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91
ANNUAL REPORT
The surety bonds of the financial officials bonded for the faithful performance of their duties were ex- amined and found to be in proper form.
The records of the departmental accounts re- ceivable on account of public welfare, aid to dependent children, and old age assistance were examined, and it was found that the records of bills sent out for collec- tion were incomplete. As considerable income is re- ceived from the State and cities and towns as reim- bursements for amounts expended, it is recommended that all departments promptly notify the treasurer of all bills sent out for collection and that they keep a record of all such bills sent out, in order that the col- lection of the outstanding accounts may be properly followed up.
It is recommended that steps be taken toward the establishment of a proper system of accounting, so that complete records may be available in a single office and so that the true financial condition of the town may be determined at any time.
The records of the sealer of weights and measures, as well as of all other departments collecting money for the town or committing bills for collection, were examined, checked and reconciled with the treasurer's recorded receipts.
There are appended to this report, in addition to the balance sheet, tables showing a reconciliation of the treasurer's and the collector's cash, summaries of the tax and tax title accounts, together with tables showing the condition and transactions of the trust funds.
During the progress of the audit, co-operation was extended by the various town officials, for which, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, I wish to ex- press appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts.
92
ANNUAL REPORT
RECONCILIATION OF TREASURER'S CASH
Balance October 8, 1939 Receipts :
$ 3,433.75
October 8 to December 31, 1939 1940
$49,467.16 118,624.71
$168,091.87
$171,525.62
Payments per warrants : October 8 to December 31, 1939
1940
$39,141.10 111,066.75
$150,207.85
Payments in excess of war- rants 1940 28.00
Unpaid warrants October 8, 1939 Balance December 31, 1940
1,420.16
19,869.61
$171,525.62
Balance January 1, 1941
$19,869.61
Receipts January 1 to Septem- ber 24, 1941 45,367.91
Unpaid warrants September 24, 1941 1,063.62
$66,301.14
Payments per warrants Janu- ary 1 to September 24, 1941 $65,289.66 Balance September 24, 1941: The Machinists' National Bank of Taunton $ 958.68
Taunton Savings Bank, book No. 71,286 52.80
$66,301.14
THE MACHINISTS' NATIONAL BANK OF TAUNTON
Balance September 24, 1941,
per statement $ 1,776.54
93
ANNUAL REPORT
Balance September 24, 1941, per check register $ 958.68
Underpayment of check No. 10,601 1.00
Outstanding checks September 24, 1941, per list 816.86
$ 1,776.54
CASH SHORTAGE Wendell D. Conant, Former Collector
Cash shortage October 8, 1939
$ 284.56
Payment to treasurer by bond- ing company 1940 $ 181.66
Cash shortage December 31,
1940, and September 24, 1941
102.90
$ 284.56
RECONCILIATION OF COLLECTOR'S CASH
Cash balances September 24, 1941, per tables :
Taxes 1935
$ .43
Taxes and assessments 1936
11.14
Taxes and assessments 1937
266.46
Taxes and assessments 1938
179.19
Taxes and assessments 1939
289.12
Taxes and assessments 1940
1,478.75
Taxes 1941 (Poll)
74.00
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1936
15.04
Motor vehicle excise
taxes 1937
2.34
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1938
2.00
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1939
11.08
Motor vehicle excise taxes 1940
10.08
Motor vehicle excise
taxes 1941
343.28
Interest and costs
155.76
$ 2,838.67
94
ANNUAL REPORT
Cash overage September 24, 1941 10.45
$ 2,849.12
Balance September 24, 1941 :
Cash on hand, verified $ 409.83
Bristol County Trust Company, per statement and check book 2,439.29
$ 2,849.12
TAX TITLES
Balance October 8, 1939 $ 946.79
Added to tax titles October 8 to December 31, 1939 : Taxes 1939
$ 145.72
Interest
.78
$ 146.50
Tax titles taken 1940 :
Taxes 1935
