Plymouth Public Schools is now enrolling Full Day Kindergarten! 

Plymouth Public Schools accepting applications for September 2011 placement in full day, tuition-based Kindergarten.

 * Small school atmosphere

* Fully integrated technology "smart classroom"

* Staffed by certified classroom teacher

& instructional para-professionals

* Music, Art and Physical Education taught by certified professionals

* Educational field trips

* Cultural Arts programs

* Lunch program

* Before and after school childcare available through the

Old Colony YMCA Program on site (fee-based)

Application and information available at

all Plymouth Elementary Schools and Administration Building or by

Calling

508-830-4335 (Cold Spring School), 508-830-4340 (Hedge School)

Indian Brook School

Mark Kenny, Guinness Record Holder, recently visited Indian Brook Elementary School.  He presented "Everyone Has A Talent" to the students.  Mr. Kenny is the "World's Fastest Man on Two Hands."  He is able to walk on his hands faster than any man alive!  He holds the record for the fastest inverted sprint, the fastest inverted sprint down stairs, and the fastest inverted endurance sprint down stairs.

"Everyone Has a talent" is a unique presentation geared to elementary age children.   Guinness Record holder Mark Kenny presents a fun, interactive show for students aimed at encouraging each child to identify and develop their own unique talents.

Mr. Kenny has appeared on the David Letterman show, Live with Regis and Kelly, and many other news and talk shows!

These are some quotes from children and their parents about Mr. Kenny's presentation:

"I really like your tricks.  I learned that everyone is good at something."
-Abigail, age 7

"I was so excited to see you walk on your hands.  You're right...everyone does have a talent.  Mine is pitching in baseball."
-Christian, age 9

Incredible, astonishing, and extremely entertaining...
Mark Kenny inspires and challenges kids to explore and dream.
-Mother of 3   

This is Mark in the photo that accompanied his 

record in the 1995 Guinness World Record Book.

If you would like to learn more about Mr. Kenny please visit his website:

Click here for Mark Kenny's website 

Manomet Elementary News

Manomet Elementary School's music department recently held the Annual Spring Concert.  The strings performed under the direction of Mr. Chaplain, the chorus performed under the direction of Mrs. DeVoe, and the band performed under the direction of Mr. Laslow. Mr. Jamieson was the accompanist.

The strings played several songs; Boil Them Cabbage Down, Over the Rainbow, Cripple Creek, Star Wars theme, Flintstone theme, Pop Goes the Weasel and Supercalifraglisticexpialadocious.  John Carpenter played a solo on the cello which he wrote himself! 

The chorus sang; Ode to Peace, Pretty Planet, For Good, Twist and Shout, Octopus's Garden, All You Need is Love and Old Irish Blessing. The song Pretty Planet had Kirsten Kass on the Soprano Glockenspiel, Julia Zaniboni on the Alto Glockenspiel, Haley Gorman on the Soprano Xylophone, Ryan Flaherty on the Alto Xylophone, Kaitlin Power on the Soprano Metalophone and John Carpenter on the Bass Metalophone.  Stephanie Ward and Ally Gilmore sang solos of the song entitled For Good.

The grade 5 band members played; America the Beautiful, Theme from Symphony #9, Theme and Variation of French Folk Songs, Air and Dance, as well as other pieces.  A combined band and chorus sang the Armed Forces March, Ob-La -Di, Ob-La-Da, and Yellow Submarine.

The entire performance was dedicated to Mr. Gary Anderson, a 5^th grade teacher who will be retiring from Manomet Elementary School at the end of this school year.  His dedication to the teaching of the students of Manomet Elementary School for the past 35 years is great, and his love of music is inspiring to all!

John Carpenter performs a song that he wrote. 

Mr. Gary Anderson, to whom the concert was dedicated.  

Cold Spring Elementary School

Over the last two months the 5th graders at Cold Spring Elementary have conducted extensive research and written a four paragraph biography of an important person in history that they have chosen to study. The entire project culminates with a Wax Museum where the students dress up as their person and come alive for family and fellow students.  

