USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1959 > Part 6
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HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT-DECEMBER, 1959
Class
Dighton
Berkley
Rehoboth
Class
B G Total
B
G Total
B
G Total
Total
Freshman
21
33
54
0 0
0
00 0
54
Sophomore
15
30
45
6
7
13
10 17
27
85
Junior
22
19
41
3
6
9
00
0
50
Senior
13
27
40
3
6
9
00
0
49
Total
71 109 180
12 19 31
10 17
27
238
Administration and Supervision : It is my firm belief that a school best functions when the members of its faculty are allowed to participate in a cooperative manner in the administering, in the supervision, and in the operation of the school's total educational program: (1) academic (studies, courses, marking, etc.), (2) physical (athletic, gymnasium activities, mental health, etc.), and (3) social (activities, dances, parties, etc.). The monthly faculty meeting cordinated and chaired by the Principal, has proven to be the medium through which much in-service growth has been evidenced. New teaching personnel is afforded the opportunity to co- operatively-in a social atmosphere-learn, discuss, debate, or freely exhort upon theories and practices with their more experienced fellow collegues. Mrs. Helena Kennedy has acted as faculty secretary and is to be thanked for her efficiency
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ANNUAL REPORT
and graciousness in reproducing the records of discussions and decisions. The following are a sampling of faculty dis- cussion and planning :
(a) Pre-school hour supervision of students
(b) Lunch time supervision and passing time supervision
(c) End of school supervision
(d) Absences, tardinesses, dismissals
(e) Activity Program
(f) Plan books and lesson planning
(g) Six-period day discussion
(h) Line and staff responsibility
(i) Detention
(j) Unit instruction
Administrative assistance: Administrative assistance to the Principal is of a limited nature. Naturally, in a small high school such as the Dighton High School, it is impossible to provide-for and house-in extensive administrative assistance. Consequently, Vice-Principal DeMarco is carrying a full teaching load with five periods per week designated for ad- ministrative assistance, Dean of Girls Smith is also a full time teacher with no periods per week designated for ad- ministrative assistance, and Guidance Director Vitale is a teacher of social studies with fourteen periods per week designated for guidance and counseling. For this much as- sistance I am very thankful, but in today's world of educa- tional demands and needs I must frankly assert that this particular structure is archaic and obsolete.
From the Principal's Office: Intra-school communications to teachers, staff, and students are enhanced this year by means of a Daily Morning Bulletin and by means o fthe inter- com system. I prefer the use of the Daily Morning Bulletin (teachers read this to the students and there is a chance for discussion for clarification). It is my philosophy that the inter-com system be used only at designated times (limited use in order not to interrupt classes) and in cases of emer- gencies.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Morning exercises are conducted from the Principal's Office daily. During homeroom period different students (on a weekly basis) participate via the school inter-com in the reading of a Bible selection and by requesting an all-school recitation o fthe Lord's Prayer. These students are selected, oriented, and supervised by Mr. William Sullivan and Miss Evelyn Rice, teachers of English. Homeroom teachers have been instructed to be certain that the flag salute is exercised at least once a week.
Homeroom Peroid: The homeroom period has been ex- tended to fourteen minutes by cutting down the passing time between classes from three minutes to two minutes. This affords the opportunity to conduct-during homeroom peri- od-the numerous activities in which the school is engaged : student elections, morning exercises, fiag salute, banking, collections for charitable organizations, etc. This period could also afford time for group guidance to a limited degree. This is an area which is to be explored in the near future.
2. PROGRAM OF STUDIES
Teaching Personnel Assignments: Because of the exi- gency of the opening of school, because of the limitations of space, and because the rescheduling of classes and the re- assignment of classes to any great extent were impossible to execute in a two week period, many adjustments had to be made for the sake of expediency. Some teachers were assigned to subject areas which they had never taught before and I am thankful that these teachers willingly accepted their assignments.
