February 12, 2010 Vol. 2 No. 16

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In This Issue:
School Committee
Weekly Quote
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Plymouth Science Fair Results
South High News
Students accepted
Sports Update
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
High Schools
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Greetings!
Friday notes is a weekly update from Superintendent Gary E. Maestas on the happenings within the Plymouth Public Schools.
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.
Weekly Quote:
 
Why follow the steps of another to find out where our dreams will lead us.
 
Peter Block

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.
ยท 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
 
Plymouth Science Fair Results:
 
  • Jessica Morgan PNHS Jalbert What Type of Light Bulb Will Cause the Biggest Change in the Physical Appearance of a Soap Bubble and Produce the Most Iridescence? 1st Place
  • Rachel Campbell & Tyler Green PNHS Rozak Will Waves One Day Power the World? 2nd
    Place
  • Amanda Fragata PSHS Marks Carbon Dioxide Kills Sea Creatures 3rd Place
  • Libby Brigida PNHS Glynn Is Duckweed an Effective Bioremediator? 4th Place
  • Anna Colbert PNHS Jalbert Effect of Crustacean Shell Fertilizer on Brassica rapaon Plant Growth 4th Place
  • Cody Holmes & Alex Rozak PNHS Quinn Determining the Efficiency of a Fuel Cell Regarding the GDL 4th Place
  • Hannah Conley & Christina Noyes PNHS Rozak Comparing the Effectiveness of Sunscreens 5th
    Place
  • Annika Leydon PNHS Glynn How Does the Temperature of the Field Hockey Stick Affect the Distance and Speed of the Ball? 5th Place
  • Benjamin Waltuch PNHS Glynn Where, Oh Where Should My Wind Turbine Go??? 5th
    Place
  • Lauren Richard PSHS Marks The Effects of pH on Duckweed 5th Place
  • Bhavjit Thiara PSHS Dinger The Decomposition of Apples Honorable Mention
  • Santiago Narino PSHS Marks The Effects of Aperture on Modulation Transfer Function Honorable Mention
  • Shawn Flanagan PNHS Quinn Cycling Water Using Siphons Honorable Mention
  • Connor O'Dwyer PNHS Quinn Investigation of the Use of Wind Power to Successfully Recycle Generated Electric Energy Honorable Mention
  • Connor Boris PNHS Glynn Cold-Adapted Solar Winter Heater Honorable Mention
 South High News:
 
  • Random Acts of Kindness - This year at Plymouth South High School we have initiated a "random acts of kindness" program in accordance with "Rachel's Challenge."  We feel that this program has "started a chain reaction."  Each month, teachers submit names of students or other staff members if they "catch someone doing something nice."  At the end of the month the individual is recognized with a small token of appreciation.  The program started in September and has grown by leaps and bounds.  Since September 2009, we have honored over  50 students and/or staff.  
     
  • Athletics:
    Congratulations to Stefan Gustafson who was recently selected to play in the 32nd Annual Shriners All-Star Football Classic.  The Shriners football game is the premier high school football game in the state.  Only the true all-stars from all divisions throughout the state are selected.  Stefan is the fourth Plymouth South Football player in the past five years to be selected for this honor.  His work ethic, leadership skills, and tremendous athletic ability are only a few of the reasons that he will be playing in the Shriners classic. 
 
  • Plymouth South High School has been recognized by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) by being placed on the "Sportsmanship Honor Roll."  Each year, schools throughout the state are honored with this sportsmanship award if they do not have any coaches or student-athletes disqualified from a contest for the entire academic year.  PSHS has received this award for the past few years.
  • Thanks to our local VFW who made a donation of $10,000.00 to the athletic programs at both Plymouth North and Plymouth South High Schools - $5,000.00 per school.  Thank you to the VFW for their tremendous support of our athletic programs. 
  • The Plymouth South Athletic Boosters are holding their annual scholarship dinner dance on Saturday, March 27th.  It is held at the Plymouth Moose Lodge and is $25.00 for a ticket.  The price of the ticket includes dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.  For tickets, please contact your team representative or call Paula Fox at 774-313-7196.  We hope to see you there!
  • Holiday Food Drive - The Interact Club at PSHS organized a tremendous food drive over the Holiday season.  The Plymouth Women's Club worked closely with the Interact group.  The drive exceeded the expectations of all involved.  Enough food was collected from PSHS to fill Thanksgiving baskets for 150 families in addition they were able to stock the shelves at the Food Pantry with more food than has been available in months.  Thanks to students and staff who participated and a special thanks to Interact as well as advisors, Matt Carpenito and Sue Rudman.
     
  • Hats for Haiti - Our advisory program sponsored a "Hats for Haiti" day today at PSHS.  Students were allowed to wear hats to school if they donated a $1.00.  Each student received a sticker to wear on their hat and all proceeds will be donated to the Haiti Relief Fund. 
  • 8th Grade Orientation - Our annual tech expo and 8th grade orientation is approaching quickly for parents of students in grade 8.  On Wednesday, March 3rd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. come by the high school gymnasium to see our Tech Expo.  Immediately following the expo at 7:00 p.m. is our 8th grade presentation for parents on our academic programs and offerings.  We encourage all parents of 8th graders to attend!  
     
  • PSHS American Idol - The American idol competition was postponed until Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m.  Come see the talent that exists at PSHS!
     
  • Mr. Plymouth South - The first annual Mr. Plymouth South contest will take place on Thursday, March 11th at 7:00 p.m.  You don't want to miss this display of talent that will be on the stage of PSHS!
     
  • March Madness Dance - Our annual March Madness dance is also approaching quickly.  Tickets must be purchased in advance for this March 19th event
 Students accepted to perform at Jr. SEMSBA:

Congratulations to the following students from Plymouth South Middle School who were recently accepted to perform at Jr. SEMSBA.

Destiny Francke Gr. 7 Soprano - Chorus
Rebecca Geary Gr. 8 Soprano - Chorus
Allison Rogers Gr. 7 Clarinet - Orchestra 1st Chair!!
Benjamin Richard Gr. 8 Trumpet - Orchestra 1st Chair!!
Kyle Richard Gr. 8 Clarinet - Band
Matthew Cappucci Gr. 7 Mallets - Band
 
The auditions were held at Sharon Middle School on Saturday Feb. 6 and the festival will take place on Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st at Randolph High School.

 
Sports Update:
The North/South hockey game scheduled on Wednesday has been rescheduled to this Sunday at 1pm.
In addition, this Saturday is the all day North/South Basketball bonanza at north (schedule below).
Girls freshman 10am
Boys freshman 11:30am
Girls jv 1pm
Boys jv 2:30pm
Girls varsity 5pm
Boys varsity 6:30pm
Gary E. Maestas, Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
 
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