USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1936 > Part 3
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42.56
Distribution
567.45
Professional Services
2,832.27
Supplies
2,788.98
Miscellaneous Expense
216.01
$9,808.66
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ANNUAL REPORT
High School Building Fund :
Water Equipment
2,852.30
Electrical Installation
227.86
Plumbing Installation
85.00
Equipment
343.98
$3,509.14
Total Departmental
$130,662.60
General Accounts
Cemeteries :
Funds Invested
$175.00
Care and Upkeep
73.34
$248.34
B. C. Tuberculosis Hospital :
Assessment
2,463 .35
Dog Licenses :
Paid County Treasurer
643.20
Dighton & Berkley Bridge:
Construction Account
12,879.43
Police Department :
Special Payrolls
9,258.07
Loan : Anticipation of Revenue
40,000.00
Taxes :
County of Bristol
$4,694.96
State Tax
5,600.00
Parks and Reservations
45.65
State Audit
343.21
Veterans Exemption
8.25
$10,692.07
50
ANNUAL REPORT
Miscellaneous :
Welfare Reimbursement
127.50
Trust Fund Interest
3.75
Payment 1932 Check
7.00
$138.25
Brush Cutting Project. (State) Payrolls 905.83
Total General Accounts
$77,228.54
Total Departmental
130,662.60
Cash Balance, Dec. 31, 1936
22,874.99
Total
$230,766.13
51
ANNUAL REPORT
DEPARTMENTAL STATEMENT
Town of Dighton 1936
School Department :
Appropriations
$57,029.15
County Dog Fund 574.09
Building Maintenance
From Incidentals 302.54
Total
$57,905.78
Expenditures
57,896.77
Balance
$9.01
Fire Department:
Appropriations
$3,000.00
Expenditures
2,786.57
Balance
$213.43
Police Department:
Appropriations
1,300.00
Expenditures
1,298.73
Balance 1.27 .
Motor Abatements:
Appropriation
200.00
Expenditures
197.56
Balance 2.44
1
52
ANNUAL REPORT
Mosquito Control :
Appropriation
150.00
Expenditures
150.00
Balance
None
Board of Health :
Appropriation
4,500.00
Expenditures
3,766.94
Balance
733.06
Dighton & Berkley Bridge:
Appropriation
900.00
Expenditures
860.80
Balance
39.20
Library :
Appropriation
1,435.00
Expenditures
1,425.91
Balance 9.09
Welfare Department:
Appropriation
$18,000.00
B. C. Kennel Club
3,100.00
Total $21,100.00
Expenditures
16,847.34
Transfer to Build. Fund
56.84
Transfer to Incidental
1,465.13
Transfer to Mem. Day
13.27
Total $18,382.58
Balance $2,717.42
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ANNUAL REPORT
Town Officers Incidentals :
Appropriation
$4,000.00
Transfer from Welfare 1,465.13
Total
$5,465.13
Expenditures
5,465.13
Balance
None
Gypsy Moths:
Appropriations
$750.00
Expenditures
581.69
Balance
$168.31
Interest :
Appropriation
$2,000.00
Expenditures
1,781.67
Balance
$218.33
High School Bonds :
Appropriation
$4,000.00
Expenditures
4,000.00
Balance
None
State Aid :
Appropriation
$180.00
Expenditures
143.40
Balance $36.60
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ANNUAL REPORT
Soldiers' Relief :
Appropriation
900.00
Expenditures
567.65
Balance 332.35
W. P. A. Incidentals :
Appropriations
10,000.00
Expenditures
9,808.66
Balance
191.34
Street Department :
Appropriation
5,000.00
Expenditures
4,993.84
Balance $6.16
Old Age Assistance:
Appropriation
6,000.00
Federal Grants 2,052.69
Total
$8,052.69
Expenditures
7,422.04
Balance $630.65
Memorial Day :
Appropriation
$50.00
Transfer from Welfare 13.27
Total
$63.27
Expenditures
63.27
Balance None
55
ANNUAL REPORT
Town Officers:
Appropriation
6,700.00
Expenditures
6,673.94
Balance
$26.06
South School Water:
Appropriation
475.00
Expenditures
421.55
Balance
$53.45
High School Building Fund :
Appropriation
$3,452.30
Transfer from Welfare 56.84
Total
$3,509.14
Expenditures
3,509.14
Balance
None
Reserve Account :
Appropriation
Expenditures
$3,500.00 None
Balance $3,500.00
Total Balances $8,888.17
Transferred to Surplus Revenue
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ANNUAL REPORT
STATEMENT OF DIGHTON & BRIDGE PROJECT
Appropriation 1935
$3,500.00
Appropriation 1936
3,500.00
Allotment from State
5,659.32
Allotment from County
2,766.78
Total
$15,426.10
Expenditures
12,879.43
Balance
$2,546.67
I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the reports contained herein are correct. The Tax Collector's report as published is correct. Abatements and Tax Titles have been carefully examined and are in accordance with the Collector's records. All payments of the Treasurer have been properly warranted and all receipts have been recorded. The cash balance is on deposit to the credit of the Town. The investment and perpetual care funds have been verified, all income accounted for, and all payments warranted.
