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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 special meeting of the Plymouth School Committee will be Monday, May 20, 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:
"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."
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Run for 1!
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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 Edheads?
Edheads features 15 interactives using science, technology, engineering, and math concepts for students in grades 2-12. The interactives for grades 2-8 deal with technology, for grades 7-12 surgery, medicine, and biology. FAQs lists the site's activities and suggested grade levels as well as technical information. Each activity's teacher's guide has tips, questions for assessment and discussion, a post-activity quiz and answers and lists the applicable Ohio and National standards. For more information visit: Investigate this fascinating site! It's called Storytelling with Maps, and it offers a unique experience in digital learning with an emphasis on critical thinking skills. Don't miss the examples of ready made story maps. |
Science News
Science Fair Success Keeps Coming
This past weekend (5/3-5/4), the six students listed below competed at the state science fair held at MIT, based on their exceptional performances at the district and regional fairs held previously. In addition, these students received commendations at Monday's School Committee meeting from School Committee Chair, Mr. Begley, and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Maestas.
Sophia Auduong, PNHS GR 9 - Mother Nature vs. Father Medicine
Veronica Holmes, PSHS GR 9 - The Composition of Sound
Karen Marquis, PNHS GR 9 - Shut the Truck Up!
Julietta Mascitelli, PSHS GR 9 - How Do Fears Change with Age?
Jessica Morgan, PNHS GR 12 - Antibubbles
Cullen Murphy, PSHS GR 9 - Unseen Machines
The following students received awards at the state fair.
Veronica Holmes, Honorable Mention
Jessica Morgan, 2nd Place and the National Youth Science Camp Award
About the National Youth Science Camp Award...
The National Youth Science Camp, held each summer (end of June/first part of July), gives 102 US student delegates the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds. This year's camp will be held from June 26 to July 20 near the National Radio Observatory at Green Bank, WV. The students attending will also prepare and present seminars covering their own areas of interest and research during the three-week camp session. The academic program is complimented by outdoor recreational activities in the Monongahela National Forest and a multi-day trip to Washington DC. All expenses, including travel arrangements, are paid for by the National Youth Camp Foundation, Charleston, WV. Attendees must be graduating seniors.
Please note also that Jessica Morgan, based upon receiving the top score at the Region V Science Fair held in March at Bridgewater State University will be attending the
International Science Fair sponsored by Intel in Phoenix, AZ, from May 12-May 17. She leaves on Saturday with the rest of the MA delegation. She will be joined by her freshmen science teacher from four years ago, Mrs. Jalbert, from PNHS. Mrs. Jalbert currently teaches in the freshmen academy and hopes to bring back to share with colleagues many ideas for future science fair experiences in years to come. We hope they have a fantastic and safe trip and we wish Jessica the best of luck as she competes with over 4,000 other projects from around the world.
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Register Now for Summer Science Fun
Students with academic talent deserve the same opportunity to develop their skills to the highest possible levels, just like individuals with talents in athletics or the arts. Our summer programs offer students opportunities to engage in challenging academic work in the company of their peers who share their exceptional abilities and love of learning.
For Students Entering Grades 1-9
The purpose of the Plymouth Public Schools Summer Science Camp is to develop creative, logical thinkers and to introduce youth to today's emerging technologies and scientific/engineering discoveries. The program is designed for independent children with inquisitive minds who are looking for explorations and investigations into diverse topics that extend school-year learning. Programs include Discovery Camps 1 and 2, Art and Science, Robotics 1, 2, and 3, and Web 2.0 Tools. Use this link to download the registration brochure http://bit.ly/109Gd0I. For Students Entering Grades 6-8
The Summer Science Experience provides students entering 6th through 8th grade an engaging and hands-on science and math experience. Participating students will design and build robotic machines, dissect frogs, and build their own lava lamp. In a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, students interact with staff who are committed to making learning science and math both rewarding and fun. Programs include Your Human Machine, Robotic Adventure, and Explore the World Around You. Use this link to download the registration brochure http://bit.ly/1017ly2.For Students Entering Grades 9-12 We are looking for a few good scientists to work in our crime lab. Qualifications include an interest in science, math and engineering and a willingness to work as a member of a team to solve challenging problems. Our real lab is fully stocked and we will use it to solve real life problems and to design and build real solutions. This week long course will give you an opportunity to explore what it's like to be a member of the college community and even earn college credit. A maximum of 24 students will be accepted into this program, so apply early. This course is designed for students entering grades 10 to 12 in the fall 2013. $199 course fee includes supplies. Students will need to bring a snack and lunch. Use this link to download the registration brochure http://bit.ly/Y5Gt3G.
