USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1923 > Part 6
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I recommend that a special sub-committee be named to study more carefully than has been done before this problem as it affects the boys and girls of Dighton. Certainly the school board should try to provide equal opportunities for education for all pupils. That certain elements of the population do not appreciate the services of the public school is no reason why low standards should be permitted by those to whom are intrusted the care and supervision of the schools.
The sub-committee above referred to should be em- powered to make a thorough investigation of the cost of conducting the one room schools as at the present time and the probable cost of conducting them on a more completely consolidated basis. The sub-committee may cooperate with the school board, make a report to the town at the
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annual town meeting in 1925; and embody the result of the investigation in an article for the warrant for the annual town meeting for that year.
SALARIES OF TEACHERS
The school system is as good as the teachers who are in charge of it. Usually the salary question has a direct relation to good teaching and continuity of service. Dighton should do everything reasonable to encourage long con- tinuity of service of its excellent, good and superior teachers.
I recommend therefore that a substantial amount of money be requested to be applied to salaries of teachers.
SPECIAL CLASSES
The law requires special classes for pupils retarded three years or more in mental development. These pupils so retarded are being determined according to regulations prescribed by the State Department of Education. In addition to the relatively few pupils so badly retarded there is a considerable number of pupils who are unable to do the regular work of their grades. There has been no proper place in our system for these backward children and there is not yet an ungraded class which could accommodate these pupils. Pupils assigned to ungraded classes are not subject to promotion until they give evidence of being able to do the work of the regular grade. Such pupils may be transferred at any time to the regular grades when they show that they can do the work. The benefits to be de- rived from the operation of ungraded classes are very great indeed, not only for the laggards but also for the pupils of usual and exceptional abilities. The normal pupils profit more when the teacher can devote her entire attention to them. More intensive methods of drill can be put into practice if the teacher's time is not consumed by the mis-
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fits. Much criticism about the inability of public school children to do simple reasoning problems in Arithmetic is undoubtedly due to the fact that teachers have not been required to meet standards of accomplishment. But in town, it is hardly possible to set up such standards when considerable numbers are retarded mentally and physically. If these pupils could be segregated from the others, an intelligent system of grading could be introduced. The slower boy and girl would benefit equally for they would receive instruction adapted to them. They would not become discouraged as is so often the case, with having to repeat the same grade two and sometimes more than two years. I recommend therefore that one teacher be pro- vided for the South School and that pupils 3 years or more in mental development, and that other pupils retarded or backward but not deficient be required to attend such spec- ial class, provided it is practicable to transport pupils to such proposed class from the other districts of the town.
ATTENDANCE
It is urged that parents cooperate with the teachers and attendance officer in maintaining regular and prompt attendance of all children required by law to attend school. There is a direct relation between failure in school work and habitual absence and tardiness. There is a constant and continual effort on the part of some parents and others to minimize the importance of punctual attendance at school. The cooperation of the public with th eschool officials in the enforcement of the law is urgently needed to secure the best results.
THE NEW COURSE OF STUDY
As a rule teachers have not agreed as to the exact mean- ing of education. They have diverged widely in practice to an extent that made education practically meaningless.
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Hence it was very desirable to standardize the system for the town as a whole to provide an equal education so far as possible for every boy and girl in the town.
I believe that if the program of studies and the course of study are faithfully followed and accomplished by the teachers there will be no difficulty for the graduating classes to meet the requirements of the neighboring high schools.
CONCLUSION
I believe that the schools have moved forward in the right direction the past year. A better grading system, a policy of consolidation, and application of the scientific knowledge of education to our school system will do much to improve the schools. First, last, and always the child's future-his education must be considered. This must not be neglected in discussing school problems.
Most respectfully submitted,
NORMAN J. BOND,
Supt. of Schools.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S REPORT
January 29, 1924.
To the Citizens of Dighton :-
Having completed the year 1923 your Committee here- by submits its report.
In looking over our financial statement for the year you will notice that the balance is quite large. This is due to the fact that not nearly so many pupils entered high school as the Committee counted on, and a large number dropped out after going two or three months.
During the year electric lights were installed in one room and the basement in the Dighton School Building; and also in the North Dighton Grammar School Building, which was wired when built. The Williams and Fish School Houses have been painted inside and outside. This makes all of our rural school buildings in first class condition, except Flat Rock, which is to be painted next summer. The Primary Building at North Dighton must be shingled and few small repairs made. The Grammar Building at Dighton and the Primary Building at North Dighton should be painted within the next two years. Taken as a whole our school houses are in much better condition than most towns of our size.