Respectfully submitted,
CLAYTON H. ATWOOD,
Auditor.
TOWN OF DIGHTON BALANCE SHEET-DEC. 31, 1936
GENERAL ACCOUNTS
Cash
$22,874.99
State-Sidewalk Project $64.88 2,546.67
Accounts Receivable: Taxes:
Levy of 1935
$ 2,375.22 11,634.71
Levy of 1936 1,574.28
$2,264.45
Motor Vehicle Excise Tax: Levy of 1936
129.71
Tax Titles
1,144.92
Motor Excise Tax
$129.71
Tax Titles 1,144.92
Departmental
8,742.31
Departmental:
Old Age Assistance
3,469.78
$10,016.94
Public Welfare
4,757.83
Surplus Revenue
21,230.53
School Dept. ,
314.70
Due on Schoolhouse Sale
200.00
Sale of Schoolhouse Funds
150.00
8,742.31
$46,901.86
$46,901.86
DEBT ACCOUNT
Net Funded Debt
$64,000.00 High School Bonds
$64,000.00
TRUST ACCOUNT
Trust Funds, Cash and Securities
$7,013.64
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds Hon. Charles S. Chace Fund
$5,998.64
1,015.00
$7,013.64
57
ANNUAL REPORT
Assets
Liabilities and Reserves
Dighton & Berkley Bridge Project Reserve Fund-Overlay Surplus Overlay Reserved for Abatement of Taxes: Levy of 1935 $690.17
10,628.39
Levy of 1936
$14,009.93
Revenue Reserved until Collected :
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ANNUAL REPORT
Dighton, Mass., December 31, 1936
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT Poll and Property Taxes
Balance 1934 Warrant due
January 1, 1936
$2,732.13
Collected interest 209.47
Fees
1.05
$2,942.65
Credits
Paid Town Treasurer $2,856.10
Abatements 26.93
Tax Title Account
59.62
$2,942.65
Balance 1935 Warrants due
January 1, 1936
$12,808.30
Collected interest 407.13
Fees .35
$13,215.78
Credits
Paid Town Treasurer $10,296.90
Abatements 222.11
Tax Title Account
321.55
$10,840.56
Balance due January 1, 1937 $2,375.22
1936 Warrants $98,539.01
Collected interest
19.85
Fees 38.50
Ctf. of Redemption 1.00
$98,598.36
59
ANNUAL REPORT
Credits
Paid Town Treasurer $74,508.30
Abatements 12,454.35
Ctf. of Redemption
1.00
$86,963.65
Balance January 1, 1937
$11,634.71
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID A. BUFFINGTON,
Collector.
