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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, February 27th, 2012. 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:
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."
-- Mother Theresa
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Vote for Alli!
Alli Shaugnessy, a fifth grade teacher at Cold Spring Elementary, needs your help! Alli has entered a photo contest to win entry into an Abraham Lincoln teacher institute this summer in Springfield, IL. This is a week-long institute that will allow Alli to learn more about Abraham Lincoln as a leader and a war hero. She will then be able to share her knowledge with her students and colleagues. To win a seat at the institute Alli's photo has to be one of the top fifty to earn the most votes. Voting ends this Sunday, February 12th, so see below for more information-and vote for Alli! Please help me win my way into an Abraham Lincoln Teacher Institute this summer! Search for "Abe Across America" on Facebook to vote for my photo (entitled: From the Mayflower to Emancipation)! You may vote once each day until February 12th. Please spread the word to your friends and family!! "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."
Abraham Lincoln Thank You!! Alli Shaughnessy Cold Spring-Grade 5 |
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District News and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.
Are you interested in award winning educational blogs, wikis, and more? See and access the Best of 2011 at: edublogawards.com.
Categories include the best:
New blog
Class blog
Student blog
Teacher blog
Library blog
School Administrator blog
Group blog
Mobile App
Free Web tool
Best Ed Tech/Resource blog
Most Influential blog
Education Wiki
Open PD/Webinar Series
Individual Tweeter
Use of a Social Network
Audio Video Podcast
Lifetime Acheivement
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Plymouth Public High School Science FairThe Plymouth Public Schools High School Science Fair was a huge success! Congratulations to all of the participants and this year's award winners. Also, thank you to the countless volunteers and staff that worked so hard on each and every detail. This year's Honorable Mention award winners were: Jake Crociati, Floating into the Future: Maglev Trains Samantha Humberd, Which Color is the Most Distracting? Casey Quinn, Effects of Ethylene Absorbents on Produce Emma Travassos, Contact Solution: Does it Effectively Deter the Introduction of Pathogens to the Eye? Madison Utz, Refract or Bust  Based on their performance at the district science fair, the following students have been invited to the South Shore Regional Science Fair being held on Saturday, March 10, at Bridgewater State University: Jessica Morgan, 1st Place - $300.00 The Effect of UV Radiation on Juvenile Nematostella vectensis  Miranda Barrett, 2nd Place - $200.00 "Can You Hear Me Now?"  Caroline Vigna, 3rd Place - $100.00 Natural vs. Synthetic Antibiotics  4th Place - $50.00 Adian Mikulic, The Endless Hovercraft Sydney Silva, Heart to Heart: The Effects of Over the Counter Drugs on Daphnia magna  5th Place - $25.00 Victoria Christensen, Effects of Energy Drinks on Daphnia Allison Gordon, Garlic and Bacteria Inhibition Mackenzie LeVangie, Powering the World with Vibrations Mary Kate Riordan, Bacterial Growth in Reusable Water Bottles Bridgette Sullivan, Handicap Bowling 
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Indian Brook Elementary News
A "Mad" Scientist visited Indian Brook to present a Fire and Ice show. The Scientist showed the kids the difference between magic and science. In science there are no secrets and you get to figure out how everything works. The students witnessed lots of fun, visually interesting experiments centered on the power that air can have on various objects and how hot and cold can affect those objects.
The Mad Scientist encouraged the students to share with the audience what they thought was going to happen in each experiment; posing problems and "what-ifs" and letting the students work out hypotheses that the Scientist tested out.
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Mrs. Fallon's fourth grade class just received a letter of thanks from Operation Gratitude for their collections to send care packages to service men overseas. The organization stated that with "your support we were able to send over 100,000 `chock full' Care Packages this year to the brave men and women deployed overseas, their children waiting at home and the wounded warriors recuperating stateside." They were extremely pleased with the phenomenal support they received from so many this year. Patriots Pep Rally Mr. Battles and Mrs. Lavin did an outstanding job of putting together a pep rally that our students will remember always. Mrs. Lavin use her technology skills to put together three different slideshows with music attached around the Patriots players and accomplishments this year that truly sparked excitement with the school's students. Mr. Battles coordinated the school's band to play some songs that added to the excitement. It was a great event. Too bad the end result was not as great as our pep rally! 
