Friday Notes: From the Plymouth Public Schools

Manomet Elementary School recently celebrated the annual Read Across America Week. On Monday the upper grades read Dr. Seuss books to the lower grade students. The children were invited to wear their favorite Dr. Seuss hat for Top Hat Tuesday. On Wacky Wednesday, the students were invited to wear inside out, backwards or mismatched clothes for the day. Thursday provided an opportunity for every student and teacher to stop what they were doing and read silently for 15 minutes together in the hallway. This was called Drop Everything And Read. On Friday, Plymouth North athletes visited and read a Dr. Seuss book to each class. Manomet children were in awe of the Plymouth North students as they read Dr. Seuss books to them! The students look forward to this special week each year.

Second grader, Sophie Bergendahl, enjoys reading Dr. Seuss.

First graders Derek Yergatian, Olivia Krause and Liam Wright are reading buddies.

Fourth and fifth graders get absorbed in their books.

Fifth grader Jamie Hoover dons a Dr. Seuss hat while reading beside Alexandra Gilmore.

Fourth grader Joshua Metta reads his book entitled The Giver.

Plymouth South High School News

CONGRATULATIONS TO PSHS HOCKEY!!! With a 3-1 win over Coyle Cassidy on Wednesday, the team has now advanced to the Division II South Sectional Finals. The game will be played at 2:15 p.m. at Gallo Arena in Bourne against Franklin High School. We are very proud of the team and coaches on this fabulous tourney run. Come support the Panthers on Sunday!

The students of PRIDE have organized a Day of Silence to be held at Plymouth South High School on Tuesday, April 12th. This is an effort to educate students and faculty on stopping the violence and breaking the silence of bullying that occurs towards individuals that are lesbian, homosexual, bi-sexual and transgender.

The students in the following photo went to Plymouth South Middle School on February 17th and 18th to do a presentation on Anti-Bullying for all 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.

IMPORTANT DATES: Plymouth South High School will be conducting MCAS testing on the following dates: ELA Composition - MARCH 22nd, ELA Reading Comprehension, Sessions 1 and 2 - MARCH 23rd and ELA Comprehension, Session 3 - MARCH 24th.

Progress reports will be sent home with Plymouth South High School students today, Friday, March 11th.

STEPHEN WHYTE !!! Great Job!! The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc. (MIAA) has announced that Stephen is the recipient of the Atlantic Coast League "2011 Boston Bruins-MIAA Sportsmanship Award". It is awarded annually by the MIAA and the Boston Bruins to one individual from each league in the state who exemplifies the highest standards of fair play and sportsmanship in high school ice hockey. Stephen will receive two tickets to attend the March 22nd Boston Bruins VS New Jersey Devils hockey game at TD Garden where the award presentation will take place.

Another round of applause to Kathryn Hoar, Grade 11 at Plymouth South High School. Her artwork won 1st Place in Category III in the State Competition of the 2011 International Aviation Art Contest sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation/Aeronautics Division. The winning artworks from all 3 categories were forwarded to Washington, D.C. for judging at the national level. The national winners, when chosen, can be viewed at www.nasao.org.

On a musical note........♪ ♫ ♫ ♪ ♪
The Plymouth Vocal Jazz Ensemble won first place in the Vocal Jazz division at the Berklee College of Music - High School Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 5th. This is the largest single day high school jazz festival in the country featuring over 200 high school ensembles. The Vocal Jazz division that Plymouth competed in included sixteen high schools from all over the country. The Plymouth Vocal Jazz Ensemble beat out a high school from Florida who has won the first place award for the last six years by one single point. Because of their first place win, they were invited to perform in the Winner's Showcase Concert that took place directly after the Awards Ceremony. In addition, two students were recognized with individual awards - Colin Murphy, PSHS / Judges Choice Award and Graham Allen, PNHS / Judges Choice Award as well as one of three Outstanding Musicianship Awards. The following students from both PN & PS participated: Graham Allen, Rosemary Campbell, Emma Canducci, Stephanie Comeau, Chantelle Cyr, Alyssa Delos Reyes, Tyler Demoura, Shawn Flanagan, Nate Fuller, Tyler Gravelle, Josh Hamblin, Jordan Holt, Shane Indeglia, Colin Murphy, Katie Ozelius, Trevor Sharnick, Abby Townson and Sean Walkama.

Come support the smaller ensembles from the high school music department. There will be an Indoor Percussion and Colorguard Show at Plymouth North High School on Sunday, March 13th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will also be performing their winning set from the Berklee Jazz Festival during intermission (around 1:15).

