USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1939 > Part 4
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HIGH SPOTS IN 1939
In looking back over the year 1939 I have thought of several events as outstanding in our school programs. These I am mentioning briefly:
A. An excellent basketball season in the high school which, while not producing the championship team, did much to develop school spirit and fine team work.
B. The splendid cooperation of local citizens and organizations with the school. This has been shown in many ways, by the spirit which prompted a group of public-minded citizens to provide a banquet for the football team, by increased attendance of the public at school functions both in elementary schools and high schools, by financial support of the athletic pro- gram.
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C. The fine record shown by the pupils throughout the schools in the standarized testing program.
D. Increased effective functioning of our individual guidance work.
E. Success of high school graduates in higher insti- tutions. If the quality of work done by our high school graduates is used as a measure of the effectiveness of our high school program, we may well feel satisfied. 1
F. Recognition of individual differences to a greater degree in our elementary school program.
FINANCES:
Budgets and school costs are necessarily ever with us. During the years I have worked in the Dighton School System it has been my endeavor to administer an efficient and well-functioning school system at as low a cost as possible. It has been my desire to at no time allow money to be wasted or, on the other hand, to deprive any boy or girl of the training that he or she should have. It is essential, if we are to retain competent teachers, that we have a salary schedule at least equal to that of towns of similar size in this section of New England. Attention is called to the major expense en- tailed in the electric current bill at the Dighton High School. The rate charged by the Fall River Electric Light Company for current used has seemed to the Committee excessive in that, although the quantity of current used is far in excess of that for the ordinary household, the rate does not decrease with the quantity used as might be expected.
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Each year in preparing the budget the chairman of the comittee and the superintendent make a thorough investigation of all the factors involved and intend to present to the school committee and, following its ap- proval, to the Finance Committee and Town Meeting, a budget based upon actual needs of the schools and at the same time commensurate with the financial ability of the town.
1 Attention is called to the explanation clearly given
in the formal report of the School Committee as to the net cost of education.
REPORT OF THE DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Sir:
Once again I have the opportunity of presenting a panoramic view of the Junior-Senior High School for the past calendar year. To claim that we have been wholly successful would be folly, yet I feel that this report and those of my co-workers will show that we are going for- ward, ever mindful of the needs of growing young men and women. I am convinced that all those who are engaged here in the work of training these young people are sincerely devoted to their task. Recognizing this, there follows here a table of enrollment as of the close of school December, 1939, which shows, the necessary statistics regarding those for whom we are working:
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Grade
Dighton Berkley Freetown Taunton Sub.
Total
7th -.
Boys
31
31
Girls
29
29
60
8th -
Boys
28
28
Girls
36
36
64
9th -
Boys
19
5
3
27
Girls
24
13
3
40
67
10th -
Boys
17
8
3
28
Girls
18
4
4
26
54
11th -
Boys
14
5
2
21
Girls
18
8
2
28
49
12th -
Boys
11
8
1
20
Girls
14
8
2
25
45
P. G. -
Boys
Girls
2
2
2
Special Boys
4
5
9
9
Totals
265
.64
20
1 350
350
*State Ward
Our school is a busy one and rightfully so, I believe, for there is a value in keeping young people busy. It is a safe generalization to say that one of the best ways to train young people for a happy and useful life is to provide a variety of learning situation and experiences, academic, artistic, and social, and through guidance to secure active participation in the same. I have received
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reports from various members of the school staff who have written concerning the work under their jurisdic- tion. The following is the report of the Dean of Girls.
To the Principal:
Dear Sir:
The aim in Dighton High School has been, as pre- vious reports have stated, to study our girls in order to ascertain their interests, needs, abilities, and to provide from this study, curricular and extra curricular activi- · ties suited to their individual needs and abilities. We are also striving to teach our girls to be self-reliant, be- cause we know that it is only through self-direction and self-control that the goal of education can be truly achieved. In reviewing the four years the school has been established, it does seem that our aim is being realized more each year.
