USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1912 > Part 5
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During the past year a change has been made in geog- raphies. The latest edition of Tarr and McMurry geog- raphy displacing the older by the same authors. Several of the remaining text books ought to be exchanged dur- ing the next few years, because they do not contain the necessary information. Any book is worthy of reten-
ANNUAL REPORT.
tion so long as it is the best obtainable; when it falls be- low this standard it should be discarded. In these days of rapid change in national boundaries, scientific knowl- edge, and pedagogical presentation, books soon reach the limit of their usefulness. Books relating to geog- raphy, natural science, and history soon grow old. Dur- ing the past year the boundaries of northern Africa and Turkey have been greatly modified. The school text book must keep pace. The history that ends with the Roosevelt administration is out of date. The physiology that does not proclaim the benefits of fresh air, sunshine, and abundant good food as the best remedy for tuber- culosis is obsolete.
If a comparison of last year's report with the present shows any decrease in the per cent. of attendance it is chiefly attributable to epidemics during the first two terms of the calendar year passed. Yet this is not the only factor that has caused less perfect attendance. In last year's report the superintendent stated at some length the reasons why attendance was not better and what ought to be done. It still remains a fact that some few families are chiefly responsible for most of the tardy and absence marks of the registers. These families thinking that they will not be arrested continue from year to year to break the school laws. The training of foreign chil- dren for American citizenship is held at a discount. This is radically wrong. The keeping of children at home during school hours, and giving so much work to the child to do before he can start for school that by necessity he must be late, is a flagrant crime against the children. The allowance of this proceedure brings another factor into the school problem; namely, that the bright, constant, American is being made the submerged tenth. In other words the pupils that are habitually late or absent retard those that otherwise would advance rapidly. Because
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ANNUAL REPORT
of this some pupils are several grades behind what they ought to be. This is most apparent in rural schools. The graded school is better adapted to advance the child rap- idly than the ungraded. Apparently there is only one solution of the problem; the parent must be made to see his responsibility and accept its conditions. The plea of poverty, of large families, of home needs, cannot be considered. It is a fact universal, that wherever or when- ever the home stands for education, the children of that home will and do find a way to attend school.
During the year five changes occurred in the teaching force and all in the rural schools. This profession like most others demands that the teacher possesss pecial adaptation for her work. It is not enough that a good record has been made in school, although that is quite desirable. There must be a flexibility of temperament that will enable the teacher to quickly estimate the de- mands of the occasion and adapt herself to the changes that occur. There must be firmness and tact to meet the emergencies that arise. There must be an alertness of mind and body that pushes the work and secures re- sults. The employment of any teacher should depend upon her ability to do the best possible work in the school that she is to teach. The child is too important a factor to be trifled with. The field of teaching should not be exploited by those who are not willing to pay the price, hard work. We think that every teacher in the town is striving to do honest, faithful work. And we believe that the educational standard is being elevated.
A year ago the schools in the South building were so crowded that additional room was imperative. After various plans for relieving the pressure had been dis- cussed it was finally decided to raise the roof of the pres- ent building and add three more rooms, finishing one for present needs. The work was completed in time to
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ANNUAL REPORT.
open the building for use the second week of the fall term. The grades were readjusted and one new teacher em- ployed. This arrangement still leaves two grades in each of the three lower rooms and three grades in the grammar room. The lowest primary school now has forty-seven pupils; this, with the three grades in the gram- mar room, makes two rooms over full, for accomplishing the best work. The first grade ought to be alone so that a large amount of individual work would be possible. There is also an increasing demand for less grades under a teacher. This is somewhat caused by the foreign pop- ulation who speak a limited amount of English and who are not able to give help at home in school studies. Some of these people realize this and have asked permission to send their children to the South school for better ad- vantages in learning the English language. We have gladly received these children and are doing the best we can to train them in citizenship. Now, the opportunity is ours to do our part in fitting these boys and girls to properly assume their places in the vast army of toilers who are to decide the labor and social problems of the future. Again, there ought to be only two grades in the grammar room. These two years, when we fit pupils for the High school or give them the last school training for the work of life, ought to be as broad and thorough as possible. This year we have a class of fifteen in the ninth grade at this school. So much is to be done in this last year, devoted to the essentials of a common school edu- cation, that the conscientious teacher cannot avoid feel- ing a great responsibility. Some of these pupils will never attend any school beyond the present. They will as- sume the work of life, wielding the ballot as effectively as those who may be graduated from other institutions Therefore the greatest effort ought to be made in train- ing them to become the best and most intelligent citizens.
