USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1948 > Part 4
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3 Henry Cabral Souza of Swansea and Lorraine Carpenter of Dighton, by Joseph L. Cabral, Priest.
10 Peter Saroka of Fall River and Emily Monteiro of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
17 Salvador Calvillo Lopez of Dighton and Diana Phyllis Cabral of Dighton, by Manuel C. Avila, Clergyman.
21 Antonio Gallego of Taunton and Barbara Marvel of Taunton, by John J. Shay, Priest.
24 Ralph Carr of Dighton and Barbara Cary of Hyde Park, by James H. O'Connell, Priest.
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ANNUAL REPORT
28 Mason I. Leonard, Jr. of Fall River and Helen B. Doraz of Dighton, by Finley Keech, Minister.
31 Michael Botelho of Somerset and Doris I. Jones of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
AUGUST
1 Kaston K. Ludovicz of Dighton and Helen Nor- kus of Brockton, by Francis W. Strakanskas, Priest.
14 Leonard W. Hayward, Jr. of Dighton and Eleanor L. Casey of Providence, R. I., by George H. Doug- las, Minister.
14 John Carpenter of Dighton and Lillian M. Travers of Swansea, by A. Ponte, Priest.
21 John F. Lima of Taunton and Alice V. Silvia of Taunton, by James McBreen, Priest.
28 Frederick G. Santos of Dighton and Delores L. Reynolds of Taunton, by James McBreen, Priest.
28 John Zasmuta of Fall River and Marceline Mon- teiro of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
28 Alfred G. Lapierre of Providence, R. I. and Mar- garet J. (Caldwell) Harris of Providence, R. I., by James K. Allen, Clergyman.
29 Wilfred C. Turner of Dighton and Lucille M. Jardin of Taunton, by Edward L. Killigrew, Priest.
SEPTEMBER
4 Louis R. Gracia of Berkley and Mary Ann Neves of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
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ANNUAL REPORT
6 Manuel Fonseca of Taunton and Barbara Louise Carvalho of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
10 Jefferson W. Bennett of Marion and Alfreda Doraz of Dighton, by Morris D. Stein, Justice of the Peace.
11 Alvin Silvia of Somerset and Beatrice L. Gracia of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
13 Ernest A. Corey of Dighton and Mildred (White) Ferrier of Taunton, by Charles E. Worden, Jus- tice of the Peace.
18 Joseph A. Nascimento of Taunton and Hilda F. Cambra of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
22 George Gomes of Taunton and Mary G. (Compos) Bissonnette of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
25 George A. Perry of Swansea and Mary Margaret Rose of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
25 Joseph Rose of Dighton and Marion E. Dias of Rehoboth, by George H. Douglas, Minister.
25 Joshua Kaeton of Dighton and Celeste Baptiste of New Bedford, by M. B. Sequeira; Minister.
26 Antone R. Paiva, Jr. of Dighton and Marie Bruso of Middleboro, by Waldo S. Thomas, Justice of of the Peace.
OCTOBER
1 William E. Campbell of Windsor, Conn. and Mar- ion P. Moore of Taunton, by John J. Shay, Priest.
2 James Wade Weedon of Capitol Heights, Md.
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ANNUAL REPORT
and Ethel Anna Rose of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
10 Antone Costa of Dighton and Vera (Angelora) Higgins of Medford, by Maurice T. Mahoney, Priest.
23 Robert W. Perry of Taunton and Anne Louise Frazer of Dighton, by John J. Shay, Priest.
29 Leland C. Pierce of Dighton and Susie M. (Monk) Bleazard of Taunton, by Nolan J. McClurg, Clergyman.
NOVEMBER
6 Edward H. Torres of Dighton and Mary E. Vic- turine of Berkley, by Edward A. Oliveira, Priest.
19 Joseph Smith of Dighton and Margaret A. O'Con- nell of Dighton, by John J. Shay, Priest.
20 Robert K. Crafford of Rehoboth and Evelyn L. Morey of Dighton, by William H. Dolan, Priest.
27 Joseph Allen Coelho of Dighton and Jean Brady of Taunton, by James Dolan, Priest.
DECEMBER
4 Alexander Trzcinski of Dighton and Blanche E. Sherman of Berkley, by William J. Browne, Clergy- man.
4 Robert W. Briggs of Dighton and Mary Rebello of Pawtucket by William M. Connell, Justice of the Peace.
11 - George McGinnis of Dighton and Ada (Kossoi) Bulotsky of Dighton, by Dwight F. Lane, Justice of the Peace.
