USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1956 > Part 6
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April 12, 1957- 35 days April 22, 1957
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June 7, 1957- 34 days
175 days
Dighton High School
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September 5, 1956 December 21, 1956- 73 days January 2, 1957 February 15, 1957- 33 days February 25, 1957
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April 12, 1957- 35 days
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April 22, 1957
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June 19, 1957- 42 days
183 days
Schools will close on the following days :
October 12-Columbus Day October 26-Teachers' Convention November 12-Veterans' Day November 22 and 23-Thanksgiving Recess May 30-Memorial Day
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation
$234,232.00
Expenditures
General Control
$ 9,006.68
Transportation
27,687.00
Teachers' Salaries
151,457.76
Books
3,008.60
Audio-Visual Aids
118.80
Supplies
2,502.96
Janitors Supplies
2,196.69
Fuel
5,918.35
Electricity
3,034.09
Gas
618.09
Water
446.32
Janitors' Salaries
14,005.95
Miscellaneous
1,714.94
Boiler Repairs
363.16
Repairs
1,479.64
Music
492.26
High School Truck
800.00
Outside Painting
1,485.00
Health
2,633.84
New Equipment
2,397.72
Library, High School
579.60
Staff Expenses
195.46
Tuition, Evening School
236.90
Vocational Education :
Household Arts
177.92
General Shop
1,663.67
$234,221.40
Balance-Returned to Town
10.60
$234,232.00
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ANNUAL REPORT
VOCATIONAL PRODUCTION FUND
Appropriation
$2,200.00
Expenditures
1,737.93
Balance on hand
462.07
DENTAL FUND
Appropriation
1,200.00
Balance on hand
1,200.00
DOG TAX FUND
Unexpended Balance, 1955
188.99
Receipts, 1956
570.28
Balance on hand
759.27
EXPENDITURES
Elementary School Library 401.06
Balance on hand
$ 358.21
NET COST TO TOWN
Expenditures, 1956
$234,221.40
Receipts, 1956 :
Chapter 70, General State Aid $40,310.97
Reimbursement, Superintendent's Salary and Travel 2,426.62
Reimbursement, Vocational Education 5,412.49
Transportation 23,331.73
State Wards and Youth Service 1,262.00
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ANNUAL REPORT
Tuition :
Berkley
14,709.00
Freetown
11,787.00
Rehoboth
135.00
Miscellaneous Tuition
262.50
Miscellaneous Receipts
186.81
Vocational Receipts
55.30
Vocational Production Fund Receipts
2,409.40
Credit Teachers' Retirement for Military Service 122.71
Total Receipts, 1956
102,411.53
Net Cost to Town
$131,809.87
Balance returned to Town
$ 10.60
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Citizens of the Town of Dighton:
I herewith submit my second annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools of Dighton. Incorporated herein is the report of the Principals, the Vocational School Director, the Music Supervisors and the School Nurse. I recommend that you read them so that you may become better acquainted with our program, the people who operate the program and some of their problems. Please feel free to call on any of these people when you have questions concerning their de- partments.
Personnel
In June we lost seven members of our faculty, two people left for other teaching positions, one person to go into busi- ness, three to be at home, and one for further graduate study. We experienced difficulty in filling some of these positions especially in the field of science and English.
Mr. James J. Dowd of Deerfield was hired to replace Mr. Kiernan as principal of Dighton High School. Mr. Dowd comes to us highly recommended by many people and has a wealth of experience the benefits of which we are already reaping. Along with Mr. Dowd, Miss Mary Lymberis was hired to teach girls physical education; Miss Jean Goodell home economics; Miss Ann Warner English; Mr. Robert McGuirk social studies and Mr. William Lewis, science.
At the elementary school Miss Annette Lussier was hired to teach junior high English and Mrs. Jacqueline Bennett to teach Grade 5.
Many of our teachers are continuing to further their education and as a result are passing on to us new ideas they have gained in their studies.
