USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1962 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
17.02
Tailings-Unclaimed Checks 72.43
Overlays Reserved for Abatements :
Levy of 1959
129.80
Levy of 1960
235.40
51,119.08
DEBT ACCOUNTS
Net Funded Debt
$195,000.00 Elementary School Bonds 195,000.00
TRUSTS ACCOUNTS
Trust Funds: Cash in Savings Banks
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funds
10,188.21
16,875.97
Joshua Bliss Cemetery Fund Charles S. Chase Trust Fund
5,651.19
1,036.57
16,875.97
TOTAL ASSETS
$491,519.26
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$491,519.26
ANNUAL REPORT
103
ANNUAL REPORT
of the
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
of the Town of
DIGHTON
Year Ending December 31, 1962
2
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Lawrence D. Dutra, Chairman
Somerset Avenue, Dighton
Thomas C. Sherman, Secretary
1964
242 Bedford Street, North Dighton
Spencer D. Oehrle, Financial Secretary Center Stree, Segreganset
1964
Antone Compos 1965
32 Elm Street, Dighton
1963
Joseph W. Fleck
Water Street, Dighton
Harry Hagopian 1963
150 Spring Street, North Dighton
William B. Wynne 1965
Smith Street, North Dighton
SUPERINTENDENT Robert T. Roy, B.S., Ed.M. Residence: 313 Forest Street, North Dighton Office : Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Rehoboth Telephone: Rehoboth BL 2-4500 (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.
ATTENDANCE SUPERVISOR Frank Rogers
Term Expires 1965
3
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 following 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 Schools
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, also WPRO, Providence, and WARA, Attleboro.
High School
Whenever the school buses can be safely operated there will be school at the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School unless unforeseen 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 school.
TRANSPORTATION
The law requires that transportation be provided for pupils residing more than two miles from the school attended or more than one mile from the nearest bus stop. Many pupils living at lesser distances along established routes are trans- ported if the seating capacity of the bus will permit. From time to time it is necessary to refuse transportation to some of those living under the required distance when our buses are filled to capacity with children living at a greater distance.
4
ANNUAL REPORT
SCHOOL CALENDAR as approved by School Committee 1962 - 1963
Dighton Elementary and Junior High Schools
School opens September 5, 1962
Preprimary opens September 10, 1962
closes December 21, 1962
73 days
opens January 2, 1963
closes February 15, 1963
33 days
opens February 25, 1963
closes April 11, 1963 34 days
opens April 22, 1963
closes June 21, 1963 44 days
Preprimary closes June 14, 1963
184 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 Dismiss at noon November 21
April 12-Good Friday
May 30-Memorial Day
May 31-If we have more than 180 days on our calendar at that time June 13-Graduation
1
ANNUAL REPORT
5
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation
$222,207.00
Expenditures
General Control
$ 6,951.65
Transportation
19,254.74
Teachers Salaries
151,834.10
Books
2,796.80
Supplies
2,680.34
Audio-Visual Aids
255.90
Janitors Salaries
16,875.30
Fuel
6,302.70
Electricity
3,499.23
Gas
656.14
Water
383.78
Music
412.93
Janitors Supplies
1,262.50
Miscellaneous
995.70
Boiler Repairs
370.41
Repairs
2,029.11
Health
2,525.17
New Equipment
883.53
Staff Expenses
114.74
Household Arts
111.86
Industrial Arts
382.87
Evening Practical Arts
701.00
Tuition-Day & Evening School
635.02
$221,915.52
Returned to Town
291.48
6
ANNUAL REPORT
NET COST TO TOWN
Expenditures, 1962
$221,915.52
Receipts, 1962:
General State Aid, Chapter 70
$59,880.18
Reimbursements, Superintendent's Salary and Travel
1,371.31
Transportation
15,602.84
Reimbursement, Vocational Education
931.15
State Wards,
Tuition and Transportation
1,348.21
Special Education, Chapter 69
4,191.60
Miscellaneous Receipts
49.85
Total Receipts, 1962
$ 83,375.14
Net Cost to Town
$138,540.38
Balance Returned to Town
$ 291.48
7
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Citizens of the Town of Dighton:
I herewith submit my eighth annual report as Super- intendent of Schools in Dighton. Incorporated herein is the report of the Principals, the Music Supervisors and the School Nurse.