22 James.A. Anderson of Bristol, R. I. and Martha L. (Sanford) Bell of Dighton, by James K. Allen, Clergyman.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Deaths Recorded During the Year 1948
Date Name
Y.
M.
D.
JANUARY
17 William F. Chace
79
8
20
26 Alexander Deslauriers
71
11
5
26 John Russell
76
8
4
28 Hattie M. Amidon
95
3
5
FEBRUARY
2 Amelia A. Carpenter
75
5
15
8 Eva G. Glover
73
7
9
9 Annie Gifford
82
MARCH
18 Frederick W. Hopkins, Jr.
59
7
11
21 Berthe Mary Hoffshire
82
11
6
APRIL
7 Nathan B. Horton
76
8
21
17
Charles H. Walker
73
11
2
MAY
1 Frederick Albert Mosher
83
4
9
15 Frank Rogers
76
16 Jean M. Read
72
1
13
21
Mary E. Pierce
84
JUNE
3 Mary A. Smith
82
2 15
11 Mary Martin Catabia
58
8
20
14 Joseph John Donlon
55
15 Francis J. Drogue
73
24 Cynthia M. Smith
88
5
20
25 Roy S. Horsman
53
5
16
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ANNUAL REPORT
Date
Name
Y. M. D.
JULY
2 Downey
10 Hrs.
12 Alvin T. Westcott
89
8
20
16 Grace Carey
71
7
26 Elizabeth E. Kenworthy
79
9
29
31 Joseph L. Thomas
24
8
12
AUGUST
4 P.F.C. Sheldon I. Clarkson
20
5
5
7 Ernest J. Standring
47
11
15
10 Annie Scholes
75
12 Margaret J. A. Sullivan
76
17 William C. Prince
61
11
1
23 John B. Robinson
72
11
2
28 Joseph Rogers Pires
65
SEPTEMBER
4 George L. Seekell
62
8
4
20 George S. Sunderland
64
7
4
24 Bessie T. Milliken
66
11
26
28 Mary E. Fahey
77
11
5
OCTOBER
13 Benjamin H. Armstrong
87
10
2
14 Frank Simmons
67
19 William A. Estes
70
9
21
29 Rose A. May
52
2
6
NOVEMBER
5 Helena S. Hayes
65
4
3
DECEMBER
6 Robert W. Martin
37
11 Eliza P. Chace
81
9
28
17 George W. Redfearn
83
11
29
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of North Dighton Fire Department for 1948
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of the North Dighton Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1948:
House Fires
3
Barn Fires
1
Garage Fires 1
Poultry Bldg. Fires
1
Oil Burner Fires
2
Chimney Fires
3
Automobile Fires
1
Dump Fires
4
Brush Fires
4
Grass Fires
2
Industrial Fires
2
Total 24
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. SYNAN
Chief of North Dighton
Fire Department.
i.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Dighton Fire Department
Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report of the Dighton Fire De- partment for the year ending December 31, 1948:
Type
Number
Damage
Grass
6
Chimney
4
·
Dump
3
Oil Burner
1
Dwelling House
6
$2,000
Automobile
4
100
Brush
2
Garage
1
200
The following are approximate figures of the amount of water pumped ,hose laid and equipment used:
10,000 gallons water
2,400 feet Booster Hose
1,300 feet 11/2 inch Hose
3,250 feet 21/2 inch Hose 352 feet-Ladders Raised
During the early part of April the Town put into service a hydrant at the corner of County and Main Streets. With this hydrant and the one located at "Thirty Acres," the Department can protect homes on Somerset Avenue, Pleasant Street, Main and County Streets.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Approximately one month after the hydrant at the corner of County and Main Streets was installed, it proved very valuable in saving the home of Mrs. William - Hamilton.