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Visual and Performing Arts Department News
- VPA Events coming up next week, May 13-17
- May 15- 7:00pm PNHS Spring Concert
- May 16- 7:00pm PSHS Senior Art Show
- May 17- 7:00pm PSHS Spring Concert
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- Great performances at this Wednesday night's Small Ensemble Concert. Congratulations to all students and staff. Please view the clip below!
 | | PSHS select choir |
- On Sunday, May 5 Melissa Jaworski and Nathan Rogers from Plymouth South High School, performed with the Metropolitan Wind Symphony at Cary Hall in Lexington, MA. The Metropolitan Wind Symphony comprises over 70 talented adult woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists who audition for membership and seating. It makes a significant contribution to the cultural life of the Greater Boston community by providing its audiences with high quality concerts and its members with opportunities for musical growth.
- Melissa and Nathan performed with adult musicians in a concert featuring students of members of the group. They were nominated to perform by their former middle school band director Greg Tracy.
- Melissa was awarded the Outstanding Musician Award that is given each year to a graduating senior that plans to major in Music. Melissa will be attending the Berklee College of Music in the fall with a double major of Music Therapy and Music Education. Nathan has been performing with the MWS for a number of concerts this year and the MWS will greatly miss his participation as he plans to attend Virginia Tech this fall as an Engineering major.
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South Elementary School News
Imaginative Poets
Mrs. Kuechle's kindergarten class read and wrote poetry to celebrate Poetry Month, which was in April. One type of poetry the kindergarteners learned about was Haiku. Haiku is a Japanese poem that is written in 17 syllables and divided into three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables. They are often on the subject of nature or one of the seasons. Here are two Haiku poems that Mrs. Kuechle's poets wrote and illustrated:
When it was Springtime
The butterflies came out.
The children saw them.
Bees land on flowers.
They get pollen on their hair.
Bring it to beehives.
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Manomet Elementary News
Manomet Elementary won the Honey Weiss Award for their submission to "A Different Vision" art show. The art show opens Sat., May 11th @7pm. This show is free and open to the public at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North Street, in downtown Plymouth May 12-June 1. (See plymouthguild.org)
Manomet Elementary tied for this special award with the Perkins School for the Blind. "The Honey Weiss Award was invented on the spot by the judges due to the charm and emotional intentions of our piece, and also due to the heartwarming and excellent pieces by blind and deaf-blind students from Perkins. Combined, these two pieces exemplify the motivation for Honey to invent this show in 2010. The show is dedicated to her.
Accompanying the artwork, each entry was required to submit a description of the artwork, to be translated into Braille that will be displayed next to the artwork. The following is the text of Manomet's submission:
This multi-textural pillow (muslin, felt, fur, sparkly fabric & fringe) is a tribute to Honey Weiss, former Plymouth kindergarten teacher who orchestrated the first Plymouth Art Center Different Visions Show. Elementary school students drew and colored Winnie the Pooh images, transferred quotes in text, and glued beads for Braille.
