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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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Weekly Quote: "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
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Elementary Media News
Do you know Jamie MacKenzie?
Jamie is a nationally recognized leader in the field of instructional technology and has worked in various educational roles including classroom teacher and principal. He is the Editor of From Now On - The Educational Technology Journal, a Web-based "ZINE" published online since 1991. In this journal, he has argued for increased commitment to professional development along with networks to support student exploration and reasoning. He also publishes The Question Mark, a journal devoted to questions and questioning for educators.
Jamie has been a contributing editor to eSchool News and a guest columnist for the Classroom Connect newsletter. His articles have also appeared in Kappan, Educational Leadership, Electronic School and other educational periodicals.
You can get a free subscrition to the Journal FROM NOW ON by going to : fno.org and signing up.
You can get a free subscription to the Journal THE QUESTION MARK by going to: questioning.org and signing up.
The wealth of valuable information (lesson plans, suggestions, etc.) and thought-provoking articles from numerous sources available in these Journals helped make Jamie Mac Kenzie a valuable resource to educators throughout the Country.
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Veteran's Day Event
The Second Annual Step Up for Veterans was held on Friday, Nov. 11th. Walkers including the Plymouth South High Football Team walked the track and raised $355 for local veterans. Plymouth North students and volunteers handed out flags to the walkers and collected donations. Plymouth Public Schools Food Services donated bottles of water for the walkers.
Manomet students Reilley and Reagan Hall with their mom, Sandra
 The Perlow family, including dad Dana, who is a teacher at Plymouth North High School
Plymouth North High School student volunteers
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West 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.
West Elementary School Hosts the Tanglewood Marionettes Last week, West Elementary School students were treated to an outstanding performance by master puppeteers, The Tanglewood Marionettes. Brought to the students through the PTA's Cultural Arts program, students were given lessons on how to create puppets out of simple household items and treated to a wonderful exhibition. The Tanglewood Marionettes performed the tale: "An Arabian Adventure." Students were excited and enthralled by their beautiful craftsmanship, making their puppets come to life. After the show, students were able to ask questions about this unique art form.  Performers display the real-life actions of their puppets.
 Lights, sound machines, and action! West students watched with great anticipation as the Tanglewood Marionettes bring their puppets to life.
The West Elementary School's students, teachers, and staff enjoyed themselves and are grateful to the PTA for programs like this. Students leaving the show were already talking about "when they come back next year!"
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Hedge Elementary School News
Hedge School Shout Out
Randy Price from the Channel 5 Eye Opener visited Hedge School on Wednesday, November 16, 2011. During his visit, he recorded the first grade students doing a Shout Out.
Click on the link below to view the shout out:
Shout Out!
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Nathaniel Morton Elementary School
Students at NMES were involved in a variety of activities to recognize Veteran's day. Some students chose to decorate the "Wall of Honor" with pictures and acknowledgements of relatives or family friends that have served in the armed forces. Other students sent letters to current servicemen and women via Walter Reed hospital detailing their gratitude. Some first grade students created their own soldiers that lined the hallways of the school while focusing on the charactersitics of soldiers like courage, bravery and heroisim. Lastly, several classrooms had a special visit from former NMES student and current Marine, PFC Connor Hamilton. Whatever the format or activity, students at NMES clearly understand and appreciate the importance of and the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.
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South Elementary School News
Students Take a Virtual Look at the First Thanksgiving
Using SMART Board technology, classes are participating in a virtual Thanksgiving field trip, sponsored by Scholastic and Plimoth Plantation. South Elementary is one of many schools throughout the country logging on to Scholastic's web site during November to partake in the First Thanksgiving webinar, which includes tours of the Wampanoag Homesite and the 17th Century English Village at Plimoth Plantation.
The program brings the real story of Thanksgiving to life with three virtual field trips to Plimoth Plantation, including:
- A behind-the-scenes look at the simple but arduous life of the Pilgrims
- A glimpse into the day-to-day life of the indigenous people who were part of the Wampanoag Nation, including their resourceful solutions to everyday challenges.
- A discussion by the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people as they discuss together their lives, collaboration, and the first Thanksgiving.
"These video tours give the students an authentic picture of Pilgrim and Wampanoag life," says First Grade Teacher Mary Leach. "Prior to viewing, students generated questions they had about each topic. After each virtual field trip, they generated a list of memorable facts and later compared Pilgrim life to Wampanoag life using a Venn diagram."
The program includes teaching resources, and classrooms also received historical letters from Pilgrim and Wampanoag children by email.