Our administrators too have been active in the educational circles. Mr. James Dowd was called upon to serve on an evaluation committee of the New England Association of
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ANNUAL REPORT
Colleges and Secondary Schools when they surveyed a Massa- chusetts High School recently. Mr. F. Edward Nicolas taught courses last summer at Suffolk University, a school that is becoming very well known in the field of education. Mr. Charles F. Day, our vocational director, took part in the 50th anniversary program of Vocational Education in Massachu- setts and is secretary of the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Directors.
It was decided at the spring meeting of Union 39, to engage two music supervisors for the Union. Miss Nellie May Peirce comes to us as a vocal teacher and Mr. Roland S. Horne as an instrumental teacher. Both of these teachers are recent graduates of Boston University School of Music.
Mr. William Kahn, former supervisor, took a position in the Boston Schools.
The number of new teachers coming into the field is still not meeting the demand for teachers. Until such time as this demand is met we will experience difficulty obtaining teachers. It is hoped that our salary schedule will help us along this line.
Finance
Our budget increase this year is attributed directly to salaries. We have added one teacher at the high school and will need one at the elementary school in September. We have also provided for an increase in the salaries of our present personnel. All other items remain the same although it is reported that we can expect a fifteen percent increase in the cost of supplies.
School Population
The elementary school is filled to capacity and it is im- possible now to see how we can get. by next year without turning either the library or an office into a classroom. We did get by last September by promoting three first grades into two large second grades. It does not look possible to do this again.
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ANNUAL REPORT
We are still eliminating the Freetown pupils from the high school. Next September they will have only the seniors left. It seems right now that our freshman class next fall will be larger by twenty-five pupils than our graduating class in June. Although it will not overcrowd the school in general, there will be some crowding felt in some classes.
Our School Building Needs Committee has recently organized again and is studying our school problem. It is hoped that some solution agreeable to the voters will be forthcoming in the near future.
Repairs and Improvements
Major repairs competed this year were as follows: Re- pointing and waterproofing of the north and south ends of the High School; improving the drainage system at the elementary school; painting the trim on both schools.
Both schools received a thorough cleaning last summer, the ceiling at the elementary school auditorium has been renailed and both gymnasium floors have been refinished.
It will be necessary as a major project this year to replace the tubes in the boiler at the high school. Minor repairs will be carried out at both schools.
Mr. Antone Costa replaced Mr. John Pilling as custodian at the elementary school. Mr. Costa, along with Mr. Mello, Mr. Carr and Mr. Leonard have done outstanding work in keeping our schools clean and in good repair.
Parent Teacher Association
The Parent Teacher Association has been very helpful again this year. They have provided scholarships and awards as well as money for activities. Another function of the P. T. A. and perhaps the most important is that it has served to establish a good relationship between parents and teachers. This is your P. T. A. a very useful instrument, support it and help it grow.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Conclusion
I want to thank the School Committee, parents and teach- ers for the cooperation given me this year. I ask for your continued cooperation and offer you in return any help I can give you with any school problem.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT T. ROY, ·Superintendent of Schools
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
To the Superintendent of Schools:
Dear Mr. Roy :
I submit the following report for 1956.
The annual physical examination was given to all pupils attending Dighton schools by Dr. Charles M. Souza, school physician. All pupils taking part in the athletic program were first examined before they were allowed to participate in any competitive sport.
The newly purchased Massachusetts Vision Equipment was most helpful with the vision testing program.
As the equipment loaned by the State Department of Public Health for testing hearing was available to Dighton only three weeks during the latter part of April and early May, I was unable to give any hearing tests to the Dighton school children due to conflicts of time with the various clinics conducted annually at this time. It has been requested that this equipment be made available for use in Dighton earlier in the school year.
The pre-school clinic and registration day were again combined and held on May 13, 1956. Twenty-three children were vaccinated and examined ,and sixty-seven children were registered for entrance in school in September.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The "Get Acquainted Day", which has proved most help- ful to the pupils, parents, and teachers, was again held in May. Because of the success of this event, it will be held annually.
I assisted Mrs. Charles Lamb with the Speech Therapy Group by arranging appointments with parents and providing transportation for the pupils.
A check of the daily attendance was noted, and home visits were made when it was necessary.
The Polio Clinics were a big event for the school children and a large percentage of them took advantage of this pro- gram. All clinics were held in the health room at the Ele- mentary School.
