Opening of School - UPDATE!

It is hard to believe that the first two weeks of the year are over! It has been a great start to the year and as usual Plymouth South High School is very busy place!

Students schedules are final and all appear very happy, sports are off to a fantastic start with a number of undefeated teams, and the freshman know their way around the large building. We have a few exciting happenings to report:

• The math department was awarded a grant through the Educational Foundation of Plymouth and many of the math teachers are incorporating iPads into their classroom instruction.
• On Wednesday, September 11th, forty-eight PSHS visual art and music students embarked on an arts intensive, sixteen hour excursion to Boston! Students were able to do college visits at either Berklee College of Music or MassArt (College of Art and Design), meet students, ask questions about college and about careers in the arts, and tour the studios, galleries, and performance spaces. Following was a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts for the beginning of the "living sketchbook" project and for exploring the world of visual art, including their current exhibits of "Hippie Chic," "Women Photographers from the Arab World," and "Contemporary Art." Following this, students dined at Fire + Ice, which was much more of a performance than expected with the chefs cooking while everyone watched. The evening concluded with a performance of the hit musical Wicked at the Boston Opera House that was a musical, visual, and dramatic spectacular! This excursion was a great way to start the year and has the students pumped to integrate it into their artistry! Stay tuned for many more exciting visual and performing arts events this year from PSHS!
• SENIORS - An important letter is being mailed home to your parents today. ALL Seniors will be taking the SAT's during the school day on October 16th. This will be free of charge - paid for by the Plymouth Public Schools. The letter includes an important "voucher" that is needed for students to register for the test. The directions are in the letter - it is an easy process! The deadline for registration is September 20th. Please contact your child's guidance counselor with any specific questions. Thanks
• Guidance will be visiting classrooms of all seniors next week. Seniors will receive a packet of important information – please remind them to ask questions – we are here to help with the college planning process and it can be very complex!
• All students in grades 10 and 11 will again take the PSAT’s free of charge on October 16^th.  This is also the day of our College Fair that will be held this year at Plymouth North High School.  Don’t miss out!
• Homecoming is already upon us!  Next weekend is the dance, September 21^st at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets will be on sale next week at all lunches!
• Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook “PSHSPanthers” – for up to the minute information and daily updates about the happenings at South High!

 

Thanks again to all for a great start to the year! 

Parent Back to School Letter August 2013

 August 2013

Dear Parent/Guardian:

            The summer of 2013 could be one of the shortest in recent memory but we hope that it was a one of quality time with both friends and family.   We are looking forward to the opening of school for students on Tuesday, September 3^rd.  I would also like to take this opportunity to remind parents of incoming freshmen about our “Grade 9 Orientation Barbecue” on Thursday, August 22^nd at 5:00 p.m.  We look forward to seeing you and your child on the 22^nd. 

            As usual, it has been a busy summer at Plymouth South High School.  The 2012-2013 school year was very successful on many different fronts.  Our academic initiatives are thriving, our advisory and senior project programs are very successful, and our enrollment by students in Advanced Placement courses is the highest in school history.  As a school community we developed new Core Values and Beliefs which are used to guide all programming and instruction at Plymouth South.  A copy of this document is attached.  We have also begun our two-year self-study which will culminate in a NEASC site visit in March 2014.  We are excited for this visit to showcase our many successes and improvements over the past ten years thanks to the hard work of our faculty, students, and staff!  Finally, we are excited to report that in conjunction with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the Town of Plymouth has hired an architect to review building solutions for Plymouth South High School.  We have officially entered the feasibility study portion of the process. 

While the accomplishments for Plymouth South have continued to grow over the years, we will always work to surpass and even attain more lofty goals in the years ahead.  Our students enter as young freshmen and leave as young adults.  While our students embrace the benefits of being a part of the information age/generation, they are also responsible for much more than in years past.  The academic standards for students have increased both on the local and statewide fronts, and while technology is an integral part of their academic and personal lives, we as adults are always looking for ways to stay ahead and teach them how to react and respond appropriately.  Bullying is on the forefront in schools today.  At Plymouth South we take this very seriously and are working together with our students to communicate openly and honestly at all times. It is critical that these skills are also reinforced at home. Safety is always our number one priority.

There are a few important items listed below that we would like to highlight for the year ahead:

·         As stated earlier, we will be hosting a NEASC accreditation visit March 9-12, 2014.  We will be asking for parent involvement in this visit as well as on committees this fall. 

·         All teachers will be updating Aspen on a regular basis during the school year.  In prior years this was not mandated for all staff – this is a new requirement.  Please be patient as our staff works to become more adept at this process.

·         Attendance remains a major area of concern at high schools throughout the country.  Just a reminder that school attendance is important and we want your child to be in school each and every day.  We will be continuing with the “perfect attendance” awards program that was instituted last year!

