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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 21, 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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Re-Districting Information Night: During the next few months the redistricting subcommittee of the school committee will be diligently working to review our current school district boundaries for potential changes. Superintendent Maestas is providing a redistricting information night so parents can gain an insight into the process. The meeting will be at: Plymouth South Middle School on November 15th in the cafeteria at 6:30 PM. |
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Weekly Quote: "If a man is called a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and Earth will pause to say, Here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
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South Elementary News
Second Graders Celebrate the Seasons
Second grade classes are celebrating the autumn season with Apple Day and Pumpkin Day. Students are estimating, measuring, making apple prints, writing acrostic poems, creating a seed to apple book, and enjoying different ways to eat apples, including making homemade applesauce. Classes also read various apple-themed books such as Johnny Appleseed. Mrs. Bunnell's students took a "trip around the world" to locate various ingredients for an apple pie, based on the book, How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World.
In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, the second grade team is making holiday cards for U.S. and Canadian troops stationed overseas in Afghanistan, Japan, Iraq, Egypt and Germany. The initiative is part of Operation Christmas Cards, a nonprofit organization based out of Shrewsbury, Mass., whose mission is "to love our troops one card at a time. It is our desire to put a card into the hands of all those deployed during the holidays, boosting their morale and spirit." For many recipients, these cards will be the only correspondence they receive during the holidays.
Fine Diners Celebrate
Each month South Elementary classes in grades 1-4 compete to win the "Fine Dining Award". Classes that have outstanding manners and behavior during lunch and recess receive a tally mark. At the end of each month, the tallies are totaled up, and the classes with the most tallies win the "Fine Dining Award". This honor includes sitting at specially decorated tables and having special plates and napkins. Students also receive a small reward for their efforts. Congratulations to the following classes for the October Fine Dining Competition:
First Grade- Mrs. Shaw's Class
Second Grade - Mrs. Harrington's Class
Third Grade - Mrs. Caldwell's Class
Fourth Grade - Ms. Currie's Class
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Manomet Elementary News
Manomet Elementary School students participated in a "Turkey Trot" spearheaded by Christine Spellman, MES' physical education teacher. Students ran as many laps as they could around a field for twenty minutes during gym class. They then collected a non-perishable food item for every lap they completed from each of their sponsors.
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Cold Spring School News
Last week, the 3rd graders from Cold Spring School took an exciting trip to Plimoth Plantation. The students had done a lot of preparation- reading, doing research, and discussing the Pilgrims and Wampanoag People- and it really showed. The students asked great questions! They also demonstrated their knowledge when speaking with the staff at the Plantation. Looking at the pictures below, you can see how wonderful a time everybody had.
   
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West Elementary School News
The students in Grades 4 and 5 at West Elementary are participating in the Massachusetts Children's Book Award Program (MCBA) for the second year in a row. The Program, which runs through the end of March, requires participating students in grades 4-6 throughout the State to read or listen to at least 5 books from a list of 25 nominees. The official kick-off took place on November 8th at the School Library (I.M.C.). Margaret McGrath, head of the Children's Department of the Plymouth Public Library, and Linda Shannon, Librarian Media Specialist at West, disseminated Program information and book talked all 25 nominated titles.
The MCBA has existed for more than 30 years and encourages critical thinking skills, promotes literacy and family reading experiences, and supports a strong partnership between school and public libraries. The culmination of the Program occurs on a specified voting day in March during which students vote for their favorite title. Votes are then sent to a central location in the State and tallied to determine the winning title and author.
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Indian Brook Elementary News
The 4th grade students have been diligently working the past few weeks, learning about the western states and improving their writing skills. Here are a few highlights:
The Old Fashion Gold Rush
Students studied the western states, with a real life gold rush culminating the activity. After creating, and then panning for gold, the students had to take it to the assayer to be weighed, then off to the bank to get their school money.
Historical Mask Project
Each student chose a famous person in history to study, write a paragraph about, and then create a mask to depict that person. The masks were presented on Halloween along with a Pajama Day Party-a big hit for all!
National Writing Day
Students from Mrs. Frank's and Mrs. Riordan's classes wrote fun, inspiring messages on a paper graffiti wall in their hall. Positive messages prompt positive behavior.
Capri Sun Dress and Edible Landfills
As part of our Conservation Unit, our students learned the importance of recycling and reusing. In addition, they studied the layers of a working landfill, and then made a model in cups using different kinds of food to represent the layers of a landfill.
