USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1956 > Part 7
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Dear Mr. Roy :
I herewith submit my first annual report as instrumental music supervisor in the Dighton Public Schools.
Our instrumental music program in the elementary school
22
ANNUAL REPORT
is now scheduled and functioning within the framework of the academic curriculum very satisfactorily. Students en- rolled in this particular program are placed in one of the following three instruction groups :
1. Beginning 2. Intermediate 3. Advanced
Each individual receives class instruction or lessons on a semi-private basis once a week regardless of the group or level that he attains. These insrumental lessons are fifty minutes in length during which time individual difficulties and problems of each student are pointed out and corrected.
We have, at this particular time, an excellent elementary band that numbers approximately thirty students and a junior high school orchestra that is beginning to develop and progress quite rapidly. In addition to our two larger groups, we have added a brass choir and wind ensemble to the music curriculum. These musical organizations have rehearsed and participated thus far very successfully for many school functions as well as for other outside activities. The elemen- tary school band and orchestra are now preparing a musical program that will be presented with the students from the Berkley and Freetown public schools. This particular endeavor will give our students the opportunity to participate in a larger musical organization and at the same time act as a stimulating factor in the development of music participation for every one in this area.
In the secondary phase of our music curriculum, we find the high school band at the lowest point of the pendulum swing. It is quite obvious that the physical instrumentation of this particular unit is grossly out of proportion and leaves much to be desired. The spirit and enthusiasm of the high school band continues to improve despite this handicap, however, and I am quite confident that in time this organiza- tion will also enjoy a musical reward that it can justly be proud of.
Respectfully submitted,
ROLAND S. HORNE
23
ANNUAL REPORT
VOCAL MUSIC REPORT
Mr. Robert T. Roy, Supt. of Schools
Dighton High School Dighton, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Roy :
I submit the following report for 1956:
Weekly I visit each elementary classroom, leaving with the room teacher a daily assignment. Treatment of "un- certain singers" is given in grades one through three where it is needed. Song experiences in the first three grades consist of rote singing sometimes expressed with various actions. The first steps in music reading have been taught already and shortly first steps in rhythm will be presented in grade one. To build a good foundation note reading rather than rote teaching is emphasized in the earlier grades. Staff dictation and rhythm drills from the blackboard is presented before attempting to sing from the book; therefore, by grades four and five, where note reading continues, music reading be- comes independently automatic even with part singing.
Leaving all of this elementary drill behind, the junior high vocal music program consists mainly of singing directly from the book. I visit each junior high class for forty minutes twice a week. Appreciating and understanding serious music is an important function of this music class. Most of the students have shown an interest in listening and hearing about this serious type of music. I feel that in time even more will develop an understanding for this. In the future I feel it would be advisable to have a music room equipped with a piano for this group. This would aid the students in develop- ing ear training and also give them the benefit of a piano accompaniment. Having one set of books in this music room would eliminate supplying books to each individual junior high class.
Dighton High School's vocal music program consists of the Girl's Glee Club and the Mixed Chorus. Since September the glee club has met twice a week, but the change of dividing this group has just gone into effect. The two groups
24
ANNUAL REPORT
are combined twice a month to insure balance between the parts and to achieve the whole effect. This division will eliminate the conflict of other activities held during this activities period. The Mixed Chorus is half the size of the Glee Club. Choral problems are more easily solved working with a smaller group. Rehearsal is held on Wednesday. Un- fortunately one period a week is insufficient if definite results are to be accomplished and recognized.
For the Christmas season the annual Christmas program consisted of an operetta. All of the parts were taken with great enthusiasm. Selected students from grades six through eight participated in a Christmas pageant the same evening. The performance as a whole was enjoyed by the parents.
I would like to thank the administration and the teaching staff for their cooperation and for helping to make my first year in this school system an enjoyable and beneficial ex- perience for me.
Yours truly, NELLIE MAY PEIRCE, Vocal Music Supervisor
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIGHTON VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
I herewith submit my fourth annual report as Director of the Dighton Vocational School.
