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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, February 25th, 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 you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
Charles M. Schulz
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February is Digital Learning Month!
There are several activities planned and resources available. MassCUE has created a calendar:
The MA office of Digital Learning has made available many several digital learning tools:
Digital Learning Day has past, but resources are still available:
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District news and information for all k-12 teachers, administrators, and parents from the Elementary Library Media Specialists.
Looking for a site that will save you time in accessing appropriate Common Core activities/lessons for your students?
Take time to explore this newly organized Library of Congress site. The ability to search for resources by Common Core, State Content, and Organization standards makes the site worthy of a new look. The search option for Common Core provides access via grade and either English/Language Arts or Social Studies standards. A quick search for kindergarten in English/Language Arts reveals a primary source activity designed to practice the skills of asking and answering questions about key details in pictures and text. Another search for tenth grade in Social Studies finds twenty-seven primary source resources that provide activities on the standard analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them
Go to: Teacher Resources from the Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov/teachers/) to learn more.
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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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Yard/Craft Fair Postponed
Due to the weather predictions for Saturday the Yard Sale / Craft Fair scheduled for PCIS on Saturday Feb.9th has been postponed. New date will be set for next month.
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Manomet Elementary School News
"Manomet Elementary Cares Enough to Help Others-Like the Jordan Cares Closet!" Mrs.Cavicchi has begun a collaboration between our 4th and 5th graders and Jordan Hospital. The students are learning valuable lessons about helping those in need and homelessness in our area. Students are working to gather clothes for the "Jordan Cares Closet". The "Jordan Cares Closet" helps to provide clothing to those in need who may enter the emergency room.  MMM...CANDY BINGO!!! On February 20th from 5-7pm, Manomet Elementary will be hosting "Candy Bingo" at the Moose Lodge in Manomet. The money raised from this fun, family event will go to support Manomet fifth graders' Museum of Science and Sturbridge Village field trips. $5 will buy you 3 cards of unlimited Bingo for the evening and another $5 will buy you 7 raffle tickets, which may be used for food, drinks, prizes and other fun games! Join us for a fun evening!
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Hedge Elementary School News
Grade 4 Mystery Skype By : Alexa Stuart, Grade 4 Student In fourth grade we did a mystery Skype with another class. We had to figure out what state they were in and what grade they were in. It was cool to hear all the great questions the kids were asking! One girl asked us a very good question: "Were you affected by Hurricane Sandy?" We replied yes. Then someone asked us: "Were there any houses flooded?" We answered no. That gave away our state, but we still were not done because we had to guess their state! After a while and a lot of clues, someone in Miss Watson's class took a guess and they got the state right. It was, drumroll please, Illinois! After that we told the other class we were in fourth grade and they told us they were in third. The mystery Skype was a great experience for our class and a whole bunch of fun! |
Indian Brook Elementary School News
This week the second and third grader students got a chance to dance with Abraham Lincoln and our fourth and fifth grade students were discovering electricity with Ben Franklin. Historical Perspective Theatre group visited Indian Brook on Tuesday morning. The students gained a fresh perspective on two great historical figures. The actor told stories and acted out scenes from Ben Franklin and Abraham Lincoln's lives. The stories were from both their adult lives as well as their childhood experiences. The students gained a better understanding about how childhood experiences influenced these larger than life historical figures. This was a great learning experience for all the students that participated.
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Cold Spring Elementary School NewsThe second graders at Cold Spring ES culminated their Geometry study of three dimensional shapes by creating sculptures using items in the shape of cylinders, cones, rectangular prisms and cubes.    Congratulations to the following Cold Spring kindergarten students who have achieved out-standing grades for social skills: Daniel Alves, Sabrina Andrews, Canryn Balta, Bella Bankus, Kiya Carlucci, Abigail Chambers, Noelle Cherry, Caleb Christian, Ava Curran, Lavinia DeMeireles, Jessica Durgin, Hasmy Fernandes, Elizabeth Geezil, Quinn Hales, Rowen Jorgensen, Sadie Levensen, Kaua Maia, Abigail Matinzi, Stella McCabe, Lucas Menezes, Kevin Moreira, Audrey Murphy, Noah Pardue, Ella Pristas, Devon Robinson, Laura Romboldi, Addison Stuart, Ethan Thompson, Gabriel Zadroga, and Ayden Zarella. Like their counterparts in grades 1-5, students must earn a "consistent" in each of the social and behavior categories on their report card by demonstrating outstanding citizenship on a daily basis. These students' names will be added to our Citizenship Shield in our foyer.
