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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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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
-Margaret Mead
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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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Have you seen the latest "free resources for teachers" site from the Federal Government? The materials offered represent various formats of information sources for grades k-12 in all curriculum areas. Go to : http://free1.ed.gov/index.cfmto learn more.
If you are planning a poetry event/unit for next month, take a look at the following site for numerous poetry resources and view short, teacher-oriented videos from well-known children's poets that contain great suggestions. This is one example from the 1,500+ offerings through the Federal Government site.
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Visual and Performing Arts News | 
Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Extended Hours Friday, March 14 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 
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South Elementary News
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Amazing Tide Pool Animals
Last week, the New England Aquarium visited our preschool and kindergarten students and presented an exciting program focused on Tide Pools. A variety of tide pool animals were described and discussed in an interactive presentation, which even included a student dressing as a seastar! Then students were given the opportunity to explore and even touch these animals. What a fun way to learn about the creatures of the sea!
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South Elementary School News
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Spirit Week and Read Across America at South Elementary School South Elementary School celebrated Read Across America week with a spirit week and many different events. Monday was wear stripes day, Tuesday was silly sock day, Wednesday was South Elementary colors day, Thursday was mismatch day and Friday was dress as your favorite character day. The library was opened for students to come together and read. Several third and fourth grade classes read with their little buddies in Kindergarten. One afternoon, the whole school took a little time out of the normal schedule to drop everything and read. Winter Warm Up concluded with a book distribution sponsored by the PTA. There were over 350 books earned by students. In order to earn one book, students needed to read 10 books and turn in their book lists. Congratulations to all of our students for doing a great job!
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Indian Brook Elementary School
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Celebrating 100th Day of School at Indian Brook School
Mrs. Dyson's AM and PM Kindergarteners proved they are 100 days smarter by celebrating 100th Day of School on Tuesday, February 25th. Students deepened their understanding of 100 through a variety of fun activities such as: making crowns that read, "I'm 100 Days Smarter", sharing collections of 100 objects then using a pan balance to weigh and compare their collections to those of others, searching for numbers to complete a number grid to 100, reading books about 100th Day, stacking 100 cups, graphing 100 shapes, and finally, sequencing 100 feet to see where it would take them. In the end, they all learned about 100 while having fun!
   
Indian Brook Presents
Beauty & the Beast
On Thursday, February 27th, Indian Brook Elementary School's drama club held three performances of Beauty and the Beast. The drama club is an afterschool program which has run for the past few years. This year it was run and directed by the Principal, Mr. Harold, and his daughter, Bridgette, who frequently substitutes at the school. It is comprised of third, fourth, and fifth grade students. 
After a few months of practices (one afternoon a week) which also included making and painting scenery, as well as memorizing lines and cues, it was finally time to showcase their talents to their peers, teachers, and families. With 2 shows scheduled during the school day, and a final production that night, they had a long day ahead of them! They proved that they were more than up for the task!
Backstage before each performance, despite their nerves, the cast members were giddy with excitement! Once the curtains opened, it was very clear that all of their hard work really paid off! Even though an unforeseen last minute replacement of a main character 2 days before the show had to be made, they knew the show must go on as planned, and they shined! The enthusiastic responses from the audiences have been overwhelming.  
A special thank you to Mrs. Romboldi for her unbelievable creativity in making most of the costumes and props. Mr. Harold has already recruited her for next year's show! When Mr. Harold and Bridgette started this afterschool program in October, they weren't quite sure how it would all come together. The kids exceeded all expectations, and let's just say that they are already thinking about next year's show! 
