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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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Please enjoy our latest edition of Voyager Express. |
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Weekly Quote
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"A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special."
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Science Department News
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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
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News from the Elementary Library Media Specialists
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Are you interested in a site that is dedicated to education for all stakeholders in the appropriate use of media and technology? Common Sense Media is a resource-rich site for educators and others. Take a look at their Mission Statement and Beliefs below, and go to: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ to learn more.
Our Mission
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.
We exist because our nation's children spend more time with media and digital activities than they do with their families or in school, which profoundly impacts their social, emotional, and physical development . As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume.
Our 10 Beliefs
- We believe in media sanity, not censorship.
- We believe that media has truly become "the other parent" in our kids' lives, powerfully affecting their mental, physical, and social development.
- We believe in teaching our kids to be savvy, respectful and responsible media interpreters, creators, and communicators. We can't cover their eyes but we can teach them to see.
- We believe parents should have a choice and a voice about the media our kids consume and create. Every family is different but all need information.
- We believe that the price for free and open media is a bit of extra homework for families. Parents need to know about the media their kids use and need to teach responsible, ethical behavior as well as manage overall media use.
- We believe that through informed decision making, we can improve the media landscape one decision at a time.
- We believe appropriate regulations about right time, right place, and right manner exist. They need to be upheld by our elected and appointed leaders.
- We believe in age-appropriate media and that the media industry needs to act responsibly as it creates and markets content for each audience.
- We believe ratings systems should be independent and transparent for all media.
- We believe in diversity of programming and media ownership.
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Visual and Performing Arts News | 
- The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers identifies teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent and brings their remarkable work to a national audience through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Plymouth North is very pleased to announce 18 Winners this year!
In alphabetical order:
Sophia AuDuong (10): Gold Key, Ceramics, Decoded Matrix
Stayshia Cody (Grade 12): Honorable Mention for Painting, Contemplation
Kaly Connolly, (Grade 11), Honorable Mention for Photo, Showers to Flowers
Olivia Cole (Grade 10) and Andie Hilton (Grade 10): Honorable Mention for Film, The Cameraman
Nicole Day (12): Honorable Mention, Ceramics Under the Sea
Ashley Gilligan (10): Honorable Mention in Film, The FIghter
Alyson Jacobson (12): Honorable Mention in Photo, Natural Life Form
Jordan Kaiser (12): Honorable Mention in Photo, Stand Off
Sam Knollmeyer (10): Silver Key in Photo, Breaking Dawn
Mackenzie Levangie (11): Honorable Mention in Drawing, Self Portrait
Mackenzie Levangie (11): Honorable Mention in Painting, Holiday
Karen Marquis (10): Silver Key in Printmaking, Homage to Alison Saar
Liz Sheldon (Grade 11): Silver Key in Drawing, Self Portrait
Liz Sheldon, (11), Honorable Mention in Drawing, Vegetables
Megan Thomas (11), Honorable Mention in Drawing, Self Portrait
Hanna Wennerberg,(12), Honorable Mention in Photo, Beauty Unreal
Sam White (12), Silver Key in Painting, Better Times
Emily Whynott (10), Honorable Mention, Sculpture, Intwined
Sophia Audong - Decoded Matrix
Stayshia Cody - Contemplation
Hanna Wennerberg- Beauty Unreal
 Olivia Cole and Andie Hilton - The Cameraman
 Kaly Connolly - Showers to Flowers
Emily Whynott - Intwined
 Ashley Gilligan - The Fighter
Alyson Jacobson - Natural Life Form
 Jordan Kaiser- Standoff
Karen Marquis- Homage to Alison Saar
Mackenzie Levengie - Holiday
Liz Sheldon - Doubt
 Liz Sheldon - Vegetables
Mackenzie Levengie - Self Portrait
Megan Thomas - Self- Portrait
Nicole Day - Ceramics Under the Sea
Sam Knollmeyer - Breaking Dawn
Sam White - Better Times
- Congratulations PSHS Art Students!! Top 3 in MA(14-17yrs)
1st Monica Shields, 11
2nd Madeline Arnold , 12
3rd Julia Delisle, 11
Each year our illustration students research and create art that visualizes the importance of Aviation, both historical and for our future. Students use illustration to depict a theme designed by the National Association of State Aviation (NASAO) in Washington, DC. This year's theme is "Flying Saves Lives". In the past our students' illustrations have placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in Massachusetts. Their art work has been exhibited in our Nation's Capital, Massachusetts State House and traveled as far as Italy for international judging. This year our students' 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place illustrations will go to Washington for national judging. The national winner from the U.S. will be forwarded to Switzerland for the international judging. Good Luck to them!
- 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 at the door.
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West Elementary School News
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BOKS Begins At West!
