USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1935 > Part 4
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
The present enrolment is shown by grades and courses as follows :
Course
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Total
Post-Graduate
4
4
College Technical
19
13
6
5
43
Commercial
18
23
4
5
50
Social-Civic
6
5
7
2
20
Household Arts
12
6
2
0
20
Manual Arts
7
7
1
0
15
*39
39
*71
71
71
39
62
54
20
12
4 262
*There are no divisions in courses of study for either seventh or eighth.
The true education of today is quite different in its aim from that of the past. The world of education is chang- ing just as surely as is the field of industry. The fact that our pupils, after graduation, are going out into the world to assume a variety of responsibilities, makes it necessary that the school adapt its program to fit these various needs.
12
ANNUAL REPORT
The Committee chosen to plan the Course for Study, realizing these pupils' needs, outlined five different pro- grams. They are known as: (1) College-Technical Course, (2) Commercial Course, (3) Social-Civic Course, (4) Household Arts Course, (5) Manual Arts Course. Beginning with the ninth grade, a pupil, under guidance, elects to study in one of these divisions; and if the pupil continues in the same course, he must choose the major portion of his work from this group. Subjects in other courses may be elected if sufficient room in his program allows it, or if a study of any given subject seems advis- able. Thus,-it is our aim with these five courses, all flexible to individual needs, to meet the changing stand- ards in education, and in addition, provide for individual needs, which are all-important.
There is another value to be derived from this variety in courses which has already shown itself in our half- year's experience. If, at the end of the ninth grade, the pupil has not made satisfactory progress in the course selected, it is possible to change to another program. In other words, the ninth grade acts as a try-out position. This is very valuable tq the pupil who is still undecided just where his ability and interests lie.
All things, however fine, are sometimes in need of change and adjustment, and it is only through experi- ence that we can realize these needs. It is my hope that in the school year of 1936-1937 we may broaden our group of elective studies so as to provide a wider range for individual and group abilities. It is my opinion that we need to put more emphasis on Music, and Art. With all respect to teachers now teaching the subjects men- tioned, they have not the necessary time for producing excellent results. Under their present circumstances, they cannot make so. complete a study of these subjects as they might wish. If our school is to do a thorough piece of work, it must prepare its pupils for worthy use of
13
ANNUAL REPORT
leisure time as well as working time. Hence, we cannot overestimate the value of these subjects.
Throughout the year we have tried to keep the goal of satisfactory scholastic attainment above all else. One cannot overestimate the importance of "getting off to a good start." A new school is always judged by its gradu- ates, especially in the field of higher education. Our passing grade is fixed at 70%, and any grade below the fixed percentage is not satisfactory. We have instituted a system of unsatisfactory work reports, this year, which has proven very useful. A pupil whose average, in any full-time subject, falls below 75% receives one of these slips containing his mark together with the reasons for his unsatisfactory work. This is signed by his guidance teacher and sent to his parents. Already we have noticed beneficial results, and in many cases these reports of unsatisfactory work have brought the teacher and home together in the finest sort of way. It is only through real cooperation of home and teacher that we can hope to maintain real standards.
College entrance requirements also make high stand- ards necessary. Our school population includes a variety of types. Some will go on to college, others to trade schools or schools of special subjects, while others will try to find a position paying a living wage. Having, as has been mentioned, some that will go to college, it is neces- sary that we give more specialized training to these. Col- leges are, on the whole, becoming more strict in their entrance requirements. This means that there cannot be any relaxation, for us, of present standards in either grading or credit received for subjects studied.
This year has seen the development of a regular Health program. We had the pleasure, this fall, of entertaining Dr. Fredericka Moore of the State Departmnet of Health, who, with the assistance of our school nurse, personally conducted physical examinations for all girls.
14
ANNUAL REPORT
All boys received a thorough physical examination from the regular school physician. Miss Dorothea Nicoll spoke at one school assembly concerning the matter of diet and food. A portion of each pupil's Physical Education course is devoted to lectures on Health Studies. This study also finds a definite place in the General Science Program.
With the opening of a new school we had the privilege of preparing a library for the pupils' use. To this end we have had the able assistance of Mrs. Ruth MacQuar- rie from the State Division of Libraries who personally aided us in the selection and preparation of a list of suitable books. She also advised us concerning the best library equipment.
This report would not be complete without a word concerning the Cafeteria. Probably there has been no feature in our school which has received any more en- thusiastic support than our Cafeteria. Our aim has been to serve the finest in food at a minimum in cost. We do not intend to make any profit. So far this year I am glad to report that we have managed to make expenses with- out lowering our standards for food, which were set at the beginning of the year. All credit for the success of this undertaking is due to Miss Hornby, who plans the menus, and to Mrs. Hewitt, who so skillfully prepares them. Let me add here, that we are most fortunate to have secured Mrs. Hewitt for the preparation of the meals.