8
ANNUAL REPORT.
In order to properly achieve what has been suggested in the above paragraph the Superintendent would suggest that one more room be finished in the South building, one more teacher be employed, and the grades be rearranged so as to have one in the first primary room and two in each of the others.
Attention is called to the various appended reports especially those of the departments of music and drawing. The results secured by these supervisors is worthy of con- sideration. By necessity their time is divided among all the schools thus making their work less conspicuous, but not less effective. Probably no more telling work is being done in the daily routine than by these specialists.
In closing, I desire to impress upon the mind of every citizen that the public school is a reliable, vital force for the extension of knowledge, for the uplifting of humanity, and development of noble citizenship.
I also wish to express my appreciation of the cordial co-operation extended me by all the teachers, school com- mittee and citizens in my work.
Respectfully submitted,
MORTIMER H. BOWMAN, Superintendent of Schools.
9
ANNUAL REPORT.
Report of School Physician
Dighton, Mass., Jan. 30, 1913.
To the School Committee of the Town of Dighton, Mass .:
I find the schools of Dighton improved in every way over last year. General sanitary and hygienic conditions are better, teachers are careful in their instruction to pupils regarding cleanliness of body, head, teeth and ears. We have been quite free from contagious diseases. Only a small number of mild cases of measles and whooping cough have been reported
Preventative measures are being taken to lessen the possibility of diseases and insures the safety of pupils.
The condition of outbuildings are satisfactory.
The following diseases have been investigated and parents notified where necessary :
Head Lice,
38
Catarrh of Stomach,
2
Adenoids,
2
Sore Throat,
4
Dandruff, 8
Mentally Deficient, 1
Tonsil Enlarged, 4
Nasal Catarrh, 2
Bronchial Catarrh, 1
Stuttering,
1
Scalp Disease,
6
Partial Blindness,
1
Respectfully submitted, J. L. SANBORN, MD.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Supervisor of Drawing
Dighton, Mass.
Mr. M. H. Bowman :
Not many years ago, the importance of drawing in the schools and its real use in the world was not fully realized. Now, however, people understand more and more its connection with almost every industrial activity and its value as a universal medium of expression.
Drawing is taught no longer as a subject apart, but is used in connection with every school subject. The child now illustrates his history or geography lesson, then de- signs a fitting cover for the whole. He is taught also to space his arithmetic paper well and to draw a good map.
The manual work plays an important part in every drawing course today. This work gives the children confidence in themselves, when they learn that they can construct objects with their own hands.
We endeavor (1) to teach the children (by so training the power of observation) to make a representation of any object which they may see, in its true shape and pro- portion; (2) to give them through the manual work a cer- tain amount of skill of hand and the ability to plan and construct an object; (3) to develop taste and an appre- ciation for the beautiful, which may be of use later in the home, town or city.
The drawing was left in excellent condition by the former teacher and so far this year the children have worked well and the teachers have put forth every effort toward carrying out the course as planned.
11
ANNUAL REPORT.
Just before Christmas the upper grades planned and constructed boxes of various shapes. These were made of cardboard and paper, and were tied with raffia. Many were decorated with original designs on the covers. The boys of the seventh, eighth and ninth grades made some very fine waste paper baskets from the same materials. The materials for each article, amounting only to five cents, were paid for by the pupils.
At the North Dighton school, the pupils of Miss Pearce's room became very much interested in designing invitations and programs for the Christmas exercises. Some very original ones were obtained.
In closing, I wish to thank the Superintendent and the teachers for their hearty co-operation with me during these first few months of my teaching in Dighton.
Respectfully submitted,
MARJORIE BROWNELL,
January 22, 1913.