There is a great congestion of pupils at the Fish School. For the past two years the Committee has adopted a two platoon system for this school, the primary grades attend- ing in the morning and the grammar grades in the after- noon. In order that these children might cover the amount of work required by the course of study the school day has been lengthened, the morning session being from 8.30 A. M. to 12 M. and afternoon being from 12.30 P. M. to 4.00 P. M.
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It is the endeavor of your Committee to have our schools standardized to meet the requirements of the State Board of Education and the requirements to enter high school. To this end our superintendent of schools, Mr. Bond, has drawn up a course of study, which has been adopted by the Committee. By following this course we believe that our schools will be greatly improved and the pupils will be much better prepared to enter high school.
It is the policy of this Committee to keep our schools at as high a standard as possible with a minimum expense.
ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR 1924.
Supt. and Law Enforcement,
$2,100.00
Fuel
3,000.00
Books
800.00
Supplies
1,500.00
Health
1,200.00
Teachers' Salaries
18,600.00
Janitors' Salaries,
2,400.00
Repairs,
1,700.00
Tuition,
5,750.00
Continuation School,
200.00
Transportation,
1,800.00
New Equipment,
200.00
Incidentals,
700.00
Total
$39,950.00
Respectfully submitted,
ROY F. WALKER, Chairman, MRS. SARA C. HAMILTON, Sec. TRENOR F. GOODELL, Financial Sec. MRS. CLARA L. W. WYETH, HENRY W. HORTON.
LELAND BULLARD.
School Committee.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Norman J. Bond, Supt. of Schools, Dighton, Mass.
I have the honor to submit the following report as school nurse for the year ending Dec. 31st, 1923.
Total number of school visits, 250
Total number of home calls 235
Total number of home calls with doctor 4 Total number of home calls with attend- ance officer 3
Pupils were excluded for appearance of Measles, chicken pox, mumps, impetigo, ringworm, scabies, acute colds and sore throats.
An epidemic of measles in the fall of 1922 was still in evidence early in 1923. The wide spread of this disease through the State made it impossible to control. A num- ber of cases of scarlet fever, and diphtheria, were as far as possible traced and promptly reported, preventing an epi- demic.
At the close of the term in May clinics were held in North and South Dighton schools, 110 children examined, 7 suspicious tubercular cases found, and 16 for further observation. Many of these cases have been re-examined at the clinic at City Hall-held 1st. Wednesday in Month. 1. after examination and X-Ray, was advised, and is re- ceiving treatment at a Preventona.
A clinic for removal of tonsils and adenoids has been arranged through Dr. H. S. Miller, School physician, at the Mt. Hope Hospital.
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Through the Parent-Teacher Association plans have been made for lectures by eminent authorities on health subjects. Health is a community problem, it is hoped every parent will join the Association and enlist in the science of prevention.
Thanking you, the school Committee, teachers and attendance officers for their kindly co-operation, I am,
Yours truly, ALICE B. MACINTOSH, R. N.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF DRAWING
Mr. Norman Bond, Superintendent of Schools.
The following is a report of the work on drawing which I am conducting in the schools of Dighton.
During the fall the study was on the principles under- lying good design, leading to an appreciation of beauty in nature and in manufactured articles, "good taste" in the choice of objects for everyday use, and the ability to make simple adaptations of these principles that are both practical and pleasing. If the factory products of Massachusetts are to hold their own against those of other states and of foreign countries, it must be due to their good workmanship and attractive appearance. The public school can train workmen of to-morrow in designing and handwork. It can present standards by which those who buy these articles can exercise the best choice.
During the winter term we are giving the children a chance to develop for themselves the language of drawing. It is a medium for story-telling like writing or speech and just as natural if developed early enough. This work is splendid training in observation and memory drill.
The ability to plan the making of simple objects from start to finish is our aim in construction work. We lead the child to think out possible ways of proceeding and help him to choose the one that seems best for that particular piece.
The picture-study lessons are an excellent means of correlating art history and appreciation with English compo- sition.
My work has been encouraged by the interest in draw- ing which the teachers and pupils have shown.
Respectfully submitted,
EVELYN B. WELLS.
