USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Dighton > Town annual report of the offices of the town of Dighton 1963 > Part 5
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Mrs. Marie Medeiros, Secretary Elm Street, Dighton
1966
Antone Compos, Financial Secretary 1965
32 Elm Street, Dighton
Lawrence D. Dutra 1965
Somerset Avenue, Dighton
Charles E. McKenna 1964
2136 Pleasant Street, Dighton
Spencer D. Oehrle 1964
Center Street, Segreganset
William B. Wynne 1965
Smith Street, North Dighton
SUPERINTENDENT Robert T. Roy, B.S., Ed. M. Residence: 313 Forest Street, North Dighton Office: Dighton-Rehoboht Regional High School, Rehoboth Telephone: (Office) BL 2-4500 (Home) VA 2-7323
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 Florence A. Duffy, R.N.
ATTENDANCE SUPERVISOR
Frank Rogers
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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 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 vaccinatio n 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, Providnece, 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 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 transportation 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 1963 -1964
DIGHTON
Dighton Elementary and Junior High Schools
School opens September 4, 1964
Closes December 20, 1963
74 days
School opens January 2, 1964
Closes February 21, 1964
37 days
School opens March 2, 1964
Closes April 17, 1964 34 days
School opens April 27, 1964
Closes June 19, 1964 40 days
Total
185 days
SCHOOLS WILL CLOSE ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:
October 25, 1963-Teachers Convention
November 11, 1963-Veterans Day
November 28 & 29, 1963-Thanksgiving Recess (Close at noon Nov. 27)
March 27, 1964-Good Friday
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation
$243,316.00
Additional Appropriation
948.27
$244,264.27
Expenditures
General Control
$ 9,929.23
Transportation
19,685.78
Teachers Salaries
167,879.93
Books
3,298.18
Supplies
3,623.52
Janitors Salaries
17,045.60
Fuel
4,674.59
Electricity
3,610.67
Gas
524.22
Water
315.69
Music
89.61
Janitor Supplies
1,760.92
Miscellaneous
1,165.41
Boiler Supplies
89.75
Repairs
1,707.27
Health
2,396.79
New Equipment
2,555.02
Outside Painting
1,850.00
Staff Expenses
51.31
Household Arts
92.39
Industrial Arts
398.87
Evening Practical Arts
699.00
Tuition-Day & Evening School
731.01
Repairing Driveway
89.50
$244,264.27
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ANNUAL REPORT
NET COST TO TOWN
Expenditures, 1963
$244,264.27
Receipts : 1963
General State Aid, Chapter 70
$64,789.95
Reimbursement, Superintendent's Salary and Travel
1,385.56
Transportation
15,868.27
Reimbursement, Vocational Education
636.00
State Wards,
Tuition and Transportation 875.28
Special Education, Chapter 69
2,748.94
Tuition - Elementary
350.00
Miscellaneous receipts
7.85
Total Receipts, 1963
86,662.45
Net Cost to Town
$157,601.82
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
To the Citizens of the Town of Dighton:
I herewith submit my ninth annual report as Superin- tendent of Schols in Dighton. Incorporated herein is the report of the Principals, the Music Supervisors and the School Nurse.
Program
The modern mathematics program has been introduced into our curriculum this year. We have the program operating in grades four and seven. Phases of the program have been introduced in other grades. Teachers have been studying the new program with Miss Dorothy Beckwith the elementary supervisor.
At the junior high school level surveys of the Enlis,h social studies and science programs will be conducted by the teach- ers in the various subjects along with the junior high school teachers in Berkley and Rehoboth. Department heads at the Regional High School will act as coordinators in this survey.
Latin has been introduced in the eighth grade on a trial basis. A student taking this program should be able to take a second language during his first year in high school.
The pre-primary class at the elementary school was dropped because of lack of room when it became necessary to have four first grades.