12
ANNUAL REPORT.
Report of Supervisor of Music.
Mr. M. H. Bowman, Superintendent of Schools:
Sir :- The work in music during the past year has shown very good results and I feel that this is greatly due to the interest and influence of the teachers in urging the chil- dren forward.
The course of study followed is based largely on the new educational music course, Weaver system, adapted and readjusted to our particular needs. The object of the course is four-fold: First, to develop in the child a love and appreciation of good music; second, to culti- vate an expressive voice; third, to develop the ability to read at sight; and, fourth, to render songs understand- ingly.
For the development of these four points, the daily work has been divided into four divisions,-voice training, sight singing, musical interpretation, and written work.
In the first two grades all songs are taught by rote. As song study has an important place in developing interest and musical activity, great care has been used to select songs that are poetic, as well as interesting to the child and that are pure and attractive in melody, as well as within the compass of the child's voice. Many children who have just entered school have little, or no perception of tone, and some have difficulty in singing a single tone correctly. However with individual work the teachers are overcoming this trouble. It makes a vast difference if before entering school the child has heard music in his home.
13
ANNUAL REPORT.
From the first to the sixth grade inclusive the syllable names of the scale are as follows :- Doo, re, mi, faw, sool, law, ti, doo. If the teacher insists upon these the first four months of school, the habit thus formed will continue throughout the year. The children use these syllables always whether in drill, scales, exercises or songs. The broad faw and law and the round doo and sool with re- laxed jaw and flexible lips, will do much to overcome the harsh tones that are sure to be in evidence early in the school year.
The department wishes to thank you and the com- mittee for your encouraging and kindly support in the work.
Respectfully submitted,
CARRIE E. WHITE, Supervisor of Music.
14
ANNUAL REPORT.
Report of Truant Officer
To the School Committee of Dighton:
Twenty-three cases have been reported to me during the year by the Superintendent and teachers. These have been investigated and I have found the parents willing to comply with the law.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSIAH S. PLACE, Truant Officer.
TABLE A. ATTENDANCE STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1912
SCHOOLS
No. of Boys
No. of Girls
Total
Enrollment
Enrollment
Enrollment
Enrollment
Total
Average
Average
Attendance
Per cent. of
Attendance
Number of
Absences
Number of
Days Tardiness
Number of
Dismissals
Number of Visitors
North Grammar. . . .
18
16
34
34
0
34
34
29
27
93.1
398
53
130
78
North Intermediate ..
20
22
42
0
42
0
42
42
36
34
94.4
530
142
78
68
North Primary .
30
22
52
0
52
0
26
52
39
37
94.8
502
44
11
59
South Grammar. ..
20
13
33
0
30
3
23
33
32
31
96.9
129
00
15
152
South Intermediate.
16
12
28
0
28
0
28
28
27
26
96.3
201
59
79
107
*South Primary A . . .
12
=
23
0
23
0
23
23
21
21
95.5
64
30
9
58
*South Primary B. .
30
22
52
0
52
0
30
52
46
43
93.5
250
45
17
195
Brick .
16
9
25
0
25
0
23
25
22
20
90.9
166
17
4
46
Broad Cove.
25
19
44
0
44
0
38
44
40
37
92.5
578
71
10
53
Fish .
11
9
20
0
20
0
17
20
17
16
94.1
201
197
4
47
Flat Rock
14
20
34
0
34
0
26
34
28
23
82.1
697
236
6
29
Segregansett.
00
00
16
0
16
0
12
16
14
13
92.8
128
65
30
51
Williems. .
12
6
21
0
21
0
14
21
19
16
84.2
471
313
47
18
15
*Fall term only.
ANNUAL REPORT
Under 5 Years
5 to 15 Years
Over 15 Years
7 to 14 Years
Membership
Membership
-
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ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE B.
SHOWING AGE AND ASSIGNMENT OF PUPILS BY GRADES
Schools.
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
No. Grammar
12
12.8|12.913.7
No. Intermediate
8.7|10
10.8
No. Primary
6.1
7.6
So. Grammar
12
12
14
So. Intermediate
11.111.8
So. Primary A.