In addition, Mrs. Frank's class organized a "Souper Bowl." She asked for students, staff, parents, etc. to bring in cans of soup to donate to our local food pantry. Mrs. Frank reached out far and wide for support for this event and as a result of her tenacity, she received a response from State Senate President Therese Murray that she would attend the pep rally and at that time she presented a certificate that recognized Mrs. Frank's and her class's accomplishment from the Massachusetts State Senate. It was quite an honor and a great accomplishment for Mrs. Frank and her class, as well as the school community. Black Out Bullying The entire school participated in Black-out Bullying held throughout the state last Wednesday. Many of our teacher prepared special lesson that emphasized the need to eliminate all bullying in schools. In addition, Mr. Sylvestre spoke to each grade level during lunch to continue the support of how to address bullying or address being bullied. It was a very inspirational event. 
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West Elementary News
Mrs. Kathy Babini, Plymouth's Social Studies Coordinator, Reads to the Second Grade The students in Mrs. Haynes' and Miss Reid's classes listened to Mrs. Kathy Babini read a story, "The Library Mouse, A World to Explore." On a world map, the students located all of the places the mice traveled to, placing landmarks on most of the continents. As a culminating activity, students will research a monument, locate it on the world map and write facts about it. Everyone had a great time and learned a lot about the world. 
Mrs. Learning's Class-Shaping the World One Ecosystem at a Time The students in Mrs. Learning's third grade class have been studying Earth and its landforms. Students collaborated in groups to build ecosystems containing Earth's different landforms. Once the ecosystems were finished, students observed how the ecosystems changed slowly, and then quickly, through the use of water. Students determined landforms change quickly after floods! 
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South Elementary School News
Recorder Program Inspires Budding Musicians
As part of the music curriculum, all third graders are playing the recorder with music teachers Ms. Dolan and Ms. Freidmann.
"The recorder is fairly easy to play and it hopefully will inspire the children to take up a band or string instrument next year," says Ms. Dolan (pictured below with students). "They get to learn simple songs and feel pretty good about it."
Students learn to read the music on a staff using correct fingering. Some musical terms that they are learning in class are also reinforced with the recorder program. Responsibility is also among the lessons: Students are learning to be responsible by practicing on their own and remembering to bring their recorder to class each week.
"By the end of third grade, students should be able to read and play a song with at least seven notes," Ms. Dolan says. "It is a great feeling to see a student play a song and realize they just made music."
Charlotte's Web Becomes "Fair Game"
Mr. Albert's third grade class recently brought the classic children's book, Charlotte's Web, to life. In honor of Wilbur the Pig's trip to the fair with his family, students worked in cooperative groups to design and construct "fair games" for first graders in Mrs. Hoagland's class. The special day was held on February 3.
"They posted the rules, constructed the games and donated the prizes themselves," Mrs. Hoagland says of Mr. Albert's students. "The children played classic fair games such as fishing for prizes, ball toss and matching games, along with other new creative games. The first graders were delighted."
With music playing and the smell of popcorn in the air, students rotated from station to station as their older schoolmates guided them in the process.
"We extended the experience by having the first graders write thank you letters that were replied to by Mr. Albert's students, who noted the super illustrations and emerging writing skills of the younger kids," says Mrs. Hoagland. "It will be a special memory, and made this chapter of Charlotte's Web "real" for everyone!"
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PSMS News
100th Day of School
Ms. McCabe's class celebrated the 100th day of school this week. Students brought in different representations of 100 items. Keenan Martin celebrated by collecting 100 cans of food to donate to the local food pantry. In class on the 100th day of school, Ms. McCabe's class counted various items to see what 100 looked like.
