Page Two STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE NEWS LETTER December, 1948 NEWS LETTER Published Monthly by State Teachers (ollepe News Press iiiib Elizabeth City, North Carolina STAFF MASTHEAD Editor-in-Chief Wiley F. Neal Associate Editors - Paul Pruden Mildred Stephenson Cartoonist Robert Poole Photographer Lloyd Sykes Columnist Ida Gray Sports Editors Jesse Clay John Jackson Reporters Sterling t’erry Joseph Barber Exchange Editors Edith George Evelyn Hodge Nellie Drew Copyreaders Herbert Henry Carol Williams Adviser E. C. Mitchell Getting the Yiiletide Spirit Immediately following our Thanksgiving holiday, we prepare ourselves for the coming Christ mas season. Our attention is cen tered on getting in the right frame of mind for the most im portant holiday of the year. As one writer has wisely said, “The spirit of Christ’s birth is the light of the world.” Christmas carries a tradition of almost 2,000 years. It is the one time when our hospitable heai'ths welcome our friends. The old fa miliar Christmas Carols, the Yule Log, the exchange of gifts with our friends—all help to paint a glowing picture of cheerful Christ mas sentiments and customs. In spite of all of the Christmas rush, we never forget to trim the tree, to hang the stocking, and to place the last piece of mistletoe in the living room. Sometimes we say to each other ‘‘I just can’t feel the Christmas spirit this year,” and we worry lest, in our hurry, we miss that spirit. The Spirit of Yuletide never fails us, however, as the Christ mas Day approaches, for there is a feeling of sensational mystery, and expectant joy that steals ove us, and we .say softly to ourselves, ■'Behold, I brin gyou glad tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people. Improving of the Instructional Program As a result of a recent survey made by the State Educational Commission, we focus our atten tion on the many improvements that can be made in our elemen tary schools in North Carolina. After a careful, comprehensive study of the prevailing situation, the commission recommends an additional supervisory leadership for the teachers. Since this is one of our greatest needs, the teach ers should accept the responsibili ty of leadership in planning and evaluating, with emphasis on maintaining the intimate interest of the pupils. They should do ev erything possible to improve the techniques for leadership. In addition, it is believed that the elementary schools should place more attention on the indi vidual pupil, providing him with fundamental tool subject matter, and giving a knowledge of his community and its valuable re sources. He should be given aji adequate supply of material, sup plies and equipment, and a health ful and attractive school environ- nient. A good elementary school seeks to provide an instructional pro gram that will meet needs which all youth will have in common. Among these are the ability to think rationally, to understand the rights and duties of a citizen, to know the influence of science on human life, and to develop and maintain good health and physical fitness. I, personally, believe that in of the progress that is being made in our elementary schools in North Carolina, there should be more sincere effort placed on the im provement of the quality of our present instructional program. MR. T. S. JACKSON (Continued From Page One) at Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N. C. Leaving there, he went to Taladega College, Ala bama, where he remained until 1945. In 1945-46 he was employed at Paine College, Augusta Geor gia. He came to Elizabeth City State Teachers College in 1947 as instructor and chairman of the I department of Education, in which j position he has commanded the i respect of both faculty and stu- ; dents. j Associated with the Dean in the work here is his wife, Mrs. Irene G. Jackson, who is the efficient supervisor of student teaching in the primary grades. Not only has Mr, Jackson serv ed as a leader in the v/ork of the schools but in the communities as well. As presedent of the Alabama Teachers Association, he led a fight for equalization of teachers’ salaries. For a number of years, he has been affiliated with vari ous civic and social organizations, including the NAACP. Mr. Jackson believes that lay men and professionals, skilled and unskilled, of the community, should cooperate for the purpose of improving the socio-economic life. He is also firmly convinced that education, to be effective, must be functional. Inquiring Reporter With Alumni At Homecoming Hattie O. Privott ’48—“The Homecoming was a great im provement, and I hope this activi ty continues to grow.” Miss Privott is teaching forty- two children in the third, fourth and fifth grades at Harrellsville, N. C. Miss Virginia Manley ’48—“It was a most enjoyable occasion.” In Gainesville, Virginia, Miss Manley is teaching the grammar grades. Miss Sarah Pelham ’46—“Home coming was great, and I had an enjoyable time.” For two years Miss Pelham has been employed at the W. S. Creecy High School at Rich Square, N. C. Miss Dollie Willie ’48—Home coming was pleasant, and I enjoy ed being with my friends.” Miss Willie is teaching in the graded school of Waverly, Virginia. Miss Maryland James ’47—“The team exhibited the spirit of cham pions, and I hope they never lose it.” Miss James who is teaching in Warsaw is also working hard to develop a basketball team and a volley ball team. HOMECOMING CANDIDATES EXPRESS GRATITUDE The Homecoming of 1948 was a very successful one, and I con sider it a great honor to have re presented the Senior Class. Al though the Seniors did not win, they have no regrets for the pre paration for the event. May those who come after us not falter as they strive to make Homecomings of the future memorable. —Eliza Rita Johnson I wish to express gratitude to the Juniors who chose me to be a competitor in such a gala af fair. Working with the class was not a new affair, but a happy one. Many services have been per formed by me for my class and al so other organizations on the cam pus. I am always willing to co operate with my fellow classmates and friends. May next year’s Miss Homecom ing be a Senior! ^Lillie S. White I am greatly pleased with the outcome of the Miss Homecoming Contest. for I, the Sophomore Bits From Barber Twenty-Four Hours Of Learning Our College offers twenty-four hours of learning every day. Every person, whether student or faculty member, is learning. Such a pro gram prepares young men and women so that they may go back into the communities from which they have come and be better leaders. As College students who are ex pecting to be leaders of the Ne gro youth of tomorrow, we must make the proper use of the twen ty-four hours in each day. This means not only studying and reading, but taking part in ath letic games, participating in dra matics, choral club activities and debating. It means also observ ing the activities of the partici pants. We, the leaders of American Negro youth of tomorrow, shall have to be well acquainted with all kinds of people and all types of work if we expect success. Our own College offers us this oppor tunity in the twenty-four hours of learning each day. We should not let the time go by without some accomplishments, but grasp the opportunities that our children may advance. Development Through Religious Activities We have several religious activ ities on the campus for the devel opment of the students. For in stance, there is something to be gained through the “Y” Associa tions, Vespers, Sunday School and Prayer Meeting. Unfortunately, there is a type of student who has not learned the value of religion; and, there fore, he is not interested in these services. Still there is another type who really has developed a strong appreciation for religion. Eventually, this student will be capable of leadership. Gradually, he will come in possession of those qualifications which will make him a well-rounded individual. candidate, was victorious due to the untiring efforts of my fellow classmates and friends. Pecola E. Bowser Though I did not win, I greatly appreciate my classmates and friends who stood by me. I thank all who worked for my class and for me. - -Mattie M. West