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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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"Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out."
-John Wooden
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District News and information for k-12 educators from the Elementary Library and Media Specialists |
Have you seen the Education World site?
This valuable free resource was created to assist educators in all aspects of the profession and includes:
- original content, including lesson plans, practical information for educators, information on how to integrate technology in the classroom, and articles written by education experts;
- Web site reviews; and
- special features and columns.
Additionally, you may subscribe to up to 10 free Education World e-mail newsletter lists.. You will be added to only the specific newsletter(s) for which you submit your e-mail address.
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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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Step Up for Veterans
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A Community Event
On Saturday, November 9, 2013 students, staff and community members are invited to participate in the Step Up for Veterans Sponsored by the Plymouth Public Schools Community Service-Learning Committee and Social Studies Department Show your support for local veterans by taking a walk on the INDOOR track at Plymouth North High School and making a donation towards our helping our local veterans. Funds raised will aid local veterans in need, with help for things such as fuel assistance, food, medical needs etc. Come walk with us, wear your school colors and walk as a team or drop in and make a donation to honor those who have served. Cash or checks made out to Town of Plymouth/Veterans Services will be collected at the walk. Where: Plymouth North High School 41 Obery St Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM For more information: Contact the Academic Coordinators' Office Plymouth Public Schools ~ 508-830-4476 |
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Science News
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On Friday, Henry Evans visited both PNHS and PSHS. Henry is a recent marine biology graduate of Plymouth University in Plymouth, England and is currently working as a Global Ambassador for Plymouth University. During his visit, Henry met with students in oceanography, biology, and Earth science classes. Joining these classes were students who through guidance have been identified with interests in both marine biology and studying abroad.
At both schools, Henry discussed his life experiences with students. These experiences range from studying the diets of cuttlefish in England to completing field studies in both France and Portugal to most recently visiting classes from Thailand, Singapore, and Chicago. But what was most intriguing for students were the experiences Henry shared from his recent visit to Antarctica. Henry was chosen to participate as one of only two people for Captain Scott's centenarian trip to the South Pole.
Henry's trip to the South Pole included a 140 mile, 14-day Nordic ski trip in -35 degree Celsius weather under 24 hours of sunlight every day at 9,000 feet. Henry shared clothing, food, and even a penguin costume that were all used during his trip to the Antarctica. In addition, Henry gave complimentary copies of his book, From University to the South Pole, to each school. Copies will be in both schools' libraries, as well as with oceanography and Earth science teachers. This inspirational book is available to buy on Amazon as a paperback or as an E-book.
Students left each presentation laughing and with such facts as:
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The tongue of a blue whale weighs as much as an elephant.
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The blood vessels of blue whales are big enough for humans to swim through.
We thank Henry for visiting Plymouth and look forward to the many more opportunities our 2020 celebration will bring to us from Plymouth, England. If interested in learning more about Plymouth University email Henry at henry@magoce.com or check out their website at http://www.plymouth.ac.uk. If interested in learning more about Henry and his vast experiences, follow him on Twitter @henners181 or click on any of the links below. www.magoce.com http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-20941549 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/antarctica/robert-falcon-scott/10003890/In-the-footsteps-of-Captain-Scott-my-Antarctic-trek.html https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/150/henryevans/Pages/default.aspx http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=39610 Pictures below:
Picture 2-Henry with Jamie Nickerson (penguin) and Jess Roth (Santa hat) at PNHS
Picture 1-Henry Evans with his book, From University to the South Pole
Picture 3-Henry with Amanda Paul, Allison Johnson, and Sarah Kearney
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Visual and Performing Arts News
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Games With A Purpose at PCIS! There is a new gaming phenomenon happening in the world and in the PCIS 7th grade Communicating with Technology classes. Companies, scientists, and individuals around the world have begun to recognize the scope and range of gamers' intelligence and are now tapping into that resource by creating Games With A Purpose (GWAP). These games provide players with entertainment while they help to improve society in some way. A nationally representative study found that the average American 8-to-18 years old play video games for 13.2 hours per week (education.com). In learning about GWAP students are introduced to and gain a new understanding of how games and technology can be used to help create a better world. As a class students brainstorm a societal issue to use as a basis for creating their own GWAP. Photoshop is then used to create original screenshots of their GWAP. Check out the student sample! 
