USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1955 > Part 6
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274.80
Balance 211.96
Reserve Account Appropriated :
From Overlay Reserve
5,000.00
To :- To E.&D. Account 300.00
(South School Fund)
Town Collector 7.41
Vets Hall Maint ..
117.02
Town Insurance
124.30
1954 Bills .06
Planning Board Account
8.55
Public Property A/C
245.13
Fire Dept.
546.03
Police Dept. 151.23
Board of Health
1,290.73
Gypsy Moth
135.00
Town Elms
1,016.05
Road Machinery
234.61
Civic Center Sanitary
30.01
4,206.13
Balance 793.87
Memorial Day Observance:
Appropriation
150.00
Expenditures
127.50
Balance 22.50
Tax Title Redemption :
1-1-55 Balance
128.68
Appropriation
250.00
Received for costs
2.25
380.93
ANNUAL REPORT
127
Expenditures
110.90
Balance
270.03
Contributory County Retirement :
Appropriation
2,892.20
Expenditures
2,892.20
Balance
none
Civic Center Sanitary Facilities :
Appropriation
600.00
Transfer from Res. Acct. Appr.
30.01
630.01
Expenditures
630.01
Balance
none
Agency, Trusts & Refunds:
Received 1955
154.00
Expenditures
154.00
Balance
none
Town Cemetery Account :
Jan. 1, 1955 Balance
51.40
Expenditures
none
Balance
51.40
Interest on School Bonds:
Appropriation
8,690.00
Expenditures
8,690.00
Balance
none
128
ANNUAL REPORT
Elementary School Bonds:
Appropriation
25,000.00
Expenditures
25,000.00
Balance
none
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds :
Received during 1955
312.34
Expenditures
312.34
Balance
none
Charles S. Chase Trust Fund:
Received during 1956
27.68
Expenditures
27.68
Balance
none
Dog Licenses:
Received during 1955
831.45
Expenditures
831.45
Balance none
U. S. Grant-Smith-Hughes, George Barden Funds:
1-1-55 Balance
883.78
Received during 1955
1,550.71
2,434.49
Expenditures
1,094.35
Balance 1,340.14
129
ANNUAL REPORT
Christmas Fund:
Taunton Greyhound Association 500.00
Expenditures 500.00
Balance
none
Total Appropriation Balances
$17,557.93
Revenue Receipts over Assessors' Estimates
17,168.59
Surplus Revenue to Excess and Deficiency for 1955 $34,726.52
I certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that the reports contained herein are correct. The Cash Balances of all officers intrusted with the receipt, custody or expendi- tures of money have been verified and all such books and accounts are in order. The Tax Collector's report as pub- lished is correct. All payments to the Treasurer have been properly warranted and all receipts have been recorded. Cash and Securities of the Trust Funds have been verified, all income accounted for, and all payments warranted.
Respectfully submitted,
STAFFORD H. HAMBLY, Town Auditor.
Town of Dighton
ASSETS
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Cash
$157,827.98
Liabilities :
Accounts Receivable :
U. S. Grants:
Taxes:
1952 Personal Property
$ 210.06
1953 Personal Property
200.70
Disability Assistance ADM. 7.49
Old Age Assistance ADM. 7.83
1954 Personal Property
273.48
Aid to Dependent Children
269.16
1954 Real Estate
1,043.19
Disability Assistance
219.76
1955 Poll
96.00
Old Age Assistance
1,299.09
1955 Personal Property
489.12
Smith-Hughes-George Barden Funds 1,340.14
2,904.37
Road Machinery Fund
3,522.63
State Census-1955
261.62
Guaranty Deposit-South School
118.00
State Taxes and Assessments
70.09
Tax Possessions
263.99
Fence & Boundary Markers Elementary School
97.11
Tax Titles
3,795.36
Elementary School Cafeteria
356.30
Departmental :
High School Cafeteria
1,497.95
Aid to Dependent Children
614.61
Board of Health
135.00
Elementary School Library
188.99
Dighton-Berkley Bridge 16.49
Civil Defense Account
211.96
Old Age Assistance
574.69
Tax Title Redemption Account
270.03
ANNUAL REPORT
130
Old Age Recovery
35,691.66
1954 Motor Vehicle Excise
317.24
1955 Motor Vehicle Excise 2,951.59
3,268.83
1955 Real Estate
33,369.11
Aid to Dependent Children ADM.
.76
1954 Poll
10.00
BALANCE SHEET General Account
December 31, 1955
High School Athletics
154.95
School Dept. 78.00 3,306.69
Welfare Dept.
