Friday Notes: From the Plymouth Public Schools

Plymouth Public Schools School Committee Meetings:
The next regular meeting of the Plymouth School Committee will be Monday, May 21, 2012. School Committee meetings are held at Plymouth Community Intermediate School in the Little Theatre. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.

Weekly Quote:

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever."

-Author Unknown

Cancellation of Women in the Know Event

The WOMEN IN THE KNOW: Breast Health and Living Well event that was to be held on Saturday, May 12th from 8 am-12 pm has been cancelled. No further information has been given at this time.

District news and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.

Have you seen the George Lucas Educational Foundation's website Edutopia.org?

If George Lucas is involved, it must be cool! This site is dedicated to k-12 education and learning innovations with proven strategies that work. Search by keyword from over 2200 features on this site or browse a collection of over 100 downloadable videos to find the tools needed to help in promoting an interactive learning environment. Check out the weekly newsletter from the George Lucas Foundation for new ideas and resources.

Walking Works Program off to a Great Start!

The annual Walking Works Program is off to a great start this week despite the rainy weather. Close to 200 Plymouth Public Schools staff members are participating in the 5 week challenge to walk towards better health. The program is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Massachusetts, and is coordinated through School Health services and the School Health Advisory Committee.

BCBS donated pedometers and weekly prizes for our program. Walkers log their daily steps and record them on the Walking Works website. Staff may register as an individual or as a member of a team. Weekly prizes will be given to the individual who logs the most steps; and a prestigious engraved trophy will be awarded to the winning individual or team (based on the highest average number of steps per walker for the 5 weeks) at the conclusion of the program. Determining the winner in this way is a change from last year, giving all participants the same opportunity to win the "coveted" trophy.

The Walking Works Program started on Monday, May 7 and runs through Friday, June 8. Participants are welcome to join in at any time. The health benefits of walking are yours for the taking, and better weather is in the forecast! To register, log onto www.walkingworks.com, or email Debbie Adams, our program coordinator at dadams@plymouth.k12.ma.us.

Manomet Elementary News

Manomet Elementary held its annual art show this past week under the direction of Mrs. Hanby. The show featured art from all students which highlighted their best work over the course of the year. "IMAGINE THE PAST" (featuring art reflecting Native American culture) and "IMAGINE THE FUTURE" (featuring "outer-space" motifs) were the themes this year.

Gr. 5Hatch Clan House co-operative painting and totem pole animals

Gr. 4Porter and Art Club's stand-up figures of Native People and teepee

Gail Hill (Mashpee Wampanoag), Plimoth Plantation. The animal skins, Wampanoag toys and artifacts were a hit!

Zachary & Novi show off their Gr. 4 artwork

Please see the beautiful video (go to the link below) for an inspiring display of work from our other talented kids!

http://animoto.com/play/5E5gauMka5G09tgyKvAKBA

Hedge Elementary School News

Mrs. Burkhead's, Mr. Smith's & Miss Tinerella's fourth graders recently performed several "mixed up" Reader's Theatre style fairytales for the young patients and students at the Radius Pediatric Center Day School in Plymouth. The Hedge students have been part of a year long food drive at Hedge and wanted to continue their community service action. The teachers felt strongly about empowering the students to realize that they had the ability to contribute to society in a positive way without need for parental support or money. The students read fairy tales and practiced delivering their lines working on fluency and expression at the same time. They were allowed to develop their own costumes, props and gestures to accompany the mini-plays. Following the very rewarding experience the students were asked to write a personal reflection and were encouraged to share if they so chose. The following is a reflection from one of the teachers and some memorable quotes from several of the hard-working students.

I knew when I came up with the idea to visit severely ill children that it would be a big risk. I was sure my students would not be prepared for the sadness that they may feel when seeing these unfortunate yet beautiful kids. Even though I knew it would make many of them uncomfortable I felt it was an important lesson for them to learn. We all experience difficulties and daily struggles. I wasn't sure if my students could look beyond the troubles that they have in their own lives to recognize the tragedy that happens to others. Would they be able to appreciate how blessed they are and put aside their worries, discomfort and wants to bring happiness to a group of innocent children?