Personnel
Three elementary teachers left us at the end of the 1962- 63 school year. Mrs. Mary Fanjoy left to be at home and Mrs. Susan Sokoloff left to be with her husband who was transferred to Lynn. Miss Ann Fitzsimmons left and is teach- ing in Taunton. Miss Stephanie Rozowicz, a graduate of Lesley College was hired to replace Mrs. Sokoloff. Miss Jo-Anne Scaldini who took education courses at Harvard replaced Mrs. Fanjoy. Miss Janet MacBeth who taught at Walnut Hill
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ANNUAL REPORT
School for two years was hired to teach fifth grade in Miss Fitzsimmons place. Mrs. Mary Dewey of Taunton was ap- pointed to the third fifth grade. Miss Roberta Babbitt the former pre-primary teacher was transferred to grade one.
At the Junior High School, Mrs. Eunisa Wordell returned to teach English after being at Apponequet Regional High School for a year. Mr. Arthur Kenyon the boys physical edu- cation teacher returned to study at Boston University and was replaced by Mr. William Horner a graduate of Barrington College.
Mr. Charles Lincoln, instrumental music teacher left to teach in Pembroke. He was replaced by Mr. David Watson who taught in Berkley and Rehoboth. Mr. Peter Denison was hired as a full-time speech therapist for Union #37. He now spends approximately two days per week in Dighton.
School Plant
During the past year the exterior of both schools was painted. It was also necessary to build a small generator house at the Junior High School and the generator will be moved from the electrical room into that building this spring. There were many other minor repairs made at both schools. The janitors at the Elementary School painted some of the desks and put new plastic tops on them. This was a big improvement to the appearance of the building.
This year we hope to paint the interior of both schools. The Junior High School will have to be repointed in several places and some plaster will be replaced inside.
Our custodians have worked hard to keep our buildings in good repair.
Budget
The increases in the budget again this year is attributed to salaries. Some of the increases given in September 1963 are being paid for this year. We are using the same salary
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ANNUAL REPORT
schedule that we adopted last year, and there will be no raises except for the normal increments in the teachers salaries. The custodians will receive a two dollar per week increase. Books and supply figures will be increased due to increased enrollments and increased costs. Transportation will drop about $1800.00 due to the low bid by the Midway Bus Com- pany.
The overall increase in the budget is approximately 8%.
Conclusion
During the past year many of our faculty have been ill and I wish to commend the faculty as a whole for the way they have worked to make up for these absences. I also wish to thank the elementary teachers for their work in making our new arithmetic program a success.
I wish to thank the principals, custodians and cafeteria workers for their cooperation.
Much credit is due the School Committee and Citizens of Dighton who provide the necessary materials to enable us to have a good educational program.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT T. ROY, Superintendent of Schools
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF DIGHTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Robert T. Roy,
Superintendent of Schools
I hereby submit my fourth annual report as the principal of the Dighton Junior High School.
Enrollment
School opened this September with a membership of 201 students. The peak enrollment for the year was 218 students. Current enrollment is 202.
Curriculum
The realization that past performances are not enough to meet the challenge of the modern world has brought together educators who in keeping this thought uppermost in their minds have instituted many changes in teaching methods and subject matter. In keeping with this spirit of progress, we have adopted the S. M. S. G. modern mathematics program. The objectives of this program are (1) to get a proper balance between reasoning and drill (2) to help students understand the structure of mathematics, its sequence and order, and (3) to prepare them for the next steps in mathe- matical learning.
In a meeting of the superintendent with principals of Union 37, and the principal of the regional high school, it was decided that a language program should begin at the junior high school level. After several meetings and much dis- cussion, it was decided that Latin shuold be introduced to a group of high ability students. Th eprogram thus far has proved successful and extremely worth-while.
In an attempt to strengthen reading skills, we have adopted the S. R. A. Reading Laboratories and have integrated them into our reading program. This is multi-level reading concept and is designed to increase the student's reading
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ANNUAL REPORT
comprehension, and retention, accelerates the student's ability to perceive main ideas and separate them from un-important incidentals.