The year of 1956 has truly been a significant one for vocational education.
On the Federal level, Congress appropriated thirty-nine million dollars to aid the states. Massachusetts celebrated its 50th Anniversary in the field of Vocational Education. Dighton continued to have more jobs available than students to fill these jobs.
Because of public demand for vocational education, Con- gress had little difficulty in appropriating an all time high
25
ANNUAL REPORT
amount of money. This large sum is consistent with the philosophy of Senator Walter George of Georgia, who says, "Vocational Education is a major hope for the Victory of Freedom."
The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Vocational Educa- tion was held at Northampton, Massachusetts. Educators from many of our states attended, and paid tribute to our State's achievement. Dighton had an excellent display of projects made in our shops. The comments of the viewers were most gratifying, plus the letter of appreciation we re- ceived from the State Department of Education.
In June, twenty-six boys received diplomas from Dighton High School. Eleven of these boys were from our Vocational School, and were placed in employment that offered good opportunities. The starting salaries ranged from $1.00 to $1.78 per hour commensurate with the student's attitude and ability.
Again this year, with many employers seeking our students, the employment possibilities for job security and promotional opportunities were thoroughly evaluated.
The Annual Open House night was held in May with over 500 people in attendance. The publicity given to our school and this event by the Taunton Daily Gazette was appreciated.
Our 1941 Station wagon was replaced by a 1953 Ford 1/2 ton Pick Up Truck that is used primarily for the procurement of parts, supplies, and material. Since it is to be used solely by our school, the State Department of Vocational Education paid one half the cost.
Wheel alignment and balancing equipment was pur- chased and also automatic transmission tools. These im- portant areas in automobile servicing are now included in our program.
A new metal cutting lathe was obtained from the State Department of Education for a fraction of its original cost. Many small tools, equipment, and material have been made available to us by the surplus division of our State.
26
ANNUAL REPORT
The popularity of our program can best be expressed by our enrollment figures. There are 73 boys in our High School, and 51 boys in our Vocational School.
With the new minimum hourly wage that has become effective this year, every graduate must be capable of giving a good day's work for a day's wages. Our advisory board members and employers insist on this, and so we must be fairly well certain that the students we accept into our program can profit by our training.
A guidance and counseling service could do much in channeling the proper students who would benefit most by entering the vocational field. This service should be made available at the Junior High level.
The public and educators must realize that vocational education is not a place for special class or retarded students.
The success of our graduates truly testifies to the wisdom of the founders of our school. My sincere thanks to you, Mr. Roy, for your very active participation and cooperation. To your excellent committee, the townspeople who support our program, and the employers who hire our boys, we at the Vocational School are truly grateful.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES F. DAY, Director
DIGHTON VOCATIONAL SCHOOL ENROLLMENT-DECEMBER, 1956
Dighton
Berkley
Freetown
Totals
Freshmen
7
7
4
18
Sophomores
7
3
6
16
Juniors
6
1
3
10
Seniors
3
2
2
7
Totals
23
13
15
51
,
27
ANNUAL REPORT
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION Dighton High School High School Auditorium, June 14, 1956
PROGRAM
Overture-"Graduation Overture" Herfurth Orchestra
*Processional March-"Pomp and Circumstance" Elgar Orchestra
Invocation-Rev. Bernard Unsworth St. Peter's Church, South Dighton
Welcome-
Clifford Wood Class President
Trumpet Solo-"Mattinata" Leoncavallo
Dolores Silva
Student Address-"I'm The Master of My Faith" Sandra Copeland
Student Address-"Life is No Brief Candle"
Clifford Wood
Selection-"No Man Is An Island" Whitney
Senior Class
Address-"The Road to Mr. Olympus" Mr. Howard Pierce Davis Writer, United Nations Consultant, Lecturer
28
ANNUAL REPORT
Presentation of Awards-
Warren F. Kiernan, Principal
Rensselaer Polytechnic Medal
Balfour Honor Award
John Charves Award
Grossman Vocational Achievement Woodworking Award Commercial Award
Bion L. Pierce Awards
Arion Award
Cpl. John Dutra Memorial Award
Scholarship Awards
+Presentation of Diplomas-
Lawrence Mendoza Chairman of Dighton School Committee
Selection-"He" Mullon
Senior Class
Benediction-
Rev Richardson Reid First Unitarian Church, South Dighton
Recessional March- "Victory March" Herfurth
Orchestra
William H. Kahn Supervisor of Music
Accompanist-Elaine Broadbent
*The audience is requested to remain seated during the Pro- cessional March.