High Schools; Marching Band News Congratulations to the Plymouth Public Schools' marching Band who took first place in their division at last week's NESBA competition at Plymouth North  High School. View article here. We wish them the best of luck at this week's USBands New England States Championship in Bridgeport, CT.! 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
|  The students in Mr. Albert's third grade have been using a program to help improve their effort in class. This program is called Class Dojo, and it is a program that awards students when they are on task, helping others, or generally doing the right thing. They earn points and are working towards earning belts for their progress. Eleven students have earned 100 pts since the beginning of the year and have earned their Red Belt. 
The program allows the students to pick and modify their own monster avatar and keep track of their progress at home. The program also sends home weekly reports on how the students are doing and what type of points they have earned. The program can be downloaded onto a mobile device and can be used in the hall, at assemblies, even on field trips. 
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Nathaniel Morton Elementary School News
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Students in Mrs. Morgan's First Grade class were so excited to learn all about bats. They read several nonfiction books about the animal and wrote down important and interesting facts throughout the week. They wrote an informational piece about bats which was then stapled to "bat caves". They traced their hands to make cute little bats to attach to their writing. They are hung outside in the hallway.
Miss Waterman's class has been integrating science and literacy/math to learn all about spiders! Last week, the students read a variety of nonfiction books and completed different activities to demonstrate their new learning. Then, they created their own spider fact books, with self-created pages including facts and illustrations about spiders. These books are currently being displayed on a big web outside of the classroom. The students also collected data to find out if more students in the class thought spiders were creepy or cool. Turns out most students think that spiders are really cool!
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Cold Spring Elementary School News
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Cold Spring students and staff have lots of school spirit. Each month a day is designated as spirit day in which staff and students are invited to participate. October's spirit day was "Twin Day."
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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.
Finally, 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.
Game Day Highlights from PSMS:
From Thursday, October 24th:
Congrats to the Boys' Cross Country team on a big win over PCIS. Placing for the boys were Julian Cenac with an impressive 1st place win, Nick Gregg, Danny Lincoln, Andrew Wagner and Jack Ottino. Placing for the girls were Teagan Thompson, Steph Morrow, Jenna Crowell, Caroline Duseau and Rebecca Sylvestre.
From Tuesday, October 22nd:
Congratulations to the PSMS Field Hockey team on their convincing win over Cohasset yesterday, 4-0. Strong defense led by Abby Palchanis and Abby Grealis helped goalie Max Segatore get his third shutout of the season. Goals were scored by Kayla Donovan, Brandi Andrews, Sara Duffley and Jordan Colbert.
Great job to the PSMS volleyball team for their hard work against Sacred Heart. Special recognition to Shayna Semer, Madison Hunt and Meghan Redington for always moving their feet to the ball and all players for their outstanding sportsmanship.
From Monday, October 21st:
Congratulations to PSMS Field Hockey for a 3-0 win over a competitive Falmouth squad. It was a total team effort - strong play by all! Special recognition to goalie Olivia Slayton and offensive stars Jordan Colbert, Kaitlyn Fabrizio and Sara Duffley. Strong defense noted by Kayla Donovan, Josie Baragwanath and Abby White. The team takes on Cohasset away, after school Tuesday.
From Wednesday, October 16th:
The boys 'soccer team played excellent in tying Sacred Heart 2-2. Goals were scored by Carlos Cruz and James Donlan. The whole defense played well including goaltender Nick Keding. Also playing well were Sean Sanguinet, Dimitri Jesse and Will Strout. Good luck today vs. Old Rochester!
From Tuesday, October 15th
Congratulations to the girls' Soccer team on their 1-0 win over PCIS yesterday. With seconds remaining in the game, Hannah Whalen headed in the game winner in dramatic fashion! A great defensive effort by Julia Quindley, Meg Gallerani, Hope Manion and Grace Baler helped preserve Meghan Hendry's first shot this year. A great game was played by all.
The boys' Soccer team played well in a 2-1 defeat to PCIS. Strong efforts were put in by Eli Wilson, Sam Gouveia, Sean Walsh, Tyler Duncan, Colby Daly and James Donlan. Carlos Cruz and Brendan Morey played up front as a tandem.
