Posted in School Days

OK, how would you like to be stuck upstairs in this schoolhouse during the hot fall days of September? (With no air-conditioning.) I wouldn't want to be stuck either, but I've got no choice. This is where I spend nearly every day, along with about 40 other kids my age and older. (The little kids are taught downstairs on the first floor). My school has all the things most schools in the 1880s have: a flag pole, a large yard, a tree or two, and the bell up in the tower that calls us all to class; then it rings again. If we're not in our seats when the bell rings the second time, we're tardy. Tardy is not good. It usually means you get punished.

Photo courtesy of the California History & Genealogy Room, Fresno County Library

I don't know why, but some teachers have long lists of what they consider "proper" behavior for the pupils in their classes. My teacher does. His name is Mr. Foster, and his list is a mile long! He also has a list of what happens if you don't "toe the mark" (behave). Here is a sampling of the list: (Be glad you homeschool). Note from the author: this is an actual list from the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum, 1848:

           Punishments:             Lashes (getting whacked!)

                Fighting at school    5
            Gambling at school   4
            Playing cards at school  10
            Telling lies  7
            Calling each other ill (bad) names   3
            Climbing for every foot over 3 feet up a tree 1
            Swearing in school  8
            For Misbehaving to girls   10
            Making swings and swinging on them  7
            For wearing long fingernails  2
            Girls going to the boys' play area  3
            Boys going to the girls' play area  3
            Coming to school with dirty face and hands  2
            For calling each other liars  4
            Wrestling at school 4
            For splashing each other at playtime  2
            Telling tales outside of school 8

So... what do you suppose there's left to do during recess? Not much. Would you like to go to my school?

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Comments

Posted by Roxygirl

ha ha! no thanks.... I like homeschooling much more now. :)

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Posted by WashingtonState

As many quirky, rude kids as we know, this school has some AWESOME rules. Too bad about no swings. LOL!
I'd be in trouble for the fingernails. Mine grow like crazy.

I have these rules posted our school bookshelf. I bought them at the Pioneer Farm.

All for rules and common decency.
Marie

Edited by WashingtonState on Feb. 15, 2008 at 11:03 PM

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Posted by sunflower8

I wouldn't like to be at your school! I am glad we homeschool. What have you been doing lately at school?
Bethany

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Posted by MargoMargolia1

why can't you have long fingernails?
what's wrong with it? I have no problem keeping mine short, but why would it matter in school?
somepeoples' grow like crazy and they have no control over it so I don't think that rule is very reasonable. 'cause it doesn't afect a child's behavure.

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Posted by Lyric

Well... You could always swap pop tarts at recess...

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Posted by bookworm12

NO I wouldn't like to go to your school :o even if Mr. Foster has changed towered you in book 2. I'm glad I'm home schooled
Sarah

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Posted by BookLover

I wouldn't like to go to your school. WAY to many rules. Its probably good that there are so many rules so the kids don't get in trouble as much. Or does it help? Do you still climb trees at school like you did in the Scary School Days?
GTG,
Amy

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Posted by bookworm12

yes I'm going to keep going on with my story's when I'm done with the lessons. I'm having fun with my story. Thats wierd my they wont keep writing story's? oh well but yes I'm going to keep writing story's if you want I'll let you know every time I put it out on my blog (my story)
Sarah

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Posted by alizona

The two that I think are very unfair are:

Making swings and swinging on them
For wearing long fingernails.

Strange rules indeed!!

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