Although I showed pictures and we discussed what we might see I could tell that at first there were some who were very surprised and nervous. But to my great surprise and pride, the students were true professionals. They had come to put on a show for these children and that's exactly what they did. They were animated, funny and positive. I looked into the crowd and my heart melted as I saw some of the Radius students grinning and raising their hands up in a show of appreciation and enthusiasm. Despite the unusual noises and ticks that the Radius students displayed my students were focused and compassionate.

The best part of the whole project was listening to my students discuss their feelings after the field trip was over. I was reminded of how thoughtful young fourth graders can be when given the opportunity to shine. I hope they will use this experience to motivate their own involvement in other community service opportunities- but for now I will just be content in knowing that helped to make a difference in their lives and that's better than any test grade!

- Mrs. Burkhead

"I believe how happy the kids were to see us. It made me feel good that we were able to entertain them. It also made me think how I should be happy for the things that I have and that I can do. It makes me enjoy them more when I know how hard it is for others."

- Alicia Offut

"When we got off the bus I was so nervous- I thought what would we see? I walked inside and took a deep breath. A sigh of relief washed over me. They just looked so happy. I think they were smiling. Although some of the kids couldn't move I knew that they were smiling on the inside. When we were done I felt so good. Whenever I think I want something for myself I will think of doing something for them or helping them instead."

- Phoenix Fiorillo

Federal Furnace Elementary News

The Fifth Graders at Federal Furnace Elementary School visited Pilgrim Hall located downtown. On the trip the students were to select one artifact to recreate using a variety of different materials. After they chose their artifacts, they planned out what their artifacts would look like and the materials to use. Mrs.Whynott helped the students with constructing the artifacts. When the artifacts were complete, Mrs.Whynott mounted the finished artifact on a colored piece of paper and labeled it.

The finished work will be on display at Pilgrim Hall Museum for the public to see between Saturday, May 19 and Sunday May 20th. Students will receive awards for the completed artifacts. The artifacts were outstanding!!

By Callista Macpherson and Abby Flaherty

In addition to thanking Mrs. Whynott for her hard work, we'd like to thank Memorial Hall for this opportunity, and the fifth grade teachers for coordinating the field trip and follow-up activities.

West Elementary School News

West School takes over McDonald's for a Night

On Wednesday, May 9th, students, parents, and staff turned out to a fundraising event held at McDonald's Restaurant at Exit 6. During what appeared to be a cloudy and stormy night outside, things were certainly cooking inside. From 5 P.M. to 7 P.M., McDonald's was packed from wall to wall with West families. Cars parked on both sides of the street and the drive-thru held a steady stream of traffic. Over twenty teachers and staff members served in many different roles serving food, greeting guests, hosting games, and clearing tables for our West families. Students had a blast seeing their friends and teachers at the event.

In just two hours, the restaurant sold over $3000 worth of food, raising nearly $500 dollars for the school's PTA, which goes directly back towards student activities and events. The event was a huge success. We would like to thank all of the teachers who attended as well as the PTA for always putting 110% of their support behind our school. We would also like to thank all of the families that came out in the rain to make our night out a success!

A full house!

Mr. Young lends a hand behind the counter!

Mrs. Doyle and Mrs. Shea greeted West families at the door.

Mrs. DuBois ran the raffle.

Cold Spring Elementary News

Over the last two months the 5th graders at Cold Spring Elementary have conducted extensive research and written a four paragraph biography of an important person that they have chosen to study. The entire project culminated with a Wax Museum where the students dressed up as their person and came alive for family, fellow students, and the teachers. The students looked terrific (as you can see) and their presentations left a smile on everyone's face!

