Friday Notes: From the Plymouth Public Schools

Federal Furnace celebrated its fourth annual health fair on Friday April 15th. Students were involved in many educational events that ran the course of the full day. During the morning hours, students were visited by community guest speakers such as the FBI, Fire Department, Jordan Hospital, Serious Cycles, the Dental program, parent health care workers, and Plymouth educators who shared information in regards to health and safety issues. During the afternoon, the students had the opportunity to engage in fun educational activities in regards to health and safety as well in various locations of the building.

Derek Dearing takes his pulse.

Samantha Holton runs through obstacles; volunteers from PNHS Athletic Programs are in the background.

Seth Michaels from Serious Cycles teaches bike safety

and

Julia Swan and Grace Ruprecht do some digital dance moves.

Harrison Tavares learns about 'Bucket-Filling' which promotes social/emotional development.

Manomet Elementary News

The third graders at Manomet have a challenge every year to learn the multiplication tables from zero through twelve. The 3 third grade classes compete to be the very first class to memorize the tables. This year, the students in Mrs. Katie Strout's class were the first to memorize them all. All of the 3rd graders who have achieved this feat will be awarded a medal for outstanding achievement in math!

Mrs. Strout's class; (From Top, Left to Right)- Mrs. Katie Strout, Ina Dombrowski, Juliette Blake, Faith Duquette, Patrick Stephanelli, Liam Jenkins, Zachary Rebelo, Brendan Cabral, Thomas Buckley, Mrs. Debra Miller, Izabella Cobak, Alexandra Braun, Brandon Smith, Michael Dillon, Noah Leonard, Connor Richard, Dylan Pallai, Alexandra Lewis and Kevin Paglia

PCIS News

This past week, PCIS began its second offering of the MCAS Boot Camp, an after-school program geared toward offering students support in math. Starting on April 26^th and ending May 9^th, the MCAS Boot Camp is an hour and half of instructional support geared toward improving MCAS math test performance. PCIS teachers Patty Weiler, Mary Lavin, Kim Yarletts, Cherie Tavernelli, Linda McPeck, Ryan Ross and Michelle Leavitt teach techniques, formulas, and strategies associated with mathematics. Currently, 66 students are enrolled in the program.

On Thursday, April 27^th, PCIS hosted their Spaghetti Supper for Parents of Incoming 6th Graders. The event was the first of a five-part program PCIS has established to provide a smooth transition for elementary students/families that will be entering PCIS next September. Principal Palladino and the four PCIS housemasters provided a slide show and video that highlighted the PCIS experiences, expectations, and answered the most frequently asked questions. The presentation concluded with a tour of the building. The night included a fabulous spaghetti dinner funded by the PCIS PTA and served by the PCIS students and staff, and entertainment by PCIS chorus and band students. Over 100 families attended the event.

The PCIS interscholastic athletic program for the spring season is in full swing. During the week the boys and girls lacrosse teams, the track and field team, and the softball team took to the fields to practice for the upcoming season. Over 200 PCIS student-athletes are participating in the sports program. All teams open their competitive season next week with games against neighboring middle schools. Athletic schedules can be located online by visiting www.plymouthschools.com and clicking on the PCIS link.

This week, PCIS honored students' academic successes. Throughout the week, PCIS students in grades 6,7, and 8 enjoyed breakfast with their families. Sponsored by the PTA, the Honors Breakfasts recognize students who have achieved honor roll status on their report card for the previous term. The event includes brief motivational speeches by successful Plymouth high school students. Additionally, 18 PCIS 6^th graders received Student of the Month admiration for their contributions in making PCIS a brighter place.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

The Speech Program at Jordan Hospital is offering Free Speech and Language Screenings to children ages 3 to 6 during the month of May.

Screenings will take place at Jordan Hospital Rehab Center, 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 225 in Plymouth.

Call 508-830-2182 to schedule a free screening.

Plymouth North High School News

PNHS Freshman Cuyler Campbell Joins the End Zone Militia

The End Zone Militia consists of re-enactors, (also known as historical interpreters), who portray individuals from New England's Revolutionary War period, circa 1775. Seen on the sidelines of a New England Patriots or New England Revolution game, or proudly conducting Honor Guard at a Boston Red Sox game, the group supports local sporting teams, and nationally, provides the ambiance of New England's rich heritage. Every Patriot's Day game, the End Zone Militia is invited to do honor guard duty, and present the Colors for the National Anthem. This tradition began in 2004, after the Patriots first Super Bowl victory. Having grown up with his father being a re-enactor, Cuyler Campbell has been exposed to all sorts of historical events and inside knowledge that is not necessarily covered in textbooks.

Cuyler's father, Geoff, serves as the Captain Commanding New England End Zone Militia, and was very proud of his son. "This was his first experience serving with the group, and, he did a fine job with the National colors! Watch for him on future occasions."

