|
District Events
| If you would like to see a calendar of all our district events, please click on the link below.
|
|
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.
|
| School Websites: | |
High Schools
Middle Schools
Elementary Schools
Pre-School
|
|
|
|
Please enjoy our latest edition of Voyager Express. |
|
|
Science Department News
| 
-----------------
Club Invention Summer Program
Club Invention inspires creativity and inventive thinking during its week long summer program! Led by local educators, elementary school children are immersed into fun-filled, exciting, activities that reinvent summer fun. Throughout the week, children work together to solve real- world challenges that prepare them for the 21st century. Whether they are creating an epic, insect-themed pinball machine or dismantling broken devices, participants learn new approaches to everyday problems! Discounts available - register today!
to register.
http://www.clubinventionNE.org/link_standards/web_resources/MA_300x250_B2C.gif
The Plymouth Public Schools High School Science Fair took place on Tuesday, February 11. Seventy-three students competed for over $800 in cash prizes. Students from both PNHS and PSHS competed. It was a fun-filled event that lasted into well into the evening. Students were judged three separate times and while waiting to be judged, competed for door prizes via Twitter. An awards celebration followed the student dinner. During the celebration, keynote speaker, Michael Petrasko, talked about his love for astronomy and his current project, Insight Observatory.
Here is a list of the winners:
Sophia Auduong, PNHS 1st Place - $300.00 UV Light, the Key to Bacterial Dominance?  James Sullivan, PNHS 2nd Place - $200.00 Key-less Home Entry Emily Burke, PNHS 3rd Place - $100.00 Solar Signs  4th Place - PNHS, $50.00 (2 awards) Madison Crowley, Mighty Mulch Alexander Lister, PSHS, Camera Robot 5th Place - $25.00 (5 awards)
Casey Lynch, PNHS, The Effects of Titanium Products on Sports Performance
Molly McKenna, PNHS, Does Your Heart Burn?
Isabel Kierstad, PNHS, Are You A Smart Cookie? Comparing Name Brand and Generic Foods
Jake Burkhead, PNHS, Biological Control of E. coli
Brianna Johnson, PSHS, The Pulse of Swimming
Honorable Mention (5 awards)
John Buckley, Influence of Home Wireless Electricity Monitor
Nathan Schneider, Sing Along Science
Meghan Newcombe, Perception Inspection
Mahema Singh, What Citrus Drink is the Most Harmful to the Enamel?
Hannah Strohschneider, Organic vs Conventional Fruit: Is There a Difference?
Please note that the top ten award winners have advanced to the South Shore Regional Science Fair being held at Bridgewater State University on Saturday, March 15. Depending on their performance there, students may also be invited to compete at the state science fair held in May at MIT or perhaps even the International Science and Engineering Fair also scheduled for May in Los Angeles, CA.
|
|
News from the Elementary Library Media Specialists
|
The non-profit ReadWorks is committed to solving the nation's reading comprehension crisis by giving teachers the research-proven tools and support they need to improve the academic achievement of their students.
ReadWorks provides research-based units, lessons, and authentic, leveled non-fiction and literary passages directly to educators online, for free, to be shared broadly.
The ReadWorks curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and the standards of all 50 states. Most importantly, ReadWorks is faithful to the most effective research-proven instructional practices in reading comprehension.
Check- out readworks.org, and see the valuable educational resources that it has to offer.
Just a reminder that if you are interested in the model curriculum units from the DESE that were featured in last week's Voyager, please visit the site by Wednesday, February 19.
|
Visual and Performing Arts News | 
On Saturday, February 8, Plymouth music students auditioned for the SEMSBA music festivals. SEMSBA, South Eastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters' Association, has both junior and senior music festivals each spring. The Junior Festival auditions are open to students in grades 7-9 and the Senior Festival auditions are open to students in grades 9-12.
