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District Events
| If you would like to see a calendar of all our district events, please click on the link below.
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Voyager Magazine
| If you would like to download the Voyager Magazine's Spring/ Summer 2013 edition,
click on the link below.
If you would like a hard copy of the magazine, please stop by my office at 253 South Meadow Road.
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| School Websites: | |
High Schools
Middle Schools
Elementary Schools
Pre-School
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Introducing Voyager Express
Over the past 5 years, the Plymouth Public Schools has sent out a weekly newsletter. We've also released the first edition (Spring/ Summer) of the Plymouth Voyager, a magazine intended to highlight in-depth news from around the district. I have decided to integrate the Friday newsletter, formerly known as Friday Notes, as a sister publication of the Plymouth Voyager and reintroduce it as the - Voyager Express. Please Enjoy.
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Weekly Quote
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"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."
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District News and information for k-12 educators from the Elementary Library and Media Specialists |
Please note this clarification of last week's entry on
Weebly. Weebly is a Google account, and Gmail is just one of the services in a Google account.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. If you are looking for some wonderful resources that support teachers, parents, and students go to:
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for great lessons and activities on Columbus
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School Influenza Vaccination Program
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 School Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Program
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Once again, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is recommending that schools offer influenza (flu) vaccination to school-aged children for the 2013-2014 school year.
In collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, we will be offering flu vaccine to all students in grades K through 12. We are not able at this time to offer the vaccine to children who are not students in grades K through 12. We do recommend, however, that you contact your child's primary care provider if you have children not in grades K through 12 and you want them to receive the flu vaccine.
Our Flu Vaccine Clinic will be held:
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at the Plymouth North High School cafeteria
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on October 29, 2013, between the hours of 4PM and 7PM.
Please note: There will be no individual school-based clinics during school hours.
If you are interested in having your child participate in the School Influenza Vaccination Program, please review the materials posted to the Health Services pages on the Plymouth Public Schools website carefully and thoroughly, with particular attention to the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS): Flu Vaccine, Live, Intranasal. Complete the School Influenza Vaccination Consent Form, and the Insurance Information/Consent to Bill Form. Please make sure to attach a copy of your child's health insurance information card to the back of the Insurance Information Form. This will enable the District to recover the costs associated with flu vaccine administration; there is no out-of-pocket expense to the student or family for the vaccination. Forms are posted on the Health Services webpages under "Important Health Updates."
In order to prepare for a smooth Flu Vaccine Clinic operation, print, complete and return both the completed Insurance Information Form and the Parent Consent Form to your child's school nurse or the school's main office no later than October 25, 2013. Forms received after October 25rd may not be processed due to time constraints, and your child may miss the opportunity for flu vaccination. Flu Vaccine will be given to walk-in students accompanied by a parent only if supply allows.
Thank you for your timely attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child's school nurse.
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Plymouth Public Schools Science Fair
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The 2014 Plymouth Public Schools High School Science Fair is being held on
Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Plymouth North High School. As in the past, this year's science fair will showcase the talent of high school students in science and technology/engineering from both Plymouth North and Plymouth South High Schools.
Volunteers play a critical component in the success of this annual event. If you are interested in volunteering (e.g., judges, hallway assistance) please click here.
If the link does not work, please copy and paste this into a web browser
Please note that most volunteers are needed between the hours of 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Volunteers are also invited to the awards celebration following judging.
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Fundraiser for Grade 8 Trip to WA!
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CRAFTERS WANTED!!!
Craft Fair and Student Yard Sale
Fundraiser for Grade 8 Trip to Washington DC
Saturday, November 16th
PCIS cafeteria
9 AM - 3 PM
Vendor forms and information available on PCIS or PSMS websites under
"Washington DC information" or by emailing ctoomey@plymouth.k12.ma.us
or
calling 508-830-4476
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Visual and Performing Arts News
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Artists at Federal Furnace Elementary School learned about two important things this month; Recycling and the artist Dale Chihuly!
Classes contributed, colored, and cut over 200 water bottles to create this amazing Chihuly inspired chandelier. The recycled bottle chandelier is hanging from the ceiling of the FFES art room. The FFES artists did an amazing job and are now both Chihuly and recycling experts! View the project here: http://www.artwithmrsw.com/gallery2.html
Come support the marching band as they host Festival of Marching Bands at 1:30pm this Sunday!
Order your Plymouth Public Schools Find Your Voice Live Your Passion T-Shirt! Fill out the order form and return to your school's main office or the VPA Office. Visit the VPA Website to download the form.