+The audience is requested to refrain from applause until all diplomas have been distributed.
29
ANNUAL REPORT
CLASS OF 1956
* Antonia Maria Delabarre Aguas
Gilbert Amaral, Jr.
Jane Elizabeth Andrews Mary Elizabeth Andrews *Judith Mae Atwood William F. Benevides, Jr. Edith Ann Bindon
'Rosemary Borden Ronald H. Bristol
*Elaine Mary Broadbent
*Marion Beverly Carpenter Howell Simmons Carr, Jr. Lionel Theodore Carr David Allen Carvalho Dennis Andrew Carvalho Henry Catabia David W. Clark June L. Clough
*Sandra Ann Copeland Robert DeArruda
*Joan Elizabeth DeMoranville Anne Marie Desautels William Duarte, Jr.
*Natalie Jane Dulak Shirley Ann Ferreira Joan Mary Gracia Douglas Morton Grant Roland Guillet Shirley Ann Horton George Eric Jack
Richard Hanna Kherlopian Patricia Ruth Knox Beatrice W. LeFaivre
*David Edward Longton Carol Ann Machado Jayne Doris McCauley
*Pauline Ann Medeiros Constance Miller Lorraine Mae Motta Augustus Davis O'Connell Ronald Francis O'Connor
*Eugenia Ann Pontes Betsey Reed
*James C. Rose Kenneth Braley Rose
* Wilma Ann Rose Ruth Ann Sears Elizabeth Ann Sherman
* Dolores Patricia Silva Eleanor Nancy Souza Weston Hathaway Stafford Irene Margaret Stanley Ellis Emerson Strange, Jr. Carolyn Ruth Vickers James Melvin Wallace
* Arthur Victor Westgate Carlton Leonard Willette
*Clifford Arthur Wood Barbara Elizabeth Woodis Ora Beverly Wordell
** First Honors-An average of A for four years.
*Second Honors-An average of B to A for four years.
30
ANNUAL REPORT
Class Officers
Clifford Wood President
Wilma Rose
Vice-President
Dolores Silva
Treasurer
Elaine Broadbent
Secretary
Class Motto "Seek and Ye Shall Find"
Class Advisor : Eleanor Smith
Dighton School Committee
Lawrence Mendoza, Chairman
Mrs. James Carr, Secretary Peter R. Tuttle, Financial Secretary Albert R. DeSilva Wyman E. Hawkes
Francis Torres Mrs. Fred Tripp
Robert T. Roy, Superintendent of Schools
ENROLLMENT BY SCHOOLS October 1, 1956
Dighton High School
220
Dighton Vocational School
54
Dighton Elementary School
555
829
Tuition pupils-Dighton High School:
High School
Berkley
50
Freetown
35
Vocational
Berkley
14
Freetown
18
117 -
Net Total Enrollment-Dighton Pupils
712
7
31
ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATION EXERCISES DIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL June 6, 1956
PROGRAM
Overture-"Excerpts from 'Die Fledermaus" Strauss School Orchestra
Processional-"March of the Crusaders" Welsh Folk Song
Invocation- Fr. Bernard Unsworth Pastor, St. Peter's Church, Dighton
Choral Reading-"The Creator" James Weldon Johnson
Greetings- Michael Hurwitz Class President
Selection-"I'll Walk With God" Brodszky
Theme-
ARCHITECTS OF THE FUTURE
What Makes A Good Future Citizen Catherine Roderick
Why Education Is Important in the Future Jean Atwood
Preparing the Child for the Future Brenda Menges
32
ANNUAL REPORT
Selection-"Our Flag" O'Hara
Education is Our Future Happiness Alberta Gramm
The Communities' Part in Developing the Child's Character Sarah Pilling
The Educated Person in The Future of America Jane Cinq-Mars
