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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, January 28, 2013. 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:
"All it takes is one good friend and school is a good place to be."
~ Judy H. Wright
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District news and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.
Did you know that ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) has great free resources for all educators?
To see a list visit: ascd.org/Publications/freeresources.aspx
Have you heard of ARKive?
Freely accessible to everyone and preserved for the benefit of future generations, ARKive is a truly invaluable resource for conservation, education and public awareness. With the help of the world's best wildlife filmmakers and photographers, conservationists and scientists, they are creating an awe-inspiring record of life on Earth.
Suitable for 5 to 18 year olds, ARKive's free fun-packed teaching resources cover a range of key science and biology subjects including: adaptation, endangered species, food chains, Darwin and natural selection, classification, identification, conservation and biodiversity.
These teaching resources include: classroom presentations, activities and handouts, teachers' notes as well as links to ARKive species profiles and scrapbooks. To see what ARKive has to offer visit:
http://www.arkive.org/education/resources |
The Science Fair is coming!The Plymouth Public Schools' Science Fair will be held on Feb. 12th at Plymouth South High School. Students who do well in the local competition will advance to the South Shore Regional Science Fair at Bridgewater State University on March 9. Winners there will advance to the Massachusetts State Science and Engineering Fair at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology May 2-4. Approximately 80 students from Plymouth North and South High Schools are expected to participate. Best of luck to those students! Check out the news about the Science Fair in the Old Colony by clicking the link below: Click here!
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Social Studies NewsMartin Luther King Jr. Awards January 21, 2013 On Monday January 21, the Plymouth Area Interfaith Clergy Association and Plymouth No Place for Hate Committee held its annual MLK Prayer Breakfast. At the event a number of Plymouth Public School students were recognized. Two high school seniors were named the 2013 MLK Scholars. Students are nominated by their school and chosen because they emulate the vision of Dr. King. To be eligible, students must be a senior who participates in activities in or out of school that demonstrate the qualities of respect, compassion and equality This year's winners are Frank Schulze from Plymouth North and Haley Clark from Plymouth South. Awards were given at the elementary level for posters and at the secondary level for essays, poems or digital art. Frank Schulze Plymouth North Frank is a student who demonstrates many leadership qualities at Plymouth North High School. He represents the school in many areas, both in academics and through his many extracurricular activities. He is not only extremely intelligent, but kind and helpful to others. His peers voted him as most likely to succeed and be famous. He is a person who goes out of his way to help others. For these reasons, Plymouth North has chosen to nominate him as a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar. He carries in him a personality of tolerance, caring and kindness that Martin Luther King Jr. would be proud of. He possesses characteristics that both his peers and the staff at Plymouth North High school admire and respect. He is a doer, a leader and a wonderful role model both for the school and the community at large. Haley Clark Plymouth South Haley is an incredibly driven, hardworking and personable individual. Her contributions to the Plymouth South community and beyond have been phenomenal. She is always seen around school after hours helping others or assisting with projects. Haley's kind and friendly demeanor, along with her innate leadership qualities, act as a positive role model for others. What is further remarkable is Haley's ability to balance her many extracurricular activities with her excellent academic standing. Haley has earned a 3.81 GPA and currently stands within the top 10 percent of her senior class. Haley is a wonderful asset to our school and an excellent candidate for the Martin Luther King Scholar award. Posters (Grades K-5) Kindergarten: Taylor Curtis (Cold Spring) Honorable Mention -Lavinia DeMeireles (Cold Spring) Grade 1: Ari Pina (Indian Brook) Honorable Mention - David Brown (Hedge) and Lucca Betti (Hedge) Grade 2: Brooke Finlay (Cold Spring) Honorable Mention -Timmy Spiegel (Indian Brook) and Isabella Gambarini (Hedge) Grade 3: Deneen Curtis (Hedge) Honorable Mention -Madeline Dayie (Hedge) 74 Grade 4: Phieronie Jackson (South Elem.) Honorable Mention -Anna Pullen (South Elem.) and Chloe DePaul (South Elem.) Grade 5: Drew Crothers (PSMS) Essays, Poetry, Collages (Grades 6-11) Grade 6: Haleigh Hefner (PCIS) Grade 9: Ben Gaffey (PSHS) Grade 10: Allison Gordon (PNHS) and Quinn Darling (PSHS) Grade 11: Colby Bott (PNHS) Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen Winners The VFW has announced the winners of the local Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen winners from the Plymouth Public Schools. Congratulations to all students and thank you the Post and Mr. Bob Davidson for running this program. Patriot's Pen PCIS 1st Place Samantha Curtin 2nd Place Gwenyth Carr 3rd Place Molly McKenna PSMS 1st Place Jacob Gates 2nd Place Olivia Slaton 3rd Place Madelyn Mallaghan Voice of Democracy PSHS 1st Place Juliana Mori 2nd Place Stephen Shea 3rd Place Alexis Armfield PNHS 1st Place Kasey Dietzman 2nd Place Casey E. Quinn 3rd Place Richard C. Kirby
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Federal Furnace Elementary NewsInnovative 4th Grade Social Studies Projects Students in Mrs. Boucher's fourth grade class learned about the Civil War during Social Studies. Once students gained adequate background knowledge about the time period by reading a variety of different non-fiction texts, they then selected to read one of four different historical fiction books that take place during the Civil War. Currently, students are discussing their thoughts and ideas with their Book Club during Reader's Workshop. To coincide with the current Literary Essay Unit in Writer's Workshop, students have been generating flash essays and creating thesis statements about their reading. Students also share and respond to their group members' ideas, and the teacher's essential questions by using a child-safe blogging website called KidBlog.org. Finally, students will create a video podcast sharing their ideas about the Civil War and their historical fictions books using the new iPADS purchased by the FFES Parent Teacher Association. Students are truly enjoying reading, writing, and learning about historical fiction with their Book Clubs while using 21st Century skills! 
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South Elementary School News
Nighttime Sky Lights up Learning All six of the first grade classes at South Elementary made a visit to the Russell Blake Planetarium at PCIS. Planetarium Director Monica Ares demonstrated the daytime and nighttime sky on the big dome. The children listened attentively as she taught them about the stars and constellations. "This field trip tied in beautifully with our unit about the nighttime sky," says Mrs. Kimberly Shaw. As part of the classroom lessons, students made observations and described the daytime and nighttime sky. They also identified the characteristics of objects in the sky. The students used globes, flashlights, and a small ball to investigate what causes day and night and to demonstrate why the moon is lit up at night. Students truly enjoyed this unit.
Nurturing Nature Eve Bunting's book Night Tree - a wonderful story about a family decorating a tree for the birds and woodland animals - was the inspiration for a literature response activity. First graders in Mrs. Betsy Hoagland's class did the same for the animals and birds at SES. They headed outside to string Cheerios and Fruit Loops in patterns of 10 to create colorful garlands. Students also strung orange and apple slices, and made cranberry wreaths to hang on the tree right outside their classroom window. Birdseed was scattered for the ground feeders. "We have noticed many bird varieties enjoying the treats," notes Mrs. Hoagland. "This was a great activity to help prepare for an upcoming theme on how animals survive the winter."
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Manomet Elementary School News
Third graders at Manomet Elementary learned about various ecosystems. Students thoroughly researched an ecosystem and created a diorama to depict their chosen environment. Their choices included: grasslands, rainforests, deciduous forests, freshwater systems, saltwater systems and deserts. The students used a wide variety of materials to represent different vegetation and wildlife unique to their ecosystem. They proudly presented their special ecosystems to their peers, parents and teachers. Enjoy the wonderful examples below! Deciduous Forest  Rainforest 
Desert 
Grassland  Saltwater 
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West Elementary School News
West Elementary students from Mrs. Hickey's and Mrs. Walsh's kindergarten classes share "the pen" during an Interactive Writing Lesson as part of their Writer's Workshop.
Matthew McNeil is the "space keeper" for Catlin Salois as she writes the next word for Mrs. Walsh's class.
 Matthew and Catlin
Tomas Coughlin has his turn writing in Mrs. Hickey's class.