South Elementary School News

Fourth Grade "Eggsperts"

In addition to incubating and waiting for the arrival of chicks, fourth graders in Mrs. Jessica Sherman's class are learning about unfertilized eggs, such as those found on grocery store shelves.

Students used careful hands to crack open unfertilized eggs and observe the different parts. They located, described and made a diagram of the yolk, albumen, germinal spot, air sac, inner and outer membrane, and the porous shell, which is composed of calcium carbonate.

"They continued their scientific discovery of eggs by conducting an experiment to explore what will happen if eggs are submerged in vinegar," says Mrs. Sherman. "A particular question was whether the shell would be strong enough to withstand acetic vinegar."

After each student formed a hypothesis, the experiment began by submerging eggs in a closed container of vinegar. Among the observations:

Day 1: The eggs floated and bubbles of carbon dioxide formed along the shell.
Day 2: The bubbles were gone and some of the eggs sank to the bottom.
After the weekend, the egg shells were dissolving due to the calcium carbonate composition of the shell and the acetic acid from the vinegar.

"It was exciting because a chemical change had taken place and only the membrane was left," Mrs. Sherman notes.

Students will continue to observe the changes that occur with their eggs. They are analyzing their data and coming to conclusions about the strength of the membrane, composition of the shell, and how these factors benefit chicks.

Taking a Test Run

South Elementary students were more than happy to test out animated computer games designed by Plymouth South High School students in the Tech Studies Computer Science Program. The games were created using Visual Basic 10, Flash action script 3.0. The high school students are also setting up a web site for the games, which are targeted toward third and fourth grade elementary students.

"The interaction between high school and elementary students creates a unique mentoring experience," says PSHS teacher Mr. Tom Heslin. "The experience leaves our students with a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that the SES students enjoyed their projects!"

PSMS News

8th Grade Service Learning Project

Last Sunday 33 of Mr. Hall's Civics students took time out of their weekend to showcase their civic responsibility by volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation Walk at Steven's Field. It was a huge success and with the students' help the foundation raised over 40,000 dollars. Now the students are focusing on their service learning project collecting items for the Plymouth Animal Shelter.

Plymouth North High School News

On Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 Plymouth North Students Grace Vanbuskirk, Colby Bott, Tyler Lawson, Frank Schulze and Hannah Schulze presented Plymouth VFW Post 1822 a plaque in appreciation for the VFW's support of the Plymouth High School's Washington D.C. week long visit and performance series.

A True Senior Prom

As part of a community service opportunity, the following junior members of the National Honor Society will be attending the Senior Citizens Prom at the Kingston Council on Aging:

Olivia AuDuong, Katrina Borofski, Hannah Burbidge, Samantha Burt, Anna Colbert, Hannah Cole, Ashley Dhooge, Kathleen Donegan, Micaela Fraccalossi, Ariel Gaspar, Bridget Guiney, Noelle Labrecque, Francesca Lapsley, Emma Machado, Trevor Metcalfe, Jessica Morgan, Frank Schulze

Extra Graduation Tickets

The deadline for Seniors to request extra tickets for graduation is Friday, May 18th. The request form is available in the main office and on the Plymouth North School News section of the website. Contact Mrs. Serrilla in the main office at 508-830-4400 ext. 18 with any questions.

Freshman Class Trip

The freshman class will be traveling to Six Flags on Saturday, June 9th for their annual end of year class trip. All permission slips for the trip are due in to Mrs. Foley in P5 by Friday, May 18th.

College Fair

NEACAC has an additional College Fair on Wed., May 16, 2012, 7-9PM, at Stonehill College. Go to www.neacac.org for a list of colleges and to register.

