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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, November 5th, 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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Weekly quote:
"Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night."
-Steve Almond
Have a safe and a happy Halloween!
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District news and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.
Have you heard about the Concord Consortium? Visit concord.org, and imagine the possibilities with the amazing, free math and science resources available to you and your students.
Information for k-12 Teachers from the website:
You're just a click away from even more powerful teaching!
You want to help your students in grades k-12 to learn more math and science. So do we. That's why we've spent over 15 years using technology to bring science and math ideas alive.
The best part about it? Hundreds of our resources are free, research-based, and available for you to use today. As a non-profit organization, we're committed to quality science and math. And we're focused on showing the world how technology can lead to better learning.
So how can you help your students learn? Try one of these easy ways:
Stay on the cutting edge of technology
Do you have the drive to learn about the newest technology? Are you always the first in your school to try new software? We love to work with teachers like you to pilot test our software. Sign up for updates about our cutting-edge classroom technology or to be a pilot teacher and get on the inside track today.
Looking for great ways to teach complex science and math concepts? Let our Activity Finder help. Our standards-based activities cover a huge variety of science topics and include time-tested math interactives. Our models and simulations can make complicated topics simple. And most of our activities let you see assessment results after students use the activities, making alignment with your lessons quick and easy. Put your probes and sensors to work
Do you have probes and sensors gathering dust in your closet? Fire up one of our many probe-based activities and start collecting data without missing a beat. There's no need for students to learn how to use complicated graphing or data analysis software - our activities do it all without leaving the page. And you can even use probes from different vendors within the same activity. Try one out today.
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Visual and Performing Arts Department NewsPCIS Communicating with Technology Class Alopecia Fundraiser As part of the new Visual Arts course Communicating with Technology, students just finished a group project that focused on how they could make PCIS a better place. One group chose to work with the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). They chose this topic because one of the group member's little sister currently has Alopecia. As a group they wanted to figure out a way not only to gain awareness about this disease, but also raise money. After a lot of hard work these students were able to create posters for this cause and also get in contact with the foundation which donated 200 bracelets for PCIS to sell. Upcoming VPA Events: Saturday, October 27 NESBA Marching Band Championships, Lawrence Veterans Stadium 12:00pm Saturday, November 10 VPA Coffee House Series, Kendall Hall Plymouth 7:00pm, Admission is Free
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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! 
 Mrs. Cormier's class
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Mount Pleasant Preschool News
Mt. Pleasant Preschool Fire Safety Week Ms. Megan's class visited Central Fire Station after finishing our Fire Safety Week. At school we spent the week learning about fire fighters, fire trucks and how to be safe. After learning so many great things about fire stations, we walked to Central and got to meet real fire fighters! They taught us about all the gear they wear and we even got to touch the fire man's helmet and gloves!! Then we got to get in the fire trucks and wear a helmet (which is really heavy). We even got to see a fireman come down the pole, it was so exciting!! To end our tour we went upstairs to see where the fire fighters eat, watch tv and sleep. Wow, they have a lot of cozy chairs, which we were allowed to try out. We had a great time and learned even more about fire fighters and staying safe. Thank you to all of our fire fighters, you're the best.  Megan Husband's preschool class  Maya Salamone, Katelyn Cusack, Aubrey Welch
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South Elementary School NewsHarvesting the Fun South Elementary School students and families enjoyed a day filled with fall fun on Saturday, October 20, at the annual Harvest Festival. The festivities included hay rides, crafts, a bake sale, a raffle and a book fair. During lunch, homemade crafts and a variety of items were on sale from the many vendors who joined the festival. Children enjoyed playing games and redeeming their winnings for prizes. Another highlight of the day was the Halloween costume parade, with prizes awarded for scariest, cutest and most creative costumes. Following the parade, guests were surprised by a flash mob that performed to Michael Jackson's Thriller.  
Pumping Up the Learning Kindergartners in Ms. Shirley and Mrs. Costa's classes embraced the Halloween season with a reading of Jeanne Titherington's book "Pumpkin, Pumpkin," a story about a boy who plants a pumpkin seed in the spring that grows into a pumpkin he carves for Halloween -- saving some seeds to plant next spring. "Using what we learned from the book, we sequenced the stages in the pumpkin life cycle," says Mrs. Costa. Next, students completed pumpkin observations on pumpkins that were donated to the class by students. "We measured the pumpkin's height with unifix cubes, counted the number of lines on the pumpkin, and used several adjectives to describe the different pumpkins in our classroom," adds Ms. Shirley. "Our goal for the lesson was to incorporate the season into our curriculum in a fun way!"  
