Chapters 1-3
The quote from the book, "Being southerners, it was a source of shame to some members of the family that we had no record of our ancestors on either side of the Battle of Hastings" simply means that in the south, people think it is sad to not have records of your family. You should know your history.
The Cunnighams are a very poor family in this book, but they do the best they can with what they have. they are very well respected, and very well rounded individuals. When necessary, they pay you in whatever way they can, and they do it happily.
The impression that we get of school from the book is that school is very organized. you must follow a strict schedule, a stirct way of teaching, and any form of misbehavior is not tolerated.
Walter pours syrup on everything because, coming from a poor family, he doesnt get it often. Scout points out that Walter "drowns" his food in syrup, and this frustrates Atticus. He says that it doesnt matter what Walter does, but that he is their guest and he should be treated with respect.
The Ewells are seen as Maycombs disgrace. They have never worked an honest day of their life and only go to the school on the very first day. Their father spends all their money on green whiskey so the kids have to go out and eat what they can catch.
Atticus is a very smart and caring man. He cares about getting a good education, taking care of others, treating people with the decency and respect they deserve, and making a living of an honest days work to provide for his family. He rarely complains at all.