We have been fortunate in having not only a fine physical education program for our girls, but also com- petent directors to carry out the program. Our new physical director, Miss Yaghjian, is a worthy successor to our previous fine director. The lack in this depart- ment is not in the program itself, but rather in the lack of suitable equipment for girls' sports. It is as neces- sary for girls to have proper equipment for their sports as it is for boys. We have hoped to have equipment for girls' hockey, but as yet we haven't. The girls, however, do have a chance to play basketball and badminton. Physical education is as necessary for a girl as it is for a boy.
The members of the Girls' Glee Club took part in the music festival held at Belmont in May. This was a new experience for the girls and one that they thoroughly
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enjoyed. The girls belonging to the glee club receive valuable training from their director, Mrs Sturtevant.
Dr. Margaret Poole was the speaker at our annual Mother and Daughter Banquet. Her topic "Personality" was enjoyed thoroughly. For the last two years the girls in the Household Arts Department, under the able direc- tion of Miss Miller, have prepared the banquets and very fine banquets have they prepared.
Home contacts have been made as usual. Contacts be- tween teachers and parents are necessary in order that the school may understand the home and the home the school. The home and school should work together for the best interests of our girls.
I wish to express my appreciation to the Superintend- ent, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Austin and all the teachers who so willingly help me to solve my numerous problems. I sincerely appreciate the cooperation that is extended at all times.
Respectfully submitted, DORIS B. HUTCHINSON, Dean of Girls
.
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(The next report shows an active department and one in which there is a considerable amount of accomplish- ment with a bare minimum of space and equipment.
To the Principal:
I. VOCATIONAL HOUSEHOLD ARTS
The 22 vocational pupils enrolled in Household Arts · Classes this past year produced goods and services valued at about $900 during their period of training. At a cost of only $80 for materials these girls made clothing and household articles valued at $250. Besides 100 garments for themselves and families they made curtains and drap- erits for the Household Arts Laboratory and dish towels, aprons and smocks for the department and for the cafe- teria. The low cost for materials is due to the fact that they have made over many garments, especially woolen suits and coats, and have designed garments to use up materials that they had on hand at home. One girl made her Easter outfit including a Tailored Spring Coat.
In the foods classes an intensive unit in meal plan- ning, cooking, and serving was carried on in the winter and spring starting with light refreshments for Educa- tion Night in November and progressing to a steak, as- paragus and Strawberry shortcake dinner for the School Board at the end. During this course the food products made were valued at about $5.25 from $1.50 worth of food materials. These included besides many practical, inexpensive home style meals,, refreshments suitable for holiday occasions, and foods for the Mother-Daughter and Father-Son Banquets. Emphasis was placed on econ- omy by the use of inexpensive recipes, and by the elim- ination of waste and minimizing failures through the use
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of accurate measuring and proper mixing and cooking methods. Our recipes are available on request to the community and a great many of them have gone into the homes through the pupils. A few very fine new cook- books have been added to the departments' reference facilities this year and are in constant use. We need more and plan to add them gradually as funds permit.
In addition to regular foods classes these vocational pupils also had periods of cafeteria practice during which they contributed services that would otherwise have to be paid for to the value of $125.00 figured at the rate other pupils working in the cafeteria are paid. Class credit is allowed for this practice training and it is under the direction and supervision of both the cafeteria cook and the household arts teacher.
The Vocational girls coordinate their home and school work through home projects and home practices which are supervised by the teacher through home visits, re- ports and conferences with the girls and their parents. The aim is to fit the school work as far as possible into the home needs of the pupils. This past year a total of 6250 hours were spent by these girls on such projects at home. Several of these girls carry a great deal of re- sponsibility at home, one, 16 years old, having complete charge of a large family for a month while both her mother and her father were away.