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Plymouth North High School News
Music Department Spaghetti Supper Friday, February 10, 6:30-8:30 pm South High School Cafeteria
Purchase tickets from a band or chorus student this week! There will be limited tickets available at the door; Adults $10 Students $5. Come and enjoy an evening out, student performances, great company, and silent auctions to benefit the Plymouth School Music Association's support of the high school music programs! Robotics First Competition Team Update: This past weekend witnessed an essential milestone. The Robot came alive and proved itself capable of climbing the ramp, crossing the barrier, picking up balls, raising the cannon and shooting at the hoops! For the first time the team saw the fully integrated machine perform. This achievement followed a hard week of engineering setbacks and mechanical disappointments. But the team persevered and with the engineering insight from parent mentor Mr. Long, followed and mirrored by student Derek Salvucci, combined with a lot of especially hard work from our student engineers on Friday and Saturday, the team got it right. Now it's time to learn how to program and use this robot to best advantage. 
Ben Waltuch and Derek Salvucci 
Brian Hughes and Zak Farrel 
 
North Wrestling Wrestling had a great showing at Whitman Hanson this past weekend. North placed 6th as a team in the Division II South Sectional, just a few points shy of qualifying for the team dual meet state championships. Individually, Junior Chucky Phachansiri placed 1st at 126 lbs., and Junior Chris Oneill and Senior Connor Elliott placed 2nd at their respective weights. Also, Senior Carlos Solomon placed 3rd at 132 lbs., and Senior Vinny Tavernelli placed 4th at 195 lbs., and finally Nick Curtis placed 5th at 113 lbs. 
High Honors Breakfast Plymouth North Administration will recognize 90 students that received High Honors for 1st and/or 2nd term. A breakfast is scheduled for the following students on Thursday, February 16th 7:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m. Invitations have been mailed to each student's home. Congratulations to Alexa Abbott, Ashley Abrams, Michael Ahlstedt, Marissa Akeley, Michael Bambrick, Alexandrea Bergamo, Colby Bott, Emily Bott, Angela Botto, Joshua Bowen, Elizabeth Bramhall, Alexander Brisbois, Paige Burke, Brian Campbell, Rachel Campbell, Adam Chapman, Abigail Clark, Stayshia Cody, Anna Colbert, Hannah Cole, Nicholas Collins, Andrew Colton, Jacob Crociati, Maria D'Ambrosio, Maxwell Danner, Kasey Dietzman, William DiGravio, Bradford Feeney, Brandon Ferrell, Kelly Flaherty, Connor Follette, Ashley Gallagher, Kelly Gatslick, Alexander Genduso, Allison Gordon, Jessica Gordon, Sophia Gorton, Tyler Green, Joshua Hawes, Margot Hoagland, Cody Holmes, Jake Holmes, Chaela Hood, EliHovey, RichardKirby, Katie Kitchell, Francesca Lapsley, Mackenzie Levangie, David Lombardi, Mary Machado, Isabel Mallon, Daniel Martini, Lana McEvoy, Victoria McGuire, Courtney McLoud, Adian Mikulic, Matthew Moore, Jessica Morgan, Jennifer Ness, Christina Noyes, Connor O'Dwyer, Meaghan O'Rourke, Katelyn Petrell, Laura Pothier, Casey Quinn, Shauna Quinn, David Reggiani, Hayley Reifeiss, Paula Ribeiro, MaryKate Riordan, Ashley Robichaud, Derek Salvucci, Kristen Schipellite, Francis Schulze, Hannah Schulze, Timothy Shea, Catherine Simpson, Allison Sinewick, Kandace Slattery, Vincent Tavernelli, Hunter Thayer, Kayla Tibbetts, Elizabeth Tosi, Emma Travassos, Dawna Vella, Alexa Weathers, Andrew Welsh, Neal Wynne, Mi Xiong, Jesse Yorks Seniors and Parents of Seniors - If you have not been measured for your cap and gown please see Ms. Allen before or after school ASAP. You must have a check made payable to PNHS-SAF in the amount of $25 at the time of ordering.
