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:

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you."

B.B. King

"A Long Walk to Water" Walk-a-Thon

The 7th graders of PSMS and PCIS will be participating in "A Long Walk to Water" walk-a-thon for the Water for South Sudan Inc. The non-profit organization drills wells in rural areas of South Sudan for those in need. This service-learning project ties in with the student's study of Africa and this year's theme of "Water as a Resource". Students have found sponsors to donate money on their behalf based on the distance that they walk. The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Plymouth South High School track. All are welcome to participate. Drink, snacks and bracelets will be for sale at the walk with proceeds going to Water for South Sudan Inc. Any monetary, food and/or beverage donations are greatly appreciated. Come out and join us!

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

EduWeb

Students may think they are just playing games, but learning is really what is going on. Grounded in the idea of game-based learning, students work through creative learning games and activities, all the while learning in a fun and engaging environment. Challenging students to find and evaluate cool activities for learning encourages critical thinking skills. Look at the Portfolio, etc., at: Eduweb.com.

MIT Open Courseware (http://ocw.mit.edu/high-school/)

Don't miss this resource created by MIT for high schools to have open course ware materials for Biology, Calculus and Physics. High School teachers can use these materials to further enhance the education of their students in the classroom. Be sure to search for labs and video demonstrations for your classrooms.

Indian Brook Elementary News

ARL PROJECT GETS INDIAN BROOK INVOLVED!!

The Mission to Liberia Service Learning Project headed by ARL students at Indian Brook is getting the whole school thinking globally. After meeting with Mike Cambria, founder of the Mission to Liberia project, students at Indian Brook took on the focus of collecting certain needed items for people in an African country that could use help. They created a PowerPoint presentation about the needs of this struggling nation and presented it to the student body during lunch periods.

Each grade was asked to bring in a different toiletry and health item, such as boxes of band-aids, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, and used sports equipment. Even local dentists have been approached for donations and a few have responded.

Money is also being collected in hopes of assisting in financing a water purification system. After two weeks of taking in donations, the group has collected close to 200 toothbrushes, almost 100 boxes of band-aids, and over 150 tubes of toothpaste. Indian Brook has embraced this project and supported the ARL Club's desire to help others who have less.

After listening to the book "Because of Winn Dixie" by Kate Di Camillo the students in Mrs. McGinnis' and Mrs. McKenna's classes wrote an "All About" book about their moms. In the story, the main character, who is being raised by her father, asks that her father tell her 10 things about her mother. The students were asked to interview family members to get information for their books. The books were titled "10 Things I Know About My Mother". Each book contained a dedication page, table of contents, 10 chapters, and a "Meet the Author" page. The children enjoyed writing, illustrating, and sharing their books. They especially enjoyed a chapter called "How To"... where they shared something their mothers taught them to do. Moms will enjoy the books forever!

~Irene McGinnis and Paula McKenna

"Honk"

The students in grade 2 and 3 from Indian Brook were treated to a fabulous performance of "Honk" at P.S.M.S. Thank you to Kelly Browne and her students for such a wonderful show!

South Elementary School News

Tea for Two

Third grade teachers Mrs. Chris Trombly and Mrs. Karen Caldwell hosted a Mother's Day Tea on May 11th. During the special celebration, students sang a song, shared poems that they had written about their mothers and grandmothers, and presented decorated flower pots and flowers.

The fun also included refreshments and a game - "How Well Do You Know Your Mom" - in which children partnered up with their mom or grandmother to test their knowledge. Some of the favorite questions asked were: What is your least favorite chore? Would you rather cook in or go out for dinner? Are you a morning or night person? What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Age???

"It was a wonderful time for the children to celebrate the special women in their family and to thank them for all that they do!" says Mrs. Trombly.

West Elementary School News

First Grade Honors Their Mothers

Last Friday, the first grade students hosted their Mother's Day celebration. The students worked very hard preparing poems and portraits of their mothers. They then treated them to refreshments and sweets after the show. The first graders and their teachers did a wonderful job in thanking their mothers for all that they do and all the love that they give. It was very thoughtful and touching to hear all the wonderful things our mom mean to us.

Class photo

First graders prepared their poems for their mothers.

Mother's Day Portraits

Mrs. Rogers presents!

Cold Spring Elementary News

Celebrating Literacy!

