator S. B. Frink of South- with the safety series, these booklets to May 26. In each broadcast Mr. port, Representative Roy Davis of start with beginners and gradually ad- Malone will take his listeners into the Manteo, Fred R. Seeley of Morehead vance to third group level. actual surroundings of the famous poet City, R. O. Johnson of Wilmington, A Guide Book for Teachers of Adult by giving the dramatic incidents of the and Prof. H. A. Fisher of State Col- Elementary Students was developed poet's life connected with the home. An lege. Dean John W. Harrelson of for new teachers and for volunteer "itinerary of this pilgrimage" may be State College and Superintendent teachers. Quoting the foreword: "The procured from the Educational Division Clyde A. Erwin were named on the need for such a book is definite. In the of the NBC, Radio City, N. Y. Commission by the law. WPA Education Program there are, (2) The Human Side of Literature. of necessity, many new teachers be- Mr. Edward Weeks, editor of the At- Council Against Intolerance in America cause of the relief emphasis in this lantic Monthly, assisted by a noted Superintendent Clyde A. Erwin is work. In State-Aid. the large number guest each week, conducts this pro- calling attention to a recent publica- of new teachers is due to the fact that gram. It is given over the Blue Net- tion, "An American Answer to Intol- the program is a new one." Ten Read- work every Tuesday 9:30 to 10:00 P. erance," published by the Council ing Lessons for Adult Students con- M. Mr. Weeks tells the inside story of Against Intolerance in America. This tains reprints from each of the first how books are written and what it is is a teachers' manual for use in junior booklets of the two series and from like to live with an author. A leaflet and senior high schools. A copy of this the Guide book. giving a list of these programs may Manual is being sent by the Council Both WPA and State-Aid teachers be procured from the National Broad- to each of the county and city superin- are now using these booklets with their casting Company. tendents. High school teachers will adult groups. These teachers report (3) The Story Behind the Head- find this Manual helpful for use in that they are delighted with their con- lines. This is a series of talks by Cesar classes in the Social Studies and Eng- tent and make-up. They say that on Saerchinger, author and editor, on the lish. completing one of the pamphlets their North Carolina Public School Bulletin

students are thrilled to "have read up sized at each meeting. There is gratify- Surplus Foods ing evidence of genuine interest in this a whole book." The attention of superintendents is distinctively professional topic. Many called to offers of frep foods from the departmental programs have centered Among Departmental Members Commodities Distribution Division of around this question of Evaluation. the State Board of Charities and Pub- Dr. J. Henry Highsmith and Mr. T. Many of the discussions were of a high lic Welfare to enable schools to fur- E. Browne are cooperating with the order showing not only intelligent in- nish free lunches to school children. Bureau of Educational Research and terest, but a high degree of ability. The Division is prepared to furnish Service of the University, Chapel Hill, "In addition to local and State speak- commodities to feed 150,000 pupils, in making a survey of the Leaksville ers two features have been provided whereas to date applications have been Township schools. This survey is to for each of the District Meetings. Dr. approved to allow fewer than 50,000 be completed by January 1, 1940. Elbert K. Fretwell of Teachers Col- needy, undernourished children to get underwent Dr. N. C. Newbold, who lege, Columbia University, has con- free lunches in county and city schools. at Duke University Hos- an operation ducted a panel discussion on student All undernourished children, it is returned to pital some weeks ago, has activities, the discussion being carried learned, regardless of the relief status his office. on by high school students represent- of other families, are eligible for free Mr. S. Marion Justice, Vocational ing the schools in the various districts. lunches. These free foods are made Information and Guidance Adviser, This was something of an innovation, available to the schools on condition and Miss Julia Wetherington of the but the interest manifested on the part that no charge is to be made for lunches Instructional Service Division are as- of superintendents, principals and prepared in whole or in part through sisting the teachers of Vance County teachers amply confirms the provision the use of surplus commodities. A re- in a program of Guidance which in- made for this feature of the program. quest for information about surplus cludes the cooperative work of every Mr. Charles E. Griffith, Music Editor, commodities for school lunch use should teacher in every school for every pupil. New York City, appeared on a general be addressed to A. E. Langston, State At the invitation of Secretary of session program at each District Meet- Board of Charities and Welfare, Ral- State Cordell Hull, Mrs. Elizabeth ing discussing the Evaluation of the eigh, N. C. Morriss attended a conference in Music Program in our Schools. He not F. F. A. Chapter Makes Progress