An additional phase of the vocational work this year is placement. A start has been made towards getting employers to look to the school for girls, and for the girls to look to the school to help them to find jobs. There are now about 75 girls who have had some Vocational training since the school started, and 18 placements have been reported so far this year.
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II. HOUSEHOLD ARTS ELECTIVE IN THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
A general elective open to all pupils in the Senior High School has as usual attracted a number of girls who take the course because of some particular interest; and the time and curriculum( are adapted to their individual needs as far as possible. At present the scope of this course is limited by the available facilities, but is being gradually expanded to take care of more needs of more pupils as reference material and quipment are added. This year a number of seniors are working on a common project - that of planning their senior wardrobes for the Washington Trip, the Junior Prom and 'Graduation. They decide what they need, which articles will be bought and which made in class, earn their money, buy their articles and materials and make their garments.
In the elective field there has come a demand for a new type of course, more advanced in subject matter, and more intensive in nature for girls who have completed one or more years of vocational household arts. Such a course was tried out last year with a small group and met with sufficient success to continue it for this year. These girls because of their wider experience in the sub- ject matter field are capable of quite a different type of work than those in the general elective course.
III. JUNIOR HIGH REQUIRED HOUSEHOLD ARTS
This division in both 7th and 8th grade classes is badly handicapped by lack of space and lack of supplies and equipment suitable for use on their level. The sections are so large for the facility of the classroom that there are not nearly enough books, tables, chairs, or equip-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ment of any kind to go around. Since there are no periods when the classroom is not in use it is not practi- cal, at present, to divide the classes into more and smaller sections. One tentative suggestion to help relieve the congestion would be to make some arragements whereby the pupils in these grades who are 14 years of age or older could enter the vocational classes which at present are small enough to absorb them. In addition to this, textbooks and equipment for activities on a Junior High level would aid in holding the interest and challenging the ability of the pupils. This group this year is more than twice as large as all the other Household Arts Classes combined. In the past my method of attack in trying to build up the department has been to start at the top and work down because at the top the use of the resources available would do the most good to those who were, theoretically, soonest to leave; and at the same time leave a residue of facilities to be used by those below as they came up. I now believe that the time has come when more of our efforts need to be spent on this younger group, and I am setting this up as one of my next steps in development.
IV. CAFETERIA
The business of adequately feeding the largest num- ber of pupils and teachers a healthful lunch at minimum cost is ever a challenging one. We try to find the foods that our clientele likes best within our price range and to serve them as well as we can. More pupils find em- ployment through N.Y.A. funds this year than ever be- fore in our cafeteria. And more pupils also are working there for class credit. Some pupils come down occa- sionally and ask if they may work there during a free study period for the experience, just because they like it.
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This combined service of the pupils is largely what makes it possible to serve the meals we do at the prices we charge. Last year we even reduced the price of our 12c lunch plate to 10c. With the rising cost of food ma- terials we do not know how long we may be able to keep our costs down to within the limits of our present prices.
The pupils gain valuable experience in working with others, in training in the various duties essential to such a job, and under the direction of Miss Harrison, our cafeteria cook, takes some responsibility this year for checking and putting away stock, taking and figuring inventories, helping with cost accounts, keeping time sheets etc. and thus get some idea of the accounting necessary to run such a business. All this should help them if they ever get jobs in food service occupations, which is one of the types of work open in this vicinity.
V. SUMMARY
Running four departments at the same time in one room, departments which coincide as well as conflict makes it inevitable that there shall be weak spots which suffer at the expense of others. However the progress shown from year to year, and the development of the pupils who come through those departments, give one heart to carry on while trying to improve conditions.
No small measure of credit for such progress as there may be, is due to the helpfulness of fellow teachers, the counsel and understanding patience of the principal, the diligence in working for appropriations of the Superin- tendent, the interest of the School Board and the various advisory committees, the freedom in working out plans allowed by the State Supervisors, and the friendly co-
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operation of the parents from whose homes come my pupils and into whose homes I have always been cor- dially received. For all these helps I here express my sincere appreciation.
