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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, November 7, 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: "Communication - the human connection--is the key to personal and career success."
Paul J. Meyer
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Manomet Elementary News
The students in Linda Horgan's 5th grade class at Manomet Elementary wrote scary stories as a writing assignment. The scary stories were shared using only the light of a single flashlight!
Joshua Metta edits his scary story.
The students share their stories! (L) to (R) clockwise; Meaghan Duffy, Michaela Kelly, Shane Baggett, Zachary Clayton, Audrey Lawrence, Alyssa Laitinen, Samantha White, Maxwell Conley, Joao DeNobrega, Cameron Caraher, Kelsey Craig and Jeremy Whiting (center)
Audrey Lawrence begins her writing. |
Cold Spring School News
Fifth Graders in Mrs. Williams and Miss Shaughnessy's classes at Cold Spring put on the first in a series of Respect Assemblies for the school today. They informed the audience what it means to be respectful and highlighted ways to show respect for parents, friends, teachers, animals, the environment, property, and yourself.
Ruby advises "behaving even with a different teacher or specialist like gym, art and music." Respecting your friends means "including each other when playing board games and hanging out (from Melanie), and helping when they have a problem. It's important to respect people who are different than you." (Hayley) Self-respect for Ally involves "making good choices and not listening to other people about 'bad things,'" and Maddie reminds us to "never smoke, do drugs or drink alcohol." Animals and the environment deserve our respect, too. Danny told students to "make sure your pets have shelter so they feel warm, safe and dry." "Don't litter because it hurts the environment," and "animals like sea turtles might mistake a plastic bag for a jellyfish," from Elisabeth.
Students also sang "Responsibility" under the direction of Mrs. Kristin Fonseca.
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Federal Furnace Elementary School News
Recently, Federal Furnace students participated in a school wide Peaceful Bus Meeting. The Peaceful School Bus Program is a school program designed to decrease inappropriate behavior on school buses while creating a climate of respect and cooperation. Students, bus drivers, school staff and parents work together to reach the goal of safe, peaceful buses for all. During the bus meeting, students met with their bus route group under the guidance of bus leaders. Several FFES staff members have volunteered to be year-long bus leaders. The bus leaders led each of the 10 bus groups with cooperative activities to establish a bus route community. Older students were matched with younger students to complete a personal inventory of favorite things. They then worked together to develop a name for their bus. To close the afternoon's events, bus drivers joined their bus route group for a group picture. It was a wonderful time for all.
Students from the Gold Bus getting to know each others' favorite things.
The Gray Cheetah
The Orange Tiger
The Plymouth Blue M and Ms |
South Elementary School News
Monthly Good Citizen Program Rewards Good Behavior
October kicked off this year's Citizen of the Month program, open for students from third and fourth grade. Citizens are selected either by the teacher or class vote, and are noted for demonstrating good manners and kindness to others, working hard, following rules and acting respectfully on a consistent basis. Once the students are selected, they receive an invitation from Assistant Principal, Jill Dore-Cotreau, to have lunch together and a special ice cream sundae dessert. They also receive a Good Citizen ribbon and a certificate. October 28 marks the first celebration of the school year, with luncheons continuing on the last Friday of every month.
Harvest Festival Draws a Crowd
It was a crisp fall day as families gathered for South Elementary School's annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 22. Among the festivities were hay rides (donated by the Doonan family), a pie contest, raffles, and a costume contest and parade. Kids competed for prizes in games such as the basketball toss, football toss, It's a Great Pumpkin South Elementary ring toss, witch hat ring toss, and plinko.
Delicious desserts and breads were available at the bake sale table, along with crafts for sale by local vendors. The Book Fair, which was held during the week and at the festival, raised approximately 3,000 Scholastic dollars that can be used to purchase from the Scholastic catalogue, including books for the Winter Warm Up Reading program.
Alexandra Godfrey - most creative costume!
Brody Ireland - cutest costume!
Dominic Piccuito - scariest costume!
The Best Pie Contest was won by first grader Avery Gordon, who beat out the adults with his apple pie! 
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Indian Brook Elementary News
Third grade news from Miss Webb's Class
Miss Webb's third grade class visited the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences (the Bird Observatory). The students and chaperones learned a lot about how birds are caught and banded. We learned how data is plotted on maps and were given a tour of the grounds. It is another hidden gem right in our own community of Plymouth. Thank you to the staff at Manomet Center for Conservation for a great experience!
