USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Westhampton > Town of Westhampton annual report 1940 > Part 2
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I think you are wise in planning to repaint the school building next summer and to repair the roof.
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ATTENDANCE
The attendance figures for the school year ending in June, 1940, are as follows :
Whole No. Enrolled
Average Membership
Average Attendance
Center School
Constance McKowen, 6, 7,8
30
29.96
27.69
Elizabeth Hayden,
3, 4, 5
31
30.98
28.85
Rachel Bridgman, 1, 2
14
14.15
12.80
Totals
75
75.09
69.34
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND TESTS
We are making an effort to teach the whole child, to provide insofar as circumstances permit material for growth depending upon the differences of our pupils. To accomplish this, each child has had two sets of standar- dized examinations of ability and achievement so we might have objective and reliable measures of individual differences in their ability to memorize book learning and to achieve a sound education.
This identification and measurement of differences cannot safely be left to the ordinary measures of school accomplishments such as school marks, or examinations, or direct observation by the teacher. Measures based on suggestive opinion are unreliable and are often mislead- ing because of the influences of irrelevant factors. For example, a student who has a pleasing personality, who attempts cheerfully all the tasks set for him, who flatters the teacher by his apparent interest and attention, and who is not a discipline problem, often receives high marks in spite of his really inadequate understandng of subject matter.
Other pupils may, in spite of their superior knowl- edge, ability, and true accomplishment, receive low marks because they are discipline cases, or are unfortunate in
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their personal characteristics, or because they are in- tensely interested in something else so that they neglect recitations, assignments, and tests which do not seem to them worth while. The most intelligent and capable teachers readily admit this human tendency and strongly welcome objective measures of student accomplishment. Therefore, these new tests of ability and accomplishment which we are using provide reliable measures of individ- ual differences in ability and educational achievement so that we may use the results in educational guidance, in the evaluation of instruction, and as a general incentive toward improved learning. All parents are cordially in- vited to visit the classrooms or teachers at any time and to see the results of these objective measures of their boys and girls.
OUR CHALLENGE
I have presented some details of how we have used our appropriation for education at Westhampton during the past year. Let us now look at the task of education in America today. I cannot summarize the problem any better than to quote from President Dushane of the Na- tional Education Association from his radio address given during American Education Week, in November, 1940.
"We teachers of America know now that our cher- ished freedoms, our ways of life in the United States are seriously threatened for the first time in our history. The basic causes of the breakdown of civilization in Europe are at work here. There is a noticeable increase in racial antagonism and hatred. Class thinking, class loyalties, and class voting are more clearly observable than in any previous period in our history. Unemployment has ex- isted for so long that tens of millions of our citizens are losing their hope of economic security. An American Youth Movement is emerging out of frustration and econ- omic insecurity. Religious intolerance is on the increase as is false propaganda discrediting democratic principles.
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"We teachers believe that the fundamental defense and insurance of democracy is education. It is a more important defense than armaments. In the past only a minority of our people have had even the minimum education necessary for intelligent citizenship, but our schools have made remarkable progress in recent years. Twenty years ago a majority of our citizens had with- drawn permanently from school before completing the seventh grade. Since that time there has been an incrase of over 350% in high school attendance. During the same period there has been a marked improvment in the train- ing of teachers, in our courses of study, and equipment. We must teach democracy today by practicing democracy. We must develop loyalties to our basic liberties and ways of life. We must create a real tolerance toward those who differ from us in race, wealth, occupation, or belief. It is of the utmost importance that the public realize the diffi- culties faced by the teachers of this country as we at- tempt to shoulder these heavy responsibilities. Various minority groups are unjustly criticizing and attacking teachers, school management, school expenditures, text- books, and courses of study."
It seems to me that much of this picture of education on a national scale should be considered by us here for we, too, need additional support so that our citizens of tomor- row may have the best education which we can afford, so that we may continue to encourage every boy and girl to go to high school, and so that we may have the support, appreciation, and respect of the public as we attempt to preserve democracy here.
In closing I wish to thank the school committee, the teachers, and the parents for their co-operation, loyalty, and support.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES A. MITCHELL, Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF THE School Nurse
To Mr. Charles Mitchell, Superintendent of Schools:
I have the honor of presenting to you my seventh annual report of the health of the school.
