USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1960 > Part 6
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165.87
1959 Personal Property
123.90
1960 Personal Property
377.92
1959 Poll Tax
12.00
1960 Pol 1Tax
154.00
1959 Real Estate
4,027.21
1960 Real Estate
18,319.72
South Fire Station
1,923.92
Chapter 90-Elm St.
34,978.64
Town Garage
.52
Gasoline Account
10.01
Chapter 718
850.28
Elementary Cafeteria
793.67
Tax Possession
483.27
Elementary School Library
196.95
Tax Possession Titles Acct.
200.00
Tax Titles
2,731.34
LIABILITIES AND RESERVES
Petty Cash Advance Reserve $ 16.00
Accounts Receivable :
Taxes :
Veterans' Memorial Hall
4.00
A. D. C. Administration
98.79
Tailing's
230.63
Tax Listing Account
70.50
House Numbering
2,500.00
Town By-Laws Revision
500.00
250th Anniversary
100.00
Town Forest
250.00
23,014.75
1959 Farm Excise
1.88
1960 Farm Excise
52.55
54.43
December 31, 1960
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ANNUAL REPORT
50,271.85
Departmental:
Aid to Dependent Children
846.99
Board of Health 87.14
Dighton-Berkley Bridge 3.60
School Department
18.70
Pump Service 42.00
Welfare Department
4,030.52
Street Department 815.20
Reserves:
Overlay Reserved for 1959 Taxes 4,163.11 Overlay Reserved for 1960 Taxes 18,851.64
23,014.75
Reserve Fund-Overlay Surplus 17,713.50
Revenue Reserved until Collected: Motor Vehicle Excise
6,622.94
Aid to Highways-State:
Chapter 81
4,816.11
Tax Title
2,731.34
Chapter 90-Maint.
1,700.00
Departmental
4,833.42
Chapter 90-Elm St.
9,127.31
Aid to Highways
20,317.70
Aid to Highways-County:
Chapter 90-Elm St. 4,674.28
20,317.70
State Taxes & Assessments
417.14
County Taxes & Assessments
448.44
Agency, Trusts & Refunds
10.00
1948 - 1957 Overlay
323.20
$229,441.89
$229,441.89
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ANNUAL REPORT
Farm Excise 54.43
35,043.10
Excess and Deficiency : Surplus Revenue 103,382.69
5,844.15
Tax Possession 483.27
DEBT ACCOUNTS $245,000.00 Elementary School Bonds $245,000.00
Net Funded Debt
TRUST ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds : Cash in Savings Banks
16,080.31
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds
9,548.95
Joshua Bliss Cemetery Fund 5,515.11 Charles S. Chase Trust Fund 1,016.25
16,080.31
$490,522.20
$490,522.20
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ANNUAL REPORT
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ANNUAL REPORT
SELECTMEN'S REPORT
To the Citizens and Taxpayers of Dighton:
The organizational meeting of the Board was held after the Annual Town Meeting. For the fifth consecutive year, the chairmanships were divided with Mr. Atwood chosen as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Benevides for the Board of Public Welfare, Mr. Torres for the Board of Health, and Mr. Benevides was chosen to serve as recording clerk of the three Boards.
Fifty-two weekly and thirty-seven special meetings were held with three absentees. Several joint meetings were held with the other Town Boards and Committees to discuss and resolve matters of mutual interest.
Necessary hearings were held upon applications received for the various licenses as required. All transactions have been properly recorded and the many statutory requirements completed to the best of our knowledge and ability.
All Board members have participated in and attended all County Association meetings. Some members attended various governmental conferences on the Regional and State level, where and when convenient in an effort to obtain benefit of experiences to better serve the Town. Hearings were at- tended on the several Chapter 90 and Public Works projects in behalf of the Town's interest.
All appointments of Town Officers and Committees have been recorded with the Town Clerk together with the list of jurors, and are contained in the Clerk's annual report. An- nual reports of the numerous Town Officers and Departments as required by law are contained in this 1960 Town Officers' Report.