Again I offer my sincere thanks to the entire school personnel and parents for their assistance and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, ESTHER BOWDEN, R. N., School Nurse
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Robert Roy Superintendent of Schools
Dighton, Mass.
Dear Mr. Roy :
My report as Principal of Dighton High School is herewith respectfully submitted. My contact with Dighton High School has extended over only four months. They have, neverthe- less, been busy and satisfactory ones.
Upon assuming my duties here, I made only very few changes in the program as planned by my predecessor, Mr. Kiernan. These changes involved the nature and scheduling
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ANNUAL REPORT
of the various clubs in our activity program. In addition to these, I arranged to implement those changes planned for the school year. They were:
1. Arranging the class schedule of Mrs. Ring to permit her to devote one period per day to library management and development.
2. Arranging the class schedule of Mr. Vitale to permit him to devote three periods per day to the important work of guidance.
3. Arranging the daily schedule to make maximum use of one instrumental and one vocal music supervisor.
4. Arranging the schedule to permit Mr. Leo DeMarco, as vice-principal, to function more efficiently in the areas of attendance and as faculty manager of athletics.
In addition to these very desirable arrangements, the designation of Mrs. Smith as Dean of Girls and as Yearbook advisor on a permanent basis was also an important forward step.
Apart from these items my main activity has been to promote a system of organization and discipline consistent with my own standards and philosophy. This briefly stated is: I firmly believe that it is the obligation of every youth, with the full cooperation of his parents with the teachers, to make full and proper use of the experiences and facilities provided for his education in a manner consistent with the normally expected standards of order and discipline in our society.
There was only one change made in our course offerings. Due to the transition period which we are undergoing because of an important and desirable change in the Commercial Curriculum, we are not offering Bookkeeping I this year. This subject will again be offered in 1957-1958. In addition, certain other changes are being considered in order to main- tain our program's position of efficiency in light of recent trends.
In addition to the change in my own position, we had five new faculty members this year. Miss Jean Goodell, our House-
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ANNUAL REPORT
hold Arts teacher, replaced Mrs. Hamilton, who was handling these duties on a substitute basis. Mr. William Lewis replaced Mr. George Weygand, on leave of absence, as our Instructor in the Sciences. Miss Mary Lymberis replaced Mrs. Richard Angus as Girls' Physical Education teacher and Girls' Coach. Miss Ann Warner replaced Mr. Carleton McCauley as teacher of English III and English IV. Mr. Robert McGuirk was employed as an additional teacher in order to maintain acceptable class sizes without drastically reducing curricular offerings. I am happy to report that these new teachers are performing their duties in a creditable manner.
In this connection I cannot help but mention that stability of faculty is a highly desirable factor in the offerings of a school. I sincerely hope that the new salary schedule will enable us to reduce the number of good teachers whom we lose and have to replace. I take this opportunity also to mention that our situation with respect to substitute teachers is not at all satisfactory. I request, through this report, any qualified person in the area who would be available for sub- stitute work, to call my office and notify us of his availability.
To this report I have attached the Enrollment and Cur- ricula Statistics for this year. Since October 1, 1956, the date of this report, two pupils have transferred to the Voca- tional School, four pupils have moved-two only temporarily, and two have left school. We also have one post-graduate added to our numbers.
If we hold our present numbers in the three lower classes as they move up next year; and if all but a few in the present 8th grades in Dighton and Berkley enter as Freshmen, we will be short additional rooms for classroom space unless we reduce our curricular offerings. This is a serious problem, which will require further study if we are to make an adjustment with a minimum loss of efficiency and minimum discomfort to our pupils.
The Curricula statistics indicate a very heavy overload in the Commercial Curriculum. This is a particularly bad situation and stems from unwise curricular choice on the part of pupils and parents. This situation will be given close
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scrutiny by Mr. Vitale and myself with the pupils and parents involved as the time arrives for curricula selection for next year.
As indicated in Mr. Kiernan's report of last year, the Commercial Curriculum is intended for those who wish train- ing for office or clerical work. It requires specific skills and aptitudes not possessed by all individuals. It is NOT the Curriculum to be chosen by all who do not pursue the College Curriculum. The high incidence of pupil failure in the courses in the Commercial Curriculum is tragic testimony of the misunderstanding or lack of wisdom in making this choice.