The third grade classes had an opportunity to hear the Philharmonic Strings play at Indian Brook on Thursday. This was an educational experience for all ages. The students will have an opportunity to go to Memorial Hall in the spring for a concert.
Miss Webb's class recognized the elderly citizens in our community by making autumn/Halloween cards that will be delivered to a local nursing home for many to enjoy. The class also discussed the importance of giving back to our community.
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Plymouth South Middle School News
Sixth Grade Art
As the Student Council of Plymouth South Middle School plans for their Halloween Costume Contest & Canned Food Drive, sixth grade art students are making pop art-like installations that are giant representations of the treats students hope to "bag" when trick or treating. The students have studied the work of Andy Warhol, often considered the father of the pop art movement. These installations are displayed on the stage of the school cafeteria, creating a festive atmosphere for lunch on Monday. Students wearing a costume to school may bring a dollar for charity or a canned food item. Masks are not allowed.
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| Plymouth North High School News
The make-up day for student pictures will be Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
Guidance counselors will be available after school until 3:00p.m. on Monday, 10/31, Tuesday, 11/1, and Wednesday, 11/2 to answer any questions or assistant any student who may need help on the Common Application.
Senior Bios Are due to Ms. Schram by October 31, 2011 and Senior portraits are due to Mrs. Harkins by November 21, 2011.
Yearbook Orders
Order a yearbook at YBPAY.LIFETOUCH.COM. There is an early bird discount $65.00 until November 1, 2011.
Connecting Activities is a job assistance program offered to all Plymouth North Students between the ages of 17 and 18 years of age. Any student interested in participating or learning more about this program should see Mr. Canavan in the guidance office.
5 Mile Road Race & 2 Mile Fun Walk To  Benefit Plymouth High School Lacrosse
$30 Entry Fee Day of Race Along Scenic Manomet Point, Whitehorse Beach & Priscilla Beach
Sunday October 30th, 2011 10AM RAIN OR SHINEManomet Elementary School
70 Manomet Point Road, Plymouth, MA
Second Annual Step Up for Veterans, Dedicated in Honor of Spc. Steven Gutowski
On Friday, Nov. 11th at PSHS 10:30a.m. - 1:00p.m. Show your support for local veterans by raising donations for every lap walked around the gym or track. Funds raised will aid local veterans in need. If you have any questions see Mr. Clark in room 108.
Sci-Fi Club will meet on Nov. 3rd in room 211 from 2:10 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. This will be run in tangent with the Anime Club and Board Game Club in room 210. All students, teachers and staff are welcome.
Any questions, please ask Christian Emery.
Board Game / Anime Clubs will meet on Thursday, Nov. 3rd 2:15p.m. to 3:15p.m. in room 210.
Everyone is welcome!! Questions? See Mrs. Mcgee or Mrs. Arnold.
Marching Band News
This past weekend we attended our final two competitions for the 2011 Marching Band Season. The band performed very well and placed 4th in our division at the Nesba Marching Band show in Reading on Saturday evening. We had a score of 84.3- our highest score this season.
On Sunday, we performed at the MICCA Marching Band Finals at Cawley Stadium in Lowell. We earned an overall Bronze Rating at this event, with a 4 star rating for Percussion and Visual. The adjudicator who has seen us perform over the past three years had some great comments regarding the growth and improvements that he's seen in our marching band. He referred to their professionalism and their application of their skills and knowledge.
The students performed well and behavior was excellent. We are very proud of the efforts of these students! We perform our Field Show "Flight" at the four remaining home football games. Please try to see the students' performance in the next few weeks. We think you'll enjoy the show!
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Plymouth South High School News
On Monday, October 24, forty-seven Marketing students from Plymouth South High School visited the Hall at Patriot Place in Foxboro. The objective of the visit was for students to meet with marketing personnel from The Hall and to present promotional ideas they had developed during their classes. Students prepared Powerpoint presentations that outlined new marketing ideas for the Hall and Patriot Place. The marketing staff from The Hall were extremely impressed with the students' professionalism and creativity of their ideas. Students took part in a tour of the Hall following the presentations and then had lunch at the CBS Scene Restaurant.
