The Closing of Our Schools by F. G.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1907

The Closing of Our Schools

By F. G.

WE have come to that time in our school year when attention is being given to the closing of our schools for the long summer vacation. The manner in which the schools close will have much to do with the way they open next fall,

and we should seek to have the closing hours filled with those things which will be an inspiration to our pupils during the summer. The parting words said to us often remain with us for a long time, and there is an opportunity here given to teachers to say and do those things that may have great influence upon the lives of the pupils.

Our schools are established for the sole purpose of preparing workers in the cause of truth. Accordingly, all that is said and done in these closing days should have direct reference to this preparation. It would seem to be but natural and right that there should be closing exercises in our schools. These exercises may leave with the pupil many pleasant memories, and it is right that his memories of school experiences should be of a pleasing nature.

Our schools should be made very dear to our students, but this affection should not be because of the good times that can be had in them, but because these schools stand for good things — good principles. Now, it would seem that these good principles could be so pleasingly set forth in our closing exercises as to create a deeper love for them in the minds of the students.

To illustrate: In place of the customary class prophecy and class history of class-day exercises which abounds with personal references and jokes concerning the students, there may be given prophecies and histories which speak forth the struggles of the students in their endeavors to obtain that which is higher and better, of the grand principles for which the school has stood and is standing, and of the noble purposes for the future. Most helpful and inspiring thoughts can thus be presented by the graduating classes to their fellow students. There is in this way a seriousness which in itself is agreeable and pleasant, and which is in perfect keeping with the solemn and earnest nature of our work. The closing exercises of all our schools should be invigorating rather than enervating.

F. G.