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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, March 5, 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:
"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
-Dr. Seuss
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District news and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists. Have you heard about mathmaster.org?
Mathmaster.org is a free resource for your school where students can make use of the extensive video library and endless supply of printable math worksheets from any computer with access to the web. The video library covers K-12 math, science and other topics. Each video is approximately 10 minutes long and easy to follow. The website gives you the ability to easily customize each worksheet to target your student's specific needs. Every worksheet is created when you request it, so they are different every time.
Have you visited hyperhistory.com?
HyperHistory is an expanding scientific project presenting 3,000 years of world history with an interactive combination of synchronoptic (parallel views) lifelines, timelines, and maps. A display from the simple to the more complex, the Center Panel provides graphics which give a first quick overview of general information linked to short texts in the right Text Panel. More comprehensive information is provided at the bottom of the text files with www links. From the Shakespeare text file, for example, you can find a link to the complete works of Shakespeare, etc., and in the science section the student can expand to learn about the history of the theory of matter, or the relativity theory, etc
Today, history teaching tends to emphasize themes, such as 'Patterns of Civilization', or 'Society and War'. This constitutes a definite improvement over traditional approaches, but the students often get lost in time. - A basic scale of reference is missing. In this respect the History Project provides a valuable supplement to the official curriculum. But above all, a synchronoptic organization gives the reader an incentive to explore deeper, linking one idea with another as the student pursues his or her own personal learning path.
Looking for a fun way to teach your students about the weather?
Check out meteorologist Crystal Wicker's website: weatherwizkids.com. The site contains information on all kinds of weather and fun ways for your students/children to learn. While you are on the site you can sign up for the newsletter, too. |
Cold Spring Elementary News
RESPECT
Before vacation, the 3rd graders at Cold Spring school were busy! They collected dry and canned goods for the Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse, then took a trip there to sort, stack, weigh, and count all the items. They took their trip after having put on a Respect Assembly. The assembly focused on how we can work together as a community to make the world a better place. Students sang, "This Land is Your Land", then put on several skits about respecting the Earth by cutting down on fossil fuels, recycling, cleaning up our water supplies, and more! The students wrote their scenes in groups, and even came up with their own props. It was a successful event!
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Hedge Elementary School News
Hedge School Enrichment Day Hedge School was transformed on Tuesday, February 28th. Students continued to learn new ideas and concepts, but worked together as a school community to accomplish new tasks during Enrichment Day. Enrichment day was a day for students to build problem-solving skills and participate in hands-on activities in which they may not normally participate. In the morning, students participated in three workshops. Workshops included Traveling Across the United States, Tower and Bridge Building using marshmallows and toothpicks, Scrapbooking, Cooking, Tessellations, Board Games, Piano, Hands On Science, Oobleck, Paper Dolls, Magic, Baton twirling, Zumba, Set Design, Symmetry Painting, Lollipop making, Cribbage, Drama, Readers Theater, Geocaching, and Word Games. Students prioritized their choices and all students received their first or second choices. One student was overheard saying, "I feel like I am in high school going to different classes without a teacher." Some great student quotes are as follows: "My favorite part of this day was making towers and bridges because I ate marshmallows and I felt needed." - Andrew "My favorite part of enrichment day was watching the science guy because he taught some stuff to me that I didn't know about and he was so funny." - Greg "My favorite part of enrichment day was the Science Show because it was educational but it was also fun. And I got to lift my Principal off the ground." - Pheonix Hedge School Teachers, Plymouth Public School Curriculum Coordinators, and Jen Caron from Dance it Out Zumba studio conducted the workshops. Hedge School paraprofessionals and parent volunteers, Mrs. Suzanne Anderson, Mrs. Lisa Fosdick, Mrs. Heather Engrassia, and Mr. Joseph MacEachern, assisted with running the workshops. We would like to thank all of those individuals who made Hedge School's Enrichment Day a success. In the afternoon, students saw two different presentations. Slapstick Scientist, Dr. Quintin Quark, explained physics to students using humor and a lot of audience participation. Did you know that one student can lift fourteen students using a lever? Angelina Papa-Cruz and Derek Brewer proved it was possible. Did you know that two students can lift Mr. Blaisdell fifteen feet in the air using a pulley? Xavier McCone-Ryan and Travis Coveney proved it first, followed by Pheonix Fiorillo and Bailey Dietzman. Mike the Bubble Man explained the Science of Bubbles! He even placed several students inside a bubble. There are three main ingredients to bubbles - water, soap and air. Throughout the day, older students were regularly seen helping younger students find their way to their next workshop without being asked. These actions demonstrated how Hedge School students work together and look after each other. At the conclusion of the day, students completed a reflection and comments on the many different ideas and skills they learned throughout the day. "You need to be patient and wait until it is your turn." - Infiniti "Teamwork is a big deal." - Ethan "One person can lift 1000 pounds by a lever." - Anthony Enrichment Day, funded through Title One, was truly a fun and educational day where students worked together to accomplish tasks and build a true community of learners. Several students said, "Let's have Enrichment Day every month."  
