USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1927 > Part 6
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE
TOWN OF DIGHTON
FOR THE
Year Ending December 31, 1927
2
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the School Committee of Dighton :
I have the honor of submitting my fourth report as your Superintendent of Schools.
The most imporant event of the year has been the en- largement of the South School. This extension has done more than merely to provide needed room. It has given the school improved toilet facilities and a large well lighted hallway that may be used for assembly purposes. It has also made possible for this school the advantages of de- partmental teaching and a Junior High School organiza- tion in the upper grades.
The addition was so constructed as to permit further enlargement when required. The heating plant, for in- stance, will care for three more rooms. Another room, as a matter of fact, is needed now. Each grade in the school is either large enough to require a separate room or too large to be combined with any other grade. There are eight grades in the building and but seven rooms. Failing a room for each grade, any arrangement made will be un- satisfactory and necessanty temporary.
The town is now definitely committed to the Junior High School idea, and the advantages of the plan are becoming evident. Of these advantages, the leading one, that bene- fits the pupil more than better organization, the modern equipment and the changed form of instruction is a different attitude upon the part of the pupil himself. Under the new organization the scholars are more interested and
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ANNUAL REPORT
ambitious. They develop better initiative and greater self reliance. The new conditions stimulate effort and induce better work.
I should point out that the complete Junior High School organization includes the ninth grade and is followed by three years instead of four in the Senior High School. When we do this the results will be better educationally and the cost of the school system as a whole will be materially re- duced. For both of these reasons I urge that this step be taken.
We have a testing system that enables a very definite measurement of our educational efficiency. The basis of the system is the classification, upon the basis of scores made on tests, of the pupils into eight groups: A; B plus, B minus, C plus, C minus, D plus, D minus, and E. The particular scores upon which this classification is made, depends upon the grade that takes the test and the month of the school year in which it is given. A class is up to standard as a whole when one half of all marks are C plus or better. As a matter of fact, against the normal 50% about 65% of our marks are within this range. We are upon this basis about 15% above the average. Similarly, 70% of all marks should be C minus or above. This standard is met by about 91% of our pupils, which means, that we have about 21% more than the averge number of scholars who are doing fair passable work or better. Upon this showing we may state with certainty that our schools are somewhat above standard upon the whole.
There are some further comparisons, however, that are less complimentary. The normal ratios of A, B plus, and B minus, marks are, respectively, 10% each. Our pro- portions of these grades is, respectively, 5%, 8% and 14%. This means that for the ranges of excellent and superior work we are as whole 7% short, while we are 4% above average in the very good group, this must be balanced against the 7% deficiency in the higher groups, with the final result of a 3% shortage in upper three ranges when
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ANNUAL REPORT
taken as whole. This means that while we secure more than the average amount of work that is passing, good, or very good, we secure less than the average amount of ex- cellent and highly superior work. Plainly our most able scholars are not working to capacity This shows the field in which our next steps for increased efficiency must come.
I wish at this time to express my appreciation of the interest and help given the schools by various organizations, by institutions, such as the Bristol County Agricultural School and the Dighton Public Library, and by individuals. While there has been no attempt to parade the fact, much of value along club and related lines has been accomplished this year. Notable among these accomplishments have been developments in close conjunction with the schools, in the fields of Boy Scouting, Girl Scouting and the Boy Ranger movement. To all who have aided in the various projects for the benefit of the children, the School Depart- ment is grateful.
In closing, may I again thank all with whom I have come in contact for the consideration and support that they have given me.
Respectfully submitted EDWARD L. HILL,
Superintendent of Schools.
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ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Winter Term, 7 weeks, Monday, Jan. 3, 1928 to Friday, Feb. 17, 1928.
Late Winter Term, 7 weeks, Monday, Feb. 27, 1928 to Friday, Apr. 13, 1928.
Spring Term, 8 weeks, Monday, Apr. 23, 1928 to Friday, June 15, 1928.
Fall Term, 16 weeks, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 1928 to Friday, Dec. 21, 1928.
Winter Term, 7 weeks, Monday, Dec. 31, 1928 to Friday, Feb. 15, 1929.