Plymouth North High School News

ARC Inspired Teacher Grants
Three teachers from North's Inclusive classrooms have been named 2011 recipients of The Arc of Greater Plymouth Inspired Teacher Grants. They are: Meena Tondravi, Speech and Language Pathologist, Christine Belmonte, Project Growth, and Barbara Gravelle, Life Skills Teacher. Bobbi Martino project coordinator for the Arc of Greater Plymouth states, "We are extremely proud of the outstanding efforts of these teachers, as reflected in their applications, and equally grateful for the contributions they make to the quality education of all Plymouth children."

Plymouth High School Jazz make their mark nationally

Congratulations to the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo who competed at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival last weekend. This is a national festival with schools from all over the country. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble was named champions taking first place overall in their division. Graham Allen was also selected for a judge's choice award. Congratulations to all of the jazz students involved!

Winter Percussion and Winter Guard Show

The Music Department is hosting a Winter Percussion (Drumline) and Winter Guard Show at Plymouth North this Sunday. The competition will start at 12 and end around 3. The Plymouth Winter Percussion will perform at 12:45, and the Plymouth Colorguard will perform at 1:45, with several other groups from around the state competing in the remaining time slots. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for students. Please come out to enjoy this show and to support our groups!

Congratulations Connor Boris

Plymouth North now has the sixth best pentathlete in the state of Massachusetts. Connor Boris had a big, big day. We are very happy for him. Connor achieved sixth place out of 78 competitors at the Reggie Lewis center in Boston.

North Students Take the Plunge

The 9^th Annual Jordan Hospital Polar Plunge was held Saturday, March 6^th at Plymouth Long Beach. North cheerleaders took the plunge and raised over $2,600. North wrestling also jumped in for the cause and raised $3000.

Social Host Liability Presentation for Juniors and Parents This is a reminder to all Juniors planning on attending the Prom. Please "save the date" for a mandatory Social Host Liability program that will take place at Memorial Hall on Monday, March 14, 2011 from 7:00 PM - 8:30PM (6:30 PM registration). A parent or guardian must attend this program with their Junior student.

National Honor Society Minute to Win It Fundraiser On March 15^th the National Honor Society will be hosting a "Minute to Win It" competition at 6:30 in the gym.

There will be teams of two and a cash prize will be awarded to the winning team.

Junior Prom Fashion Show

The annual Junior Prom Fashion show will take place on Wednesday, March 16th at 7:00PM in the Auditorium with the cost of admission being $6.00.

Thank you to Domenic's Tuxedo of Plymouth for donating the boy's fashion for this event.

Senior vs. Faculty Basketball The girl's high school lacrosse program is having a Senior vs. Faculty and Junior vs. Sophomore basketball night. Come out and support your class, favorite teacher and the girl's lacrosse program. The matchup begins in the PNHS gym on March 17^th at 5:00, cost of admission will be $5.00.

PNHS Annual Spring Dinner Dance Fundraiser

The annual Spring Dinner Dance will be held at the Pinehills. The cost is $35.00 per person and the night will include dinner, DJ, raffles, silent auction. Funds raised will be used to purchase letter jackets for the student athletes.

"The Eagle" Takes an Award
Students involved in "The Eagle" newspaper project are celebrating their 2nd place award in Editorial Writing. The school newspaper achieved this award at the Greater Boston High School Newspaper Contest. This is the first award "The Eagle" newspaper has received!

Cold Spring Elementary News

As part of the Cold Spring School's celebration of Read Across America Day, first graders in Mrs. Collins' and Miss McCormack's classes created storybook vests. They were asked to choose one of their favorite books and decorate a vest with the title, characters and a picture from the book. Students were encouraged to work together with family members to create a vest conveying the message that reading is fun! The first graders had a grand time parading throughout the classrooms showcasing their vests. Afterward, students shared with their classmates what makes reading enjoyable for them.

Danny Hayes represents his favorite book.

Students parade in line showing their vests and books!

Riley Venezia, Aris Giatrakos, and Joshua Yourell

Register for Summer Science Camp now!

Summer Science Camp is a great way for inquistive minds to be engaged during the summer months! Discovery Camps 1 and 2 are for students entering grades 1, 2, or 3 and grades 4, 5, and 6 in the fall. Daily activities include science experiments, investigations, excursions into nature, art, music, creative games, and the development of critical thinking and cooperative learning skills. Art and Science is also offered for students entering grades 2, 3, or 4. Different levels of robotics are offered for students entering grade 4 through those entering grade 9.