 
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Indian Brook Elementary News
The students of Indian Brook had a special visitor on the Friday before vacation. The PTA had Rick Roth, the Creature Teacher, come to visit with our students. Have you ever had the chance to talk to a Kookaburra bird from Australia? The students at Indian Brook did just that. The creature teacher taught our students how to call to the bird and the bird actually called back. It was amazing!
The Creature Teacher also brought a variety of other animals to introduce to our students: a red eyed tree frog, a ground hog, a tarantula, a white umbrella cockatoo, and several other animals. All of the animals he brought were all born and raised in captivity and Mr. Roth spoke to the students about how these animals that are born in captivity are ambassadors for the animals of the wild.
Mr. Roth told great entertaining stories about each animal. The grand finale of the show was the Albino Bermese python that some of the students helped to hold. Some students were amazed, some were a bit scared... but all of the students walked away with some great stories to tell at home over vacation. They also had a better understanding of the animals that they met.
kookaburra
 
tarantula red-eyed tree frog |
South Elementary School NewsThird Graders Share Interests at Special Writing Celebration Third Graders in Mrs. Chris Trombly's class put pen to paper as they created original non-fiction books. They celebrated their compositions at a special writing celebration on February 16th. The budding authors began the project by viewing a mentor text, which was then featured in original works created by them. They hand-wrote the books using paper that was formatted with a variety of text designs so they could include several different features of non-fiction. "They selected topics in which they were "experts" with first-hand experience," says Mrs. Trombly. "Examples include riding a quad, baking, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, fishing, cheerleading, making a clay pot, taking care of a puppy, swimming and tips on how to draw, just to name a few!" During the special celebration, authors read their books to students from Mrs. Hoagland's first grade class. Desks were set up in different stations around the room with signs explaining the topics so the younger students could select areas that interested them. "The first graders enjoyed listening to the books and asking questions," Mrs. Trombly recalls. "They also gave lots of compliments to the third graders for a job well done." Mrs. Hoagland's class also sent letters to thank the older students for sharing their books and teaching a lot of interesting new information.  
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West Elementary School News
The Community Service Learning Project at West welcomes guest reader, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gary Maestas
Dr. Maestas came to visit us at West School. He visited the second grade classes of Mrs. Cormier and Mrs. Routhier to read a story called The Lunch Thief. The message of the story was how one person can make a difference in helping others. The story related to classes' work in their Community Service Learning project of helping the homeless in Plymouth.
The students were very curious about Dr. Maestas's "Dream Ride" and had numerous questions to ask of Dr. Maestas. We learned many interesting facts and heard some funny stories about his adventures!
Thank you for joining us Dr. Maestas!
West School Hosts Anti-Bullying Week
West Elementary hosted their anti-bullying week this past week. Each morning, Principal Cindy Silva made special announcements about bullying and ways to prevent it. Throughout the week, classrooms were encouraged to take part in lessons, activities, and games that empower students to stand-up to bullying.
Miss Learning, Mrs. Haynes, and Miss Reid's classes worked together in the gym to play cooperative games. These games fostered teamwork, cooperation, acceptance, and good sportsmanship amongst the students. The week ended with a "Wear Black to Blackout Bullying" on Friday, where students and staff wore their black proudly to take a stand against bullying.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra Woodwinds visits West Elementary
This Wednesday, the third, fourth, and fifth grade students were treated to special performance from the Woodwind section of the Plymouth Philharmonic orchestra. The musicians got the children actively involved, having the students direct and rearrange the musical roles of each instrument in the section. The students, many of whom are members of the school band, enjoyed learning about all the different instruments in the woodwind section, especially the oboe and bassoon. The students really enjoyed their time and the talents of the performers!
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Federal Furnace Elementary News
Read Across America Day at Federal Furnace
In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, Federal Furnace Elementary held a Read Across America Day where students were encouraged to wear black, white, red and anything Dr. Seuss! The school's literacy committee planned a wonderful program for the day which included special guest readers, a reader's pledge and the distribution of a free book for every student! To continue the celebration, students were encouraged to participate in the school-wide Book Bingo program.
