All scholars between the ages of twelve and sixteen should be placed in
this grade. In most schools this will be the largest department. The
wisest and best teachers should be selected for it, as the scholars are
of that age in which we find them restless and difficult to interest. As
a rule it will be in the same room with the Seniors, and should be
recognized as a grade as frequently as Seniors. It may be done in many
ways, but should be especially in the opening and closing exercises of
the school. They may be called upon to read responsively with the
Seniors, or to sing the solo part of a hymn while all join in the
chorus. Special work may be given them in connection with the school,
but not jointly with any other department. If you can keep the Junior
Grade busy you can both educate and benefit them. They have great pride
in being recognized as a separate organization. The members of this
grade should be promoted at the age of sixteen to the Senior Grade. It
may be on some examination, but I believe it not best, for this is the
point where the boy and girl have gone away from school because they
thought they were no longer children and a child's school was not the
place for them. Recognize the fact that they are young people as soon as
they do, and promote them because they are, into an element that is
congenial. At once they are bound to the school by personal pride and by
social influences that they are not quick to abandon. Use these
elements wisely, and the school has won a victory. The superintendent of
this department should be a person whom all the boys and girls like
because he is one of them, and while he is "one of them" he should not
forget above all things that he is their superintendent, with a
responsibility resting upon him to secure their salvation.