We note with thankfulness that there has been no serious epidemic of children's diseases during the past year and in general the health of the children has been fairly good.
The Dental Clinic was held in April.
The report is as follows:
Total number of children examined 60
Children found to have dental defects 60
Total number of children treated 30
Permanent fillings 65
Permanent extractions 3
Cleanings 28
Temporary fillings 39
Temporary extractions 14
Total number of operations 149
FINANCIAL REPORT
Total amount collected from pupils $60.00
Received from State $ 4.80
Donated by Knitting Club for
1st Grade Work and 2nd Grade Work $15.00
Received from Town $ 9.60
Total amount collected $89.40
We desire to express our appreciation to the Knitting
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Club for aiding us in this work-also to the Town. We hope that more organizations in the town may feel the urge to contribute to this important branch of our work.
A retest of some of the children's hearing was made in May and new cases of hearing difficulty were found. This test in which we use the audiometer is not very satisfactory for two reasons: Ist, Children with head colds frequently have difficulty in hearing which is only temporary; 2nd, Using one of the school-rooms for the test means it must be conducted on a day when the other children can get out-of-doors as the slightest noise ham- pers the test. We usually have to make two tests, and probably should do more, but we can have the audiometer for a limited time only.
The school entertainment was given in June consist- ing of a group of plays and pageants stressing nutrition, care of teeth, and immunization against and prevention of certain contagious diseases. The plays were written by the pupils, and culminated a series of lectures by the school nurse.
September began with the annual examination of the children.
Defects found :
Nose and throat
9
Posture defects
7
Teeth
19
Glands
21
Heart-slight murmur
3
Nutrition defects
6
Skin 5
Speech stuttering
2
Number of children having no defects 5
One child taken to Holyoke Hospital for tonsilectomy.
It is interesting to note that in practically all cases of decayed and dirty teeth we find slight cervical gland enlargement. As teeth and glands form the greater pro-
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portion of defects, it would be interesting to see what would happen if the teeth were filled and cleaned.
Beginning in September, we started a series of nutri- tion classes for 1st and 2nd grades - Simple talks on proper foods and why they should be used.
3rd, 4th, and 5th grades - Nutrition and Teeth.
6th, 7th, and 8th grades - Nutrition and Health.
Unfortunately, even the first grade, eating habits are pretty well formed before they come to school, so we are forced to push the problem back to the pre-school child.
Routine work has been carried on as usual.
Dr. Manwell gave the T. B. test to twelve pupils, all of which were negative.
One child was sent to Camp Hodgkins.
In closing, I wish to express my gratitude to the School Committee, teachers, and parents for their co- operation in our school health program.
Respectfully submitted,
MABEL CRAIG BRIDGMAN, R. N. School Nurse.
REPORT OF THE Pre-School Conference
The Well Child Conference was held June 17, and 18, 1940. The Conference includes all children under school age and was sponsored by the Board of Health. The pro- fessional staff consisted of Dr. Claire Manwell, M.D., Dr. Ranan, D. D. S. from the State Board of Health and Miss Petit from the Extension Service in charge of the Nutri- tion Conference. Miss Mary Lewis acted as registrar. The Volunteer Staff consisted of Mrs. John Hathaway, chairman of the Committee, Mrs. Louise Parsons and Mrs. Evelyn Blakesley. Miss Rachel Bridgman was in charge of the recreational activity. The members of the Mother's Club served a delicious lunch for the workers both days of the Conference.
STATISTICAL REPORT
34 children with their mothers attended the confer- ence.
4 were entering school
16 new cases
18 repeats
The report of the clinical findings follows :
Physical defects
Posture
4
Nose, Throat and Glands
17
Skin
5
Flat feet
2
Eye Crossed
1
Habit Defects
20
Hernia
2
Needing More Milk
8
Needing More Eggs and Milk
7
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Needing More Vegetables and Fruits 23
Needing More Dark Bread and
Whole Grain Cereals 14
Cod Liver Oil 11
Too much candy and sweets 11
Dental defects
Total number of children examined 29
Number having dental defects 14
Abscessed teeth 1
One child was taken to the Holyoke Hospital for the removal of tonsils and adenoids.