A huge thank you to the FFES Literacy Committee and the day's guest readers: Ms. Deb Betz, Mr. Bob Morgan, Ms. Marianne Franklin, Ms. Lynn Trovato, Ms. Peg McKay, Ms. Cindy Scanlon, Ms. Pam Gould, Mr. John Laverty, Mr. Chris Campbell, Ms. Kerry Thatcher, and Ms. Lisa White.
Ms. Trovato Reads to Grade 4
Ms. Betz Reads to Grade 1
Ms. Scanlan Reads to Gr. 2
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Manomet Elementary News
The 8th Annual International Night
On February 16th, Manomet Elementary School celebrated their 8th Annual International Night. Cultures from around the world were celebrated by showcasing art, music, writing and food. The whole community at Manomet School was involved in the process. Different continents and countries were assigned to each grade level. The classes, in turn, researched information and did various projects to display their particular knowledge. They also collaborated with the art teacher, Mrs. Hanby to create wonderful visual pieces.
The night consisted of traveling through the corridors to see these special projects. The band also performed music composed by various cultures. Families were welcomed to the cafeteria where they were greeted by even more artwork and a bounty of food. Families were encouraged to contribute to the potluck with food relevant to their own culture. Mrs. Trish Krause coordinated many aspects of the night and we would like to thank her for her efforts. Thanks to the staff for putting in the many extra hours of planning, decorating and serving.
The Chinese Dragon welcomes visitors!
Emma, Jack and Abby George visiting China
Ben Egan testing some homemade maracas
Jeremy Whiting and Cam Caraher
Jake Egan
Lydia Almeder looking at homemade puppets
Trish Krause serving food
Some artwork
Holden Lassige
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PCIS News
PCIS Interscholastic Athletics
PCIS wrapped up its winter season of interscholastic athletics with highlights in all three sports.
Ranger's Mike Martin guided the PCIS girl's basketball team to a 12-1 record. Once again Coach Martin demonstrated his excellent understanding of education-based athletics by providing 16 student-athletes with the opportunity to participate in this elite travel basketball program. Coach Martin was pleased with the team's results but more impressed by their attitudes. "They were having so much fun, they didn't want the season to end." Martin said. First-year physical education teacher Emily Manion added some nice traditions to the program by assisting Coach Martin.
The boy's program was equally successful under the leadership of physical education teacher Kevin Cobban. The boys finished with a 12-3 record. Coach Cobban improved the program in many areas, including his collaboration with the PNHS boys basketball program.
Apollo Housemaster Andy Scichilone stepped in as interim wrestling coach and did a phenomenal job with the PCIS wrestling team. Coach Scichilone brought a strong work ethic and additional professionalism to the wrestling program. Coach Scichilone worked with 30 wrestlers as they competed against neighboring South Shore wrestling programs.
Congratulations to all PCIS student-athletes on their successful winter seasons.
The third and final season of interscholastic athletics will begin in late March/early April. Once again, PCIS will offer girl's softball, track and field, and boy's and girl's lacrosse. Currently, softball is open only to 7th and 8th grade PCIS students, while track and both lacrosse teams will field participants from all three PCIS grades. Students should look for sign-up sheets, schedules, and other postings on the Athletic Board in the PCIS cafeteria.
For more details regarding Interscholastic Athletics at PCIS please contact asorensen@plymouth.k12.ma.us.
Basketball Bonanza
This Friday, March 9th, all members of the community are invited to attend PCIS's 3rd annual Basketball Bonanza-a fundraising event supporting the PCIS interscholastic athletic program and the PTA. Basketball Bonanza is a night of entertainment culminating in a light-hearted Student vs. Staff basketball game. The PCIS staff competes against the school's interscholastic basketball teams. In the week leading up to the game PCIS staff members choose creative nicknames and numbers that are printed on their uniforms and promoted as teachers' secret identities. Fans have a ton of laughs watching teachers expose themselves in their alter egos such as physical education teacher Seto Berry's "Juke Skywalker," Gemini math teacher Lisa Murray's "The Problem Solver" or school resource officer Paul Caraher's "Robocop".
Additionally entertainment includes chorus teacher Jess Viatkus, "Bridezilla," leading the chorus in a performance of the national anthem, school psychologist Lori Rush, "Dance Fever," guiding the PCIS dance team in a Superbowl-esque half time performance, and music teacher Ian Barkon, "Mr. Up Beat," amping up the crowd with his pep-style band music. All in all over 40 PCIS staff members participate in this crowd favorite event.
Another huge highlight for the student body is the half-court shooting raffle in which the winner wins a big prize! Last year's prize was an IPOD. The night includes food, prizes, and a ton of laughs.
Basketball Bonanza begins with team introductions at 6:30 and tip-off at 7p.m. Tickets are $5.00 and can be can be purchased at the door or prior to the event during PCIS lunches.