Late, Winter Term, 7 weeks, Monday, Feb. 25, 1929 to Friday Apr. 12, 1929.
Spring Term, 8 weeks, Monday, Apr. 22, 1929 to Friday, June 14, 1929.
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ANNUAL REPORT
DIGHTON PUPILS IN HIGH SCHOOL
SENIORS
Taunton
Lawrence Atkins
Eugenia Barney
Ruth Brown
Mabel Gilbert
Samuel Shaw
Josephine Walker
Eunica Greenlaw
Clayton Atwood
Cecil Shaw
Agnes Hornby
Fall River
JUNIORS
Taunton
Chester Barker
Clara Cavanagh
Lucy Cavanagh
Russell Smith
John Synan
Harold Phillips
Vernon Stead
Constance Babbitt Dorothea Babbitt
SOPHOMORES
Taunton
Charlotte Brown Anna Ludovic Thelma Potter Mildred Street Elinor Goodell Robert Cavangh Louis Menard
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ANNUAL REPORT
Richard Perry Agnes Marsden Ruth O'Connell Gladys Perry Margaret Soper Keith Soper Lillian Deslauners
Fall River
Somerset
Elenor Perry Louis Carr Harold Rossoi
Faith Varney
FRESHMEN
Taunton
Eva Atkins
Mabel Broadbent
Dorothy Goff Herbert Holt Ernest Horton
Woodrow Hutchins
Dorothy King Alma Rose
Elsie Rose
John Torres Alfred Vickers
Herbert Ballou
Vincent Makin
Anna Galligan
Nathalie Horton
Charles Briggs
Leo Deslauners
Donald Hathaway Alan Brightman Edward Carr
Fall River
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ANNUAL REPORT
CLASSIFICATION OF PUPILS BY SCHOOL AND GRADE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 Total
No. Dighton Primary
33
31
33
35
19 151
No. Dighton Grammar
28
35
43
23
129
South Dighton
27
28
23
12
30
31
23
10
189
Segreganset
3
7
2
4
16
Brick
10
10
9
29
Fish
13
4
5
4
26
Flat Rock
2
5
4
5
16
Broad Cove
4
10
4
3
21
Williams
13
10
23
92
95
80
63
71
76
71
33
19
600
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Dighton:
Having completed the year 1927 your Committee hereby submits its report.
During the year one room and flush toilets, with a modern steam heating plant to take care of same, have been added to the South Grammar School Building. The North Primary, the Segreganset and the Williams School Houses have been redecorated inside. The heating plant of the North Grammar School Building has been revamped, mak- ing an efficient system. The heating plant at the North Primary Building consists of one boiler and two hot air furnaces. The boiler takes care of three rooms and the toilets, and the other two rooms have a furnace for each. These furnaces are gradually being disposed of, as we be- lieve the boiler will take care of the entire building. Every furnace dispensed with means a saving of fuel.
The heating plant of the South Grammar Building is not working satisfactorily. This year your Committee is asking for money to revamp the piping system in order to make a modern heating plant that will give efficient results.
There is a great congestion in the South Grammar School. Eight grades are being housed in seven rooms. Next September the number of children in each grade will be so great that it will be impossible to house more than one grade in each room. Your Committee, therefore, asks that another room be added to this building.
Commencing in September of 1928 your Committee plans to abolish the use of the Broad Cove, Flat Rock and Segre- ganset School Buildings. The number enrolled in each of these buildings is so small that we feel it is a needless burden
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ANNUAL REPORT
to maintain them. The pupils can be transported to other school buildings at a slight cost, while the saving to the Town's People will amount to approximately $2500.00 per year, and the children will get a much better education due to more efficient grading system. This new arrangement is to be tried out for one year to find out if the results will be satisfactory.
The School Budget is somewhat increased due to a large growth in high school pupils. Next September there will be about twenty-six entering high school, while only ten will be graduated in June.