We hope to be able to give one-half day in the dental clinic for the pre-school children.
REPORT OF THE DIPHTHERIA IMMUNIZATION CLINIC
Several years ago we undertook to combine a free vaccination service with the diphtheria immunization work and it has worked out very well.
The clinic was held in April.
Children vaccinated 16
Receiving Toxoids 20
Schick Tested 10
Owing to bad weather the day we gave the Schick test many children did not come, but we will complete this work in our next clinic.
MABEL CRAIG BRIDGMAN, R. N.
Articles of the Town Warrant
TOWN MEETING, MARCH 3, 1941 Ten A. M .- Prompt
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose a Town Clerk.
Article 3. To hear and act on all reports presented at said meeting.
Article 4. To choose all necessary officers to serve the ensuing year.
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to leave the care of highways in charge of the Selectmen.
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to authorize its Board of Selectmen to appoint one of its members to act as Superintendent of Streets, and fix the salary to com- ply with Section 4A Chapter 41, General Laws.
Article 7. To vote in compliance with Section 108, Chapter 41, General Laws, which requires that salaries uf elected officers be fixed by vote of the Town.
Article 8. To raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be necessary to defray Town charges the ensuing year.
Article 9. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 10. To take action in regard to the collection of taxes.
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Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January I, 1941, and to issue a note or notes therefore, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 12. To see if the Town will raise and appro- priate a sum of money for Work Relief.
Article 13. To see if the Town will assume liability in the manner provided by Section 29 of Chapter 91 of the General Laws and Chapter 513 of the Acts of 1939, for all damages that may be incurred by work to be performed by the Department of Public Works of Massachusetts in rivers and streams of the town in accordance with the provision of said Chapter 513, and authorize the Select- men to execute and deliver a bond of indemnity therefor to the Commonwealth.
(Other articles may appear in the posted warrant.)
REPORT OF THE State Audit
Mr. Theodore N. Waddell Director of Accounts Department of Corporations and Taxation State House, Boston Sir :
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and accounts of the town of Westhampton for the period from July 22, 1937, the date of the previous audit, to Sep- tember 9, 1940, and submit the following report thereon :
The financial transactions, as entered on the records of the several departments receiving or disbursing town funds or sending out bills for collection, were examined and checked in detail.
Ledger accounts were compiled, and a balance sheet, which is appended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on September 9, 1940. The balance sheet indicates that the town is in excellent financial condition.
The books and accounts of the treasurer were ex- amined and checked. The receipts, as recorded were com- pared with the departmental records of payments to the treasurer and with the other sources from which money was paid to the town. The payments were checked with the selectmen's orders, the cash book was footed, and the cash balance on September 9, 1940, was proved by a re- conciliation of the bank balance with a statement received from the depository and by actual count of the cash in the office.
Attention is called to the fact that expenditures for highway projects carried on by the town in conjunction with State and County may not exceed the aggregate
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amount of the appropriations voted by the town, together with the amounts actually received on account of allot- ments. Whenever the reimbursements from the State and County are not received in time to provide funds for payment of pay-rolls and for materials, temporary loans under the provisions of Section 6A, Chapter 44, General Laws, may be issued by the treasurer.
The savings bank books, representing the investment of trust funds in custody of the treasurer, were examined and listed, the income being proved and the withdrawals being verified.
The books and accounts of the tax collector were examined and checked. The tax accounts outstanding ac- cording to the previous examination were audited, and all subsequent commitments were added and proved with the assessors' warrants. The recorded collections were checked in detail, the payments to the treasurer were verified, the abatements were compared with the asses- sors' record of the abatements granted, and the outstand- ing accounts were listed and proved.
The outstanding accounts were verified by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, and from the re- plies received it appears that the outstanding accounts, as listed, are correct.
The collector's cash on hand on September 9, 1940, amounting to $463.60 was verified by actual count, the final reconciliation of his cash indicating that there was an additional sum of $405.89 due from him as of the above date. The total amount thus due from the collector as of September 9, 1940, namely $869.49, was paid to the treasurer on September 14, 1940.