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South Elementary School News
| International Walk to School Day On October 9, 2013, South Elementary School participated in International Walk to School Day. Buses stopped at the end of the driveway and students walked down the driveway to school. All the students enjoyed themselves and walked in with smiling faces. 
Community Service at South Elementary School
Mrs. McKnight's third grade classroom really has showed they take pride in South Elementary School. There are two courtyards at South that were very overgrown as you can see in one of the pictures below. The students, in conjunction with Mrs. McKnight and Mrs. Johnson (parent) cleaned up our two courtyards. We cannot thank them enough for their hardwork and showing their South Elementary School pride!
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Indian Brook Elementary School News
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The students at Indian Brook have been showing their support for the Red Sox throughout the playoffs. Some students even donning beards of all sorts. Go Sox!
Summer Monson and Ainsley Richardson two fourth grade students have organized a Woman Cancer Awareness event at Indian Brook. They created a flyer and organized a "Day of Pink" on Friday Oct. 18th. Students donned their pink attire and donations were collected for the American Cancer Society. Last count they raised over $250. Summer and Ainsley are also going to set up a "Pink" booth at the Haunted Hallway PTA event on Oct. 25th. They will ask people to make donations for pink Ribbons, candy, bracelets and other items. All proceeds will go to the ACS to help increase awareness of Women's cancer and help find a cure. Great job girls!
Summer and Ainsley are the two girls in pink right next to the young boy.
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Manomet Elementary School News
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5th graders from Manomet Elementary enjoyed their first field trip of the school year recently. The students went on a walking tour of Historic Downtown Plymouth. They visited the Jenny Gristmill, Brewster Gardens, The Plymouth Center for the Arts and Burial Hill. They continued their guided tour downtown and along the waterfront. The tour hi-lighted many other historical locations such as: Cole's Hill, in which the students were fascinated by some fascinating stories!
5th Graders are guided through Brewster Gardens on a gorgeous autumn day.
Mrs. Cavicchi's students learn of historical points of interest in their own hometown.
Chloe Baker, Cody King, William Buckley and Sydney Byron at Burial Hill finding information for their scavenger hunt.
Cody Shanahan Hathaway, Joseph Lawrence and Gabe Logan at Burial Hill.
 Matthew Thomas and Leo Shamshack take note of many beautiful works of art at the Juried Art Show which was on display at The Plymouth Center for the Arts.
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PSMS News
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5th Grade Bullying Presentations
The fifth graders at PSMS attended a presentation, question and answer session, and a reviewed bullying vocabulary with Mrs. Turner and Officer Saunders, our School Resource Officer, on the topic of bullying.
When the students were queried, "What will you do to stop bullying?", they responded that they would be brave, stand up to bullying, TELL AN ADULT, take away the bully's power by complimenting them and befriend someone that has been a victim. They learned the School District has a plan to guide how we deal with bullying. It is available on the Plymouth Pubic Schools website under the Families & Community tab.
If they were a victim of cyber bullying they learned to save the page as evidence, TELL AN ADULT, don't reply, delete the app, report it and block or mute the app. They also learned the importance of reading carefully what you agree to when you sign up for an app and to respect the age limits set for apps.
Lastly, students discussed the difference between tattling and reporting. They learned that tattling was trying to get someone in trouble, while reporting was trying to help someone.
Lee Denim Day at PSMS
Plymouth South Middle School staff and students rallied for their 14th Annual Lee Denim Day Fundraising campaign on Tuesday October 15th. $1285.00 was raised for the American Cancer Society; this is the grandest sum yet to be raised with this PSMS event. Twenty-six people won prizes in the raffle. Adults in the building enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake from the South High Culinary Arts Department in the staff lunch room.
Part of the special success this year is due to the separate raffle held for a new item celebrating Plymouth's upcoming 400th anniversary; the Sarnecki family of Stellor Custom Jewelry, donated the newly designed Plymouth Knot necklace in gratitude for their eighth grade son's education at PSMS. The necklace celebrates our maritime history with particular homage to the Ropemakers of Plymouth Cordage.
We are grateful for the steadfast generosity of Ellen Malloy Johnson at Daisy Riley's of Village Landing, and Lois Atherton Withington of Sparrow House; these local merchants have been onboard with this effort since we began in 1999. The Brigida Family of Pilgrims' Progress have also helped for several years.