"We will be watching the final presentation next week, which is a tour of Plimoth Plantation," Mrs. Leach notes. "It's amazing how much the students learn from watching, and how insightful their questions and comments are after the lesson!"
Turkey Trot Food Drive Benefits Local Food Bank
Physical Education Teachers Margie Ryan and Chad Jordan held the annual Turkey Trot to collect non-perishable food for the food pantry at the Christ Church Parish (Episcopal) in Plymouth. Students got moving as they ran around the field in front of the school for a 20-minute period and recorded the number of laps to determine the number of non-perishable food items to be donated by their sponsors. Students collected nearly 100 of cases food to help stock the food pantry.
Art Classes Create Masterpieces Based on Eric Carle and Georges Seurat
First and second grade art classes have been working on collages based upon the work of author/artist Eric Carle. A reading of his book, The Mixed-Up Chameleon, allowed students to take a closer look at the illustrations and make observations about Carle's work.
"They learned that this artist creates large paintings on tissue paper, cuts them into a variety of shapes, and then pieces them together to form collages," says art teacher, Sarah Cristani. "These collages then serve as illustrations for his books."
Each child created two paintings, one in cool colors (green, blue, and purple) and another in warm colors (red, orange, and yellow). Once dry, the children cut out simple shapes from their paintings and arranged them together to create an original piece of artwork using techniques similar to Eric Carle.
Third and fourth graders examined the painting Sunday on La Grande Jatte by artist Georges Seurat. They learned about the painting style he developed known as pointillism, and experimented with this technique using small dots of color with Q-tips and watercolor paint. Fourth graders created portraits, while third graders used shapes to develop original designs. Children also had the opportunity to take a closer look at paintings done by Seurat using magnifying glasses to examine the small dots of pure color within his artwork.
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Manomet Elementary News
Mrs. Jeannine Hatch's 5th grade science class at Manomet recently explored SOUND. They learned that sound is vibration, and made phones and "party-lines" to experience it!
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Plymouth South Middle School News
Cooking Up Fortunes
Eighth graders on the second floor at PSMS recently participated in Fortune Cookie Writing, an activity involving both English and Math. In English, after studying the history of the fortune cookie and the apparent themes found within fortunes, students let their creative juices flow, as they wrote a variety of their own fortunes. Meanwhile, in Math, students studied the components of a fortune cookie recipe, discussing the breakdown of the recipe and the necessary ingredients. From there, they made their way towards the kitchen to cook up their fortunes, putting the recipe into action. Back in English, students enjoyed their cookies, using the fortunes as writing prompts, leading to entertaining, interesting and creative stories.
 SPIRIT WEEK AT PSMS! Plymouth South Middle School is participating in the annual Spirit Week leading up to the Thanksgiving Day Pep Rally. Under the direction of Co-Spirit Leaders, Mr. Joyce and Mrs. Cardin, our students and staff are enjoying a festive variety of theme-based days that include the following: Black & White Day, Mismatch Day, Crazy Hat Day, Twin Day, Tropical or Cowboy Day and Green & Gold Day. The Pep Rally will take place on Thursday, November 23rd and will feature Mr. Joyce and Mrs. Cardin as Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, as well as the PSMS Jaguar, the Captains of the PSHS football team and the Cheerleaders from PSHS. There will be free t-shirts tossed to the crowd, the Spirit Stick, signifying the floor with the most spirit, and the singing of the School Song. This is a loud and fun day for all as we come together to support the Plymouth South community in the annual Thanksgiving Day game. 
Geo Fair Invitees
What: Southeastern Massachusetts Geography Network Fair
Where: Burnell Hall, Bridgewater State College Campus
When: Saturday, November 19th - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Grade 7 Geography Fair took place on November 10th at PSMS.
Here are the students and project topics from the second floor team that were selected to compete at the Southeastern Massachusetts Geography Network Fair. Good luck to all!
Individual:
Michael Delano - Medieval and Modern England
Pairs:
Liam Ginnetty, Thomas Fitzpatrick - D-Day and Iwo Jima
Maia Segatore, Cassandra Harkins - Tokyo, Japan and London, England
Jessica McWhirk, Sarah Buchanan -Tel Aviv, Israel and Palermo, Sicily
Alyssa Goyette, Nicole Lindquist -Barcelona FC and Real Madrid
Emily Hoar, Emerson Randlett -Food of Thailand and China
Melanie Mitchell, Kayla Armfield -Mall of America and SM Mall of Asia
Small Groups (3):
Drew Luongo, Chris Elliott, Jacob Stasiowski -Flights of Disaster (9/11 and Pearl Harbor)
John Ross, Makenna Rivera-Concannon, Ryan Winterson - Volcanoes
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Plymouth North High School News
The following students will represent Plymouth North at the MIAA Sportsmanship Summit at Gillette Stadium on Friday Nov. 18th: Nicole Borofski, Samantha Burt, Francesca Lapsley, Cody Farragher, Ryan Moskos, Jack Murphy.