Interest and costs on delinquent taxes should be col- lected in accordance with Section 57, Chapter 59, General Laws, and Section 15 and 15A, Chapter 60, General Laws.
It was noted that the collector of taxes has failed to make weekly payments to the treasurer, in which connec-
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tion attention is called to Section 2, Chapter 60, General Laws, which provides that the collector shall, once in each week or oftener, pay over to the treasurer all money col- lected by him during the preceding week or lesser period on account of taxes and interest.
The computation of the tax rates by the assessors for the period covered by the audit was checked, and it was noted that $200 appropriated September 5, 1939, from available funds was not included in the determina- tion of the 1940 tax rate. Attention is called to Section 15A, Chapter 41, and Section 23, Chapter 59, General Laws, which must be complied with so that the tax rates may be correctly computed.
The records of licenses granted by the selectmen were checked with the records of licenses issued, and the payments to the treasurer were verified.
The surety bonds of the town officials required to furnish them for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
The financial accounts of the town clerk were ex- amined and checked. The receipts for dog and sporting licenses were checked with the record of licenses issued. The payments to the treasurer and to the Division of Fish- eries and Game were verified and the cash on hand was proved by actual count.
The records of bills sent out for collection by the pub- lic welfare department, including the bureau of old age assistance, were examined and checked in detail. The departmental records of charges were analyzed, the re- corded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, and the outstanding accounts were listed and proved.
The accounts of the trustees for the Whiting Street and the Wright Charity Funds were examined. The in- come from investments were checked and the disburse- ments were verified. The cash balance on September 9, 1940, was proved by inspection of the savings bank book.
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In addition to the balance sheet, there are appended to this report tables showing a reconciliation of the treas- urer's cash, summaries of the tax and departmental ac- counts, as well as tables showing the condition and trans- actions of the trust funds.
For the co-operation received from the several town officials while engaged in making the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express ap- preciation.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAN B. DINE, Assistant Director of Accounts.
TOWN OF WESTHAMPTON Balance Sheet - September 9, 1940
ASSETS
LIABILITIES and RESERVES
Cash.
$13.057.00
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes :
Levy of 1937,
$
2.90
Levy of 1938, 134.42
Levy of 1939, 3,557.59
Levy of 1940, 9,007.69
12,702.60
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes :
Levy of 1936, $ 4.34
Levy of 1937, 2.00
Levy of 1938, 20.29
Levy of 1940, 135.14
161.77
State Aid to Highways, 4,863.28
Departmental :
Public Welfare,
$
65.75
Old Age Assistance,
182.13
247.88
State Tax, $
960.00
State Parks and Reservations Tax, 16.38
Veterans' Exemption Assessment, 2.37
County Tax, 967.06
Dog Licenses - Due County, 45.60
Overpayment by Collector - Taxes 1937, 1.55
Trust Fund Income : Thayer Charity Fund, $ 25.21
Totman Cemetery General Care Fund 50.00
Cemetery Perpetual
Care Funds,
1.00
76.21
Road Machinery Fund,
447.50
Federal Grants - Old Age Assistance : Administration, 46.36
Unexpended Appropriation
Balances,
11,044.66
Reserve Fund - Overlay Surplus,
1,523.90
Estimated Receipts to be Collected, 3,640.41 Overdrawn Account : Highways Chapter 81, 2,169.99
Overlays Reserved for Abatements :
Levy of 1937, $ 2.90
Levy of 1938, 134.42
Levy of 1939, 146.46
Levy of 1940, 358.30
642.08
Revenue Reserved Until Collected : Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, $ 161.77
Departmental, 247.88
State Aid to Highway
Revenue, 4,863.28
5,272.93
Surplus Revenue,
15,796.33
$36,842.93
$36,842.93
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds, Cash and Securities, $ 6,534.98
Thayer Charity Fund, $ 1,012.50
Wright Charity Fund, 1,012.50
Whiting Street Charity Fund, 1,398.10
Totman Cemetery General Care Fund, 2,000.00
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds, 1,111.88
$ 6,534.98
$ 6,534.98
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