The Choctaw Freedmen Part 37

Order is the first law of Heaven, and it is the first rule in every well regulated home, school and church.

IT REQUIRES THAT EVERYONE:

BE in the right place at the right time, DO the right thing in the right way, DO the same things the same way, KEEP everything in the right place; and COMPLETE whatever has been undertaken.

ENDEAVOR BENEDICTION

"The Lord bless thee and keep thee:

"The Lord make his face s.h.i.+ne upon thee and be gracious unto thee:

"The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

"And unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto G.o.d and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

III. ESSENTIALS TO SUCCESS

An unwavering aim, Unswerving integrity, Intelligent industry, Neverfailing promptness, Indomitable perseverance, Unbounded enthusiasm, Willing and strict economy, In the employment of time, Talents, money and expenses.

IV. BUSY DAY

THIS is our BUSY DAY.

Do not intrude here to day.

Come some other day.

LOAFERS Are worse than useless. Their presence here is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.

=KEY WORDS:= The Key words that open or close doors of opportunity, and contrast the characteristics of the good and bad student, are as follows:

GOOD STUDENT

=POET:= Politeness, Obedience, Economy and Earnestness, Thoughtfulness.

BAD PUPIL

=DIED:= Disorderly conduct, Idleness, Extravagance, Deceit.

GOOD WORKMAN

=STEAM:= Steam is a good key word, to enable one to remember how the good workman works efficiently and profitably. He works:

Steadily, Thoughtfully, Enthusiastically, Alone, Methodically.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

I. STUDENTS

=The Superintendent and Teachers= wish all the students to be gladdened and strengthened by the joy of successful achievement. To effect this each student must learn to do promptly and thoroughly everything he knows he ought to do, and refrain absolutely from doing anything he knows he ought not to do. "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

=Order.= Good order must be maintained in all the buildings and premises.

It requires that there be a place for everything and everything be kept in its place; that each student know his place and be in it at the right nick of time.

=Silence.= All are expected to be silent, thoughtful, earnest workers so as to make perfect recitations. The discipline of absolute silence is necessary to the attainment of complete self control, and the achievement of the best results, both as a student and workman. Silence must be observed in the Academy at all times, and only a low tone of voice is appropriate in the other buildings at any time.

=Obedience.= All are expected to yield a prompt and cheerful obedience to all the Rules and Regulations, and never indulge in any disputes with your teachers.

Students render themselves liable to suspension or expulsion by persistent disobedience, quarreling, disorderly conduct, profane or unchaste language, truancy, or general disregard for the rules of the school.

No student known to be affected with a contagious disease, or coming from a family where such diseases exist, shall be received or continued in the school.

Pupils must procure drinks and make all other necessary preparation for school at playtime, and keep their places after the bell rings.

Pupils shall not ask questions, walk across or leave the room while cla.s.ses are reciting, nor at any other time without permission.

Pupils must observe the common forms of politeness and at all times treat their teachers and one another with courtesy and respect.

No pupil shall be permitted to leave or be absent from the school during school hours, except in case of illness without an excuse from the superintendent or parent.

=Rooms.= The rooms occupied by the students are merely sleeping apartments; and for this purpose the pure cold air in them is conducive to the enjoyment of the most rugged health. They must not be used for study or amus.e.m.e.nt, especially at night; and drafts of air from the windows must be avoided.

Each student on rising, when no other provision is made is expected to air the bed and room, to empty the slop pail and put it on its shelf in the sun, to make the bed and sweep the room; and after breakfast to report for duty, the boys at the office, and the girls to the matron.

They will report in the same way at 2:30 p.m., and the children at 4:00 p.m.

All are expected to refrain from returning to the sleeping rooms during the day, from entering the rooms of others in the evening and from receiving visitors without permission. The doors must be kept closed.

=Illness.= The first duty of everyone who becomes ill is to report that fact to the superintendent, or matron. He expects everyone to perform every duty a.s.signed in a faithful and responsible manner, until notice of illness has been received.

All are required, even when feeling indisposed and lacking an appet.i.te, to come to the table for warm drinks at the regular meal time.

All requests for meals to be brought to the rooms, shall be sent to the matron or superintendent at or before meal time.

=Sitting Rooms.= The small boys, when needing the comfort of a warm room, must occupy their own sitting room, and the larger boys and girls the rooms provided for them, respectively; each endeavoring to make a good use of their spare moments, while occupying these places, and observe the rule requiring quiet and good order in the buildings.

=Chapel Bell.= The chapel bell shall be rung at 7:45 and 7:55 a.m.; at 12:45 and 12:55 p.m.; at 2:40 p.m. and at 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. Every student is expected to be in his place and be ready for work on his studies, before the tap bell is heard at 8:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

=Farm Bell.= The signal for the janitors or fire makers shall be rung at 5:40 a.m., the call to rise, at 6:00 a.m.; for dinner at 11:40 a.m.; supper at 5:40 p.m.; retiring at 8:20 and 8:30 p.m., when all lights in the rooms must be put out.

The dining room bell will ring for breakfast, at 6:20 a.m.; dinner, at 11:55 a.m.; supper, at 6:00 p.m.

All matters for the mail must be delivered at the office before 1:00 p.m.