Dighton, Mass., December 31, 1936
TAX COLLECTOR'S REPORT
Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes
Balance 1934 Warrants due
January 1, 1936 $10.43
Collected interest
.16
$10.59
Credits
Paid Town Treasurer
$2.16
Abatements 8.43
$10.59
Balance 1935 Warrants due
January 1, 1936 $338.56
Collected interest 3.61
$342.17
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ANNUAL REPORT
Credits
Paid Town Treasurer
$332.37
Abatements 9.80
$342.17
1936 Warrants
$6,296.72
Collected interest
14.95
$6,311.67
Credits
Paid Town Treasurer $6,056.43
Abatements
125.53
$6,181.96
Balance due January 1, 1937 $129.71
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID A. BUFFINGTON,
Collector.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
School Committee
OF THE TOWN OF
DIGHTON
Year Ending December 31, 1936
2
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1
Roy F. Walker, Chairman North Dighton
Term Expires 1939
Mrs. Clara L. Wyeth Segreganset
1938
H. Judson Robinson 1937
Segreganset 1938
Trenor F. Goodell Dighton
Leland F. Bullard
1939
Segreganset
Frank C. Dutra Dighton
1937
SUPERINTENDENT Norman D. Bailey Residence: 76 Spring Street, North Dighton Office: High School Building, Segreganset Telephone Dighton 98
Office Hours : 7:45-8:45, and by appointment Office Open : 7:30-5:00 School Days, 9-12 Saturdays SECRETARY Jessie A. Perry SCHOOL PHYSICIANS H. S. Miller, M. D. C. M. Souza, M. D. SCHOOL NURSE Leila P. Hoard, R. N.
Advisory Committee on Vocational Education
Miss Jennie McClearn
Mrs. Annie Mendoza Mrs. Ella Potter Mrs. S. G. Hamilton Mrs. H. W. Hamilton
The meetings of the School Committee are held regularly on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 P. M.
3
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIGHTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
To the Citizens of Dighton :
The School Department has closed its books for the year 1936 with all bills paid and a small balance on hand.
We are now in the second year of maintaining a Junior- Senior High School in Dighton. As this is a new venture, mistakes have been made, many of which have already been corrected. We hope our citizens will bear with the Committee in the early stages of this school. Your Committee feels that the High School is running smoothly at the present time.
In July 1936 a letter was received from the Massachusetts State Commissioner of Education recommending that the Town of Gosnold be added to this School Union. A special meeting of the Joint Committee of the Berkley-Dighton- Freetown School Union was held on July 7, 1936 to discuss this matter. At this meeting it was voted unanimously to admit Gosnold to this Union. Through this addition to the Union the cost of General Control in the School Budget has been materially reduced.
Through the medium of this report the Dighton School Committee desires to publicly thank Mr. Clarence Trenouth of Berkley for his kindness in transporting high school stu- dents during athletic and other extra-curricular activities. In some cases Mr. Trenouth made no charge and in others a very minimum rate.
During the year the following W.P.A. projects, connected with the various schools, have been completed :
1. Athletic Field for High School.
2. Parking Space for High School and Town Offices.
3. Clerk tabulating record system for High School.
4
ANNUAL REPORT
4. Refinishing school furniture in various school buildings.
5. Painting exterior of Dighton Grammar School building.
Another W.P.A. project that has just been approved is a cinder track surrounding the Athletic Field. This project also contains provisions for leveling the slopes of the field.
The total income of the School Department, from outside sources, is as follows :
General School Fund Part 1
$7,347.65
Reimbursement from state due to superin-
tendent of schools-salary and travel
1,353.33
Tuition-Berkley students
2,623.06
Tuition-Freetown students
10.97
Tuition-Taunton
80.00
Tuition-Gosnold
80.00
Reimbursement from State due to Vocational
Education :
Day Classes
246.25
Evening Classes
123.00
Total
$11,864.26
The above sum of money goes into the general treasury of the town and is not credited to the School Department.