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.
Senior portraits are due to Mrs. Harkins by November 21, 2011.
The Thanksgiving Game Pep Rally will be held on Wednesday, November 23rd which is a half day of school. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, this event is a student event only and will not be open to parents, friends or the public. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing it on game day, GO NORTH!!!!
Steven Gutowski Holiday Care Package Drive: Thursday, November 24th at Plymouth South High School starting at 10:00 a.m.
Things to bring: Packaged foods, white t-shirts (s-xl) white tube socks, blankets, books, anything warm, puzzle books, drinks, magazines, toiletries, lotion chap stick, baby wipes, mints, candy, gum, football, Frisbees, games. If you have any questions contact: Karen Gutowski lilkayg0823@aim.com Cheryl Gutowski - cgutowski1@gmail.com
Thanksgiving Game Tickets are on sale at the following locations: Plymouth North and Plymouth South during all lunches on Monday, Nov. 21st and Tuesday, Nov. 22nd. Tickets will be on sale at each high school on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd from 8:00 - 11:00 A.M. Advance ticket price $5.00 Tickets on game day are $8.00.
Tickets are also on sale at Oak St. School from 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Monday, Nov. 21st and Tuesday, Nov. 22nd. Wednesday tickets will also be at Oak St. School on Wednesday, Nov. 23rd from 8:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.
Plymouth North and South Band students will perform in the Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Exchange Student Program: It's that time of year again when the Rotary Club of Plymouth is looking for an outgoing, enthusiastic, student to participate in its long-term exchange program. The student that is selected will have the opportunity of a lifetime living in a foreign country.
The applicant is typically a current sophomore with an interest in living abroad. This year, we are also accepting applications from students who will be completing their Senior year in June, 2012. If you are ready for the challenge and the rewards of living in another land as an exchange student, then you are ready to discover new worlds through the Rotary Youth Exchange.
Please note that you will need to have the four-page preliminary application returned to your school's Guidance office by Monday, November 28th to be considered for the program. Applications are now available in Guidance.
DECA students will be selling Masspass Dine-N-Save coupon books. The cost of a book is $25.00. Mr. Cowgill is organizing students in this fundraiser to raise money for DECA Career Development Conference and to offset family expenses for children participating. Any questions please contact Barry Cowgill BCowgill@plymouth.k12.ma.us
The Winter Sports Season kicks off on Monday, November 28th. Be sure to come out and support the teams.
"Planning for Success Night" for parents and guardians of Sophomores (students welcome) is Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 P.M. at Plymouth South High Cafetorium.
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Plymouth South High School News
The Plymouth South High School Marketing Education students along with the PR Department at the Jordan Hospital have decided their DECA project for this year will be to sell luminary bags for the Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 2nd. To be called "Lights of Hope" benefitting the Jordan Hospital Cancer Center, their goal is to sell 500 bags. While bags can be purchased at "The House" (formally known as the school store) they will also be for sale at The Fashion Show on November 17th and at the North vs South Football game. They can be purchased for $5.00 each and if one wishes they may include a name or a message on the specially designed tag. Bags will be sold at the lighting, but we anticipate selling most of them before then.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT P.S.H.S:
November 21st - Senior Football and Cheerleader Dinner at Plymouth Country Club at 7:00 PM
November 24th - Annual Plymouth North VS Plymouth South Thanksgiving Day Footbal Game at 10:00 AM being held at Plymouth South High School. Tickets for the game will be sold at PSHS starting 11/21 $5.00 in advance, or $8.00 at the door.
In memory of Plymouth's Specialist Steven Gutowski of the 515th Engineer Company, we will be holding a Holiday Care Package Drive. Please bring toiletries, mints/candy/gum, magazines, books, puzzles, games, footballs, blankets, tube socks, blankets and anything warm to the game.
November 30th - National Honor Society Induction at 7:00 PM at Plymouth South High School.
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Unified Arts News
The High School Band will be marching in the Thanksgiving Parade. Come out and cheer on our band!
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Guidance Department News
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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