Click here for more information!

PCIS News

PCIS's Basketball Bonanza a Blast!

On Friday, March 4, 2011, the PCIS girls and boys basketball teams faced their toughest opponents of the season as they competed against the PCIS staff teams in the 2^nd annual Basketball Bonanza fundraiser. PCIS Interscholastic Athletics and the PCIS PTA sponsor this fundraiser, which packed the PCIS gym with nearly 500 supporters of both the student and staff teams.

This night was not all about the basketball game. Manomet School of Dance entertained the group with a crowd pleasing routine. There was also an unbelievable performance by a PCIS based student band called Outlet Runner. Lastly, students lined up at half court for the chance to win a $100.00 gift certificate to Best Buy. One lucky student came out victorious in a shoot out to win this prize.

The night saw the PCIS girls' team finish off an undefeated basketball season (14-0) by defeating the female staff with ease even after handing the staff an 18 point lead. However, for the second consecutive year, the PCIS male staff was victorious over the PCIS boys' team in a game that extended into an overtime period.

In the end, the game's results were insignificant when measured to the smiles, laughs, and entertainment the PCIS community experienced.

Two PCIS Teams Make the Jordan Polar Plunge

"Frozen Falcons" & "PCIS Freeze Pops."

On Saturday, March 5, 2011, two PCIS student teams entered the frigid 34 degree Plymouth Harbor to benefit the Jordan Hospital Club Cancer Center. The "Frozen Falcons" and "PCIS Freeze Pops" together raised $7,000 for this worthy event and were joined by hundreds of other swimmers on this cold and windy morning.

The "Frozen Falcons"raised $1,500 as a team and was comprised of the following nine standout eighth grade swimmers and givers: Maria D'Ambrosio, Bobby Dee, Will DiGravio, Shauna Ekbom, Kaleb Jesse, Kayla Lambert, Jordyn Mercier, Jeanette Morgan, and Brooke Shea. Abby Soares, an Apollo House seventh grade student, joined the team for this event. Non-swimmers Ashaley Hedge and co-advisor Mr. Mark Kelleher served as cheerleaders from the ocean's edge.

Each of the students raised $60 or more which entitled them to a commemorative Polar Plunge T-shirt. Kaleb Jesse, the team captain, raised an astounding $845! Frozen Falcon T-shirts worn by the team before the plunge were designed and made by Maria D'Ambrosio.

The "PCIS Freeze Pops" raised an amazing $5,500 for the Jordan Hospital Cancer Center. Brooke Nolan, Bridgette Ruuska, Payton Reifeiss, Madison DeCoursey, Sophia Fosdick, Isabel Kierstead, Nella Harding, Michaela Nolan and Sade Fosdick all took the plunge for a good cause.

We are very proud of our students. They did a great job and continue to follow the PCIS motto by "doing the right thing". Keep it up and keep making a difference at PCIS.

PCIS Students to Attend Jr. District Music Festival

This Friday and Saturday, six PCIS students and eight other Plymouth students, will be participating in the Jr. District Music Festival in Attleboro, Massachusetts. These young musicians have earned the right to perform after countless auditions including hundreds of the areas best performers. The group will spend Friday evening and Saturday morning rehearsing for a cooperative concert that will take place on Saturday afternoon. PCIS music teacher, Ian Barkon, will join the group and assist in the production. Congratulations to the PCIS music department for another exciting opportunity!

Unified Arts News

Youth Arts Month Exhibit

March 9 - March 20, 2011

You are invited to attend Plymouth Public Schools' Youth Arts Month Exhibit! Come and view selected student works from twelve Plymouth schools.

WHERE: Plymouth Center for the Arts

11 North Street, Plymouth

508-746-7222

WHEN: Grand Opening Reception

Free- and open to the public

Wednesday, March 9th from 5-7 P.M.

Welcome and guest speakers 6 P.M.

Additional viewing dates and free and open to the public March 10th - March 20th.

Monday through Thursday and Saturday

10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Friday, March 11th and 18th

10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Sundays

12 P.M. to 4 P.M.

Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools

This e-mail is for the sole use of the individual for whom it is intended. If you are neither the intended recipient, nor agent responsible for delivering this e-mail to the intended recipient, any disclosure, retransmission, copying, or taking action in reliance on this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the person transmitting the information immediately. All e-mail correspondence to and from this e-mail address may be subject to MA Public Records Law which result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement. In compliance with federal laws, Plymouth Public Schools administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.