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PSMS News
Jr. SEMSBA (Southeastern Massachusetts School Band Masters Association) Honors
On Saturday, May 4 Ashley Nagle, oboist at PSMS, and Mr. Greg Tracy, PSMS Band Director, performed with the Junior SEMSBA Band at Rockland High School. Ashley was the 1st Chair Oboe player in the band. She had the highest score of all other students in the 30 towns that are part of SEMSBA. She and 85 other band students spent all day on Friday, May 3rd and the morning of Saturday, May 4th rehearsing prior to their Saturday afternoon performance. The conductor of the Junior SEMSBA Band this year was our own PSMS Band Director, Mr. Greg Tracy. He selected a challenging program for these talented students and was extremely happy with the band's performance. If you are interested in listening to one of the selections, please see the following link:
 | | Jr. SEMSBA Band 2013 - March of the Trolls - Edvard Grieg |
Congratulations and well done!
Peer Leaders Attend the MARC Annual Youth Summit
The PSMS Peer Leaders attended the MARC (Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center) Annual Youth Summit, held recently at Bridgewater State University. The Peer Leaders were recognized with a 3rd Place Honorable Mention Award for their video submission in the MARC Video Competition, where over 30 schools entered the contest. The students pictured proudly displayed their trophy and enjoyed their day on the BSU campus. Congratulations to the group and their advisors, Ms. Zittel, Mrs. Enos and Mr. Canavan.
Write Stuff Stars
Several students were recognized recently at the 3rd Term Honors Celebration for outstanding writing and literacy performance in their classes. Teachers nominated student submissions and the best were selected by the Literacy Support Team. Congratulations to the following individuals:
- Julia Studley - Grade 8
- Olivia Halpin - Grade 7
- Tamara Olson - Grade 7
- Kayla Donovan - Grade 7
- Hannah Whalen - Grade 7
- Hope Manion - Grade 6
- Marykate Bochman - Grade 6
- Emily Halpin - Grade 7
- Avery Daly - Grade 6
- Meghan Redington - Grade 6
- Bethany Carlin - Grade 6
- Taylor Rouse - Grade 6
- James Donlan - Grade 6
- Sean Walsh - Grade 6
- Madison Condon - Grade 6
- Lily Gagnon-Porter - Grade 6
 Tsongas Industrial History Center The seventh grade blue team recently traveled to the Tsongas Industrial History Center in Lowell, Massachusetts. After touring the historic Lowell Mills, students participated in hands-on workshops where they did a variety of activities including producing cloth on hand looms, designing and building a canal system, using the engineering design process to solve a problem, and producing cloth on a 19th century assembly line.  
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Plymouth North High School News
State Science Fair
The state science fair was held last Friday and Saturday at MIT. The following students from PNHS attended:
Sophia Auduong, Mother Nature vs. Father Medicine
Karen Marquis, Shut the Truck Up!
Jessica Morgan, Antibubbles
The following student received an award this evening.
Jessica Morgan, 2nd Place and the National Youth Science Camp Award
The National Youth Science Camp, held each summer, gives 102 US student delegates the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds. This year's camp will be held from June 26 to July 20 near the National Radio Observatory at Green Bank, WV. The students attending will also prepare and present seminars covering their own areas of interest and research during the three-week camp session. The academic program is complimented by outdoor recreational activities in the Monongahela National Forest and a multi-day trip to Washington DC. All expenses, including travel arrangements, are paid for by the National Youth Camp Foundation, Charleston, WV. Attendees must be graduating seniors.
Please note also that Jessica Morgan, based upon receiving the top score at the Region V Science Fair held in March at Bridgewater State University will be attending the International Science Fair sponsored by Intel in Phoenix, AZ from May 12th - May 17th.
Junior Prom Tickets
The deadline to purchase a prom ticket is Monday, May 13th, during lunch or after school.
Tickets are $80.00 for a single ticket. Please make checks payable to Plymouth North Activity Fund. Only checks and money orders are accepted.
VPS Courtyard Coffeehouse and Art Show
Friday evening the Visual and Performing Arts Department held a joint Coffee House and Student Art Show. Many students signed up to demonstrate their remarkable musical talents, while beautiful artwork lined the hallways and filled the lobby and cafeteria. Visitors remarked again and again at the surprising maturity of the student work. This is a talented group!