All special committee activity and reports are included in the record of the Town Clerk .. All votes and orders of the
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ANNUAL REPORT
Town Meeting have been accomplished with the exception of the study committee on the feasibility of combining District functions with local Town government. Inasmuch that a recent sewage study report recommends the establishment of a sewage district in the North Dighton area, it has been deemed advisable to postpone any consideration or planning for change of organization on the Town level pending more definite action within the district concerned.
The year 1960 can be considered as the ending of a decade where large capital outlays were made; and also the year of completion of a long range financial planning program which was adopted in 1955 by the Town.
TAX RATE INCREASE
The capital costs of the new Regional School and the additional operation expenses reflected to a very high degree on the $24.00 tax rate increase.
NATURAL DISASTERS AND STORMS
The severe blizzards of March 3 and December 12 to- gether with hurricane "Donna" of September 12 taxed large expenditures on the several departments responsible for disaster services. The overall cost to the Town for these three storms exceeded $8,000.00.
SEWAGE STUDY
Under authority of the Town Meeting vote, the Board engaged the services of Fay, Spofford and Thorndike of Boston, Engineering Consultants; to obtain a study and preliminary plan of the sewage subject in the North Dighton area. This study and preliminary plan has been completed, accepted and approved by the State Department of Public Health, Division of Sanitary Engineering and the local Board of Health. Briefly, the study recommends the forming of a sewer district within the area and the construction of a sewage treatment facility. Legislation will be required to enable the formation of a district and the necessary organiza- tion and financial provisions to put the recommendation of the
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ANNUAL REPORT
study into effect. The program is at present awaiting the results of a study for the City of Taunton to determine the possibility of a joint undertaking for a treatment facility of adjacent and bounding areas which may be of financial ad- vantage to all interested parties related to the subject.
TOWN OFFICE EXPANSION
The Town Office Expansion project is complete. The revision and added space should meet the Town's needs for some time to come. The work was done by local personnel under supervision of the committee. The appropriation as made was adequate and several minor expenses are pending, which may be accomplished by means of the Town Office general account.
TOWN ACCOUNTANT
The new system of accounting which was adopted by a Town vote will be in full operation upon termination of the present term of the Town Auditor in March of 1961. The Board appointed Mrs. Myrtle N. Wilson of Pleasant Street, Dighton to the office of Town Accountant as provided under the statute. The system is offering the Town and the several departments many advantages and many other improvements are forthcoming.
SOUTH STATION CONSTRUCTION
The new South Fire Station is nearly complete except for the removal of the old building which is being dismantled, and the grading and landscaping of the grounds which is scheduled in the spring by Town personnel. The acceptance of the new building from the contractor is presently being planned, and at the same time, the citizens will be offered an opportunity to examine the new facility.
The Selectmen extend to the members of the Building Committee, our appreciation for their untiring services and efforts; and also to Mr. Israel Almy, the architect and mem- bers of the general contractors' force, Sullivan and Foster, Inc., our gratitude for their interest and services in providing the Town with a valuable structure for its use and occupation.
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ANNUAL REPORT
HOUSE NUMBERING
The Board engaged the services of Blair Associates, Inc. of Providence, Rhode Island to provide a house numbering and re-numbering system which had been designed and ap- proved jointly with the Planning Board. The preparation of the system is complete and the various materials have been delivered. As this report is being compiled, the notices of assigned numbers and copies of descriptive material for the system are being prepared in the Town Offices for mailing. The effective date of the new system has been established for March 1, 1961.
It is the mutual belief of the consultant and the Boards of Selectmen and Planning that the Town will have a perfect House Numbering System and will enable all services and persons to perform more efficiently.
STREET DEPARTMENT GARAGE
The facilities and services offered by the new street garage are increasing each day. Gradually new equipment and tools are being procured and in time, the facility will offer even greater service and convenience to all depart- ments. Its usage in storms and other emergencies has proven to be of unmeasured value to the Town and the Department.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The plans for the 250th Anniversary Celebration in 1962 are being formulated and are underway. The organizing of various committees is being presently undertaken. More than sixty individuals have registered their desire to partici- pate. Practically all civic, religious and governmental organi- zations have responded and are entered in the planning. A full program of events is being scheduled and by Memorial Day of 1962, a most interesting celebration will be underway.
