Plymouth Public Schools
District Newsletter - February 5, 2022
Catch up each month with special
recognition and newsworthy happenings
from across the Plymouth Public Schools.
February 5, 2022
Celebrating Black History Month
February marks the month-long celebration of black history, culture, achievements, and joy, while also recognizing the struggles and adversity of African-Americans throughout US History. Our school libraries, central office, and public library are filled with books by black authors, and featuring black characters. We encourage our students, staff, and families to take a look at the selection of books offered and read more about the stories of African-Americans throughout our history.
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook as we share more projects and stories from all of our schools honoring Black History Month!
Check out what has hatched at Indian Brook!
Students in Mrs. Blauss's kindergarten class at Indian Brook Elementary recently learned all about the life cycle of a quail! The eggs arrived in January and were placed in an incubator where students could keep a close eye. While patiently waiting the 21 days until the eggs hatched, students learned what exactly was happening inside the egg each day. They discussed the difference between oviparous and viviparous animals and what other animals lay eggs. They talked about the quail habitat and what each quail chick needed once it hatches. When the day finally arrived, each student got a chance to hold, feed, and care for the chicks, and enjoy the chirps before the quails returned to Mrs. Blauss's farm. What an incredible learning experience!
DECA Districts
PCIS Presents Frozen
Reflections Anthology Celebration
Another Year of Kindness
Poetry Out Loud
Plymouth North & Plymouth South recently held their school finals for the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest. Students did a remarkable job reciting their chosen poems with thoughtfulness and poise.
USA Gold Medalist
Team USA para ice hockey player, Kip St. Germaine recently spoke at the winter Captain's Breakfast sharing how he found strength, courage, and perseverance to turn his accident into an opportunity. Read more here.
NMES Heart Heroes
NMES 4th grader, Izzie, and Health Educator, Ms. Britt teach students how to keep their hearts and bodies healthy to kick off Nathaniel Morton's American Heart Association fundraising mission. Read more here.
Plymouth EDTV Student Film Festival is back for another exciting year!
With an important theme, additional formats, and a BRAND NEW category for our photography enthusiasts, it's one you won't want to miss. Calling all of our middle and high school students! Visit plymouthedtv.com or Film Festival App for details and deadlines. Good luck and HAPPY FILMMAKING!
GO RED for Heart Health Month
The Plymouth Public Schools will be celebrating Heart Health Month the week of February 14th with student spotlights, special nurse educator highlights, and important heart health facts on our social media pages! Follow along and join us in wearing RED for Heart Health on Monday, February 14th.
Our Inspiring Educators
Cathy Cotti - PSHS Secretary
Each year, the Plymouth Public Schools' staff is invited to nominate a colleague for the district's Inspiration Award. Four remarkable staff members were honored at this year's Opening Day ceremony, including Ms. Cathy Cotti, Secretary at Plymouth South High School.
Cathy has been with the district for over 33 years. As a secretary at Plymouth South High School for the last 12 years, Mrs. Cotti has made a significant impact on students and staff. Cathy is kind, supportive, a breath of fresh air, and ever so deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations to South Middle School's Mrs. Allison De Bellis!
In recognition of her continued efforts to deliver effective, creative, and engaging lessons, the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Technology/Engineering Education Collaborative have recognized Mrs. De Bellis, Technology Engineering Educator at PSMS, as a Distinguished Educator for her Architecture Design and STEAM Lessons in 8th Grade Engineering.
Mrs. De Bellis has inspired her students to create remarkable assistive devices to help others perform a task that may be difficult or painful; even a wheelchair for a beloved dog, Bo Duke, who suffered from Degenerative Myelopathy. Mrs. De Bellis's projects over the last few years have taught 3D printing and engineering skills while also instilling compassion and empathy in her students. Congratulations on this much-deserved recognition, Mrs. De Bellis!
Community Corner
Take Your Child to the Library Day
February 5 is Take Your Child to the Library Day! Take Your Child to the Library Day is an international initiative that encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. In honor of TYCLD, Plymouth Public Library has organized a fun scavenger hunt in the children's room! Pick up a copy at the children's desk and complete it for a small prize.
Visit Plymouth Public Library's Event Calendar for more events like Teen Advisory Group,
Curiosity Kids STEAM Club, and even adult workshops!
Plymouth Education Foundation Gala
"The Plymouth Education Foundation has decided to postpone our Annual Valentine Gala to April 9, 2022. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of our guests amid the recent Omicron surge. The Plymouth Education Foundation looks forward to celebrating this year's honoree Dr. Gary Maestas in April.
The event will take place at Waverly Oaks Golf Club on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 6 PM to 11 PM. The presenting sponsors are the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, ADM Agawam Development, Speakman Excavating, and Foster Creative Design.
We wish to thank all of our supporters and look forward to seeing you in April!"
Plymouth Family Resource Center
The Plymouth Family Resource Center, located on Court Street, has been such a valuable asset to our community. From peer support groups, parent education, budgeting and financial assistance, virtual playgrounds, and more, they continue to provide a wide variety of resources to families throughout Plymouth.
Please be sure to follow their Facebook page for important updates and events they have scheduled for the month of February. You can also learn more by visiting their website at www.plymouthfamilyrc.org.
Plymouth Family Network
The Plymouth Family Network is an outstanding resource providing support to families with young children and expectant parents living in the town of Plymouth. PFN offers referral services, preschool/childcare guidance, early screenings, and free playgroups and parent enrichment opportunities. Learn more about PFN services and upcoming events on their website.
Important Upcoming Dates & Announcements!
Plymouth Early Childhood Center (PECC) Application
We are excited to announce that the lottery for new students for the 2022-2023 school year is now open. If your child currently attends PECC you do not need to fill out a new application. Letters will be sent home to current students with more information.
Visit https://bit.ly/PECCApplication for more information!
Kindergarten Enrollment - HAPPENING NOW!
Pre-registration is now open for Kindergarten Enrollment. Visit our website for required forms, school assignments by street, an information booklet, and more at bit.ly/PPSKindergartenEnrollment. We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2035 in the fall!
At-Home COVID Testing Opportunity for Students and Staff
In accordance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Public Health (DPH), our district updated our COVID-19 Testing Program, effective the week of January 31st. We have opted into an at-home testing program giving families the opportunity to test students FREE at home. Visit our website for more information or fill out the opt-in form today!
Upcoming School Committee Meeting
Tune in to Plymouth EDTV on Monday, February 7th for the next Plymouth School Committee meeting! The meeting agenda, along with presentation slides and reports can be found here. The meeting with be streamed live beginning at 7:00 PM on Plymouth EDTV local channels Comcast 14 or Verizon 45, and on EDTV's YouTube channel. (Live Closed Captioning now available on YouTube!)
PPS Strategic Plan 2021-2024
Our full Strategic Plan is now available on our website. View the objectives and initiatives we are focused on over the next four years.
Stay Informed!
11 Lincoln Street | Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: 508-830-4300 | Fax: 508-746-1873