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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, December 19, 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:
"In every person who comes near you look for what is good and strong."
- John Ruskin
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News from the Elementary Library Media Specialists:
Looking for the perfect book for that special person on your gift list?
The Amazon site:
http://www.amazon.com/best-books-2011/b?ie=UTF8&node=3321372011
has lists of 2011 best sellers for all ages.
The American Library Association has recommended titles including a list for ages newborn through 14. See the following site:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb.
Many Plymouth students in grades 4-6 are currently participating in the Massachusetts Children's Book Award(MCBA)reading incentive program.
The Acton Public Library has an annotated list of the current MCBA titles.
See the following site for titles and information:
http://www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/MCBA-2011-12.pdf.
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Guidance Department News
Sophomore Planning Night: Know Your Pathway to Success! (this event has been re-scheduled from Nov. 29 - the new date is January 11):
Wednesday, January 11 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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West Elementary School News
The Giving Tree Program West Elementary is happy to report the return of one of our annual traditions, the Giving Tree. Through the committment of our warm and caring students, children have generously earned donations that will be used to support other families in the West community in need during the holiday season. Students receive an ornament with their names on it as a symbol of their hard work and thoughtfulness for others. The ornaments are proudly displayed in the Main Lobby for all to see! In order to achieve an ornament on our Giving Tree, the children need to record all of the chores they do at home, collect money for completing their chores, and then donate the money to the fifth grade who run this charity. They are rewarded with a paper ornament that they can decorate themselves and put on the tree! We are very proud of them. 
West Night at the Cabby Shack The West PTA held a restaurant night at the Cabby Shack. With all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, students and parents enjoyed a night of food and face painting. They enjoyed this brief break from all of the fast-paced commotion! 
The Philharmonic Orchestra visits West Elementary School On December 16, 2011 students were treated to a wonderful display of musical talent. Members of the unit played many different musical pieces from different generations and genres. 
Kindergarten Gingerbread House Friday was the annual Kindergarten Gingerbread House. Students had a lot of fun making their ginger bread houses in celebration of the holiday season. 
Great job Kindergarten!!!
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Nathaniel Morton Elementary School News
Peaceful School Bus
During the months of November and December, Nathaniel Morton began implementing an exciting new school wide social and emotional effort called the Peaceful School Bus. All staff members of Nathaniel Morton are involved in the program. Several teachers are leading these meetings with the support of other staff members at the time of the morning workshops. At the present time, all students have participated in two bus meeting workshops, working to solve bus concerns and brainstorming solutions to make the daily bus ride better for everyone. This school-wide effort involves all buses, students, drivers and some parents that belong to Nathaniel Morton. In addition, we have included the large portion of students who walk to school each day. The program is modified to meet the needs of this population changing bus concerns to school concerns. This Peaceful School Bus/ Peaceful School program will create community and responsibility among students. The hope is that this initiative will make each student's experience on the bus a pleasant one and therefore make school more enjoyable.
NMES Students Have Spirit!
The students of Nathaniel Morton showed their spirit by wearing their favorite hat to school. This was in an effort to collect winter hats for the homeless. Students could either donate a hat to the coalition or make a monetary offering. All proceeds were accepted on behalf of the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless. Students and faculty donated a total of 160 new winter hats and over $400.00 to the coalition.
Thanksgiving Feast
On Tuesday November 22nd, N.M.E.S hosted its Annual Thanksgiving Banquet. The cafeteria served turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and a special dessert. To make this meal extra special for the students, the students were served their meals at their table by parent volunteers and ate with their teachers. Many students created their own placemats and hats to bring to the feast. It was very exciting!
 
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Hedge Elementary School News
Hedge School
"NSTAR and Radio Disney have collaborated on a great, high energy, educational, and interactive game show for school children."
On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, Radio Disney conducted two live game shows for our third, fourth and fifth graders. Students were asked questions related to different forms of energy including renewable energy versus non-renewable energy, electrical safety, and conserving electricity and saving water. Andrew Bilodeau and Mike DeAndrade were the two game show winners. The winners received the new Muppet movie soundtrack. All students received a bag with school supplies.
All students were actively engaged and learned some very important facts about energy and conservation. This program was free to Hedge School by Radio Disney and NSTAR.