Washington, November 14-15, on inter- only evaluated the music but contri- American relations in the field of edu- buted to the pleasure of all present by During the past year the Young Tar cation. playing on the violin in a masterly Heel Farmer Branch of Future Farm- way. He gave instructions, inspiration Dr. James E. Hillman was reelected ers of America, increased seven in the and enjoyment. secretary-treasurer of the North Caro- total number of local chapters over last lina College Conference, which met at "One of the outstanding features of year and had 697 more active members. Greensboro on October 24-25. all of the District Meetings was the There are now 302 Future Farmer chapters with 68 thrift banks whose At the biennial session of the North meeting of representatives of the N. deposits totaled $14,533.28 on January Carolina Library Association held at C. E. A. local units at a conference 1, 1938. The total amount actually Southern Pines on October 26-28, Mrs. Thursday night and Friday morning in- vested in farming by active members Mary Peacock Douglas was elected pre- preceding the general session. These as of the same date was $92,962.52. sident for the ensuing biennium. conferences were held by Secretary Jule B. Warren and Mrs. Ruth Vick There were 252 chapters engaged in organized effort for financing chapter N. E. A. Questionnaire Everett, Field Representative. These conferences have been significant from activities, 126 chapters engaged in or- the National Early in November the standpoint of intelligent interest ganized conservation work with 3,780 sent out a ques- Education Association on the part of the local unit represen- Young Tar Heel Farmers participat- of securing tionnaire for the purpose tatives and have significance for the ing. education in information about rural Association from the standpoint of or- The Young Tar Heel Farmer Assoc- requested the United States. It was ganizations set up within the district iation has 3,982 active members hold- not later that the report be returned for the promotion of worthwhile acti- ing the Greenhand degree, 6,313 Fu- Although it is now than November 20. vities in the local unit. Matters of vital ture Farmers and 57 members were suggested by Su- past that date, it is concern to the Association are being awarded the Carolina Farmer Degree, that those who perintendent Erwin undertaken in these local unit organi- the highest award given by the State it please do so at have not returned zations. There is evidence of a definite Association, at the State Convention. the study be- once. The usefulness of degree of unity in our work. There are two summer camps for ing made by the National Association Young Tar Heel Farmers—one at served depends upon how complete the re- "The District Meetings have White Lake in Bladen County where promotion of turns are made. a splendid purpose in the approximately 2,354 boys attended the aims and objectives of the N. C. this past summer and the Tom Browne District Meetings N. C. E. A. E. A." Camp in the mountains of Western The six District Meetings of the North Carolina near Barnardsville North Carolina Education Association 1939-40 High School Debate which had 188 present last summer. have been held this fall at Asheville, A Collegiate chapter with 105 active Federal Govern- Charlotte, High Point, Raleigh, Wilson "Resolved, That the members has been organized at State and Lumberton. The District Presi- ment Should Own and Operate the Rail- College. which will be dis- dents with county and city superin- roads" is the query the high schools Another "Know Your School" Leaflet tendents, elementary and high school cussed this year by in the High School principals, and teachers, cooperated in holding membership The sixth in the series of KNOW This question is to the preparation of the programs pre- Debating Union. YOUR SCHOOL pamphlets prepared the high school debat- sented. be discussed by by the U. S. Office of Education has ing leagues of approximately thirty- According to J. Henry Highsmith, just been issued. The present publi- five States. President of the Association, "the at- cation, Know Your Modern Element- tendance at these meetings has been The Extension Division of the Uni- ary School, covers the "factors that most gratifying. The attendance has versity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, condition the smooth functioning of organization, en- been so large at some of the meetings sponsors the contest in North Caro- the school" such as that the question of rearranging the lina. A Debate Handbook containing vironment, curriculum, discussion, and districts so as to make accommodations the rules and regulations governing a list of references. who com- for all teachers who attend has been this contest and some general material Miss Helen Mackintosh leaflet formerly an ele- ra's ed. and references on the subject has been piled this was mentary supervisor in Grand Rapids. "The convention theme—Evaluation, furnished to all high schools. For fur- For a copy, write to the Superintendent Quantitative and Qualitative—How ther information with reference to this Documents, Washington, D. C. Price Good Are Our Schools?—How Can We debate write E. R. Rankin, Chapel of Make Them Better?—has been empha- Hill, North Carolina. five cents. : —

