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, June 4, 2012. School Committee meetings are held at Plymouth Community Intermediate School in the Little Theatre. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.

Weekly Quote:

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."

-Joseph Campbell

News and information for K-12 educators, students, and parents in Plymouth from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.

Have you seen these two award-winning, informative websites for reading and history?

Read, Write, Think

Read, Write, Think was created by teachers for teachers to offer the best materials for reading and language arts education. The site focuses on learning language, learning through language and learning about language. Great site for any Language Arts, ESL, or English Teacher. Search for lesson ideas, Web materials, student activities, and accompanying standards.

Go to:readwritethink.org/

Our Documents

Need a fresh new way to teach American history? Our Documents is your site. One hundred important documents from American history are featured in this site, along with specialized tools for enhancing the study of them. Search the Teacher Sourcebook and lesson plans for social studies ideas.

Go to: ourdocuments.gov

South Elementary School News

Preschoolers Paint the Town

The sun was shining as South Elementary preschool classes headed to the Plymouth waterfront on May 24th for a day of exploration.

They worked with a partner on a scavenger hunt as they walked along the waterfront and through Brewster Gardens to the Jenny Grist Mill. At Jenny Pond, the children gathered to discuss their findings.

"During the past week, we have been learning about towns, and specifically some of the things they might see in their hometown of Plymouth," says teacher Miss Christine Blanchard. "In addition to reading books and building vocabulary about towns, some of the activities have been following a simple map around the classroom at the motor center and building houses at the art center."

Cold Spring Elementary News

The 5th graders at Cold Spring, under the guidance of their teachers Kim Williams and Alli Shaughnessy, were able to honor our veterans when they went to the Vine Hill Cemetery on Friday, May 25th. They replaced many of the old flags on veterans' graves with new flags as part of the annual event run through the Plymouth Veteran Services. Afterwards, many of the students said they felt really grateful that they could do something for those that sacrificed their lives for our country.

Indian Brook Elementary News

1st Grade Visits Zooquarium

Indian Brook's first grade classes traveled to Yarmouth recently to touch and feed some familiar farm animals and to learn about the wildlife we see right in our backyards. Zooquarium houses different species of animal life from the woods, waters, and farms of Cape Cod and New England. It also provides a safe home for many rehabilitated regional animals.

The students first checked out the aquarium to view the fish and turtles and to explore the hands-on tidal pool. They then headed outside to feed the deer, llamas and goats and were treated to Mr. Peacock putting on a show as he spread his beautiful feathers.

They learned about skunks during the Animal Encounter program and even got to pet one - not to worry, this one had his stinker removed! Lastly, they experienced a bird show that taught interesting facts about the performers - gulls, owls, a falcon and a crow. The birds all did tricks and flew around the students' heads. Everyone had a ball!

Indian Brook Rocks Out to School House Rock

On May 21st and 22nd the 5th grade at Indian Brook performed the musical, "School House Rock Live!", with songs covering grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics, and civics. With direction by Brian Battles and support of the entire 5th grade as chorus, the cast included Conner Smith, Meghan Redington, Stephanie Fernez, Joe Flynn, Charlotte Kuemmeth, Allie Mason and Mason Gagnier. And playing the roll of Tom was Joe Laraia, a 4th grade teacher at Indian Brook. The kids worked very hard and put on an amazing performance. Special thank-yous go to Susan Tudor and Jean Norton-Ryan for their help with props and to the custodial staff for their assistance.

Manomet Elementary School News

The 5^th grade students at Manomet and Indian Brook Elementary Schools have been studying genres with Library Media Specialist Anne-Marie Ross for much of the year. The latest genre was folktales. After Mrs. Ross read Eric Kimmel's version of Baba Yaga, the students did a Reader's Theater version of the story. The students of Linda Horgan's 5^th grade at Manomet Elementary enjoyed performing for each other. Look out Hollywood!

West Elementary School News

Fifth Graders Give Back

On Wednesday, May 23rd, 5th grade students from West Elementary volunteered their time to clean up the school grounds. Whether it was weeding, raking, picking up trash or spreading mulch, it was a great opportunity for the students to give back to West. Thank you to all that participated in this project!! It was certainly time well spent. Great job Fifth Graders showing your Wildcat Pride!

The Clean Up Crew

The clean up crew works on the playground.

They left no bush unraked!

Several fifth graders clean up the school's entrance- way.

