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| Greetings!
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 regular meeting of the Plymouth School Committee will be Monday, October 3, 2011. School Committee meetings are held at Plymouth Community Intermediate School in the Little Theatre. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.
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Weekly Quote: "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." Angela Schwindt
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Cold Spring School News
Cold Spring had a wonderful Open House last Thursday evening. The new Kindergartners were especially excited. The students have been working so hard to learn their letters and review the words they already know. Look at how the students have brightened up the school with their lively displays!
 Half Day Kindergarten already knows so many words!
 Half Day Kindergarten gets ready for an exciting new year!
 Full Day Kindergarten shares their "Hopes and Dreams" with the school!
 Full Day Kindergarten is working hard on their "Lively Letters"!
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PCIS News
NEW PCIS WELLNESS CENTER
Living a healthy lifestyle is very important and learning this at an early age will hopefully build life-long healthy habits for our students. Part of living a healthy life style is to increase individual fitness levels for our students. To increase individual fitness levels and promote health and wellness, PCIS has refurbished its wellness center to include a new look with paint, two PCIS Mascot murals, two 50 inch TV screens with DVD players attached, cardio equipment, two racks of dumbbells, both flat and incline benches, multiple resistance band stations, nautilus weight equipment and more. There is non-stop activity in the wellness center with PE classes using the center daily and our new after-school Fitness Club running in the afternoon. Over forty students are participating in this program run by Mr. Berry, a certified personal trainer, and long time PE teacher and fitness expert, Mr. Cobban. The wellness center is also being used by staff after school. We will soon offer our staff yoga and hope to include Zumba and other group exercise classes.
 


Giving back to a worthy cause PCIS staff recently challenged themselves physically whole showing their support for the Boys and Girls Club. PCIS staff laced up their sneakers for the Run to the Rock to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Plymouth. Chad Wolf, Drew Sorensen, Erica Lewis and Scott Smith ran the half-marathon, Amy Brown ran the 10K, and Penny Tamulionis ran the 5K.
Imagine The Plymouth Public Schools' teachers and staff began the year with a motto from Dr. Maestas . . . Imagine. After an active discussion of goal setting, its importance, and what it takes to achieve goals, Apollo 8th grade students were extended the challenge to IMAGINE themselves in roles that someday they would like to achieve. Each student was given a blank paper doll template and instructed to choose characteristics that define them today. Each doll included a face that looked like the student, an adjective that described the student, 2 favorites of his/hers on his/her arms and 2 facts about him/her on his/her legs. Also included was a heart drawn on the doll with the word IMAGINE in it. The word IMAGINE translated to each student's life-long goal. The students discussed what it takes to achieve goals. They were then asked to fill in their "Imagine frame" with what it is they imagine for their futures.  |
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Plymouth South Middle School News
PSMS Garden Club
At the first meeting of the PSMS Garden Club, students had a great time harvesting potatoes and cleaning up after the tropical storm Irene. New members are always welcome as the garden always needs many helping hands.

Plymouth South Middle School Volleyball
The Plymouth South Middle School volleyball team got off to a great start this week with a match against visiting Sacred Heart! With so many 7th and 8th grade girls participating, the squad was able to run two simultaneous matches. The teams were split by grade level, with 8th grade standouts Theresa Melendez and Ally DiBella graciously volunteering to work with and lead the 7th grade team; demonstrating the highest level of teamwork and leadership. Both teams did exceptionally well against a well-coached and always tough Sacred Heart opponent, taking some games and dropping others. Their skill level and competitive spirit has already exceeded the expectations of their coach, 8th grade teacher Corey Joyce, who is looking forward to a fun and successful season.
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Plymouth South High School News

