|
|
| Greetings!
Friday notes is a weekly update from Superintendent Gary E. Maestas on the happenings within the Plymouth Public Schools.
|
Plymouth Public Schools School Committee Meetings:
The next regular meeting of the Plymouth School Committee will be Monday, November 5th, 2012. School Committee meetings are held at Plymouth Community Intermediate School in the Little Theatre. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.
|
|
Weekly quote:
"Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending."
Jim Henson
|
|
District news and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.
Have you seen these exciting sites on safe, global communication and collaboration?
You Are What you Read
What five books have shaped your life? Who does your textual lineage connect you to? You Are What You Read brings readers together connecting Bookprints from around the world. Share your books, connect with other readers, build relationships through what you read. With this site you are what. you read.
Find out more at: youarewhatyouread.scholastic.com/kids/
iEARN
Be a part of the network and join the global community! Through International Education and Resource Network (iEARN) and an Internet connection, students and teachers from over 130 countries can transcend linguistic, national, political, religious, and social borders to collaborate on meaningful educational projects in hopes of making a difference in the health and welfare of people and our planet.
Go to: www.iearn.org/ to learn more.
|
Kids Vote!On October 5th, three students from Cold Spring School attended the School Committee meeting, along with teacher Allison Shaughnessy, and presented information on the Kids Voting Program. The fifth graders were, Connor MacLeod, Matthew Manfredi and Aryana Bertino-Pyne. At the October 9th Board of Selectmen's meeting, third graders from Indian Brook presented information to the Board about the importance of voting. The students also lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of the meeting. Students participating were Ainslee MacVarish, Matthew Cassidy, Sophie Machernis, Jakus Machernis, Isabella Romboldi, Nathan Ruehs, Hannah Maddeford, Henry White, Leo Shore and Stirling Lewis. Grade 3 teachers, Miss Webb, Mrs. Canducci, Mrs. Nadler and Mrs. Varrasso prepared students for their presentations.  CSES students and Mrs. Shaughnessy  Volunteers are still needed on Election Day to work at the polls, handing out ballots and stickers to young voters. Anyone interested in participating should contact Kathy Babini, Social Studies Coordinator, at 508-830-4476 or kbabini@plymout.k12.ma.us
|
South Elementary School NewsChatting Across the Atlantic Third graders in Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs. Trombly's class live chatted with Dr. Gary Maestas on October 3rd while he was abroad in England. "The children asked him questions about Plymouth, England, which we had been studying because it is where the Mayflower set sail on September 6, 1620," says Mrs. Caldwell. In addition to answering questions about the similarities and differences between the two Plymouths, Dr. Maestas shared some of England's attractions, such as the London Eye - the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel - and the West Minster Abbey historical church. The live chat corresponds to classroom learning: - John Smith named our town Plymouth prior to the arrival of the Pilgrims.
- The Mayflower replica was built in Devon, England, during 1955/1956.
- In April 1957, the Mayflower II sailed across the Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth, England, to Plymouth, Massachusetts.
"Dr. Maestas was visiting Plymouth, England, in conjunction with our town's 400th anniversary to establish a relationship," says Mrs. Caldwell. "Students had a wonderful time chatting with him and learning more about his trip." Apple Day Students in Mrs. Hoagland and Mrs. MacCune's classes celebrated an Apple Day and created an exciting video about making applesauce with a simple machine. Check it out! Click here!
|
Hedge Elementary School NewsMaking Floods Miss Watson's Fourth Grade Class Friday, October 5th, was science experiment day!!!!!!!! We are learning about weather and climate in science, and it was time for us to have some fun! We all piled out of the classroom and on to the front lawn where we set up. Groups worked together to create floods by putting soil in pans and flooding it with water. After we created floods we had to try and stop them by making floodplains and levees and dams. We got messy, but we wore gloves to keep our hands clean.   
|
|
Cold Spring Elementary School News
The afternoon kindergarten students at Cold Spring School were recently treated to a hands-on experience with some interesting sea
creatures. Mr. Bramhall, a part time
lobsterman, brought some lobsters and crabs (hermit crabs, a rock crab, a small green crab and
a large spider crab) to class. He showed the kindergarteners how to band the lobsters and how he has to measure to make sure they are
"keepers". He explained that if the lobsters are not big enough, they have to be thrown back into the ocean so that they have a chance to grow. The little green crab was probably the favorite one to
hold, but the students all enjoyed observing the big spider crab. They thought it was kind of "scary"!