Curricula Statistics and Trac kProgram Enrollment: Dighton High School's Program of Studies is one which is divided into three distinct tracks: (1) College Preparatory, (2) Commercial Preparation and (3) General Curriculum. The following chart represents the number of students en- rolled in each of these tracks:
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ANNUAL REPORT
Class
College
Commercial
General
Total
Freshman
25
17
12
54
Sophomore
36
38
11
75
Junior
24
16
10
50
Senior
18
17
14
59
Total
103
88
47
238
Need for Enrichment of Program: It is surprising to me that the Program of Studies is carried out so effectively in view of the serious limitations of space and personnel. The physical plant itself is not conducive to an atmosphere of positive learning. I can only atrribute the actual functioning of the program to the faculty's teaching abilities and stamina.
It is apparent that there is lacking reference to reading problems and curriculum revision in science and mathematics. The lengthening of the sequence of modern languages (for- eign) and conversational teaching techniques must be estab- lished and employed.
It is imperative that "scope and sequence" of continuous plan of program of curriculum development be immediately launched-upon in the following light:
(a) To secure evidence on present achievements and needs of pupils after graduation-i.e., follow-up students.
(b) To identify curricular problems and to carry on ex- perimentation aimed at solving these problems.
(c) To provide continuity within each field of study (cor- relation, if you wish) throughout grades 1-12.
(d) To commence work as to the development of courses of study, syllabi, and curriculum guides: DEPART- MENTAL UNITS OF STUDY.
(e) The provision of time for teachers to carry on the work of curriculum development and the use of con- sultants where necessary to assist in the program of curriculum development.
-
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ANNUAL REPORT
(f) Provision for funds for the purchase of professional materials.
(g) Adjustment to the curriculum to slow learners as to the middle group and to bright students. HOMO- GENEOUS GROUPING.
(h) Provision of remedial work for pupils having serious handicaps.
(i) The study ofreading problems and the modification of the curriculum in light of the results.
(j) Elimination of the course labels and pupil categories of college preparatory, commercial, and general, and the making o findividual pupil programs under ex- pert guidance to insure maximum learning in the various field of study.
(k) The improvement of the general educational program by providing adequate instruction in fine arts (Gener- al Art, Arts and Crafts. Music: Chorus, glee club, band, orchestra, and general music) and practical arts (Homemaking : clothing, foods. Industrial Arts : general shop, mechanical drawing, meta,l wood, and electricity).
In general, the whole curriculum must undergo changes which will encompass such courses as Office Machines, Junior Business Training, Advanced Mathematics, Latin, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Economics, Eastern Civilizations, American Neighbors, American Heritage, etc.
I am sure that the present Dighton High cannot offer such courses which are necessary for the life experieneces to which our students must be exposeed for preparedness for modern living. I am sure that the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School will prove to be the haven where Dighton's children will embark upon their journeys of education leading to preparedness for modern competition and modern living.
3. GUIDANCE PROGRAM
Mr. Vitale, guidance director, has labored diligently and tediously i nthe preparation of student permanent record
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ANNUAL REPORT
cards. He prepares the transcripts of students who are mak- ing preparations for college entrance, and in cooperation with Mrs. Helena Kennedy he is providing for the needs of com- mercial and general students who are seeking employment.
Dr. Lawrence Fitzpatrick discussed the testing program in his annual report of last year. It would be redundant to reiterate the same program this year. The testing program, I can state, proceeds as scheduled.
Attention must be drawn to and thanks must be ex- pressed to Miss Elizabeth Mitten, personnel worker and field agent of the Massachusetts Unemployment Service. Her arranging for the administering of the General Aptitude Test Battery (G.A.T.B.), her interpreting of the results to every member of the Senior Class, and her consultations with Mr. Vitale and the Principal have been outstanding in the field of private counseling. It is my recommendation that the services of this particular branch of state government be utilized and encouraged to extend its services to the Dighton schools.
Present Senior Class Polling of Interests: A polling of interests as to post graduation plans indicates the following choices pertaining to members of the present Senior Class:
(a) Four year colleges 13 choices
(b) Technical schools 12 choices
(c) Nursing schools 2 choices
(d) Practical nursing 2 choices
(e) Commercial work
9 choices
(f) Hairdressing
3 choices
(g) Armed forces 4 choices
(h) General work
4 choices
49 Total choices
In order to provide adequate guidance services to the youth of Dighton, I would recommend the services of a full- time Guidance Director and the services of a part-time guidance counselor who could care for the needs of students
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ANNUAL REPORT
entering industry, student follow-up studies, and drop-out studies. Also recommended would be part-time clerical help for guidance services.
