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Show The Selina Sun Thursday, September 15, 1963 Sunspots Home Schooling Seems Viable Education Option The Salma Sun SECD 73 4780-800- 0 East Main Street Salina, Utah 84654 Telephone The Salina Sun SECD 0 is published each Thursday for $8.00 per year in Utah and $10.00 per year out of Utah, by the Salina Sun, 73 529-783- 9 4780-800- East Main Street, Salina, Utah 84654. Second class postage paid at Salina, Utah 84654. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Salina Sun, P.O. Box c, Salina, Utah 84654. Single Copy: 25c Mark G. Fuellenbach, Publisher John C. Speer, Editor ... Sevier District Makes Bold Step Into Age of Computers Editorial Sevier School District officials not only have proven themselves intelligent, but they also have shown that they recognize a fortunate situation when they see one. We are referring to the districts recent jump into the computer age through the purchase utilization of 25 new microcomputers for the districts elementary and middle schools. Half of the 30 computers now in use in the district are administrative and half are for instructional use. District officials are intelligent, first, in that they have recognized the need for computer use and instruction in this age of technology. They are fortunate in that they have one of the areas most informed persons concerning computers on their staff, Patrick Wilson. Wilson has access to or has as much knowledge in the uses and workings of computers and microcomputers as anyone in the district. The district has wisely decided to jump into the computer age with the proper caution. Officials realize that persons without the knowledge or the experience will need time and patience. The district, therefore, has decided to use only one program administratively at a time while staff members become accustomed to the changes. Although we believe taking a step at a time, is wise, taking steps too small, or going at a snails pace may not be in the districts best interests either. Take it conservatively, but dont be ridiculous about it. We commend the district on its foresight and look foward to seeing some money and timesaving innovations and young computer wizards as a result of the districts bold step. . By John C. Speer Salina Sun Editor Well here I go again, out of the frying pan into the fire. This week Im going to risk the wrath of some parents by stating that I am in favor of home education. 1 mean I am in favor of parents choosing for themselves that the home school option is right for them. Diane and I have not chosen that option yet but we and one other family that also has not opted for teaching its children at home are members of the Utah Home Educators Association. Home Schooling, for you Martians, is not Utah born and bred. It is a growing phenomenon all over the United States. Although there are extremists in the crowd, most of the home schoolers are simply families that want to teach their kids the fundamentals and rudiments of the secular world in the security of the home. It actuallv is no more nor less than a very intimate sort of private school with the parents as the major instructors of the children. No moderate, level headed home schooling parent has made any serious charges against the public or private schools in general. MosUof them simply want the joy of seeing their own children learn things for the first time. They want to experience the excitement of Johnny learning his first sentence out of the McGuffy Reader or whatever they are using now. They want to see Marys eyes when she sees a butterfly come out of its cocoon. Time and feasibiltiy are the home schools biggest enemy. Some parents feel they lack the time and an adequate place to really do their children justice. Other parents and this is no bad reflection on them simply are not interested; and still others actually believe that the public school system is best for their children. I dont think there is any right or wrong there. Most parents are interested in the same thing: what is best for their children. My personal belief is that if you, as a parent, believe that the major responsiblity of educating children rests with the parents, then perhaps you would agree wtih the home education philosophy. There is another, similar philosophy, which says that children should be allowed to attend the public schools but that parents could take more of an interest in that education and even supplement their education with home school classes of their own. That is the thinking that I currently hold to. If I ever feel that it is feasible for Diane and me to launch our own private home school, well do it. But for now we have decided to teach some classes to Eve and Jack in off school hours while Eve attends public school. If you, as a parent, believe home schooling or the supplemental options are right for you, I strongly encourage you to join the Utah Home Educators Association which can help you teach your children