Welcome back to school! Catch up each month with special recognition and newsworthy happenings from across the Plymouth Public Schools.

November was filled with exciting events and worthy student celebrations that continued right through this month. Take a look at just how busy our schools have been!

Plymouth South senior, Jubei Ellis, recently completed his Eagle Project for Troop 1620 and it has already made a powerful impact on the community. As a result of Jubei's hard work and eagerness to give back, Manomet Elementary is now home to a beautiful new sensory wall that allows children to explore their senses and discover the world of sound right at their fingertips. Families can also enjoy their time at the playground on new benches that also convert into tables.

After reaching out to Superintendent, Dr. Campbell who connected him with Dr. Fraine at MES, Jubei got to work:

"I was inspired by sensory activities that I came across at medical facilities and I thought it would be a benefit to build one at a school. I made the benches because I like creative concepts and seeing a bench that can convert into a table looked interesting to build and would probably be used a lot. This project was a chance to give back to the school system and the community, since they played a huge role in my school career.

The most challenging part of the project was managing my time and coordinating dates between schoolwork, extra-curricular activities/events and the weather. The most enjoyable part of the project was seeing the children at the school starting to play with the wall and using the benches the day after I finished the project.

I would like to thank Dr. Campbell, Dr. Fraine and the Manoment Home & School Association for allowing me to create something that will be beneficial to the children and community. I would also like to thank the adults of Troop 1620 who provided their guidance and the scouts for volunteering with the project."

Thank YOU, Jubei, for sharing your talents and leaving an incredible mark on the community. Your project has truly enhanced the Manomet playground, adding a beautiful, inclusive element for all students to enjoy. The sensory wall and benches will certainly be enjoyed but students and families for years to come.

What can maps tell us about a place? Grade 4 students are studying the geography of North America and these GIANT MAPS from National Geographic are a great way to build spatial awareness and learn about geography in a fun way. Students compared and contrasted different countries, learned about absolute location by walking lines of longitude and latitude, and thought deeply about the complexities of making a two-dimensional map of a three-dimensional globe.

The awesome teachers at NMES provided the experience with Social Studies Academic Coordinator, Mr. Robert Powers. A very big THANK YOU to the Plymouth Education Foundation for providing the district with multiple giant maps of North America and Massachusetts so we can continue to provide this hands-on learning experience across the district!

If you were fortunate enough to attend one of Plymouth South High School Theatre Guild's three sold-out performances of "The Laramie Project" you witnessed a group of incredibly talented students share the tragic and emotional story of a life and community altered by horrific hate and violence. The performances by each and every student on stage were captivating and impressive, as each portrayed multiple characters in an interview-style production.

As we continue to see devastating hate across our country toward the LGBTQ community, we are extremely proud of these students and staff for their willingness to come together and give voice to the acceptance and love that our country is still in much need of today.

Thank you, to the brilliant cast and crew; Advisor and Director, Mr. Jason Luciana; Assistant Director, Ms. Colleen Egan; and Co-Advisor and Producer, Mrs. Kathleen Evans. The tragic death of Matthew Shepard in 1998 will always be a difficult one to revisit, however, we are so thankful to PSHS Theatre Guild for sharing this powerful play with our community.

On November 14th, students and staff wore blue for World Diabetes Day in support of students and staff living with diabetes. Callie G. from Plymouth South Middle School shared her experiences living with T1D at Manomet Elementary's Wellness Fair. She educated younger students on how she monitors her blood sugar and although she now has more responsibilities managing her diabetes, she is still able to do all of the fun things that kids her age do each and everyday!

Plymouth EDTV created a powerful video sharing a day in the life of a student living with diabetes. We encourage all to take a moment to watch as it is truly eye opening to see just how much these students go through each day. Thank you to the four incredible students who shared their experiences and helped to educate us on the added pressures of everyday life as a kid living with Type 1 Diabetes. The partnership between the student, school nurse educator, parent/guardian, and physician is paramount in the health and well-being of each student, and we are extremely grateful for the dedication and diligent work of our school nurse educators when caring for our TD1 students.

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) recognizes and rewards high school students who, through their volunteer activities, have undertaken significant efforts to advance racial equity and understanding in their schools or communities. Prize recipients receive an award of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Symposium on Race at Princeton University. They and recipients of Certificates of Recognition are also honored at regional ceremonies and, if possible, at their schools.

Now accepting applications for the 2023 Princeton Prize in Race Relations

Teachers, parents, and guardians - do you know a high school student who is doing outstanding volunteer work in the area of race relations? Fill out the form here for Princeton to encourage them to apply for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations.

During November's School Committee Meeting, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Rogers recognized a phenomenal educator and administrator of Plymouth - Mrs. Alison Riordan, Science, Technology, and Engineering Academic Coordinator - for recently being inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Science Educators.

In order to be inducted into the Science Educators Hall of Fame you have to have a long and distinguished career in science education and have contributed to the advancement of Science and Science Education not only in the school district but at the state and national level.

Mrs. Riordan has introduced new teaching and learning programs not only to our own school community but to the Commonwealth and beyond. She is a clear leader; someone who is consistently supporting her staff. Alison is constantly bringing new, innovative ideas to our schools for the sole purpose of providing the very best experiences and opportunities to our students - like the Biomedical Program, Camp Invention and the Invention Project, Planetarium programming and events for our staff, students, and community, Robotics Rally, OpenSciEd and much, much more. She is always present, supportive, and truly admired by her staff and colleagues.