4,725.48
Aid to Highways:
Chapter 81-State 8,015.95
Chapter 90-Maintenance 1,700.00
Chapter 90-Williams St. 2,684.64
Ch. 90 Maint .- County 1,700.00
Ch. 90 Williams St .- County 5,092.32
19,192.91
Hurricane Account-Carol-Edna
47.00
Flood Emergency-1955
588.54
Pump Service Account
18.40
County Taxes and Assessments
2,316.21
Town Cemetery Account 51.40
Tailings 172.50
Town Historian 100.00
Civil Defense-Radio Account
1,406.66
Sidewalk Maintenance
600.00
Ch. 90-D-B Bridge Maintenance 837.02
Ch. 90-Williams St. 20,089.28
Graveling Town Roads 1,117.80
Treasurer's Unidentifid Receipts 100.61
County Assessment-B. C. T. B. Hospital 1,725.72
Reserves:
Overlay, Reserved for Abatement of 1952 Taxes 210.06
Overlay, Reserved for
Abatement of 1953 Taxes 200.70
Overlay, Reserved for
Abatement of 1954 Taxes 1,643.91
Overlay, Reserved for
Abatement of 1955 Taxes 8,154.57
10,209.24
Reserve Fund Overlay Surplus
10,731.04
Revenue Reserved until collected :
Departmental 4,725.48
Aid to Highways 19,192.91
Motor Vehicle Excise 3,268.83
ANNUAL REPORT
131
Tax Possession Tax Title Revenue
263.99
3,795.36
31,246.57
Excess and Deficiency : Surplus Revenue
136,550.29
$227,736.36
227,736.36
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded Debt
$370,000.00 Elementary School Bonds 370,000.00
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds Joshua Bliss Cemetery Fund Charles S. Chase Trust Fund
8,704.61
5,370.65
1,013.75
Trust Funds : Cash and Securities $15,089.01
$15,089.01
132
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Of the Town of
DIGHTON
Year Ending December 31, 1955
2
ANNUAL REPORT
IN MEMORIAM Hope Waldron Hamilton 1890 - 1955
With deep sorrow the School Committee of the Town of Dighton records the death, on Tuesday, December 27, 1955 of Hope Waldron Hamilton since 1928 a faithful and con- scientious teacher of our children.
Mrs. Hamilton devoted her entire life to teaching, hav- ing taught since she graduated from Bridgewater Normal School in 1913. Before coming to Dighton to teach she taught in Taunton, Massachusetts and Redlands, California, where she supervised the establishment of the Domestic Sci- ence Department. No effort was spared by Mrs. Hamilton in preparing herself for teaching as is evidenced by further courses taken at Pratt Institute and the earning of the De- grees of Bachelor and Master of Science in Education at Bridgewater Teachers College.
Active in the civic and social life of the Town, Mrs. Hamilton was a leader in many of the town's civic and fra- ternal organizations.
3
ANNUAL REPORT
Mindful of her long association with the School De- partment and her faithful service to the school children of Dighton, the School Committee, on behalf of the townspeo- ple, gratefully records its appreciation of her by adopting the following :
Be it RESOLVED, That we, on behalf of the Citi- zens of the Town of Dighton, attest to the warmth of personality, effective training and inspiring leadership which Mrs. Hamilton brought to the Citizens of the Town of Digh- ton and the school children she so faithfully served.
Be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this reso- lutions be spread upon the records of the School Committee and incorporated in the An- nual Report of the Town Officers for 1955, and that a copy be sent to Mrs. Hamilton's family as a testimonial of our sincere appre- ciation for her outstanding contribution to the people of Dighton.
DIGHTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
4
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term Expires 1956
Herbert Holt, Chairman
22 Andrews Street, North Dighton
Mrs. Catherine C. Carr, Secretary Briggs Street, North Dighton
1958
Peter R. Tuttle, Financial Secretary Williams Street, North Dighton
1957
Wyman E. Hawkes 1958
Segreganset
Lawrence Mendoza 1957
Elm Street, Dighton
John Gray 1956
40 Tremont Street, North Dighton
Superintendent Robert T. Roy, B. S., Ed. M. Residence : Somerset Avenue, Segreganset Office : Dighton High School, Segreganset Telephone: Dighton 4751 (Office) Dighton 3912 (Home)
Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:30 A. M. - 9:30 A. M. and by appointment.
Secretary Gladys P. Babbitt
School Physician Charles M. Souza, M. D.
School Nurse Esther Bowden, R. N.
Attendance Supervisor Howell S. Carr
-
5
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 follow- ing January 1. There will be no exceptions made to this ruling.