Congratulations to the following students who scored high enough on their individual audition to gain acceptance into the festivals:
PNHS
Lauren Badeau, Alto, Chorus
Paige Burke, Alto, Chorus
Julia McBride, Alto, Chorus
Rory McRae, Bass, Chorus
Daniel Osborne, Bass, Chorus
Shauna Quinn, Alto, Chorus
Sarah Serrilla, Soprano, Chorus
Dawna Vella, Soprano, Chorus
Caroline Vigna, Alto, Chorus
Brendan Breen, Bb Clarinet, Band
Nicolas Hovey, Baritone- Bass Clef, Band
Richard Massie, Tenor Saxophone, Band
Emily Seslar, Tenor Saxophone, Band
Emma Travassos, Flute, Band
Rebecca Soilson, Violin, Orchestra
Maggie Thompson, French Horn, Orchestra
Sandra Walter, Violin, Orchestra
Lily Colbert, Alto, Treble chorus
Vaughan Hovey, Tuba, Orchestra
Anna Kiley, Bb Clarinet, Orchestra
Emily Mayer, Baritone B.C., Band
Christopher Nolan, Trombone, Band
PCIS
Lilana Alvarez, Alto
Amelia Browne, Soprano
Michael Cappola, Baritone
Michaela Coombs, Alto
Rosa D'Ambrosio, Alto
Sofia Escobar, Soprano
Helen Frazer, Soprano
Taylor Johnson, Alto
Mariane Martins, Alto
Kathleen Rhodes, Soprano
Andrew Sweeney, Soprano
Stephanie Ward, Soprano
Stefan Beaumont, Trumpet
Emma Collins, Baritone Saxophone
Joanna Hovey, Oboe
Julianna Osborne, Alto Saxophone
Emily Sansoucy, Trumpet
Kylie Smith , Strings
PSHS
Adriana Alvarez, Soprano
PSMS
Quinn, Woodworth, Tenor Saxophone
Stephen Seslar, Clarinet
Help Support the Plymouth High Schools Musical! Visit http://www.plymouth.k12.ma.us/page.cfm?p=2890 and click on the 2014 VPA Musical Ad Book Order Form to submit an ad for the musical ad book. 1600 copies of this book will be printed for the musical.
Save the Date! The Youth Arts Month Opening Reception will be held at the Plymouth Center for the Arts Tuesday, March 4 from 6pm-8pm.
On Saturday, March 1st, the PPS VPA department is hosting the Northeast Semifinal of the International Championship of High School A Cappella at 7 PM in the Plymouth North High School PAC. Eight high school a cappella groups from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and Maryland (including PNHS's Northern Lights) will compete for a spot in the International finals in New York City. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and are available through the VPA Office at PCIS, or by going to
|
|
Federal Furnace Elementary News
|
Federal Furnace Elementary School
First graders in all classes (Mrs. Glynn, Mr. Moskowitz, Mrs. Riordan, and Mrs. Spidle) were treated to a classroom visit by a pilgrim, John Howland of Plymouth Plantation. After discussing the brutal conditions on the Mayflower voyage, Mr. Howland explained that it is the year 1627 in his village and daily life is quite different for him than for people in 2014. Students practiced greeting one another as Pilgrims would and got some hands on experience with four aspects of the Pilgrim lifestyle: dress, toys, food and school. They enjoyed modeling Pilgrim fashions, playing the tricky game of "cup and ball", using Pilgrim dinnerware like "trenchers" and "pipkins", and challenging themselves to write their names with the 17th century alphabet utilizing chalk and slate. The students definitely enjoyed this eye-opening and interactive presentation. Thank you to the first grade teachers, the Federal Furnace P.T.A. and Plymouth Plantation for arranging the event.
Students at Federal Furnace Elementary School were treated to a spectacular performance by the African Children's Choir. Prior to performing at Federal Furnace, the African Children's Choir performed at night at Plymouth North High School along with 70 members of the Plymouth Public School's Elementary Chorus, consisting of 4th and 5th grade students from all of Plymouth's elementary schools - including about 15 from Federal Furnace Elementary. They also performed Monday night in Duxbury with a chorus from the South Shore Conservatory.