North Carolina Public School Bulletin

North Caroliniana State Museum Circular

Some Native North Carolina Writers Classification of Birds For a long time. North Carolina labored under the handicap of being tra- Continued IV. ditionally labelled "mediocre." This term was applied particularly to our literary The Transients or Birds of Pas- sage are those birds production. Critics evinced an attitude similar to that of the ancient Hebrews which neither summer nor winter when they asked, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" with us, but which only stay a short time in spring when That many good things in the field of literature do come out of North Caro- on their way north from their winter lina is clearly demonstrated by recounting the names of a few of our native- home to their breeding grounds further born writers and some of their works. north and on their return in the fall. From the shortness of their stay and In the field of short story writing perhaps no name is greater than that of the fact that many are small woodland 0. Henry (William Sidney Porter), who was born in Greensboro in 1867. His birds these are as a group still less apt stories have certain human, realistic, and humorous qualities which have en- to come before the public. The most deared them to the American public. During his career O. Henry produced over familiar are the diedapper or helldiver, 200 short stories, now collected under titles such as The Four Million and The the bobolink or ricebird, often common Voice of the City. on patches of crimson clover in early Greensboro was also the home of Wilbur Daniel Steele, who was born in May, the barn swallow, the house wren 1386. Like 0. Henry, Wilbur Daniel Steele achieved his fame as a short story of the north not the same as our com- writer. Steele won the 0. Henry Memorial Prize three times for the best short mon wren, but of the last few years story of the year and has made numerous contributions to the leading magazines becoming a nesting bird in central of the United States. North Carolina but not yet establish- ed at Raleigh, the osprey or fish hawk, In the field of drama Paul Green has received the acclaim of competent critics the scarlet tanager and the baltimore the throughout English-speaking world. He was born near Lillington in 1894, oriole, both scarce birds here, our sum- and after attendance at Buie's Creek Academy taught school for two years mer oriole being the orchard oriole not and then entered the University of North Carolina. He began his playwriting the much brighter colored baltimore while at the University and has written chiefly plays about North Carolina oriole. Forty-eight are on record. and the South. Among his more important works are In Abraham's Bosom, V. The Stragglers. After one has The House of Connelly, and The Lost Colony. got all the usual summer, winter and transient birds of Other native North Carolinians who have achieved fame in the field of play- a locality on record as well as the permanent writing are: Hatcher Hughes, a native of Jones County, who is best known residents the hopes of increase for his play, "Hell Bent for Heaven"; Lula Vollmer, a native of Moore County, an lie almost entire- ly in the occurrence of stragglers whose play, "Sun Up," depicts life among the mountain folk of North Caro- from other parts of the country lina; and Anne Preston Bridgers of Raleigh, whose play, "Coquette," had a or even from other continents which do not usually long and successful run in New York and was later made into a movie. range so far. At Raleigh our straggler North Carolina has produced a number of capable writers of biography. list runs to 40 kinds and several others Archibald Henderson, who was born in Salisbury in 1877, wrote the official have been taken in adjoining counties. biography of George Bernard Shaw, the great English playwright, and is also Of our stragglers, one the ruff, a kind author of many excellent historical and scientific articles. of snipe or sandpiper, is a straggler Gerald W. Johnson was born in Riverton, N. C, in 1890. He is best known from Europe, but has been recorded once, for his Randolph of Roanoke and Andrew Jackson, an Epic in Homespun. all the other 39 are American birds. Among them are the bald eagle Robert Watson Winston, who was born in Bertie County in 1860, is the author a wanderer from the coast, several of biographies of Robert E. Lee and Andrew Johnson, but to North Carolina kinds of ducks and other water birds, his most recent book, It's a Far Cry, is perhaps most interesting because of its passenger pigeon once noted years ago, autobiographic nature. now gone forever, and many birds of Phillips Russell was born in Rockingham County in 1885. He is best known all groups that have been taken only for his biographies: Benjamin Franklin, First Civilized American; John Paul once or twice. Jones, Man of Action; and Eynerson, Wisest American. Thus our list runs altogether to 214 kinds of which 45 are present all the In the field of fiction North Carolina is well represented. Thomas Wolfe, of year round. 