SCHOOL BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1928
Supt. and Law Enforcement
$2,350 00
Teachers' Salaries 25,600 00
Books and Supplies
3,500 00
Janitors' Salaries
3,000 00
Fuel
3,000 00
Repairs
1,500 00
Health
1,650 00
Transportation
6,200 00
Tuition
9,400 00
Contingent
750 00
New Equipment
500 00
Total $57,450 00
For revamping the heating plant of the South
Grammar Building $1,500 00
Respectfully Submitted,
ROY F. WALKER, Chairman
MRS. SARA C. HAMILTON, Sec. TRENOR F. GOODELL, Fin. Sec.
MRS. CLARA L. W. WYETH LELAND BULLARD HENRY W. HORTON
School Committee.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Mr. Edward L. Hill, Supt. of Schools, Dighton, Mass.
Dear Sir:
For the past two years the pupils of the town schools have been enjoying a course in Music Appreciation. To arouse the interest of the pupils a music memory contest was held in the Grammar Schools of North and South Dighton.
A portable phonograph and suitable records have now been purchased so that the pupils of the outlying schools may receive the advantages of town schools. This necessi- tates a weekly visit to these schools and is proving most successful.
Mr. Hill, members of the School Committee and the teachers have given me their hearty cooperation for which I am very grateful.
Respectfully submitted, MARY F. CULLINAN,
Supervisor of Music
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF ATTENDANCE OFFICER
Dighton, Mass., Jan. 1, 1928.
Mr. Edward L. Hill, Supt. of Schools, Dighton, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my report'for the year ending Jan. 1, 1928. The attendance at the North and South Village has shown great improvement. The outlying schools have not shown the same degree of improvement. Lack of cooperation on the part of the home is the chief cause of poor attendance. Nearly all children will attend school regularly if they have the opportunity. I thank all members of the school department for their hearty cooperation and help during the year.
Respectfully submitted, HOWARD C. BRIGGS,
Attendance Officer.
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ANNUAL REPORT
PHYSICIAN'S REPORT
To the School Committee of the town of Dighton :
Children were examined earlier in the school-year than heretofore, having in mind that attendance at this time. would be greatest, not being obliged to be absent because of bad weather, bad roads, and sickness which attends the winter months. Another advantage was, that cases be attended to earlier and some of the defects remedied before the onset of bad weather, or during the holiday vacation. At the pre-school clinic 46 children were examined and certain proportion of defects noted were corrected early.
The number of corrected and treated cases during the past year has been gratifying, however, certain ones yet remain untreated even though repeated notices have been sent to the homes. It is assumed, I believe, in many in- stances that a notice suggests operation. A notice does not necessarily imply that operation of the reported condition is essential, it does have for its purpose, usually but not always, the reporting of an abnormal or diseased condition with the hope of its being remedied or improved by treat- ment if possible, or by operation if necessary. Operation, if suggested, is probably as often intended as a beneficial measure towards the general health of the child, as a result of the examinations of the children in schools of Dighton as well as the children in the schools elsewhere throughout the United States, more notices are sent out relative to tonsils and adenoids than any other part of the anatomy.
A child may never have an attack of tonsillitis, nor ton- sils and adenoids enlarged to the extent of being obstructive, yet may harbor infectious material in these tissues which,
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ANNUAL REPORT
being constantly but unconsciously absorbed into the body, influences in an extraordinary way mental and bodily de- velopment. I dare say that no physician has the ability to determine, by a glance into the throat, just to what extent such absorption does or does not occur. In the schools of Dighton we do not attempt to determine this point, if tonsils are enlarged to the extent of obstruction we would recommend their removal, if we are able to deter- mine that they are infected we would recommend removal, if tonsils appear suspicious the school-nurse takes the note to the home, or visits the parents soon after such notice is sent, the purpose being to determine whether or not, from information obtained directly from parents relative to the past experiences with tonsils or throat affections, we are justified in advising operation. A few diseases, entirely apart from enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and tonsillitis, but attributed as occurring from same may be noted: Heart disease (endocarditis, pericarditis, etc.), kidney diseases (Bright's disease, bacteriuria, albuminuria, etc.), ear dis- eases (deafness, acute middle ear diseases, mastoditis, in- directly meningitis, etc.), throat diseases (laryngitis, ab- scess, etc.), rheumatic fever, sinusitis, etc.