Our formal athletic program began promptly at the opening of school with Football. From the viewpoint of the score book the season would not seem too successful, yet, the experience was most valuable to the boys. Mr. Levinson gave freely of his time to train the boys, and I am confident that next season will show better results in the scores. Recognition of deserving players was made
15
ANNUAL REPORT
by awarding the school letters at the annual Father & Son Banquet, held January 27th at the school. At the time of the writing of this report we are beginning a season of Basketball, and have a large group of enthusi- astic candidates under Mr. Burgmann's guidance. Upon the recommendation of the State Department of Physical Education, we have instituted a program of intra-mural sports with various leagues formed among the classes. Inter-school competition in girls' basketball has been dis- couraged by leaders in education, and so the girls' pro- gram is almost entirely intra-mural in nature.
The program of extra-curricular activities has been one of the most difficult things to organize. At present we have a Girls' Glee Club of approximately 30 voices ; a Boys' Glee Club of approximately 25 voices; and an Or- chestra of 13 members. We have a Dramatic Club of the Senior High School, and one of the Junior High School. The Christmas Assembly Program was spon- sored by the Junior High group, while the Senior High group has already presented one three-act play, "The Charm School." In addition to these, there is a French Club for students who have an active interest in French, and a Science Club for those interested in Science. All of these clubs, at sometime during the school year, con- tribute to the social life of the school by sponsoring some sort of a project.
I cannot conclude this report without some acknowl- edgment of the fine cooperation of the teaching staff. It is sometimes a rather thankless task to teach, day after day. It is also a difficult task to draw together a group of people, the majority of whom are strangers to each other, in one enterprise. In spite of this, their efforts to help achieve success for the High School are certainly commendable. I want to mention, also, the fine cooper- ation and assistance which Mrs. Hutchinson has shown in her position as Dean of Girls.
16
ANNUAL REPORT
In closing, I want to extend my personal appreciation, as well as that of the teachers, for your help and advice in our many problems.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE R. AUSTIN, Prin., Dighton Junior-Senior High School.
5
17
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Mr. Norman D. Bailey,
Superintendent Dighton Schools.
Dear Sir:
It is the wish of the superintendent and principal of this institution to make the Physical Education Program in this school second to none. With the cooperation of State Department of Education, Mr. Bailey, and Mr. Austin, I am striving for that goal.
On September 7, 1935 Mr. Schrader, Director of Physi- cal Education of the Public Schools of our Common- wealth, visited the school and outlined for me a program which we are following as much as possible. During his visit, Mr. Schrader inspected our athletic plant and equipment and recommended a few minor changes which will conform with the state authorities' wishes. From time to time during the past few months, educational experts from the State Department visited us and checked the Physical Educational Program for boys and girls. This has helped the department greatly in out- lining the work for different classes of students.
Before any student is allowed to include Physical Edu- cation in his or her curriculum, a thorough physical ex- amination has to be passed, given by a doctor qualified by the State Department of Physical Education. Dr. Souza of Dighton examined all the boys and Dr. Freder- icka Moore, of the State Department of Public Health examined the girls. These examinations proved very helpful. Some students were found to have defects which can be cured by proper exercise. This latter class of students are given exercises prescribed by the doctor, to rectify their trouble. Some of these cases are weak limbs and poor posture.
18
ANNUAL REPORT
It is the purpose of this department to help the student physically as well as mentally. I deem fair play, clean- liness, and sportsmanship important in developing good citizenship. This is developed by intra-mural sports for both girls and boys. This means that every student who is physically fit takes part in some sort of sport and plays in active competition.
Another phase of our program is a series of lectures pertaining to the human body. The pupils are taught to distinguish between good and bad habits and how to care for the body and keep it healthy.
Before participating in inter-school sports, pupils are requested to have written permission from his parents.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY C. LEVINSON.
19
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF DEAN OF GIRLS
To the Superintendent of Schools and
Members of the Dighton School Committee:
What are we trying to do for our girls? First, in order to help them, we must know them personally-the whole girl-and here in the Dighton Junior-Senior High School we are trying to do just this, by individual con- ferences, testing for special abilities and aptitudes, per- sonality inventories and advising each girl according to her individual needs. In this way we are better able to analyze her according to her individuality so that we can best advise and help her in planning out the future. This advice is never forced upon the girl, "for the wise coun- selor for any school level will interpret his obligation as that of assisting pupils in extending their own powers of self-guidance rather than that of arbitrarily dictating to or choosing for them," (Bulletin 19 of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Guidance in Secondary Schools.)