Program
In this day and age our school program is constantly changing. Advances in the scientific world have not only affected our science and mathematics programs but also our English and social studies curricula.
During the last year a great deal of time was spent by the teachers in developing a curriculum guide in mathe- matics and language arts for grades one through six. This is being used this year as a guide with the idea that it will be improved through use.
At the junior high school level we are working on a curriculum that will coordinate the program of the major subject areas in all three towns, Berkley, Dighton and Re- hoboth.
We have extended the art and physical education pro- grams to the extent that resource people are now able to visit the elementary school on a limited basis. It is also planned to have some of the high school faculty work at the junior high level as guides and consultants.
Miss Dorothy Beckwith who was appointed elementary supervisor for the schools of Berkley, Dighton and Rehoboth is working on the problems of the curriculum.
Personnel
During 1962 we lost two elementary teachers. Both of these people left to be at home with their families. Mrs. Susan Sokoloff, a graduate of Pembroke College was hired to teach grade 2 and Miss Nancy Durfee a graduate of Murray State College was hired to teach the third grade. Both of these young ladies have had teacher training.
8
ANNUAL REPORT
We were less fortunate at the Junior High School. Mr. James O'Donnell left to teach at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Miss Nancy Holt to teach at Barrington, Rhode Island, Mrs. Eunisa Wordell to teach at Apponequet Regional School and Mr. John Wood to teach at Rutland, Vermont. Each of these people left to take a position more suited to their special training and for more salary. It was decided to hire Mr. William White to teach all the general science. In doing this it allowed us to use the physical education teachers Miss Maureen Shanahan and Mr. Arthur Kenyon at the Elementary School and in Berkley. Mr. White had taught in Millis, Mass., Miss Shanahan in West Springfield and Mr. Kenyon is a recent graduate of Boston University School of Physical Education. Mr. Charles Ryan, who majored in mathematics at State College, Bridgewater handles all of the mathematics program. Mr. Kenneth Schindelwig, who formerely taught in Taunton, takes the overload in the English and social studies program. Mrs. Frances Mulligan who replaced Mrs. Wordell has since resigned and we are using a substitute until a full time replacement can be found. Mrs. Mary I. Dewey has replaced Mrs. Anne Phillips as teacher of the special class. Mrs. Phillips has a one year leave of absence.
It is our hope that this spring we may be able to fill our vacancies early with qualified teachers. An increase in our salary schedule should help us with our faculty problem.
Repairs and Improvements
The biggest repair project at the junior high school was converting the old woodworking shop into an art and music room and the auto shop into an industrial arts room. Both of the projects involved replacing the floor, patching the plaster, moving equipment and painting. This work has been about two thirds completed.
At the elementary school the custodians painted the auditorium.
The usual cleaning and minor repair work was carried on during the summer.
We hope to be able to build a basement storage area at
1
9
ANNUAL REPORT
the elementary school this year. We will also complete the project at the junior high. Some outside repairs are needed at the junior high to the cement work. We also plan to have both schools painted on the outside. Our schools are kept in good repair by our custodians who seem very adept at doing many things.
Budget
The major increases in the budget this year are due to salaries. The State minimum for teachers salaries was raised to $4500.00. This necessitates an adjustment in our salary schedule. We added one new teacher at the elementary school and expect to need another in September 1963. We also added an elementary supervisor whose salary is paid for in part by Dighton. There is a slight increase in the textbook and supply budget due to books needed to parallel the new courses of study. Prices of supplies and textbooks have also increased.
An item of $1600.00 for painting the outside trim at both schools is a one year item. The increase in the budget is just under 10% which compares favorably with the sur- rounding towns.