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REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Norman J. Bond, Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit the following report of the music in the schools of Dighton.
The purpose of teaching singing in the public schools is three-fold-
First, to enable the largest possible number of children to participate correctly and tunefully in singing; second, by this means to develop in them a love and taste for good music; third, to teach as many of the principles and to fur- nish as much of the practice of sight-singing as may be possi- ble under the existing conditions.
The work of the pupils in music in the Dighton schools is good and with a few exceptions their effort is very good.
In the first grade which is the sensory period, note songs are used, in order to arouse the children's interest in music and to provide the children with musical experience which shall serve as a basis for further development.
Beginning with the fourth year comes the associative period, the time for independent work in music, for drill in towal and rhythmic combinations until automatic control of them is acquired.
Thirdly comes the adolescent period which begins in the seventh grade and continues into the high school.
At this time, music must be selected to make a strong appeal to the emotional side of the pupil.
I wish at this time to extend my thanks to the teachers, for their helpful and hearty cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
MARION FISHER MARTIN,
Supervisor of Music.
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REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Feb. 7, 1924
To the School Committee of Dighton :
For some time past there has been an annual examination of school-children in this district, with special and repeated examinations where necessary, a method which hasapparent- ly had good results. The year 1923-1924 offers, in addition to the above, the services of a full-time school physician e. g. rather than have the medical care of school-children end with the annual examination, the attention and super- vision are carried on throughout the year with the co- operation of the Supt. of Schools, the School Nurse, and the Teachers.
Each child is examined as regards physical defects and due attention given mental fitness for school attendance at least once during the school year, more frequent in indivi- dual cases or wherever the additional attention seems warranted. Examinations are conducted with the aid of the school nurse, defects are noted and recorded on per- manent records, the parents are notified of such defects and advised as regards remedying the condition or cause. The school nurse maintains a record of each case and makes a personal visit to the home of the child or sends a list of directions for care of the condition, and later makes visits to follow up the cases, to instruct, advise and to co-operate with the parents.
The school physician is on call throughout the school year to make visits whenever needed to any school or home of the district on recommendation of the school nurse or the Supt. of Schools. In view of the fact that all school and employment certificates, inquiries, advice, and information
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as regards the schools and school children are without charge to parents and others concerned or interested, the school physician invites such inquiries in an effort to en- courage co-operation in the well being of the children and the improvement of the school system.
An effort has been made to give to the children of Dight- on, as near as possible, the same medical attention, clinical advantages, and care as practiced in the larger and more prosperous towns and cities. This will not be realized over night nor during this year, but it is hoped that it will eventu- ally come. A substantial beginning has been made possible through the interest and co-operation of the Mt. Hope Finishing Company which concern, in an interest of the community and it's people, has very gladly supplied in- struments and equipment for the beginning of a clinic at the Mt. Hope Hospital for the treatment or removal of tonsils and adenoids. The clinic was opened with it's first case December 13, 1923. The clinic brings such operations within the reach of all persons since there is no operation fee or other fees, a minimum charge only being made to cover cost of materials used. A dental clinic has been given favor and support by the Mt. Hope Finishing Company which clinic is also to be opened at the Mt. Hope Hospital and to be operated at a minimum expense to school children of Dighton. In view of the fact that diseased tonsils and adenoids, and diseased teeth constitute the greatest percentage of handicaps among school children, it is hoped that these clinics may meet with favor and that residents of Dighton will avail themselves of the opportuni- ties which are being brought to them.
In a general way the conditions in and about the schools are good, especially is this true of the larger and more centrally located, (No. Dighton Primary, No. Dighton Grammar, and So. Dighton Graded Schools). Of the out- lying schools (Flat Rock, Broad Cove, Fish, Williams, Segregansett and Brick) the same cannot be said. There are definitely good reasons why these are not ideal, the
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principal reasons being that the facilities for heat, sewage disposal, and water supply are not available to make them so. The out-houses, objectionable as they are, will in all probability have to be retained as they are for sometime to come, except for minor changes recommended below. Allowing the out-houses to remain as they now are neces- sarily obliges the children to go from a warm and dry at- mosphere directly into the reverse conditions and acquiring wet clothes and shoes on the way, thereby subjecting them- selves to conditions which predispose to sickness. Covered board-walks joining the rear of the school with the out-houses would obviate this objectionable feature. Each out-house should be provided with a pit, preferably 6 feet and not less than 3 feet deep, and into which lime may be scattered every 2 months. The toilet drains lack in that there is no provision for cleansing and not inclined sufficiently to war- rant proper drainage, this predisposes to stagnation, de- composition, filth and obnoxious odors. During the warm weather all windows should be screened to prevent the entrance of flies and other insects. Particularly is this important where the out-houses are but a short distance from the school and where pails are used as containers for drinking water. Individual cups are provided and drink- ing water pails are kept covered, however, this does not necessarily prevent contamination by flies since these keep busy travelling to and fro.