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Plymouth North High School News
Third term progress reports will be going home this Friday, scheduling has begun for the 2012-2013 school year. Perfect MCAS!! The MCAS 280 Club ceremony took place today. Eleven students were recognized with certificates for their perfect scores on at least one MCAS test. Student Emma Machado was recognized for receiving perfect scores on both her Math and ELA MCAS tests. Those eleven students have had their names added to a plaque that will be permanently displayed within the school. Minute to Win It (Photos attached) Sixteen teams competed, including teams from each class, and a teacher team of Ms. Roderick and Mrs. McGee. John Hanson Machado was the emcee and Kelly Gatslick and Kristy Goodman chaired the committee and made sure everything went smoothly. The results are as follows: Will Durant and Chris Surdam class of 2015 placed third 
Shawn Flanagan and Tyler Gravelle class of placed second
Connor Follette and Jake Holmes placed first
 
Spring Sports Sign-Ups Most teams met for sign-ups this past week. If you missed a sign up contact the coach of the sport or speak with them directly at the "Meet the Coaches" Night on Wednesday, March 7th. This information session for Spring Sports will be held in the PNHS Auditorium with a scheduled start time of 6:30 P.M. Clearance forms can be turned in at this event and must be complete before the athlete is allowed to practice. Last Chance for SAT Prep Course Attention Juniors: This is your last chance to sign up for an SAT Prep course being offered in the evening at PSHS. The course is limited to 25 students; we still have a few seats left. Please see Guidance A.S.A.P. if interested - the deadline is Wednesday. Upcoming Field Trips Model United Nations students will travel to the Hilton Hotel in New York City to attend a Model United Nations conference 3/7 - 3/10. Robotics will be traveling to Worcester Polytechnical Institute for the US First Robotics Regional Competition. Students will be staying at the Marriott Courtyard Worcester 3/7 - 3/10. DECA will be traveling to the Marriott Copley Plaza for the State DECA Conference on 3/8 - 3/10. Athletic Booster Club Trivia Night will be held on Saturday, March 10th at the Cabbyshack. Doors open at 6 P.M. Questions start at 7 sharp. It is $20 per person with 6 people per team. The Culture Café Club is running a coat drive for the Pine Ridge reservation of South Dakota. Please bring a "Gently Used" coat to room p8. North in the News PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCIENCE FAIR: Science starlet Plymouth North runners peak at right time
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Plymouth South High School News Congratulations to the Fall and Winter Athletic Teams at PSHS. ALL teams eligible for state tournament play have qualified! This is a first time event at PSHS - Nine for Nine! Also great job to the girls and boys basketball teams who competed in tournament play this week. Congratulations to the hockey team who has moved on to the next round after a win against
Dennis-Yarmouth High School on Wednesday night. The Panthers will be playing Franklin High School on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. at the Brockton
Ice Arena - good luck to all!
Spring Sports - The annual Meet the Coaches night for parents of spring athletes is Monday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. at PSHS. It is important that
all spring athletes and their parents attend this important night and bring necessary clearance paperwork and fees!
Progress Reports for the Third Quarter were sent home with all students today, March 5th. |
Unified Arts News
Congratulations to both the Plymouth High School's Winter Percussion and Color Guard as they completed their first competition last weekend in Dartmouth. Competition was tough but both teams did well! Please come out and see them at their next competition to be held in Somerset on March 18th. March is Youth Arts Month and to celebrate the Unified Arts Department is hosting the annual YAM Exhibit at the Plymouth Center for the Arts at 11 North Street, an art exhibit of student work grade k-12. The Opening Reception is March 14th from 5-7 P.M.; the event is free and open to the public. The exhibit will run through March 25, 2012. Upcoming events: - The Plymouth Children's Chorus will be performing with the Plymouth Philharmonic under the direction of Kathleen McMinn at Memorial Hall on Sunday March 4th at 3 P.M. Tickets are on sale now. This is a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon; we hope to see you there!
- On March 7th at 7:00 P.M. at PSHS the Unified Arts Department, along with the Plymouth Schools Music Association, is hosting an Open House/Ice Cream Social for all 8th grade students interested in learning more about music opportunities at the High School level.
- On March 8th from 6:30-8:00 P.M. PSMS will host their annual Festival of the Arts hosted by the Art, Chorus, Band, and Tech programs.
- March 9th and 10th is the Jr. District Music festival for select students from both Middle and High School.
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Guidance Department News
Please Encourage Your High School Students to Attend a FREE National College Fair!
Springfield * Sunday, March 4 and Monday, March 5
Boston * Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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