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South Elementary School NewsNovember Fine Dining It was a cozy, inviting Monday as South Elementary's "Fine Diners" entered the cafeteria to find candlelit tables with "fine dining" plates and napkins and festive centerpieces that created a special, exclusive dining experience. This honor was a result of being the best behaved and well mannered classes during the month of November. The November Fine Diners were: Ms. Carter's class, Mrs. Bunnell's class, Mrs. Kershaw's class and Ms. Almeida's class. Congratulations to these awesome classes and Bon Appetit! 
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Cold Spring Elementary News
COLD SPRING SCHOOL CITIZENSHIP HONOR ROLL - TERM 1
In order for students to be named to the honor roll, they must receive a "C," indicating consistency, in each of the categories of Personal and Social Behavior on their term 1 report card. These categories include respecting the rights and property of others; following rules and routines, demonstrating self control; working cooperatively with others; accepting responsibility for his/her own actions. Congratulations to all of these students for their outstanding citizenship.
Grade 1
Kathleen Battles
Cameron Champney
Brooke Finlay
Brigid Geezil
Abigail Gill-Emerson
Corey Mallard
William Norris
Sarah Paradis
Aimee Parent
Zachary Porter
Nathanial Porter
Colby Sampson
Anjolique Santiago
Dominick Sorensen
Michael Talbot-DaRocha
Isabella Zahara
Grade 2
Cassidy Cardey
Amanda Cherry
Jenna Cook
Isabella DeMeireles
Sean Hales
Summer Hall
Evan Hallissey
Ryan Hannon
Daniel Hayes
Kylee Hefner
Lauren Joyce
Paige Joyce
Riley Keegan
Alec MacLeod
John Mahan
Cassandra McDonough
Cormac Minarovich
Dallas Murphy
Olivia Ouellette
Christian Pardue
Sofia Taborda
Benjamin Telford
Riley Venezia
Grade 3
Bisma Awan
Emma Battles
Chloe Cronin
Amy Diodato
George Green
Wyatt Hampton
Krista Hinckley
Jacqueline Holmes
Anthony Loranger
Kyle McKenna
Joseph Norris
Helena Powers
Brooke Saunders
Abigail Smith
Tayla Turner
Ciara Tynan
Charlotte Woomer
Grade 4
Brady Anderson Sorensen
Maria Baker
Aryanna Bertino-Pyne
Joie Daley
Alyssa DeMeireles
Collin Henderson
Ethan Masse
Katharine Parent
Ty Pierson
Kaylee Vollano
Madison Whiting
Grade 5
Stefan Beaumont
Anthony Keefe
Matheus Meireles
Ruby Norris
Daniel Northington
Ariana O'Connell
Jena Robbins
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Manomet Elementary School News
Manomet School held its annual holiday concert this past Monday evening. Students in grades 4 and 5 entertained two packed audiences with numbers by strings, band, and choral performers. Many of these students just joined these groups three short months ago, and they already sound like professionals! Many thanks to Karen DeVoe, Dan Lasdow, and Larry Chaplan for all of their hard work in preparing the students for this wonderful event!
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PSMS News
Health Tea
The students had an opportunity to celebrate what they learned in Grade 5 Health class. Prior to the lunch they studied nutrition. They examined calorie counting, portion size and food groups at www.choosemyplate.gov. They had the opportunity to discover and discuss the "short-comings" of the web site and the difficulty of applying the demonstrated process. Furthermore, they discussed the value of proper nutrition and exercise. They created their own plate that was used as a table decoration and conversation aide. They also studied etiquette/table manners and hygiene. That part of the unit gave students the opportunity to think of awkward moments that might occur and ways to manage the situation. There were lots of smiles and giggles that day! In addition, they created invitations, tracked the RSVP, and learned how to introduce their guest. Thanks to Mrs. Kirkland and her staff, Mrs. Reed, Beth, Gino and Jessica. They helped make this a memorable luncheon. Below students are shown enjoying lunch with an important person in their life. 
 
Grade 7 - 2nd Floor This week, the students of the second floor 7th grade blue team will be contributing new, wrapped toys to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for holiday giving. Students purchased the gifts with proceeds from the 7th grade 2nd floor Christmas Auction. The success of this year's event is a result of the generosity of the families and students of the 2nd floor who donated gently used items for sale. Students worked as auctioneers to display and offer items for bid while other students worked as bankers who collected money, recorded transactions, and made change. Additional student volunteers then went out with their parents and did all the shopping. During the wrapping of the gifts, one student commented, "I now feel so warm inside!" As a result of their hard work, the 7th graders were able to raise over $2400.00 which was used to fulfill Christmas wish lists for 9 children in DCF custody, and purchase holiday gift cards for 11 PSMS families in need. 
