Montana State Normal School at Dillon. 



Elementary and Rural Schools. 



The rural and elementary schools are receiving much attention from the State 

 Department. Every possible effort is made to better the conditions in the schools. 

 A state course of study for rural schools has been written and is now in operation, 

 to aid the teachers to better perform their work. The two rural school inspectors 

 are constantly in the field advising and aiding in the betterment of conditions. 

 Boys' and girls' clubs have been organized in nearly every school in the state for 

 the purpose of interesting the pupils in growing potatoes and corn, raising pigs and 

 calves, or canning vegetables and baking bread. There are many parent-teacher 

 associations in the different towns to interest the parents in the welfare of the 

 children. 



In the rural districts and larger villages the schools are being made community 

 centers for the betterment of the community and to arouse interest in educational 

 endeavor along all lines. Playground apparatus is being provided in many places, 

 and playgrounds set aside and made into parks. Libraries are being built up under 

 a state law which requires each school district to spend a certain sum for books 

 each year. To most of these school libraries the people of the community have 

 access. In many places school nurses and specially trained teachers for backward 

 children are employed. 



Consolidation of rural schools is meeting with a great deal of favor in many 

 places. Where it is at all possible consolidation is the rule. Wagons and autos are 

 provided for hauling the children to school from the more remote districts. Most of 

 the consolidated buildings are fine modern structures, with equipment for industrial 

 training, agricultural work, gymnasiums and playgrounds. The consolidated school 

 furnishes an excellent opportunity for enthusiastic community centers, with large 

 memberships. 