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Plymouth South Middle School News
Spanish Class Celebration
Last week the students in Señora Palladino's Spanish 1 classes at PSMS celebrated the very unique Mexican national holiday El Día de Los Muertos. After learning about the history and customs associated with this important holiday, the students had a traditional celebration in their classes. Students honored their ancestors by bringing in their relatives' favorite foods and talking about the joyful memories of their deceased family members. There were many of the traditional symbols on la ofrenda in the classroom including skulls, skeletons, marigolds, pictures, favorite possessions, candles, and of course the delicious food.
8th GRADERS GO TO COLLEGE One of our main goals at PSMS is to expose students to the possibilities of college and career awareness. As a result, our 8th graders, once again, visited Bridgewater State University for a campus tour. The second floor visited on November 7th and the third floor visited on November 8th (see photos below). Prior to leaving, the students engaged in activities designed to stimulate interest in preparing for the college experience. They learned new vocabulary related to college and careers. They also viewed a Powerpoint presentation by our guidance staff, which highlighted information about Bridgewater State and the campus tour. Once on campus, the students were escorted by student tour guides and had lunch in the Tillinghast Dining Hall. The students learned about different course offerings, college life and career possibilities. They also gained firsthand experience as they mingled with undergraduates and staff during a typical day. Upon return, the students participated in debriefing discussions with teachers and administrators. They also completed a feedback survey and a personal reflection. Our goal is to provide our students with an exposure that typically occurs much later in high school. It is our belief that this experience will inspire the students and get them thinking about their futures. The students enjoyed the experience and now realize the relationship between effort and motivation and academic and long-term success. 
8th grade 2nd floor  8th grade 3rd floor
PEP RALLY This year's Pep Rally will take place on Wednesday, November 23rd in the gymnasium. Mr. Joyce and Mrs. Cardin will once again serve as Master and Mistress of Ceremony. We are very fortunate to have such enthusiastic and school-spirited teachers who are willing to generate a high level of school spirit. We are encouraging all students to participate in the Rally by wearing school colors or school apparel. PSMS SPIRIT WEEK!!!
Wed. Nov. 16th.........Black and White Day Thurs. Nov. 17th.......Mismatch Day Fri. Nov. 18th............Crazy Hat Day Mon. Nov. 21st..........Twin Day Tues. Nov 22nd.......Tropical or Cowboy Day Wed Nov. 23rd.........Green and Gold Day
Dress up, have some fun, and show your PSMS spirit!! STUDENT COUNCIL ACTIVITIES The Student Council is planning the following upcoming events: The Student Council is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Day Food Drive for local families. Last year we were able to provide 33 families with a Thanksgiving dinner. The following non-perishable items would be appreciated: stuffing, gravy, potatoes (fresh or instant), canned corn, green beans, yams, peas, carrots and cranberry sauce, as well as apple cider or juice. Please send in any items by November 16th and thank you for helping with this worthwhile effort. The first Extravaganza for grades 5 & 6 will be held on Friday, December 2nd from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. There will be a DJ and dancing in the cafeteria, dodge ball and other activities in the gym and pizza and refreshments. The cost is $5.00 or $4.00 with a donated canned food item for the local food bank. FALL SPORTS Under the direction of Mr. McAuliffe, the fall sports season at PSMS came to a close on Friday, October 28th with games against our cross-town rival PCIS. There were 140 student-athletes who participated in volleyball (40), cross-country (40), field hockey (13), boy's soccer (22), and girl's soccer (25). The coaches and team records are as follows: - Volleyball - Mr. Joyce: 2 - 1
- Girl's Soccer - Mr. Murphy: 0 - 3 - 2
- Boy's Soccer - Mr. Lyons: 2 - 2
- Field Hockey - Mrs. Miller: 0 - 4
- Girl's Cross Country - Mr. Herbert & Mrs. Durkee: 3 - 1
- Boy's Cross Country - Mr. Herbert & Mrs. Durkee: 2 - 2
The coaches are very proud of their teams and look forward to next year. DISCOUNT COUPON BOOKS AT COLONY PLACE The PSMS PTA will be selling $5 discount coupon books this holiday season. Over 35 stores at Colony Place, including Dick's Sporting Goods, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, Olive Garden and Best Buy, are participating in this special offer on December 3rd & 4th. On that weekend, each store and restaurant will offer different discounts and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the coupon books will benefit the PTA. They are on sale in the main office until December 2nd or as long as supplies last. Don't miss out on this exciting offer!
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PCIS News
New Babysitters!