There were very few fires during the year as com- pared to other years.
The Fire Station on Main Street that formerly housed one piece of apparatus has been remodeled, and we now have a modern station housing two fire trucks and equipment, and the Town Ambulance.
During the summer months the Department held numerous drills on various phases of fire fighting.
I wish to thank the Town Officials and the citizens of Dighton for the fine cooperation given the Fire Depart- ment.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD B. HATHAWAY
Chief of Dighton Fire Department.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Dighton Ambulance
Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report for the year ending December 31, 1948:
During the year the ambulance made 28 trips and handled 36 patients.
The listing of patients is as follows:
Cases of illness 26
Victims of automobile accidents 10
The listing of trips is as follows:
To Morton Hospital, Taunton 13
To Truesdale Hospital, Fall River 4
To Union Hospital, Fall River 1
To City Hospital, Fall River 1
To Mt. Hope Hospital, North Dighton 1
To State Hospital, Pondville
1
To Linnell Home 1
To Simmons Home, E. Taunton 1
To North Station, Boston 1
To New England Hospital, Stoneham 1
From Morton Hospital, Taunton 2
From Truesdale Hospital, Fall River 1
As in other years, the ambulance has been manned by members of the Fire Department who have donated their services.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD B. HATHAWAY Chief of Dighton Fire Department.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Police Department
To the Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith the report for the Police Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1948:
Record of Arrests
Drunkenness
7
Assault and Battery
2
Disturbing Peace
2
Breaking and Entering at Night and Larceny
3
Larceny
1
Neglect to Provide
4
Neglect of Minor Children
1
Illegitimate Child Act
1
Trespass
1
Delinquent Children
2
Stubbornness
1
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
4
Operating Motor Vehicle Negligently 5
Operating Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Liquor 3
Leaving scene of Accident
1
38
Arrests for other Towns and Cities
24
Commitments to State Hospital 3
Total 65
-
:
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ANNUAL REPORT
Street Lights Reported Out 186 Store Doors Found Unlocked 2
Automobiles Found Abandoned and Owners Notified 4
Complaints and Reports Received and Investigated or Otherwise Acted Upon 795
In the interest of law enforcement and in maintain- ing valuable contacts with other police departments, I have attended the regular meetings of the Southeastern Massachusetts Police Chief Association and the New England Police Association.
I wish to thank all of the Town Officials and Agen- cies of our Town as well as all of our citizens for their co-operation in our efforts to maintain order in our community.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. SYNAN
Chief of Police.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Dighton Public Library Report
To the Selectmen of the Town of Dighton, I here- with submit my report for the year 1948.
Total circulation of books and
magazines
16,596
Adult books 6,864
Juvenile books
8,812
Magazines
920
Number of persons using the
reading room 713
Number of books repaired 405
Collected in fines
$45.65
During the year 213 books were added, twelve of which were gifts.
Respectfully submitted,
HELENA CHAMBERLAIN
Librarian.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
OF THE TOWN OF
DIGHTON
Year Ending December 31, 1948
7
3
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Gene Perry, Chairman Dighton
Term Expires 1949
Edward C. French, Secretary
1951
North Dighton
Harold O. Woodward
1949
Segreganset
Mrs. Jessie Christenson
1950
Dighton
Charles Swartz
1950
North Dighton
Lawrence Mendoza
1951
Dighton
Superintendent John J. Rolfe, B.Ed., M. Ed.
Residence: 117 School Street, North Dighton Office: Dighton High School, Segreganset Telephone: Dighton 3361 (Office) Taunton 2-0698 (Home)
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. - 9:30 A. M. and by appointment.