 Tomas
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Indian Brook Elementary News
This date, January 25th, was dedicated as Blackout Bullying Day in May 2010 when the MA State Legislature passed the Anti-Bullying legislation. Indian Brook students used this day as a day of reflection and shared ideas about Bullying Prevention. The students wore black clothes as a symbol to remind people to Black out Bullying behaviors.
The fifth grade students in Ms. Reddington's class created a banner that students in grades 1 through 5 signed. The banner was signed by students as a promise to stop behaviors like "name calling" and "put downs" which lead to bullying. The signed banner will be hung in the cafeteria as a reminder of our commitment to stop these behaviors and make our school and community a NO BULLYING ZONE. GREAT JOB IBES!!!
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Guidance Department News
Grade 8 Parent Informational Evening
Monday, February 11 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the PCIS Cafeteria
The Guidance Departments at PCIS and PSMS welcome all parents and guardians of 8th grade students to attend this information session. The topics for the evening include:
The multi-step process of transitioning your child to the 9th grade
Review of the 2013-14 Freshman Academy Transition Guide
A day in the life of a 9th grade student at a Plymouth High School
Details regarding the Technical Studies Program
We look forward to your participation in this important information session!
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PSMS News
6th Grade Ancient Egypt Museum
On Wednesday, January 23rd parents and students at Plymouth South Middle School were transported back in time to the year 2500 BC when Pharaohs ruled and a life's worth was judged by Anubis's feather of truth.
Mrs. Burkhead, Mrs. Brandt and Mrs. Chamber's Ancient Civilization classes welcomed visitors to their Ancient Egyptian Museum. Students worked to research topics of interest, created inquiry questions and explored information that answered Egypt's most intriguing mysteries. From the Curse of the Mummy to the mummification of cats and loved ones, students presented their interpretations of these wonders and informed their visitors of the importance of these events and accomplishments on Egypt's cultural and societal development.
Students worked through the rigorous process of researching, reading, forming thesis statements, organizing facts, drafting solid paragraphs and revising for clarity. The creativity displayed in the students' three dimensional models and tri-folds was impressive and their knowledge of their topic was commendable.
   MLK Poster Winner Congratulations to Drew Crothers for being named a winner in the Martin Luther King Jr. Poster Contest sponsored by the Town of Plymouth. Overall, eight elementary students earned honorable mention status and Drew, a fifth grade student in Mrs. Bettencourt's class, was one of only six elementary grade level winners! The winners were invited to attend the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Monday, January 21st where they received their awards and were recognized for their entry.  Drew Crothers holds books he used for inspiration for his prize winning Martin Luther King Day poster.
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PCIS News
PCIS celebrated its 40th birthday with a staff luncheon on Wednesday before Inservice workshops. All staff sported school colors and most wore their new 40th birthday celebratory t-shirts designed by art teachers Keely Farrell and Emily Price; these retro baseball jerseys feature the PCIS school mascot, and the falcon holding a birthday cake with a big "40" in its talons. The back design is a word cloud of the number forty comprised of words which apply to PCIS past and present. (Another order will be placed so anyone who wants to order a shirt that says either "PCIS or PCIS Alumni" should contact Judy Maccaferri @ jmaccaferri@plymouth.k12.ma.us ASAP.) A cake and coffee reception for current and former staff and retirees was held afterwards in the PCIS cafeteria. One of the highlights was when former principal Mr. Tom Long shared both funny memories and sage advice for current teachers. Another was when retired sixth grade teacher Henry Rondelli recalled the move from Nathaniel Morton to PCIS in January of 1973 when he was just a second year teacher forty years ago. Tonight PCIS's 40th birthday will be celebrated with current students at Students Night Out which is co-sponsored by PCIS Interscholastic Athletics and Falcon Pride.  Former administrators Jake Collins and Tom Long  Former and Current PCIS Administrators  retired Viking house teachers  PCIS Staff Photo In celebration of the PCIS 40th birthday, the PCIS service- learning club Falcon Pride, along with Mr. Sullivan from American Sign, Rushell Kwong, Mrs. Rymsha and some students, made many improvements to our school. Mr. Rich Burns from All American Signs Plus, and father of two PCIS students, donated his time for almost 3 days putting up cables, hanging flags and Olympic banners. Falcon Pride donated money that allowed us to take down the dirty sheets in the gym that blocked the sunlight in the windows. In their place, they hung a large banner that reads "Home of the Falcons". Also in the gym, all the Olympic banners were cleaned and re-hung on a wire in a neat, orderly fashion which was designed by All American Signs Plus. Former PCIS main office secretary, Rushell Kwong, painted the cafeteria with a nice purple and yellow wave, and Mrs. Rymsha finished it off with her students and painted a wave reading "Imagine... The Possibilities". These small improvements have helped improve the look and culture of our building. Thank you to all who helped and donated time or items.
