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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, April 2, 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:
"Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Accordingly a genius is often merely a talented person who has done all of his or her homework."
-Thomas Edison
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Integrated Technology News
Picture-It Project
Under the direction of Technology Integration Specialist Karen Winsper and Art Teacher Lisa Whynott, third grade students at Federal Furnace Elementary recently participated in a global collaborative art project.
Each classroom was assigned to a group with 23 other classes from around the world. The Federal Furnace students were assigned to recreate and color section #4 of "Monet's Waterlilies Up Close" and then write about what makes their classrooms special on an "About Us" sheet. Each art section was mailed with the information sheet to the other classrooms within their group.
Third graders mapped and learned about classrooms from Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Indiana, California, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Ontario and Saskatchewan Canada and Western Australia! Students were even able to Skype with a participating class. A total of 72 classes were involved in creating the three murals! It was a wonderful experience for all involved!
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District news and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists. The following have been judged among the Best Teaching Websites by the American Association of School Librarians. If you would like to involve your students in a collaborative project with others from around the globe visit the iearn.org website. The iEARN Collaboration Centre enables youth to learn with, rather than simply about, the world. Find project partners quickly. Read 200+ project descriptions and browse student-produced media. Have you visited teachernet.org?
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Check out the many helpful resources, curriculum units, lesson plans, articles, teachers' research, and much more.
From the site:
Teachers Network's Core Purpose Was
to empower, recognize, and connect teachers to improve student learning, and to advocate for teacher leadership, all for the public good.
Teachers Network's Vision
Our leadership would empower all teachers to transform public schools into creative learning communities so every student would succeed and contribute to the public good.
Teachers Network's Values
- Excellence - everything it put out there would be the best it could be
- Passion - for public education, intellectual rigor and the importance of teachers to our future.
- Commitment - to carry out our passion in our every day work in order to contribute to the public good
- Innovation - stay on the forefront of meeting current and future needs of educators
- Teamwork - respected and made the most of colleagues' knowledge, talents, and experiences and strove to work democratically
- Integrity - each individual adhered to high personal standards of honesty and a strong work ethic
Teachers Network's Key Messages:
- Picture a great teacher you had in school. What made that teacher so good?
- Teachers Network was unique in its focus on the teacher as key to improving student achievement in public schools.
- Teachers Network changed the nature of education.
- Teachers Network enables teachers to collaborate in order to grow professionally.
- Teachers Network pioneered new ventures in curriculum and professional development.
- Teachers Network was a non-profit organization-by teachers, for teachers-with a three-decade track record of success, dedicated to improving student learning in public schools.
- Using the power of its award-winning website, video, and print resources, the organization leveraged the creativity and expertise of a national and international community of outstanding educators.
- Over the years, it directly impacted over 1.5 million teachers and nearly 40 million students.
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Manomet Elementary News
Manomet Elementary had four teams participate in Destination Imagination (D.I.) this year. The goal of D.I. is to teach three essential skills: creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Each team, consisting of 6-7 children and a coach, spent several weeks working on a Challenge, which they presented at a regional tournament. The teams then shared their experience and short skits with the school in an assembly. This year the choices for the Team Challenge were:
project OUTREACH®: Community Service
Challenge A: Technical/Mechanical Design
Challenge B: Scientific Exploration and Theater Arts
Challenge C: Theater, Literature, and Fine Arts
Challenge D: Improvisation
Challenge E: Structural/Architectural Design
 The Pink Lemonades: Matthew Clayton, Molly Long, Isabelle Ward, Dylan Souza and Benjamin Dabkowski (not pictured: Coach J. Long)
Fire the Cannon: Penelope Pino, Emma Sunnerberg, Grace Leonard, Jason Long, Eddie Ward, Justin Gilmore, Mark McKay Jr. (not pictured: Shawn Colamecco and Coach Marybeth Ward)
The Huskies: Ben Yaeger, Annie Yaeger, Kathryn Tocci, Chris Kane, Christopher Porter (not pictured: Miranda Bell, Delyla Bell, Jack George, and coach Christine Cane).
Superintendent Gary E. Maestas, along with Principal Patrick Fraine, present certificates of achievement at our in-school assembly.
The teams take a bow.
The students in Mrs. Jeannine Hatch's and Mrs. Linda Horgan's 5th grade class are learning about colonial America. They each chose a proverb or aphorism from Poor Richard's Almanac and used quill pens to simulate the writings of Ben Franklin and others of the period. The ink was made from raspberries squeezed through screening. The students discovered that it's a lot easier and more convenient to use a ballpoint pen! 
Nick Stec and Abby George write with quill pens.
McKenzie Brunelle and Alyssa St. Croix go slow and steady.
Becca Holmes, Ally Laitinen and Ava McGilvray try their hands at it.