PSHS Principal Mrs. Patty Fry; PSHS Science Educator Dr. Meade; and Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Nolan all spoke about Mrs. Riordan’s significant impact on our school district:

“Alison makes us better. In leadership, the whole magic of it in my personal opinion, is impact and implementation and she is someone who's able to not only bring incredible ideas forward that exposes our students to remarkable opportunities but she's able to implement and have the respect of her teachers.” Principal Fry

Congratulations on this much-deserved recognition, Mrs. Riordan! We can’t thank you enough for all that you provide the students of Plymouth.

The Plymouth Education Foundation (PEF) is excited to share their newly established Starfish Honor with you. A Starfish Honor, serves to both recognize staff and raise funds for the PEF to fulfill our mission of supporting lifelong education in Plymouth. This program is based on the starfish story, which highlights that one small act by one person can make a big difference.

For a $10 donation, a handwritten note and copy of the Starfish story will be sent to the

honoree. Donors can include a personalized message and cards will be delivered to the

schools. In addition, people can send a Starfish Honor to an entire school which will be sent to

the principal to share. Donors may also choose to include several staff members for special

recognition on the school card. Those named will receive a copy of the Starfish story.

PEF's goal is to recognize staff who make a difference for students – teachers, nurses, librarians,

paraeducators, office staff, custodians, food services, administration, anyone in the

community that makes Plymouth Public Schools the best they can be.

Starfish Honors can be ordered on PEF website with payment through PayPal, Venmo or credit

card. They can be purchased anytime during the year when families want to send a special

thank you to a staff member who has made a difference in their child’s life.

To order a Starfish Honor and learn more about PEF please visit the website:

https://www.plymoutheducationfoundation.org

The next Lending Library will take place next Tuesday, December 13, from 3:30pm-5:30pm in the gym at Hedge Elementary School. This month's theme is "Winter Wonderland!” Marcia Richards from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth will return to hand out to-go snacks and nutritional information to families. In addition, Shannon from the Plymouth Family Resource Center will set up a resource table.

The Lending Library provides free books, a snack, a themed craft, the chance to borrow a game, and an opportunity to meet with local community organizations and providers. We hope to see you there!

Mark your calendars for this wonderful event! Holiday baked goods made by our culinary and artisan crafts and gifts also made by students. Thank you to The Farmhouse for hosting this event and to all of our teachers and students involved!

Wednesday, December 21st | 9-11 AM

The Farmhouse | 296 Center Hill Road, Plymouth

Plymouth EDTV is thrilled to announce that the Student Film Festival is back for its 4th year! Pick from their 4 formats - Narrative, Journalism, Photography, and new for this year, Music Video - to bring your story to life however you see fit.

Middle and high school students are invited to channel their inner filmmaker for the 2023 EDTV Student Film Festival. Visit plymouthedtv.com/filmfestival for more info.

Camp Invention is back in Plymouth from July 10-14, 2023, and will sell out. This program is for entering K-6 students. It will be held at PCIS. Register today at invent.org/gift using promo code GIFT35 to save $35. For more information, check out this overview video of the program, https://youtu.be/xNN3cwLLsdA.

The holiday season is a time for togetherness and joy, but it can sometimes bring unwelcome guests, like stress and grief. Some of us may be experiencing the holidays without a loved one. Some of us may be balancing endless to-do lists from shopping to entertaining. While we each celebrate this season’s joys, it’s important to stay mindful, acknowledge our feelings, and reach out for help if needed.

If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. This is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Plymouth Public Schools. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a mental health care provider:

• Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in over 200 languages.
• Visit www.caresolace.com/plymouth and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

On Monday, December 19, 2022 at 7:00 PM, the Plymouth School Committee will hold a public hearing at the School Administration Building at 11 Lincoln Street regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 School Department Budget. A summary of the proposed budget will be available for review at the Administration Building.

The Plymouth Public Schools is hiring! Various positions available:

• CSES - Second Shift Custodian

• PCIS - Cafeteria Worker

• PNHS & PSHS - Paraeducators

• NMES & HES - Art Educator

• Special Education, Long-Term Substitutes, Coaches, and more

Visit bit.ly/PPSemployment for a full list of positions or schoolspring.com to apply.

Our community as a whole is fortunate to have such incredible organizations that provide important services to families in Plymouth. Please take a moment to learn about the following organizations and what they can do for you!

The Plymouth Special Education Parent Advisory Council is a wonderful resource for families of the Plymouth Public Schools. Follow along on their Facebook page for updated information or reach out to Plymouthspedpac@gmail.com.

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 December. You can also learn more by visiting their website at www.plymouthfamilyrc.org.

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.

Don't miss out on any upcoming fun events! Subscribe to their monthly newsletter reach out to pfn@plymouth.k12.ma.us.

PYDC is a substance use prevention coalition overseen by Plymouth Public Schools that engages community partners and other important sectors within the community Plymouth who have a vested interest in keeping young people healthy and safe. If you're interested in becoming a part of the coalition, reach out to PYDC at pydc@plymouth.k12.ma.us. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for important updates, resources, and events!

This collection of local and state resources is to provide families and the general public with information about health, support, childcare services along with recreation and enrichment. Visit the Resource Guide on our website or by clicking here!

• Childcare Services
• Family Support
• Recreation & Enrichment
• Health Services
• & more!

Tune in to Plymouth EDTV on Monday, December 19th 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 available on YouTube!)