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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: "We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude."
~Cynthia Ozick
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Nathaniel Morton News
On September 21, Nathaniel Morton students in Mrs. Lincoln's grade 5 classroom (pictured), as well as Ms. Leach's third graders and Mrs. Morgan's first graders participated in the Pinwheels for Peace Project to help create "Whirled Peace" on the International Day of Peace.
This project is part of anti-bullying and anti-violence campaigns. As part of the creation process, students wrote their thoughts about war and peace, tolerance, and living in harmony with others on one side of their pinwheel. The other side was personalized with drawings to visually express their feelings.
The idea was to spread their thoughts and feelings about peace with the Nathaniel Morton community.
  
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Cold Spring Elementary School News
The students reviewed Mac the Cat with a well-formed sentence and a picture of the main character.
 The Science Center will let the students explore the science of Autumn.
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Federal Furnace News
Federal Furnace held its Open House for Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders on Thursday, September 29th. The halls were decorated with student work detailing the likes and interests of all students as they have worked to get to know each other. They have come together as a class and school community during the entire month of September.
Students had the opportunity to "teach" their parents about the routines of their class and meet their new class community. After all of the excitement in the classrooms, families ventured to the cafeteria for some refreshments and to
explore community group tables for information.
Even with a thunder storm an amazing turnout occurred.!!!!!
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PCIS News Rachel's Challenge On Wednesday, October 26th the students of PCIS will have the opportunity to participate in a internationally recognized program called Rachel's Challenge. We believe that the students of PCIS have the power to make a permanent, positive cultural change in their school and community by accepting the challenge of Rachel Scott to start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Rachel's Challenge is a powerful and impactful assembly and training program for middle school students. The students of PCIS will hear true stories from the life of Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine shootings in 1999.
Students will experience her influential life through the eyes of her family and friends. This is done through a collection of emotional yet age-appropriate stories that introduce the students to a girl that knew that her actions could change the world. This story has impacted the lives of many people both students and adults. It encourages students to live a life of kindness and to make a difference in their school and community by treating others with respect and kindness. There will also be a community event that evening where parents and community members will be invited to participate in the challenge. The evening event is a way for parents to support and encourage our school and students to live lives that make a difference, to live lives that can continue to change the culture of the school and our community. By attending the community event with your child you would be adding to the legacy of Rachel Scott by showing support to the school and to the difference your student can make. Lives have been changed due to this program. Students have approached other students and asked forgiveness for the way they have acted. Stories have been told by parents who have seen a change in their child and how they act at home and this program has changed the culture of thousands of school communities. This program, with your support, can make a positive difference in the lives of our students and the community. If you have any questions about this program please feel free check out the Rachel's Challenge website at: www.rachelschallenge.org |
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Plymouth South Middle School News
9/11 7th GRADE PROJECT
The 2nd floor seventh grade team is focusing on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The students are creating documentaries that will include still pictures, narration, and videos of the tragic yet inspiring events of that day. They are also filming interviews with a variety of people to record their memories and experiences. Everyone is looking forward to viewing the final products.
EARLY FALL HONORS BREAKFAST Plymouth South Middle School held its first ever Early Fall Honors Breakfast on Wednesday morning, September 28, 2011 in the cafeteria. This was the direct result of feedback from last year's parent surveys. It was believed that we should acknowledge the hard work and academic achievement of our students during last year's 4th quarter. Ninety-seven 7th graders and sixty 8th graders were honored along with their parents at the breakfast. Former Plymouth South Middle School student and current Plymouth South High School senior, Max Luddy was the featured speaker. Max's message encouraged the students to dream and to challenge themselves. He told them to have goals in life and work hard to achieve those goals despite obstacles. He also emphasized the importance of hard work and having a positive attitude. Max told the students in the audience to get involved in a variety of activities and to take challenging courses. Veronica Holmes, a current 8th grade student, was acknowledged as the only student in her class to achieve "High Honors "status for all four quarters last year. This is a significant accomplishment, as students must earn at least an A- in each and every course. The new breakfast was well-received by the students and their parents and we are very pleased to have started a new tradition at PSMS.
4th ANNUAL PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATOR'S FALL OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT The 4th Annual Administrator's Golf Tournament was held yesterday at Waverly Oaks Golf Course. PSMS, led by the foursome of Steve McAuliffe, Steve Doyle, Mark Lyons and John Siever, was the winning team with a score of 4 under par for the 9-hole match. Central Office represented by the twosome of Pam Gould and Mike Caple also scored four under par but lost on a on a sudden death putt-off. PCIS came in 3rd place with a score of 2 under par. Plymouth South High School came in 4th place with a score of 1 under par and Plymouth South High School came in 5th place with a score of even par. This was the second consecutive match determined by sudden death with PCIS winning last year's Spring Open at Souther's Marsh Golf Course. The winning school will have a plaque on display until the next tournament. A good time was had by all. The Spring Open golf match will be scheduled in May at Souther's Marsh Golf Course.
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Plymouth North High School News
One of our own
Steven Gutowski, a former 2005 graduate from Plymouth North High School, was killed in action in Afghanistan on Thursday, September 29, 2011. Steven was one of three US Army soldiers killed by a roadside bomb attack. Steven is survived by two sisters, Cheryl and Karen, both graduates from Plymouth North High School and his parents Joan and Edward Gutowski.
