New Britain herald., 1922-09-21

the ages of 4 and 16 who have been granted employment papers there is continuation school in which they may complete the work of the sev- enth and eighth grades. Attendance in this class is required as a condi- tion of leaving school. This class had an average attendance of 12 for the 75 nights the school was in ses- sion.
 An adult class for those who wish to acquire the ability. to read and write the English language. as we'll as to learn of history. customs. and methods of government, was also maintained During the year a total of 32 persons was registered in this class. with an average attendance each night of 12. This is class which is quickly affected by labor conditions as well as by number of other factors.
 It is a source of regret that so few take advantage of the adult class Our studies of thenationalities represented in our schools last year makes it clear that there must be many who would profit by study in this class. So far, only those of Italian birth have made any considerable use of the school, and only small minority of these.
 The responsibility for the degree of use made of the facilities offered in this field must lie with the citizens of Berlin. Unless those who have come to us from other shores are made to understand and feel in friendly way that it is to their advantage, as well as ours, for them to learn to speak and read our language, and to know of our history and government, we cannot hope for a large attend ance. AS friends, neighbors, and em- ployers as well as fellow workmen we can accomplish much"
 During the past year very fine re- suits have been obtained in our work in music. The work was in charge of Miss Ethel Prior, who gave two days each week to the supervision of the work of the teachers. AS a result much greater progress was made than under the system used in former years. During the coming year two days and a half will be given to su perNision and the work extended fully into the high school With the inn petus of the past we have every right to anticipate even more successful work during the coming year.
 T should feel derelict in my duty did l fail to call to your attention once more the importance and value of sys- tematic attention to health conditions in our schools. Of course our teach CTS give instruction in physiology and health habits, and exercise such care as they can in the matter of exclud- ing children who show obvious signs of illness. By reason of their lack of training they cannot go farther.
 The children of Berlin should have the advantage of adequate physical examination and health service now enjoyed in a majority of the towns and cities of the state. Berlin, pro- gressive in most lines, has fallen be- hind in this matter.
 Tn the larger cities and towns, school physicians, as well as school nurses are employed. Most of the smaller towns make use only of the school nurse. A competent, trained, school nurse-and training is offered today for just such work-can detect the major defects which need atten- tion and through personal follow up, secure their treatment in a majority of cases. It is indeed impressive to read of the work that is being done throughout the state by school nurses.
 While Berlin has a school popula- ton large enough to employ nurse for full time, it would be better 70 arrange, as can be done through the state board of education. for a nurse for part time, until the value Of such work is clearly demonstrated to all of us.
 'I shall not weary you with the sta tistcs which the late war brought to light We all remember the large of men who were rejected because of physical defects. We can never forget the responsibility placed on our shoulders when 1t was shown that the vast majority of these defects could have been remedied in child hood by only a little attention. The schools, through a school nurse. con- stitute the best agency for bringing about a great improvement in the