49 only in summer, 32 only Asheville, is credited with the development of an unusual and effective style in winter, 49 birds of passage only of writing. His chief works, Look Homeward, Angel and Of Time and the seen for short time in spring or fall or both, River, have been acclaimed by many critics as two of the major contributions and 40 are stragglers, birds wandering to American literature since the turn of the century. often very far from their usual homes. Thomas Dixon, born in Shelby in 1864, has given the nation some of its best novels on the Confederacy and the Reconstruction Period. Among his more Safety Instruction important works are: The Clansman, Leopard Spots, and The Flaming Sword. (Continued from page 8) The latest North Carolina novelist to receive recognition is Bernice Kelly Safety and Safety Education Harris of Northampton County. Her first novel, Purslane, portrays life in a —An Annotated Bibliography rural community in middle Carolina in the early nineteen hundreds and was National Education Association. recently published by the University of North Carolina Press. Free and inexpensive material may A number of well-known poets have been born in North Carolina. John be secured from the following sources Charles McNeill (1874-1907), a native of Scotland County, achieved fame first through the columns of the Charlotte Observer. His best known collections of 1. Metropolitan Life Insurance verse are: Songs Merry and Sad and Lyrics from Cottonland. Company, New York City. 2. National Safety Council, 20 John in Henry Boner was born Old Salem in the year 1845. His poems of North Wacker Drive, Chicago, the South express his true feeling for his native land. His volumes of poems Illinois. include Whispering Pines and Some Neiv Poems. 3. National Conservation Bu- Henry Jerome Stockard was born in Chatham County in 1858. Some of his reau, New York City. poems are found in Stedman's American Anthology, in Representative Sonnets 4. National Congress of Parents of American Poets, and in Songs of the South. Fugitive Lines is a volume of and Teachers, 20 North his own poems. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illi- Anne Blackwell Payne was born in Concord and attended Flora Macdonald nois. 5. American Automobile Asso- (Continued on next page) ciation, Washington, D. C. North Carolina Public School Bulletin

Book Column Laws^ Rulings and Opinions

Christmas Books* Substitute Teacher Pay All of our school libraries should Question: How much and how shall a substitute teacher be paid? contain some of the truly lovely reli- Answer: In accordance with your inquiry, I beg to advise that the regulation gious books which have been designed of the State School Commission with reference to the pay of substitute teachers especially for boys and girls. The titles is as follows: listed here are desirable for home or "In all cases where a substitute teacher replaces a regular teacher, school libraries and would be suitable payment is to be made to the substitute by the regular teacher upon a gift books. basis of sixty-six and two-thirds percent for the first five days, and Bible. The Ageless Story. Pictured by seventy-five percent for the remainder of the period of substitution; Lauren Ford. Dodd. $2.50. provided the amount paid does not exceed three dollars per day." To the Bible text of the story of This regulation was adopted in accordance with the provision of the 1939 the Christ Child are added beauti- School Machinery Act, Section 22, which reads in part as follows: "The pay ful contemporary interpretations for a substitute teacher shall not exceed $3.00 per day."—State Superintendent done in full color and gold. of Public Instruction. Bible. The Christ Child. Illustrated Enrollment Age of Children by Maud and Miska Petersham. Question: We have had a child, whose birthday is November and who has Doubleday. $2.00. been in school this year at , to present himself for ad- The text from the Gospel of Mat- mission to the School. Please tell thew and Luke has been interpreted me what to do about this pupil. by pictures which have the spirit of Answer: Section of the School Machinery of 1939 provides: the Holy Land in which Jesus spent 22% Act Sec. his childhood. 22%. Children to be entitled to enrollment in the public schools for the school year one thousand nine hundred thirty-nine-forty, each Bible. A First Bible. Illustrated by and year thereafter, must be six years of age on or before October first of the Helen Sewell. Arranged by J. W. year in which they enroll, and enroll first Maury. Oxford. $2.50. must during the month of the school Selections from the Old and New year. Testaments which give an introduc- There seems to be no provision in The School Machinery Act as to acceptance of transfer students other tion to the dignity and beauty of the from states who cannot comply with the age re- Bible. quirement set out in the above section.