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South Elementary School News
Getting Sporty with the Providence Bruins
More than 200 students, teachers and families purchased discounted tickets to the Providence Bruins, and headed to the Dunkin' Donuts Center to cheer on the team as they challenged the Manchester Monarchs on March 23. Students received a free P-Bruins hat and the first 1,000 kids to enter the stadium also got a free P-Bruins foam claw. The Bruins 5-2 win made for a fun night. Thanks to the South Elementary School PTA for sponsoring the event.
Students Cozy Up to Winter Reading
The Winter Warm-Up reading initiative was a huge success. More than 600 Scholastic books were distributed to students who read at least 10 books during the 10-week program.
In addition to free books, Plymouth's Red Robin Restaurant donated coupons that could be redeemed for one free kid's meal. In each classroom for grades 1-4, coupons were randomly given out to students who participated in the program.
"Our thanks to parents and the community for their support and encouragement to boost our students' reading," says Mrs. Chris Hicks, consulting teacher of literacy. "Way to go South Elementary School!"
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Cold Spring Elementary News
The second graders in Mrs. Smith's class at Cold Spring taught us all a lesson about being kind to ourselves. The Kingdom of Self Esteem is a puppet show that promotes self esteem and teaches students how to make their classrooms a loveable place. The puppet show reinforces characteristics of being a good person in their classroom, in their schools, and on out into the world. The puppet show is based on the book, The Loveables, by Diane Loomans.
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West Elementary School News
West Elementary School holds its monthly celebration, The WESTie Awards!
This Wednesday, the whole school, student and staff alike attended the WESTie Award Celebration. Students from all grade levels, K-5, were recognized for encapsulating the values of Wondering, Exploring, Searching, and Thinking. These well-rounded children demonstrated the hard work, perseverance, and responsibility that all students need to succeed.
Hosted by teachers Mrs. Kelly Learning and Mr. Andy Young, the students are called up before their peers to receive a handshake and an award from their homeroom teacher for their outstanding performances. Students have enjoyed "walking the Red Carpet" amidst the round of applause from their schoolmates. They feel like little celebrities for a job well done.
Mr. Young presents some WESTies.
Mrs. Learning introduces the 5th grade WESTie recipients.
Second graders show off their WESTies.
 The whole school watches as the Kindergarteners are called up.
As this is the school's third month celebrating the WESTies, students get very excited each month in anticipation of seeing if they have made the list. With hard work and the right attitude, every student can achieve a WESTie.
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Plymouth South Middle School News
From the PSMS Library
"May the odds be ever in your favor" - Effie Trinket
Last week was Hunger Games week in the PSMS library, figuratively speaking of course. To celebrate students' enthusiasm for the series, the library held a Hunger Games trivia week, where students could test their knowledge of the book for a chance to win movie tickets or a Hunger Games READ poster. Students had to correctly answer ten trivia questions about the first book to be entered in a raffle for the prizes. Five students won prizes, while everyone who participated received a Hunger Games bookmark with a list of reading recommendations for books with similar themes.
5th Grade Service Learning Project Mrs. Anderson's fifth grade reading class at Plymouth South Middle School recently collected donations of personal care products for the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless shelter in Kingston. After reading a story about the homeless, research was completed by each student and compiled into announcements for the school. Posters and donation drop-off boxes were designed and made in class. Supplies were collected, sorted, and tallied. Students graphed the results at the end. Four boxes were filled with supplies that included: shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, hair gel, shampoo/conditioner combos, brushes, combs, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, nail care items, soap, body wash, hand soap, bath puffs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash, lozenges, baby wipes, baby oil, hand sanitizer, powder, denture cream, body spray, facial scrub, Q-tips, toilet paper, body lotion, and sunblock. The recipients were very appreciative! Mrs. Anderson and her class would like to thank everyone who donated items to help us help others. 
ALO PARENT NIGHT The Plymouth South Middle School ALO Parent Night was held this week. Parents were invited to view presentations in the following programs: JAG TV, Travel through Technology, Computer Aided Design, Cooking with Culture & Class, Speech & Debate, Engineering & Robotics and Cartooning. The ALO program offers an enrichment curriculum that is designed to be intellectually challenging and stimulating. It develops critical-thinking, problem-solving and team building skills and is intended to spark curiosity, a love of learning and responsibility. This year, over 400 students were initially eligible and 130 students were selected to participate in the spring semester. Now in its second year, ALO courses are offered twice (fall and spring semesters) and run for 10-weeks from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm every Monday. Mrs. Sharon Cumiskey and Mrs. Amanda Hough serve as co-advisors of this highly successful program.
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PCIS News
PCIS Teachers Help build a House, One Lunch at a Time
PCIS teachers, under the organization of grade six teacher Susan Andrade, purchased, made and served lunch to the workers at the Plymouth Habitat for Humanity house construction site on Saturday, March 24th.