Our attendance is generally good. The upper classes, where one would expect the best attendance, have the poorest records. In the Junior and Senior classes in December we had 18 cases of tardiness involving 14 people. This condition will not be allowed to continue. Drastic measures, if necessary, will be taken to curtail this practice. The poor attendance in these two classes is due to, in some measure, the part-time employment of some of our pupils. They and their parents must realize that regular attendance is an absolute necessity if maximum progress and value are to be obtained. Sickness or family emergencies are the only valid excuses for absence. I sincerely hope that we shall have more of the cooperation of the parents in this regard.
In an attempt to improve the quality of our school library service and offerings, I was able to obtain the services of Mrs. Alice Howard, a consultant from the State Department of Education. She and Mrs. Ring spent considerable time in a study of our present book collections and facilities. As a result we have discarded some of our books; and, thanks to your cooperation in the matter of providing budget assistance, we have added substantially to our collection. We plan to continue this program and to develop the more efficient use of the library from an instructional standpoint.
Since we no longer have available to us the Boston University Testing Service, Mr. Vitale and I, working with the faculty members, will continue our preliminary plans for
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ANNUAL REPORT
a standardized testing program. Such a program is a vital part of the activity of any school.
In 1955 Dighton High School was accepted as a member of the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. This is or will shortly be the accrediting agency for schools in New England. In order to maintain this member- ship, a program of evaluation will have to be completed and reviewed at least once every ten years. An important part of this evaluation and accreditation is the consideration of the number of pupils being prepared for, and successfully going on to, higher education.
From the class of 1956 ten people are continuing their education. Five of these are attending four year degree- granting institutions. In the present class there are five people who have made application to the University of Massachusetts.
We continue to enjoy certification privileges to all institu- tions of higher learning supported by the Commonwealth. It is important to point out here that only those pupils who have maintained grades of "B" or better in all subjects will be certified for admission to these institutions. All others will have to obtain admission on the basis of the results of the College Entrance Examinations and the Principal's recom- mendation. It is my fervent hope that more and more young people will evidence a desire to continue their education beyond high school.
Dighton is to be commended for its fine P. T. A. organiza- tion. I strongly urge and hope that more parents of High School pupils will become active members and participate in the programs of the Dighton P. T. A. We were happy to see many of the parents during American Education Week this year. I sincerely hope we may see a much larger number next year. The education of the youth of Dighton is a matter for the concern of both parents and teachers. Only by close mutual cooperation can the important work be most efficiently done.
In the short time I have been here I have enjoyed the cooperation of the pupils and the few parents whom I have
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ANNUAL REPORT
met or contacted. I am looking forward to a continuation and expansion of this condition. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the pupils, parents, teachers-particularly those who have been here longer than I-the custodians, the School Nurse and School Doctor, and cafeteria personnel for their fine welcome and cooperation manifest since my coming here.
I wish also to express a debt of gratitude to you person- ally, and to the members of the School Committee for your fine cooperation in support of the efforts of the faculty and myself in maintaining and promoting a proper secondary program at Dighton High School.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES J. DOWD, Principal
DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT STATISTICS AS OF OCTOBER 1, 1956
Class
Dighton
Berkley
Freetown
Total
Freshman
50
13
0
63
Sophomore
37
15
2
54
Junior
28
11
13
52
Senior
21
11
19
51
Totals
136
50
34
220
CURRICULA STATISTICS
Class
College
Commercial
General
Total
Freshman
28
28
7
63
Sophomore
21
24
9
54
Junior
16
29
7
52
Senior
15
16
20
51
80
97
43
220
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ANNUAL REPORT
Our recitation classes, exclusive of music groups, Physical Education classes, and clubs, are :
No. of Pupils No. of Classes
No. of Pupils No. of Classes
1-5
1
21-25
5
6-10
4
26-30
8
11-15
15
31-35
4
16-20
14
36-40
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REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF DIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mr. Robert Roy
Superintendent of Schools:
It is a pleasure to submit my second annual report as principal of the Dighton Elementary School.