We express our appreciation and gratitude to the Citizens. Town Officials and Employees for their cooperation in the performance of duty. Especially to the Town Office staff, we
117
ANNUAL REPORT
recognize your everlasting loyalty and many services to the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
CLAYTON H. ATWOOD, Chairman WILLIAM F. BENEVIDES FRANCIS J. TORRES
Board of Selectmen
According to the Federal Census in the year 1960, the total population in the Town of Dighton was 3,769.
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
of the Town of
DIGHTON
Year Ending December 31, 1960
2
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Term Expires 1961
Wyman E. Hawkes, Chairman Segreganset
1963
Joseph W. Fleck, Secretary
Water Street, Dighton 1962
William B. Wynne, Financial Secretary Smith Street, North Dighton
Harry Hagopian 1963
150 Spring Street, North Dighton
1962
32 Elm Street, Dighton
Lawrence D. Dutra
1962
Somerset Avenue, Dighton
1961
Thomas C. Sherman
43 Bedford Street, North Dighton
Superintendent Robert T. Roy, B. S., Ed. M. Residence: Forest Street, North Dighton Office : Dighton Junior High School, Segreganset Telephone: Dighton NO 9-4751 (Office) Taunton VA 2-7323 (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.
1
Antone Compos
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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 entrance 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 and Junior High 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 the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School unless unforseen emergencies make it necessary to close. In the event of closing, the information will be specifically an- nounced over the radio as indicated above for the elementary schools.
TRANPORTATION
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.
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ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR As Approved by School Committee 1960 - 1961
DIGHTON
Dighton Elementary and Junior High Schools
School opens September 7, 1960
closes December 22, 1960
72 days
opens January 3, 1961
closes February 17, 1961 34 days
opens February 27, 1961
closes April 14, 1961 34 days
opens April 24, 1961
closes June 16, 1961 39 days
179 days
Schools will close on the following days:
October 12-Columbus Day
October 28-Teachers Convention
November 11-Veterans' Day November 24 and 25-Thanksgiving Recess Dismiss at noon November 23 March 31-Good Friday May 30-Memorial Day Graduation-June 7, 1961
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation
$249,144.00
Less: Production Fund
1,500.00
$249,144.00
Expenditures
General Control
$ 9,273.22
Transportation
24,723.88
Teachers Salaries
171,852.97
Books
1,931.74
Supplies
2,120.49
Audio-Visual Aids
173.33
Janitor's Salaries
16,825.90
Fuel
4,628.83
Electricity
3,352.94
Gas
620.04
Water
507.98
Music
683.85
Janitors' Supplies
1,403.63
Miscellaneous
1,132.75
Boiler Repairs
99.05
Repairs
3,439.61
Health
2,750.46
New Equipment
1,343.41
Staff Expenses
88.84
Household Arts
125.21
Evening Practical Arts
383.00
Tuition-Evening School
370.24
Vocational Shop
484.83
$248,316.20
Returned to Town
827.80
$249,144.00
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ANNUAL REPORT
VOCATIONAL PROUCTION FUND
Appropriation
1,500.00
Expenditures
1,408.99
Balance on Hand
$ 91.01
ELEMENTARY DOG TAX FUND
Unexpended Balance, 1959
$ 450.51
Expenditures, 1960
253.56
Balance on Hand
$ 196.95
NET COST TO TOWN
$248,316.20
Expenditures, 1960
Receipts, 1960:
Chapter 70, General State Aid
$51,812.93
Reimbursement, Superintendent's Salary and Travel
2,332.48
Reimbursement, Vocational Education
8,902.07
Transportation
18,964.20
State Wards,
Tuition and Transportation
739.83
Adult Civic Education, Chapter 69,
General Laws
9.00
Tuition :
Berkley
7,041.60
Freetown
493.80
Rehoboth
6,336.45
Miscellaneous Tuition
315.00
Miscellaneous Receipts
129.84
Vocational Receipts
13.05
Vocational Production Fund
1,462.53
Total Receipts, 1960
$ 98,552.78
Net Cost to Town
$149,763.42
Balance Returned to Town
$ 827.80
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Citizens of the Town of Dighton :
I herewith submit my sixth annual report as Superin- tendent of Schools in Dighton. Incorporated herein is the report of the Principals, the Music Supervisors and the School Nurse. It is recommended that you read them carefully so that you may acquaint yourself with the many changes in the Dighton School System during the past year.