Over the last two weeks, Cold Spring School has celebrated the students' efforts in all areas of literacy. First, there was the gold medal ceremony for our Reading Incentive program. Students, k-5, read hundreds of books and thousands of pages. Those who completed the required reading, received a medal and certificate. Those 5th graders who had done so for 6 years straight were also awarded a trophy. This program is so important and successful to the students that some 5th graders who are no longer at the school continue to participate in the program- and attend the ceremony!

In addition, there was the annual writing celebration. This two day event consisted of the the highest quality writing that each student had produced over the course of the year. Divided by class, tables of writing filled the gym, with students, teachers, and parents all visiting at various times. This event serves as a wonderful reminder of all the hard work we do!

Finally, there were about 50 students in grades K-2 and their parents in attendance at Cold Spring School's literacy event to highlight skills learned in school. Stations were set up around the cafeteria to help students practice and give parents ideas about ways they can reinforce literacy at home. Some of the stations included puzzles, letter naming / writing with corresponding sounds and CVC word formation for kindergartners. Other stations included Words Their Way word sorts, antonyms and synonyms, book making and story writing. Everyone was invited to take part in reading with the principal (which included cookies and milk) and a game of "Cake Walk" in the gym. A good time was had by all in the name of promoting literacy and reading.

PCIS News

The PCIS Gemini House sixth grade team of students have been working on a thematic unit which focuses on Eric Carle as a story writer and illustrator. This Eric Carle cross-curricular unit encompasses three different subject areas: ELA as an author and storyteller, art as an artist and illustrator, and music as a song writer, lyricist and composer.

A page from "Survival of the Three Friends."

The students will be holding a performance during which four digital books (written by students) will be projected for your viewing pleasure while students perform different songs written to compliment each digital story book. The original artwork will be hung in the hallways for you to view as well.

A page from "Afraid of the Dark."

We would be honored by your attendance. Our special presentation, The Very Creative Sixth Graders, will be held in the PCIS cafeteria on Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 6:00 - 800 PM.

We hope you can join us for this special event-

ALL ARE WELCOME!

PCIS Library Summer Hours

Summer Reading 2012

In order to provide access to summer reading books, the PCIS Library will be open this summer every other Wednesday beginning July 18 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The summer reading lists will be available on the district and library web pages by the close of school. Please use this opportunity to help your children find a book that is right for them.

	PCIS Library Summer Hours
	Special Days and Times for Summer Reading book selection:
	On July 18 , August 1, August 15 and August 29 the Library will be open between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
	Students and parents are welcome to visit and check out summer reading books.

Please visit the PCIS Library on the web

For Book Lists and Information on

Accessing eBooks online

e-mail Mary Thulin, mthulin@plymouth.k12.ma.us

"Kickball for Kids"

Sports Equipment Supply Drive for Orphanage in Liberia

Mercury 6th grade students at P.C.I.S. will be running a sports equipment/ supply drive for an orphanage in Liberia. We need your help! Please consider donating any sporting equipment, children's books, toiletries, school or first aid supplies. The drive will be held over 4 days from Tuesday, May 29th through Friday, June 1st.

To culminate the drive, Mercury 6th grade students will be playing kickball during their gym class on Friday, June 1st. The game will be entitled "Kickball for Kids". Mercury 6th grade students approached their teachers and administrators about helping children in need from across the world. They were motivated to help after seeing the poverty across the globe through special media and television. Please help us support our students here in Plymouth that want to make a difference and change the world!

Please contact Kellianne Campbell at kcampbell@plymouth.k12.ma.us if you have any questions.

Plymouth North High School News

MCAS testing was held this week. Congratulations to all those students that completed their testing.

Seniors are working hard completing their final exams.

The Plymouth North Gymnasium will be closed permanently at the end of the day on Friday, May 25th.

Any Junior athlete who is interested in the 2012 Summer Bay State Games can receive information from Mrs. Flanagan in the Guidance Office.

Good Luck to the PNHS Robotics team during the "Battlecry" competition at Worcester Poly Technic Institute this weekend.

The Art students have been busy the last couple of days hanging their work for the Third Annual Plymouth North Art Show, which will be held Friday evening from 5p.m.-7p.m. Some pieces will remain on display for the "Last Lap" Events being held this weekend.