Enrollment
The opening enrollment in September was 552. The peak enrollment for the year was 565.
Curriculum
During the past school year and summer months careful and detailed studies were made of various penmanship systems available. In September a complete penmanship program was instituted and over a period of two years will be com- pletely intergrated through the sixth grade.
The Junior High Science Teachers after studying recent Science Texts and materials have adapted a new science series which is in complete operation.
In our seventh and eighth grades we are operating a typical Junior High Departmental Program. Such a program includes :
English Mathematics
Science Social Studies Literature Spelling
Mechanical Drawing (Boys) Household Arts (Girls) Physical Education for both Boys and Girls
Art Music Club
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ANNUAL REPORT
supervised study halls and extra curricula activities for both boys and girls.
Our projected curriculum calls for adding a language, commercial subjects and an extended mechanical drawing course.
As previously stated "Out of the needs of the children and the community are developed the purposes of the elemen- tary school."
With this philosophy in mind, we are offering the pupils of this school a well rounded program which will promote their intellectual, emotional and physical growth and provide experience for living in a democratic society.
Due to the physical facilities, we are operating at a maxi- mum. With the anticipated enrollment in September of 1957, we are expecting to convert office or library space into a class- room.
Physical Education
Our Junior High boys, after entering the Junior High League, made an excellent showing. We tied for the champion- ship in basketball, won the baseball championship and had the highest accumulation of points in the track meet. Dighton was the host school for this track event. The boys are under the supervision of Mr. Francis Lussier.
The Junior High girls have also entered in to the league this year. They will compete in basketball, softball and the track meet. The girls are under the supervision of Miss Annette Lussier.
Dighton Parent-Teacher Association
The activities and membership of this group has con- tinued to grow.
One of the main events, our "Kick-off" dinner was a success with Dr. Franklin P. Hawkes, State Department of Education as our guest speaker.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The people responsible for the success of the P. T. A. are:
President Mr. DeSilva
Vice President Mr. Day
Secretary Mrs. Sloan
Treasurer Mrs. Andrews
Membership in the P. T. A. is open to any parent and interested citizen in our community.
Guidance Service-Speech Clinic
This year, as in the past the Principal and teaching staff have offered both professional and personal advice where necessary to the students.
The testing program has brought to light many minor difficulties which have been remedied by parent-teacher conferences. It is only through the close cooperation, between the home and the school, can this educational institution best serve the community.
The addition of a Speech Therapist to our faculty (on a part time basis) has already been recognized by many parents. Careful screening and examinations have assisted many children in correcting minor speech difficulties. The parental support has been wonderful, for only by close cooperation and a sincere desire to help the child, can a program of this type function successfully.
Mrs. Helen Lamb wishes to encourage parents, who are interested in their youngsters, to come and visit the class receiving instruction.
Miscellany
Our Club Program meets one period a week and offers the following :
The Crafts Club under Mr. Chace's Supervision.
The Library Club supervised by Mr. Genovese.
The Journalism Club, advisor Miss Lussier. The Tumbling Club, instructor Mr. Lussier.
A Natural Science Club, advisor Mr. Edwin Wyeth of Segreganset who is donating his services to the youth of
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ANNUAL REPORT
our community. Mr. Wyeth also lectures a group of sixth grade students each week.
The Student Council has functioned to coordinate the students and the administration to a mutual understanding of problems that occur in a Junior High School Program. Certainly, this is a wonderful lesson in democracy for our young people to experience.
The Cafeteria, under the capable direction of Mrs. Bet- tencourt and her associates, continues to serve meals of top quality to our students daily.
The problems confronting custodians in a building this size are too numerous to mention. Mr. Mello and Mr. Costa are continuing to rise to the occasion and provide excellent maintenance service.
Conclusion
May I express my appreciation to the officials of the community, the faculty and staff of the school, and the student body for their enthusiasm toward our entire school program. May I also extend my gratitude to Mr. Robert T. Roy, Superintendent of Schools, and the School Committee for their loyal support and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, F. EDWARD NICOLAS, Principal
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC REPORT
To the Superintendent of Schools:
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