Cross Country traveled to Old Rochester yesterday where the girls had a nice win. Placing for the girls were Teagan Thompson, Caroline Duseau, Molly Sullivan, Rebecca Sylvestre and Stephanie Morrow. Placing for the boys were Jimmy Maloney, Nick Gregg, Matt Peckham, Julian Cenac and Collin Costello.
The PSMS Field Hockey team is 1-1 in their last 2 contests. Despite a nail-biting finish they lost to PCIS with Grace Churchill scoring a hat trick and Jordan Colbert contributing the other 2. Stand out performers were Ashley Fabrizio and Korena Yetman. Tuesday's game against Old Rochester was a convincing win earning Max Segatore a 6-0 shutout, his second of the season! Sienna Gianelli, Grace Churchill, Abby Churchill and Jordan Colbert all scored. Kayla Donovan, Olivia Slayton and Abby White were defensive stars.
Comprehensive Health Curriculum
PSMS physical education students are benefitting from three years of Comprehensive Health curriculum development. The new curriculum guides each student as they actively collect personal data in the areas of flexibility, and aerobic and muscular endurance. Using the Fitnessgram criterion referenced program, charts assist students as they determine if their scores were within the Healthy Fitness Zone. In the next phase, students select activities to maintain or improve their physical health and wellness. Beginning in January, students will retest, interpret their data and write a SMART goal to improve their overall wellness. To that end, the students will use a computer generated selection form to choose appropriate activities. As students conclude each activity they will monitor their participation to determine if they are progressing toward their SMART goal and overall wellness.  aerobic endurance  curl ups
 flexed arm hang  flexed arm hang
 flexibility
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West Elementary School News
| Mr. Williams has lunch with students on Fridays! On Friday, October 25th, he visited Correia Cafe in third grade, where he enjoyed coffee, tea, and a beautiful table setting. Thanks for hosting boys and girls, and Mrs. Correia! 
The 2nd graders at West welcomed Mrs. Babini to Pod 2, last Friday, to share a story, "Cake Girl", and talk out the service learning project they are involved in, this year. Students are very excited to help make sure that children, in difficult living situations, will have birthday parties. West students in Mrs. Cormier's, Miss Reid's, Mr. Ozelius' and Mrs. Haynes' classes have partnered with Birthday Wishes, an organization that provides parties to children in shelters. In September, West donated balloons and candles. This month the collection boxes are overflowing with cake mixes and frosting. Students have participated in activities such as graphing, journaling and creating birthday cards. 
This week I took a walk around our wonderful West School and the following sights abound. I saw Mr. Young's class' Flat Stanley Project, Mrs. Kotakas' " Art is Important" mural, Ms. Lungren's Jack-o-lantern adorned door, Ms. Reid's leaf creature creative writing and Mrs. Routhier's "Guess Who" writings. Take a peek at West World.
Ms. Cluff's Class Creates Spooky Stories Starring Mr. Williams' buddy "George". "George" is a special chair that Mr. Williams' shares with classes he has caught displaying appropriate hallway behaviors throughout the week. Ms. Cluff's class had the honor of hosting "George" for the week and he became the star of their spooky stories with his counterpart/alter ego "The Pumpkin". Kids read their stories with the glow of a flashlight illuminating their faces in the dark of the classroom.
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Federal Furnace Elementary School News
| This week Federal Furnace School engaged students, staff and a bus driver in the Peaceful Bus program. The whole-school activity involves school staff 'bus leaders' facilitating community building and safety awareness activities for groups of students who ride the same bus. We also sent home a bus safety paper to be shared with families (no need to return it, but please do discuss). We'd like to thank all our staff and the driver of Gray Bus, bus 19, for helping out. It was a great success!
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PCIS News
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Due to some technical difficulties last week, we are running the stories from last week again - as well as some new stories. Thanks for your patience!
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.
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.
Zumba Wellness
Yoga Wellness
Volleyball Wellness
Tennis Wellness
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.