Connor Crane (front) depicting John F. Kennedy; Lucas Babini (behind) as Davy Crockett

 Brandon Cook as Henry Ford

 Zac Connolly as Alexandre Graham Bell

Grace Foresterire as Rosa Parks

Emily Tottman-Jarret as Eleanor Roosevelt; Camden Bauer as George W Bush

Massachusetts State Science and Engineering 2011 Results

The following students from the Plymouth Public schools attended the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair held at MIT on Friday and Saturday, May6 & 7.

Rachel Campbell and Tyler Green   

Will Waves One Day Power the Planet? (Part II)

PNHS

Jessica M. Morgan

Power to the Coral, Astrangia poculata, and Their Symbionts, Symbiodinium!: How Light Intensities Affect Their Fluorescence and Their Photosynthetic Productivity  

PNHS

Timothy M. Elrick

Braking Wind

PSHS

Caelon D. Smith  

Fast and Furious: Electric Motors  

PSHS

Winners were as follows:

Jessica M. Morgan

Power to the Coral, Astrangia poculata, and Their Symbionts, Symbiodinium!: How Light Intensities Affect Their Fluorescence and Their Photosynthetic Productivity

1st place

Wheaton College $60,000 scholarship

Timothy M. Elrick

Braking Wind

3rd place

Prentice Hall Book Award

MIT Educational Studies Program Award

Rachel Campbell and Tyler Green   

Will Waves One Day Power the Planet?

Honorable Mention

MIT Educational Studies Program Award

Congratulations to these students!!

Plymouth North High School News   

9 Junior students receive "Book Awards"    Each year, a small group of select colleges participate in the Book Award Program.  These colleges recognize students who best display outstanding academic promise, exceptional leadership, high character and significant contributions to the school and/or community.  A ceremony was held on Thursday, May 12^th to honor these exceptional students.   Assistant Superintendent, Pam Gould, Assistant Superintendent Chris Campbell, Principal Kathleen McSweeney, Assistant Principal Linda McCann, Assistant Principal Bill Burkhead, Director of Guidance Sean Halpin and Guidance Counselor Joanne Gretemeyer were in attendance along with family and friends to congratulate these great students. 

  The BROWN UNIVERSITY Book Award is presented to a junior who best combines academic excellence with clarity in verbal and written communication skills.  We are proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Brown Book Award is:

Libby Brigida, daughter of Peter & Linda.

The DARTMOUTH UNIVERSITY Book Award is presented to a junior who ranks in the top 10% of the class and has attained an outstanding academic average and has made a positive contribution to the school community.  We are proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Dartmouth Book Award is: 

Connor Follette, son of Dwayne & Dori.

The HARVARD UNIVERSITY Book Award is presented to a junior who exemplifies excellence in scholarship and high character combined with achievement in other fields.  We are proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Harvard Book Award is:

Shawn Flanagan, son of Mike & Nancy.

The REGIS COLLEGE Book Award is presented to a junior who displays outstanding academic promise, and has demonstrated excellent communication skills and leadership qualities.   We are proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Regis Book Award is:  Rachel Campbell, daughter Kevin & Deborah.

The RENSSELAER MEDALIST Award is presented to a junior who displays academic achievement and has distinguished him/her self in math and science.  We are proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Rensselaer Medalist Award is:

Tyler Green, son of Bryan & Donna.

The SAINT MICHAEL'S COLLEGE Book Award program presents two awards.  The recipients must be inductees of the National Honor Society and must demonstrate a sincere commitment to community service activities through their high school and/or within the community who have taken on leadership roles.

We are proud to announce that the 1^st recipient of this year's Saint Michael's Book Award is:

Kelly Gatslick, daughter of John & Mary.

In addition:

We are proud to announce that the 2^nd recipient of this year's Saint Michael's Book Award is:

Connor O'Dwyer, son of Derek & Debbie.

The SMITH COLLEGE Book Award is presented to a young woman who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership qualities, and concern for others.  We are proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Smith College Book Award is:

Christina Noyes, daughter of David & Denise.