Tuesday morning, Feb. 11th, marked the kick-off a 12-week before-school exercise program called BOKS (Building Our Kids' Success) at West Elementary School. Founded through Reebok's charitable foundation, the mission of the program is to "promote the profound impact of physical activity on a child's mind, body, and community." Each week students will participate in warm-up activities, a skill of the week, team-building exercises, running races, and exciting games. Over 120 students across each grade level registered for the program but BOKS leaders Mr. Powers and Mr. Young wanted to allow everyone wanting to participate that opportunity. To do so, they split the students into two groups. All K-2 students attend on Tuesday morning and all Grades 3-5 students have their class on Thursday morning. "Thankfully, we have a number of supportive staff members and enthusiastic parents that have offered to lead activities and even participate in the skills and games right along side the children," noted Mr. Powers. "We wouldn't have been able to handle this many kids without each of those generous adults offering to help out and give up their time for this program." After one week there have already been many smiles, plenty of tired bodies, and a lot of excitement created about the BOKS program.
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Hedge Elementary News
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Mrs. Mackerwicz's third grade class at Hedge Elementary School display their biography bottle projects.
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Nathaniel Morton Elementary School News
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Nathaniel Morton Literacy Night Literature and storytelling was in the air at Nathaniel Morton on Thursday January 30, 2014. Families came to the school that evening to enjoy story books read aloud and to participate in special literacy performances. When families first arrived that evening, they were treated to special story readings by several classroom teachers and guests from the Plymouth Public Library. The groups gathered in various areas of the building to hear their favorite stories read aloud. Then during the second phase of the night, everyone gathered in the gym for a special treat from story teller Big Ryan. Big Ryan captivated his audience with his engaging and very funny stories that had everyone laughing and singing and dancing. Then finally the third special guest of the evening was author Jerry Pallotta. Everyone found Jerry to be entertaining as he shared his passion and his inspiration for storytelling and writing. There was chatter and laughter in the air as Jerry shared photos of his inspirational pieces for his books which families could view and purchase. They could also get a special author's signature. It was a fun filled evening for all that attended! 
Big Ryan 
Jade Morgan 
author signing
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Indian Brook Elementary School
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Indian Brook had a special visitor this week.
Harriet Tubman visited with our second through fifth graders on Tuesday to tell her story of slavery and escape to freedom.
Harriet was born a slave in 1820 and never achieved status as a teacher, businesswoman, writer or scientist- but she did make these achievements possible for others through her tireless and unyielding quest for the fundamental element necessary for these pursuits: personal liberty.
Harriet relived for the students her early, carefree childhood and the subsequent end to this at age six when she was put to work wherever and whenever the master said.
The love of her family kept her spirit strong as her hatred of slavery grew. In 1849, she finally escaped to freedom through the "Underground Railroad." She returned to rescue her family and over 300 other slaves, and then aided the Union during the Civil War to put a final end to slavery.
Harriet's commitment to "doing what I believe is the right thing to do" makes her a truly inspiring role model for children. The students were very interested in the life story of Harriet Tubman.
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Manomet Elementary News
| Dr. Brian Schmid, a new pediatric dentist in Plymouth, gave an excellent presentation on oral health to Manomet Elementary first graders. He read a book and used a fantastic puppet to help teach the children when to brush, how to brush and the importance of brushing. He also gave each of the first graders a goodie bag containing: a new toothbrush, a mini tube of toothpaste, floss and a prize! We were very happy to have Dr. Schmid come visit us during Dental Health Month.
Manomet Elementary Home and School Association brought back a favorite production company, "The Tanglewood Marionettes" for an awe-inspiring performance of "Hansel and Gretel". The Tanglewood Marionettes have continually brought high quality assemblies to our school. Each marionette is hand crafted. The Tanglewood productions have created lasting impressions on the students and staff with beautiful storytelling and music, as well as gorgeous artistic backdrops. Manomet Elementary hosted its annual International Night recently. The event featured artistic displays, culinary delights from around the world as well as grade level projects which focused on particular continents. |
PSMS News | |
Mix It Up Day Luncheon
Peer Leaders recently hosted a Mix It Up Day Luncheon for 5th graders. Event was well received by both students and staff. Mix it up day was started a decade ago to encourage students to identify, question and cross social boundaries. Studies have identified the cafeteria as the place where divisions are most clearly drawn. When students interact with those who are different from them, biases and misperceptions can fall away. Peers will be hosting similar luncheon for other grade levels in the coming weeks!!!
 
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PCIS News | |
PCIS Pennies for Leukemia and Lymphoma
PCIS students participated in a school fundraiser Pennies for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. So far over $2,570.00 has been raised by the students. Mrs. Strohscneider's homeroom raised the most money and will enjoy lunch catered by The Olive Garden. Additionally, Marleigh Hunt raised the most money as a student. We thank all the families that participated for this great cause.