The PN & PS High School Marching Band attended their final two competitions for the 2011 Marching Band Season the weekend of 10/22 & 10/23. On Saturday evening the band placed 4th with a score of 84.3 - the highest this season at the NESBA Marching Band show in Reading. On Sunday they performed at the MICCA Marching Band Finals at Cawley Stadium in Lowell. They earned an overall Bronze Rating - with a 4 star rating for Percussion and Visual. The highlight of the weekend was the positive feedback they received from one of the adjudicators who has seen the band perform over the past three years. He commended the band on their growth and improvements over the past years referring to their professionalism and application of their skills and knowledge. The Marching Band will be performing their Field show "Flight" at the remaining home football games. Please try to see the students' performance in the next few weeks - you'll enjoy the show!!
The Plymouth High School Lacrosse teams are hosting a Monster Dash this Sunday, Oct. 30th at Manoment Elementary School beginning at 10 AM. All proceeds benefit the Plymouth South and North High School Lacrosse Programs. You can register online for the 5 mile road race or 2 mile funwalk at www.plymouthhighschoollax.com
National Honor Society is providing tutoring for PSHS students every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 to 3:00 in Biology, Chemistry, Latin, Spanish, and all Math areas. All students are welcome!
The National Honor Society is sponsoring the American Red Cross Blood Drive that is taking place in the Plymouth South gymnasium on Friday, Nov. 4th from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Students and staff can register to donate during lunch.
PSHS is supporting the troops! Bring items for the troops to the IMC. We are looking for non-perishable foods, playing cards, baby wipes, drink mix, tissues, etc. Every little bit counts.
The Homecoming Dance is going to be held on Saturday, Nov. 5th from 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM in the Plymouth South Cafeteria. Students can purchase tickets at lunch for $12 or bring in a canned good and pay $10.
The Drama Club will be presenting Neil Simon's comedy "Barefoot in the Park" on Nov. 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The show will begin at 7:00 PM at the Backstage Theatre at Plymouth South High School and tickets are only $5.00 at the door.
PSHS teacher Greg Kulowiec was mentioned in a September 30th New York Times Article entitled "Teachers Teaching Teachers, on Twitter: Q. and A. on 'Edchats' " . Greg is the co-founder of #SSchat for social studies teachers which will allow participants to share links, resources, lesson plans, examples of projects and student work. The number of participants has grown tremendously in the first year. One of the most memorable experiences on the chat was the night that the news of the death of Osama bin Laden broke. People were immediately on SSchat and shared resources and ideas on how to bring this into our classrooms the next day. According to Greg, the biggest move is to plan and organize EdcampSS. There is also a SSchat group on Edutoia's Web site and we will continue to grow and improve the SSchat Ning. We also welcome new participants and welcome anyone who is interested in guest moderating.
Both the PSHS JV and Varsity Cheerleading teams took Second Place on Saturday, October 22nd at the Marshfield Cheerleading Invitational. It was a great experience for both teams and allowed them the opportunity to experience a competition and have a score sheet to prepare them for the ACL's on November 2nd.
CONGRATULATIONS!! to the Girls Volleyball, Girls Soccer and teams who are MIAA State Tournament bound!!!
GO PANTHERS!
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Join the Monster Dash!
The Monster Dash is a 5 mile road race and a 2 mile fun walk being held to benefit the Plymouth High Schools' Lacrosse Teams.
The event is being held Sunday, October 30th at 10 A.M. rain or shine.
The running and walking will be along scenic Manomet Point, Whitehorse Beach, and Priscilla Beach.
There will be many prizes and a family fun day after the event!
Click here to see the flyer for the Monster Dash!
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On Friday, November 11, 2011 students, staff and community members are invited to participate in the
Second Annual
Step Up for Veterans
Dedicated in honor of Spc.
Steven Gutowski
Sponsored by the Plymouth Public Schools
Show your support for local veterans by raising donations for every lap walked around the gym or track.Funds raised will aid local veterans in need, with help for things such as fuel assistance, food, etc. Come walk with us, or drop in and make a donation. Cash or checks made out to Town of Plymouth/Veterans Services will be collected at the walk.
Where: Plymouth South High School
490 Long Pond Road
Time: 10:30 AM - 1 PM
For more information: Contact the Academic Coordinators' Office
Plymouth Public Schools ~ 508-830-4476
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Guidance Department News
College Financing Seminar
Wednesday, November 16 from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Plymouth NORTH High School Auditorium
Parents of all college-bound seniors (from both of our high schools) are welcome to attend this timely informational presentation which will cover all of the important aspects of college financing including different types of financial aid and how to apply.