Respectfully submitted, FLORA M. MILLER Household Arts Instructor
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ANNUAL REPORT
Glenn A. Burgmann, Assistant Principal and Instruc- tor in Manual Arts, submits the following report.
To the Principal:
Dear Sir:
As I have stated in a previous report, when a person has found an occupation in which he sees satisfaction beyond the pay envelope and he has reasonable security of tenure and a saving wage, he is not susceptible to ex- treme and radical doctrines. With the social unrest in Europe and the Far East, it is most essential that we plan a program for the education and social adjustment of the young people of our community. With this in mind, I still have endeavored to adjust the manual arts program to further this end. 1
The general project method to create interest in the junior high and advance shop classes has been continued as outlined in the general shop plans, with more stress being placed on the academic phase of the work.
In grades seven, eight, and nine, general woodwork- ing, which includes jointry, glueing, finishing, and tool maintenance, has been taught through special assign- ments and selected projects. In the senior high advance woodworking, elementary electricity, general house wir- ing, motor maintenance, and elementary cold metal and sheet metal work have been included to meet the de- mands of the present age. Experiences in these fields have been gained through general furniture construction and repair, building maintenance, and assigned or se- lected projects.
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Mechanical drawing in the eighth and ninth grades has been required of all students who major in manual arts, and an advanced course in machine design is being of- fered to members of the sophomore division. The in- stallation of the mechanical drafting benches and the permanent lighting system have made it possible to carry on these classes more efficiently and effectively.
At the present time there are enrolled in the junior and senior high school shop classes 102 major students and 16 elective students. In the mechanical drafting classes, there are 48 students enrolled.
Our major work is hand tool and machine woodwork- ing, elementary electricity, house wiring, motor main- tenance, simple sheet metal work, and cold metal work. This compares very favorably with the courses being of- fered in the high schools throughout the district, for, while I was attending the New England Industrial Arts Convention at Portland, I noted that the trend in shop work favored a general shop plan, and that the majority of public high schools were offering several units of work such as woodworking, mechanical drafting, shop elec- tricity, general metal work, concrete, textiles, printing, and ceramics.
Respectfully submitted, GLENN A. BURGMANN
Manual Arts Instructor
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The library is definitely an integral part of the school life. The following is a short report from the school librarian. :
To the Principal:
Dear Sir:
I hereby submit my fourth report as Librarian at the Dighton Junior-Senior High School.
The growth of the reference department is worthy of mention. The Library now contains six standard ency- clopedias. A set of the World Book Encyclopedia in 19 volumes, was recently purchased. This was greatly ap- preciated as it keeps the reference work up to date. We also have the National Encyclopedia which sends out additional information yearly. The steady increase in the use of the library for reference work is noticeable.
With the money appropriated each year for the li- brary, we are trying to fill in the gaps in necessary refer- ence work. We are already fairly well supplied with reference bocks. Following is the tabulation
Journalism-30 Biology-10 Plays-50 Zoology-10 Essays-40
Philosophy-25
Religion-5 1 Botany-20 History-150
Social Science-175
Geology-5 Geography-50
Languages-75
Useful Arts-115
Biography-85
Science-
Fine Arts-40 Fiction-100
Math .- 30
Literature-155 Professional Bks-269
Chemistry-25 Poetry-95
Reference Books-30
We are still faced with the serious problem of com- bined Study Hall and Library. It is to be hoped that at some time in the future it will be possible to have a room used exclusively for library purposes. !
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In closing, I wish to express my appreciation to you and Mr. Bailey for your helpful assistance.
Respectfully submitted, MABEL B. TERRY Librarian
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We have always taken pride in the work of our de- partments of Physical Education. It represents, as stated elsewhere in this report a vital part of our guidance work. Following are the reports of Miss Isabelle Yagh- jian and Mr. Marshall Nay.