Birth Certificates
Presentation of a birth certificate is required for en- trance 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 School
Whenever it seems advisable to close the elementary school the notice will be broadcast over Radio Station WPEP, Taunton, and over Radio Station WSAR, Fall River.
High School
Whenever the school buses can be safely operated there will be school at Dighton High School unless unforseen emergencies make it necessary to close. In the event of clos- ing, the information will be specifically announced over the radio as indicated above for the elementary school.
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 trans- portation to some of those living under the required distance when our buses are filled to capacity with children living at a greater distance.
6
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1955 -1956
DIGHTON As Approved by the School Committee
Dighton Elementary School
School opens
closes
opens
closes
September 7, 1955 December 23, 1955- 73 days January 3, 1956 February 17, 1956- 34 days February 27, 1956
opens
closes
April 13, 1956- 34 days April 23, 1956
opens
closes
June 8, 1956- 34 days
175 days
Dighton High School
opens
September 7, 1955
closes
opens
closes
December 23, 1955- 73 days January 3, 1956 February 17, 1956- 34 days February 27, 1956
opens closes opens closes
April 13, 1956- 34 days April 23, 1956
June 20, 1956- 42 days
183 days
School will close on the following days: October 12-Columbus Day. October 28-Teachers' Convention. November 11-Veterans' Day. November 24 and 25-Thanksgiving Recess. March 30-Good Friday. May 30-Memorial Day.
7
ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation
$219,098.00
Expenditures
General Control
$ 8,509.09
Transportation
21,505.52
Teachers' Salaries
144,897.93
Books
2,214.63
Audio-Visual Aids
14.95
Supplies
3,360.67
Janitors Supplies
1,526.72
Fuel
4,817.95
Electricity
2,905.80
Gas
532.59
Water
588.17
Janitors' Salaries
13,848.13
Miscellaneous
1,264.86
Boiler Repairs
395.56
Repairs
1,262.78
Health
2,627.50
New Equipment
2,899.91
Library, High School
339.49
Staff Expenses
195.80
Tuition, Evening Vocational School
239.15
Vocational Education :
General Shop
1,773.07
Household Arts
111.81
$215,832.08
Balance-Returned to Town
3,265.92
$219,098.00
8
ANNUAL REPORT
VOCATIONAL PRODUCTION FUND
Appropriation
$2,200.00
Expenditures
1,430.81
Balance on hand
769.19
DENTAL FUND
Appropriation
1,200.00
Expenditures
542.10
Balance on hand
657.90
DOG TAX FUND
Receipts
474.21
Unexpended balance 1954
156.70
Balance on hand
630.91
EXPENDITURES
Elementary School Library 441.92
Balance on hand
188.99
NET COST TO TOWN
Expenditures, 1955
$215,832.08
Receipts, 1955 :
Chapter 70, General State Aid $ 41,748.47 Reimbursement, Superintendent's Salary and Travel 2,443.47
Reimbursement, Vocational Education 6,019.69
Transportation 13,313.40
State Wards and Youth Service 437.58
9
ANNUAL REPORT
Tuition :
Berkley
14,445.08
Freetown
13,997.48
Rehoboth
225.00
Lakeville
213.00
Miscellaneous Tuition
275.00
Miscellaneous Receipts
66.33
Vocational Production Fund Receipts
235.06
Vocational Receipts
181.96
Dental Clinic Income
384.91
Total Receipts, 1955
93,986.43
Net Cost to Town
$121,845.65
Balance returned to Town
$ 3,265.92
10
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Citizens of the Town of Dighton :
I herewith submit my first annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools of Dighton. Incorporated herein is the report of the Principals Vocational School Director, the Music Supervisor and the School Nurse. I recommend that you read them so that you may become better acquainted with our program and the people who operate the program. Please feel free to call on any of these people when you have questions concerning their departments.
Personnel
As you know we had almost a complete change in ad- ministrative personnel over the summer with Mr. Charles Day, Vocational Director, the only administrator remaining. Mr. Thomas Warren resigned to become Superintendent of Schools in Randolph. Mr. Edward Gillespie who had been with us eight years and Mr. Oliver Collard who had been with us three years left the Dighton Schools. I consider the Dighton School Department and myself very fortunate that they were able to secure Mr. Warren F. Kiernan and Mr. F. Edward Nicolas as school principals. Both of these men are doing a fine piece of work in their schools and are highly respected among educators in Massachusetts.
During the course of the year nine of our regular teach- ers left for various reasons. We have been fortunate in be- ing able to replace most of them, but to this date we have not found a remedial reading teacher.