Moral and Spiritual. Values in Education Michael Hurwitz
Presentation of Awards-
Robert T. Roy Superintendent of Schools
Presentation of Diplomas-
Mrs. Marion Tripp Dighton School Committee
Selection-"You'll Never Walk Alone" Rodgers
Benediction-
Rabbi Baruch Korff Congregation Agudath Achim, Taunton
Recessional-"Our Capital City" Watters
Class Officers
President Michael Hurwitz
Vice President
Fred Tripp
Secretary Janet Rubadou
Treasurer Catherine Roderick
Mr. Robert T. Roy, Superintendent of Schools
Mr. F. Edward Nicolas, Principal
Mr. William Henry Kahn, Music Supervisor
7
ANNUAL REPORT
33
GRADUATES
George Herbert Adams Jeffrey John Allie *Collette Marie Adele Alves Barbara Ann Andrews
*Manuel Joseph Andrews Jo Ann Ashworth Ernest Hathaway Atwood Herbert Franklin Atwood *Jean Ellen Atwood Raymond Silva Badejo Robert Edward Badejo Anthony John Borba
*David Paul Borden Elizabeth Jean Bourgault Edith May Boyce Helen Althea Briggs Nancy Florence Carr Natalie Ann Carvalho Jane Mary Cinq-Mars John Marston Cobb John Edward Collard Manuel Silvia Corey Carolyn Ann Costa Constance Marie Costa Richard Joseph Donahue John Richard Duarte Alberta H. Gramm Gloria Jean Groff *Susan Hathaway Hambly ** Michael Jack Hurwitz
James Edward Isom Simone Marie Lenney
*Richard Alton Levinson Vito William Licata Lois Elaine Mello
*Brenda Nina Menges William Robert Mercer Donald Francis Morris Charles Martin Mosher Dorothy Paiva Cynthia Margaret Perry Shirley Jean Perry Edward Alton Pierce
** Sarah Eunice Pilling Anita Pontes Jane Marie Potter
Neil Charles Rasmussen
** Catherine Mary Roderick William Robert Roy Janet Muriel Rubadou Helen Shattuck Shaw Richard Theodore Silvia John Emerson Smith Judith Emma Soares
*Nancy Synan John C. Tavares, Jr.
*Fred Roos Tripp Janet Elaine Varley Whitney Bates Wargat
* Honors
** High Honors
34
ENROLLMENT OCTOBER 1, 1956 Dighton Schools
DIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 Total Bldg.
F. Edward Nicolas, Principal
Teachers:
Dorothy B. Bagley
24
28
Jessie H. Bradley
28
28
Doris M. Ferreira
36
36
Margaret F. Harrington
35
35
Jacqueline C. Booth
27
27
Rose E. Borges
25
25
Helen M. Simmons
26
26
Lena W. Cowell
36
36
Anne M. Phillips
36
36
Jacqueline Bennett
34
34
Helen C. Turner
32
32
Frederick J. Arata
32
32
Leo T. Wontkowski
35
35
Albert N. Genovese
29
29
Annette Lussier
26
26
Arthur M. Chace
33
33
Francis R. Lussier
33
33
Total Elementary School
555
ANNUAL REPORT
24
Olive W. Crawford 28
DIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL DIGHTON VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
63
54
52
51
220
19
16
12
7
54
Total Enrollment in Dighton Schools
Number attending Private Schools
47
AGE-GRADE ENROLLMENT-OCTOBER 1, 1956
Age
Totals
Grade
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1
11
57
12
71
2
7
57
5
2
78
3
17
47
10
4
72
4
8
51
9
4
66
5
11
43
9
3
11
40
9
7
10
28
15
2
13
42
11
66
8
19
42
16
5
*82
9
13
43
11
3
*70
10
14
45
4
1
*64
11
13
37
7
1
*58
12
-
Totals
11
64
86
60
74
67
63
53
83
68
73
74
44
8
1
829
*Includes Tuition Students
35
ANNUAL REPORT
67
6
55
7
.