Many of the children are drawing pictures about this experience in their Writing and Drawing books
during Writer's Workshop.
|
|
Federal Furnace News
FFES 5th Graders Learn About Voting
|
PCIS News
Gemini house at PCIS celebrated Boss Day on Tuesday, October 16th. To show their appreciation and support, the teachers wore their 'possibilities' t-shirts that were given to them by the district.
|
Plymouth North High School News
Marching Band
Last Saturday evening, October 13th, the combined Plymouth North
and Plymouth South Marching Band competed in a USBands marching
band show in Dartmouth The band performed their 2012 field show,
entitled "Waves". Plymouth placed first in Division 3A at this show!
Other upcoming Shows:
NESBA Show on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Reading High School.
NESBA Finals, Saturday, October 27, at Lawrence Veterans Stadium,
Lawrence, MA
Guidance Information
The following is a list of representatives that gave a presentation to
our senior class on, Wednesday, October 17th:
-Cape Cod Community College-Christine McCarey
-Universal Technical Institute-Steve Fitzgerald
-Bridgewater State University-Greg Meyer
-U Mass Dartmouth-Visual and Performing Arts
-Heather Bentz, Assistant Dean
College Financial Aid Night Attention:
There is a Change of Date for the
College Financial Aid Night.
The new date is Thursday, December 6, 2012
From 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
at Plymouth South High School
Octoberfest
Octoberfest for the senior class will be
Wednesday,October 24, 2012
from 7:51 a.m. (B) - 10:55 a.m. (G) on the athletic field.
Students must be present to school for period A and
wear their Octoberfest t-shirt to participate.
Volunteer Work
Students that have performed volunteer work over the past year
may be qualified to win The Prudential Spirit of Community Award
- all students may apply.
See Mrs. Scanlon in Guidance for more information.
Student Athletes
"These student-athletes represented PNHS at the 2012 MIAAWellness Summit in Westborough.
From left to right: Samantha Burkhead, Theresa Loranger, Jesse Bunting, Cullen Cosgrove, Ryan Moskos."
|
Plymouth South High School News  The G & G/PSHS Male Athlete of the Week is unique in that it includes the entire offensive line for the Football Team. Included are seniors Derek Anderson, Connor Rossi, Dillan Halpin and Ryan Madden, along with juniors Shaun Duncombe and Brendan Harty. The dominating efforts of this group of young men were key in the 49-14 win for the Panthers over strong rival Sandwich High School. During the game South's offense rushed for over 400 yards which paved the way for 7 rushing touchdowns. The resulting score of 49-14 was largely due to the work by these young men. Their blocking was integral for the success of the entire team. In addition, two timely interceptions by Anderson directly impacted the outcome for the Panthers. The G & G/PSHS Female Athlete of the Week is Kara Hurley. Hurley is a senior forward on South's Field Hockey Team. In an amazing week of field hockey with a dominant 8-2 win over Bridgewater-Raynham, she had a 'hat trick' scoring 3 goals plus an assist. Earlier last week Hurley scored 2 goals against Marshfield. In addition she is a true leader by example, giving 110 percent with her work ethic, determination, and motivation setting the tone for her teammates. Congratulations Kara!  Many of you know English teacher Mr. Erik Walker. Erik wears MANY hats at Plymouth South High School - Department Head, Panther TV Teacher, Newspaper Co-Advisor, NHS Co-Advisor, Inauguration Trip Co-Organizer and the list goes on and on! Today I would like to congratulate Erik on being selected for the Ann Garland West Excellence in Teaching Award by the New England Association of Teachers of English. He has been selected for the award as he exhibits the following qualities: · Extensive knowledge of his discipline · Interest in and concern for students and the ability to challenge and motivate them · Involvement in professional organizations and staff development If you know Mr. Walker, his winning this award will be no surprise. Congratulations again Erik - you make us all very proud! This is the third teacher in a year and a half to receive an award of this caliber. Congrats to all!  A wonderful group of students from Plymouth South High School volunteered this past weekend to walk for a charity event. They participated with Kristina Babcock to honor the memory of her cousin who sadly passed away last year from suicide. They were part of a team for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - the team raised over $500.00 in just a few weeks. Kristina's family is very proud of these students for supporting Kristina and their family as they continue to deal with Ali's death. They took the time on their weekend to support their friend and to help make a difference for this cause. The students that participated were: Kristina Babcock, Sara Mahan, Zachary Thomas and Josh Dowling. Draw me a Poem; Write me a Picture. The celebration of the 45th annual Juried Arts Show at The Plymouth Center for the Arts continues with a new event on Sunday, October 21 at 1:00 pm. Plymouth North and South high school seniors will take to the microphone in the Russell Gallery to share their poetic interpretation of selected pieces from the annual show. The Plymouth Center for the Arts, which is also home to the successful Poetry: The Art of Words, is thrilled to host another poetry event that showcases the talent of young, enthusiastic local writers. Dr. Lisa White, English