Cast
Villager/Servant, Olivia Bogan; Belle, Lauren Bridgwater; Gaston, Nathan Brown; Silly Girl, Madison Cole; Narrator,Jessica Collins; Villager/Servant, Kassidy Crosby; Babette, Julianna DeStefano; Villager/Servant, Maren Dudley; Maurice, Hugo Gizzi; Villager, Jenny Jodice; Mrs. Potts' Katie Kenny; LeFou, Maeve King; Villager/Servant, Olivia Lasnicki; Cogsworth /Silly Girl; Allyson Long; Monsieur D'Arque' Jakus Machernis; Narrator, Sophie Machernis; Silly Girl, Lydia Pierce; Silly Girl, Ainsley Richardson; Lumiere, Ella Romboldi; Chip, Leah Silva; Beast, Noah St. Germaine; Villager, Megan Studebaker; Madame de la Bouche, Delia Toppa
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West Elementary School News
| Students in Miss Learning's third grade class have been learning about the properties of rocks and minerals. As part of their study, students have learned that rocks are formed through the rock cycle. To better understand that rocks are constantly being created and destroyed, students recreated the rock cycle using play-dough and their imaginations. Students created sedimentary rocks through weathering, metamorphic rocks through applying heat and pressure, and igneous rocks from, "lava flows." Students even layered fossils in their sedimentary rocks. When we broke those sedimentary rocks open, we could see the layers. Sometimes we were lucky enough to find our fossils, other times our fossils went undiscovered!     
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Nathaniel Morton Elementary News
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Nathaniel Morton Family Math Night
Nathaniel Morton School hosted our annual Family Math Night on March 6. It was another huge success. Parents and children in Grades K-2 came for an evening of fun! Together they played a variety of goals made specifically to address grade level math concepts. The night provided a time for parents and children to talk, work, and play together while practicing math skills in an entertaining way. Parents went home with an informational packet that summarized the games and provided suggestions for related activities, while the children received a souvenir of their fun-filled evening. A special thank-you to the teachers at NMES for hosting the event, the Plymouth North High School National Honor Society students who volunteered their time, and the parents who helped with preparations!
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Federal Furnace Elementary News
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Federal Furnace students enjoyed a wacky, but educational, Read Across America week in honor of Dr. Seuss! The celebration included a guest reader day, wacky sock day, mismatch day, Seuss hat day and a bring your favorite Seuss book to share day. A special thanks goes out to Mrs. Keri-Ann Stack and Mrs. Karen Swan, our Consulting Teachers of Literacy who organized the week. In addition, we'd like to thank all of our guest readers: Michelle Badger, Lindy Keay, Kerry Thatcher, Kim Hunt, Alyce McAuliffe, Pam Gould, Chris Campbell, Lisa White and Peg McKay. 
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PSMS News | |
Honors Breakfast
The Term Two Honors Breakfast took place on February 26th. Three seniors from PSHS spoke to our PSMS Honor Roll Students. Second Term Write Stuff Stars were also announced.  PSHS Senior Honors Breakfast Speakers Marissa Kanter, Matt Bremis and Lexi Halpin.  Lexi Halpin, PSHS Senior Speaker, with her three sisters: PSMS honor roll students Olivia (Grade 8) and Emily (Grade 7) and Kayla (Grade 5).
Junior Police Academy Trip
On Thursday, March 6th students from the Junior Police Academy paid a visit to the Plymouth Airport to meet with the State Police Air Wing which 'has provided the Commonwealth and its network of first responders with airborne support for over three decades.' Students learned about the aircraft used by the Air Wing as well as learning about their role in law enforcement in Massachusetts. Attending students were Mike Mazzilli, Tessa Dibona, Greg Maloney, Alexa Klimchuck, Brandon McNeil, Zachary Bennett, Selena Melendez, Vivian Cipriano, Justin Romano, Levi Grogan, Adam Robinson, Dante Viscariello and Jonathan Crowley.
Basketball Bonanza
Students and Teachers are gearing up for the Faculty/Student Basketball Game taking place at PSMS on Friday, March 14th at 6:30pm. The Girls and Boys Basketball teams are set to take on the Staff Teams in two games as well as a ½ court shot contest. Planning is well underway with proceeds benefiting the PSMS PTA and PSMS Athletic Program.
Write Stuff Stars
Term Two Write Stuff Stars were announced and received their certificates at the Honors Breakfast on February 26th. Write Stuff Stars highlight examples of exemplary writing in all content areas. Teachers submit outstanding student work which is then displayed in PSMS's main hallway as a celebration of the fine thinking and writing efforts of our students.
