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Friday notes is a weekly update from Superintendent Gary E. Maestas on the happenings within the Plymouth Public Schools.
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Plymouth Public Schools School Committee Meetings:
The next Plymouth School Committee is scheduled for February 22, 2010 at Plymouth Community Intermediate School. The meeting starts at 7:00 P.M.
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Weekly Quote:
When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.
Mark Twain~ |
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE
Student Focus Groups:
On February 2nd, sixty students (twenty from each of grades 6, 7 & 8) participated in a focus group as part of the development of the District-Wide Strategic Plan. The Strategic Planning Committee has compiled results from the Parent & Community Survey, which took place earlier this fall. As a follow-up to the recent Student Survey, these focus groups are designed to delve deeper into the actual perceptions and experiences of our students, which will provide us with valuable information. The final plan is scheduled to be completed by May 31st.
· Open Forum for Parents & the Community:
For your convenience, the District-Wide Strategic Planning Committee is hosting two open forum meetings for parents and the community. Please consider attending one of the following two dates:
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
at PSMS, Lecture Hall, 6:30 pm
Thursday, March 4, 2010 at PCIS, Little Theater, 6:30 pm
The purpose of these open meetings is to share the status of the strategic plan and to gather additional information for the final report. Members of the committee will be available to provide updates and answer any questions. This is a great opportunity for you to weigh in on your thoughts and desires for our school system as we move forward into the future. Take advantage and have your voice heard so we may better serve the needs of our children and the community
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North vs. South Basketball Event:
The North vs. South basketball games from Jan. 2nd have been rescheduled to Saturday Feb. 6th. Freshman girls @ 10 am, freshman boys @ 11:30 am, JV girls @ 1pm, JV boys @ 2:30 pm, varsity girls @ 5 pm and varsity boys @ 6:30 pm. All games will be played at Plymouth South High School. |
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North Happenings:
Two (2) PNHS choral students, Jacqueline Duggan and Veronica Cavanaugh have been selected as members of the Massachusetts Southeast Junior District Mixed Chorus.
On January 6th, thirteen (13) of Mr. Dugan's Science Fiction students went to the Kingston Movie Theater for a special viewing of Avatar. Students participated in pre-film, film, and post film activities the developed literacy skills in reading and listening critically for information, understanding, and enjoyment, as well as, distinguishing fact from opinion. Additionally, students analyzed the technological advances used to make this film.
On January 7th, Mr. Richter's choral students enjoyed the stories and expertise of Dr. Peter Bagley, guest speaker from the University of Connecticut. Mr. Bagley advised students on choral signing and rehearsal techniques.
PNHS hosted an informational meeting for residents living near Plymouth North High School on Thursday, January 7th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. The purpose of the meeting was to inform PNHS neighbors about the design and the phasing plans for the Plymouth North High School and Plymouth Council on Aging construction projects.
On January 7th and 8th, ninety (90) DECA students participated in the regional DECA conference held at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center. DECA advisors, Kathy Schram and Barry Cowgill, were very pleased with the students' performances and conduct.
On January 8th, Shana Follette and Jameson Woods were recognized for the commitments to their teams and communities by the Papa Gino's, The New England Patriot's Charitable Foundation. Shana received the award for her ability to be a "Game Time" player for her soccer and basketball teams, as well as her community and school. Jameson was selected for his commitment to his football, hockey, and baseball teams as well as his school and community. Both Shana and Jameson will have their names and photos prominently displayed at the Plymouth Papa Gino's counter.
On January 8th and 9th, thirteen (13) Plymouth North and Plymouth South High School students participated in the Senior Districts at Oliver Ames High School.
Plymouth North High School grade 9-12 and Plymouth Community School grade 8 students participated in Rachel's Challenge on January 12th. Craig Scott, brother of Rachel Scott, shared his sister's inspiring life of kindness, compassion, and character.