and Language Arts Coordinator, has been the contact person from the conception of this new artistic literary endeavor and she has been passionate about working with the Center to make the program happen. Dr. White coordinated with teachers Diane Hartley from South and Joel Dunlap from North. Twelve students have been chosen from the combined classes of North and South High to read for Draw me a Poem; Write me a Picture. Admission to the event is free; light refreshments will be served. Haley Cannucci, Nicole Dzengeleski and Mike Flohr, three seniors in the Plymouth South High School marketing department, are participating in the Council for Economic Education video contest. The voting period will be open until Tuesday, October 23rd at 3:00 pm EST. Please vote by going to: https://www.facebook.com/councilforeconed/app_490007517677063 Thanks to the Graphics Arts department for their assistance with the videos and thanks for your support!  Booster Club/Sam Fry Road Race As many know, Mrs. Fry won the football "scratch ticket basket" at the Road Race on Sunday, October 14th. She decided to return the basket of unscratched tickets to the football team on Monday at practice. Captains Dylan Halpin, Connor Rossi, Derek Anderson, and Jason Lamb are holding the basket in the above photo. When the team scratches the tickets, half of the proceeds are to go to team events such as the end of season awards night, "wing" nights, etc. and half are to go to a charity of their choice. We will keep everyone updated on the winnings and the charity that the team selects! Thanks to all parents, coaches, and students for their support of the fourth annual event! Mr. Loranger wants to let everyone know that the freshman academy is starting a homework club on Tuesday, October 23rd in room 218 from 2:10-3:00 for any student that wants to stay after and complete school work. You will have to provide your own ride home. Thank you and we hope you can make it.
|
Math Department NewsMath Department Math Coordinator Linda Coffey was a guest reader at West and Manomet Elementary Schools this week. Mrs. Cormier's and Mrs. Galop's grade 2 classes invited Ms. Coffey to read and learn about their Service Learning Project - Birthday Wishes: Bringing Birthday Parties to Homeless Children. These students have been collecting candles, balloons, and cake ingredients, making Birthday Banners and Birthday Cards, so children who would not have a birthday party can celebrate their special day! While helping others, the students are using math as they count collected items, use tallies to create frequency charts, display data using pictographs, and also graph class survey results about their favorite flavor of cake and frosting. These students should be commended for their community service, and for the math work they created to display their project work. Thank you to Mrs. Cormier and Mrs. Galop for encouraging your students to help others and integrating math into your Service Learning Project!
|
|
More about Draw me a Poem; Write me a Picture
As mentioned in the Plymouth South High School News there will be a new event taking place as part of the 45th Annual Juried Arts show at the Plymouth Center for the Arts. This event will take place on Sunday, October 21st at 1 P.M. This poetry event will be a chance for young writers to share their poetic interpretation of pieces from the show.
In preparation for this event Dianne Hartley organized a field trip to the Center for the Arts to allow the students the opportunity to tour the facility and to choose the painting that they would interpret through poetry. The afternoon was a win-win for all involved. The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit to an art gallery (the first visit for some) and the adults embraced their eager curiosity. Hartley, who had encouraged the students to approach the experience from a mature perspective, spoke warmly about the reception the students received from Center for the Arts members. The high school seniors browsed the galleries, taking a picture of the painting they chose with their cell phone, and then proceeded to the front desk to complete the necessary information and sign-up.
Classroom activities in preparation for the reading included looking at more visual art in order to become acquainted with mood, texture, and imagery. The exercise was devised to help the students view art as a sensory experience. The students practiced by writing various forms of poetry: a traditional pantoum, an image poem, and free verse. In addition Hartley spent time discussing word choice and the part connotation plays in choosing the "best" word to convey imagery and metaphor.
The high school seniors in Hartley's poetry class are there by choice. The senior poetry class is an elective. These students who have varying future goals and who approach their writing from unique and individual perspectives have poured themselves into the thought process, the writing, and the editing of their poems. Twelve students have been chosen from the combined classes of North and South High to read for Draw me a Poem; Write me a Picture. These twelve students will be supported by their fellow poetry classmates, parents, family, friends and all those who enjoy the written and spoken word.
Events and programs like Draw me a poem; Write me a picture assist local educators in the effort to increase college preparedness through authentic evaluation and life experiences that allow for meaningful interaction.
|
|
|
|
|
Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
|
|
|