PCIS Students Jump Rope for Hearts
Sixth grade Physical Education classes at PCIS will be participating in a combined Jump Rope & Hoops for Heart event on March 13, 2014. Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart are community service learning programs of the American Heart Association. They teach kids:
· The importance of developing heart-healthy habits;
· That being physically active can be fun; and
· That by raising funds to support research and education they help save lives across the country and in their community. Fundraising is optional for the students but everyone will be participating in Jump Rope For Heart during their regularly-scheduled PE classes.
Fundraising began on February 12 and will continue until the event take place in March. If PCIS raises $1,500 collectively between all three 6th grade houses the two top fundraisers in the building will receive complementary Celtics tickets. If each 6th grade student raises approximately $4.50 we will reach our goal!
 
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PNHS News
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Congratulations to PNHS senior Patrick Danner. Patrick received and signed a letter of intent for a scholarship to Bryant University before vacation. After graduation, Patrickhe will play football for the Bryant University Bulldogs.
Plymouth North Staff Congratulations to Special Education teachers Barbara Gravelle and Christine Belmonte, Speech Pathologist Meena Tondravi, and Physical Education teacher Lauren Anderson for receiving The Arc of Greater Plymouth Inspired Teacher Grant, Spreading Inclusion for 2014. This award represents a way to honor and support these individuals in their commitment to Inclusive Education and the strengthening of community that effort promotes.
8th Grade Open House The 8th Grade open house began with a formal presentation in the Performing Arts Center. Principal McSweeney and Principal Hanna addressed the audience along with all of the department heads. The Freshman Academy was represented by Asst. Principal Farrell and Guidance Counselor Brunnie Getchell. All of the speakers made themselves available after the presentation to answer questions.
The evening, despite the weather was a great turnout with close to 500 parents, students and staff in attendance. Tables were set up for sports, clubs and activities that are available here at north. Students generously gave their time and worked the table for their respective activity encouraging future students to become active participants in high school. Parents and students received a tour of the building. The National Honor Society helped parents navigate through the school.
PNHS Attends the NASSP Conference
PNHS was selected by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and The Center for Secondary School Redesign (CSSR) to present at the Breaking Ranks School Showcase in Dallas, Texas. The topic for their presentation was "Build it and They Will Come and Stay...." Ms. McSweeney shared strategies and methodologies for the planning and development of senior projects; preparing the faculty to increase inquiry-based learning and authentic assessment opportunities in classrooms; building Student Voice in genuine opportunities to influence school policy and regulations, developing a respectful school climate characterized by fair and consistent discipline; and integration of technology into student learning by combining state-of-the-art equipment with performance based learning.
Traveling and presenting along with her were Sherie Harkins from the Art Department and three Plymouth North High School seniors: Liz Tosi, William DiGravio, and Shawn Westcott. The travel experience became an authentic assessment in itself. Stressful travel due to snow and flight cancellations brought the students and their parents to the event with only minutes to spare before the presentation began.
Liz Tosi spoke on the topic of Student Voice. Will DiGravio shared his DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) - Authentic Assessment, and Shawn Westcott took the audience through an authentic assessment musical participation experience.
Feedback received congratulated the team for an exceptional presentation. Comments included: "You have great kids... so poised, articulate, and bright." "What an amazing school you have" and "Terrific presentation, on point, informative, and fun!"
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PSHS News
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The students in the photo above were nominated by their teachers to be Freshmen Students of the Month. They received a certificate to our Culinary Restaurant and award. Left to right they are: Gordon Smith, Antonia Rotondo, Jonathan Fasoli, Emily Spillane, Jeremy Harold and Sydni Dabkowski.
Plymouth South Hockey Team won their game last night and are now playing Saturday, March 1st at 4PM at the Brockton FMC Arena vs. North Quincy High School in the Division II South quarter finals.
Also, wrestlers Anthony Schena, class of 2014 and Ryan Harty, class of 2015 are competing this weekend at the All-States.
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Guidance Announcements
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Grade 10 & 11 Planning Night
Wednesday, April 2 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Plymouth NORTH High School Performing Arts Center
The Guidance Department at Plymouth North and South High Schools welcomes all parents and guardians of sophomores and juniors to attend our combined Grade 10 and Grade 11 Planning Night (students are also invited). The topics for the evening will be:
The High School Transcript
Graduation Requirements
Career & College Planning
College Requirements
Financial Planning for College
This panel presentation will include college admissions counselors from Boston College, UMass Dartmouth and Cape Cod Community College, a college financial aid expert and members of the school counseling department from both Plymouth North and South High Schools.
We look forward to your participation in this important information session!
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Sincerely,
Dr. Gary E. Maestas, Superintendent
Plymouth Public Schools |
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