Conclusion
I wish to thank the principals and faculty for their co- operation in the past year. Many worked hard on developing the curriculum and many of those same people gave willingly of their time in helping with the various aspects of the 250th Anniversary Celebration. I also wish to thank the custodians and cafeteria workers for their cooperation and efforts in many extra ways.
To the School Committee I would express my appreciation for their fine spirit in trying to make our schools the best possible.
To the citizens of Dighton we express our thanks for your cooperation and remind you that the schools are your schools, visit them often.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT T. ROY, Superintendent of Schools
10
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE DIGHTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Herewith is submited my third Annual report as principal of the Dighton Junior High School.
Because it was decided that our Art and Physical Educa- tion programs should be expanded, it was necessary that new full time teachers be engaged to teach in the Science and Language Arts fields. Both, Science and Literature, had been formerly part-time responsibilities of our physical education and art teachers. Because of this decision we were now able to engage trained full-time people in these important fields and were able to effectively improve our program.
Not only did our faculty change quite substantially but also many changes and improvements were made to our physical plant as well. A new combination Music-Art room came into being replacing our old woodworking shop. Our new shop is now located in the space formerly utilized by the old vocational high school's auto shop.
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Manuel Sanson of our custodial staff, bright, modern, asphalt tile floors grace both these new rooms. As yet, these rooms have not been completed, but even in their incomplete stages, we were able to substan- tiially improve our music and art facilities and programs.
Curriculum
In addition to the changes in curriculum outlined in the opening paragraphs, we are planning major changes in our Mathematics program. The study of mathematics and the approach to Math has changed dramatically in the past few years. After much investigation and study, it has been decided if we are to keep up with the advances in education that it will become advisable for us to introduce the new modern math program in our schools. However, because of the complexity involved in implementing the new program and the amount of teacher training involved, these changes will not take place until September 1963.
11
ANNUAL REPORT
With the addition of Mr. Louis Gizzi to our staff on a part time, shared basis, we hope to expand our shop program by the possible addition of a basic metal-working class.
Our boys and girls physical education departments are working hard with a testing program designed to meet their needs as pointed out by President Kennedy's Committee on Physical Fitness.
Our Literature program has been up-dated by the acqui- sition of one of the latest, most modern series of text books in the field.
Being provided, this year for the first time, with the whole-hearted support of the superintendent and the school committee, are two late dismissal busses. These afford us an opportunity to provide extra assistance to students who are in need of help and individual instruction; an opportunity for students to make-up work which had been missed and also allows us to expand our activities program. The faculty and I are indeed grateful for this chance to give some extra attention to our students and better serve their individual needs.
Guidance
Our guidance program is a continuing and never-ending process. It is built upon a warm and sympathetic relationship which exists between students and teachers.
A comprehensive testing program is carried on and the results of these tests are used as a basis for our guidance program. The services of other community agencies are also used to aid us in this vital area.
Extra Curricula Activities
Science Fair-Our Science Fair continues to hold the fascination of our students and the community. This year's fair saw a total of 145 displays with over 500 parents coming to view the exhibits.
12
ANNUAL REPORT
Library Club-Student librarians operate our library under the direction of Mr. Jose. Gradually our library is beginning to meet the needs of our students.
Athletics-A full and comprehensive athletics program is carried on in our school. Games are scheduled with other schools in baseball and basketball. The boys continue to grow and improve under the direction of Mr. William Donlan ..
The girls participate in an intra-mural league of their own with Miss Maureen Shanahan supervising.
Girls Glee Club-This active unit, under the direction of Mr. Philip Turner, have participated in a number of school assemblies and provided music for our Christmas program.
Boys Glee Club-This year, a group of talented boys banded together under the tutelage of Mr. Turner and formed a new musical activity. Although still in the growing stages, we are looking forward to their participation in various school activities.
Poetry Club-Newly organized among the student body is a group of young people who are interested in the study and writing of original poetry. This group is directed by Mr. Arthur Kenyon.