 
 
Mercury 7th Graders from PCIS recently attended a field trip to the Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center. Groups rotated through 5 stations dealing with Marine Navigation Control, Bridge Types, History of the Canal, a video about the canal, and a session with a member of the Army Corps of Engineers who talked about Career Opportunities. Thank you to the PCIS PTA for funding the buses to make this field trip possible.
PCIS PUMPKINS!
The PCIS pumpkins are back! Last Tuesday Mrs. Rioux' 7th and 8th grade Art Club enjoyed an afternoon of pumpkin carving and pumpkin painting. It was a Pumpkin Party filled with laughs, yummy food and refreshments. The pumpkins will be displayed in the PCIS courtyard for the dances this evening. Nice work PCIS students!
Members of PCIS Falcon Pride served bus drivers coffee and gift bags with student made notes and donoughts in recognition of National Bus Driver Appreciation Week. 
Mercury hosted it's annual Halloween Spirit Breakfast. The PCIS staff enjoyed breakfast together and also gave back in the process. PCIS staff were asked to bring a non-perishable canned item to the breakfast. All canned item donated will be donated to the over 40 Thanksgiving baskets PCIS students will put together for families in need.
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PNHS News
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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 were Hugh Simms and Liz Tosi voted as by their peers and announced at the Homecoming Football Game. 
The Homecoming Dance was attended by over 800 students. It was a successful night and a great time had by students and staff. 
Festival of Marching Bands The Plymouth High Schools Combined Marching Band hosted a Festival of Marching Bands on Sunday, October 20th, at Plymouth North High School. This was the first time that Plymouth has hosted a NESBA (New England Scholastic Band Association) marching band show. There were six high school marching bands performing, a great audience, and perfect marching band weather. The visiting bands and the officials loved the facility! Plymouth High Schools Marching Band performed their 2013 Field Show, entitled "My Country," and scored a gold rating, with a score of 86.7.    
Pink Out Day Mrs. Giatrakos and the Student Voice members invited Katherine Melendy, the Breast Navigator from the Jordan Hospital Breast Center to attend an event at Plymouth North promoted "Pink Out Day" October 18th. The event helped support the fight against Breast Cancer. The school raised $200.00. Project growth students tallied the money and presented the proceeds to the Jordan Hospital Research Fund this week.
Activities Day On Wednesday, October 23rd the student body was given the opportunity to interact with over 27 after school activities provided here at Plymouth North. Many students were surprised that there were so many different activities to choose from. The goal of this event was to increase membership and to showcase the different activities.    PNHS Golfer Congratulations to Plymouth North High School Junior Dan Campbell. Dan qualified as an individual golfer for the post season. 
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PSHS News
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Congratulations to the South Girls Volleyball team for clinching the ACL title this week with a win over Falmouth. The girls are currently 16-1. This is the first ACL Title for the volleyball team in school history. Congrats to coaches and players!
PLYMOUTH SOUTH'S ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
The G & G/PSHS Female Athlete of-the-Week is junior Erin Donovan. Recently Donovan scored 3 goals in a 4-3 win over Bridgewater-Raynham. She plays the post in games and has been focused on her job of putting pressure on the opposing goalies. This week Donovan stepped up and was fantastic, while taking multiple shots on the Bridgewater-Raynham goalie. She has worked hard giving 100 percent all season. Donovan strives to improve each day at practice as well. Congratulations Erin! Great work!
The G & G/PSHS Male Athlete of-the-Week is junior Jackson Braz. Braz was instrumental in Plymouth South's 3-1 victory over cross-town rival Plymouth North, when he stopped two early attempts by their forwards and created energy and momentum for the Panthers with saves. Braz' tenacious approach to the game has earned him a leadership role among the South team. Terrific job Jackson! Congratulations!
Our PE department has started a new program, "FITNESS FRIDAYS." On Fridays, students leave their unit of study and work on overall fitness through specific stations. The preliminary feedback from our students and staff has been fantastic.
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The PSHS Tech Advisory Dinner is next Tuesday, October 29th. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. and dinner is at 7:00 p.m.
Just a reminder that the end of first term is approaching. Students should see teachers to make sure that any coursework is completed prior to the close of grades. We also encourage parents to check the Aspen portal for grade updates.
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Sincerely,
Dr. Gary E. Maestas, Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools |
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