Rachel's Challenge was made possible by the Small Learning Communities Grant and the Rachel's Challenge Planning Committee. District Attorney Timothy Cruz spoke briefly to students, parent, and guardians attending the evening Rachel's Challenge Community event. The District Attorney's office has made a generous donation for Friends of Rachel's student leader t-shirts and is sponsoring the Rachel's Challenge custom cover design on next year's 2010-2011 PNHS student agendas.
On January 14th twelve (12) PNN students accompanied by Shelley Jaruse, ELA teacher and Plymouth North News advisor, went to WCVB-Channel 5 to learn production techniques that can be incorporated into the PNN broadcasts.
On January 23 six (6) Plymouth North and Plymouth South High School students attended the all state music auditions at Shrewsbury High School with Brian Raymond, Plymouth South High School music teacher.
On January 25th, sixteen (16) of Rachel Fallon's AP Spanish students went to Sam Diego's restaurant to practice Spanish in a real world situation by identifying food, dining customs, and ordering a meal.
Monday, January 5, 2010, marked the official beginning of term 3 and semester 2. Students received semester 2 schedules last Friday and began attending new half year elective courses today. Term 2 report cards will be sent home with students on Friday, January 29, 2010.
Thirty-five (35) Plymouth North and Plymouth South High School students participated in an after school choral event on January 26th. Choral students rehearsed with other local high school students in preparation of a culminating final concert at Memorial Hall with the Philharmonic.
Mr. Clark and twenty (20) Model United Nations students attended a conference at the Sheraton Boston on Thursday, January 28th through Sunday, January 31st. Students debated international issues as representatives from countries around the world and practiced compromise strategies used in solving complex international issues. |
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CAREER DAY PLANNED AT PSMS:
Career Day will be held on Wednesday, February 10th from 9:00 am to 10:45 am. The purpose of career day is to expose students to professionals within our community so they may learn about a particular profession and be able to ask questions. Students will have the opportunity to select their top three career choices from a list of 15 different career clusters, such as medical, legal, education, the arts, the trades, etc. They will then spend 30 minutes with three different guest speakers.
Career Day is part of our ongoing goal to expose middle school students to the possibilities of college and career awareness. In other words, it's never too early to start thinking about one's future. That's why the 8th grade visited Bridgewater State College in December and why we have created Career Day for 7th and 8th graders. It gives the students a chance to see how their future is related to their education. Hopefully, the students will learn what it takes to be successful later in life and that anything is possible if they work hard enough. |
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PSMS News:
THE PSMS PTA IS PROUD
TO ANNOUNCE THEIR LATEST FUNDRAISER
GLYNN ELECTRIC, INC., WILL DONATE 5% OF SERVICE PAYMENT* PROVIDED TO A PLYMOUTH RESIDENT OR BUSINESS TO THE PTA.
GLYNN ELECTRIC can take care of your:
· Electrical,
· Fire suppression,
· Telecommunications,
· Computer and Alarm systems needs.
Contact their service department at (508)732-8933 and mention the Plymouth South Middle School fundraising
effort to help our school and our children today.
*Upon prompt payment, the 5% donation will be delivered to the Plymouth South Middle School PTA on a quarterly basis. Not to be combined with any other offer time and material work only. Please include your school name on payment.
PSMS GEOGRAPHY BEE CHAMPION
Congratulations to Joel Gibson on his recent victory at the annual PSMS Geography Bee. Joel's qualifying test has been submitted and if he scores in the top 100, he will be invited to compete at the state geography bee. Good luck Joel and well done.
Exclusively for Parents of Grade 8 Students |
2nd Annual Plymouth Public Schools College Planning and Career Awareness Night
What: Please join us for an evening informational session on Early College Planning and Career Awareness. Topics will include academic planning for high school and college, financial planning for college, local scholarships, and vocational/technical options and considerations.
When: Wednesday, February 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Free event for 8th grade parents and students
Refreshments will be served and there will be time for questions and answers.
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Science Fair Judges Needed:
Judges are needed for the Plymouth Public Schools' High School Science Fair to be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 from 4:00 - 6:30. Please email ariordan@plymouth.k12.ma.us or call 508-830-4477 as soon as possible if you are interested in volunteering. | |
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Gary E. Maestas, Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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