During Steven's four years at PNHS, he participated in many activities, clubs, and sports. Steven participated for four years as a member of the PNHS DECA Marketing Club under the advisorship of Ron Ober (retired) and Barry Cowgill. Steven was a DECA cabinet officer and helped grow both the Marketing and DECA programs at PNHS. Steven was the type of student that was always looking to help out fellow students and teachers with any project or activity that they needed help completing. He was very giving of his time and he had a positive, friendly attitude which came across in everything he did. Steven's excitement for DECA and the marketing career development conferences he attended was infectious and spread to other members of the organization. Steven is one of those students that teachers never forget.
The untimely death of Steven Gutowski will hopefully be a reminder to all of us that our freedoms as Americans should not be taken for granted. Whether you agree or disagree with the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, please remember the sacrifices that our members of the armed forces and their families make every day to protect our way of life. The next time you see any member of the armed forces, thank them for what they do for you every day.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gutowski family as they prepare to bring Steven back to Plymouth and remember how he has positively impacted the lives of his family, friends and the Plymouth community.
"Thank you for protecting my freedoms Steven! You will never be forgotten."
-Barry Cowgill, DECA Advisor, Marketing Teacher, and family friend
Homecoming Game & Dance
On Saturday, October 1st the Eagles Varsity Football team will match up with Sandwich for the Homecoming Game at 2:00 p.m. at Plymouth South High School Field.
The Homecoming Dance will be held in the North Gym. Dance hours are 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Canned goods were collected during Homecoming tickets sales. Collected goods are being donated to St. Mary's Parish foodbank.
Congratulations Homecoming Court
During the Homecoming game the King and Queen of homecoming will be revealed. The King and Queen will be chosen from the Homecoming Court. Congratulations Homecoming Court, Erin Cappellucci, Ashley Gallagher, Mary-Kate Jaeger, Chrissy Noyes, Mercedes Thayer, Conor Boris, Shawn Flanagan, John Patrick Hogan, Conor O'Dwyer and Ben Waltuch.
Field Hockey Bridge
North Field Hockey players got together last Friday and combined with the PCIS Field Hockey Program for a clinic. Approximately 40 students grades 6th - 8th got to show off their skills and learn new ones from the North High School players running the clinic at Forges Field.
PSAT Testing
On Tuesday, October 12th all Sophomores and Juniors will be given the PSAT test during regular school hours at Plymouth North. If you have any questions please contact the guidance department at 508-830-4410.
2012 National Merit Scholarship Program
Congratulations to Emily Bott and Connor O'Dwyer for being recognized as "Commended Students" in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2012 competition taking the 2010 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
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Plymouth South High School News
Annual Sam Fry Road Race
The 3rd Annual Sam Fry 5K Road Race is Sunday, October 2nd at 10am at the Cabby Shack. Registration is at 9:00 am. We encourage students, parents, and staff to participate in this fun run/walk. All proceeds go to student-athlete scholarships. Registration is $10.00 for students and $20.00 for adults. Hope to see you there!
Open House and College Planning Night
Plymouth South High School hosted their Open House last night which was well attended by parents of our students.
Plymouth North's Senior College Planning night for both North & South High School was also well attended.
Online Survey
The Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education invites you to complete an online survey. The survey is to see how well your child's school partners with you and promotes parent involvement in your child's learning. Your participation and input is important to us and all survey answers will remain anonymous. The deadline to complete the survey has been extended to September 30, 2011. You can access the survey from the Plymouth Public School website under Announcements or go to http://www.MAparentsurvey.com. Thank you for your continued support in helping us to improve outcomes for our students.
Changes to the Academic School Calendar
Central Office made the following changes to the Academic School Calendar:
Change the October 28 Marks Close to Friday, November 4
Change the November 4 Report Cards for Grades 6-12 to Thursday, November 10
Change the December 9 Mid Term to Friday, December 16
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Unified Arts Department News
Upcoming Events:
Friday, Sept. 30th PHS Marching Band performs at South Football game.
Saturday, October 1st PHS Marching Band performs at North Football game.
Sunday, October 2nd PHS Marching Band marches in Roslindale Parade - Roslindale MA.
Special offer for all Plymouth Public School Students from the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra:
One hour before each concert student rush tickets go on sale for $5.00 as available on a first come, first serve basis. Students must show a valid student ID and only one ticket per ID. Tickets are sold at the door. Opening night is Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 8:00pm at Memorial Hall.
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News from the Mathematics Department
Interesting facts. . .
Why Math Matters: Facts for Parents
DID YOU KNOW?
Advanced math is now a basic requirement for the new generation of jobs. Times have changed! Math is now the foundation of countless services we take for granted: Internet search engines, Wall Street investment systems, marketing research, medical technologies. Saying "I'm just not good at math" won't cut it anymore. Today's students need more math now!
Sixty-two percent of American jobs will require math knowledge. In 62 percent of American jobs over the next 10 years, entry-level workers will need to be proficient in algebra, geometry, data interpretation, probability, and statistics, according to a study. The same research also shows that all high school students need similar levels of math knowledge whether they are headed for college or going directly into the workforce.
Source: American Diploma Project, Ready or Not: Creating a High School Diploma That Counts, 2004
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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