High School
In June Dighton High School closed its doors as a high school and became Dighton Junior High School. Our high school pupils now attend the Dighton-Rehobth Regional High School. A report of the activities of that school will be found in the Town Report. Most of the faculty of Dighton High School will be found in the Regional High School.
This report will be devoted to the elementary phase of our program.
Personnel
Several of our good teachers left us for other positions last June. Perhaps our greatest loss was that of Mr. F. Edward Nicolas who had been Elementary School Principal for five years. Mr. Nicolas was slated to be district principal of the Elementary and Junior High School. He took a position as assistant superintendent of schools in Plymouth and has since been made superintendent. Other personnel who left were Mr. Francis Lussier to be assistant principal of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School; Mr. Albert Genovese to be a language teacher at Freetown-Lakeville Re- gional High School; Miss Clare Hanrahan to be married and teach elsewhere; Mr. Leo Wontkowski to teach mathematics at the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School; Mr. Ray- mond Kelliher to devote time to further study; Mrs. Mary Mansueto to become a teaching principal in Raynham. These people leaving, left us with many important vacancies in our faculty especially when the majority of these people were
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ANNUAL REPORT
to make up the faculty of the Junior High School that moved into the old Dighton High School.
The School Committee decided to hire two principals as follows: Dr. Rose Borges, a native of Dighton with many years of experience as a teacher and teaching principal in our schools, was hired as Elementary School Principal in charge of grades 1 - 5 and the special class. Dr. Borges had just returned from a years leave of absence to teach at the American School in Caracas, Venezuela. Mr. Edward Aleixo, and assistant principal in the Taunton Schools was hired to be Principal of the Junior High School and teach mathematics.
The remaining faculty members to be selected were as follows: Mrs. Mary Fleming from the Freetown public schools to teach grade 3, Miss Louise Weiler a graduate of North- eastern University to teach grade 4; Miss Frances Bergstrom and Mrs. Mary Gannon, a former Dighton teacher, were selected to teach the sixth grades that are housed in the Junior High School. Miss Mary Louise Po, a graduate of Massa- chusetts School of Art was made art and literature teacher; Mr. Everett Jose of Bridgewater Teachers College is teaching social studies; Miss Nancy Holt and Mr. John Wood are teaching girls and boys physical education respectively and also teach general science to both the seventh and eighth grades. Mr. James O'Donnell, a graduate of Fitchburg Teachers College, was selected to teach mathematics and in- dustrial arts.
Miss Olive Kelley who taught grade six was transferred to grade five. Mrs. Anne Phillips who has taught in Dighton for many years was made teacher of the Special Class.
Program
Many of the subjects that have been lacking in our pro- gram we have been able to place in our schedule this year. A Special Class has been started for those who need help in learning. We have a third division fourth grade to relieve a crowded condition there. Other areas at the Elementary School have been made available to improve our visual aid
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ANNUAL REPORT
and music programs. At the Junior High School level we have instituted a program of industrial arts for boys and expanded our home economics program for girls. Our science program has been improved. We have better library facili- ties and this helps our English and social studies program.
We are now in the process of meeting with teachers from Rehoboth to coordinate and improve our programs so that the transition from elementary and junior high school to the high school may be a smooth one.
Repairs and Improvements
Our maintenance department saw some changes due to the Regional School. Mr. Howell Carr, former head cus- todian at Dighton High School, was made head custodian at the Regional School. Mr. Alvin Silvia, custodian at the Elementary School, was made head custodian at the Junior High School. Mr. Frank Rogers was hired to replace Mr. Silvia.
The usual cleaning was accomplished at both schools during the summer. The locker rooms and cafeteria at the Junior High School have been painted. Some ceilings were painted at the Elementary School and all the brass door pushers and kick plates have been refinished.
In the line of major repairs, it was necessary to repair the roof of the Elementary School after the hurricane last fall. The hot water tank at the Junior High School had to be replaced, and the driveway through the parking area was repaired.
This year we hope to carry out our painting program in both schools.
Our schools are kept in very good repair due to the con- scientious efforts of Mr. Costa, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Silvia and Mr. Leonard. Their work is greatly appreciated.