9
10.4
So. Primary B
6.3
7.7
Brick
7
8
10
11
11
11
Broad Cove
6.5
8.5
9.310.310.513.1
Fish
5.5
7.4
11.4 11.1 12.3 10.912.7
Flat Rock
7.3
8.8
10.6|11.312.512.8
Segregansett
7.7
7.2
9.7
10.211.7
Williams
5.6
6.810.2
9.6
13.2
12.7
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ANNUAL REPORT.
TABLE C. SHOWING NUMBER AND ASSIGNMENT OF PUPILS BY GRADES
Schools.
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII VIII
IX
No. Grammar
13
9
5
7
No.Intermediate
18
8
13
No. Primary
25
21
So. Grammar
10
9
16
So.Intermediate
15
12
So. Primary A
10
13
So. Primary B
29
18
Brick
7
5
2
3
1
4
Broad Cove
15
9
9
6
4
1
Fish
3
4
3
2
2
1
2
Flat Rock
17
7
4
4
2
3
Segregansett
8
1
4
2
3
Williams
6
1
4
3
3
2
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ANNUAL REPORT
CHANGE OF TEACHERS.
Resignation.
School.
Appointment.
Verna E. Robbins
Fish
Alice M. Doane
Flat Rock
Bertha DeLaura Myrtle Hughes
Harriet E. Whiting
Segregansett
Sarah G. Cummings
Minetta A. Mackie
Williams
Emma F. Chace
South Primary
Harriet E. Whiting
HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS.
Taunton High School Class 1913.
Ruth E. Staples Class 1914.
Lincoln F. Dunlap
Ralph N. Lincoln
Palmer S. Marble Class 1915
Mary Rose Class 1915
Dalton P. Crossman
Lynton L. Drinkwater
Louis B. Rose
Ruth P. Walker Class 1916
Joseph Sanborn
Mabel I. Cameron
George Glynn
Manuel Mendoza
Edith L. Staples
John F. Williams
Fall River High School Class 1914.
Myron T. Briggs Elliott B. Cole Ruth Haskins
Burton F. Simmons Elliott Walker Class 1916 John W. Hampton Lester W. Simmons
19
ANNUAL REPORT.
FINANCIAL REPORT
OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
For the year ending December 31, 1912.
Appropriation made at March meet-
ing, 1912, $8,000.00
Income from Mass. School Fund, 1,159.47
Income from Dog Licenses, 406.30
Allowance from State for Supt. Salary, 500.00
Tuition of State Wards, 24.50
Total allowance for Schools, $10,090.27
EXPENSES OF MAINTAINING SCHOOLS.
Salary of the Sec. of the School Com- mittee, for 1911,
$10.00
Salary of Supt. of Schools for 1912, 639.96
Expenses of the Supt. of Schools for 1912, 22.85
Teachers' Salaries for 1912, 6,031.28
Books purchased for the year 1912, 216.82
Stationery, Supplies, etc., purchased for the year, 192.16
Janitor's wages for the year 1912,
647.50
Fuel paid for in 1912, 563.14
Repairs inculding Cleaning of School
Houses and yards and use of Wells, 360.25
20
ANNUAL REPORT.
High School Tu ition for the year 1912, 1,723.13
Transportation for the year, 422.00
School Census, 25.00
Dr. Sanborn's Contract, 35.00
$10,889.09
Overdraft,
$798.82
Appropriation for addition to School
at South Dighton, 1
$3,700.00
Expended, 3,670.34
Balance, $29.66
For running the schools for the year 1913, it is desir- able, if we are to maintain the same efficiency as now, that we appropriate this year the proper amount to take care of the expense.
For the year 1913, the Income from the Mass. School Fund amounts to · $1,220.05 The Income from Dog Licenses, 366.15
The allowance from State for Supt.
Salary, 500.00
Total,
$2,086.20
Therefore, we recommend the Town appropriate for the use of the Schools for the year 1913, $9,000.00.
J. S. PLACE, Chairman. J. K. MILLIKEN, Secretary.
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