At Federal Furnace, the Choir performed an hour-long interactive workshop of singing and dancing. 'Uncle' Joseph led the workshop, teaching students a bit about the Choir's home country of Uganda. Students heard from each of the 16 Choir members, learning the meanings of their Ugandan names as well as their individual career aspirations, which includes a midwife, accountant, basketball player and comedian. Also, four lucky students received a drum lesson! Thank you to Kathy McMinn for helping to bring the Choir to the Plymouth area and directing the Plymouth Children's Chorus. Also, a big thank you to the FFPTA for including this performance in the school's cultural arts offerings.
 
|
PSMS News | |
Civics Essay Contest Winners
Congratulations to Michelle Mei and Mackenzie McNeil on winning the 8th grade civics essay contest. They both will receive an all expenses paid trip to Washington, DC this year. Great job girls!
Valentines
Art students in grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 at Plymouth South Middle School made valentines for hospitalized Veterans. These valentines are being distributed by Congressman Keading's office. Students wished to thank "from the bottom of their hearts", those who "put their hearts on the line" to protect all of us.
Some sixth grade art students also made some valentines for the geriatric patients as the Beth Israel Deaconess/ Plymouth
(formerly Jordan) Hospital. These were received by the hospital employees who are part of the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC).
|
PCIS News | |
Miss Sykes of Apollo House led her students on a journalism adventure in grade 8 ELA. All of the responsibilities were in the hands of the students; they were even given authentic lanyards and a classroom fit for a real newsproom complete with foam-board cubicles. There were two editors per class as well as "Beat Reporters," "Entertainment Reporters," and several others.
After the unit was over, with some help from Mr. Palladino's connections in town, the papers were officially published in a traditional newspaper format non-gratis. Bob Damon of Graphic Developments in Hanover, graciously agreed to take on the challenge of publishing the five newspapers:
The Daily Geez, PCIS Press, The Down to Business Plymouth Press, The D-period Dish and
E-Times: E Period's Elite Edition. The students rose to the challenge and produced articles worthy of the
Boston Globe.
Congratulations to the following PCIS Chorus and Instrumental students who were recently accepted into the SEMSBA Musical Festival! On Saturday, February 8 th, these students traveled to Mansfield Middle School and performed a selected piece for a judge. The students were evaluated for melodic and rhythmic accuracy, tone, musicality, and scales. These students will now get to work with a professional conductor and other musically students from around the South Shore who share in their advanced music skills. The culminating event is a wonderful gala performance on a Saturday, May 3 rd at Plymouth North High School. The concert features orchestra, concert band, as well as treble and mixed chorus. We are so proud of our PCIS Chorus and Band students. Chorus Lilana Alvarez Alto Amelia Browne Soprano Michael Cappola Baritone Michaela Coombs Alto Rosa D'Ambrosio Alto Sofia Escobar Soprano Helen Frazer Soprano Taylor Johnson Alto Mariane Martins Alto Kathleen Rhodes Soprano Andrew Sweeney Soprano Stephanie Ward Soprano Band Stefan Beaumont Trumpet Emma Collins Baritone Saxophone Joanna Hovey Oboe Julianna Osborne Alto Saxophone Emily Sansoucy Trumpet Strings Kylie Smith
On February 7th PCIS Staff hosted the annual Students Night Out. Students chose from a variety of activities to participate in including a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, ping pong, nail salon, picture booth and many other fun activities. This event raised money to support the PCISInterscholastic Sports Program.
Falcon Pride Visit's Plymouth Rehab and Golden living Nursing Homes
Students from the PCIS Service Learning Club Falcon Pride visited two nursing homes on Thursday February 13th to spread some Valentines cheer. The residents enjoyed making valentines cards with the students, as well as receiving carnations. Additionally the students entertained the residents by performing their various talents and skills. Students performed a comedy show, a pianists played, another student performed her Irish Step Dancing, a soloist sang hits from the Beatles, and a violinist also performed. The Falcon Pride Club looks forward to visiting again.
Next up for the PCIS Falcon Pride students The Polar Plunge.