Twelve students at PCIS recently completed the first babysitting course given at school. The PCIS Nurse's Office staff is teaching the babysitter course after school to grade six students using the 4-H Babysitter Course curriculum. Students attend every Tuesday and Thursday after school for eight weeks. The course is free of charge and covers first aid, safety, child growth and development and nutrition. For more information, call 830-4450 ext. 1810.
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Plymouth North High School News
Congratulations to each of the recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. Students receiving the scholarships are: Michael Thomas Ahlstedt Nickolas Paul Hernandez Graham Arthur Allen John Patrick Hogan
Kimberly Renee Arthurs Cody John Holmes
Samantha Nicole Basler Jake Vincent Holmes|
Connor William Boris Charlotte Oceana Hovey
Emily Graves Bott Shane Michael Indeglia
Taylor Nicole Bousquet Matthew Paul Josephine
Emma Carolyn Bowman Stefan Francis Joyal
Jared Charles Bramhall Courtney Rose Lawrence
Jillian Leigh Bratti Matthew James Lentini
Libby Marie Brigida Annika Katherine Leydon
Amy Lauren Byrne John-Hanson Machado
Casey Reeves Campbell Molly Jean Martinsen
Rachel Ann Campbell Jaymz Lee McStowe|
Rosemary Laurel Campbell Niyolpaqui Chichilcualli Moraza-Keeswood
Erin Marie Cappellucci Kathleen Claire Normile
Cuinn Jarred Chaplin Christina Michelle Noyes
Emily Elisabeth Cleland Connor Michael O'Dwyer
Hannah Rose Conley Nicholas Paul O'Sadcia
William Thomas Connolly IV Megan Elizabeth Owens
Erin Elizabeth Costa Katelyn Victoria Petrell
Nicholas James Costa Emily Alice Pickett
Alexander Nichols Defelice Emily Christine Pieroni
Stefanie Irene Denault Rachel Dianna Post
Holly Grace Duddy Shannon Elizabeth Marie Raeke
Ryan Andrew Duval Jessica Margaret Rampino
Connnor Michael Farrand John Joseph Reradon
Shawn Patrick Flanagan Caitlin Eileen Ricker
Alyssa Marie Flannery Jaime Colin Rodgers
Jordan Lee Flowers Karen Marie Roth
Connor Brady Flynn Megan Elizabeth Roy
Sean Christopher Folan Alexander Xavier Rozak
Connor Reid Follette Peter Joseph Stasinos
Ashley Kate Gallagher Riley Elizabeth Stefano
Kally May Gatslick Vincent Peter Tavernelli
Tyler David George Mercedes Elizabeth Thayer
Kristi Rose Goodman AnthonyOrtiz Valero
Tyler Anthony Gravelle Tracy Mae Velloso
Tyler Austin Green Robert Gerard Wallace
Cameron Edward Groezinger Benjamin Taylor Waltuch CONGRATULATIONS Jack McDonald, with a score of 68 Jack tied for 1st place at the Golf State Tournament. Jack placed 3rd in the final playoff. Dance Team Wreath Fundraiser $15 Wreaths are 24" across (12" middle), and double-sided with a red bow. Deadline to order is Nov. 16, 2011. Wreaths will be delivered after the Thanksgiving break. Contact any Dance Team Member to order or Alex Simms @ (508) 415-2287 / arsims@syr.edu . The Dance Team is entirely self-funded. Your support ensures our program will remain active. Plymouth North Varsity and J.V. Wrestling Sign Ups Monday November 14, 2:15 - 3:00 in room 204. The Powder Puff game is Tuesday, November 15th, at 6:00 p.m. at Plymouth South Admission is $5. Financial Aid Night is Wednesday, Nov. 16th, 2011 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Auditorium ATTENTION WINTER ATHLETES, Thursday, November 17th is "Meet the Coaches Night." 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Plymouth North Cafeteria. Plymouth North Drama club presents "Get Smart" Nov. 18th & 19th at 7:00 and Nov. 20th at 2:00. Tickets are $5.00 in advance at all lunches and $7.00 at the door. Planning for Success Night" for parents and guardians of Sophomores (students welcomed) is Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Plymouth South High Cafetorium Scholarships for Seniors are updated on a regular basis through the year. You can find the list on the school website under Guidance/Scholarships. Be sure to check it often. See Mrs. Flanagan with any questions. Adopt-a-Platoon PNHS students are pictured here along with their Advisors Mrs. Lasky and Mrs. Madden. They are shown in front of their Adopt-a-Platoon display which encourages the writing of letters or cards to the troops each term. 