Grade 6
Alex Gaunt
Sam Kierstead
Angelina Andrews
Michael Maloney
William Dwyer
Elijah Wilson
Grade 7
Justin Andrews
Anna Maria Moran
Julia Carey
Melissa Macri
Ashley Peckham
Avery Daly
Abby Zammitti
Korena Yetman
Kevin Collins
Grade 8
Molly Sullivan
Evan Landry
Harry Churchill
Austin Fuller
Elizabeth Kirby
Daisy Burns
Austin Budrow
Caroline Duseau
Grade 6 Students
Grade 7 Students 
Grade 8 Students
Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart Update
The results have been tabulated! Our community service project was very successful.
All PSMS students participated in an active day focused on basketball and jump roping. Two great ways to achieve the 60 minutes of activity each person needs every day.
Many PSMS students helped others with donations that totaled $3,211 - thank you!
JRFH/HFH joined efforts with the Boston Celtics who offered 5 tickets to schools that raised over $1500. Sabrina Moncada earned 3 tickets for the largest donation and Katie Mullen 2 tickets for the second largest donation. Congratulations to both!
Finally, a huge thank you to all students who know that hard work offers the opportunity to experience the good feeling that goes along with helping others.
 Advanced Learning Opportunities Class This year PSMS ALO Healthy Cooking Class has been cooking up a variety of healthy menu items with Ms. Zittel and Mr. Lyons. The students have been learning basic cooking skills, proper table manners and creative ways to adapt recipes to make them healthier. Last week, the PSMS chef's made a full meal with a tasty fruit smoothie to satisfy their sweet tooth. The students enjoyed Mongolian Chicken over organic long grain rice and a Creamsicle Smoothie. This recipe is a simple tasty meal that can be prepared in under a half hour and may even become a family favorite. Stay tuned for upcoming recipes for you to enjoy with your children! Mongolian Chicken Recipe Makes 4 servings (serving size about ½ cup) Prep Time: 4 minutes Cook Time: 6 minutes Ingredients: - ● 1 (1 pound) chicken, trimmed and cut into thin slices
- ● Butter flavored cooking spray
- ● 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- ● 2 tablespoons of water
- ● 2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
- ● 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
- ● 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
- ● ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- ● 4 green onions
Method: 1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the chicken with cooking spray. Cook the chicken in pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or until browned and liquid has almost evaporated, stirring occasionally. 2. While chicken cooks, combine hoisin sauce and the next 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Cut onions crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Add sauce mixture and onions to meat in pan, cook 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce is slightly reduced (do not overcook meat). 3. Serve immediately over rice 
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PNHS News
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"Minute to Win it" The PNHS National Honor Society held a "Minute to Win it" competition on Thursday 2/27. Thirty two students and teachers participated as teams of two. The results were: 1st Jordan Callahan and Jackie Sullivan, 2nd Ian Allen and Joe McDonough, 3rd Chris Surdam and Will Durant and 4th Brock Perreira and Jack Gallagher. A great time was had by all.
 
A Cappella Competition
On Saturday, March 1st, Plymouth North High School's VPA Department hosted the Northeast Semifinal of Varsity Vocals' International Championship of High School A Cappella. The first place group from this competition would move on to the international finals in New York City to compete against the winners from 10 other regions around the country. Plymouth North's Northern Lights competed in the event and came in a very close 2nd place, and was ranked 1st by two of the five judges in the competition. The event brought a cappella groups to Plymouth from Newton, Marblehead and Lincoln-Sudbury, Massachusetts, as well as two groups from Maryland, one from New York, and one from Rhode Island.
PNHS Welcomed Rapper A.Y. and DJ Double Take
Rapper A.Y. and DJ Double Take (Jessie Wilkins and Paul Hastay) performed for the PNHS students on Wednesday. Rapper A.Y. spoke about his struggle with addiction and the need to surround yourself with good people and to take pride in who you are and what you do to make your dreams come true.