"The Last Lap" Celebration
Plymouth North High School is celebrating the end of an era. Join us for a few last days of fun in the old Plymouth North before it is gone forever. Several events are scheduled for this weekend.
Events begin on Saturday with the Last Lap Walk/Run which begins at 9:00 A.M. A PNHS Open House is scheduled from 1:00 P.M. through 4:00 P.M. which will offer the public an opportunity for a stroll down memory lane, a chance to play basketball, a visit to the auditorium, pictures in front of your locker, etc.
A dance for adults 21 years old or over is scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the North Gymnasium. On Sunday, May 20th a Brunch will be served in the Cafeteria from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Plymouth South High School News

At the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in April, Kaila O'Farrell, out of a group of 30 candidates, was nominated to serve her second term as a Massachusetts SkillsUSA State Officer. Kaila will represent Massachusetts at the SkillsUSA National Competition in Kansas City in June where she has been nominated to run for a SkillsUSA National Officer position. If Kaila is elected, she will be 1 of 6 students to represent SkillsUSA in the nation at the high school level. Congratulations and good luck Kaila!

Today, Friday May 18th, all Honors and High Honors students and their parents were invited to participate in an Ice Cream Social at 1:30 on the Plymouth South Football field. Great job students!!!

The students pictured above with their parents are just a few of the "Top Ten" students, who along with their parents, were honored at a breakfast on May 17th at Plymouth South High School. The Seniors are: Lauren Richard, Amanda Fragata, Jessica Hawker, Micaela Fornaciari, Amy Drazek, Bhavjit Thiara, Timothy Russell, Casey Senechal, Elizabeth Pisto and Santiago Narino. These students have been cited by their teachers for their willingness to take criticism and accept recommendations graciously; they are known to show courtesy, concern, and respect for others. They possess the powers of concentration and the self-discipline needed to excel in all areas of their lives. They were treated to the traditional breakfast with speeches from Administration and a guest speaker, followed by each having a family photo taken to remember this event.

UPCOMING PSHS EVENTS:

May 17th - Was Senior Tech Studies Showcase

May 20th - Senior Athletic Awards 6:00 PM

May 23rd - Underclassmen Awards Night - 7:00 PM

May 25th - Class Day - 8:30 AM. Yearbooks will be distributed to Seniors at this time.

May 29th & June 1st - Mandatory graduation rehearsal 11:00 AM

May 30th - Senior Awards Night 7:00 PM

May 31st - Senior Dinner Dane - 6:00 PM at Popponessett Inn

June 1st - Frosh Academy Awards 7:30 AM

June 2nd - Graduation 9:30 AM - Memorial Hall

June 14th - Last day of school for staff and students - 11:00 AM dismissal

August 23rd - Barbeque for Incoming Freshman - 5:00PM

SENIOR EXAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The following is a copy of the Senior Exam Schedule and Class Day that will start on Monday, May 21st:

2012 SENIOR FINAL EXAMS AND CLASS DAY

Week of May 21st - May 25th

Monday May 21st

Period A

7:25-9:00 Period A & B Exams

Period B

9:04-10:34

Period C

10:38-11:06

Period D

11:10-11:38

Period F

11:42-12:07 F Lunch Block

12:10-12:35 F Lunch Block
12:38-1:03 F Lunch Block
Period E

1:07-1:34

Period G

1:38-2:05

Tuesday May 22nd

Period C

7:25-9:00 Period C and D Exams

Period D

9:04-10:34 Period C and D Exams

Period A

10:38-11:06

Period B

11:10-11:38 No Advisory/Study

Period G

11:42-12:07 G Lunch Block

12:10-12:35 G Lunch Block

12:38-1:03 G Lunch Block

Period E

1:07-1:34

Period F

1:38-2:05

Wednesday May 23rd

Period E

7:25-9:00 Period E Exam

Period A

9:04-9:20

Period B

9:24-9:40 1/2 Day

Period C

9:44-10:00

Period D

10:04-10:20

Period F

10:24-10:40

Period G

10:44-11:00

Thursday May 24th

Period F

7:25-9:00 Period F & G Exams

Period G

9:04-10:34 Period F and G Exams

Period A

10:38-11:06

Period B

11:10-11:38 No Advisory / Study

Period C

11:42-12:07 C Lunch Block

12:10-12:35 C Lunch Block
12:38-1:03 C Lunch Block
Period D

1:07-1:34

Period E

1:38-2:05

Friday May 25th**

Period A

7:25-8:15

Period B

8:19-9:08

Period C

9:12-10:01

Period D

10:05-10:54

Period E

10:58-11:23 E Lunch Block

11:26-11:51 E Lunch Block
11:54-12:19 E Lunch Block
Period F

12:23-1:12

Period G

1:16-2:05

**Class Day begins at 8:30 on Friday.

Juniors will be called from Period B to the gym.

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

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