As a result of the study and observations of the condi- tions on the part of the Supt. of Schools, principally as re- gards heating and ventilation of the out-lying schools, many valuable suggestions have been received and it is to be hoped that they may receive support. An even temperature with heat evenly distributed so as to be en- joyed by all children wherever seated and at the same time providing for proper ventilation is to be encouraged. It has been recommended in the out-lying schools that sweep- ing be done in the evening after all children have vacated
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and not in the morning just before school convenes. Dust- ing should be delayed until the following morning thus allowing sufficient time for the settling of dust from the air, after which it is more thoroughly removed.
Each school should have it's individual water supply for drinking purposes. If a well, this should be kept tightly covered and water to be drawn by pumps, provision being made that the same may be completely closed-in during vacation periods. Specimens should be drawn at least once in the course of the year and subjected to chemical and bacteriological examinations.
To date all of the children of the out-lying schools have been examined, approximately numbering 375. One room at No. Dighton Primary and one and one-half rooms at No. Dighton Grammar Schools yet remain to be examined, the latter having been postponed until a time when the attend- ance had improved. Of the diseases and deformities en- countered thus far, the following list is given, arranged according to the order of frequency of occurrence: Dental caries and Pyorrhoea, Nits, Enlarged Glands, Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids, Alveolar Abscess, Eczema, Scabies, Deviated Septum, Pediculosis capitis, Chronic Middle Ear Disease, Chicken-pox, Obstetrical Paralysis, Hare-lip, Ankylosed Hip-joint, Pott's Disease, Erythema, Impetigo, Malnutrition, Masturbation, and Septic Infection. In each case of noted defect have the parents or guardians been informed, either by note or through the school nurse.
Visits to the homes have been followed by the school nurse, the school physician accompaning only when con- sidered advisable or recommended by the nurse or the Supt. of Schools. To date 3 visits have been made with the nurse, 1 with the Supt. of Schools, and 1 alone. Two operations for removal of Tonsils and Adenoids for school children have been performed by the school physician at the Mt. Hope Hospital Clinic.
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Numerous visits made to the office of the school physi- cian for the purpose of making various inquiries, reporting conditions, obtaining certificates for permission to return to school have not been recorded.
Respectfully submitted, H. S. MILLER, M. D.
School Physician. 2 Pearl St., No. Dighton, Mass. 119 Weir St., Taunton, Mass.
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REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Dighton, Mass., Jan. 1, 1924
Mr. Norman J. Bond, Supt. of Schools, Dighton, Mass.
Dear Sir :---
I herewith submit my report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1923. In investigating the causes of non attendance of children I have made 146 visits. The principal cause of the absences in most cases was that they were kept at home by the parent or guardian to work, there being only three cases of wilful absences from school. Am pleased to note some improvement in attendance over last year. Thanking all connected with the school for their hearty co-operation I am,
Sincerely, HOWARD C. BRIGGS,
Attendance Officer.
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT
OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1923.
RECEIPTS.
Unexpended, Jan. 1, 1923,
$1,758.75
Dog Fund
524.54
Appropriation,
40,100.00
Reimbursement,
2,420.00
Total,
$44,803.29
1923 EXPENDITURES.
Supt. and Law Enforcement,
$1,890.91
Fuel,
3,609.92
Books,
636.00
Supplies,
2,000.52
Health,
1,024.20
Teachers' Salaries,
17,409.53
Janitors' Salaries,
2,341.00
Repairs,
892.61
Tuition,
6,161.05
Cont. School,
111.99
Transportation,
2,194.83
New Equipment,
441.00
Incidentals,
891.72
Total,
$39,605.29
Unpaid bills,
2,102.20
Balance Jan. 1st,
3,095.80
Total Receipts,
44,803.29
Respectfully,
T. F. GOODELL,
Fin. Sec.
:
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