IMPACT Recycles

Members of Project IMPACT pose in front of the sign they created using recycled paper to emphasize the importance of recycling at PNHS. The group has been working towards improving the recycling efforts currently in place at the school. Staff and members from Plymouth North High School recently participated in the Earth Day Walk/Run held this past Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Myles Standish State Park, and sponsored by Plymouth Recyclers. The profits from the Earth Day Walk will be used towards their goal of providing every classroom in Plymouth with a recycling bin.

Gordan Takes MIAA Student Athlete of the Month

Dan Gordon, a senior at Plymouth North High School, was selected by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) as that organization's Student-Athlete of the Month for February.

A member of the Plymouth North High School cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams, Dan Gordon has enjoyed an outstanding interscholastic running career. He is a three-time Atlantic Coast League champion in cross country. The Stonehill College-bound student-athlete is also the recipient of the ACL's Individual Sportsmanship Award.

At the state level, Gordon has earned several first place finishes. Among these accomplishments are first place in the 5,000-meter run at the MSTCA Boston Holiday Challenge this past December, first place in the 2-mile run at the 2011 MIAA Division III indoor championships, and first place in the 2-mile run at the 2010 MIAA Division III spring championships.

Academically, Gordon ranks among the top students in the senior class at Plymouth North High School. He carries a 3.48 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. As a junior, Dan advanced to the regional round of the State Science Fair. Dan has also served as a class vice president, a position that he was elected to as an underclassman.

Gordon displays an incredible amount of leadership and dependability as a senior in high school. At the request of the school administration, he was asked to speak at the local middle schools on the topic of leadership.

Gordon spends time writing for Plymouth North High School's newspaper, "The Eagle". He is also the anchorman for the school's cable news program, PNN News. In its year-end issue, The Old Colony Memorial, named Gordon the Plymouth North Male Athlete of the Year.

The MIAA launched the "Student-Athlete of the Month" award program to honor students who set a positive example of leadership through academics and athletics in their communities. One male and one female student-athlete from MIAA member schools are selected as recipients of this award each month. Recipients are sent a congratulatory letter and a certificate from the MIAA Student Services Staff. In addition, recipients are noted for their achievement on the MIAA web site and in the "Building the Future" Student Services Newsletter.

Plymouth South High School News

PSHS NATIONAL LATIN EXAM AWARD WINNERS

Fifteen students from Plymouth South High School recently received awards on the 2011 National Latin Exam. They competed with over 150,000 students from the United States, as well as from twelve foreign countries. This year's winners include one Gold Medal and three Silver Medal recipients.

Alexander Swiniarski (9) received the Gold Medal/summa cum laude award. Silver Medal/maxima cum laude awards went to Steven Swiniarski (11), Jeffrey Tocco (9), and Michael Schmidt (9). Magna cum laude winners include Kurtis Johnson (11), Sam Cheung (10), Jackson McAdams (10), Rebecca Laudermilk (10), Alexa Cole (9), and Julianne Delos Reyes (9). Cum laude certificates were earned by Michaela Fornaciari (11), Samantha Ryan (9), Leanna McKenna (9), Brittany Jerome (9), and Gina Francke (11).

Congratulations to all of the winners for their outstanding achievement on this year's exam.

Congratulations to Hockey and Lacrosse Coach Mike McCosh. Coach McCosh was selected as the state-wide recipient of the MIAA Coach of the Year award for his hard work with our hockey team. Coach McCosh has done a fantastic job over the years with all programs but most specifically hockey. He is a man of integrity and respect and this has been recognized at the state level. He has been referred further to the National competition. Congrats again!

The combined band and chorus programs for PSHS traveled to Washington over April vacation. They performed in multiple venues and had wonderful experiences. Thank you to all staff, parents, and students who made this trip a reality for all of our students involved.

Plymouth South High School has been featured a great deal lately. This week, we had 12 staff members from Manchester West High School visiting us to learn about many of the changes that we have put into place. This is a testimony to the wonderful work done by staff and students each and every day.

Prom: A parent note must be submitted for a dismissal. All students attending the prom must be on time to school on Friday, May 6th in order to attend.

Senior Art Show: this is a third annual event and it is fantastic! We encourage all to attend.

This week was our Captains' lunch for the athletic captains of both North and South. Dr. Maestas was the guest speaker regarding the upcoming Dreamride. We encourage parents to review the website to learn about this fantastic event.

School Health Services

Walking Works Program Off and "Walking"

The Walking Works Program, coordinated by School Health Services in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield, kicked off on Monday, April 25th.

Many teams and individuals have registered from our schools, and are already racking up the miles! There is a healthy spirit of competition in the air

around the district! Registration is closed for new teams to enter, however individuals may register to join existing teams or register as an individual

walker by going directly to the website http://www.walkingworks.com. This 6 week

program will complete on June 3, with the coveted trophy being engraved and awarded to the winning team. Other prizes will be awarded to various

categories, see website for details. It is not too late - so get out your walking shoes and walk your way to better health!

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

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