USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1930 > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
The Pre School Clinic was conducted as usual in both the North and South sections by the school physician and Dr. Hubbard, and some of the defects noted at this time were corrected before the opening of school. In May, five children were re-examined in connection with the ten-year program, one of whom is now receiving treatment at a State Sanitar-
16
SCHOOL REPORT
ium. A clinic was also conducted for mentally deficient and retarded children by Dr. Tait and associates from the Taunton State Hospital.
The Dental Clinic, conducted every Wednesday morning under the care of Dr. Teeden, has cared for and treated 169 cases. Three years ago 367 children required care, therefore, it would seem that much has been accomplished towards the general improvement of the mouths during this period. The school physician has noted this general improvement as well as the indirect results such as, enlarged glands, alveolar abscesses, etc., which appear to be on the decrease.
The Tonsil Clinic has had fourteen operations, all patients having had coagulation tests 1, 2, or 3 days before the day of operation, those showing poor power of coagulating blood were given treatment to improve this condition.
An Ophthalmic Clinic has long been much hoped for and to date, has a very substantial beginning. Dr. Herbert E. Pierce of Taunton has very kindly offered his time, and material at cost price, which with the financial support offered by the Parent-Teacher Association, has made this work possible. Very shortly the examination of the eyes of child- ren, who have shown impaired or defective vision, is to be started, and proper treatment advised or offered. Those requiring glasses will receive such, or other needed equipment, at a very reasonable price, however, those who are found to be unable to make any payment for glasses will be aided through the generosity of the Parent-Teacher Association Fund.
A routine examination of the heart and lungs of all children has been instituted this year, and it is hoped that such ex- amination may be found as helpful as it is essential. Nasal obstruction, due principally to deviated septum, has been noted in several children, the majority of whom are without known injury. There are three cases of congenital hip disease. Scabies has been noted in a few children, other skin diseases were eczema, ring-worm, and furunculosis.
17
SCHOOL REPORT
Each year the examination has been added to in various ways to make it more complete and of more service. First was the tonsil clinic, following was the dental clinic, this year has been added the ophthalmic clinic, also examination of the .. blood for coagulation-time in all cases scheduled for opera- tion in the tonsil clinic, and the routine examination of heart and lungs.
Respectfully submitted, H. S. MILLER, M. D., 163 High Street Taunton, Massachusetts.
18
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE 1930
To the Superintendent of Schools and the School Committee :
I wish to submit the following as a general report and health outline of the work done in the schools by your School Nurse.
Each school has been visited at least once a week, and as many more visits as necessary. The sanitaries, out-buildings, water supplies, and class rooms are inspected frequently.
It has been quite necessary in the past year to make a great number of individual inspections where contagious diseases may be suspected. Follow-up work in the homes was very important, and necessitated a large number of home visits. There was also a large number of home visits made to find the cause of continued absence of pupils from school. In these visits, I found the parents cooperative and earnest in their desire to be instructed in home and personal hygiene.
Several children have been taken to the school physician for medical advice.
At the annual May Health Day Programs in the different schools, there was great interest shown both by children and their parents. New tags were distributed this year-the Physically Perfect Tags, Improvement Tags, and the Usual Teeth Tags.
The Physically Perfect Tags were given to those having no visible defects at the time of the health examinations. This also included correct weight, posture, etc.
The Improvements Tag were given to those who showed an improvement in posture, weight, or any other defects that had been remedied since the annual physical examination.
19
SCHOOL REPORT
The dental clinics were carried on throughout the year with gratifying results When contagious diseases were prevalent, it seemed best, at times, not to bring the pupils from the different parts of the town together, and so in this way the total number was lessened.
Fourteen children were operated upon in the clinic for tonsils and adenoids with excellent results. The operations are performed at the Mount Hope Hospital, the School Nurse assisting and remaining with the child until fully recovered from ether.
In December, a Mental Clinic was held at the Mount Hope Club House. Twenty-six children were examined. Each child was given a physical and mental examination. This test helps to determine the standing of pupils in the special class or those who for some reason have been retarded three years or more.
In May the State Department of Health conducted the annual clinic of the ten-year program for Hilium or suspicious tubercular cases. Five were examined, and one case was recommended to hospital treatment.
In June the Pre School clinics were held. One clinic was held at the Mount Hope Club House and the other at the Town Hall. Sixty-eight children were examined at both clinics. The examining physicians were Dr. Miller and Dr. Hubbard.
Six children were sent to the Bristol County Health Camp. Each child spending a month there. Most of the children gained rapidly in weight and health, and were greatly bene- fited.
I wish also to thank the pupils and townspeople for their generous response in giving clothing and supplies that I have been able to place in needy homes.
Respectfully submitted,
LEILA P. HOARD, R. N.
20
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Superintendent Norman D. Bailey Dighton, Massachusetts
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my second annual report as Supervisor of Music in the public schools of Dighton.