$ 14.00
Taxes 1936
132.87
Taxes 1937
627.05
Taxes 1938
555.20
Taxes 1939
59.06
Interest and costs
272.95
$ 1,661.13
$ 2,754.42
Tax titles redeemed 1940 $ 506.65
Tax titles foreclosed October 8 to December 31, 1939 689.53
Balance December 31, 1940
1,558.24
$ 2,754.42
Balance January 1, 1941,
$ 1,558.24
Added to tax titles January 1 to September 24, 1941 : Taxes 1939
$ 351.26
Taxes 1940
451.92
Interest
44.14 $ 847.32
95
ANNUAL REPORT
Tax titles taken January 1 to September 24, 1941:
Taxes 1936
$ 122.86
Taxes 1937
284.42
Taxes 1938
295.20
Taxes 1939
280.07
Taxes 1940
191.88
Interest and costs
342.33
$ 1,516.76
$ 3,922.32
Tax titles redeemed January 1 to September 24, 1941 $ 193.79
Tax titles taken reported in ex- cess :
Taxes 1936
$ 1.59
Taxes 1937
4.75
Taxes 1938
8.00
Balance September 24, 1941, per list 3,714.19
$ 3,922.32
TAX POSSESSIONS
Tax titles foreclosed October 8 to December 31, 1939
$ 689.53
Balance December 31, 1940 and September 24, 1941, per list $ 689.53
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF BERKLEY
For the Year Ending December 31, 1941
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Arthur E. Robbins, Chairman, Berkley, Massachusetts
Term Expires 1944
Mildred A. Babbitt, Secretary Berkley, Massachusetts
1942
William Cox,
1943
Berkley, Massachusetts
Superintendent E. Perley Eaton, B.S., M.A., M.Ed.
Residence : 76 Spring Street, North Dighton, Mass.
Office: Dighton High School, Segreganset, Mass.
Telephone: Dighton 3361.
Office Hours: 8:30-9:30 A. M., Monday through Fri- day.
Secretary Jessie A. Perry Dighton
School Physician Charles A. Briggs, M. D. Assonet
School Nurse Ruth A. Deane, R. N. Assonet
No School Signal:
In case of severe storm a no school notice is broadcast from Station WEAN at 7:00 A. M. and at fifteen minute intervals until 7:45 A. M.
3
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE BERKLEY SCHOOL COMMITTEE
In submitting its annual report, the committee would call attention to the report of the superintendent of schools. It is worthy of careful consideration.
During 1941, there were three changes in the teaching staff. Miss Dorothea McAloon, teacher at the Myricks School, resigned in April to be married, and to the vacancy thus created, the committee brought Miss Barbara Allan of Needham, a graduate of the State Teachers College at Bridgewater.
Miss Mary G. Taylor, of Harwich, was the commit- tee's choice as successor to James Horton, teacher at the Berkley School, who, in August, resigned to pursue a new field of work.
William Kearns, of Weymouth, a graduate of the State Teachers College at Bridgewater, was elected to the Berkley School in September for Ernest H. Hale, who resigned to accept a teaching position in Vineyard Haven.
Eighty-five pupils attended the dental clinic at the Berkley School during the past year. Permanently lo- cated in the basement of the school, the clinic repre- sents a valuable addition to the school's health pro- gram. Three hundred and forty operations were per- formed by Dr. Edmund Tobin, of Brookline, the clinic dentist.
The "unfinished" room at the Berkley School is rapidly nearing completion. A new floor has been laid, a platform constructed, and electric lights and a fold- ing partition have been installed. The finishing of the walls and ceiling in this room will mean the accom- plishment of the committee's aim to provide the school with an auditorium, where school functions may be presented. The folding partition makes possible the joining of the two rooms annexed to the building in 1937. Because of limited funds, the realization of the project, which was a part of the original plan for the addition to the school, has been gradual. In its unfin- ished stage, the auditorium was used for the conduct
4
ANNUAL REPORT
of graduation exercises in June. Seats were pprovided through the courtesy of the Dighton High School and the Bristol County Agricultural School. Since that time, the committee has purchased fifty double chairs. Eventually, adequate seating capacity will be provided.