Drama Club-This active group of students has many plans for the year. Included among these is a trilogy to be presented to the public and also a major play scheduled for the spring.
Yearbook-Last year we had our first experience with a yearbook. Because of the overwhelming succes of our first edition, we are expanding the issue by approximately 50%. This activity is under the direction of Mr. Everett Jose.
Cheerleaders-We are proud of our cheerleading squad. This group of girls lend much to our sports events. Much hard work has made this group one to be envied.
13
ANNUAL REPORT
Miscellany
Credit is to be given to our custodial staff who have done much in the way of improvements and in maintaining the school plant.
Mrs. Alfrena Bettencourt and her cafeteria employees continue the high standards for which our cafeteria program has been noted. The nutritional needs of our students are met more than adequately. It was decided this year that the 25ยข price of the meal would also include the dessert.
A Civil Defense evacuation drill was conducted in co- operation with Mr. Fred Rebello, Civil Defense Director of the town.
Fire drills are held periodically and the building is evacuated in good time.
Conclusion
I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to Mr. Robert Roy, Superintendent of Schools, for his continued co-operation and, for his support of our academic program.
I wish, also, to express my gratitude to the sympathetic understanding and whole-hearted support of the members of the school committee in aiding us to meet the educational needs of the students of the community.
Finally, I wish to thank the parents for their fine support and encouragement in our common quest for the best possible education of the youth of Dighton.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD F. ALEIXO, Principal
14
ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE DIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mr. Robert T. Roy,
Superintendent of Schools
I herewith respectfully submit my third annual report as Supervising Principal of the Dighton Elementary School.
Enrollment
The enrollment as of September was 487. Pupils from the Pre-Primary thru the fifth grade and the Opportunity Class are included in the above enrollment.
Curriculum
The new Language Arts course of study and the new Arithmetic course of study compiled last year in the work- shop sessions by teachers, supervisors, administrators and educational specialists are being used now in all classes. Both programs are receiving careful scrutiny and evaluation measures are being studied.
Physical Education and Art
The physical education classes have been re-organized to include weekly instruction by Miss Shananan for the girls of grades four and five and instruction once every three weeks in the grades one and two.
The boys physical education program under the direction of Mr. Kenyon receive weekly instruction in grades four, five and the Opportunity Class. All pupils at the third grade level receive instruction once every three weeks.
The art program at the fourth and fifth grade level works in conjunction with the physical education program for while the girls are having art the boys are having physical educa- tion and visa versa. This program is in the formative stage with the students in grades one, two and three meeting Mrs. Watson once every three weeks.
15
ANNUAL REPORT
Guidance Program
1. Guidance services for
a Individual counseling
b Group counseling
c Pupil teacher conferences
d Parent-teacher conferences
e Parent and school administrator conferences
Conferences, are of course, grass roots opportunities for parents and teachers to discuss particular children and the school setting in which they function.
2. Achievement Testing Program-all grades.
Opportunity Class
Our Opportunity Class under the sponsorship of the Massachusetts Department of Special Education is providing education to students with specific problems. In the absence of Mrs. Anne M. Phillips we have been fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. Mary Dewey who comes to us well qualified in the field of special education. Our school psycholo- gist Paul Solomon, Ph. D. tests all students before placement in the above class. Our program is set up to assist students who have difficulty in keeping up with their studies in regular classes. The purpose of the class is to provide remedial in- struction so that students who are able may eventually return to regular classes.
Speech and Hearing Clinic
The speech and hearing program conducted by Peter B. Dennison, Speech Therapist, continues to develop with the exploding school population. This has created scheduling problems due to the expanded caseload. These problems have been partially solved by increased consultations with parents and teachers so that the speech therapy time can be more efficiently utilized. However, the time is fast approaching when it will be necessary to allot more time to the speech and hearing program in Dighton.
16
ANNUAL REPORT
Cafeteria
The school cooperates with the Commonwealth and the Federal Government in a subsidy program enabling students to buy an excellent lunch including dessert for the nominal fee of 25 cents.
