In April 1917, the United States went to war, and the public schools across the nation initiated programs that encouraged patriotism, supported war policies, and promoted the assimilation of immigrants. In New York City in 1917-18, the Board of Education: (1) called for the unqualified allegiance of school principals and teachers to the U.S. government; (2) allowed school facilities to be used for war-related activities; (3) began vocational skills training classes for military personnel; (4) started courses in patriotism, citizenship, European history, and on the world war; (5) suspended foreign language instruction; and (6) increased English classes for adult immigrants. At the initiation of the Board, students became involved in selling Liberty Bonds. The male students ages 16-19 were given military training, and some were sent out of the city to work on farms. Since visible patriotism became a requirement for their jobs, teachers were encouraged to support the Board's policies and to enlist in the armed forces or auxiliary services such as the Red Cross. Teachers who dissented were dismissed by the Board as seen in the cases of three teachers at De Witt Clinton High School and two at Manual Training High School. (DJC)