New York Model UN PNHS students traveled with Mr. Clark and Mr. Hales to attend the annual New York Model UN in New York City. While there, students had the opportunity to learn about the cultures of other nations and understand the importance and the difficulties associated with having to compromise in order to solve complex international issues.    State DECA Career Development Conference Students from the DECA program traveled to Boston on Thursday to compete in the DECA States event. They will be competing against over 2,000 students from Massachusetts. This conference will enable students to practice presentation and role play skills. Students will also be participating in a wide variety of true to life business situations.  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 was presented by The ARC's project coordinator Bobbi Martino and her assistant and former student Jackie Best. The award represents a way to honor and support these individuals in their commitment to Inclusive Education and the strengthening of community that effort promotes. PNHS Physical Education This past week during Fun Fitness Friday the Plymouth North P.E Department was inspired by being "Spartan Strong." The Spartan race is one of the many adventure races in New England. Adventure races combine obstacles and physical challenges with distances of 5k, 10k, or even marathons! Adventure races have a variety of benefits and they combine multiple aspects of Health Related fitness. They are challenging, fun, can be done individually or as a team, and they usually involve getting muddy! There are many programs that help individuals prepare for adventure races, the Spartan Race website provides specific workouts each day to help competitors train properly. Get excited for spring by registering for one of the many adventure races our area has to offer! Check out www.spartanrace.com for dates, locations, information, and workouts!
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PSHS News
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This Sunday there will be a panel of 17 people arriving in Plymouth for the NEASC visit. It will be a busy 3 days meeting and interviewing both parents and students. They will be shadowing students during school days and conducting interviews as well. Thanks to the many people involved in setting up, scheduling and participating in the interviews!!
Plunging from PSHS are Allie Daley and Andrew Buley. Cheering them on are the "chickens": Allison Johnson, Marisa and Vanessa Kanter, Amanda Marcotte, Kyle Richard, Ashley Cheetham, Amanda Paul, Maddison Utz, Brianna Fragata and advisor Mrs. Wolf.
The PSHS Student Council Members joined with hundreds of Student Council members from across Massachusetts to kick off the 2014 State Conference by plunging for a good cause. The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics was held at Veterans Beach in Hyannis on March 5th. PSHS presented Special Olympics with just over $160.00 which was partially raised from the hat day event on February 28th. A total statewide of over $10,000. was raised.
Also at the conference, Mrs. Wolf was presented with a plaque for a Distinguished Service Award for Advisor of the Year, having put in over 21 years of work with the school, state and region of Student Councils. Our principal Mrs. Fry was also nominated for Administrator of the year for the state of Mass. at the conference.
 
Senior Coleman Barnes, the leader of the P.S. lettermen....getting the crowd excited at the South Sectional Semi-final hockey game on Thursday night at the Gallo arena. While the panthers lost, the spirit from the fans and the entire hockey season was fantastic....thanks to all!!
On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Plymouth South's Tech Expo hosted just over 1,000 students from the middle schools. They got an opportunity to see each of the tech programs and what they do. A lot of the shops had hands on demonstrations that were a big hit with the visiting students.
On Tuesday night, parents of 8th graders were also invited to come to Plymouth South High to see the Expo and listen to an orientation program.
On two Fridays in February, PSHS Spanish students from different classes joined one other and their teachers for El almuerzo en español, a chance to speak Spanish over lunch while listening to music and enjoying a dish from the Spanish-speaking country highlighted that week. Students first enjoyed guacamole and listened to Mexican artists such as Maná and Marco Antonio Solis as they imagined themselves south-of-the-border on February 7th. On February 28th, students listened to Flamenco music by Niña Pastori as they enjoyed a tortilla española (pictured -- ¡qué rica!), prepared by Mrs. Zachary, who has hosted the lunches. Next, on March 28th students will enjoy music and a dish from
La República Dominicana
! ¡Buen provecho!
Congratulations! 1st Place-Monica Shields, 2nd Place-Madeline Arnold, 3rd Place-Julia Delisle.
Each year our illustration student's 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 student's 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 student's 2014, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place illustrations will go to Washington for national judging. The national winner from the U.S. will be forwarded to Europe for the international judging.
1st Place - Monica Shields / Gr. 11
2nd Place - Madeline Arnold
3rd Place - Julia Delisle
Each year our illustration student's 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 student's 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 student's 2014, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place illustrations will go to Washington for national judging. The national winner from the U.S. will be forwarded to Europe for the international judging.
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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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