Senior Finals

Senior Finals begin Monday, May 14th

Monday 5/14

E Period Final 9:12 - 10:42

Tuesday 5/15

F Period Final 12:23 - 1:12

G Period Final 1:16 - 2:05

Wednesday 5/16

F Period Final 12:23 - 1:12

G Period Final 1:16 - 2:05

Thursday 5/17

C Period Final 9:12 - 10:01

D Period Final 10:05 - 10:54

Friday 5/18

C Period Final 9:12 - 10:01

D period Final 10:05 - 10:54

Monday 5/21

A Period Final 7:25 - 8:15

B Period Final 8:19 - 9:08

Tuesday 5/22

A Period Final 7:25 - 8:15

B Period Final 8:19 - 9:08

Please note District Attendance Policies are in effect. Student Athletes must be present for half the day to be eligible to participate in sporting events. Seniors must have a dismissal note if leaving the building.

MCAS

Sophomores will be taking MCAS Subject Math on Tuesday, May 15th and Wednesday, May 16th. Testing begins A period and concludes by D period.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, May 15th

Best Buddies End of Year Celebration, Ernie's

Friday, May 18th

Art Show - PNHS

Robotics Competition Worcester Poly Tech.

Saturday, May 18th & 19th

Robotics Competition Worcester Poly Tech.

Art Show - PNHS

Last Lap Walk Run - PNHS

Last Lap Open House - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. PNHS

Last Lap Dance - 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. - PNHS

Sunday, May 20th

Last Lap Brunch - 11:00 a.m.- 1:00p.m.

Art Show - PNHS

Thursday, May 24th

Senior Hypnotist Show - 6:30p.m. PNHS

Friday, May 25th

Senior Class Day - 9:00a.m.- 11:00p.m.

Junior Prom - Lake Pearl Luciano's - 6:00p.m. - 11:00p.m.

Tuesday, May 29th

Graduation Rehearsal - 8:30a.m. Memorial Hall

Senior Dinner Dance - Spirit of Boston

Wednesday, May 30th

Senior Athletic Awards Night - 7:00p.m. - 10:00p.m.

Thursday, May 31st

Graduation Rehearsal - 8:30a.m. Memorial Hall

Convocation - 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m

Saturday, June 2nd

Graduation - 1:00p.m. Memorial Hall

Plymouth South High School News

Ms. Ann Wolf/PSHS Chemistry Teacher

Ms. Ann Wolf and her daughter in the above photo as she received her award at Tufts University from the American Chemical Society. The award she received was the T.W. Richards Award for Excellence in Teaching. Congratulations Ms. Wolf!!

CONGRATS to Panther TV students and teachers Mr. Erik Walker and Mr. Adam Smith. For the third consecutive year, PSHS Panther TV has been named ALL New England Broadcast Champions. This year we share the title with our friends and colleagues from Plymouth North. Great job to PNN and Panther TV!!! The best student news program in New England for three consecutive years! Your hard work shows with each episode!

PSHS junior prom is tonight at Lombardos in Randolph. We hope everyone has a wonderful time and ...BE SAFE!!

Great job to all the Senior Art students and the Art teachers, Mrs. White and Ms. Quinn, for putting on a spectacular 4th Annual Senior Art show at PSHS last evening.

PSHS Social Studies teacher Allison Shaver along with Heather Kilgallon, a soc/psych. teacher in the Chicago area submitted a proposal to the NCSS conference planning committee. The title is "Connecting Sociology and Psychology Classes Across State Lines." They were recently notified by the NCSS committee that their session was accepted for presentation at the 2012 NCSS Annual Conference in Seattle, WA in November. Allison and her partner, Heather, are very excited to be able to share all the projects they worked on this year and plan to expand their ideas for next year.

Miranda Barrett

This weekend "Freshman Scientist" Miranda Barrett (in the photo above) received second place in the Science and Engineering Fair at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her project called "Can You Hear Me Now?" dealt with sound and noise issues in the home and how to prevent them.

Sydney Stelter

Sydney Stelter, a Junior at PSHS, was selected as a winner in the National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Award in Writing. Sydney was one of only ten students chosen from Massachusetts. She is in AP English Literature and submitted a creative story as her extra piece.

Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools

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