On December 27, 1955 death took one of our finest teachers, Mrs. Hope Hamilton, who had been with us for twenty-eight years. Mrs. Hamilton had helped many, many students along the road to success.
While some people are moving on for higher salaries and more responsible positions, I feel our salary schedule at present is in line with most of those in this area. I also
11
ANNUAL REPORT
feel that our faculty on the whole is equal to if not superior to most other faculties in the area.
Finance
The budget for 1956 again shows an increase over the previous year. Teachers' salaries and transportation show the greatest increase. All other items have remained about the same. It does seem wise at this time to include an amount in the budget for outside painting of both buildings.
School Population
At present the schools are filled to capacity, but not overcrowded. However, this may not be the case next Sep- tember. If the entering first grade should be greater than 60, it is probable that we will need 19 regular classrooms and we have only 18 at present in the Elementary School.
With the elimination of a second year of Freetown pu- pils the High School should be adequate for next year.
At present your regional committee is studying the re- gional high school with Rehoboth. That committee will probably report at the annual town meeting.
Repairs and Improvements.
It was necessary to increase the capacity of the three phase electric service at the High School. This will prevent an overloading when our fri-o-lators and electric welder are in use.
The usual program of building maintenance was car- ried on this past summer and the buildings were in excellent condition for the opening of school in the fall.
Some improvements to be considered along with the painting mentioned previously would be more adequate stage lights and improved drainage system at the elemen- tary school. New window shades are needed at the high
12
ANNUAL REPORT
school. Some provision for a guidance room should be con- sidered.
On the whole our buildings are in good repair and a constant maintenance program should keep them that way.
Parent Teachers Association
This year the High School as well as the Elementary School has been incorporated in the Parent Teacher Asso- ciation. With parents and teachers of both high school and elementary pupils working together a better understanding of the problems of each should be gained.
The $100. scholarship fund established by the P. T. A. last year and awarded in June to a deserving senior is an excellent project as well as a similar amount of money given to the elementary school for assembly programs and field trips.
Your P. T. A. program for this year is a good one with speakers from many educational fields presenting their views.
This association can grow to be a very useful part of our school program.
Conclusion
Although I have only been in Dighton four months I do appreciate all the cooperation I have received from parents and school employees. In return I want everyone who wishes to discuss any part of the school program to feel free to call on me at any time.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT T. ROY, Superintendent of Schools.
13
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Mr. Roy :
I submit the following report for 1955:
The annual physical examinations were given to all pupils attending Dighton schools by Dr. Charles M. Souza, school physician. The Massachusetts Vision Test and Pure- tone Audiometer Test were again given. The equipment for this testing is loaned by the Southeastern Health District office. If defects are found the parents of the child are noti- fied regarding the presence of the defect. This is not an attempt to make a diagnosis, but, rather a preventative measure.
The Dental Clinic conducted at the office of Dr. L. C. Murrary in Taunton was completed in June. During the 1954-1955 clinic, four hundred and thirty two pupils were transported with the help of drivers from the Dighton Parent Teachers Association, especially Mr. James Bacon. All dental work was completed for one hundred and fifty two pupils.
The Pre-School Clinic and Registration Day which were combined were held on May 13th. Sixty nine pupils were registered to enter in September 1955 and twenty seven children were vaccinated against smallpox.
Annual "Get Acquainted Day" held at the Dighton Elementary School, again has resulted in a more rapid adjustment to school life by pupils attending this event, than previously experienced.
The services offered at the Bristol County Mental Health Clinic in Taunton were used by our Dighton pupils and have proven most helpful. Assistance with speech
14
ANNUAL REPORT
therapy was received from the Cerebral Palsy Clinic in Fall River.
May I again offer my sincere thanks to the entire school personnel, parents and all who helped in making this health program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
ESTHER BOWDEN, R. N., School Nurse.
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my first annual report as Principal of the Dighton High School.
This report shall be prefaced by what is considered to be one of the basic principles of the secondary school. The desirable program is measured by the extent to which it meets the educational needs of all the pupils who attend it. The important word here is all. This means that the good secondary school not only meets the needs of students who intend to continue their education in college but also of students who will go to work immediately after graduation.