Clarence C. Trenouth, the lower of two bidders for the three-year school bus contract, which expired in June, was awarded the contract. His figure was $5700.
The committee anticipates that $22,586.04 will be needed to cover the school costs for the ensuing year. Attention should be called to the state reimbursement, ing the net cost of $12,196.04 to be borne by the town ing the net cost of $12,916.04 to be borne by the town for the operation of its schools. It should be made clear that the reimbursement allowed by the state re- verts directly to the town treasury and not to the school department.
The committee meets regularly on the Wednesday, preceding the first and third Mondays of each month, at the Berkley School.
Parents learn best of the effectiveness of the school program by visiting the schools and seeing the children at their actual tasks. They should feel free to visit the schools at any time. A cordial welcome awaits them.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. MILDRED A. BABBITT,
Secretary, Berkley School Committee.
5
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of the Town of Berkley :
I hereby submit my second annual report for the year ending December 31, 1941.
Faculty Changes
Mr. James Horton, who had been a teacher at the Berkley Grammar School for several years, resigned to accept a position in business. Mr. Horton taught grades 7 and 8. Miss Mary G. Taylor of Harwich, Massachu- setts, replaced Mr. Horton. Miss Taylor is a graduate of Hyannis State Teachers' College in 1939 and teaches in Grades 5 and 6. She is very well trained to lead the girls in Physical Education and also to coach plays. Two very fine presentations have already been given.
Miss Dorothea McAloon, teacher of Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the Myricks School, resigned her position to marry. She was replaced by Miss Barbara Allan, a graduate of Bridgewater State Teachers' College in 1939. Miss Allan taught a year in a rural school in Mapleton, Maine.
Mr. Ernest Hale, teacher of Grades 5, 6 and 7, also Director of Physical Education, resigned to accept a position on Martha's Vineyard. Mr. Hale was a suc- cessful teacher and very helpful with the outside ac- tivities of the Berkley Grammar School. Mr. William Kearns of Weymouth was elected to the vacancy. Mr. Kearns graduated with honors from Bridgewater State Teachers' College in 1941, and teaches grades 7 and 8. He is also in charge of Boys' Physical Education.
Repairs at the Grammar School
The School Committee carried on the plans to create an auditorium at the Berkley Grammar School. The unfinished room in the new addition was changed so that with the opening of a folding partition between the present eighth grade room and the unfinished room, an auditorium to seat 250 is made available. A floor was laid in the unfinished part, a stage built and elec-
6
ANNUAL REPORT
tric lights installed. This makes a fine auditorium and last June the graduation was held in the newly finished auditorium.
This fall many parents saw a play presented by the older boys and girls. This auditorium has proved valuable in assembly and patriotic programs. Some day in the future the room should be further finished and some kind of heat provided, but in view of present conditions we feel that 1942 is not the year for continu- ing this worthwhile project.
Education for the Defense of America
Emphasis is again being placed on citizenship and love of Country. Every teacher is preparing project lessons and programs to make our children realize the value of America and the freedom it gives us. In our schools there have been many patriotic assembly pro- grams. Posters and children's drawings have a pa- triotic trend.
Our children have knit many sweaters and have made other garments for the children of England. All of the pupils are members of the Junior Red Cross and have made many garments. This work has been spon- sored by the American Red Cross and has received the full cooperation of our pupils and teachers.
Since early fall Defense Saving Stamps have been sold at our schools. Two reasons are evident in this program. First, to teach thrift, and second to help our country in this time of national emergency. Our chil- dren have lacked the lessons of thrift during the last few years and so, I for one, am glad to have them taught to save rather than to spend all. In the past few months Berkley children have purchased nearly $150 worth of stamps. Several children now have changed their stamps to bonds and all are especially proud to have a share in his or her country.
The sale of Defense Stamps is under the Berkley Defense Committee. Mr. William Cox is in charge of this worthwhile endeavor.