The late Sir William Osler, credited as having been the greatest physician of modern times, in his internationally recognized and authorative text book, "Principles and Practice of Medicine," speaks verbatim, relative to tonsils and adenoids, as follows: "Adenoids" (and tonsils) coll- ectively, have become recognized as one of the most common and important affections of childhood, occurring most fre- quently between the fifth and tenth years. The introduc- tion of the systematic inspection of school children has done more than anything else to force upon the profession and the public the recognition of the condition as one influ- encing seriously the bodily and mental growth, disturbing hearing and furnishing a focus for the development of pathogenic organisms. Few children escape altogether. In many it is a trifling affair, easily remedied; in others it
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ANNUAL REPORT
is a serious and obstinate trouble, taxing the skill and judgment of the specialist."
From the foregoing, it would seem, that any advice or comment to the contrary must needs originate from a source of judgment which would excell the above mentioned authority. We all have our ideas and experience, good and bad, for and against, from all we are to profit, and if we would be progressive and even-minded, we would weigh and consider very carefully judgment, the result of thorough weathering in the medical storm,of such authority as quoted.
In our examinations our effort has been to prevent so far as we are able, certain abnormalities and diseases by early attention to defects which in early life may appear minor. It is the notion of the present day, I am certain, that preventive medicine and preventive measures far excell "Pills and Potions." In an effort to detect and to afford early care for children who were decidedly under weight, or who seemed possibly tubercular subjects, 58 of them were gathered together from the various schools and subjected to the skin tests for tubercular disease (Von Pirquet) by the State Tuberculosis Clinic with the follow- ing results: 20 gave positive reactions and were X-Rayed, 3 showed hilum tuberculosis, 4 showed enlarged glands which were considered probably tubercular.
Conditions Noted (Other than above reported) :
Tonsil cases for treatment or investigated 183
Pediculosis notified and investigated 136
Enlarged glands reported 181
Skin diseases reported (scabies, furunculosis, eczema, ring-worm) 12
Nasal Defects (Deviated septum principally) 4
Diseased teeth reported 262
Poor posture reported and investigated 9
Cases Treated (Other than above reported) :
Tonsil and Adenoid Operations 13
Cases treated at Dental Clinic 368
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ANNUAL REPORT
Bristol County Health Camp 6 326
Cases visited at home by School Nurse
Milk was sold in all schools Jan .- June 1927.
Milk was sold at the Brick, and at both No. Dighton schools this year since Sept. 1927.
The school nurse reports that considerable difficulty is encountered in a financial way in many homes, especially those of large families, at times when there is a real need for operation of one sort or another, also purchasing of ·eye-glasses, etc. To date no charge has been made for operations, a fee of minimum amount is made for the use of the operating room, and a minimum charge is also made for treatment in the dental clinic, covering cost of material only. The establishing of a Health Fund of a few dollars would help much towards accomplishing further correct- ions.