--
829
80
DIGHTON SCHOOL FACULTY - DECEMBER 31, 1956 Dighton High School
Name
Home Address
Education
App'd.
Principal
James J. Dowd, M.Ed.
244 So. Walker St., Taunton
North Adams State Teachers' College, University of Mass.
1956
Vice-Principal
Leo P. DeMarco, M.Ed. Faculty
Richard L. Dias, B.S. in Ed.
Meadow Lane, Assonet
Arnold College of Science 1952
Jean L. Goodell, B.S.
87 Kenilworth Ave., Brockton 175 Highland St., Taunton
Simmons College, Boston Univ. 1953
William C. Lewis, A.B.
35 Fulton St., Norwood
Boston College 1956
Mary Lymberis, B.S.Ed.
454 Whipple St., Fall River
Bridgewater Teachers' College 1956
Robert M. McGuirk, A.B.
36 Newcomb Place, Taunton
Providence College
1956
Robert M. Ponte, B.S. in Ed.
141 Elizabeth St., Fall River
Bridgewater Teachers' College
1955
Louise W. Ring, B.A.
Elm Street, Berkley
Boston University, Col. Liberal Arts Prov. College, Bridgewater Teachers' College
1950
Suffolk University
1924
Boston University
1951
Ann G. Warner, A.B.
Boston College
1956
Vocational School
Director Charles F. Day, B.S. in Ed. Paul W. Couture, M.Ed.
Charles C. O'Connell
High School Office Secretary Thelma C. Spinney
Cafeteria Personnel Aldea G. Gagner, Head Cook Annie G. Davis, Assistant
Walker St., No. Dighton Simpson Lane, Assonet
302 Washington St., Taunton
29 Summer St., North Dighton
50 South St., Taunton Main St., Dighton
Fitchburg Teachers' College 1943
Prov. College, Bridgewater Teachers' College 1953
Taunton High School, Fitchburg Teachers' College 1944
36
ANNUAL REPORT
Eleanor S. Smith, B.S. in Ed. Francis R. Vitale, M.Ed.
Williams St., No. Dighton 365 Somerset Ave., Taunton 19 Brimmer St., Watertown
Framingham State Teachers 1956
Helena M. Kennedy, M.A.
9 East Britannia St. Taunton
Fordham Univ., Boston Univ. 1946
1955
Walter R. Scanlon, M.Ed.
10 Greylock Ave., Taunton
Dighton Elementary School
Name
Home Address
Education
App'd.
Principal
F. Edward Nicolas, Ed. M.A.
Center St., Segreganset
Suffolk University 1955
Boston College
1955
Dorothy B. Bagley
54 Coral St., Fall River
Perry Kindergarten Normal
1948
Jacqueline Bennett, B.S.
483 County St., New Bedford
New Bedford Inst. of Textiles
1956
Jacqueline C. Booth, B.S.Ed.
154 Dighton Ave., Taunton
Bridgewater Teachers' College
1954
Rose E. Borges, M.Ed.
6 Pleasant St., Dighton
Bridgewater Teachers' College Wellesley College,
1927
Jessie H. Bradley, B.A. Berkley St., Berkley
Arthur M. Chace, B.S. M.Ed.
312 Wood St., Swansea
Lena W. Cowell, B.S. M.Ed.
198 Bourn Ave., Somerset
Calvin Coolidge College
1921
Olive W. Crawford, B.S. M.Ed.
411 Prospect St., Fall River
Calvin Coolidge College
1947
Doris M. Ferreira
490 Woodman St., Fall River
Perry Normal
1949
Albert N. Genovese, M.S.Ed.
243 High St., Taunton
University of Bridgeport
1953
Margaret F. Harrington Annette Lussier, B.A.
437 Lindsey St., Fall River
Rivier College
1956
Francis R. Lussier, A.B.