Defense leaders in answer to the question, "What can the school do to help in Defense?" reply, "Do what
7
ANNUAL REPORT
you are doing, but do it better". The aim of all of our teachers is to do the job a little better so that our chil- dren will continue to enjoy and appreciate the free- doms they now enjoy.
Reading, Science and Arithmetic
This year a new reading system was adopted for the pupils of the first six grades. The teachers of these grades studied all available reading systems and finally decided on the "Gates Readers" as being the most in- teresting, most instructive in phonetic reading and most helpful in teaching a pupil to read for meaning. So much trouble in other subjects comes from the inability of the pupil to read for meaning that great care was taken in selecting readers that did train a pupil to read for understanding the work of text books. In the high school subjects, pupils fail because of their inability to read, whereas, they could have mastered the subject if they could understand what had been read. It is our hope that as we develop the grade school work of Berk- ley Schools, that reading will improve to give the pupils the best possible training in the fundamentals of reading.
There is a need for a unified course in general sci- ence throughout grades 1 to 6. At present the course in Science is in the 7th and 8th grades but not in the first six grades. There should be a continuous growth in Science year by year, so that our children will better understand the birds, animals, trees of nature, funda- mental laws of nature and how they affect their lives on this earth. With all of our subjects, it is our hope that they can be made continuous from Grades 1 to S. Our major problem in the grades for next year is arith- metic as various texts by different authors are now in use. This year we have helped the study of arithmetic by supplementing the regular text book work with work sheets. With the purchase of duplicators for the schools, this extra work sheet method is proving most successful in results obtained. Many problems can be presented to the pupils to seek out and find individual weaknesses that would otherwise be overlooked. Next year we will conclude this most important work in arithmetic.
.
8
ANNUAL REPORT
Health
One of the greatest weaknesses of the American School has been health. Men have been turned down by the thousands because of poor health, either with eyesight, dental or organic defects. Schools must do more and should start at once to develop a suitable health program that will really produce results.
A Dental Clinic has been available to all children of the Town and many a youngster has made the right start toward a healthier life with good teeth. Thru the efforts of Mrs. Mildred Babbitt, a member of the Berkley School Board, money was raised to purchase dental equipment. Berkley has a very fine dental out- fit, thanks to the generous donations. A dental chair, engine and cabinet have been installed in the basement of the Berkley school. Dr. Edmund Tobin of Brookline is the dentist and has had excellent results at the clinic. Now that milk has increased in price, calcium deffi- ciency will be found and teeth are bound to suffer. Not only is the care of teeth necessary, but care with the diet of the children is important. See that the child drinks milk and eats fruit rather than tonic and candy. The home can help much in this problem and improve- ment was noted during the year just passed.
As with all reports much more could be told but space does not allow it. I am most willing to answer any questions and discuss any individual problems that may arise. Please keep in mind that the public school is running to do the most good for the greatest number of pupils. It plans to make the future brighter for them. At present we have a war to win and all can count on the teachers to do their part. The teachers of Berkley stand ready to do all in their power to fight for democracy and to train future citizens to have an active faith in the future of America.
In closing, this my second report, I wish to thank the School Committee, the teachers, the pupils and the citizens for their help in the progress of the Berkley Schools.
Respectfully submitted,
E. PERLEY EATON.
9
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN AND SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. E. Perley Eaton,
Superintendent of Schools,
Berkley, Massachusetts,
Dear Sir :
The annual report of the school physician and the school nurse is hereby submitted.
We are glad to report that the school pupils have been free from epidemic contagious disease with but one exception. An epidemic of grippe, accompanied by severe cough, affected a large number of pupils dur- ing January and February. There were only isolated cases of other diseases during the school year.
The ear testing, using the state owned audiometer testing machine, was given to the pupils with three pupils showing hearing loss.
At the dental clinic held during the spring 85 pu- pils attended with 60 pupils having all dental work completed. This large response shows that the parents were appreciative of the establishment of this clinic.
The following clinics were held during the year:
Whooping cough immunization clinic with seven pupils attending.
Chadwick clinic with chest X-ray, with five pupils attending.
Pre-school clinic, with nine pupils attending.