- Parents in need of extra graduation tickets may request tickets at PNHS Graduation Ticket Request Form. Please contact Mrs. Serrilla at eserrilla@plymouth.k12.ma.us with any questions.
Club and Activities Photos Ms. Schram has scheduled all club and activity photos for Wednesday, February 15th. See Ms. Schram in room 205 with any questions. State DECA Students Reminder to all students attending the State DECA competition, a check for $125 is due Thursday, February 16th. Please make checks payable to PNHS-SAF. |
Plymouth South High School News
!!! PINK OUT !!!! Come and join the Plymouth South High School Girls' Basketball program for a Pink Out to raise awareness and collect donations for cancer research. Come to Plymouth South Middle School on Tuesday, February 14th for the PSHS vs. Marshfield basketball games - Freshmen at 3:30 p.m., JV at 5:00 p.m. and the Varsity team at 6:30 p.m. WEAR YOUR PINK !!!
PSHS Marketing Students pictured below, Amy Drazek, Brent Eaton, and Dan Riley made a 45 minute presentation to Commissioner Strauss from the Committee on Transportation and Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Rachel Kaprielian and Representative DeMacedo. Their presentation regarded newly patented technology created by a Plymouth native, Jeff Santos, that prevents texting while driving. Students will compete with the project at the State Marketing competition in March. Upon completion of the presentation students were invited to meet Massachusett Senate President Therese Murray and Attorney General Martha Coakley.
Plymouth South's Cosmetology program is collecting hats, turbans and scarves in all styles and colors throughout the month of February to help cancer patients attending the American Cancer Society "Look Good Feel Better" programs.
We would like to congratulate the entire Plymouth South wrestling team and their coaches for winning the South Sectional wrestling title this past weekend. They will now go on to the North/South finals as the number one seed in the South. The team state tournament finals will be held on Sunday, February 15th at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.
The following wrestlers have qualified for the individual state tournament which will take place on Friday of this week: Todd Bazarewsky, Shaun Duncombe, Kevin Fournier, Devin Guadagno, Drew Guadagno, Brendan Harty, Colin Harty, Ryan Harty, Shane Mulligan, Dylan Oxsen and Anthony Schena.
On January 27th and February 7th we had admissions representatives from Cape Cod Community College and UMASS, Dartmouth visit with about 80 seniors throughout the two days. The students were able to complete applications and ask any questions they had. The representatives commented that our students had great questions, were courteous, and presented with great interviewing skills.
Julianna Mori, class of 2015 at Plymouth South High School shown in the photo above is on a synchronized skating team. Julianna's team has qualified to compete at the National Championships being held in Worcester, MA on March 1-3, 2012. Julianna should be proud of her accomplishments as she skates 3 days a week training with her team, then another 3 days a week to work on her individual skating skills, all while maintaining high grades and participating as a winter cheerleader at PSHS!! Great Job Julianna!
This year's recipients of the Massachusetts Vocational Association (MVA) and the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrator's (MAVA) Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Awards are:
MVA Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award - Jessica Hawker/Plumbing. Jessica is also eligible to receive a $500. scholarship from the MVA.
MAVA Outstanding Vocational Technical Student Award - Micaela Fornaciari/Graphic Design and Visual Communications. Micaela will be recognized at the MAVA Dinner at Mechanic's Hall in Worcester.
The Panther Boosters will be collecting any athletic equipment and footwear to be donated for a resale fundraiser. Please gather your equipment from any sport, used cleats and shoes, etc. and get ready for a drop off date to be provided soon. This will include any season. This merchandise will then be sold at an all day event at PSHS with the proceeds going to the Booster Organization. More information to follow soon. Any questions, please contact the director of fundraisinig, Susan Murphy at 774-454-0097 at samurphy@plymouth.k12.ma.us
The following Panther Football players participated in a community service project at Manomet Elementary School on February 3rd. They participated in a Superbowl party with the elementary students and a question and answer session. It is great to see students from all levels working together: Derek Anderson, Jason Lamb, Harrison Holbrook, Dylan Oxsen, Connor Rossi, Kevin Fournier, Anthony Schena and Matt Bremis.