The Financial Statement for the year is submitted below :
RECEIPTS
Appropriation
$57,029.15
Dog Tax 574.09
Transfer from Town Account for share of expense 302.54
$57,905.78
5
ANNUAL REPORT
EXPENDITURES 1936
General Control
$3,945.05
Books and Supplies
3,622.99
Janitors' Salaries
4,735.75
Teachers' Salaries
31,607.61
Fuel
1,635.49
Repairs
991.24
Transportation
5,873.30
Contingent
2,115.05
New Equipment
551.62
Library
677.05
Vocational Education
539.81
Tuition
12.30
Balance
9.01
1
$57,905.78
9.01
5/896 67
ITEMIZED SCHOOL BUDGET RECOMMENDED FOR 1937
General Control
$3,538.05
Transportation
6,427.55
High School
Teachers' Salaries
$19,429.68
Text Books
700.00
Supplies
1,400.00
Janitors' Salaries
2,540.00
Fuel
884.00
Contingent
1,510.69
Repairs
400.00
Health
610.00
New Equipment
1,713.32
6
ANNUAL REPORT
Library
500.00
Expense in connection with staff
39.00
Elementary Schools
Teachers' Salaries
15,183.32
Text Books
537.60
Supplies
720.00
Janitors' Salaries
2,400.00
Fuel
1,900.00
Contingent
900.00
Repairs
1,000.00
Health
910.00
New Equipment
320.00
Vocational Education
Salaries-Evening Classes
288.00
Janitors- 66 72.00
Supplies ---
5.00
Supplies-Day Classes
50.00
TOTAL BUDGET
$63,978.21
Estimated income from tuition and state
reimbursements
15,530.58
Net cost to town for support of schools $48,447.63
Respectfully submitted,
ROY F. WALKER, Chairman
MRS. CLARA L. WYETH, Sec.
TRENOR F. GOODELL, Fin. Sec. LELAND F. BULLARD H. JUDSON ROBINSON FRANK DUTRA
School Committee of Dighton
7
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Mrs. Wyeth and Gentlemen :
In submitting my seventh report as superintendent of schools in the Town of Dighton, I am anxious to present to the townspeople a bird's-eye view of the operation, plans, and accomplishments of our entire school system. The heads of various departments, principals of the three schools, others whose work makes it distinctive and separate, have submitted individual reports. These have been submitted to you in detail and are summarized in connection with this report. In the paragraphs which follow, I have attempted to stress those things which are of major interest to the public and to point out goals toward which we are striving.
I. THE HIGH SCHOOL
A second year of work in the high school is demonstrating adequately the feasibility of the step taken in establishing the institution. In the principalship, Mr. George R. Austin had done commendable work applying himself conscientiously to the task of giving to the town an outstanding school. He has been always open to suggestions and has shown constant cooperation with the plans of the superintendent and com- mittee. The teaching staff of the school and much of its program is discussed in his report, and the citizens of the town are urged to give that report careful study.
Outstanding in the mind of the superintendent have been the following features of the work of the high school:
(a) Practical and intensive work in the field of guidance. This work has included discussion groups, the presenta- tion of outside speakers representing various occupa- tions, individual and home conferences, Father-Son 'and Mother-Daughter Banquets.
8
ANNUAL REPORT
(b) Development of community support of high school activities. Without adequate community interest it is almost impossible to carry on a comprehensive school program. Attendance at the outstanding performance of "H.M.S. Pinafore" given by the com- bined musical clubs.
(c) Development of a smoothly functioning program. This general statement applies not only to the class- room routine, but to the whole high school organiza- tion. High teaching standards have been maintained coincident with satisfactory discipline.
II. TARDINESS
One major problem in our schools is the excessive amount of tardiness. Strange as it may seem, this is confined to a relatively few pupils who become habitual offenders. The superintendent wonders if parents realize the effect that such habits have upon the lives of young people. When a boy or girl is allowed either through parental neglect, or through lack of enforcement of routine at home to be tardy at school day after day, it cannot help but have a serious effect upon the future life of the child. Every child is en- titled to a good breakfast and a comfortable start for school under parental supervision. To deprive him of these is to limit his training and preparation for life. From the period September 14-December 23, 1936, there were 219 cases of tardiness in the high school. Of these 114 or over half were caused by 9 individuals, whereas 246 pupils had no tardy marks against their names. It is true that on rare occasions there may be extenuating circumstances, but much of the above tardiness is habitual and needless.