A total of 185 pupils were given physical examina- tions during the fall. Of this number 13 showed marked defects and the parents were notified.
We wish to thank the parents and the teachers for their cooperation, without which our program could not be carried out successfully.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES A. BRIGGS, M. D., School Physician. RUTH A. DEANE, R. N., School Nurse.
10
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. E. Perley Eaton,
Superintendent of Schools,
Berkley, Massachusetts,
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my report on the work done in music in the schools of Berkley this past year.
Special attention was focused at all times on tone quality. With beginners it is difficult to point out the difference between head and chest tones, and unless this is made clear the singing is raucous and harsh. Many devices were used to produce the right quality and to show the child that good singing consisted not in quantity of tone but in quality, just as in the purchas- ing of material things at a store. It is a necessary part of a child's education in music to be able to recognize and to imitate the pure beauty of a free, flowing tone.
Every child is expected to take part in the music lesson. No one is excused because he cannot carry a tune. He may listen and acquire the habit of knowing HOW to listen and in time may become a music lover adding to his own experience the emotional joy that comes through music.
In the spring the MYRICKS and BERKLEY schools united in an entertainment in observance of MUSIC. I wish to thank all those who so kindly gave of their time to make this affair a success. One of the attract- ive features of the program was the little playlet on the life of HANDEL presented by the MYRICKS group. Some one remarked that each room did so well and each such a distinctive unit it was hard to tell which was the best. Some particularly liked the folk dances, others the DWARFS, and still others favored the COOKS and PIRATES and MISTRESS MARY.
Boys and girls always do better when they are "dressed up" for their parts. Costuming is an attract- ive feature and is well worth the expense and work involved.
The proceeds from the entertainment were used in defraying any expense in the purchasing of costumes and tickets, etc., and the balance including the money
11
ANNUAL REPORT
from the sale of candy was equally divided among the different classes taking part. A balance of $38.49 was realized. Berkley's share was used to purchase a new electric phonograph. A part of Myricks money was spent in additional instruments for the rhythm band and for records to be used in a music appreciation course.
A music memory contest will be held in the spring. A suggestive list of some of the world's best music has been placed in the hands of the upper grade teachers. Pupils should be able to name and to recognize a large percentage of these by the time they leave the eighth grade. The first four grades will learn to listen intelli- gently to music suited to their experiences. This will come through concentration and discrimination be- tween familiar and unfamiliar themes. It is hoped that this project will open the way for the child's interpre- tation and understanding of some of the cultural beauty to be found in the music of the great masters.
Yours truly, LOIS J. SNOW,
Music Supervisor.
12
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT-FINANCIAL SUMMARY Year 1941
Expenditures :
General Control,
$ 742.99
Teachers' Salaries,
7,053.16
Books and Supplies,
763.64
Health,
522.66
Transportation,
5,412.73
Tuition,
4,374.24
Janitors' Salaries and Supplies,
1,147.86
Fuel and Light,
856.55
Maintenance, Building and Grounds,
1,768.95
Furniture and Furnishings, 334.58
Miscellaneous Expenses,
22.40
$22,999.76
Reimbursements :
General School Fund- Part I.
$2,141.25
General School Fund- Part II. 2,316.79
High School Tuition,
2,111.03
High School Transportation
2,882.80
Vocational Education- Tuition and Transportation
631.48
State Wards,
781.13
Superintendent's Salary
and Travel, 196.96
$11,061.44
Net Cost to Town,
$11,938.32
13
ANNUAL REPORT
HOW THE SCHOOL DOLLAR WAS SPENT IN 1941
Expenditure Cents
General Control,
$ 742.99
03.20
Teachers' Salaries,
7,053.16
30.80
Books and Supplies,
763.64
03.30
Health,
522.66
02.30
Transportation,
5,412.73
23.40
Tuition,
4,374.24
19.05
Janitors' Salaries and Supplies
1,147.86
05.00
Fuel and Light,
856.55
03.73
Maintenance, Buildings and Grounds,
1,768.95
*07.75
Furniture and Furnishings,
334.58
01.46
Miscellaneous Expenses,
22.40
00.01
$22,999.76
100.00
*Includes new floor and sliding partition.