Please support all local merchants who support us: Restaurants - The New World Tavern, 42 Degrees North, Nix's, newcomer to Water Street: Lauri Jean's, Plimoth Plantation, and G&G screen printing,
We also had very special contributions from our own artisans! Our previous principal, John Siever, donated handcrafted silver earrings. Science teacher, Sharon Cumiskey, contributed a handmade quilt of Plymouth's natural environment. Nurse's Assistant Terri Flaherty contributed handpainted glassware. Mrs. Mary Jane Calhoun made her annual contribution of handknit mittens. Physical Education teacher Margaret Turner donated passes to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Kingsbury Club. Math teacher Patricia Scott gave her annual contribution of pink frosted baked goods to be shared throughout the day. The Main office staff collected money and passed out the Lee Denim Day pins while going about their regular myriad duties, and did it all with smiles!
Thanks to all for giving of themselves to help others!
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PCIS News
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UMass Band Day 2013
Gillette Stadium
On Saturday, October 12th Mr. Shaw and 90 student musicians from P.C.I.S. traveled to Gillette Stadium to take part in the 29th annual UMass Band Day put on by the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band.
Under the guidance of the U.M.M.B. and their directors, 3,600 middle school and high school students learned, rehearsed, and performed a half time show during the UMass football game against the University of Miami (Ohio).
Students had the opportunity to march on the playing field at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, as well as attend a collegiate football game. Many families and friends took advantage of the group ticket sales and joined in on the event.
During the half time show the 20,000 member audience was floored by the sights and sounds of the large marching ensemble as they performed a medley of music from the movie "Charlie and Chocolate Factory". We were very proud of all the PCIS students who performed. We also thank Mr. Shaw for providing our students with the great opportunity.
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PCIS Wellness Day
PCIS staff participated in the 2nd annual Wellness Fair. PCIS staff participated in a variety activities offered. Choices included; Art Class taught by Mrs. Rioux, Yoga conducted by Ms. Proc., Walking with Mr. Mike Smith, Running with Mr. Scott Smith, Zumba with Mr. Palladino's wife Erin, Body Flow offered by Live Life Believe, Meditation offered by Mrs. Rush, Volleyball with Mr. Palladino, Tennis with Mr. Defrancesco and Mr. Gavin, and Introduction to Weight Training with Mr. Berry. This event helps boost morale and gives teachers an opportunity try something new, outside their comfort zone.
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PCIS Celebrates Summer Reading
Over 100 students went above and beyond the summer reading requirement, and attended the Summer Reading Breakfast sponsored by the PTA. The students enjoyed donuts and played Human Scavenger Hunt Bingo. Hannah Wirt, Cady Nessralla, Connor Freitas, and Michael Bagni each won a $25 gift certificate to the Scholastic Book Fair. Other prizes awarded included three Regal Cinemas $10 gift cards, four iTunes $10 gift cards, and three PCIS long sleeve T-shirts. A special thank you to Mrs. Lewis for organizing this great event.
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Forward
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Get in the Spirit! On October 25th PCIS will be holding its annual Costume Balls. The 6th grade Ball will be from 3pm-4:30pm and the 7th and 8th grade Ball will be from 6:30pm- 8:30pm. Customers for both these dances are encouraged, but must be appropriate for school. No costume weapons will be allowed.
Although costumes are not allowed to be warn during the school day, students attending the dance will be allowed to change before going down to the cafeteria.
Tickets will be sold during the lunches next week.
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PNHS News
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Plymouth North Girls Field Hockey
Plymouth North Girls Field Hockey volunteered at "Kayla's Beat Goes On" one of the fundraising events that is organized by the Jordan Hospital Club. The race is in memory of Kayla Erin Richards, who was an employee in Jordan's Radiology Department. She passed away tragically at a local fitness club on March 7, 2006, at the age of 22. Kayla's Bill was signed into law on January 3, 2007, requiring that Massachusetts health clubs have an automatic external defibrillator on site and their staff appropriately trained on its use.
PNHS Boys Soccer
On Saturday, October 12th the PNHS Boys Soccer team were at Stop n Shop and The Market collecting food for the Greater Plymouth Food Warehouse. In just a few hours the team collected 1424 lbs of food and $327.53. This equals out to 1150 meals or roughly enough to feed every student that attends PNHS.
Great Job TEAM!!
Best Buddies  
Tuesday, October 8th, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac honored the largest group of students in the history of the Driven Student Awards program by supplying more than 50 pizzas for the participants of Best Buddies of Plymouth North High School.
Best Buddies is an international nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Plymouth North High School Varsity
Homecoming Game will be Saturday, October 19th. Time: 2:00 p.m. Homecoming Dance The PNHS Homecoming Dance will be held Saturday, October 19th from 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm. Congratulations to the2013 PNHS Homecoming Court Colby Bott Pat Fey Cameron Fleming Connor Pratt Hugh Sims Victoria Cotone Kathleen Lynch Hannah Schulze Liz Tosi Grace VanBuskirk The King and Queen will be announced at the Homecoming Football Game. Fun Fall Fitness Facts! 