Every effort is made by the administration to keep the Dighton schools in "tune with the times" and to provide each student with the best educational opportunities available.
Guidance
For the first time, a trained guidance teacher was made available to the students to assist them toward their educa- tional and vocational objectives.
A comprehensive testing service is conducted in psycho- logical and achievement testing areas. Individual testing is provided whenever necessary.
In addition to the services provided within our school system, outside community agencies are utilized when we feel this would be beneficial.
Extra-Curricula Activities
Athletics Our boys participate in a comprehensive athletic program which includes basketball, baseball, touch-footbal, track, cross-country. Games are schedued with schools from neighboring communities in basketball and baseball. In an effort to give all of the boys an opportunity to participate, a program of intra-mural events is provided.
The girls of our school participate in an athletic program which includes basketball and softball. These are played with other schools as well as in an intra-mural program.
Other extra-curricula activities include glee club, band, science fair, year book, literature club, art club and cheer- leaders. These activities give the student a chance to work with his fellow students in some experience.
Miscellany
Our building provides a challenge to our maintenance staff who are more than equal to the task. Our custodians are
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ANNUAL REPORT
to be commended for their co-operative attitude to the many demands made of them.
The students, thanks to the cafeteria staff, are provided a well-planned and well-balanced meal daily. An "A" type meal is provided with the co-operation of the National School Lunch Program.
This report of progress and any future progress is made because of the complete co-operation of a fine faculty. I would like to express my appreciation to them for their devotion to their profession and their high professional ideals.
In closing, I wish to express my sincerest thanks to you, and to the school committee for their interest and complete co-operation. I would like also to express our appreciation to the citizens of the community who have always lent their support and understanding of our program. Certainly, a con- tinuation of this co-operative climate will serve to help our staff to better serve the educational needs of the community.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD F. ALEIXO, Principal
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE DIGHTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mr. Robert T. Roy,
Superintendent of Schools
Herewith is submitted my fourth annual report as Super- vising Principal of the Dighton Elementary School.
Enrollment
Our opening enrollment as of September was 455. This year because of the increased enrollment in grade one it was necessary to have four first grade classes. There are at present three classes in each of the grades from grade two through grade five. The Opportunity Class is also housed here at our school.
Curriculum
The new School Mathematics Study Group (S.M.S.G.) mathematics was introduced in Grade IV with every student in the grade participating in the program. Pupils in grade four and grade five are grouped homogenously for math instruction with a rotating teacher strengthening the pro- gram at both grade levels. All other grades are following the newly completed Arithmetic Course of Study and in addition some of the new math is being taught in each of these classes. Currently all faculty members and the principal are taking the new math course being conducted by Miss Dorothy Beck- with the Elementary School Supervisor.
The new Language Arts course of study is being used through out the school in all grades. A careful analysis of the program will continue with special emphasis placed on the strong points and the weaknesses weeded out. Here again in grades four and five the ability grouping in reading is being used with the rotating teacher working with both grades to broaden and upgrade the reading curriculum.
The physical education classes under the direction of Miss Maureen Shanahan and Mr. William Horner are sched-
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ANNUAL REPORT
uled weekly with the above physical education instructors. The program is being received with much enthusiasm by the students.
Guidance Program
1. Guidance services for :
a. Individual counseling
b. Pupil-teacher conferences
c. Parent-teacher conferences
d. Parent and school administrator conferences
2. Achievenment Testing Program-all grades
Opportunity Class
The Massachusetts Department of Education sponsors the Opportunity Class which operates to provide special in- struction for pupils who need individual instruction. Pupils are provided the opportunity to attend regular classes in certain subject areas when they have attained a specific degree of success in that particular subject. We are happy to welcome back Mrs. Anne M. Phillips who has returned to her duties after a leave of absence.
