1902

Many of us, especially those who have been connected with education for most of our lives, are intensely interested in the pioneering experiment that is to begin this summer on the Dartmouth campus, called Project ABC ("A Better Chance"). Much has been written about it in the press, and an excellent account can be found in the January, 1964 issue of the DARTMOUTH ALUMNI MAGAZINE. I urge all members of the Class, who haven't done so, to read it. It outlines a cooperative scheme by the College and a group of independent schools, to see what can be done to salvage the potential of high caliber, but under-privileged, high school students from low-income families who have no other hope of securing the education that can be of tremendous importance to our country. I bring this up because I am eager to have you know about the experiment, and also because I want you all to know about the work that our classmate Moses B. Perkins is doing with quite different material, but with the same end in view. Let him speak for himself. He writes from the Hampshire Country School in East Rindge, N. H.

"Thank you for your interest in what goes on here, in our attempt to help brilliant but emotionally unstable youth, both boys and girls.

"Once upon a time a man published a book on the snakes of Ireland. It was a short book, 'There Are No Snakes in Ireland.' New Hampshire does nothing in the field of residential therapy for this rapidly increasing minority group. Neither, with exception of Illinois and Massachusetts, does any other state. Massachusetts spends at least $6,000 a year per pupil for the pupils she sends to this school which focuses its attention on children of high potential: with proper aid their potential permits them to make highly constructive contributions to society; without that, their potential is for destructiveness. Truly, it is enlightening to meet these young people after they have made their marks in universities and in professional life.

"Last year I concentrated on the preparation of an appeal for building and scholarship funds and the publication of the first issue of 'The Forum for Residential Therapy.' I thoroughly enjoyed classroom relationship with two small groups: one in Senior English, the other in United States History. This year my classroom activities are at several levels. I am now involved in writing a brochure of viewpoints, policies, practices, and procedures for Hampshire Country School. Also, it has been my privilege to advise on plans for a new school building for which ground levelling is in progress. Here is one result of united efforts put forth last year."

Secretary, 29 Messer St., Laconia, N. H.

Treasurer, 7 Burt St., Bellows Falls, Vt.