DISTRIBUTION OF MINORS BERKLEY SCHOOLS
October 1, 1941
5 yrs. or over 7yrs. or over 14 yrs. or over
and under 7
and under 14
and under 16
Boys
6
84
14
Girls
13
58
13
Totals
19
142
27
14
ANNUAL REPORT
BERKLEY PUPILS ATTENDING DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL October 1, 1941
Seniors-7
Fernandes, Victoria Furtado, Gilbert Haskins, John
Hathaway, Norman Howland, Alfred Senechal, Fenella
Ratcliffe, Albert
Juniors-8
Ames, Edith Colpitts, Thelma Dillingham, John Little, Iona
Milko, Mary Moskol, Celia Pearson, Berthamay Pierce, Clifford
Sophomores-13
Barton, Charlotte
Poole, Kenneth
Brown, Alice
Reed, Fred
Costa, Cecelia
Silvia, James
Dulak, Bertha
Souza, Lionel
Faria, Manuel Ide, Rhoda
Turcott, Mary White, Elaine
Wood, Laura
Freshmen-18
Anthony, Virginia
Babbitt, Lois
Marshall, Gladys Milko, Agnes Quintin, Elsa
Bennett, Russell
Braese, George Jr.
Ratcliffe, Mary
Cummings, Doris Dillingham, Arthur
Slivinski, Mary
Grace, Edward
Wilson, Crystal
Little, Norma
Young, Adelbert
Kaye, Albert
Zrebiec, Adela
Sellars, Robert
NEW BEDFORD VOCATIONAL SCHOOL Rose, Kenneth Senechal, Albert
15
ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE SHOWING MEMBERSHIP BY GRADES October 1, 1941
Room
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Total
Bldg.
Berkley V
24
24
Berkley IV
25
25
Berkley III
21 16
37
Berkley II
13 18
31
Berkley I
14 21
35
152
Myricks II
2
6 5 4
17
Myricks I
2 7 4 5
18
35
Totals
16 28 17 23 23 22 29 29
187
GRAND TOTAL IN LOCAL SCHOOLS,
187
New Bedford Vocational School
2
Dighton-Regular,
34
Dighton-Vocational Girls
3
Dighton-Vocational Boys
9
48
235
SCHOOL DIRECTORY
Name
Home Address
Grade
Date of Appointment Education
Degree
Superintendent of Schools
Eaton, E. Perley
76 Spring St., No. Dighton
1940
Harvard University Tufts College Boston University
M.Ed. B.S.
Secretary
M.A.
Perry, Jessie A.
113 Smith St., Dighton
1935
BERKLEY GRAMMAR
Principal:
Unsworth, A. Louise
228 Berkley St., Taunton
8 1939
Bridgewater State Teachers' College
Allen, Anne
4666 No. Main St., Fall River
3-4
1939
Bridgewater State Teachers' B.S. in Ed. College
Harrington, Genevieve
498 Whipple St., Fall River
1-2
1939
Kearns, William
14 Lafayette Ave., E. Wey-
7
1941
Taylor, Mary G.
Park St., Harwich
5-6
1941
College
MYRICKS GRAMMAR
Allan, Barbara
533 Chestnut St., Needham
1-4
1941
Hackett, Millicent B.
185 Dean St., Taunton
5-8
1927
Bridgewater State Teachers' B.S. in Ed. College Bridgewater State Teachers' College
Resignations receiveed in 1941-Ernest Hale, James Horton, Dorothea McAloon.
Appointments made during 1941-Mary G. Taylor, William Kearns, Barbara Allan.
JANITORS-Berkley Grammar-Chester White.
Myricks Grammar-Joseph Furtado, *Andre Gagnon. *Resigned during 1941.
16
ANNUAL REPORT
Hyannis State Teachers' College Bridgewater State Teachers' B.S. in Ed. College Hyannis State Teeachers' B.S. in Ed.
mouth
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