III. THE W.P.A. AND THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM :
The attention of the reader is called to the report of the W.P.A. Educational Supervisor, Louise C. Welch, which is
9
ANNUAL REPORT
included in this report. Mrs. Welch has done a fine piece of work in surmounting the difficulties of W.P.A. red tape, and in so coordinating the Nursery School Program with our regular school work, that we have received real benefit therefrom. The children who have entered grade one from our Pre-School Centers have shown marked benefit from the program. Adult classes in the Portuguese language have also been maintained thru this program.
IV. FINANCES:
The 1937 budget calls for some detailed explanation. The real comparison is between the actual net cost under the present set-up and the cost as it would have been if we had continued in the old scheme of sending pupils out of town. This comparison shows that while the net cost under the present plan is approximately $48,000.00. Under the old plan it would have been at least $57,000.00 which indicates a gross saving of $9000.00, and a net saving of some $5000.00, when one considers note payments and interest charges. This saving, coupled with the fact that we now have a fine building providing adequate school facilities and housing for town offices, is a source of real satisfaction to those who have worked with the schools.
The increase of $6000.00 on the face of the budget is actually therefore a saving over what it would have been necessary to expend under the old plan. It should be called to the attention of the taxpayers that the income of the school de- partment which amounts to $11,864.26 this year, and will approximate $15,550.58 in 1937 is not credited to that de- partment but reverts to the general fund to reduce taxes.
V. ATTENDANCE:
The enforcement of the attendance law has been placed in the hands of the local police department. This service has been appreciated.
10
ANNUAL REPORT
VI. THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS:
In the North Schools it was decided to establish separate principalships in the two buildings. Mrs. Harrie S. Camp was assigned to the Primary Building, and Henry Pease, Jr. to the Elementary School. This solution has worked out very well. Our workers in the elementary grades are all experienced teachers whose work has been tried and tested. They are sincerely interested in the welfare of the children of Dighton.
VII. MUSIC:
The Committee voted to re-establish music supervision in the schools in September. Mrs. Alice L. Sturtevant of Lowell was appointed to the position and her report is in- cluded in this volume. Marked improvement has already been noted in the musical achievement of our schools. Al- though teachers have carried on to the best of their ability, there was needed that leadership which is shown in Mrs. Sturtevant's work.
SUMMARY
In concluding this report I should like to express my ap- preciation to the various individuals and groups who through donations or special services have helped in making our school program a success. These gifts have included the baseball uniforms from the Dighton Police Reserves, books and maga- zines from various individuals, the voluntary services of speakers on several occasions. To the members of the School Committee I would extend sincere appreciation for continued confidence, counsel, and assistance in solving the many problems which have faced us. To the members of the School Department Staff whose efforts have been the
11
ANNUAL REPORT
agents which have produced the results of which we are proud, I would say that with a strong and loyal staff a good system is a natural outcome. To the townspeople I would express my earnest desire that the friendly interest manifested in our schools might continue.
Respectfully submitted, NORMAN D. BAILEY
Superintendent of Schools.
12
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
To the Superintendent of Schools
Dear Sir:
I am glad to submit to you the second annual report for the Junior-Senior High School. As might be expected with the opening of a new school many activities have taken place during the calendar year.
Our enrollment for this school year of 1936-37 is large. We closed school in June with approximately 250 pupils. De- ducting the 12 graduates and 1 post-graduate and adding 74 newcomers this year, the enrollment in September was 314. Our list of tuition pupils has also been increased. If our enrollment gains as much in the next year as it has in the past, we shall soon be confronted with adjustment problems. Below are the figures as of September 1936.
Grade
Dighton
Berkley
Freetown
Gosnold
Taunton
Sub Total
Total
Post-Grad.
1
2
3
12
16
2
18
11
35
10
1
46
10
33
12*
45
9
30
20*/
50
H. Arts
11
1
2
3
10
6
6
9
3
5*
1.
9
18
8
56
56
7
67
67
Special
11
11
Total
258
52
1
2
1
314
Total Tuition Pupils
56
* 1 state ward included
1
13
ANNUAL REPORT
At least seven of the faculty have, during the last year, taken courses and studied in order to improve their pro- fessional standing. It is rather unusual that in a small high school we find as many of the faculty engaged in professional advancement. This is an exception, rather than the rule.