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Cold Spring Elementary School NewsClose-Up Artwork Based on Photographs of Cold Spring School Students examined photographs, taken at close range, of objects around Cold Spring Elementary School. They discussed in class how to reproduce images realistically by studying the lines carefully and breaking down every image into basic shapes. Some students blended colored pencils to create a natural effect and added white to soften some hues. The vocabulary that was introduced to the class included shades and shadows, color theory, perspective, and photo realism. The students enjoyed trying to find their object around the school and seeing their surroundings in a whole new way.  Sea Creatures 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.     
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Nathaniel Morton Elementary School NewsAs part of Fire Prevention Week and a unit on Community Helpers, the Kindergartener of NMES took a walking field trip to Central Fire Station. The children were able to sit in many fire trucks, learn about the safety equipment the firefighters wear and watch Firefighter Chad go down the pole. Thanks to all the firefighters of Central Fire Station!  
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Federal Furnace Elementary News
Last week, Mrs. Magnarelli's full-day kindergarten class sailed the ocean blue to 1492. With blessings from the King and Queen of Spain, Christopher Columbus and his fleet of ships, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, left Spain to find new land. The kindergarten students researched the story of Christopher Columbus to accurately portray the journey, and even informed their audience of little known facts - that Columbus didn't meet Indians on the new land, rather Vikings. And that the new land, which he named San Salvador, was actually the Bahamas. The student-made costumes and props put the finishing touches on this spectacular performance.
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Manomet Elementary News
Manomet School kicked off it's new "Grade Two After-School Theater Workshop" this week. Thirty second graders will be spending time with a group of staff and parent volunteers as they prepare to perform "A Traditional Thanksgiving". Our first rehearsal was a HUGE success, and we look forward to a great month of taking to the stage in preparation for performances on November 20th.
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PCIS News
Happy Bosses Day
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.
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Plymouth South Middle School News
Perspective on the Outsiders Improving the reading, writing and presentation skills of all students is a major focus of our Literacy Program. Students in Mr. Joyce's 8th grade English class recently continued their work with perspective by creating and presenting eulogies for one of two main characters in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders. Students were to write and deliver the eulogy from the point of view of Ponyboy Curtis, using details from the text to lend an air of authenticity to their writing. The students exceeded Mr. Joyce's expectations for this first major perspective assignment of the school year, and the class is now looking forward to bigger and better things! Fall Sports Season Update Congratulations to the boy's soccer team on their tie against PCIS last Monday. Two goals were scored by Alex Munoz, who had strong support from Stanley Profete. Tuesday's game against Old Rochester was hard fought with strong performances turned in by Bobby Whitman, Tyler Duncan and Sean Sanguinet. The PSMS field hockey team gave an experienced Cohasset squad a very challenging rematch, holding them to just a few goals thanks to the strong play of goalie Dylan Buote. It was a much improved performance for the whole team. Players to watch included: Jordan Colbert, Ashley Fabrizio, Olivia Slayton and Ethan DelaCruz. Congratulations to the girl's soccer team on a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Old Rochester yesterday. The girls played very well in the 2nd half and created many chances to score. Excellent performances by Meg Hendry, Sable Santos, Maddie Sessler, Meg Gallerani and Emily Hoar kept the game close. The girls will close out their season next week against PCIS. ALO Visits Wampanoag Settlement The following students from the ALO (Advanced Learning Opportunities) "Illustration of Fairytales" course visited the Wampanoag settlement at Plimoth Plantation on Monday, October 22nd. Alexandra Burch, Bethany Carlin, Kevin Cimorelli, Ayala Dayan, Paige Figueroa, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Kayla Glynn, Kelley Kazorek, Tyler Keating, Emily Kunkle, Katie Lister, Hope Manion, Kendra McIntosh, Steven McKay, Natalie Reda, Benjamin Rivera-Concannon, and Catherine Tolland. The students were accompanied by their teacher Mrs. Terry Kole and ALO Co-Director, Sharon Cumiskey. Under the direction of Mrs. Kole, the students viewed the settlement in order to develop ideas for a Native American picture book that they will be illustrating for professional publication later in the year. During this 10-week course, the students will be learning how to draw realistic Native American figures and scenes for the picture book. 