REFLECTING AND PAYING TRIBUTE - This flag is a collective exercise which began in Advisory class and was open for all to participate. Students discussed if they viewed or took part in any of the 9/11 observances and shared thoughts of the news coverage on September 11th. They reflected on the generally somber mood of the day, but also on the spirit of the day that many people embraced. This spirit was to reach out and do something positive for themselves and/or their community as a tribute to those lost on September 11th. The white part of this flag is made up of index cards written by students/staff reflecting loss, an awareness of school and greater community, and a commitment to strengthen their community. All commitments were volunteered by and unique to the individual. Staff commitments were also welcomed. Plymouth South High School Open House - Thursday, September 29th . Back to school night for parents/guardian to follow their child's schedule and meet their teachers. To be held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. SENIOR COLLEGE PLANNING EVENING - For both Plymouth North and Plymouth South parents on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at PNHS from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. COLLEGE FAIR - Tuesday, October 18, 2011 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Plymouth South High School.
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| Plymouth North High School News
Plymouth North News (PNN)
The National Scholastic Press Association named PNN (Plymouth North News) as one of the weekly newscast finalists in the 2011 Broadcast Pacemaker contest. PNN was one of seven newscasts across the country chosen and will find out in November how they placed. Winners will be announced at the 90th annual National Scholastic Press Association Fall High School Journalism Convention on November 19th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Teamed Up To Help
On August 8th Plymouth North and Plymouth South cheerleaders joined together for a community service at Franklin Park Zoo. The "Kick Off" event for the American Diabetes Foundation Walk in October had a great turn out, the girls greet visitors, managed sign ups and worked a food table. All present had a great time.
Homecoming Information The Homecoming Dance will be held on Saturday, October 1st from 7:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.
Octoberfest Information
Octoberfest for Seniors is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19th. Start time is 7:30 A.M. and the event runs through 11:00 A.M. T-Shirt orders will be taken at all lunches Tuesday, Sept. 20th through Friday, Sept. 30th. Cost is $20 each payable with CHECK ONLY made payable to PNHS-SAF.
After Hours Computer Lab The computer lab will open to all students after school from 2:05 p.m. -3:00 p.m. for the remainder of the year. Supervision will be provided.
Support Our Troops:
In honor of those serving, the Social Studies Department is collecting items to be shipped to our troops serving overseas. Donations will be collected September 26-30. Boxes are located in Social Studies classrooms. Items needed: coffee, candy, gum, magazines, baby wipes, tissues, towels, disposable razors, movies, sugar packets, face cloths, Q-tips, baby powder, Crystal Lite, and letters.
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Unified Arts Department News
The Unified Arts Department gladly accepts used instruments for our Elementary Band Program. Many students cannot afford the cost of lessons along with renting or buying an instrument. When you donate an instrument to our department one of our Music teachers donates their time to look the instruments over and do any minor repairs that may be needed, we then match the instrument to a student in need. Your donation would greatly enhance the life of a student within the Plymouth Public School district. Your donations may be dropped off to the Unified Arts Department office located in the lobby of PCIS 117 Long Pond Road. If you would like more information you may reach us at 508-830-4469. |
Guidance Department News
Senior College Planning Evening for Parents: Wednesday, September 28 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Plymouth North High School Auditorium The Plymouth High Schools' Guidance Departments (North and South) are inviting parents/guardians of our seniors to a combined College Planning Information Meeting on September 28th, 2011, from 7:00-9:00 PM, at the Plymouth North High School Auditorium. This will be an excellent opportunity for you to learn how the guidance counselors are assisting students through the application/admissions process. Also, we will share helpful information to guide you, as you assist them in this challenging process. The final year of high school can be both exciting and stressful. Working closely together will ensure a more productive and positive experience for seniors and parents! Since the counselors have already met with students last year, and we are presenting a "College Application Process" workshop in senior classes this fall, we have designed this evening program specifically for parents/guardians. Should you be unable to attend, please be aware of the following: 1. Transcript Requests are due in the Guidance Office two weeks prior to the application deadline set by the college. 2. NCAA Clearinghouse Applications are required to play Division I or II sports in college. Students who intend to play a collegiate sport should see their counselor and got to www.ncaa.org. 3. CSS Profiles (financial aid forms) are required for those students planning to apply to private colleges that require them; go to www.collegeboard.com. 4. Access PNHS and PSHS Guidance Websites via www.plymouth.k12.ma.us for a calendar of events, including SAT exam dates, upcoming financial aid workshop, scholarship information, and informational websites and resource links. 5. Plymouth High Schools' Annual College Fair, Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 6:00- 8:00 pm; All Cape College Day College Fair, Wednesday, October 19, 3:30-5:30 pm; Financial Aid Night, Wed., Nov.16, 7:00-9:00 pm; Local Scholarship Evening /Senior Parents Night, March TBD, 7-8 pm. The Guidance Department looks forward to seeing parents of seniors on September 28th. Please save the date on your calendar! |
News from the Mathematics Department
Everyday Math Games Apps-FREE this weekend September 24 - 26! McGraw-Hill Education is offering the following five apps FREE this weekend and available via the iTunes App store: Addition Top-It Monster Squeeze Equivalent Fractions Beat the Computer Divisibility Dash. These game apps work on Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPad Touches. Learn more about these game apps and other available apps at: https://www.mheonline.com/apps |
Drive to Support Our Troops
Students and staff at the secondary schools are supporting our troops through donations of goods needed by our soldiers serving overseas. Working
in conjunction with local veterans groups items will be collected next week, September 26-29 at PCIS, PSMS, PNHS and PSHS.
Items needed: coffee, candy/gum, books/magazine, card games, coffeemate, tissues, towels, disposable razors, movies, travel size Q-tips, face cloths, sugar packets, unscented baby powder and drink mixes, such as Crystal Lite.
All items contributed are welcomed and your support is greatly appreciated.
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Plymouth Family Network
The Plymouth Family Network held an Open House at its new space off the IMC at PCIS. Several families with young children had an opportunity to play in its new play space with friends as well as enjoy some silly songs with Big Ryan.
The Plymouth Family Network (PFN) provides parent outreach, education, and community support services designed to make parenting less stressful, to build on family strengths, and to enhance school readiness. There are no income requirements, and all services are free of charge to residents of Plymouth. For an upcoming playgroup schedule and a list of community events please visit our website found on the Plymouth Public School page under Family Resources. http://www.plymouth.k12.ma.us/AcademicResources/Title/PlymouthFamilyNetwork /tabid/489/Default.aspx The Plymouth Family Network (PFN) is funded by the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care through the Title I Department of the Plymouth Public Schools.

Big Ryan comes to Plymouth Family Network!

A child makes use of the new Plymouth Family Network space.
 Miss Cindee comes to Plymouth Family Network for a visit.
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent Plymouth Public Schools
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