Speech and Hearing Clinic
The expanded Speech and Hearing Clinic under the direction of Mr. Peter Denison, Speech Therapist, meets on Monday P. M. and Thursday A. M. with the total time spent in therapy just barely exceeding one full school day. In addi- tion Mr. Denison has spent some Wednesday afternoons doing intelligence testing. His case load is fairly high, totaling more than twenty children receiving therapy once or twice weekly with several others receiving help at less frequent intervals. The fact that a child who really needs help can be seen twice a week has defintely improved the efficiency of this program.
Cafeteria
Mrs. Alfrena Bettencourt, cafeteria manager, and her assistants prepare a tasty well balanced meal for the students of both the Dighton Junior High School and the Dighton
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ANNUAL REPORT
Elementary School. Participation in the lunch program is made possible through the Naitonal School Lunch Program.
Maintenance
The responsibility of the maintenance of our school is in the capable hands of Mr. Antone Costa head custodian, and Mr. Frank Rogers, a competent assistant. The school is kept in excellent repair because of their interest and cooperative efforts.
Extra Curricula Activities
1. Open House and Tea-American Education Week.
Much was gained by having parents observe class periods during a regular school day. Parents were particularly interested in observing the new math classes.
2. Parent-Teacher Conference.
The evening session for the Parent-Teacher Con- ferences proved to be most successful to both parents and teachers. Parents had an opportunity to inspect student folders and to discuss with teachers student progress and report card marks.
3. Room Mothers.
Our Room Mothers have been most helpful in assisting with the social activities of the school. They help to establish a closer relationship between the school and the home. We are deeply appreciative of this service.
4. Monitors.
Successful group work requires leadership. Pupils learn to lead only by leading and it is most important that pupil leadership be used in areas where pupils may legitimate- ly lead. Certain responsibilities that are part of the school program become the function of the monitor.
Appreciation
I wish to take this opportunity to extend my most sincere thanks to Mr. Robert T. Roy, Superintendent of Schools, the Dighton School Committee, the Dighton Town Officials, the
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ANNUAL REPORT
school faculty, the cafeteria personnel, the custodians, the parents, the pupils and all other school employees who have in any way contributed to the success of our school program.
Respectfully submitted, DR. ROSE BORGES, Supervising Principal
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
Mr. Robert T. Roy,
Superintendent of Schools
Dighton, Mass.
I herewith submit my report as Director of Music Educa- tion for the schools in Dighton.
The major undertaking of the professional music staff outside the classroom activity has been the start of a school music guide which will aid our class room teachers and super- visors in presenting music to our school children.
In the spring of 1963 two meetings were conducted for the elementary classroom teachers to acquaint them with philosophy, objectives, standards and methods of a music program. The first sections of the guide were distributed, discussion was conducted and understandings reached. These initial sessions emphasized the singing and music reading programs. Additional sessons this coming year will stress creative aspects, rhythms and instruments, and listening.
It should, perhaps, be emphasized that the need for strengthening our general music program became obvious when our young people reached high school not equipped to read music or do adequate part-singing. Such a lack of ability limited the scope of program possible in the high school. This condition was not the result of indifference or inefficiency of
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ANNUAL REPORT
either previous administration or classroom teachers how- ever, rather it indicates a change in the overall approach to music education. This is a change in basic philosophy regard- ing the function of music in the school. (Such changes in thinking have influenced other phases of teaching especially mathematics, reading, languages and science.)
For school purposes the emphasis now being made is that MUSIC IS A DISCIPLINE. It has a body of knowledge, and skills or abilities which can and may be acquired. It is not a peripheral course a repository for juvenile delinquents nor an extra-curricula activity in terms of effort needed to master the subject. The development of music skill either individually or in groups requires as much time as does the development of individual athletic prowess and/or varsity teams. There are no shortcuts in music education. To a certain extent all of our children in school are expected to use their singing voices effectively, they should be able to translate the music page into musical sound, and they should be able to write musically that which they hear. This does not mean that they will become professional musicians any more than we expect the student of math to become a professional mathematician. It does mean that he should acquire understandings which may make him a better all-round citizen. It is a child's right to expect this accomplishment.