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Nathaniel Morton Elementary School News
Nathaniel Morton students were both entertained an informed during the past week with two school-wide gatherings. During one session, students were treated to a whimsical performance by "Alex the Jester". The performance, provided by the PTA and its Creative Arts programs, entertained students through juggling, music and medieval humor. Alex grasped all students' attention as if they were back amongst a kingly court.
Later in the week, students gathered across the school to continue their work on making the school a caring and positive community. Students met in smaller groups for Peaceful Bus discussions led by teachers. They shared ideas about what makes a safe ride (or walk) to school and how to support each other in their travels to and from school. The program works to increase the level of cooperation between students and remind them that the school community extends onto bus rides. The Peaceful Bus gatherings are planned throughout the school year to reinforce these concepts.
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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 Department at PCIS and PSMS welcomes 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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PCIS NewsStudents' Night Out
On Friday, January 25th, PCIS held its 4th Annual Students Night Out. From 7-8:30 pm roughly 200 PCIS students flooded the school for an after-hours "Rec Night." Students were entertained with games, music, and arts and crafts. Roughly twenty-five PCIS teachers and staff members participated in organizing the activities. The asteroids tournament was a big hit with the energetic students, while other boys and girls enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the cafeteria, mingling with teachers as they had their nails done or while they created friendship bracelets. Groups of friends laughed their way into the Little Theatre for a short film and popcorn, and others lined up to get their picture taken in the photo booth or "jam out" on the guitars and drums. In the end, the Students Night Out was a successful fundraiser, but more importantly, a great experience for the students of PCIS.
More fun to come... Basketball Bonanza On Friday, March 8th, PCIS Interscholastic Athletics and the PCIS PTA will sponsor the 4th Annual Basketball Bonanza. - a Student vs. Staff basketball game. This fundraiser and community event is open to the general public. Come and enjoy a competitive and spirited basketball game at PCIS as the PCIS staff team challenges the PCIS basketball team. Last year, the staff team suffered their first loss and relinquished the trophy to the student squad. This year, they seek revenge! The night includes entertainment by the PCIS dance team, raffles, food, and a lot of laughs. Tickets will be limited and can be purchased at all lunches during the week of March 4th.
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PSMS News
Book Fair Reminder
Our Annual Book Fair has begun! Beginning today, students will visit the library through February 15th. While visiting with their ELA classes, students will be able to browse a diverse and high quality selection of new titles for middle grades. The book fair is a fun and engaging way to promote literacy within our school, while also serving as a fundraiser for the building.
Book Fair Online: If you are unable to attend the book fair in person, there is the option to purchase books online. The URL will be posted on our school home page. Books can be ordered from this site any time during February 2nd - 22nd. All books will be delivered to our school and distributed to students in homeroom.
Book Fair Dates: February 7th - 15th
Hours: 8am - 3pm.
Online Fair: February 2nd - 22nd
URL: http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/plymouthsmidsch
Cyber Bullying & Internet Safety
Assistant District Attorney, Kristen Stone, visited PSMS to do a presentation on "Internet Safety" for
6th and 7th graders on Thursday, February 7th. The presentation focused on the safe and appropriate use of social websites and other types of media. This included potential dangers and consequences associated with bullying and harassing behaviors and the misuse of technology. This presentation is part of our overall goal to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all of our students. Thank you to Mrs. Stone for her time and her expertise.
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Plymouth North High School News
- On Saturday morning fifteen Plymouth North High School students went to Sharon Middle School to audition for the SEMSBA Sr. Music Festival. SEMSBA stands for South Eastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association, and is an organization that is comprised of about 30 towns in south eastern Massachusetts. Of the fifteen students, ten North students were accepted into the festival.
- Last weekend sixteen Plymouth North High School students represented the country of Sweden in the annual Harvard Model United Nations conference held in Boston. Over 3,000 students from around the nation and world gather for this conference which role plays the actual United Nations.