 PCIS cafeteria  PCIS Gymnasium
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Plymouth North High School News
Chad Kierstead Jersey Retirement Ceremony
Last week during the Plymouth North vs. Plymouth South Hockey game that ended in a 2-2 tie, the focus was on an emotional ceremony to retire
Chad Kierstead's jersey.
Follow this link for a full article on the event:
Click here for the full article.
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray
On Thursday, PNHS welcomed Lt. Governor Tim Murray and guests to Plymouth North High School. During their visit they focused on the Technology Area and the PNN Studio. While at North they were able to watch an episode of PNN and work with the Robot that was designed and built by Team 23.
PNHS Graduation
Graduation Commencement will be held on
Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
Book Drive
Read any good books lately?
Done with a great book and willing to pass it along for someone else to enjoy?
The PNHS Literacy Team is conducting a Book Drive. Our goal is to create mini "Take a book, Leave a Book" libraries of donated books in display cases around the building. Look for donation boxes outside English rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors or give them to any English teacher.
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Plymouth South High School News
PLYMOUTH SOUTH'S ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
The G & G/PSHS Female Athlete of the week is junior Jenna Ketterer. Ketterer excelled in her beam routine during the first Gymnastics meet of the season. An essential member of the team, Ketterer received a 9.0, which was the highest score of the meet. She is a very motivating captain as well! Great work, Jenna! The G & G/PSHS Male Athlete of the Week is Colin McHugh. McHugh is a senior and part of the Winter Track team. In spite of a broken wrist he received the prior Saturday, he returned Wednesday night only to win the high jump and hurdles against Sandwich! Congratulations and outstanding job, Colin!
Technology Notes from Ms. Frongello:
Ms. Westfield's Integrated Science class took their lesson on the States of Matter to another level when they had the opportunity to use the iPads in class to create screencasts using the application "Explain Everything."
Each one of Ms. Westfield's students had to create their own screencast on the various States of Matter. The students had to research each matter to gather their own information and examples to use in their screencast. The students then had to define what each state meant, find a picture of that state of matter and give examples all while explaining the specifics of each matter. The students were very excited to use technology in the classroom to learn and teach each other in their own creative ways using text, audio, and pictures as it allowed them to learn in a different setting. It was very productive and the students were so proud of the work they produced! Great job!
Check out Plymouth South High School on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming events and deadlines.
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News from the Visual and Performing Arts Department
January 18, 2013
- The next VPA Coffee House is coming up Friday, February 1, 2013! We are looking forward to some wonderful student performances!
Click here for the Coffee House flyer!
- Save the Date! The Plymouth High Schools' Chorus and Band present a Spaghetti Supper. The event will be held Friday February 8 at Plymouth South High School from 6:30pm-8:30pm. All proceeds will benefit the High Schools Music Performance Trip to NYC this April. We hope you can join us!
- Come enjoy a meal and support the Plymouth Public Schools High School Music Ensembles' trip to NYC! Print out the attached flyer and bring it to Red Robin at Colony Place on Wednesday February 6. A portion of your bill will be donated to the trip.
- Round Table is a new program produced by the Plymouth Public schools highlights issues within the school system this inaugural episode talks about arts and the role they have in our community. Below is a promo video for the Round Table.
 | | Round Table Promo |
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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