—Attorney General, October 23, 1939. Bible. Animals of the Bible. Illustrat- Legal Attendance in Local Tax Districts ed by Dorothy P. Lathrop. Stokes. Question: What children may legally attend the schools in the $2.00. City Administrative Unit? Selections from the Bible about Answer: C. S. 5661 provides as follows: animals pictured so that each ani- "Children residing in a School District Shall Have Advantage of the mal, bird, tree, and flower is deli- Public School. The following persons residing in local tax, special cately portrayed. charter or special school taxing districts shall be entitled to all the Bible. The Great Story. Harcourt. privileges and advantages of the public schools of said district or dis- $2.00. tricts unless removed from school for cause: Christ's life from the Gospels, and "(a) All residents of the district who have not completed the pre- reproductions in color of fifteen mas- scribed course for graduation in the high school. terpieces of art. A volume to be " (b) All children whose parents have recently moved into the district treasured by any age. for the purpose of making their legal residence in the same. Bible. The Bible 'Story Book. Retold "(c) Any child or children living with either the father or the mother by Elsie E. Egermeier. Smithsonian or guardian who has made his or her permanent home within the Co. $3.00. district. A narration of the whole Bible "(d) Any child received into the home of any person residing in conscientiously told for children, and the district as a member of the family, who receives board and other highly useful for teachers. Several support free of cost." editions are available. in- The one While this section has reference to special charter or special taxing districts dicated contains black and white and and was enacted by Chapter 136, Public Laws of 1923, it is my opinion that it colored illustrations, section and a might be considered as setting the standard which would be applicable in con- of questions on the stories. sideration of your problem.—Attorney General, October 5, 1939. Graham, M. N., comp. The Book of Use of School Property Christmas Carols. Grosset. $.50. Familiar carols with music ar- It shall be the duty of the county board of education and board of trustees ranged by Mary Nancy Graham, and to encourage the use of the school buildings for civic or community meetings of delightfully illustrated in color by all kinds that may be beneficial to the patrons of the community, and the Pelagie Doane. county board of education or the board of trustees has authority to make rules Noble, T. T.. comp. Round of Carols. and regulations governing the use of school property.—Section 71, Public School Oxford. $2.00. Law. Carols for Christmas and other feast days arranged by Tertius NORTH CAROLINIANA Noble and illustrated by Helen Sewell. {Continued- from preceding page) Peat, F. E., comp. Christmas Carols. College in Red Springs. Her book of verse Released, was published by the Uni- Saalfield. $1.00. versity of North Carolina Press. Each part of the Christmas story Native North Carolinians prominent in the field of children's literature are in Bible text is followed by carols Elizabeth Janet Gray of Chapel Hill and Ellis Credle of Hyde County. Miss which are illustrative of it. The Gray is the author of Meggy Mcintosh, Jane Hope, and Beppy Marlowe. Ellis book is illustrated bv Fern B. Peat. Credle is known not only for her writings but also for her illustrations. Her Bunyan. Pilgrim's Progress. Illus- first published book was Down, Down the Mountain. This was followed by trated by Robert Lawson. Stokes. Across the Cotton Patch and Little Jeemes Henry. Her most recent book is $2.00. The Flop-eared Hound. A "must" book for all who want Jonathan Daniels, a native of Raleigh and son of the present ambassador to children to feel the religious depth Mexico, is currently Noi*th; Carolina's -most outstanding jarriier.* His A South- of this ageless story. erner Discovers the South'^iy'&S S&ettfdjby the B/qok'; cif the M'pnth Club and * ; • ' '• • * Prices subject to discount. has for some time been a besi sellerV • ' • :

North Carolina Public School Bulletin

From the Office Education for Economic From the Field Efficiency Work—The educated producer High School Forums knows the satisfaction of good Music in the Durham City Schools workmanship. In the The programs wh^ch Dr. Elbert K. Occupational information — Durham City Schools, the primary grade Fretwell has b.en conducting with The educated producer under- teachers are specifical- high school students various ly endeavoring: at the stands the requirements and op- District 1 Meetings of the North Caro- portunities for various jobs, and —to give the child much experience lina Education Association have em- has selected his occupation. in hearing music and in singing phasized the importance of the forum Occupational efficiency — The many simple folk and art songs. technique in the discussion of local educated producer succeeds in his 2—to give the child the use of his sing- problems with high school students. vocation. ing voice and to form correct habits Those who have attended these forum Occupational adjustment—The of vocalization. Our teachers have discussions have been impressed by the educated producer improves his in mind: intelligent participation of on the part efficiency. a. correct posture, these high school pupils. Occupational appreciation — b. correct habits of breathing, A number of our high schools have The educated producer appre- c. study of diction-vowels and con- made provision for discussion groups. ciates the value and significance sonants, In several instances the discussion of his work in a democracy. d. rhythmic experience, groups are designated as forum clubs. Personal economics—The edu- e. pitch experience, The name of the group is not impor- cated consumer plans the eco- f. introduction of written musical tant but the idea is important. Dis- nomics of his life. symbols (training to "see the cussion groups in high school may be Consumer judgment—The edu- sound"—"hear the sign") taken care of in one of the three fol- cated consumer has standards g. general musical knowledge lowing ways for spending. 