As soon as possible a girl should plan whether or not she intends to go to institutions of higher learning after the completion of the high school course. Entrance re- quirements to colleges are changing, especially girls' colleges, which are requiring examinations rather than certification alone. These examinations may be taken in part, some one year and the remainder the following year. If a girl will plan out her high school work according to her particular needs and the requirements of the college she is to enter, the load in her senior year will be lighter. Likewise, a girl who intends to enter a hospital training school should as early as possible decide on what hospital she will enter and so elect her courses that she will get the greatest amount of help from them in preparing for
20
ANNUAL REPORT
her nurse's training. Perhaps she intends to enter the business world, then she should prepare in high school for that need. Probably some of our girls are not intend- ing to go beyond high school, then they must so plan to round out their courses that they will get the very best schooling possible for their individual needs.
How can we help all our girls to a better understand- ing of the problems they will meet after school days are over? We are following a recommendation given by the Committee on Vocational Guidance of the 1930 White House Conference which said, "Less emphasis should be placed on learning of facts than on teaching pupils methods of occupational analysis and self-analysis, in order that they may develop the confirmed habit of an- alyzing occupational problems as they arise in their lives."
One year is almost over and we have made a beginning in this work of helping our girls which we hope will grow as the years go by.
Respectfully submitted,
DORIS D. HUTCHINSON,
Dean of Girls.
21
ANNUAL REPORT
THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL PHYSICIANS AND NURSE
To the School Committee of the Town of Dighton :
The fall term of school opened with a splendid new high school. This school added a large number of pupils for physical examinations. Dr. Fredericka Moore from the State Department Staff came to examine the girls of the high school. Dr. Souza examined the boys. A very thorough examination was given both the boys and girls because of the keen interest of all in athletics.
The usual examinations have been made by Dr. Miller and Dr. Souza in the primary and elementary schools. There were fewer serious defects found this past year. The usual skin defects were less marked than usual. Seventy-five children were found underweight, twenty- one of these seemed to be the result of undernourish- ment. The slight increase from the year before, in the number was due without doubt to unusual social and financial conditions.
In May the Pre-School Clinics were held in the North and South ends of the town. Toxin-Anti-Toxin for the prevention of Diphtheria was used again this past year.
Four children from our towns were privileged to attend the Bristol County Health Camp.
The Ten-Year Program conducted formerly by the State Department was not held this year, but in its place a new school clinic in conjunction with the Board of Health was held. This new program under State and County Sanatoria was directly carried on in this county from the Bristol County Sanatorium, under the direction of Dr. Smith and Dr. Garrard. The pupils of the sixth, seventh, ninth and eleventh grades were given an oppor- tunity to be tested. The response was most gratifying. From these grades one hundred and two were given the Von Pirquet Test by request of the parents or the guardi- an. Out of this number sixty-six showed various degrees
22
ANNUAL REPORT
of reactions and they were X-rayed. Only one pupil had an X-ray that showed any signs of possible infection. A close check up will be followed and if consecutive X-rays show any changes or advancement' of infection, hospital- ization will be recommended. Special care for children with these childhood-type infections will usually prevent the development of tuberculosis in later life.
The tests and X-rays will be followed up each year.
There was a slight increase in the number of contagi- ous cases. There were three cases of Scarlet Fever among the school children and about twelve cases of Measles, and several cases of Chicken Pox. One child of school age was afflicted with Infantile Paralysis.
The Dental Clinic for school children under the Board of Health started in January with one hundred sixty- three children attending.
The teeth show more fillings and extractions from year to year, and therefor, fewer cases of cavities and abscesses. Improvement of the latter conditions, together with fewer cases of infected tonsils, is evidenced by im- provement of the glands of the neck.
As a result of examination of chest and heart in all pupils, no cases of real consequence or severity have been noted. Any case that shows variance from normal is recorded and examined again at a later date. A few have shown minor chest ailments, some have shown heart murmurs, but none, this year, of any alarming degree.
Number of fillings 81
Number of extractions 55
Number of cleanings 149
Nineteen pupils had Tonsil and Adenoid operations performed at different hospital clinics throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, DR. H. S. MILLER, M.D. DR. C. M. SOUZA, M.D. MRS. LEILA P. HOARD, R.N.