PCIS Ice Cup Basketball Tournament PCIS hosted the first annual Boys and Girls Ice cup Basketball Tournament. PCIS, PSMS, Mashpee and Pembroke's basketball teams competed for the coveted Ice Cup Trophy. Girls
The PCIS girl's basketball team won the inaugural Ice Cup Jamboree with a victory over Pembroke in the championship game of the tournament on January 31.
The entire team contributed to the win.
Teigen Utera scored 14 points and picked up tournament MVP honors. Kelsey O'Connell had a strong performance and was named to the all-tournament team. Anna Sheehan was lights out from the 3-point arc and scored 9 points and Olivia Stutzeburger played shutdown defense.
Plymouth South Middle School won the consolation game of the tournament against Mashpee. Brandi Andrews represented PSMS on the all-tournament team.
Boys The Pembroke boys basketball team came out victorious after defeating the PCIS boys team in the championship finals. Both teams showed good sportsmanship and truly enjoyed their experiences.
|
PNHS News
|
On Saturday, February 8th, twenty-six Plymouth North music students auditioned for the SEMSBA music festivals. SEMSBA, South Eastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters' Association, has both junior and senior music festivals each spring. The Junior Festival auditions are open to students in grades 7-9 and the Senior Festival auditions are open to students in grades 9-12. The Senior SEMSBA Festival is April 11-12 at East Bridgewater High School, and the Junior SEMSBA Festival is being held here at Plymouth North on May 2-3.
The following PNHS Students scored high enough on their individual audition to gain acceptance into the festivals:
Senior Festival:
Lauren Badeau Alto Chorus
Paige Burke Alto Chorus
Julia McBride Alto Chorus
Rory McRae Bass Chorus
Daniel Osborne Bass Chorus
Shauna Quinn Alto Chorus
Sarah Serrilla Soprano Chorus
Dawna Vella Soprano Chorus
Caroline Vigna Alto Chorus
Brendan Breen Bb Clarinet Band
Nicolas Hovey Baritone- Bass Clef Band
Richard Massie Tenor Saxophone Band
Emily Seslar Tenor Saxophone Band
Emma Travassos Flute Band
Rebecca Soilson Violin Orchestra
Maggie Thompson French Horn Orchestra
Sandra Walter Violin Orchestra
Junior Festival:
Lily Colbert Alto treble chorus
Vaughan Hovey Tuba orchestra
Anna Kiley Bb Clarinet orchestra
Emily Mayer Baritone B.C. band
Christopher Nolan Trombone band
Congratulations to these students!
PHS Science Fair The Plymouth Public Schools High School Science Fair took place on Tuesday, February 11th. Seventy-three students competed for over $800 in cash prizes. Students from both PNHS and PSHS competed. It was a fun-filled event that lasted well into the evening. Students were judged three separate times and while waiting to be judged, competed for door prizes via Twitter. An awards celebration followed the student dinner. During the celebration, keynote speaker, Michael Petrasko, talked about his love for astronomy and his current project, Insight Observatory.
Winners:
Sophia Auduong, 1st Place - $300.00
UV Light, the Key to Bacterial Dominance?
James Sullivan, 2nd Place - $200.00
Key-less Home Entry
Emily Burke, 3rd Place - $100.00
Solar Signs
4th Place - $50.00
Madison Crowley, Mighty Mulch
5th Place - $25.00 (5 awards)
Casey Lynch, The Effects of Titanium Products on Sports Performance
Molly McKenna, Does Your Heart Burn?
Isabel Kierstad, Are You A Smart Cookie? Comparing Name Brand and Generic Foods
Jake Burkhead, Biological Control of E. coli
Honorable Mention (5 awards)
John Buckley, Influence of Home Wireless Electricity Monitor
Nathan Schneider, Sing Along Science
Meghan Newcombe, Perception Inspection
Hannah Strohschneider, Organic vs Conventional Fruit: Is There a Difference?
The top ten award winners have advanced to the South Shore Regional Science Fair being held at Bridgewater State University on Saturday, March 15th. Depending on their performance there, students may also be invited to compete at the state science fair held in May at MIT or perhaps even the International Science and Engineering Fair also scheduled for May in Los Angeles, CA.
