The principal should go to the parents of these young men, lay the facts
before them as he understands them and insist that each boy meet him
privately the next day. At the interview the following questions are to
be answered: “How did you spend the week-end?” “What are your
convictions on gambling?” “What will be your conduct during the
remainder of your school course in the matter of gambling?” Leave these
questions on paper so that parents and son can fully discuss them.
[Sidenote: Parent’s Duty]
Thus throw the whole responsibility on parents and sons, making not one
remark as to your course of action in case the answers are
unsatisfactory. Listen to the boys as a friend and advocate, not as a
judge. If either boy fails to play the man, secure from his father a
verbal guarantee for his good conduct, in effect placing the boy on
probation. Avoid harsh language in dealing with the boys. At the first
interview draw out their endorsement of the school custom which
prohibits gambling. If they seem blind to its evils, briefly run over
the obvious facts, but it is preferable to stir up the parents to supply
any needed information. Do not place the boys in a position where you
must expel or suspend them if they refuse some unreasonable penalty.