Free Online Fall College Fair
CollegeWeekLive, the world's largest free online college fair, will host its annual Fall College Fair on November 2nd and 3rd. 60,000 students, parents, and guidance counselors can connect with over 350 colleges and universities live online.
Sig-Up Now
At CollegeWeekLive FALL, students can chat online live with admissions representatives to get answers to their questions on admissions, financial aid, and student life. Current students from the participating universities will give live video presentations about campus life and their experiences. Participating Massachusetts schools include: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Bentley University, Emerson College, Bay Path College, Lasell College, Curry College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Suffolk University, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Lesley University, Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University, Boston University, Regis College, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Westfield State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Newbury College, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
In addition to providing access to the colleges, CollegeWeekLive will host live video presentations from admissions experts on college admissions, test prep, college essays, and financial aid. Students can enter to win up to $10,000 in scholarships at CollegeWeekLive FALL.
CollegeWeekLive supporting partners include the US Department of Education Federal Student Financial Aid Office, Scholarship America, and NCAN. Sign-Up Now!
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News from the Elementary IMC Specialists
District News for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary IMC Specialists.
We often recommend great books, databases, and websites that have valuable, time saving information for all of the educators, parents, and students in the District. In order to disseminate this information more widely, will we be contributing regularly to the Friday Notes.
This week we want to suggest that everyone sign-up for the Internet4Classroom Newsletter. It will be sent to you automatically every month and is full of great information on all aspects of education in a user-friendly, clearly organized format. Take a minute to scroll down an attached issue and/or go directly to the website and subscribe. Also, check the index for the huge amount of information that it contains. (i.e., Smartboard tutorial and/or lesson plans)
It is well worth the time that it takes to sign-up and is written for educational communities by educators.
Site: internet4classrooms.com
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Unified Arts News
On Tuesday, October 25th it was voted on and approved to create the PLYMOUTH PARENT MUSIC ASSOCIATION - a committed group of parents with children from K-12 who will be actively involved in helping to support the music programs in all of the Plymouth Public Schools. If you have any questions or would like to become involved with the Plymouth Parent Music Association please call the Unified Arts department at 508-830-4469 or you can email Pam Rogers or Shannon Looney.
Listed below is the Executive Board and Board of directors. There are still many ways for you to get involved including various committees such as communications and financing among others. Executive Board: Pam Rogers President mpnka@msn.com; Shannon Looney, V.P. shanlooney@hotmail.com; Deb Richters, Treasurer; Jen Creane, Secretary Barara Panora; assistant Secretary Board of directors: Ted Ozeliu,s Marsha Allen, Carl Hamblin, Erin Crain
Websites!
Many of our staff members have their own websites which you can find on the Plymouth Public Schools website. Listed below are just a few of the websites - be sure to check them out!
Bonnie Homes: Band Director, Plymouth North High School
http://www.plymouth.k12.ma.us/AcademicResources/AcademicPrograms/UnifiedArts/Staff/BonnieHolm es/tabid/611/Default.aspx
Justin Canzano: Band Director, Plymouth South High School
www.tinyurl.com/pshsmusic
Kristen Fonseca: Music teacher, Plymouth North High School
www.frankandcharliemusic.com
Marsha Hanby: Art teacher, Manomet Elementary
www.manometart.webs.com
Jennifer McCarthy: Art teacher, Nathaniel Morton Elementary
www.nmarteducation.blogspot.com
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News from the Mathematics Department
Family Math Ideas Using Phone Books
Here's a math game that answers the age-old question: What do I do with all the phone books I have lying around? Before you recycle them, think about using these books to help your children practice math skills.
Give your child the white pages, or, if you have a few kids, give them each a phone book. Then, say a number aloud (for instance, 34). See how quickly your child can find a telephone number with digits that add up to that number (for example, 555-6391). If your kids are younger, you might want to choose a lower number and ask them to use only the last four digits (in our example, they'd add up to 19). Or, if your kids are math pros, they might want to work with the phone number and area code.
See how many phone numbers your kids can find adding up to the total in a given time period (say, five minutes), or how long it takes a group of kids to find ten numbers that total the given amount. Or, for the most challenging game imaginable, see whether your children can find phone numbers that, when each of the numbers are multiplied, equals 6432!
Read more on FamilyEducation: http://fun.familyeducation.com/imaginative-play/math/51151.html#ixzz1c5qUnnt
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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