The months of January through June were difficult ones, due to the necessary adjustments of the first year, together with the rather abrupt resignation of Miss Clara Standish. Only a faculty which has the interest of the school and the welfare of the pupils at heart could carry on so well. I should also point out the fine work done by Mrs. Janet C. Carroll who completed Miss Standish's work for the year.
This fall we have welcomed three new teachers to our staff. Miss Helen Abrams, a graduate of Sargent School of Physical Education came to us to undertake the girls' work in that field, together with a part of the program formerly taught by Miss Standish. She has brought to her work an enthu- siasm which will go a long way toward a successful career in teaching.
Francis E. Carr, a resident of Berkley and a graduate of the State Teachers' College at Salem, came to us to augment the work in the Commercial Department. His willingness to assume his full share of the responsibilities has made him a welcome addition to our staff.
Mrs. Alice Sturtevant has come to us for part-time work with our music classes in the Junior High School and with the Girls' Glee Club. She is a woman of long-standing ex- perience in school music as well as other types. This ex- perience, together with her purpose makes her, too, a valuable teacher.
Carroll B. Foster, of Duxbury, Massachusetts, a graduate of Bates College, has filled the vacancy caused by the resigna-
14
ANNUAL REPORT 1
tion of Roger F. Hathaway. He has taken up a most difficult task, the task of beginning where Mr. Hathaway left off. He has shown himself most willing and eager to do all that will help to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Through the use of W.P.A. funds we were able to have the services of Mrs. Mabel Terry, Assonet, as School Librarian. A school organized as ours needs a full-time librarian. Since school funds were not sufficient to permit this expenditure, we appreciated Federal Aid. Mrs. Terry has made herself practically indispensable. She has served willingly and faithfully.
I could not conclude without mentioning Mrs. L. C. Ingalls who has served so well as Cafeteria Cook during the absence of Mrs. C. M. Hewitt.
It has been our purpose always throughout the school program to secure as fine contacts as possible between the school and home. Our best method has been through the guidance work. In this work many valuable and pleasing contacts have been made, either through home visits made by the guidance teachers, or by the parents visiting the school. It is our constant purpose to increase this relationship. Yet, it is discouraging to find that many parents do not try to meet with the guidance workers to solve any difficulties which may arise. Many times, through the cooperation of both, we could secure satisfactory results, whereas procrastination tends only to aggravate the existing circumstances.
We also observed Education Week this year by means of the Evening Demonstration Session and received excellent support from the parents who took this opportunity to visit us. Some used this visit as a means to become better ac- quainted with the teachers and to discuss any particular problems which their children might have.
15
ANNUAL REPORT
No doubt our outstanding school event was the Washing- ton Trip taken by the graduating class of 1936. After par- ticipating in this trip, no one could doubt its value. We were able to arrange a trip through the courtesy of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company that the all-expense figure came to $30.00 per pupil for a five day trip. Through the year we were able to raise the entire fund except for $6.50 contributed by each pupil, plus the regular class dues.
This fall, at the discussion group which met before school opened, composed of students who were leaders in school activities, it was proposed that all activities of the school lead to financing the Washington Trip. The continuance of this procedure from year to year would result in greater fairness to all classes. After due consideration we have proceeded along these lines, and I am pleased to report that we are financially much better off than at this time in the preceeding year. Likewise the student spirit is much better toward the project. This fall we have held two dances and have given the Gilbert and Sullivan Light Opera as well as an Amateur Show. The last two mentioned have each made large returns in proportion to the audiences attending, the former having over 500 in attendance, the latter about 300. We are looking forward to a play from the Dramatic Club and a concert sponsored by the Boys' Glee Club assisted by the other musical organizations.
In athletics we made a special appeal for funds through a season ticket sale. Athletic equipment is very expensive, yet the physical safety of all participants in athletic sports demands that the school provide the best. Thanks to the generosity of Dighton and Berkley residents as well as the public-spiritedness of the Taunton Merchants we were able to raise over $350.00. This enabled us to pay for last year's equipment and make replacements and additions to the present stock. Although our football season netted only one
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