The teachers spent Friday evening packing lunch bags with treats. They then served the food, various pasta dishes, and sausages and meatballs on site on Saturday. The goody bags contained candies, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, fruit and snack foods for afternoon breaks for the workers and family. It truly was a feast of favors. Bags also included letters written by students, supporting the workers and thanking them for their contributions to the Plymouth Community.
This is the second time this year that PCIS teachers have prepared lunch for the Habitat workers. They continue to serve as role models for their students through their efforts to serve the local community. Teachers participating in the program included: Susan Andrade, Erin Callahan, Tina Beltran, Meg Peterson, Mary Lavin, Maria Pacheco, Karen Bernstein, Laura Hapgood, Gabby Landeo, Carol Roupenian, Emily Manion, Alison Bosma, Maria daSilva, Ginny Fey, Elicia Jepson and Deanna Vogel.
PCIS Performance of Guys and Dolls Jr. This weekend!
PCIS students will be performing Guys and Dolls Jr. this weekend at Plymouth North High School. This family friendly show is an adaptation of the Broadway classic. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $8. Performances are Friday, March 30th at 7:30pm and Saturday, March 31st at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
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Plymouth North High School News
Spring sports begin this week. Check out the schedule and come out to support the teams. Bookmark this link for an "up to date" schedule.
Click here for a sports schedule.
Plymouth North Drama club production of "Murder in the Heir" was fantastic. A great job was done by everyone! Bravo!
Best Buddies Prom is being held this Saturday at Milton High School. Ms. Belmonte and Mrs. Gravelle will be the chaperones for 33 Plymouth North students who will be attending the prom. Be sure to check next week's "News and Notes" for photos of the event.
PNHS Robotics Team will attend a competition at Assabet Valley Vocation School in Marlborough Ma. Good Luck!
PNHS Indoor Guard Show will be held Saturday at Reading High School located at 62 Oakland Road Reading, MA. Students will travel via bus with Mrs. Holmes as a chaperone. Good Luck!
The PNHS Winter Percussion Show will be held in New Bedford on Sunday , April 1, 10:30am - 3:45pm at 230 Hathaway Blvd. in New Bedford, MA 02740. Good Luck!
Plymouth North News is going to the Emmy Awards at Millis High School on Wednesday, April 4th. Good Luck to the fantastic News team.
Report Cards will go home on Thursday, April 5th.
There will be no school on Friday, April 6th.
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Plymouth South High School NewsOn March 29th, PSHS Marketing students participated in a Google + hangout with Daymond John from Shark Tank. If you click on one of the links below, you can watch the YouTube video of the show.
For whatever reason, if you were unable to join us live,here is a chance to watch the video:
If that does not work out for you it is also available here on YouTube. Enjoy!
Plymouth South High School Marketing students have created a "Digital Print Ad"... Click on the link below to view the ad, then click on an image and scroll down to see a video explanation by each student of their work.
Four students from Plymouth South - Marie Cronin, Ashley Gallardo, and Marissa Trunfio, Grade 11 and Emily Richard, Grade 12, participated in a project along with some students from PNHS. They translated maps and information sheets from the Mayflower II and Plimoth Plantation into French and Spanish for tourists.
Today, Plymouth South High School's Student Council members along with their leader, Ms. Wolf, participated in the Southeastern Massachusetts Association of Student Councils. They were awarded the "Excellence" award. This was for the Fall Conference, Lock-In/Round Table and the Spring Conference for the school year 2011/2012. Congratulations!
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Guidance Announcements:
2012-13 Course Selection Process
The course selection process for current grade 8-11 students is underway. The steps for selecting courses are fairly simple. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's guidance counselor.
Counselors have presented and distributed the Program of Study booklets to students in groups.
Core academic subject teachers have inputted their core course recommendations for their students as well.
Counselors are now meeting individually with students (up through early April) to review the student's course selections and the teacher course recommendations. The counselor and student complete the Course Request Sheet together, including course numbers, names, levels, and credits. Students are expected to be fully scheduled into 35 credits.
Please note that students do not always get their first choice of electives. Priority is given by grade level, with seniors first. Every attempt will be made to find a related elective. Students should indicate alternate course choices on the form.
The form then goes home for parental review and approval. If your student is considering taking a different course level than the teacher recommended, we recommend that the student discuss it with the parent and then contact the teacher in order to get his or her perspective. If the student still wants to change the level then the parents need to complete a Course Override Form (available through the guidance counselor).
Return the completed Course Request Sheet (signed by student and parent) to the Guidance Department.
In June, before the end of the school year, students will receive a confirmation sheet with the courses they have requested, which will include course titles, number of credits and and course level.
Final schedules with teacher and period assignments are handed out on the first day of school.
Please contact your child's guidance counselor if you have any questions.
COLLEGE FAIR
sponsored by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling
Please encourage Your High School Students to Attend a FREE National College Fair!
Boston * Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4
For more information please visit
http://www.nacacnet.org/Pages/default.aspx
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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