Mrs. Alfrena Bettencourt, cafeteria manager, and her staff prepare and serve the food in a pleasant atmosphere.
Maintenance
Nowhere in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will you find custodians who take greater pride in the care and maintenance of the school plant than here at the Dighton Elementary School. We owe much to our head custodian Mr. Antone Costa and his able assistant Mr. Frank Rogers.
Extra Curricula Activities
1. Open House and Tea-American Education Week.
Regular class sessions were conducted during the day to allow parents the opportunity to see and hear at first hand daily class instruction periods in the various classes.
During the evening session parents met the teachers, viewed the work in the student folders and made appoint- ments for conference periods at a later date.
Parents want to help. Establishing close relations with parents becomes not only a necessary process in the guidance of the child in school but it is an important factor in school community relationships.
2. Room Mothers
Organizing a new Room Mothers group for this school year to assist the principal and the teachers with the social functions of each grade in the school.
3. Monitors
Training student monitors to undertake duties that are the responsibilities of good citizens in a democratic school.
17
ANNUAL REPORT
4. National School Lunch Week-October 15 - 19
The National School Lunch Week observance was well attended by parents interested in the hot lunch program. Parents were afforded the opportunity of visiting school dur- ing the three lunch periods to see the lunch program in action.
5. 250th Anniversary-Town of Dighton 1712 - 1962
The Dighton Elementary School participated in the successful Historical Pageant commemorating the 250th An- niversary of the Town of Dighton which took place on June 2nd at the Dighton Junior High School Field.
Appreciation
I wish to sincerely thank Superintendent Robert T. Roy, the Dighton School Committee, the Dighton Town Officials, the teachers on my staff, the custodians, the cafeteria workers, the parents, the student body and all other school personnel who have assisted me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted, DR. ROSE BORGES, Principal
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION SCHOOL UNION #37
Mr. Robert T. Roy, Superintendent of Schools
Formal school education directs itself toward the socializa- tion of the child. It assists him in maturing into a productive, understanding member of society.
Our modern society, however, is not built solely on the skeletal existence for animal survival. The teaching of our native language is not limited to basic English but includes literature; dress-making emphasizes style as well as warmth
18
ANNUAL REPORT
and protection; physical education includes health, hygiene and fitness as well as recreational sports; and home economics is table-setting and appeal plus nutrition.
So it is, too, in music education. Our musical hertiage is so abundant and present practice so widespread in all social classes that music rightfully takes its place with literature and the humanities in our curriculum. Music instruction for our society consists not only of skills for actual performance and creativity, but also skills in perceptive listening and appreciation. As a discipline and as an art, music is essential in the development of well-balanced educated people for tomorrow's challenges as well as today's.
Based upon the above-stated belief our overall program for School District #37 has inaugurated a classroom schedule which provides equal musical opportunity for all our school children regardless of school size or location. Miss Charlotte Hathaway, our elementary vocal music supervisor, visits in all classrooms at least once every two weeks. She assists in the lesson planning, gives demonstration lesson, coordinates special program and this year has also organized elementary school choirs in each of our three towns. Mr. David Watson supervises the instrumental music program in Berkley and Rehoboth. His work begins at the 4th grade and continues through the junior high school level. He is making a major effort to ensemble opportunities.
In Dighton the instrumental music is directed by Mr. Charles Lincoln. He is also responsible for that phase of the music program at the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. In addition to the administrative detail my respon- sibilities include the vocal music at the high school level and the general music classes at Anawan and Dighton Junior High Schools.
For the balance of the present school year the music staff, in cooperation with the classroom teachers and the administrators hope to develop a music curriculum guide for the elementary schools. This will provide for the progres- sive, step-by-step training of musical skills; singing, instru-
19
ANNUAL REPORT
mental playing, creative work, rhythmic activity and lis- tening perceptively. Children so trained seem to lead more stable lives.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.