PNN News Drug Epidemic
Community concern to the powerful PNN story on the drug epidemic in Plymouth and the South Shore has taken on a life in itself. With almost 40,000 hits to the video many of the parties involved want to work together as a community and put processes in place to help those with addiction issues and drug addiction awareness.
The police, hospital staff, selectman, school committee, and state reps all wanted to hear from the 4 students who created the video. They want to know what we can do as a community to stop this drug epidemic now.
The Role of the School Resource Officer The Plymouth Police Department was invited to attend a round table discussion on what the role of a school resource officer is. The interview will be aired on the local channel 45(Verizon) or 14 (Comcast) in the upcoming weeks.
Officer Paul Caraher, Officer Jason Higgens, Dan Riley, Chief Michael Botieri, and Captain John Rogers
Plymouth North Interact Club The Plymouth Sunrise Rotary Club hosted a special breakfast for the officers of the new Plymouth North Interact Club on February 6, 2014 at the Senior Center. The elected officers for this year, Tim Barron, Sam Knollymeyer, Kiera Henderson, Courtney Sheehan, Sophia AuDong, and Dan Tocco, were officially inaugurated and celebrated for their dedication to helping our new club become a success. Dr. Maestas, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hamilton, Chief Botieri, and valued Rotary and School Committee members were in attendance.
The Interact Club also received its Official Club Certificate at the breakfast! We started out as a Charter at the beginning of the year, trying to obtain 16+ members, and we now have over 40 students on our roster!
Plymouth North Physical Education
Did you know that February is American Heart Month? According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but heart disease is preventable and controllable. However; taking simple steps such as eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly will get you on the right path to heart disease prevention. If you are interested in getting back on track with your heart health, the CDC recommends taking one step at a time. The path to a healthy lifestyle is not always an easy one; don't go it alone and find ways to reward yourself for sticking to your plan! A healthy heart is within your reach... be proactive, not reactive!
PNHS Varsity Girls Basketball Win the IAABO Sportsmanship Award
The International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, Plymouth County District Board No.54 selected Dennis Azevedo and the Plymouth North Girls Varsity Basketball Team as the recipients of the Board 54 Sportsmanship Award for the 2013-2014 basketball season.
Board 54 believes strongly that the game of basketball should be played with respect and integrity towards players, coaches and officials. The Executive Board felt that the girls' basketball team exemplified all of these qualities.
|
|
PSHS News
|
PLYMOUTH SOUTH'S ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
The G & G Female Athlete of the Week is sophomore Madison Norris. Norris averaged 20 points for the Panthers last week resulting in 2 big wins against Sandwich and Nauset. The girls' basketball team now stands 7-1 in the league. Great job! Congratulations Maddie!
The G & G Male Athlete of the Week is junior Ryan Harty. Harty won the latest Marshfield tournament, as well as the Wilmington and Weymouth tournaments ranking him Number 2 wrestler in the state. Great work Ryan! Congratulations!
Matt Bremis and Dylan Oxsen have been selected to play in the 36th Annual Shriners High School All-Star Football Classic Game to be played on Saturday, June 21, 2014
at Bentley College.
Congratulations to the following members of the winter track team for their outstanding performances at the ACL Championships:
Jackson Braz for his first place finish in the shot put
Holly Sessler for her 2nd place finish in the high jump
Jayci Andrews for breaking her own school record in the 300 meter dash
Maddie Sessler for setting a new school record in the 55 meter hurdles
Important Upcoming Dates:
- Parents of Juniors - "Save the Date"... MANDATORY Pre-Prom meeting Wednesday, April 30th at 6:30 PM at Plymouth North
- Parents of Grade 8 Students - Tech Expo (5:00-7:00 PM) and Academic Orientation (7:00 PM) Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at Plymouth South
- March 9th - March 12th - Plymouth South NEASC Accreditation visit
Have a safe and relaxing vacation!!!
|
|
|
Sincerely,
Dr. Gary E. Maestas, Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools |
|
|