Secretary Gladys P. Babbitt School Physician C. M. Souza, M.D. School Nurse Esther Bowden, R.N.
Attendance Supervisor Howell S. Carr
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ANNUAL REPORT
GENERAL INFORMATION
Entrance Age
First grade registration in September of any year will be limited to those children who are at least six years of age or who will become six years of age on or before the following January 1. There will be no exceptions made to this ruling.
Birth Certificates
Presentation of a birth certificate is required for entrance to the first grade.
Vaccination
Every child who enters school for the first time must present a certificate of vaccination or a statement from his physician that vaccination is inadvisable.
NO SCHOOL INFORMATION
Elementary Schools
Whenever it seems advisable to close the ele- mentary schools the notice will be broadcast over Radio Station WEAN at 7:05 A.M. and at 8:20 A.M. and over Radio Station WBZ at 7:05 A.M., 7:30 A.M., and at 8:30 A.M. In addition in North Dighton the street lights will be turned on from 7:45 to 8 A.M. In South Dighton three blasts on the Anchor Color and Gum Works whistle will be sounded at 7:45 A.M.
High School
Whenever the school buses can be safely operated there will be school at Dighton High School unless unfore- seen emergencies make it necessary to close. In the
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ANNUAL REPORT
event of closing the information will be specifically an- nounced over the radio as indicated above for the ele- mentary schools.
Transportation
The law requires that transportation be provided for pupils residing more than two miles from the school at- tended or more than one mile from the nearest bus stop. Many pupils living at lesser distances along established routes are transported if the seating capacity of the bus will permit. From time to time it is necessary to refuse transportation to some of those living under the re- quired distance when our buses are filled to capacity with children living at a greater distance.
Report of the Superintendent of Schools
To the Citizens of the Town of Dighton:
Herewith is submitted my sixth annual report as Superintendent of Schools for the Town of Dighton. Incorporated herein is the report of the Dighton School Committee. Only the most pertinent information is set forth here. Further details will be furnished by the School Office to any who might be interested.
Personnel
Changes in teacher personnel and difficulties of re- placement continue to hamper our educational program. During the past year we have replaced ten teachers or approximately one-third of our faculty. When the Digh- ton School Committee voted two years ago to rescind its ruling regarding the employment of married women in
6
ANNUAL REPORT
an effort to obtain a more permanent faculty it seemed that we would have fewer changes. However, more than half of those who have left have been married. Some of these changes have occurred during the school year when the problem of replacement is most difficult. Our most serious teacher shortage exists in the elementary grades. We can anticipate no improvement in the situation for a number of years. In order to compete with other com- munities and also to eliminate certain salary inequalities, the School Committee for the first time adopted a salary schedule in November to become effective as of January 1st, 1949. In general this schedule establishes a mini- mum salary of $2400 per year for teachers with a Bache- lor's Degree. Increments of $100 per year will be grant- ed until a maximum of $3000 has been reached pro- vided that the teacher meets certain professional im- provement requirements. ' Those acquiring a Master's Degree have a maximum of $3200. The non-degree maximum is $2500 per year with further increases for credits toward a degree. Although these maxima are not high enough to keep all good teachers indefinitely, the Committee hopes to be able to attract good personnel and retain them for a reasonable length of time.
One of our most serious losses was experienced this year at the resignation of our Commercial teacher, Miss Laliberte, who has accepted a position in Attleboro at a salary considerably higher than that received in Dighton. During her seven years with us she has established high standards in our Commercial department and has had an important part in the general improvement of the Digh- ton High School. We regret the leaving of a master teach- er who has left a permanent influence on the lives of so many students.
7
ANNUAL REPORT
Repairs
With the exception of major jobs most of our repair work is done by our janitors. In the North Elementary School the ceilings in all four rooms were insulated, and the entire heating system was checked and repaired where necessary. Two long radiators were split to in- crease the heating efficiency. With these improvements we believe that the difficulties in heating this building have been overcome. There should be a considerable saving in fuel consumption.