During this past year, more definite aims were set; and as a result, greater progress has been made. In some cases, there is a marked improvement in tone quality which is particularly gratifying. In these instances, much credit is due the room teacher. At the beginning of the year, new books were purchased for some of the grades thus system- atizing and outlining the work more clearly.
Beginning with the little children in the first grade, great care and attention are required to cultivate the light, smooth, flute-like head tones. Many children find it difficult to dis- tinguish the singing voice from the speaking voice. During the first year, the chief aim is an intelligently directed effort to eliminate the monotones, to increase the rhythmic sense, to cultivate careful aural attention, to stimulate a love for beautiful music through emotional expression. Tonal differ- ences and relations are presented through the rote songs and therein lies the basis for future technical work. This is the foundation which must be thoroughly and accurately laid, and is of the most vital importance in the future training of the child.
Where it can be easily arranged, I would recommend that departmental method in music be followed. This would be giving to the child the best talent available. The outline of work for each grade could thus be more closely connected and followed.
21
SCHOOL REPORT
Those pupils using books this past year have gained in sight-reading and in the mastery of time and tone problems. This decreases somewhat the drudgery of studying technical music in the Junior High, where more time should be spent in group singing, and in the intelligent understanding of part harmony.
There is always a little difficulty in the introduction of part-singing. The sopranos and altos unconsciously vie with one another in volume of sound. There is no thought of tone blending and tone balance, no listening for harmony. The singing is harsh, discordant, and blatant. This, of course, is corrected whenever it occurs. A frequent testing where the singing is flat, develops an alertness and a concen- tration for recognition and accuracy of absolute pitch.
We also have had the problem of placing the changing boy voice. Some authorities do not approve of boy's singing during this period of transition. Others favor a continued use of the changing voice, in its very limited range, but under careful supervision. There is just as much harm done by forcing for low tones as in striving to reach the high. Care- fully directed guidance allows of no strain. Ease in singing is a good incidation of proper placement.
The supervisor appreciates the acquisition of The 101 Best Songs for general assembly singing. Choral singing is inspirational-therefore, valuable. In these community song books are found many selections suitable for special occasions. I feel very strongly, however, that the regular music period in all schools should be devoted to the training and educating of the boys and girls and not to entertaining them. I fee this the more keenly when I realize the effortless ease with which the present generation takes in its music. We, as teachers of music, wonder what will be the outcome. The person whose entire recreation is spent on "taking in" rather than in participating or creating will soon become bored and will go in search of new thrills. The greatest joy and under- standing and appreciation come in the doing.
22
SCHOOL REPORT
Every possible encouragement should be given to our boys and girls to foster their love and interest in music. In many towns this is done through a course in music apprecia- tion, through classes in instrumental instruction, and through junior orchestras and rhythm bands. These in large measure are extra activities outside of school house, but the boys and girls who participate find them helpful and exceedingly en- joyable.
May I, in closing, express my thanks to you, and through you, to the teachers for the friendly cooperation given me this past year.
Respectfully yours, LOIS J. SNOW, Music Supervisor.
TABLE SHOWING ENROLMENT BY AGE AND GRADE-OCT. 1, 1930
Age
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
ĮTotal
99
Grade I
5
69
18
6
1
86
1
11
6
40
28
9
2
15
3
1
1
III
91
IV
10
35
21
14
9
1
1
82
V
8
34
17
13
7
3
3
2
66
VI
47
3
17
13
9
5
VII
45
4
3
20
10
8
VIII
4
3
1
3
IX
1
11
X
23
613
Totals
5
75
64
79
67
77
62
65
60
31
21
5
1
1
SCHOOL REPORT
2
5
2
1
75
6
35
14
20
22
14
5
11
24
TABLE SHOWING MEMBERSHIP BY SCHOOLS-JAN. 5, 1931
School
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Spec.
Totals
South
33
38
26
36
38
34
21
15
241
No. Grammar
37
30
27
9
103
No. Primary
40
28
31
43
42
184
Brick
13
7
7
27
Fish
10
9
2
6
27
Segregansett
5
4
4
5
18
Totals
101
86
70
90
80
71
51
42
9
600
Commercial School First Year
13
Second
11
24
Grand Total in Local Schools
600
Taunton High School
56
Bristol County Agricultural School
5
Fall River Jr. and Sr. High Schools
14
Elementary pupils for whom town pays tuition
. 5
Total pupils in local and outside schools
704
SCHOOL REPORT
25
ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1930
RECEIPTS
Appropriation Dog Tax
$63,000.00 557.62
$63,557.62
EXPENDITURES 1930
Superintendent & Law Enforcement
$2,611.73
Teachers
27,970.80
Textbooks & Supplies
3,559.46
Janitor Service & Supplies
3,147.25
Fuel
2,692.17
Repairs
2,623.20
Health
1,654.68
Transportation
8,180 .03
Tuition
8,216 .75
Contingent Fund
1,521.25
New Equipment
1,178.45
Balance
201.85
$63,557.62
Respectfully submitted, T. F. GOODELL,
Financial Secretary.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.