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| Greetings!
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, June 18, 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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Have a happy and a healthy summer!
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Music Immersion Program
Music Immersion Program is made possible through a partnership between Plymouth Public Schools and the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout the year, students in grades 3-5 were visited by a string quartet, woodwind quintet, brass quintet and a percussionist to learn about instrument up close and in depth. The finale concert is the culmination of the program when students attend a performance given by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.
Music Immersion Finale Concert
On June 5th, 2012, over 2,000 Plymouth students in grades three, four and five were bused to Memorial Hall to attend one of two 50 minute concerts given by the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert was the climax of a year-long program that exposed students to the four families of instruments in intimate settings, up close and personal. The impact of this program can be measured in several ways.
The Impact of Music Immersion
Music Immersion Pretest and Post-Test
Students were given a pretest in early September to determine their knowledge of the instruments of the orchestra. Questions were specific to the four families of instruments and included vocabulary pertinent to an orchestra concert. They were also given pictures of instruments and were asked to name them. After experiencing the entire program throughout the school year and after attending the finale concert, students were given a post-test wiht the same questions.
The results:
Pretest:
50% passed the test (with 60% or above)
of these students only 10% aced it (92%-100%)
50% failed (below 60%)
Post-test:
95% passed the test (with 60% or above)
of these students 70% aced it (82-100%)
5% failed (below 60%)
Rating Music Genres
Students were asked to rate the following genres in order of their preference (on a scale from 5 (favorite) to 1 (least favorite): Rock, Rap, Jazz, Country, and Symphonic.
The results:
Preconcert: 20% gave the symphony on of their top 2 ratings
Postconcet: 30% gave the symphony one of their top 2 ratings
Preferred activities
Students were asked if they would prefer to go to an orchestra concert or one of six different events. (Events that are appealing to children, such as amusement parks, and sporting events were given).
The results:
Pre-concert: 10% preferred the orchestra over 3 out of 6 events.
Post-concert: 40% preferred the orchestra over 3 out of 6 events.
Students' description of an orchestra
Pretest: When asked to describe on orchestra concert students gave answers such as "dull," "boring," and "I don't know," Some had positive things to say, but very few.
Post-test:
When asked to describe an orchestra concert two students said that it was boring and one said, "it was okay" but the majority of the comments were positive.
Several are written below:
"It was fun, interesting and awesome!
"Magical"
"Very interesting. Keeps me wanting to listen to more. Very intense!"
"It was exciting and interesting. I learned a lot. I'm glad we got to go."
"Fun to watch!"
"I love listening to the whole concert. Like the strings are playing soft most of the time and yet again when they are all playing you can hear them. The woodwinds are beautiful. They have the sweetest noise. But the best part is when they all play together."
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News and information for K-12 educators, students, and parents in Plymouth from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.
Are you staying home this Summer? Take a look at lots of fun getaway suggestions on the new Massachusetts Insider website and have a great Summer! http://www.massvacation.com/txt/
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South Elementary School News
Biography Bonanza Third graders from Mrs. Trombly and Mrs. Caldwell's classes became famous on June 7th as a culmination of a study of famous people from Massachusetts. Students spent time researching a famous person using books from the library and the Internet. Information was displayed on poster and students answered questions in the role of the famous person they researched. They dressed and acted as if they truly were the person. "Students were very proud to share their final projects with family members," Mrs. Trombly noted. 
Spring Music Concert and a Bittersweet Recognition On June 11th, third and fourth graders presented students and families with a "groovy" Spring Music Concert. The program began with Mr. Larry Chaplin's fourth grade String Ensemble, who performed such songs as Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Sponge Bob Squarepants and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Next up, the audience was delighted by Mr. Bob D'Ambrosio's fourth grade Band Ensemble's performance of a variety of songs such as: Sawmill Creek, A Llittle Bit of Latin and Imagine. The evening was made complete by Mrs. Susan Dolan's third and fourth grade chorus's show "Love, Laughter and Legends" featuring songs from The Beatles. Students sported their groovy costumes and peace signs as they sang such songs as: We All Live in a Yellow Submarine, I Want to Hold Your Hand and Hey Jude. 
Immediately following the program Plymouth Public School Committee Member, Michelle Badger, along with two fourth graders, presented Mrs. Dolan with some flowers and recognized her for her 35 years of dedication to the music program. In addition, School Committee member, Margie Burgess, also attended the concert and recognition. This performance marked Mrs. Dolan's final music program as she plans to retire in September. In Mr. D'Ambrosio's words, "I've never seen anyone inspire students with music like Mrs. Dolan has." South Elementary will greatly miss Mrs. Dolan and wishes her well. 
 
Farewell to the Queen After 30 years of service to Plymouth Public Schools, Speech and Language Pathologist, Betty Infascelli (also known as Queen Elizabeth to some of us) is retiring. Mrs. Infascelli has touched the lives of many students by helping to improve their communication skills and making them feel confident. The staff and students of South Elementary would like to express their thanks to Mrs. Infascelli and send her the warmest of wishes as she begins her new life in retirement.  Fun at the Zoo On a beautiful Monday, June 11th, 140 first graders excitedly visited the Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford. The students had the opportunity to see and discuss the animal exhibits at the park, and could readily identify the animal groups that were represented there. Our thanks to the PTA for their generous donation of the buses for the trip. The students had a wonderful experience!  