Congratulations to the following members of the girls track team for their record performances on Monday, Feb. 6th at the ACL Championships!! The 4 X 200 relay team of Aly Messina, Elizabeth Pisto, Tori Pisto and Lauren Richard set a new school record of 1:50 !!
Aly Messina set a new school record in the 55 hurdles of 9.45 seconds !!
Lauren Richard set 2 records - the 300 dash in 43 seconds and the long jump of 15'11" !!!
PLYMOUTH JUNIORS - SAT PREP CLASSES!! Register soon for the May or June SAT Exam held at Plymouth South High School in the English wing. It will be from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM with the Critical Reading/Writing Classes on Mondays (March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 23, 30) and the Math Classes on Tuesdays (March 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 24; May 1). The cost is $75.00 for one subject and $125.00 for both subjects. (SAT study guide is included in the registration fee.) DEADLINE for registration is Wednesday, March 7th. Applications are available in PSHS/PNHS guidance offices. Classes are limited so sign up right away !!
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Unified Arts News
Last Saturday a group of Chorus and Band students traveled to Walpole to audition for the Jr. and Senior SEMSBA Music Festival. We are happy to announce that Plymouth Public Schools will be strongly represented in the festival which takes place in May.
The following students have been accepted:
PCIS:
CHORUS:
Lauren Badeau
Julia McBride
Madeleine LeBlanc
Lily Colbert
Madison DeCoursey
Samantha Coburn
BAND:
Anna Kiley--Orchestra/Clarinet
Richard Massie--Orchestra/Trumpet
Michael Armenio--Band/Alto Saxophone
PSMS:
Bass Clarinet: Gr. 7 Liam Ginnetty 1st Chair
Alto Sax: Gr. 8 Gregory Pappas
Trumpet: Gr. 8 Veronica Holmes 1st Chair
Euphonium: Gr. 8 Heather Bryzkcy
Euphonium: Gr. 8 Sean Swanton
PNHS:
Chorus:
Shaelyn Helminiak soprano Gr. 9
Dawna Vella alto Gr 10
Band:
Emily Bott Clarinet Gr. 12
Eli Hovey Baritone Saxophone Gr. 9
Shawn Flanagan Trumpet Gr. 12
Maggie Thompson French Horn Gr 9
Nic Hovey Euphonium gr 10
Jill Panora Tuba Gr 10
PSHS:
Zac West-Clarinet Gr. 11
Melissa Jaworski-Flute Gr. 11
Allison Rogers-Clarinet Gr. 9
Nate Stowe-Trombone Gr. 12
Nate Rogers-Percussion Gr. 11
Congratulations to all!
The Plymouth Schools Music Association is hosting a Spaghetti supper at Plymouth South High School on Friday February 10th from 6:30-8:30pm. There will be salad, pasta with or without sauce, meatballs, bread and butter, desserts, beverages and coffee. Entertainment will be provided by the Band and Chorus in small ensembles and a there will be a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the music program and the scholarship fund. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and children under 5 are free. You may purchase tickets by calling Marcia at 508-746-1845 or email psma.inc@gmail.com . |
Math Counts!