The WELLESLEY COLLEGE Book Award is presented to a young woman whose academic record and character are exceptional and who has also made a significant contribution to her school and/or community.  We are proud to announce that this year's recipient of the Wellesley College Book Award is: 

Emily Bott, daughter of Tom & Marion.

Plymouth South High School News

1000 Paper Cranes photo and story by Savanna "Annie" Gardner / PSHS Grade 12  

Plymouth and Shichigahama, Japan have been sister towns for over twenty years. Throughout this time, both towns have sent students and adults in exchange programs. Every person from Plymouth stays with a host family in Shichigahama or neighboring towns. The host family provides meals, a place to stay, and shows wonderful hospitality. Each person stays a total of ten days and gets to spend the weekend with his or her host family. Activities range from karaoke to going out sightseeing. Even after the ten days, many host families and their guests continue to talk through letters and email.

I traveled to Japan in 2009 along with other students from Plymouth South and North High School. My host family stayed in a cozy apartment in the major city of Sendai, which is about a forty minute drive from Shichigahama. I had a host sister, brother and mother. My sister was able to speak English very well, and after talking before-hand through email, we found a lot in common. I was more than excited for this trip. I became very close to my family in just those ten days, and when it was time to leave, I couldn't keep from crying. We smiled and laughed in two different languages and cultures. I made connections and bonds with people, despite the strong language and culture barrier. We might have been different, but we still made a connection. Now I am in contact with my host family through email, letters and Facebook. This trip has been more than a one time thing for me. It has inspired me to learn the language in college and take exchange trips all over the world in the future.
On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 earthquake hit Japan, which triggered a thirty meter tsunami. The epicenter of the quake hit just off the coast of Sendai making it the most devastated city in all of Japan. Even now, Japan continues to be hit with aftershocks. My host sister and brother were together when the quake hit and got to safety. I learned this and more details about their situation a few days later on Facebook. My host mother had to climb from her car to a roof of a building and wait overnight in order to be rescued, but now they are all safe and sound. Sendai is not the only city that has suffered. Our sister city has been badly damaged and their community has faced many losses. It took a while to regain water and electricity. Many neighborhoods are still fully underwater and thousands of homes are destroyed. Currently, some people are without running water, food, and heat.

Legend has it that one-thousand paper cranes can grant a wish. This art installation features one-thousand paper cranes and it is meant to create an environment reflective of Japanese culture and an awareness of Japan's current situation. Each paper crane has been made by hand and with care by me, the art students of our school, and friends in the greater Plymouth community. Our wish for our sister city of Shichigahama and for all of Japan is
 hope, a speedy recovery, and good fortune.
 
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM ELRICK AT PSHS.  He came in 3rd place at the MIT Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair.  He received a Prentice Hall Book Award and the MIT Educational Studies Program Award for his entry "Braking Wind."  In Plymouth's online newspaper the "Plymouth Patch" Tim was named "WIZ KID OF THE WEEK" because of his achievements at MIT !!
 

Tim Elrick of PSHS
 
 
Seventeen students and their Advisors, Mrs. Luddy and Mr. Walker, from PSHS National Honor Society volunteered to help as hosts, escorts and dance partners in Plymouth Networking Group's first Senior Citizen's Prom "Puttin' on the Ritz" at the Kingston Senior Center. Student volunteers had as much fun as the senior citizens dancing, eating, participating in trivia and give-aways.


The following students volunteered from 12:00-4:30 pm on Wed, May 11 to be a part of this fantastic community service opportunity:  Amanda Bogart, Molly Callahan , Deirdre Carlson, Kelly Foran, Devyn Fox, Sally Girourd, Sarah Gleason, Makenzie Glennon, Jordan Holt, Tara Killory, Alessandra Kopp, Anastasia Kopp, Gale McGilvray, Santiago Narino, Serena Pereira, Taylor Soell, and Stephen Whyte.

 

PSHS Hockey team members Stephen Whyte and Thomas Colbert, along with Coach McCosh presented a check to Dr. Maestas on behalf of the hockey team and all coaches to support the Plymouth Education Foundation through his Dreamride.  Some of PSHS student clubs have also contributed to this amazing fundraising event.