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Plymouth South High School News
Mrs. Fry's Classroom Spotlight: Erik Walker/English-Journalism Teacher
Students in the Journalism/Media Studies and Broadcast Journalism classes went to Harvard Square last Friday evening to see legendary journalist Tom Brokaw discuss journalism, America, and solutions to some of the nation's current problems. Brokaw spoke to the students and a group of people assembled at a lecture sponsored by the Harvard Book Store as he toured the country promoting his new book, The Time of Our Lives: A conversation about America; Who we are, where we've been, and where we need to go now, to recapture the American dream.
After a class dinner in Cambridge, the students listened to Brokaw discuss ideas on the U.S. education system, racial and gender tolerance, the economy, democracy, and how to "re-enlist citizens to step forward and work together." Saying that he had never seen America so divided on partisan grounds before, Brokaw told the students, "We need to listen more and shout less, and determine how to reach common ground so we can move forward." Following the speech, Brokaw took questions from the audience, including PSHS students Maxx Luddy, Ray Addison, Ryan Keefe, and Marissa Trunfio. Many of the students were also able to meet him and get books signed by Brokaw afterwards. "It was a wonderful experience to see a journalist reflect on his experiences and offer his insight on our world," said journalism teacher Erik Walker.
Congratulations to the following PSHS students who will represent PSHS at the 18th annual MIAA/MSSADA Sportsmanship Summit at Gillette Stadium on November 18, 2011. The summit is held each year to honor, educate, and celebrate those who make sportsmanship a priority in their schools and constantly strive to improve the athletic culture in MA high schools. Gillette Stadium will be the host of over 1,000 participants at this event for the seventh consecutive year.
Anthony Schena
Brendan Harty
Dylan Oxsen
Maureen Riordan
Olivia Parsons
Alyson Messina
Listed below are the John and Abagail Adams Award Winners for PSHS for the 2011-2012 academic year. The following seniors have been recognized for excellence on their MCAS exam and have been awarded free tuition at MA state colleges and universities. Congratulations to all students and their families!
Matthew Andersen, Derek Anzuoni, Trevor Axford, Alexandra Barbeau, Elizabeth Bates, Monique Beaulieu, Nicole Chandler, Evan Connolly, Brianna Corsini, Victoria Costa, Cody Davey, Joshua DeSantis, Thomas Douglas, Amy Drazek, Adam Ferguson, Tyler Ferris, Maura Flaherty, Alyson Fleck, Micaela Fornaciari, Amanda Fragata, Jesse Freeland, Rachael Gilbert, Paul Goyette, Nicole Hassan, Jessica Hawker, Keith Holmes, Holley Humberd, William Husted, Maxx Luddy, Ian Masters, Holly Matthews, Mariah McKenna, Madison Montagna, Nicolas Monti, Santiago Narino, Samantha O'Rourke, Nicole Pelzer, Elizabeth Pisto, Victoria Pisto, Steven Reynolds, Emily Richard, Keith Richard, Lauren Richard, Sara Riordan, Timothy Russell, Tyler Scagliarini, Casey Senechal, Carolyn Sessler, Kendra Silva, Jeremy Smith, Lauren Souther, Nathaniel Stowe, Devin Sullivan, Steven Swiniarski II, Bhavjit Thiara, Rebecca Wolfgang and Casey Woodward.
On Thursday, November 3rd, the Plymouth South High School Advisory Students decorated their Advisory Classroom Doorways to celebrate Homecoming using the theme "In The Jungle". Judges roamed the hallways scoring them in 4 categories: school spirit, use of jungle theme, creativity and identification of advisory. Following are the winners: Freshmen: Mrs. Marks, Sophomores: Mrs. Medina/Ms. Faria, Juniors: Mrs. Luddy and Ms. Quinn and Seniors: Ms. Shaver. Great Job to ALL who participated!!
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Unified Arts News
The Plymouth High School Band will be marching in the Veteran's Day Parade Friday, November 11, 2011 starting at 9:30.
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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 and guardians of all college-bound seniors (from both of our high schools) are welcomed 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.
Sophomore Planning Night: Know Your Pathway to Success!
Tuesday, November 29 from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Plymouth SOUTH High School Cafetorium
The Guidance Department at Plymouth North and South High Schools welcomes all parents and guardians to attend our Sophomore Planning Night (students also invited). The topics for the evening will be:
The High School Transcript
Graduation Requirements
Career & College Planning
College Requirements
Early Financial Planning for College
We look forward to your participation in this important information session!
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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