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PCIS News
Holiday Music Fills the Halls of PCIS
This week PCIS held their annual band concert on Tuesday, December 13th and chorus concert on Thursday, December 15th. On these evenings, well over 300 students performed seasonal selections. Students worked and prepared several songs representing the holiday season. The students did an excellent job in performing their selections to an audience of teachers, staff, friends and family. Thank you to John Corey and Ian Barkon, band directors, and Jessica Vaitkus, choral director, and Sharon Francer, choral accompanist, for their work with these students. They are truly a talented group of students!
PCIS Students rewarded for hard work in annual magazine drive!
Several students accompanied Principal Brian Palladino in the PTA's annual Limo to Lunch reward. Students who worked hard to assist in the PTA's annual magazine drive were entered into a drawing to receive a free lunch at The Cabby Shack in Plymouth. Students who won the drawing were allowed to take a friend and were transported, via limo, along with Principal Palladino to have lunch at Cabby's. Thank you to these students for their hard work and to PTA and Cabby Shack for their support.
PCIS Students Rock Summer Reading!
Students from each house were entered into a drawing to receive a $25 give card to the PCIS annual book fair. Students who went above and beyond in their summer reading were entered into a drawing. One student from each house was selected to receive the gift card to purchase items from the schools book fair. Jonathan Hansen (Gemini), Ashley Hale (Ranger), Sarah Gonsalves (Mercury) and Victoria Gray (Apollo) were presented with their gift by Principal Palladino and the Housemasters. Great job on your summer reading!
Magazine Drive Promise Held - Kiss a Fish!
As a motivator to do the best we could on the PTA's annual magazine drive, Principal Palladino, Officer Caraher and all Housemasters participated in what has become an annual tradition. To "celebrate" a job well done by students all of the above "Kissed a Fish." PTA had a Flounder donated and brought it to school. Students witnessed their Principal, Resource Officer and Housemaster actually "kiss" the fish. This is a fun event that helped to motivate students and PTA in a successful drive. Thankfully it's only once a year!
PCIS Celebrates 1000 page readers!
The 1000 page club is a group of students who love to read and were recognized for reading 1000 pages in one term. Over 120 students were recognized for reading 1000 pages or more in term one. This program is part of the PCIS Literacy Team vision to encourage students to read beyond the classroom. Students are recognized by Principal Palladino, Housemasters, and their teachers. Students were given certificates in recognition of this great achievement. There were some students that went above and beyond the 1000 page mark, most notable: Isabel Kierstead (Apollo) 3,543 pages, Alexxia Shortall (Apollo) 3,759 pages Devon Taggert (Gemini) 5,244 pages and Jordan Lippman, Phillip Cronin, Casey Lynch, Liam Lavin, Meghan Newcombe (Mercury) all read OVER 10,000 pages!! Students will continue with their reading throughout the year!
PCIS Continues to Give Back
Cheryl Nickerson, a Student activities monitor at PCIS, organizes our annual Winter yard sale during lunches. Staff members donated items for Cheryl to sell during lunches at a very discounted rate. Students were allowed to shop during their lunch period. Many students took this time to buy their friends and loved ones a special holiday gift. All money collected will get distributed amongst the houses to be distributed to PCIS families in need. The Yard Sale raised almost $1,000, which will be donated to PCIS students in need.
 
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Plymouth North High School News
Progress Reports were sent home TODAY, Friday, December 16th.
Come to North TONIGHT
Drama Club invites everyone to Friday Night Live, a collection of comedy skits, on December 16th at 7:00 P.M. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.
PNHS School Council Meeting
North School Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in PNHS Faculty Dining Room (back corner of cafeteria).
Students Helping Students
National Honor Society students have formed a group to help academically support the students of Plymouth North. On Tuesdays students can go to the library at 2:15 p.m. to receive assistance in their Math and Science related courses. On Thursday at 2:15 p.m. the same support is available for Writing, History and World Language. National Honor Society Students are available until 3:15 p.m.
Plymouth North in the NEWS
Plymouth North wrestling takes two out of three
Sports update for Wednesday, Dec. 14
Plymouth North Winter Sports Schedule
Plymouth North track teams fall to Dennis-Yarmouth
SAVE THE DATE
SOPHOMORE PLANNING NIGHT - Know Your Pathway to Success!
DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: PSHS CAFETORIUM
The Plymouth North and Plymouth South High Schools' Guidance Departments welcome all parents and guardians to attend our Sophomore Planning Night (students may also attend).
Topics for the evening will be: The High School Transcript, Graduation/College Requirements, Career/College Planning, Maximizing Your Potential, Early Financial Planning for College.
We look forward to your participation in this important information session!
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Plymouth South High School News 
At the Thanksgiving Day football game, students and families from North and South High Schools worked together to prepare care packages for the troops overseas. The photo above is the first shipment of care packages sent to Afghanistan by the family of Steve Gutowski. His buddies honored him by spelling out his nickname "Guto" with the packages. The incredible generosity and support from the entire community made this drive an overwhelming success. Over 50 volunteers spent the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the gym at PSHS preparing the packages for shipment. A total of 224 packages were shipped to Steve's platoon mates. The Gutowski family was overwhelmed by the response they received in support of this effort. Of all the tributes paid to Steve, this one was special. In spite of their terrible loss, the Gutowski family has been steadfast in their desire to support our soldiers who are still in harm's way. This drive allowed them to let Steve's buddies know that they are not forgotten.
Second Quarter Progress Reports were sent home today with students - please contact teachers and/or guidance counselors with questions.
The Plymouth South Senior Class Student Council will be collecting scarves, hats and mittens to donate to local shelters and students who are in need of them. Any donations that students can bring in would be greatly appreciated. They will be collected from December 13th to December 21st.
The Winters Sports Season has begun at PSHS. Check the PSHS South Panthers website for schedules for games and events throughout the season. In addition, the website has a great collection of Panther Wear available for holiday gifts.
Recently, employees of Jordan Hospital sponsored a fundraiser on behalf of PSHS graduate Nick Eufrazio. Nick was injured overseas and we are working to help the family during difficult times. Together, we managed to raise a total of $8457.00 for the Eufrazio Fund. It was accomplished with the help of P.S.H.S. and P.C.I.S aiding our ticket sales effort. The laboratory employees at Jordan Hospital, and the Plymouth Pathology Associates (the doctors who donated the IPAD) want to express their gratitude for our participation in this fundraiser for the Eufrazio's. We could not have done this without a community of caring people.
The Plymouth Public Schools Unified Arts Department for the first time has put up a display of selected student artwork at the Independence Mall in Kingston. This exhibit of student work is being championed by the Independence Mall in support and celebration of student creativity, imagination and industry. It will be on display throughout the holiday season and we hope you can stop by to view the students' work. The following students from Plymouth South High School have artwork on exhibit: Brian Betterton, Jessica Buckley, Nathan Carter, Charles Conway, Jordan Coulstring, Vincent DiZoglio, Desiree Galligan, Kathryn Hoar (6 pieces!), Kaleb Jesse, Kimberly Maurice, Emily Nickerson, Emily Okraska, Haley Pike, Tyler Scagliarini and Kiley Slayter.
Several Plymouth South High School culinary arts students had the opportunity this year to participate in the Annual Breakfast with Santa that was held at Nathaniel Morton Elementary School on Saturday, December 10th. After being responsible for putting together the breakfast shopping list, Joe MacEachern, Shannon Murphy, Emilee Rizzotto, Daniel Griffin, Joe Cimorelli and Lorilee Mayberry all traveled to NMES on Friday for a pre-breakfast tour of the kitchen facilities. On Saturday morning, the students went right to work doing the prep work and helping to serve approximately 500 guests a full hot breakfast! The breakfast was an overwhelming success and both schools hope to see this collaboration continue in future years.
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Science Department News
The 2012 Plymouth Public Schools High School Science Fair is being held on Tuesday, February 7 at Plymouth North High School. As in the past, this year's science fair will showcase the talent of high school students in science and technology/engineering from both Plymouth North and Plymouth South High Schools.
Volunteers play a critical component in the success of this annual event. If you are interested in volunteering (e.g., judges, hallway assistance) please click here.
If the link does not work, please copy and paste this into a web browser
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHU3Y1RyYS1JUTNlVlNDNmhsdkh6aWc6MA
Please note that most volunteers are needed between the hours of 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Volunteers are also invited to the awards celebration following judging.
Thank you for your time in considering this outstanding opportunity to support our district's science program.
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Unified Arts Department News
Upcoming Events:
December 16th: Federal Furnace Chorus to perform at Providence Bruins
December 19th: Nathaniel Morton Chorus Concert
December 22nd: Indian Brook Orchestra, Band, and Chorus Concert
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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