Respectfully submitted, H. S. MILLER, M. D. 163 High St., Taunton, 2 Pearl St., No. Dighton.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN NURSE
School Department
I have the honor of submitting a report as school nurse for the year 1927. All schools were visited weekly during the school year excepting the Fish School. This school on account of the condition of Wellington Street could only be visited twice during Jan. and Feb. I conferred with the teachers about the health of the children, gave health talks, inspected lavatories and outbuildings reporting findings each month by written report to the Supt. of schools and school committee. When schools opened in Sept. and after each holiday period of more than three days I had individual inspection of children and inspected class rooms, saw that each school had their first aid box properly equip- ped. All children reported absent on account of illness I visited and reported findings to the teacher in charge of the building. During the year I made 326 Home calls. Many of these calls were for the purpose of arranging with parents about the correcting of the physical defects found by the school physician. Eight operations were performed by Dr. Miller for the removal of tonsils and adenoids. The operations were done at Mount Hope Clinic. I conveyed these pupils to and from the hospital remaining with them during the operation and until they recovered from the ether. Each week a number of children are treated at the Dental Clinic by Dr. Teeden assisted by the school nurse. 368 were treated from Jan. until Dec. 1927. I transported children to and from the Dental Clinic from all schools ex- cepting North Dighton schools. During the year 1926 to 1927 milk was sold in the schools. The Parents Teachers Association paying partly for it and paying for all milk needed by underweight children who could not themselves
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ANNUAL REPORT
afford to buy it. In Oct. 1927 the two schools in North Dighton started having the milk each pupil paying for his own milk. The Mount Hope Dairy who is supplying. the milk to the North Dighton schools is willing to sell milk to South Dighton but there would be a small charge of about 75c. a week for transportation. There are no funds avail- able at present to pay this, yet I do feel that each child needs this milk or possibly a hot lunch in the school. In April the State Department of Health held a Pre-school Clinic at the Mount Hope Club House and Town Hall ex- amining 46 children who entered school in Sept. Others were examined by their family physician. 43 examined by the State were found to have physical defects. Many de- fects were corrected during the summer months. In May the State Department of Health held a clinic at Mount Hope Club House for all 10% underweight children and any others that the teachers or school nurse asked them to examine. 58 children were examined at this clinic. The number needing this examination 75. At this clinic they all had a physical examination and the VonPirquet or Tuberculin Test. Nutritionists advised the mothers pre- sent about the correct diet for their children. The report submitted by this clinic is as follows:
Total number of children examined 58
Number contact cases (incontact with T. B.)
4
Number given Tuberculin Test 58
Number who reacted
20 or 34%
Number X-Rayed 20
Number cases classified Hilum Tuberculosis
3
Number classified suspicions 4
Number negative
13
Number with enlarged and diseased tonsils and adenoids 10
Number needing dentistry
34
Number of valvular heart disease 1
Number of cases of Malnutrition 17
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ANNUAL REPORT
This is not a favorable report for 58 children. If our 600 children received such an examination I think there would be a keener realization of the need of health super- vision among the children. Of the 7 cases who needed prompt attention 6 availed themselves of the opportunity offered. One child was sent for several weeks to the Bristol County Sanitarium in Attleboro. Five of this group and one other who was much underweight spent a month at the Bristol County Health Camp at Attleboro. Our allotted number for this camp is 4 but Mr. J. K. Milliken who has always done much for the children financed the sending of two others. The improvement shown by the children who were at the Bristol County Health Camp was re- markable. The average gain for each child who was there a month was nine pounds. One boy gained the first week 11 pounds. This camp is supported chiefly by the sale of the T. B. seals. During the school year the children are weighed three times and those found much underweight are weighed oftener. Much is being done and more must be done for the children's health. A child in poor health cannot keep up his school work, it costs the Town approx- imately $85 a year for each child who has to repeat a grade, this is a small item compared to the cost in the future if the health aim for our boys and girls is not 100%. I wish to express my appreciation to the Directors of Mount Hope Club House for the use of their rooms for our clinics, the help and co-operation given us by the Bristol County Health Association, the Towns people who willingly gave their time and machines when needed. The Local Board of Health and School Committee, Sup. of Schools and teachers who have always shown splendid co-operation with me in my health program and Dr. Miller, Dr. John Doyle and Dr. Richard MacKnight who were always will- ing to give much of their time bettering the health of the children in Dighton.
Respectfully submitted CHRISTENA MACIVER, R. N.
Dighton, Dec. 31, 1927. School Nurse
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1927
RECEIPTS
Appropriation
$57,600 00
Dog Tax
654 89
$58,254 89
EXPENDITURES
Supt. and Law Enforcement
$2,115 23
Teachers
24,847 86
Books and Supplies
3,264 43
Janitors
2,686 95
Fuel
2,405 04
Repairs
4,623 53
Health
1,761 15
Transportation
5,890 15
Tuition
7,737 95
Contingent
832 93
New Equipment
377 39
New Grounds
1,716 19
$58,258 80
Overdrawn
3 91
$58,254 89
Respectfully submitted, 1 T. F. GOODELL,
Financial Secretary.
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