To the Principal:
Modern educational theories in the field of physical education for girls come and go, but we, in our own sys- tem, have tried to maintain a well balanced program'. By a well balanced program, I mean one that includes some of all types of muscular activity, such as dancing, marching, gymnastics, corrective exercises, games and athletics.
With dancing, we aim to develop rhythm, balance, and grace.
Marching and gymnastics are introduced for much more than mere muscular exercise. Their purpose is to stimulate physiological functions; to produce local mus- cular development; to demand precision, speed, balance, quick and sure weight adjustment and rhythm.
Through corrective exercises, we aim toward erect carriage, easy poise, perfect weight distribution and bal- ance of the different parts of the body. Corrective work is very necessary for the development of good posture; and good posture is essential to perfect health, for it en- ables favorable conditions for the internal organs as re- gards to room,, free circulation, relative position and natural support. 1
Games, athletics, and track events are really aids toward the development of good sportsmanship, the spirit of cooperation, fair play, and good all-round char- acter traits. !
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I wish to thank Mr. Bailey, Mr. Austin and the school committee for granting me the opportunity to carry out this work.
Respectfully submitted, ISABELLE YAGHJIAN Girls' Physical Education Instructor 1
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ANNUAL REPORT
To the Principal:
Dear Sir:
In physical education, as in all other departments of education, the principle of selection is applied. Efforts are made to select those activities which promise the greatest returns in health and social training, harmoni- ous bodily growth and development, increased neuro- muscular activity. Here, as everywhere, there is some diversity of opinion regarding the values which are most worth striving for, to the attainment of which the limited time and resources at our disposal should be devoted. Again, even when, in the main, there is agreement in this respect, there are different theories regarding the best means of securing these values, such as selection of the right activities, the details of management and meth- ods which will produce the surest and quickest results. This diversity of theory and procedure is no doubt for the best, as out of it will probably be evolved, eventually, the underlying principles which should guide in the adap- tation of the work to different conditions, groups and individuals.
The procedure for the present year is very much the same as it has been for the past two years. Group games are carried on in connection with the season of the year. During the fall, touch foolball and soccer were offered. The present winter season offers basketball, volley ball, boxing, wrestling, indoor track, and tumbling. The spring season will be devoted to outdoor track, field events and baseball.
Through the medium of these competitive games, much interest is stimulated on the part of the student, bodily exercise is made pleasant to all, and the instructor is enabled to develop all important characteristics of
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good sportsmanship, fair play, team work, and cleanli- ness.
In addition to the above a portion of each period is de- voted to group exercises. These exercises may be classi- fied into three main groups, relative to their general pur- pose, as follows:
(1) Body-freeing
(2) Body-building
(3) Body-poising
For illustration the following is offered.
A. INTRODUCTORY
a. Exercises to induce deep breathing. To keep the chest flexible and free from tension so that expan- sion may take place without forced muscular action.
b. Spine relaxation and posture training. These exercises help get the student into the right spirit and impart the feeling that he has discarded faulty adjustments and is building a new structure.
B. BODY-FREEING
a. General flexibility
b. Local flexibility
To stretch tight ligaments and to free the body as far as possible from habits of excessive muscular tension that they may respond to new stimuli.
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C. BODY-BUILDING
a. Upper back exercises
b. Abdominal exercises
c. Lateral trunk exercises
d. Strong general exercises
To strengthen big muscle group that the body may be able to hold new stimuli correctly.
D. BODY-POISING
a. Balance exercises
b. Posture training
May I take this opportunity to thank my superintend- ent, Mr. Bailey, for his aid and valuable suggestions in connection with this type of work.
Respectfully submitted, MARSHALL W. NAY
Boys' Physical Education Instructor
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ANNUAL REPORT
In addition to the information found in the foregoing reports there are other important phases of the high school work.
Through the agency of the federal government known as the National Youth Administration we have been able to help an unusually large number of needy students from the various towns represented in the school. Below is a tabulation of the students by sex and towns repre- sented:
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