With the change of seasons comes a change in the array of outdoor activities to participate in. Did you know that there are many fun family activities that are also great ways to keep active? Here are a few favorites from the PNHS Physical Education staff.
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Raking leaves: Raking leaves burns an average of 173 calories per hour! Rake up a pile, jump in it, and rake them up again. That is the approximate calories content of 16 crackers.
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Apple picking: Walking around an orchard and picking apples can burn up to 200 calories per hour! That's the equivalent of drinking a can of soda.
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Hiking: Taking a hike with family or friends can burn up to 400 calories per hour - add a backpack with the gear you may need for the day and burn even more. That is equal to about 100 potato chips or 4 bags of M&M's!
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Camping: Camping with your family can burn up to 173 calories per hour - this is if you include activities that involve periods of standing, sitting, and a light-to-moderate work. Bring along some snacks because you could burn the value of 2 medium apples.
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Playing football: Have some friends and/or family looking for a fun afternoon activity? Put together a small game of touch football and you could find yourself burning up to 544 calories per hour! That is approximately the caloric value of a Big Mac.
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Visit a haunted house/attraction: Believe it or not, between the walking and the pulse rising scares (literally!) that you experience at a haunted house you can burn up to 280 calories during your visit! You could burn the equivalent of 2 English muffins!
Enjoy the beautiful weather that fall brings and time spent with family and friends doing what you love!
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PSHS News
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Plymouth Education Foundation Awards Grant to PSHS Math Department
In June, Plymouth South High School Mathematics Department teachers Ryan Hall and Stephanie Molloy were awarded a Plymouth Education Foundation Grant to purchase 6 iPads for their department. The Plymouth Public Schools and the Plymouth South High Department would like to thank the Plymouth Education Foundation and their donors for supporting the use of instructional technology at PSHS.
PSHS Math teachers Ryan Hall and Stephanie Molloy are running a pilot program that they are calling "iPads to Improve Instruction". In this pilot instructional technology program, math department teachers are trained and supported in the use of applications enriching the classroom experience and allowing for the use of social media for virtual extra help for students. The math department and several other PSHS staff members are excited and appreciative for the opportunity to be a part of this innovative program.
Math teacher Ryan Hall uses an ipad and the application Doceri in her classroom.
PLYMOUTH SOUTH'S ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
The G & G/PSHS Female Athlete of-the-Week is senior Rachael Buchanan. This fall Buchanan has been a great addition to the Girls' Cross Country team. Not only is she one of the first athletes to practice, but she is also a role model for other athletes. Buchanan gives 100% every day. Her performances on race day are a true reflection of this. Each time she competed on our home course, Buchanan improved. In our home meet against Nauset, she outran her personal best by almost 2 minutes. Congratulations Rachael! Terrific work!
The G & G/PSHS Male Athlete of-the-Week is senior Dylan Oxsen. Oxsen, named Boston Player-of-the Week by ESPN, has made 14 touchdowns in 4 games with over 800 yards rushing. Last week he had an impressive 37 carries over 243 yards with 4 touchdowns. As a major contributor in last week's win over Nauset, Oxsen's outstanding ability on the field has helped the team to improve to 4-1 on the year. Next week's game against Falmouth HS offers a chance for South to win its 2ndconsecutive ACL title. Great work Dylan! Congratulations!
Thanks to all of our "mentors" who attended the Senior Project Breakfast this morning at Plymouth South. Seniors involved in this program spend 15 hours with their mentor experiencing their field of choice. This program would not be possible without our mentors. The photo below shows students, parents and mentors enjoying breakfast together.
CLASS DAY AT PSHS
 
All students at PSHS were provided with "Class of - - - -" T-shirts by the Student Council at no charge. They were encouraged to wear them today - names were drawn and if the student had their class day shirt on, they were awarded a prize. Jarod Facchini - Class of 2015 awarded a certificate for his participation!!
Thanks to all students in grades 10-12 as well as the faculty who participated in the PSAT and SAT testing day on Wednesday of this week. We are fortunate that the Plymouth Public Schools funded this initiative and student attendance and involvement was fantastic! Thanks again!! Freshman students went on a field trip to the New England Aquarium that day. A few photos from the trip are below.
 
A big thank you to the Plymouth South Cheerleaders in their support of Breast Cancer!!
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Sincerely,
Dr. Gary E. Maestas, Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools |
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