PSMS ALO class with Wompanoag
PSMS ALO students listening to how a mashoon is made
... watching the making of a mashoon
State Rep Visits PSMS Sandwich resident and Massachusetts State Representative Randy Hunt visited with 8th graders this past Wednesday. Mr. Hunt represents the 5th Barnstable District and Precinct 9 in Plymouth. Mr. Hunt explained the new boundaries and why he represents a small portion of Plymouth. Mr. Hunt also explained how the state legislature works during the sponsorship of a bill. Using the proposal to legalize fireworks in the state of Massachusetts, Mr. Hunt employed student role players as the Governor, a bill sponsor and members of the House and Senate. The students leaned about committees, vetoes and overrides. Mr. Hunt fielded questions from the audience and provided a history of our state constitution, the origins of our type of government and interesting facts about the State House on Beacon Hill. When asked why he decided to become involved in politics, Mr. Hunt explained how he became disenchanted while watching a local broadcast of a Sandwich Selectman's meeting. He felt he could make a difference and decided to get involved. He later ran as a state representative and is currently on the ballot next Tuesday, November 6th. The session concluded with a promotion of the "Kid's Vote" initiative in Plymouth. The students were encouraged to participate and to accompany their parents on Election Day. The students were also told to anticipate registering as a voter in Plymouth when they turn eighteen years old and that as part of their civic responsibility, to be educated on the issues and to exercise their right each and every time there is an election. Thank you to Representative Hunt for his time, expertise and his efforts on behalf of the Plymouth community. 
PSMS Paw Prints Club Students in Mrs. Martin's after school club, "PSMS Paw Prints", are making it a point to step lightly. They are concerned about the carbon footprint they are leaving on our planet and hope to learn better ways of making their school a clean, green, learning machine. Each week they meet to brainstorm ways to be greener. They then share with the whole school via 'recycled art' weekly newsletter tips for school and home, and have created a wall of information that covers 'Good People, Good Products, Good Companies.' They have also highlighted an Eco-Hero Celebrity. PSMS's own maintenance teams, lovingly called "Doug & the Dudes," are this month's celebs, and have done a wonderful job of keeping our school clean and green! The motto the Paw Prints want to share is "Just use less...and recycle the rest!"
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Plymouth North High School News
PNHS Girls Varsity Soccer Win
The Atlantic League Championship
Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Soccer team for winning the Atlantic Coast League Championship by defeating rival Marshfield 2 - 1 Tuesday, October 23, 2012.
Great job girls!
For more on this game follow this link:
Octoberfest
Octoberfest for the senior class was held on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. Seniors enjoyed events like face painting, decorating pumpkins, obstacle course, inflatable slide, tug-of-war and bungee pull. A good time was had by all!
Thanking U.S. Veterans
On Monday, November 5th, the Student Council and Social Studies Department have invited Veterans from the area to participate in a Veteran's Day assembly. The goal is to stress the importance of the flag and to say THANK YOU to Veterans - something that I think we all agree cannot be done enough. The band, chorus, and A Cappella group will be performing, and a few of the Veterans will be speaking, as well as a student...
Perception, still life by Sherie Harkins
on display at the Suzanne Schultz Gallery in Boston.
Mrs. Harkins' art will be on display at Suzanne Schultz Gallery for the month of November
162 Boylston St.,
Boston, MA, Sixth floor
(617) 470-1889
canvasfinearts.com
Congratulations Mrs. Harkins
"I am very interested in the contrast between how we perceive and what else is occurring. The juxtaposition of color and texture represents seminal events brushing up against each other and shaping the surface we allow others to see."
-Sherie Harkins
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Plymouth South High School NewsPLYMOUTH SOUTH'S ATHLETES OF THE WEEK This week's G & G/PSHS Female Athlete is junior Christina Jaros. Jaros, number one middle hitter on her Volleyball Team, is one of the main reasons we are doing so well this season. Her hitting, passing, and unstoppable jumps are unsurpassed! In addition, Jaros is one of our captains who has shown outstanding leadership and serves as an example for her entire team. Congratulations Christina! Each week, the G & G/PSHS Male Athlete is obviously selected from a team that is comprised of all male athletes. This week is unique in that our representative for the male team is in fact a female, senior Katie Buker. Buker joined the football team early in the year, has been to all practices, and is a dedicated member of the team. In Friday's game against Randolph, Buker kicked an extra point in the 41-6 Panther win. She is the first female in PSHS history to score an extra point in a Varsity Plymouth South football game. Congrats to Katie!  L-R Christina Jaros, Katie Buker  Katie Buker
 Christina Jaros
State Tourney Bound - Congrats to the girls soccer, field hockey, and volleyball for qualifying for MIAA state tournament play. Great job to all coaches and players! Upcoming Dates: Powder Puff Game vs. Plymouth North - Tuesday, November 13th 6:00 p.m. at South Winter Sports Sign-ups for ALL TEAMS - Wednesday, October 31st at 2:15 p.m. in the cafeteria Meet the Coaches night for parents and athletes of winter sports teams - Thursday, November 8th - 7:00 p.m. Students will be participating in a Presidential Mock Election next week during their advisories - hosted by the Social Studies Department - stay tuned for the PSHS results.
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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