The Community Service Project receives Special Recognition

"Service-learning engages students in the educational process, using what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. Students not only learn about democracy and citizenship, they become actively contributing citizens and community members through the service they perform." ~Learn & Serve America

Students in Mrs. Haynes', Miss Learning's & Miss Reid's classes collected 887 items, throughout the year, for a local food pantry, run by the St Mary Conference, Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Each week, an average of 100 local families visit this food pantry.

During the course of the year, literacy, math and social studies were all integrated into this service-learning project. This has been a meaningful project for both students and teachers involved. All have a sense of pride knowing that their participation has helped local families in need.

On Tuesday, May 22nd, our efforts were recognized by The Telephone Pioneers, a charitable organization made up of telecommunication employees and retirees. The Pioneers presented the classes involved with a beautiful states and capitals rug! It was the perfect segue to another discussion about how good deeds can start a positive chain reaction!!

The pioneers present the rug.

The students watch the presentation.

Federal Furnace Elementary News

Adopt an Artifact Project

Fifth grade students from Federal Furnace completed their artifacts projects which were on display at the Pilgrim Hall Museum last week-end. Students were welcomed with a reception in their honor and given certificates from Pilgrim Hall Museum director Ann Berry. The students and staff would like to thank the staff at Pilgrim Hall and the Lions Club for sponsoring this event. Photo includes some of the students, staff, Director of Pilgrim Hall,
Ann Berry and members of the Lion Club.

Hedge Elementary School News

Overnight.... At the Museum of Science

Thirty students from Hedge School's fourth grade attended the Overnight at the Museum of Science. Students boarded the bus after school on Thursday. After arriving at the Museum, they spent the night exploring the different exhibits and participating in workshops that included how to protect an egg in a nest and determining how to stay safe from the African Bull Frog.

Before sleeping in the Weather Wise exhibit, students participated in the lightning show that started at 11 PM. In the morning, students saw a Planetarium and Omni Show before returning to school at 12 PM on Friday. Students really enjoyed themselves and learned quite a few new facts. Hedge School has been attending the Museum of Science along with South Elementary for over 25 years.

The trip would not have been possible without the multiple adult chaperones including parents, teachers, school nurse, and Principal. Mr. Derek Brewer, Mr. Jason Bassett, Ms. Sonia Robinson, Mrs. India Long, Mr. David Mackenzie, Mr. Scott Dietzman, Ms. Terri Tinerella, Mrs. Jamie Burkhead, Ms. Tanya Tinerella, Mrs. Deborah Metcalfe, and Mr. Adam Blaisdell attended with the students. We would also like to thank the Hedge School PTA for supporting the trip by paying for much of the buses.

578 Pounds of Food Donated during the month of April!!!

On Friday, May 25th, Mrs. Manning's Kindergarten Class visited the Greater Plymouth Food warehouse. During the month of April, Hedge School held a food drive. Students and staff brought in 578 pounds of food to benefit the people of Plymouth and the surrounding areas. The class with the greatest amount of food items donated was told they would be able to visit the Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse. Mrs. Manning's class donated 231 items throughout April.

When they visited the warehouse, the students brought an additional twenty-four pounds of food with them to donate. Students were able to see how the food warehouse was organized and learn about those individuals the warehouse benefits.

What a great job Hedge School kids! Thank you Mr. Frank Smith for organizing the food collections at Hedge School all year long. Visit Hedge's website to see the yearlong collections.

Plymouth South Middle School News

Plymouth South Middle School

and

Jordan Hospital

Welcome Parents To:

Behavioral Choices your Teens are facing NOW!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Health and Wellness Lecture
How to talk to your Teen about Teen Issues

Jordan Hospital will provide useful information to these behaviors
and to answer your questions on these Issues.

Topics include:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
HPV Vaccine
Prescription Drugs & Marijuana
Alcohol
Location: Plymouth South Middle School, Auditorium
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 pm - Lecture and Questions
Please Welcome:
Brigid McCue MD, Medical Director BirthPlace, Jordan Hospital
www.jordanhospital.org/obgynmidwifery
Amy Sylvia, Program Director, Plymouth Family Planning
www.plyfp.org

Plymouth North High School News

Return to North

On Monday, May 21st a U.S. Marine, alumni Evan Willey (Class of 2009) returned from Afghanistan to visit his old school before it is torn down. Evan met with two of his previous teacher's, Mrs. Sharon Lasky (pictured here with Evan) and Mrs. Mary Humberd. He also met with CARE Program teacher Mrs. Maggie Madden, who works with Mrs. Lasky overseeing the Adopt-A-Platoon Writing Campaign.