Cafeteria
It was decided not to prepare meals at the old High School this year but to canteen them from the Elementary
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ANNUAL REPORT
School. In doing this we were able to cut down on labor and still maintain good quality. We have been able to do well financially and hope to be able to improve our program as finances increase. The success of this program is due to the willingness of Mrs. Bettencourt and her helpers to accept changes.
Budget
The local budget appears to be down this year. How- ever, this is due to the removal of the high school budget from this figure. Actually overall Regional and Local, the budget is up about 3%. This increase is due mainly to two principals instead of one for grades one through eight plus the addition of four new teachers at the same level this year. Other budget items remain about the same as last year.
Conclusion
This year has been a difficult one due to many changes in both staff and physical plants. These changes could not have been accomplished as smoothly had it not been for the co- operation given by the entire staff. I wish to thank all of them for their untiring efforts in bringing about the changes with so little confusion. I wish to thank all Town Officials who have helped us this year.
A special thank you is due to Miss Babbitt, clerk in my office, and the other clerks who kept records and reports of the changes.
In conclusion I would say to you that I hope through changes we have improved our school program and if you have any questions concerning our schools please call on us.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT T. ROY, Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Robert T. Roy, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Mr. Roy :
I submit my 1960 report as School Nurse.
The school health program is started before the opening of school in September, by Dr. Charles M. Souza, school physi- cian. He examines the High School boys taking part in the competitive sport program so practice can get started early. All annual physical examinations are then completed as soon as possible-noting weight, height, nutrition, etc. Massa- chusetts Vision and Puretone Audiometer testing is carried on all during the year. Parents are notified of any defects from these examinations.
In October, Dighton was presented with a Maico Audio- meter by the Dighton Lions Club to be used in the schools or by the townspeople. This was a great help to me, as a pupil can now be tested at any time, not having to wait to borrow the equipment from the Massachusetts State Depart- ment or nearby towns.
The Pre-school clinic was held April 14th with 23 children vaccinated against small-pox. The clinics for immunization against diptheria, whooping cough and tetanus were held March 17, April 14 and May 12th.
Registration for pupils entering school in September was during the week of April 25th. 71 registered at this time but two were not to enter school in 1960.
Get acquainted Day was May 18th with about 65 children with a parent, attending. This has proved to be a very popular day, as well as beneficial to the child, parent and school.
Four Polio Clinics were held during the year. The extra clinic in August was held because of the number of cases of
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ANNUAL REPORT
Polio in nearby Rhode Island. All these clinics were well attended.
I helped with the home visits and appointments for examinations in getting the Opportunity Class started this Fall.
Again I wish to thank the school personnel and parents for their cooperation and assistance in the health program.
Respectfully submitted, ESTHER BOWDEN, R.N., School Nurse
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE DIGHTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Robert T. Roy,
Superintendent of Schools
Herewith is submitted my first annual report as the principal of the Dighton Junior High School.
With 218 students present, the Dighton Junior High School opened this year as a complete and separate entity in the building which formerly housed the Dighton Senior High School. Not only was the physical plant different, but also the administration and most of the faculty were. In spite of the many changes and unfamiliarities, school opened smooth- ly and effectively.
CURRICULUM
Two sixth grades operate as an integral part of the Junior High. Both of these sixth grades function as self- contained units.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The seventh and eighth grades use a departmentalized system of operation. Each class gets instruction in the various fields of learning typical of the Junior High School level. This instruction is aimed at the training of all of the facets of a child's growth and development by teachers who have been specially trained in their various subject areas.
A comprehensive science program is underway utilizing the excellent facilities of the former high school laboratory. A science fair is being planned for sometime in the Spring.
To train the physical side of a child's development, physical education instruction is carried out by trained male and female physical education instructors. This program reaches down to include the sixth grades.
To further expand and balance the course of instruction offered in the school, a wood working and mechanical draw- ing course is offered under the direction of Mr. James O'Don- nell. Many useful and worth-while projects have been plan- ned by this department for this year.
It is hoped that the English and Mathematics programs can be strengthened by regrouping the potential academic and scientific course students and presenting courses of studies more commensurate with the abilities of these stu- dents.
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