The painting of the North Primary School was done by Earle Parker. The completion of this long postponed project has greatly improved the appearance of the build- ing. Lights were installed for the first time to the two sanitaries and in the teachers' room. General minor re- pairs and improvements were done by Mr. Ingham.
Only those repairs that required immediate attention were considered at the South School. We find that many townspeople have never seen this School. We urge them to pay it a visit at their earliest opportunity.
No major repairs were undertaken at the High School. All painting, minor repairs, and general im- provements were done by the janitors. Both the north and south ends of the building need attention this year if at all possible. Water seepage through joints and around windows has become a serious problem and can be adequately remedied only by the services of waterproof- ing experts at a considerable expenditure of money.
New Equipment
The following new equipment was purchased during the past year: A shaper and a wood lathe for the wood- working department; fifty new elementary desks; new
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ANNUAL REPORT
stage curtains and backdrops for the High School stage; seven typewriters; steel filing cabinet for the North Pri- mary School; a tape recorder; a vacuum cleaner for the High School; a fryolater for the cafeteria, a Garland range for the cafeteria; a new motor and cutters for the lawn mower; a bioscope for the science department.
Three of the typewriters that were replaced by new ones at the High School were sent to the elementary schools. The North Elementary School and the South School each purchased a combination radio-record maker from its own funds.
Music
Our music department continues to improve under the direction of Mr. Harris. At the present time we have a high school Boy's Glee Club of 70 voices and a Girls' Glee Club of 125 voices. The high school orchestra and the band each have 33 members. The combination high school-elementary band has 68 members. During the year our music organizations have appeared publicly many times both in Dighton and elsewhere and were always enthusiastically received. Our band uniforms will be completed in the very near future. A drum majorette corps which was organized and uniformed in the Fall performed at our football games.
During the year we have purchased a double B flat Sousaphone, a glockenspiel, two tympans; and clarinets. Some of the instruments that were purchased second hand several years ago at a nominal price need to be re- placed. Although satisfactory progress is being made in vocal music in the grades, a great deal of work remains to be done, especially with the uncertain singers.
9
ANNUAL REPORT
Audio-Visual Aids
The work of the audio-visual aids department is be- ing carried on very successfully under the general direc- tion of Mr. Gillespie. The fact that we are better equip- ped than most schools makes it possible to achieve many of the aims and objectives of an ideal program. However, the best results can be accomplished only when the pro- gram is coordinated and supervised under one who can give full time to the job. Eventually our aim should be to employ a full time director for the work of this depart- · ment.
Educational Costs
The costs of education in Dighton continue to in- crease as in practically all other communities. In 1948 we received from the State the sum of $5,200 for trans- portation reimbursements. Until 1947 we received no aid under this item. The 1948 Legislature passed an amended Chapter 70 School Aid Bill to replace certain other reimbursement provisions. Under this new bill Dighton wilil receive approximately $17,500 instead of $4,700 that was formerly received under the old Chapter 70, Part I. If the Commissioner of Education allows the Alternate Formula, Dighton will be granted approximate- ly $25,000 to replace the $4,700 of the old Part I. How- ever, because no new monies were made available, the State Aid to Education must be apportioned from the Income Tax. This new way of apportioning will give to Dighton additional income, but at the present time we do not know exactly what the net to the Town will be.
In making up its budget the School Committee was guided entirely by the needs of the schools rather than by how much the Town might receive from the State in addi- tional income.
10
ANNUAL REPORT
South School
A year ago the Town had voted to purchase the Whitmarsh property for the sum of $3,300 as a site for a new school to replace the present South School. Since that time a great deal of interest and difference of opin- ion has arisen regarding our school building problem. The School Committee made certain definite recommenda- tions to the Planning Committee relative to the size of classrooms, lighting, heating, ventilation, equipment, sanitary facilities, playground, and other phases of build- ing that would affect the school program. The Planning . Committee accepted these recommendations and pro- ceeded to incorporate them in the tentative plans for a building. At a Special Town Meeting held in November the voters rescinded the vote for the purchase of the Whitmarsh property, voted not to build at that location, and voted down the recommendation of the Planning Committee that facilities for children now attending the South School be provided for in a new building adjacent to the present North Elementary School.