    
Move Annual Film Festival
Plymouth North hosted the Massachusetts Organization of Video Educators annual Film Festival on Friday, May 3rd. Ten schools, encompassing 160 students and their teachers, celebrated the talents of young film makers in an event that included voting on entries, viewing the award winning films in our beautiful new state of the art facility, and lunch in the courtyard. Sophomore Neal Wynne took first place for his Animation/Special Effects entry The Duel, and first place for the overall highest score in the competition. This is the third year in a row that North has taken the highest overall scoring prize! Plymouth North News took second place in the News category. Congratulations to Plymouth South as well, who took first place in the Entertainment Short category, second place in the Commercial/PSA category, and third place in the Sport report category!
   
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Plymouth South High School News
PLYMOUTH SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR ART EXHIBIT
The 13th annual CAD Model Home contest was recently completed by the Jr. CAD Tech students, a terrific job by all those involved. The Top placement of vote getters were Andrew Buley, Nick Eaton, Chris Hart, Aidan Mulligan & Zack Moody. The overall top contest winner was Eric Pereira. The model homes are currently on display in the foyer of PSHS.
Male Athlete of the Week Ending 5/3/13
The G & G/PSHS Male Athlete of the Week is senior Matthew Kotce. Kotce has been the leader of defense, picking up slack where the Boys' Lacrosse Team has been shorthanded due to injuries. In his best play of the year, Kotce picked off a pass from one of North's players in the final 2 minutes securing the game! Had he not done so, the opposing player would more than likely have had a clear, fast break leading to a tied score. Thanks to Kotce, South's team retained the ball and won the game. Outstanding job, Matt! Congratulations!
Athletes of the Week Ending 5/10/13
The G & G/PSHS Female Athlete of the Week is senior Madison Braz. In last week's Spring Track and Field competition Braz set a school record in the shot put with a throw of 36'75." In addition, she walked away with a victory in the discus. Great work and congratulations, Maddie!
The G & G/PSHS Male Athlete of the Week is junior Cameron Harold. Last week Harold pitched 6 innings against Falmouth in a 5-3 win. Despite trouble early on, he fought through and after the second inning Falmouth did not score a run. Harold is now 3-0 as a pitcher and continues to work hard each and every practice. Congratulations, Cam!
On Friday, May 3rd, students from Mr. Smith's graphic arts class and the after school video sports club took part in the 27th Annual M.O.V.E. Film Festival at Plymouth North High School. 10 schools in Massachusetts competed in several different categories. Junior students Jon Tellier, Travis Lovell, Amber Hoisington and Aidan Callahan took home a First Place award in the Entertainment Short Film category, those same juniors plus Kelli Wagner and Kim O'Brien took a Second Place award in the Commercial/PSA category and junior Aidan Mulligan took home a Third Place award in the Sports category for his Pep Rally video.
The State Science Fair was held last weekend at MIT. The following students attended.
PNHS
Sophia Auduong, Mother Nature vs. Father Medicine
Karen Marquis, Shut the Truck Up!
Jessica Morgan, Antibubbles
PSHS
Veronica Holmes, The Composition of Sound
Julietta Mascitelli, How Do Fears Change with Age?
Cullen Murphy, Unseen Machines
The following students received awards this evening.
Veronica Holmes, Honorable Mention
Jessica Morgan, 2nd Place and the National Youth Science Camp Award
About the National Youth Science Camp Award...
The National Youth Science Camp, held each summer (end of June/first part of July), gives 102 US student delegates the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds. This year's camp will be held from June 26 to July 20 near the National Radio Observatory at Green Bank, WV. The students attending will also prepare and present seminars covering their own areas of interest and research during the three-week camp session. The academic program is complemented by outdoor recreational activities in the Monongahela National Forest and a multi-day trip to Washington DC. All expenses, including travel arrangements, are paid for by the National Youth Camp Foundation, Charleston, WV. Attendees must be graduating seniors
Please note also that Jessica Morgan, based upon receiving the top score at the Region V Science Fair held in March at Bridgewater State University will be attending the International Science Fair sponsored by Intel in Phoenix, AZ from May 12-May 17.
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Gary E. Maestas, Ed.D Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools
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