- Plymouth students were actively engaged in their committees, which use parliamentary procedures to come up with resolutions on real life international concerns. Examples included a European Union discussion on expanding its membership base; the Historical General Assembly debate on what to do about post WWII Germany and a crisis committee on Health, Science and Technology trying to solve a deadly flu epidemic. It was a fun, educational and rewarding experience for all of the Plymouth North students in attendance. Their participation and excellent behavior demonstrated the high quality of student character at Plymouth North.
- Hayley Nicklas and Chelsea Willis represented Plymouth North High School at the (NGWSD) National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This year's theme was Girls in Sports: An Investment in the Future. This event recognizes current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports. Congratulations to both athletes for being chosen.
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Plymouth South High School News
  This year Photographers' Forum Magazine held their 33rd Annual College and High School Photography Contest. Photos from several students in Plymouth South High School's Graphic Design and Visual Communications were among the 16,000 photographs entered. The Department is pleased to announce finalists Caitlin Hynes (senior) and Kaeleigh Ellis (sophomore). Their pieces will move to the next round of judging where winning photos are then entered into Nikon's Emerging Photographer's Hall of Fame. Work will also be exhibited at the Brooks Institute Gallery 27 in Santa Barbara, CA. Congratulations, Caitlin and Kaeleigh!  On view in the PSHS Gallery is a new addition to our Door Murals, Portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Many students, in a variety of art classes worked on this painting after finishing their class assignments. The portrait is a nice complement to our History Department field trip allowing students the opportunity to view the movie of Lincoln last semester. The image of Abraham Lincoln on the penny, as demonstrated in the painting is a reminded to students that his image is current in our lives each day.  CONGRATULATIONS!!! To the Plymouth South High School Wrestling team for going undefeated this season with a record of 25-0 !!! In addition, Coach Marc Loranger also received his 300th career win on Monday night against New Bedford. Good luck this weekend in the South Sectional State Tournament!! Plymouth South football player Jason Lamb has been selected to play in the Thirty-fifth Annual Shriners All-Star Football Classic that will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Bentley University in Waltham. The Shrine All-Star Football Classic has risen throughout the years to become a premier high school football event. We hope that Jason will be proud of his accomplishment and accept the honor to play in this game. Also, Dylan Oxsen has been selected to the Massachusetts Football Coaches Association All-State Football Team for the 2012 season. Only 26 players were selected state-wide. The team will be honored at a banquet co-sponsored by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston and the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association. The banquet will be held at Lantana's Restaurant in Randolph on Sunday, March 3rd. Congratulations Dylan!! The Plymouth South School Store - "The House" has been awarded Gold Level Re-Certification for 2013. As a result of this honor, your gold level re-certified SBE is now eligible to bring 1-3 student managers and 1 advisor to the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California, where you will receive your award. At ICDC, gold certified and gold re-certified chapters will be recognized and attend the SBE Academy.  PSHS Senior Olivia Parsons and Dr. Gould Congratulations to senior Olivia Parsons and her family. Yesterday, Olivia signed the national letter of intent for a soccer scholarship to Southern New Hampshire University. She was surrounded by family, friends, teachers, coaches, and PSHS staff for the signing - a well-deserved honor and we wish Olivia well!  The sophomore Graphic Design and Visual Communications students celebrated the completion of a rigorous journey into the process of writing artists' statements for their portfolios. On Friday, February 1, the students gathered around tables to enjoy cake and share their finished pieces. It was a joy to see their faces as they filled with pride reading the end result of their hard work. Ms. Nina Tepper, the Literacy Specialist at PSHS, worked with the sophomores, breaking the process into three important stages. They began with defining an artist statement and creating a checklist of the essential components. After they wrote a draft, students met in small revision groups offering the reader "Sayback" of points heard, praise of something successful, questions and suggestions to help further develop their drafts. Every student had an individual writing conference with Ms. Tepper to develop their final draft. The overall experience gave students a chance to experience the writing process even the best writers go through in an effort to be published.  Plymouth South High School students shown in the above photo at the "Math Lab". Teachers are available in the cafeteria Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:45 - 10:15. Students can see their math teacher for a 'red pass' in advance of the math lab. Thanks to all the math teachers for their help!! |
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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