whether or not they are in the public schools. If youre interested, the schools in North Sevier alone. district chairmen in this area are Whatever parents decide whether Neal and Marcia Bosshardt. There its.public, private or home school are about 10 families in this area they should get intimately involved who belong to the UHE, not all of in that process because when all is them teaching their kids at home. said and done, parents attitude There is no charge nor dues in- about education is the single volved in joining. You simply call greatest factor in how well their Neal or Marcia and say, I would children do. like to join the Utah Home Addendum Educators Association. Youll then to send the material all receive they I wrote the above column two the home schoolers whether or not weeks ago. Since then I have heard home. at kids you opt to teach your Please believe me when I say that some things that are quite encouraging to the home education effort neither Neal and Marcia nor Diane in this area. Supt. John Carl Tuft in involved else and I nor anyone this sort of thing in any degree said to one of the home schooling believes that our way is the fathers in my presence that he (Supt. Tuft) was happy that there best way. It is what we consider families who have taken the are whatever for families our for right reasons. I know there are some who opportunity to teach their children believe public school offers a at home because it helps alleviate the over crowdedness of our public socializing influence on children schools. that is a positive influence on their latter integration into society. I do I asked Supt. Tuft if the children not agree with the major assumpnot attending public schools in tion of socialization. The only good Sevier of County caused the district to mass form in any thing I see receive less money from the state. education is that it is more feasible and more economical to have one He said, and I believe sincerely, he felt it was more important person teaching 30 kids than for 30 that that kids get a good education in teachers to each teach one child. good uncrowded surroundings than At its worst, home schooling is as it is for the district to receive At best it education. good as mass whatever amount of money it offers parents an acceptable alternative that doesnt cost as would get. much as private schools. It is conBoth the superintendent and stitutionally legal and is engaged in assistant Supt. Loosle have been by every kind of family of all but nothing supportive and cooperand all persuasions political with the home education ative four are There religions religions. and effort philosophy. represented in private and home chocolate holds a close second. Its when its still too warm to have a roaring fire, but it sure would be nice. Its too warm for a coat, but you at least need a sweater. Youre going to turn off the air conditioner and dont quite want the furnace. JUST STUFF BY JAN to wear shorts, but long pants would Its just around the comer. Youre going to crave the fresh com and new potatoes, the Green River the melons, raspberries, strawberries and peaches and the good (Hies will all be gone. Regular, vegies and fruit just dont quite cut it. And winter garden goods just dont exist. sure feel good. Youve got it when lemonade sounds good, but hot The kids have vanished from the swimming pool, the park and the Salina Sun Deadlines Here are the deadlines for submitting news items and advertisements to The Salina Sun. MONDAY, All news 10 a.m.- items and pictures submitted by the public. All advertiseMONDAY, noon ments, classified or display. - TUESDAY, 10 a. m. Obituaries yous pertaining to obituaries. (All other thank yous are due Monday at 10 tun.). . Please note that wheh a holiday falls on a Monday, the deadlines for that day will be moved to the preceding FYiday at 4 p.m. and thank Im not ready for it yet, but its just around the corner, waiting to attack. are turning a little crisper a hint of Fall in the air. leaves are getting that orange-rus- t haze to them. The air although still warm, is getting a bit breezier. The once sultry nights jitters. The once-gree- n Before long A Fall Fashion Sale at 20 well have the theres pre-fa- ll sure sign is when you want Sure. Spring is a delightful time to plant trees and shrubs and other living plants. Paulettes BUT SO IS RIGHT Off St ' video arcades and are pushing pencils in the confines of the; The tomatoes and classroom. squash are going to need to be covered and rose buds are all but a thing of the past. j Whether were ready or not, Fall is going to be ushered in any day J now. Find Out -- SUN 529-783- 9 FRUIT FORsALE Deliveries Wed. & Sat. Mornings Call Ahead to Insure Availability 9 BARTLETT PEARS Beautiful - Best Weve Ever Had! Large, Plant now for your beautiful investment. (robes, gowns, etc.) 40 Box $9.00 HALE PEACHES Graded 1 Bushel $11.00 AN EXCELLENT TOAAATOES Y TIME TO FOR CHRISTMAS! 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