4. ACTIVITY PROGRAM
"In addition to the regular academic requirements, each pupil is required to participate satisfactorily in a minimum of two activities each year. This is a regulation of the Digh- ton High School Committee. Compliance is absolutely neces- sary for graduation."
The above quotation might be re-examined in the light of current thinking of many educators. It would be my recom- mendation that the mandatory participation phrase be dis- continued, that the class period be lengthened to one hour, and that activities be related to the curriculum as frequently as possible. Activities could develop and be carried-on during students' study hours if the students wished to devote that time to them.
5. ATHLETICS
Under the able direction of Head Coach Dias, Assistant Coach Scanlon (line coach), and Mr. Teixeira (backfield coach), the Dighton High School Football Team experienced a year of success. For the varsity team, statistics point to a record of six wins and one loss. For the junior varsity team statistics point to a record of two wins and no losses. The Dighton High School's Boosters Club Banquet with its guest speaker Head Coach of Football of Brown University, John C. McLaughry paid tribute to the team, cheerleaders, major- ettes, and band members. Over 215 people watched Mr. Dias (varsity football), Mr. Scanlon (junior varsity football), Miss Unsworth (cheerleaders and majorettes), and Mr. Lincoln (band) present awards to the student members of their various groups.
Basketball and Baseball: Once again the Dighton High School varsity and junior varsity teams are competing in
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ANNUAL REPORT
Narragansett League Basketball and Baseball. Coach Dias is working the varsity hard as is Coach Sullivan working his junior varsity hard-the spirit (aggressive, determined, and sportsman-like) which the teams exemplify is to be com- mended.
In 1959 the Dighton High School Baseball Team won a Narry-League championship and reached the semi-finals in the Class B Massachusetts Tournament. The Lions nine, with the able coaching of Mr. Walter Scanlon, wrote a ledger which will long be remembered in Dighton High School's history of sports.
Girls' Athletics: This school year, under the able leader- ship of Girls' Physical Education Instructor Miss Jane Uns- worth, the Dighton High School is a member of the Bristol County League which comprises a membership of 13 schools in the area. The league offers four competitive sports-field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and softball-for interscholas- tic games. In past years the Dighton High School has been a member in basketball only. This school year plans include basketball as well as volleyball and softball-all teams to be varsity level.
Girls' sports activities began with field hockey last September. A small group of girls was organized as part of the Activity Prorgam. The Girls' Athletic Club initiated their program by learning the fundamentals of field hockey and finally scheduling one scrimmage game with Somerset High School. Miss Unsworth and her girls' groups are to be con- gratulated for their courage, ambition, and stamina in the undertaking of such a wide-scale program of varsity sports.
(1) Basketball schedule-12 games from first week of December to first week of March
(2) Volleyball schedule-commences during first week of March through the month of April
(3) Softball schedule-commences the last week of April and concludes in the middle of June
Miss Unsworth and the Dighton High School Cheerleaders
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ANNUAL REPORT
have organized a "PEP-SQUAD" composed of approximately thirty girls who attend all basketball games. Under the supervision of Miss Unsworth rules of conduct, sportsmanship, respect, etc. have been stressed. AN ASSET!
6. STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Student Council: The Dighton High School Student Council this school year has been creative, persuasive, and instrumental in the discharging of its control of student government.
David Perry, President
Ernest Carpenter, Vice-President
Natalie Carvalho, Secretary
Carl Stonstrom, Treasurer
The above officers have spear-headed many activities which have been beneficial to the school. Campaigns amongst the students have been of a positive nature: (a) Proper dress; (b) Christmas collection for needy families; (c) March of Dimes; (d) Junior Red Cross; (e) Fixing of admission prices to basketball games; (f) Activity program; (g) Assembly program; (h) Pep-Squad organization; (i) Boosters' Club support.
Plans for Student Government Day and Student Exchange Program are presently part of the group's interest and sponsorship. This school year the Student Council has asits advisor Mr. Samos, the High School Principal.
