1. When pupils are placed under the charge of a teacher it is supposed the teacher knows what is for their best good; consequently a teacher’s directions should be respected and obeyed. In matters pertaining to conduct, pupils should yield their opinions to that of a wise and faithful teacher, and should do it with quick and cheerful obedience. Sulking, contradiction, or delay in obeying are not only wrong, but inexcusably rude.
2. Oftentimes pupils seem to regard it as no impoliteness to interrupt a teacher either by inattention, disorder, or questions, when a lesson is in progress. There are times when certain questions relative to lessons are in order, but irrelevant questions, or unnecessary requests, or hand-raising or shaking before a teacher has finished speaking, are just as impolite in a school-room as elsewhere. There are, of course, certain usages peculiar to a school-room which would not be considered in order elsewhere, because unnecessary; but, generally speaking, good manners in a school-room and in a parlor are the same.
3. Pupils should be kind and thoughtful in assisting teachers whenever it is possible, by handing anything needed, or by waiting upon them in any way. Boys, especially, should be quick to offer help in erasing blackboards, in lifting heavy articles, or in picking up anything accidentally dropped. All pupils should help to put things in their proper places and to keep the school-room in order. This is kindness and politeness.
4. Boys should always take off their hats before entering a school-room, and should not put them on at dismissal, until they reach the outside door. If a teacher should stand at that door, hats should not be put on until the teacher is passed. When boys meet a teacher in the street they should always raise their hats, whether the teacher be a gentleman or a lady. Both in school and out, when pupils speak to or of their teacher, they should speak the real name, and not use the indefinite title, “Teacher.”
Subjects for Additional Lessons.
Kind treatment of school-mates: when they are under criticism; when they are peculiar in dress, speech, or manner; when they are unfortunate; when they are strangers.
Respectful treatment of the janitor.
Respectful treatment of visitors.
Respectful treatment of those who address the school.