23
ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE
Cost if Town had continued to send pupils to out of town high schools
Cost under present set-up with new high school
General Control
$2,810.00
$3,993.15
Books and Supplies
2,500.00
2,900.00
Teachers' Salaries
25,500.00
31,600.00
Janitors' Salaries
2,400.00
4,816.00
Fuel
1,700.00
2,120.00
Contingent
1,300.00
2,200.00
Health
1,400.00
1,600.00
Tuition
11,700.00
Transportation
8,622.00
6,000.00
New Equipment
900.00
Repairs
1,300.00
900.00
Totals
$59,232.00
$57,029.15
Reimbursements
Old Plan
New Plan
Superintendent's Salary
$962.00
$1,300.00
General School Fund
5,500.00
6,400.00
Vocational Education
100.00
600.00
Tuition received, Berkley Pupils
3,120.00
Other Tuition
. .
160.00
Totals
$6,562.00
$11,580.00
Net cost to Town, Old Plan, $52,670.00; New Plan, $45,449.15.
Decrease in cost to Town due to New Plan, $7,230.00.
24
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES
Norman D. Bailey Jessie A. Perry
George R. Austin
Doris B. Hutchinson Terese F. David Eleanor S. Smith *Isabel G. Chisholm
Junior-Senior High Prin., Soc. Studies, Music, Guidance
Dean Girls, Bus.
English, Music
Mathematics
Com'1, Phy. Ed.
*Glenn A. Burgmann
*Francis R. McLean
*Henry C. Levinson *Agnes M. Hornby *Lucienne J. Galipeau
*Clara M. Standish *Roger F. Hathaway
Helen H. Lane Hope W. Hamilton
Margaret A. Porter
Olive E. Howard Rose E. Borges Eunice E. Hambly
Harrie S. Camp
Helen E. Wheeler
Irene F. Riley
Alice B. Dobbyn
Sara G. Hamilton
Ethel E. Padelford Henry Pease, Jr.
Grade VI
312 Tinkham St., N. Bedford
Segreganset
Katherine V. McAloon Special Class 34 Myrtle St., Taunton
Other Employees
Charles M. Gilbert-Attendance Officer, Janitor of North Schools Manuel S. Gracia-Janitor of South School
Agnes Murray Winifred Greer
Dressmaking Dighton
Dressmaking Dighton
Transportation Contractor Carl P. Gordon, Jr. *New teachers employed in 1935
513 Bay St., Taunton Segreganset 23 West Weir St., Taunton
South School
Principal, Grade VI
Segreganset Dighton
Grade
Grade IV
Grade III-Music
Grade II
Grade I
616 King Philip St., Fall River Segreganset Pleasant St., Dighton 974 High St., Fall River
North Primary Schools
Principal, Grade I
36 White St., Taunton Dighton
Grade I-II
Grade II
550 Locust St., Fall River
Grade III
289 Palmer St., N. Bedford Segreganset
Grade IV
Grade V 417 Cohannet St., Taunton
Hshld. Arts, Phy. Ed. French, Eng., Soc. Stud., Phy. Ed. Soc. Stud. Engl. Science, Math.
Pleasant St., Dighton
117 Garden St., Fall River 31 Engell St., Taunton Spring St., No. Dighton Riverside Ave., North Dighton Segreganset
Chase St., No. Dighton
Andrews St., No. Dighton
Pleasant St., No. Dighton
Man'l Arts, Soc. Stud.
Latin, English
Gen'l Sci. Phy. Ed.
No. Dighton Dighton
Office
Supt. of Schools Secretary
Vocational Education
TABLE SHOWING MEMBERSHIP BY SCHOOLS-JANUARY 1, 1936
SCHOOL
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13
Special Totals
North Dighton Primary
36
51
44
40
38
38
247
Dighton Junior-Senior High
71 39
62
54 20
12
4
262
South
30
36
23
32
32
33
1936 GRAD
14
14
Segreganset
TOTALS
66 87 67 72 70 71 71 39
62
54 20 12
4 14
709
Grand Total B. C. A. School
709
3
152
712
H. S. Pupils from Berkley
31
Net Enrollment
681
186
ANNUAL REPORT
25
26
ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE For the Year Ending December, 1935
Receipts
Appropriation
$55,910.91
Dog Tax
433.78
Transfer from Town Account for share
of expense
94.78
$56,439.47
Expenditures 1935
General Control
$3,184.16
Books and Supplies
5,499.04
Janitors' Salaries
3,486.95
Teachers' Salaries
24,721.35
Fuel
2,481.48
Tuition
3,265.07
Contingent
2,120.32
Health
1,356.51
Transportation
6,312.98
New Equipment
2,145.72
Repairs
1,301.91
Vocational Education
540.00
Balance
23.98
$56,439.47
-
Respectfully submitted,
TRENOR 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.