1—listening knowledge. 1. As a regular part of the aca- Efficiency in buying—The edu- 2—stories of great music and demic program. cated consumer is an informed, musicians. skillful 3 2. As a part of the extra-curricular buyer. —ensemble experience of vari- program. Consumer protection — The ous kinds. educated consumer takes steps to 3. In connection with other school In the intermediate grades the safeguard his economic interests work programs designed to train for continues with broadened as a consumer. experiences: civic responsibility. 1—Choral (From the Publications of the Educa- In connection with forum groups the tional Policies Commission) a. More extensive song repertory. following suggestions may be helpful: b. Reading from scores. (1). The most competent teacher in c. Part singing. the art of promoting discussion should d. Membership in Junior Suggestions for Improving Safety Choir and be placed in charge of the program. Choral Ensemble, and partici- (2). The size of discussion groups Instruction pation in public performances. should not, as a rule, exceed 75 or 100 2—Careful observation and study of 1. Provide every teacher with a copy persons. (3). The teachers of the soc- students by the teachers to discover of Publication No. 174, Health and ial studies should meet with the forum talent. Citizenship Education A Suggest- groups to insure the integration of the — 3—The beginning of instrumental in- ed Procedure for Teaching forum experience with the classroom Safety struction. and First Aid. This publication work. (4). All students in the groups In the Junior may be secured free of charge from High Schools Seventh should be given opportunity for active Year general music the State Department of Public In- is required, and all participation and for free questioning students are struction, Raleigh, North Carolina. encouraged to express of the speaker or leader. themselves musically. 2. Purchase some of the supplement- Effort is made As in the case of other student acti- to direct talent. In the ary readers, "Road to Safety Ser- eighth and ninth vities years choral music is one of the problems involved is ies," American Book Company. elective. Separate that of securing printed material for choral classes are held for 3. Organize a Safety Council or a boys and teachers and pupils. For this reason, girls in order to better handle School Boy Patrol or both. The Na- the prob- the State Department of Public In- lem of the adolescent voice. tional Congress of Parents and Instru- struction through the Division of In- mental ensembles of Teachers and the' American Auto- wind and string structional Service is prepared to fur- instruments are open to all mobile Association publish bulle- students. nish free to interested schools a copy tins on safety organizations. In the Senior High School no theo- of the bulletin, "Forums for Young 4. Run some picture films on Safety. retical courses are offered as such. All People." The supply is limited but the The Extension Division of the Uni- theoretical information and instruc- bulletin will be furnished on request versity of North Carolina has films tion is given incidentally. Choral of principals as long as the supply to rent at reasonable rates. classes for boys and girls are offered lasts. The publications of the Public 5. Present some programs in home and for this work, laboratory credit Affairs Committee and the Foreign rooms and in the auditorium is given, though it is felt that they de- Policy Association will also furnish an dramatizing some safety practices. serve full academic credit. However, inexpensive source of materials. The Avoid the use of negative aspects the choral director prefers not to have Public Affairs Pamphlets, ten cents a of the program as far as possible. the student think of "credit" in con- copy and the Headline Books, price 6. Secure additional materials for use nection with these courses. The choral twenty-five cents each, be may obtain- of teachers. The following are a work of the students of the Durham ed from the distributor of this ma- few suggestions: High School is known nationally for terial, Silver Burdett Company, New Safety Facts—National Safety its excellence, and the choral groups of York City. Council, 20 North Wacker Drive, this school have in recent years been The Extension Division of the Uni- Chicago, Illinois. 35 cents. heard in national gatherings in vari- versity of North Carolina under the Check List for Common Home ous parts of the country. Instrumental leadership of Dr. Ralph McDonald, is and Farm Hazards—American ensemble classes are also offered. interested in the promotion of forums Red Cross. Free. The teaching staff includes eight for adults and for younger people. Safety Education Through teachers in the elementary schools, This organization is prepared to offer Schools—National Education As- four in the junior high schools and one suggestions and assistance^ to high sociation. 35 in the senior high school, and two in- < cents. schools interested in promoting forums. (Continued on page 6) strumental instructors.