118 Shawomet Ave., Somerset
Providence College
1955
Anne M. Phillips
59 Freedom St., Fall River
Bridgewater Teachers' College
1948
Helen M. Simmons
4 Avon St., Somerset
Thibodeau Bus. College
1922
Helen C. Turner
117 School St., No. Dighton
Framingham Normal School
1946
Leo T. Wontkowski, B.A., M.A.
356 Robinson Ave., So. Attleboro
Providence College,
Bridgewater Teachers' College 1956
Music Supervisors
Vocal
Nellie May Peirce, B.M.
Instrumental
Roland S. Horne, Jr., B.M.
Elementary School Office Secretary
Hannah E. Lassen
96 Middleboro Ave., E. Taunton Boston University 1956
20 Auburn St., Springvale, Maine Boston University 1956
17 Pleasant St., Dighton
37
ANNUAL REPORT
233 Whipple St., Fall River
Framingham Teachers' College
1946
Bridgewater Teachers' College 1954
Bridgewater Teachers' College 1953
Faculty
Frederick J. Arata, B.S., B.A.
31 Standard St., Mattapan
38
App'd.
Name
Cafeteria Personnel
Alfrena Bettencourt, Head Cook Grace E. French, Assistant
Louise G. Gomes, Assistant
Bertha R. Stafford, Assistant
211 School St., No. Dighton Lincoln Ave., No. Dighton Hart St., Dighton Somerset Ave., Segreganset
Custodians
Name
Home Address
School
App'd.
Howell S. Carr
Elm St., Dighton
Dighton High School
1942
Charles R. Leonard
Center St., North Dighton
Dighton High School
1952
Manuel A. Mello
Center St., North Dighton
Dighton Elementary
1952
Antone Costa
Elm St., Dighton
Dighton Elementary
1956
Personnel Changes
Teacher
Position
Date of Resignation
Reason
Warren F. Kiernan
Principal, Dighton High
June 30, 1956
Employed elsewhere
Carol T. Angus
Physical Education
June 30, 1956
Carleton F. McCauley
English, High School
June 30, 1956
Hope L. Pontes
Household Arts
March 2, 1956
George A. Weygand
Science, High School
June 30, 1956
Nancy C. Regan
Grade 6, Elementary
June 30, 1956
Marie E. Snyder
Grade 5, Elementary
January 6, 1956
William H. Kahn
Music Supervisor
June 30, 1956
John P. Pilling
Custodian, Elementary
July 19, 1956
At Home Teaching in Longmeadaw At Home
Further study at Harvard Teaching in Taunton At Home Teaching in Boston Employed elsewhere
ANNUAL REPORT
Home Address
Education
INDEX
Ambulance Report
61
Assessors' Report
45
Auditor's Report
77
Balance Sheet 113
Board of Health Report
70
Cemetery Fund Report
40
Civil Defense Director's Report
66
Community Nurse Report
73
Dogs Licensed
75
Dog Officer's Report
67
Finance Committee Report
7
Fire Department
59
Gypsy Moth Superintendent
48
Harbor Master's Report
64
Historian's Report
65
Inspector of Animals Report
69
Inspector for the Board of Health's Report
68
Jurors Drawn
44
Jury List
43
Library Report
66
Planning Board Report
75
Police Department
62
School Committee Report
117
Director Vocational School
24
Elementary School Graduation Program
31
Enrollment
34
Faculty
36
Financial Statement
5
High School Graduation Program
27
Instrumental Music Supervisor
21
Principal Elementary School
18
Principal High School
12
School Calendar
4
School Nurse
11
Superintendent
8
Vocal Music Supervisor
23
Vocational School Enrollment
26
Selectmen's Appointments for 1956
4
Selectmen's Report
8
Sealer of Weights and Measures
67
Superintendent of Streets
56
Tax Collector's Report
49
Town Clerk's Report
12
Births
32
Deaths
38
Marriages
34
Treasurer's Report
69
Tree Warden's Report
58
Town Officers
3
Veterans' Agent Report
76
Welfare Board Report
71
1
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