At the Dighton Elementary School the elementary music supervisor has the responsibility of presenting two programs. Usually these are given in the winter and spring. Because of the growth in elementary school population it has become necessary to adjust the mechanics of such programs. In the past all school children have been expected to be a part of both programs. Parents in attendance at these programs have stretched the seating capacity and the fire regulations. It is anticipated that future programs will involve only half of the classes for each program. In a two-year cycle the child will have opportunity to participate in both winter and spring concerts but not usually in the same grade. This should make for more effective public programs when we demonstrate what has been learned in school music.
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ANNUAL REPORT
At the junior high school the general music program has been broadened this year to include the listening to important masterworks, the study of composers and the com- positino of original musical works as classroom activity in addtion to the overall singing and theroetical aspects. Our Junior High School Glee Club continues singing effectively. Their graduates make an especially significant contribution in the development of the high school choral groups.
Beginning this year Mr. Watson, our instrumental super- visor, has placed special emphasis on the development of an independent elementary school band. The success of his efforts was obvious at the Christmas program. The Junior High School Band has grown in numbers and instrumentation enabling that group to be exposed to music of lasting value with a satisfying result.
Progress in music is not made by leaps and bounds. (Sometimes it seems non-existent.) Reviewing the three years I have been with the Dighton schools I see marked progress in the ability and achievements of our children in terms of what they are able to understand and accomplish. There is room still for much improvement. We cannot afford to be complacent either as parents or teachers. Our most precious possessions are our children.
In closing I should like to express again my appreciation to you, Mr. Roy, to Dr. Borges of the Elementary School, and to Mr. Aleixio of the Junior High School. We have always been received with courtesy, kindness, patience and under- standing. It is gratefully acknowledged.
Sincerely, PHILIP E. TURNER, Director of Music Education Union 37
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Robert T. Roy, Superintendent of Schools
In the absence of Mrs. Esther Bowden, R.N., who is on sick leave, I submit the annual report for Dighton Elementary and Dighton Junior High Schools.
Physical Examinations-268 pupils in grades 1 - 4 -7 and pupils participating in competitive sports were examined by Dr. Charles Souza. The parents of 42 pupils were advised to seek further professional treatment.
Vision and Hearing Tests-384 pupils were given the Massa- chusetts Vision Test with the new Titmus Optical Tester. The parents of 10 pupils who failed were notified. The Maico audiometer was used to test 145 pupils. The parents of 3 pupils who failed were notified.
Immunization Clinics-1616 doses of Sabin Oral Polio Vaccine were given to the students of both schools. Type I January 22 and 23. Type II - March 12 and 13. Type III - May 14 and 15. D.P.T. (Diptheria, pertussis and tetanus) and D.T. in- jections were given by Dr. Souza March 22, April 18 and May 17 to 88 pupils in preprimary, Grades 1 and 6. Smallpox vaccinations were given to 19 pre-school children on May 17.
Illness in School. Between January and June, 657 pupils at the Dighton Elementary reported ill to the Health room while I was on duty. 40 pupils were sent home and 14 were referred to their family physician for immediate treatment. I made 18 visits to the Junior High for illness. 5 pupils were referred for medical treatment.
I wish to thank the faculty of both schools for their cooperation in carrying out the health program.
Respectfully submitted,
FLORENCE A. DUFFY, R. N.
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ANNUAL REPORT
GRADUATION EXERCISES DIGHTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
June 13, 1963
PROGRAM
OVERTURE-"Festival Day Overture" Thomas
School Band
PROCESSIONAL-"Processional March" Kinyon
INVOCATION-Robert Costa
CHORAL RESPONSE-"Lord We Do Adore Thee" Dubois
GREETINGS-Stephen Spinney-Class President
SELECTION-"Green Grow the Lilacs" Gallup
THEMES-
"Ignorance is No Bliss" Ralph Owen
"Opportunities Unlimited" "What Lies Ahead"
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