Field Day Follies Children ran, tugged, jumped, dribbled, balanced, and spun at South Elementary School's annual Field Day on June 8 (June 1 for kindergartners). Gym teachers Chad Jordan and Margie Ryan set up 36 stations, the most popular being tug of war, water balloon toss, giant sponge, sack races, and scooter races. More than 100 parents volunteered to help make the day a success. "The students were cheering for their teammates and having a ton of fun at each activity," recalls Mr. Jordan. "The parent volunteers made each station really fun for students. Some of the kids told me that their favorite part was when the parents at the water balloon station threw the balloons up and the kids tried to catch them. Just about every student left that station wet." 
Monarchs Taking Off Fourth graders heading to middle school in the fall were honored at Recognition Night on June 13. Students sang Patriotic songs, and Principal Ellen Gunning and Assistant Principal Jill Dore-Cotreau called out each student's name for special recognition. As the children prepare to open the next chapter in their lives, we at South Elementary will fondly remember them and their years here. We wish all of our fourth graders the best and hope that they open their wings and fly to the highest goals they wish to achieve. |
Cold Spring Elementary School News Last Hurrah!
To celebrate the end of the year, and the end of their elementary school careers, the 5th graders at Cold Spring decided to show off their unique talents. The students put on a terrifically varied performance that included, among other things: a brief play; a drummer who got out from behind the kit to do some singing as well; a drawing demonstration; and even a step-dance duet between a student AND a teacher- that included cello playing from the school psychologist! There were certainly some wet eyes in the audience. 
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Plymouth North High School NewsCongratulations to the Plymouth North Baseball team on winning the Eastern Mass Div. 2 Final and advancing to the State Finals. The State Final Game will be held on SATURDAY 6/16 AT 12 NOON AT FITTON FIELD, HOLY CROSS, WORCESTER. North will be facing South Hadley in this final game, time TBA. PNHS Scholarship Recipients |
Scholarship
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Recipient
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DR. FRANK J. AND EUNICE C. ABATE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Rozak, Alexander
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CLAIRE M. ANDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Normile, Kathleen
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BALFOUR SCHOLARSHIP
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Serrilla, Sean
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BUILDING COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP GIVEN BY THE ARC OF GREATER PLYMOUTH
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O'Dwyer, Connor
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BUILDING COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP GIVEN BY THE ARC OF GREATER PLYMOUTH
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Vallecillo, Sharlene
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JEFFREY BURGESS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Noyes, Christina
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GEORGE "TIM" & ELIDE BUTTERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Stefano, Riley
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DAVID A. CAPPANNARI SCHOLARSHIP
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Goodman, Kristi
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CARTMELL FUNERAL HOME SCHOLARSHIP
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Waltuch, Ben
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PETER CHAPMAN NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
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Torrance, Emily
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JARED M. CORDEIRO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Savoia, Robert
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BEVERLY A. CORREA NURSING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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Lentini, Matthew
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MARY D. COSTA SCHOLARSHIP
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Flanagan, Shawn
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THE PATRICK J. CRAWFORD MEMORIAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP
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Flowers, Jordan
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THE ROBERT G. CUMMINGS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Hogan, John Patrick
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THE ROBERT G. CUMMINGS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Kerr, Jocelyn
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RICHARD DAVIS FUNERAL HOME SCHOLARSHIP
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Ahlstedt, Michael
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BARRY F. DRISCOLL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Folan, Sean
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KATELYN DUNNER FUND SCHOLARSHIP
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DeAngelo, Karmyn
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EAPC CHARLOTTE SEALY REMEMBRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
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Cavanaugh, James
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EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF PLYMOUTH AND CARVER SCHOLARSHIP
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Caducci, Emma
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EDUCATION ASSOCIATION OF PLYMOUTH AND CARVER SCHOLARSHIP
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Flowers, Jordan
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ENTERGY WOMEN IN NUCLEAR (WIN) SCHOLARSHIP
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Whitaker, Melissa
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FRANK FANNING MEMORIAL ROAD RACE SCHOLARSHIP
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Baggan, Michael
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JOSEPH A FARINA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Thayer, Mercedes
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JOSEPH A FARINA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Costa, Nicholas
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ROSE SHERMAN GELLER AND DR. MILTON GELLER SCHOLARSHIP
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Bott, Emily
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Stefano, Riley
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Bramhall, Jared
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Flanagan, Shawn
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Post, Rachael
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Bowman, Emma
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Duddy, Holly
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Stasinos, Peter
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MARY D. AND GEORGE L. GOODING SCHOLARSHIP
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Roy, Megan
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JOAN & ED GUTOWSKI DECA SCHOLASHIP
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Cleland, Emily
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SPEC. STEVEN GUTOWSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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McDermott, Shannon
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HEDGE SCHOOL 100th ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP
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Campbell, Casey
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HEDGE SCHOOL 100th ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP
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Cleland, Emily
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RICHARD C. AND ANGELA R. HOLMES & ANGIE M. AND AUGUSTA E. TAVERNELL SCHOLARSHIP
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Flanagan, Shawn
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RICHARD C. AND ANGELA R. HOLMES & ANGIE M. AND AUGUSTA E. TAVERNELL SCHOLARSHIP
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O'Dwyer, Connor
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HONEY DEW SCHOLARSHIP
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Leydon, Annika
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KERR FAMILY DENTISTRY SCHOLARSHIP
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Bousquet, Taylor
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KIWANIS CLUB OF PLYMOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