Evan shared his incredible experiences as a Marine fighting on the front lines in Afghanistan. He returned home, grateful to be alive having survived "being blown up". He sustained major injuries and is now 100% disabled. Given the extent of his injuries, it is amazing to hear Evan talk about some of the good times he experienced as a Marine in Afghanistan. He smiled as he spoke of his lifelong passion to become a Marine. He would never had done anything differently.

Evan was able to shed some light on the true meaning of the letters PNHS sends to the troops of Afghanistan. "Many guys don't have anyone back home sending them anything. It really means a lot to us. We didn't get any of the letters from PNHS, we got them from some little kids in like third grade. But we really appreciate it."

Evan agreed to return in the fall to visit the new PNHS and meet with students involved with the Adopt-A-Platoon program to share his story.

Senior Schedule

Graduation Rehearsal - Tuesday, 5/29 & Thursday 5/31, 8:30 A.M. Memorial Hall (all seniors MUST attend BOTH rehearsals)

Senior Athletic Awards Night - Wednesday, 5/30 at 7:00 P.M. in the auditorium.

Senior Convocation - Thursday, 5/31 at 7:00 P.M. in the auditorium

Class of 2012 Graduation - Saturday, June 2^nd, 1:00 P.M. Memorial Hall

Plymouth South High School News

UPCOMING EVENTS AT PSHS NEXT WEEK:
Graduation Rehearsal - Tuesday, May 29th and Friday, June 1st at Memorial Hall - 11:00 Both days are MANDATORY!!

Senior Academic Awards Night - Weds., May 30th at 7:00 PM at PSHS;
Senior Dinner Dance - Thursday, May 31st at Popponesset Inn, New Seabury 6:00 - 11:00 PM; Graduation Class of 2012 !! - Saturday, June 2nd at 9:30 AM at Memorial Hall.
Graduates must arrive by 8 AM.

Chris Hazel in a Mini-Excavator

PSHS Tech Students: Left to right - Devin Furtado, Seth Showers, Shaun Cazeault, Josh Raymond, Dillon Halpin, Chris Hazel, Brandon Maurice and Corey Renault

Students from the Technical Studies Program went to the New England Laborers Training Academy in Hopkinton, MA on May 3rd for the annual Massachusetts Construction Career Day. The participants were able to operate construction equipment, try out their welding skills and undertake other construction challenges. The day was a great success - the students had a lot of fun while exploring all of the aspects of construction.

On Wednesday, May 23rd, PSHS hosted their annual Underclassmen Awards Night. Students were recognized for a variety of awards including but not limited to continual high honor roll recognition, vocational-technical excellence, art recognition, leadership awards, and much more. Below is a photo of one of our sophomores, Marissa Kanter who is a "seven" consecutive high honor roll award recipients. In addition, listed below are the junior "book" award winners. The book awards are awarded annually to our outstanding junior students.

Marissa Kanter

Junior Book Award Winners: (* Multiple award winners):

*Madison Braz - Wellesley College Book Award

Rebecca Laudermilk - Smith College Book Award

Timothy West - Dartmouth College Book Award

Haley Clark - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal Award

*Brenna McGinnis - St. Michael's Book Award

*Conor Disher - St. Michael's Book Award

Jason McCue - Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal Award

Brittney Cleary - Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal Award
Meredith Flynn - Rochester Institute of Technology Creativity & Innovation Award

Sean Walkama - Rochester Institute of Technology Creativity & Innovation Award

Marie Cronin - Brown University Book Award

*Sam Cheung - Harvard University Book Award

Elsa McGilvray - Stonehill College Book Award

*Sydney Quirk - Fairfield University Book Award

Melanie Hawes - University of Rochester-Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award

Haley Garvey - University of Rochester-Baush & Lom Honorary Science Award

*Melissa Connolly - Yale University Book Award

Robert Cheetham - University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation & Information Technology
*Nicholas Trainor - University of Rochester-George Eastman Young Leaders Award

On behalf of the Graphic Design and Visual Communications Department at Plymouth South High School, we would like to congratulate Kaleigh Haynes on her Honorable Mention in the Massachusetts 2012 AAA Traffic Safety Message Contest. She received a $50.00 American Express gift card from the AAA Southern New England Branch office. Winning entries can be viewed at www.AAA.com/safetymatters.