Plymouth Middle Schools offer afterschool MATHCOUNTS Programs coached by Allison Burgess and Kathleen Shaw at PCIS and Amy Ring at PSMS. This problem-solving enrichment program provides the extra incentive and the perfect atmosphere for students to push themselves to achieve more in mathematics. This program offers challenging and non-routine problems and math competition opportunities for talented grade 6-8 students. On February 8th, PCIS hosted the annual Southeast Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Nineteen regional middle schools and 165 student competitors competed in three rounds of problem solving. PCIS was represented by Karen Marquis, Kiera Henderson, Sadie Perlow, Lauren Clancy, Vaughan Hovey, Leanne Galanek, Michael Armenio, Isabel Kierstead, Jordan Callahan, and James Riley. PSMS was represented by Veronica Holmes, Andrew Shortall, Max Gonye, T.J. Johnson, Brianna Johnson, Brendan Murphy, Jake Muzrim, John MacVarish, Devin Orgettas, and Zach George. National Honor Society and Math Team members from both High Schools helped with the scoring of these tests, supervised by volunteers from Massachusetts Engineering Societies. Linda Coffey, Plymouth's Math Coordinator, presided over the event as the Southeast Chapter MATHCOUNTS Coordinator. The top four scoring school teams as well as four additional top individual scorers not on one of the top four teams will advance to the State MATHCOUNTS Competition on March 3rd at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Grade-8 student Veronica Holmes from PSMS tied for seventh place individually, earning the opportunity to compete at the State Competition. The PCIS Team placed 13th and the PSMS Team placed 12th overall. All students participating in the afterschool Program and at the Chapter Competition should be commended for their hard work and perseverance during the school year and at the Chapter Competition. The Chapter Competition would not be possible without the work of Allison Burgess and her assistant Kathleen Shaw, as well as the PCIS Administration and custodial staff for providing the space for this event. The MATHCOUNTS Program and this event are financially supported by the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers, the Society of Military Engineers, and the National Sponsor-Raytheon.
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Guidance Department News
IMPROVE....
Your SAT Scores in Math and Critical Reading & Writing!!!
When: 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Critical Reading & Writing- Mondays (March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 23, 30)
Math- Tuesdays (March 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 24; May 1)
Where:
Plymouth South High School (room to be determined)
Cost: (checks payable to "PPS- SAT prep")
$75.00- one subject
$125.00- both subjects
**SAT study guide is included in registration fee**
Registration:
Guidance Offices PSHS/ PNHS (deadline- Wed, March 7)
Please contact Jeremy Gobeil with any questions (jgobeil@plymouth.k12.ma.us)
Classes will be limited to 25 students per subject. Registration is first come, first served
The 2012-2013 FAFSA is Now Available
Now that 2012 has arrived, it is time for college-bound families to begin working on the FAFSA. There are two ways to apply - online and via paper. We encourage families to file the FAFSA on the Web, which is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For families who are more comfortable working on paper, the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet helps families gather information before completing the online FAFSA. The 2012-2013 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is also available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS' GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT FOR PARENTS OF JUNIORS PNHS AUDITORIUM, Tuesday, February 28, 2012 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. All Plymouth North and South High School parents of juniors are invited to attend this important informational program! We will have a panel of college admissions counselors - from Boston College, UMass Dartmouth and Cape Cod Community College - speak about the college search and application process. There will also be an opportunity to discuss our guidance program's college planning activities with counselors. For additional assistance, What About College, a detailed booklet on the college application process, and many other college/career planning resources and financial aid information are available on our guidance website. Please visit the Plymouth North or South High guidance web pages via www.plymouth.k12.ma.us. We look forward to your participation in this informative presentation and encourage students to attend as well! IMPORTANT ADVANCE NOTICES: NACAC's Annual Spring College Fair will take place at the Boston Convention Center, May 3rd and 4th. Save the date! Registration deadlines for Spring SAT Exams: April 6th for the May 5th exam; May 8th for the June 2nd exam. For the June 11th (any questions; contact your guidance counselor). Students can register at www.collegeboard.com/sat-register. School code is 221785 (PNHS) or 221784 (PSHS). Please encourage your child to continue to utilize our career/college planning program, at www.careercruising.com. All Plymouth High School students are registered and should continue to research careers and colleges and develop their electronic portfolios, which they created last year (Password: Plymouth; Username: North or South), then student's individual username and password. |
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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