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Holmes, Cody
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MEGHAN RAE KUHN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Byrne, Amy
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MEGHAN RAE KUHN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Indeglia, Shane
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GEORGE AND CAROL LAMB SCHOLARSHIP
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Lentini, Matthew
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DOLORES M. LANE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
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Kerr, Jocelyn
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DOLORES M. LANE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP
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Gallagher, Ashley
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KATHLEEN LOFTUS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Josephine, Matthew
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KATHLEEN LOFTUS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Indeglia, Shane
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LIAM MACOMBER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Ariagno, Alexander
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LIAM MACOMBER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Arthurs, Kimberly
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A. D. MAKEPEACE COMPANY SCHOLARSHIP
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Byrne, Amy
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THOMAS MCCOSH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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Folan, Sean
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MUTUAL BANK SCHOLARSHIP
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Henderson, Gemma
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GRACE SWIFT NYE AND ALFRED GIBBS NYE SCHOLARSHIP
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Flanagan, Shawn
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GRACE SWIFT NYE AND ALFRED GIBBS NYE SCHOLARSHIP
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Green, Tyler
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GRACE SWIFT NYE AND ALFRED GIBBS NYE SCHOLARSHIP
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O'Dwyer, Connor
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PARENTS OF PLYMOUTH NORTH HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
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Follette, Connor
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PLYMOUTH CARVER CLASS OF 1987
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Thayer, Mercedes
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PLYMOUTH DISTRICT BAR ASSN. SCHOLARSHIP
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Martinsen, Molly
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PLYMOUTH GUILD ART SCHOLARSHIP
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Petrell, Katelyn
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PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1962
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Boris, Connor
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PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1962
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Stefan, Brittani
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PLYMOUTH LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Holmes, Jake
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PLYMOUTH LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Goode, Brett
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PLYMOUTH NORTH ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Follette, Connor
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PLYMOUTH NORTH ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Green, Tyler
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PLYMOUTH NORTH ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Rozak, Alexander
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PLYMOUTH NORTH ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Bousquet, Taylor
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PLYMOUTH NORTH ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Pieroni, Emily
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PLYMOUTH NORTH ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Duddy, Holly
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PLYMOUTH POP WARNER SCHOLARSHIP
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Tavernelli, Vincent
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PLYMOUTH ROTARY SUNRISE CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Byrne, Amy
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PLYMOUTH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS' SCHOLARSHIP
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Nardo, Ariana
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PLYMOUTH SCHOOL NURSES SCHOLARSHIP
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Irwin, Courtney
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PLYMOUTH SCHOOLS MUSIC ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
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Allen, Graham
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PLYMOUTH SCHOOLS MUSIC ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
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Burgess, Lezah
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PLYMOUTH WOMAN'S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
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Gallagher, Ashley
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MARY QUINN HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
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DeFelice, Alexander
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JOSHUA FRASCELLA REHM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Bott, Emily
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RESIDENTS OF NEWFIELD HOUSE SCHOLARSHIP
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Campbell, Rachel
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STEVEN EMERSON ROGERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Rozak, Alexander
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FAITH M. ROMBOLDI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Allen, Graham
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ROTARY CLUB OF PLYMOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
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O'Dwyer, Connor
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ROTARY CLUB OF PLYMOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
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Machado, John-Hanson
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ROTARY CLUB OF PLYMOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
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Connolly, Hannah
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WINSLOW AND DOROTHY SEARS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Noyes, Christina
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VINCENT C. SGARZI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Green, Tyler
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VINCENT C. SGARZI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Campbell, Rachel
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TOM C. SIEVER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Brigida, Libby
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TOM C. SIEVER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Follette, Connor
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PAUL F. VECCHI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
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Connolly, William
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VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERICA, NORTHEAST LLC SCHOLARSHIP
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Flynn, Connor
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REUBIN M. WINOKUR SCHOLARSHIP
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Connolly, William
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All State Track and Field Plymouth North attended the All State Track and Field Meet at Fitchburg State and had a big day. Claire ODonnell finished 6th in the 200 Meter dash, won a medal and qualified for the All New England Meet this Saturday. This is a very big deal in the Track and Field world and a first for Girls Track and Field at North. Please congratulate her!
The track and field team will be going to Saco, Maine this Saturday for All New Englands.
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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