Class Activities: School dances have been well attended and have been sponsored by the Senior Class (Mrs. Smith- advisor), Junior Class (Miss Borden-advisor), Sophomore Class (Mr. Sullivan-advisor), and Freshman Class (Miss Rice-advisor). These dances have been successful and an integral part of student growth.
Class officers have been elected, and class fund raising activities have been projected. All in all, student participation in school functioning is extensive.
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ANNUAL REPORT
7. EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE
Clerical Assistance: Mrs. Thelma Spinney stationed in the Principal's outer office is to be thanked for her expediting of the clerical work of the Principal, Vice-Principal, and Guidance Director and also for the myriad of "small jobs" which culminate and make her working day virtually a full one. Mrs. Helena Kennedy and her Office Practice Class have been very cooperative in the reproduction of multitudinous projects requested by members of the faculty and student organizations.
Custodial staff: Mr. Howell Carr's duties this school year have been implemented-i.e., he now distributes, main- tains, and accounts for school and teacher supplies. His com- plete familiarity with the school plant is of inestimable value for maintaining a clean building, safety measures, etc. Mr. Charles Leonard is to be thanked for his competent assistance to Mr. Carr.
Cafeteria staff: Mrs. Aldea Gagner, Mrs. Annie Davis, and Mrs. Fannie Lima possess artistry in culinary endeavors. Considering limitations, the school's meals are aboundant in amount, nominal in cost, and nutritious in content.
In general: Your cooperation as Superintendent, also that of the School Committee and entire personnel (admin- istrators, faculty, and staff) has been deeply appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM J. SAMOS, Principal
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE DIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mr. Robert T. Roy
Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my fifth annual report as Supervising Principal of the Dighton Elementary and Junior High Schools.
ENROLLMENT
With the opening of school in September, 598 students were enrolled. The maximum enrollment for the year was 603.
CURRICULUM
Each year at the close of school an exaluation is held by the faculty. Suggestions that come forth are evaluated and adjustments or changes are made in the curriculum as a result.
It is indeed a positive factor to be able to report that the following improvements have been made:
1. Lengthening of the school day for grades V - VIII.
2. A physical education program has been instituted down to grade V, for both boys and girls.
3. The addition of a science teacher to the Junior High Faculty.
4. The Pilot Program in Conversational French for qualified students of grade III.
This program under the instruction of Mr. Albert Genovese has paved the way for languages at the elementary school level.
The proposed organization for next year will eliminate the following areas that still remain to be adjusted :
1. Special Education Class as required by the State Department of Education for every city and town in the Commonwealth.
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ANNUAL REPORT
2. An Art program for grades one to six.
3. Industrial Arts for boys of grades six, seven and eight.
4. Expand our physical education program to grades one through four.
The Junior High Faculty is looking forward to the ex- panded facilities that will be available in the present high school building when the Regional School is in operation.
DIGHTON P. T. A. ASSOCIATION
The officers for the year 1959-1960:
President
Mr. Marsden
Vice President Mr. Solomon
Secretary Mrs. Torres
Treasurer Mrs. Goulart
Participation and membership is extended to any in- terested member of the community.
GUIDANCE
The guidance offered to our students is a continuous process from grades one through eight. The home room teachers, principal and the special services offered by the community are utilized at all times in helping our student population to understand themselves and their opportunities.
Our Speech program has increased in importance with each passing year. Under the capable direction of Mrs. Lamb, we hope to expand our pre-school clinic in the fall.
If you are interested in our Speech Program, please con- tact the school for additional information.
EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIES
The Junior High extra curricula activities include basket- ball for boys and girls, softball and baseball for girls and boys, cheer leading, plus participation in the Massasoit Junior High track meet, which is held annually. The direction and
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ANNUAL REPORT
success of these programs are credited to Miss Clare Hanra- han and Mr. Francis Lussier.
The Student Council, which supervises and approves of all Junior High activities, is a very important part of the school program. It is indeed an honor for a student to be elected by his classmates to serve on the council.