Congratulations to the boys and girls track teams for their outstanding performances on Saturday at the South Shore Principals Meet in Norwell. There were 5 school records broken: Boys 4x800- Jason McCue, Max Bassett, Devin Sullivan, and Steve Swinarski- 9:03; Boys High Jump- TJ Russell-6'2"; Girls 4x400- Aly Messina, Alyssa Richard, Holly Sessler, and Lauren Richard- 4:19.67; Girls 400 hurdles- Aly Messina- 1:07.31 and Girls Triple Jump- Lauren Richard-36'1.5"

On behalf of the Plymouth South High School Art Department and Graphic Design and Visual Communications Departments, we would like to congratulate the following students on their success in the 2012 Massachusetts Marine Educators and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary annual Marine Art/Poster Contest.

High School Art (grades 9-12)

6th Place: Emily Nickerson, age 14, grade 9, Plymouth South HS. Loggerhead turtle

HM: Emily Kelly, age 16, grade 10, Plymouth South HS. Moon jellies

HM: Kara Hurley, age 16, grade 11, Plymouth South HS. Spiny sunstars

HM: Olivia Silverman, age 18, grade 12, Plymouth South HS. Orca

HM: Vanessa Tirrell, age 16, grade 10, Plymouth South HS. Harbor seal pup

Scientific Illustration (all grades)

5th Place: Shelby Rexroad, age 17, grade 11, Plymouth South HS. White shark

6th Place: Sienna Condon, age 16, grade 10, Plymouth South HS. Butterfish

HM: Haley Peterson, age 16, grade 10, Plymouth South HS. Hermit crab

HM: Tommy Ready, age 18, grade 12, Plymouth South HS. Wolffish

Computer Graphics (all grades)

2nd Place: Shaelen Keane, age 14, grade 9, Plymouth South HS. Wolffish

6th Place: Maggie Pappas, age 15, grade 10, Plymouth South HS. Octopi

HM: Emily Clines, age 19, grade 12, Plymouth South HS. Seahorse

HM: Meghan Lambert, age 17, grade 11, Plymouth South HS. Anemones

HM: Michaela Fornaciari, age 17, grade 12, Plymouth South HS. Red lobster

Computer Graphics 20th Anniversary

HM: Ashley Williams, age 16, grade 11, Plymouth South HS

HM: Michelle Newell, age 18, grade 12, Plymouth South HS

Special Art

HM: Jess Odell, age 15, grade 10, Plymouth South HS

HM: Melissa Jaworski, age 17, grade 11, Plymouth South HS

Winners of Special Awards - 2012 from Massachusetts Marine Educators

$20 money order (to student) and book (to teacher)

High School - Melissa Jaworski, grade 11, Plymouth South HS, Blue heron

The following students have been nominated to Student Council positions for the 2012/2013 school year: Student Council Executive Board: President/Melissa Connolly; Vice President/Madison Braz; Sec. Corr./Brenna McGinnis; Historian/Marissa Persichini. SPECIAL COMMITTEES: School Committee: Kathy Payzant and Brenna McGinnis; Board of ED SERSAC: Marisa Kanter and Madison Utz; School Council: Melissa Connolly. CLASS OF 2013: President/Kathy Payzant; Vice President/Marissa Kessell; Treasurer/Zach Wilson and Secretary/Haley Clark. CLASS OF 2014: President/Kyle Richard; Vice President/Marisa Kanter; Treasurer/Andrew Buley; Secretary/Allison Daley and Delegates/Julia Daly, Alison Johnson, Amanda Paul, Brianna Fragata, Maddy Arnold and Tori Carter. CLASS OF 2015: President/Madison Utz; Vice President/Zekory Coon; Treasurer/Ozborne Stelter and Secretary/Victoria Munoz.

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

This e-mail is for the sole use of the individual for whom it is intended. If you are neither the intended recipient, nor agent responsible for delivering this e-mail to the intended recipient, any disclosure, retransmission, copying, or taking action in reliance on this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the person transmitting the information immediately. All e-mail correspondence to and from this e-mail address may be subject to MA Public Records Law which result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement. In compliance with federal laws, Plymouth Public Schools administers all educational programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.