Educational Needs
An educational need is something desired or something lacking in a pupil which can be supplied by the school. The responsibility of the secondary school includes the discovery of these needs and the planning of a program to meet them. The following educational needs have been compiled by the State Department of Education for secondary pupils in Massachusetts :
15
ANNUAL REPORT
1. Growing Up
2. Profiting from Guidance
3. Preparing for Earning a Living, for Further Education or for Both.
4. Making the most of the Environment
5. Learning to Recognize, Appreciate, and Con- tribute to Beauty and Good Taste
6. Using Leisure Time Well
7. Achieving Health and Fitness.
8. Become Self-Educating.
Enrollment indicating the distribution of pupils by towns and curricula on October 1, 1955 :
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS
Class
Dighton
Freetown
Berkley
Lakeville
Total
Freshmen
43
2
23
68
Sophomore
33
15
11
59
Junior
23
22
13
58
Senior
34
5
11
1
51
Totals
133
44
58
1
236
Curricula Statistics
Class
College Commercial General
Total
Freshmen
26
27
15
68
Sophomore
17
22
20
59
Junior
17
23
18
58
Senior
10
22
19
51
Totals
70
94
72
236
16
ANNUAL REPORT
Program of Studies
The program of studies at Dighton High School makes provisions for four distinct courses of study, each of which has specific goals and is designed to meet the individual needs, abilities, and interests of all students. The four courses and a summary of each follows:
1. College Preparatory Curriculum - This course prepares the student for college or a nursing or technical school. Because college entrance require- ments vary, parents should consult the principal and the guidance director before the student selects his course. Such a consultation should result in a choice of subjects best suited to satisfy the individuals par- ticular needs for college preparation.
2. Commercial Curriculum - This course is recom- mended particularly for those who wish training for office or clerical work and who generally do not plan to continue in a higher institution. Those electing this curriculum should bear in mind that several of the subjects require certain specific skills and aptitudes not possessed by all individuals.
3. General Curriculum - This course is intended for those students who do not plan to go to college and who do not wish the specialized training that is offered in the commercial and vocational cur- riculums. It is designed to provide a background of subjects, which, when combined with the various extra-curricula activities, will prepare pupils to live as active, well-informed, and intelligent citizens.
4. Vocational Curriculum - This course is designed to give the boys who select it general and specific skills in machine work, automobile repairing and woodworking. The students in this area spend a minimum of three hours daily in the shop and are required to complete satisfactorily related academic
17
ANNUAL REPORT
subjects which fulfill the same graduation require- ments as in any of the other courses.
The subject matter presented in the High School pro- gram of studies has been changed from a six period day to a seven period day. Colleges require 200 minutes per week in major subject areas plus recommending two periods of physical education as prescribed by the State. In order to fulfill these requirements for the present school year a change in the daily schedule was inevitable. A survey of schedules in thirty high schools of southeastern Massachu- setts indicated that a seven period day is widely used, edu- cationally acceptable, and the most suitable answer to our scheduling problem at the High School.
Curriculum
An inclusive definition of curriculum would make refer- ence not only to subject matter but to all other student activities and experiences which the school may direct. Elsewhere in this report, I referred to a program of studies which, in definition is limited to school subjects. The cur- riculum is the plan by which the social, vocational, and academic objectives of a school may be accomplished. The task of selecting, organizing, evaluating, and presenting the actual curriculum is the responsibility of all the faculty members. Curriculum-making is a never-ending process. It must keep pace with the demands of the community and the needs of students it serves. The following staff mem- bers have been designated as chairman for the curriculum areas listed below :
Mathematics-Mrs. Eleanor Smith Social Studies-Mr. Francis Vitale Commercial-Mrs. Helena Kennedy English-Mr. Carleton McCauley Languages-Mrs. Louise Ring Home Economics-Miss Hope Pontes Science-Mr. George Weygand
18
ANNUAL REPORT
Vocational-Mr. Charles Day Physical Education-Mrs. Carol Angus and Mr. Richard Dias
Extra-Curricula Activities-Mr. Warren Kiernan
Professional research, personal evaluation and com- mittee recommendations will be presented at appointed dates to the staff by the chairman of the individual areas throughout the course of the school year.
Public School Relations
Public school relations refers specifically to that activ- ity in school administration which endeavors to establish an agreeable relationship between the schools and the pub- lic which the schools serve. The major objective of public school relations is to keep the people informed concerning the purposes, accomplishments, conditions and needs of the school. This report itself is one way in which this activity is carried out. The agencies of the public relations program can be divided into four major groups namely, (1) written, (2) visual, (3) oral; and (4) social. These groups are con- tinually used by the Dighton public schools in presenting the educational program to the community. Newspaper reports, student publications, P. T. A. programs, school bulletins, report cards, commencement, and open house are particularly significant in bringing about a closer co- operation of the home, school, and the community. Open house is held in conjunction with American Education Week in November of each year. American Education Week has been observed annually throughout the nation for the past 35 years. The National Education Association recommends strongly that good public school relations can be obtained through the medium of open house. Our program was well received this year and we are making extensive plans for 1956.
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