The Annual Recognition Day program which is held in the Spring to recognize and encourage students both in academics as well as athletics has proven its worth. One outstanding example was the presentation of an award to Harold Hagopian for winning the Bristol County Science Count-Down 1959, and appearing on a Boston T.V. Channel for the State Finals. The Junior High is again participating in Science Count-Down 1960.
Dighton Junior High Glee Club under the capable direc- tion of Mr. Donald Morrison is a credit to the school and the community. During the Christmas Holidays, the Glee Club presented a fifteen minute program of Holiday music over radio station WPEP in Taunton.
The "Get-Acquainted Day" program which is held an- nually in the Spring for preschoolers who will enter the fol- lowing September has been well received. At this point I wish to express, in behalf of the school, our sincere "thanks" to Mrs. Esther Bowden, R.N., who has contributed year after year toward a successful program.
A visit during the Fall by the State Supervisor of Ele- mentary Education had positive results. A letter received by the Principal which has been filed with the Superintendent of Schools, indicated the satisfactory findings indicative of the type of school the community can be proud of.
MISCELLANY
Our school cafeteria continues to serve the needs of our student population under the direction of Mrs. Bettencourt and her staff. Upon the recommendation of the School Lunch Program the price of the lunch was raised to $.25, exclusive of dessert.
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ANNUAL REPORT
In cooperation with the Civil Defense Official of the Town, the entire school was evacuated and several drills have been executed during the past year.
In conclusion, may I express my appreciation to Mr. Costa and Mr. Silvia, for the excellent cooperation received con- cerning the maintenance of the schol plant, to you and the school committee for supporting the academic program, and to the parents, teachers and students, without whose coopera- tion, the efficiency of the school would be impaired.
Respectfully submitted, F. EDWARD NICOLAS, Principal
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC REPORT
Mr. Robert T. Roy Superintendent of Schools Dighton, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Roy :
I herewith submit my annual report as Instrumental Music Supervisor in the Dighton Schols.
The Instrumental program includes :
High School Band Junior High School Band Elementary Band Orchestra
Class Instrumental Instructions
The High School Band is composed of twenty members and rehearses two times a week during the school activity period. The Junior High School Band also rehearses two forty- five minute periods a week. Both bands are combined to a single unit for public performances and in the present school
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ANNUAL REPORT
year have performed at the High School football games, pep rallies, assemblies and at the Junior High School Christmas program.
The elementary band is to be formed in January, 1960. The band will include first and second year students and its purpose is to stimulate the students' interest by offering them a broader experience in ensemble playing.
The orchestra will meet one night a week. It will include some of the band members with the addition of string players.
The instrumental lesson program includes students in grades four through eight. Lessons are offered in brass, woodwind, percussion and string instruments. The length of the lesson varies between thirty and forty-five minutes ac- cording to the number of pupils enrolled in the Class. Students are divided into groups: beginners, intermediate and ad- vanced. The lesson periods include helping individual prob- lems in playing the instrument, ensemble playing and the presentation of new material.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. LINCOLN, JR., Instrumental Music Supervisor
REPORT OF THE VOCAL MUSIC SUPERVISOR
Mr. Robert T. Roy
Superintendent of Schools:
I herewith submit my second annual report as Supervisor of Vocal Music.
The program of general music in the Elementary School is being continued and broadened this year. Varied activities, including singing, listening, rhythm games and the use of rhythm instruments are employed in order to bring the children in contact with music in as many forms as possible.
In the Junior High School, a new text has been introduced
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ANNUAL REPORT
which stresses an activities approach to music studies.
Our music aptitude testing program has been expanded so as to include grades one through three. These tests help us to see the specific needs of each individual in the classroom, as well as create a general profile of class achievement.
On December 18th, the Annual Christmas Festival was presented at the Elementary School. Students from grades three through six staged a musical version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Junior High School Glee Club, com- posed of thirty-nine selected voices, performed a group of Christmas selections. A tape recording of the Glee Club's program was later broadcast over a local radio station.
The High School Glee Club presented a background of traditional music at the Christmas assembly. This organiza- tion now consists of thirty-six members. Plans regarding further public performances during the remainder of the year are being considered.
Respectfully submitted, DONALD F. MORRISON, Supervisor of Vocal Music
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIGHTON VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
To the Superintendent of Schools :
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