At this writing there seems to be considerable inter- est in either a complete consolidated plan or in a plan that will provide for housing of the children of the South School in a building that can be expanded into a com- pletely consolidated unit. We hope that a definite deci- sion can be made at our Town Meeting in March so that the State Aid of 40% of the cost of construction may be available before the expiration of the terms of the Act.
General
Through an additional donation to the Dighton High School Bleacher Fund, it was possible to construct two more sections of bleachers during the summer. With the
11
ANNUAL REPORT
laying and painting of the plank seats this very worth- while project was completed.
Because of circumstances beyond our control, the three new buses did not arrive until after the opening of school.
As of January 1, 1949 the tuition rate at Dighton High School is increased from $135.00 to $150.00 per year. Although this rate is less than the actual per pupil cost certain educational advantages accrue from our increased enrollment to warrant Dighton's carrying more than its share of the expense of maintaining a high school.
Conclusion
Through the interest and support of the Town offi- cials and the townspeople the School Committee is able to continue to provide for a continual improvement in our schools. May we always have such cooperation and high morale in this work that is so vital to the education of the boys and girls of Dighton.
I wish to thank the people of Dighton for the many evidences of their realization of the necessity for a good school system.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN J. ROLFE,
Superintendent of Schools.
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT, 1948
Receipts
Appropriation
Dog Tax
$118,220.00 564.83
$118,786.83
Expenditures
General Control
$5,289.18
Transportation
8,089.50
Teachers' Salaries
70,276.64
Books
1,487.77
Supplies
2,709.32
Janitors' Salaries
8,983.00
Fuel
4,812.80
Electricity
1,675.20
Gas
127.44
Janitors' Supplies
591.70
Miscellaneous
605.30
Boiler Repairs
564.95
Repairs
3,380.03
Health
1,961.18
New Equipment
2,517.75
Library
392.82
Staff Expenses
75.27
Tuition
16.50
Vocational Education:
General Shop-Day
1,368.75
Practical Arts-Evening
188.00
Household Arts-Day
91.07
Dental Fund
925.00
Transfer to Reserve Account
2,615.00
Balance
42.66
$118,786.83
13
ANNUAL REPORT
NET COST TO TOWN
Expenditures, 1948
$116,129.17
Receipts, 1948:
Reimbursements, Teachers' Salaries (Part 1, Chap. 70) $4,611.00
Reimbursement, Superin-
tendent's Salary and Travel
1,183.57
Reimbursement, Vocational Education
4,376.28
Tuition:
Berkley
5,942.61
Freetown
4,813.54
Rehoboth
8,057.48
Miscellaneous Tuition
760.97
Miscellaneous Receipts
205.67
Transportation
4,890.20
Dental Clinic Income
377.50
Total Receipts, 1948 35,218.82
Net Cost to Town $80,910.35
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the School Nurse
To the Superintendent of Schools: Dighton, Mass.
Dear Mr. Rolfe:
I submit the following report as School Nurse for the year 1948.
Health is a state of well being that prevails when all body processes, physical, mental and emotional, are working together harmoniously so that one can meet the demands of life capably and serenely. It is to this pur- pose that the work is carried on in the schools and the Town to help make Dighton a Healthy Community. Only through complete cooperation between the home and school can best results be obtained.
The annual physical examinations were given all pupils. Enlarged tonsil and adenoids and an increased number of flat feet seemed to be the major defects. Through the physical education program and the stress- ing of good posture at all times, some help can be accom- plished for the conditions of flat feet. Notices were sent to parents and home calls were made where correction was found necessary.
The Dental Clinic has been successful again with more and better results showing as time goes on. I think all pupils in the Elementary grades now realize the im- portance of Dental Health. The Sodium Floride treat- ment was started in September, many taking advantage of this opportunity.
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