 
Congratulations to all the students in Panther TV.  For the second straight year, they have been given the "All New England Award" for being the best high school news broadcast news team in New England.  This award was given by the New England Scholastic Press Association at Boston University last week.  In addition to this, they won five of the seven individual awards.  Nikki Bevans won an award for best news story for her report on Freshmen Outdoor Education.  Sam Fanning, Olivia Savage and Annie DeLoid won an award for best news story for a story on Ellis Island and its impact on Immigration.  Walter Cicchetti won the award for best Feature Story for "Thanksgiving in America's Hometown".  Walter also won for his public service ad "Save your Deer Life".  The Anti-Bullying Public Service Ad created by Jenn Weatherhead, Amber Tanders won an award for best public service ad.  Congratulations to all the students for their accomplishments!!!
 
 
 
PLYMOUTH SOUTH CELEBRATES NATIONAL POETRY MONTH     
 
April is National Poetry month.  Nancy Infascelli, librarian at Plymouth South High, celebrated with the school's first annual poetry writing contest. All students were invited to participate and the many entries were judged by Diane Hartley, English teacher and poet.  Emily Ryan (freshman) was presented with a gift certificate to the school store for her poem, "Blissless Underneath the Crescent Moon."  "Emily is a very talented young lady who would like to be an author someday," said Infascelli.  Inspiration for Ryan's poetry came from a series of stories she is working on and hopes to have published.  "My parents have always encouraged me to write," she said.  "I am really thrilled about winning the contest, and I hope this is the start of my career as a writer."
 
(Below is an excerpt from Emily Ryan's poem.)
 
We are all that's left
Unbroken by this blissless blight
We are the ones,
Who can't give in . . .
 
We have to win,
Triumph,
For the sake of our posterity,
For those to come.
For those who have fallen
Those who died in search of the sweet sanctum  

of this victory,
With this their hands reaching out,
This being their last request
 
My tears. . . 

The First Annual Plymouth North Track and Field 5 K Run/Walk!

Plymouth North's First Annual PN Track and Field 5k Run/Walk will take place on May 21, 2011.  The run will be at PCIS cross country course and is scheduled to start at 9 am.  Registration begins at 8am.  The fee is 20.00 for any adult runner/walker and students pay 10.00.  Prizes from local businesses will be awarded to top finishers and students.

The focus of the run is to promote track and field. The run is intended to encourage parents, students, teachers, residents and families of Plymouth to have one day to run and walk and understand the importance of track.

 All the money raised is going to the Plymouth North Track and Field Program.  The focus of the Track and Field Team is to promote Health and Wellness. Track is for anyone that wants to feel happy about themselves and team success. Anyone can run, walk, jump, throw, be a part of a team, and gain personal success!

Controlled Burn in Plymouth this Friday 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife will burn 50 acres in the Massasoit Refuge Friday, May 13. This land is adjacent to The Island Pond Estates Subdivision area near Wildcat Lane in Plymouth MA. You may see smoke, firefighters, or fire engines in the area during the burns.

"The primary purpose of this controlled burn is to protect people and their homes from wildfires.  A secondary goal is to improve wildlife habitat by mimicking natural fire conditions," said Tom Eagle, Deputy Refuge Manager of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office that manages Massasoit NWR.  Burning in a controlled manner under predetermined weather conditions safely reduces build-up of leaf litter, dead wood, and other plant material that could otherwise fuel a wildfire and make it burn dangerously fast. 

Contacts are Plymouth Fire Department 508-830-4213 or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 978-580-0183.

Crews will be arriving in the area starting at 7 AM. Burning will probably start about 10 AM.

Island Pond Estates is off Long Pond Road between Gunners Exchange Road and Alden Road which is the entrance to Myles Standish State Forest."

At this time the Fish and Wildlife crews are planning to perform a prescribed burn at the Massasoit location as described above. Media and land owners have been notified.

There may be calls to Police and Fire about the smoke in the area and the fire personnel activity. It is possible that some will actually see fire.

There will be a Plymouth Fire crew at the burn as well as a Commanding Officer.

The crews will start to arrive by 0700 and the burning should start about 10 AM.