Another very common source of foul odors in the school-room is the basement. Though many school-rooms do not have a basement, yet so many have a problem at this point that it is necessary to speak about the matter. The author has visited many schools with basements, and recalls one only that was actually sanitary. Most basements of schools are the receptacles for the garbage and refuse of the school. In it are kept broken seats, old brooms, things forgotten and left at school by pupils, waste paper, paint cans, flower pots, and a hundred other things. To make matters worse, the basement windows, if there are any, are never opened. A disease producer is beneath the children; contagion gets through the cracks of the floor and is a constant source of contamination of the air in the room above. Many basements are even abodes of rats and mice, thereby exposing the pupils to different diseases. Damp and rainy days increase the offensiveness of an unsanitary basement. Unscrupulous teachers often use the ill-ventilated basement for a play room during bad weather. Such a practice is abominable. No teacher should be guilty of such an offense. Better not let the pupils play at all, for exercise in offensive air is dangerous and far worse than none. If any place in the entire school should be sanitary, it should be the basement.
After all has been said about the equipment of the school-room, the greatest asset is its sanitary condition and cleanliness. This must be at its best to secure good results. The unclean school-room—especially the unventilated one, usually a condition indicating a lazy, careless teacher—is dangerous. Disease may lurk in such a place and the mental activities of the pupils be stupefied.
The Janitor
Closely related to the teacher’s care of the school-room is the work of the janitor. True, many schools do not have any problem respecting the janitor, yet a word about his relations with the teacher or supervisor is necessary. The supervisor should see to it that the janitor is thoroughly educated in the proper care of the school and premises. If the janitor knows little about such matters, as is usually the case, he should be instructed in every detail. Here caution is very needful. A teacher should never appear to be authoritative to a janitor; he is the school’s most necessary adjunct and should be treated with every respect. When giving orders always talk the matter over with him, asking his opinion; when he gives his ideas, request him to carry them out for the benefit of the school. Never fail to inspect the work of the janitor; that is, his regular work as well as that which was specially assigned to him. If it does not meet your approval, kindly suggest wherein it may be improved. If the work is satisfactory, never fail to tell the janitor, not in a formal manner, but make him feel your sincerity and appreciation of his efforts. To show him the good results that will arise from his painstaking labors, will heighten his desire to do his best.
Often, although it is extremely poor policy, the janitor is asked to aid actively in discipline; this is not his province, as he is not appointed to take charge of such matters. It is the teacher’s duty to discipline his own pupils. The janitor can often become a factor in discipline. Many teachers treat him with such a domineering spirit that they incur his ill will. When ill-treated the janitor will gossip and sometimes he may say something detrimental about the teacher to the pupils. This has a tendency to weaken the teacher’s influence and ability to control. A janitor should be required to keep his clothing neat and clean. He should not use offensive language, nor should he smoke or use tobacco in any form or become intoxicated. In fact, his morals should be excellent. Allow the janitor and his family to attend all school functions, free of charge. Often the janitor desires a day of half day off; do not deny him this privilege. Whenever, unfortunately, an inefficient janitor has been employed, he, as well as an unqualified teacher, should be discharged.
Summary
1. It is important that any discussions of the requisites of the teacher should be followed by a discussion of the proper care of the school-room and premises.
2. The condition of the school-room and the premises will have an influence upon the teacher as well as upon the work done by the pupils.
3. A good teacher, filling every requisite, will see that the condition of the school-room and premises has proper attention.
4. A good teacher’s work will be made better by good surroundings, and far more difficult by bad surroundings.