·         You will receive “opening day” school paperwork in an envelope again this year.  We ask that all parents complete the paperwork and return in the envelope that we include.  It is important that we have accurate contact information. 

·         We continue to work at communicating with parents on a regular basis.  Connect Ed phone calls will continue but I would also like to remind parents about our school webpage, school email, the panther booster club webpage, the Principal’s Blog which is linked to our webpage, and the Freshman Academy Webpage and Blogs.  We encourage parents to “like” our school Facebook page (PSHSPanthers) as well as follow us on twitter.  During last year’s blizzard our “followers” increased dramatically.  We hope that these many communication avenues will help ensure that you receive all the information that we share with your students on a daily basis!

Our perpetual goal will be to work together to ensure that your child has a positive high school experience.  Please enjoy the remaining days of summer – I look forward to seeing your children on September 3^rd and to seeing parents at school events throughout the 2013-2014 school year.  It has been a pleasure to get to know many of you over the years.  As always, do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns that may arise. 

 

Sincerely,

Patricia C. Fry

Principal

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please review the information outlined below with your child

Homeroom List – There is a homeroom list included with this letter.  Prior to September 3rd, students should review the attached list which is grouped alphabetically by grade and report to the room indicated upon entering the building on the first day of school.  Please note that your student’s last name may not be specified on the list, but it will fall within the range of names listed.  All schedules, student planners, and other important materials will be distributed during this homeroom period.   Hats/Hoods/Headphones– Just a friendly reminder to students that we will continue to prohibit hats, hoods, and headphones during the school day.  In fact, we will ask that students keep belongings on the floor during classes as we remind students that school is about learning.  It is more important than ever that we continually work to reduce any potential distractions.  Please remind your child about our new electronics policy!    Lockers – All students will receive a new locker assignment and combination during homeroom on the first day of school.    Parking Permits – These are available for purchase by seniors and juniors prior to the opening of school from Student Services.  Reminder:  All student cars parked on campus must have a parking permit.    Guidance - Counselors will be in the office beginning Thursday, August 22nd.  Please do not hesitate to contact them with any schedule concerns.    Picture Day – Is early this year – September 9th – information will be sent home with your children on Tuesday, September 3rd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SENIOR Reminders & Information

Class of 2013

Senior Reminders

 

Senior Exams

-All seniors are expected to participate in exams.  The attendance policy is in effect.  If students need to leave the building after the exams, they must have a dismissal note. 

-Seniors who have taken an AP exam are exempt from a final in that subject.  In addition, if the senior has a 90% average or above for each quarter of the course they may be exempted from the exam by their teacher. 

 

Fri. 5/24	Tues. 5/28	Wed. 5/29	Thursday 5/30	Fri 5/31
Periods A & B	Periods C & E	Periods D & F	Period G	CLASS DAY

 

Class Day

-Friday, May 31, 2013 – seniors should meet in the cafeteria at 8:00 a.m.  Appropriate dress is required!

-8:30 a.m. – ALL SENIORS are invited to attend.  They will be dismissed after this event.

-Graduation Status Determined – Parents notified if your child will not be graduating – you will receive a phone call from your child’s guidance counselor.

-Yearbooks will be distributed after class day festivities!  A pizza lunch will also be provided.

 

Graduation Rehearsals

-Both graduation rehearsals are mandatory for all seniors in order to participate in graduation on June 8^th. 

-Tuesday, June 4^th at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Hall

-Friday, June 7^th at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Hall

-At rehearsal on June 7^th, seniors will receive their cap and gown and tickets for graduation.  ALL school obligations must be met in order to receive the cap and gown. 

 

Senior Awards & Scholarship Night

-Wednesday, June 5^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Cafetorium

-Seniors who are receiving awards and their parents will be notified if they are invited to this evening.

 

Senior Dinner Dance

-Thursday, June 6^th at 6:00 p.m. at the Popponesset Inn

-Tickets for this event will be sold at all lunches prior to the event.

-Breathalyzers will be used with all students prior to entering the dance.

 

GRADUATION

-Saturday, June 8^th at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall 

-Seniors will be given two tickets for graduation – if they would like one additional ticket they need to put their name on a list with Ms. Shaver.  All seniors will be eligible for three tickets for graduation.  Graduation is also broadcast live on our local cable channel.  Doors will open for ticketed guests at 12:30 p.m.

-Graduates must be at Memorial Hall by 12:00 p.m.

-Just a reminder to all students that behavior at school and all senior events have a direct impact on participation in graduation on June 8^th.  If a poor decision is made during these last few weeks, a student will not participate in graduation exercises as is stated in the student handbook.  Please make good decisions.  Participating in graduation exercises is a privilege. 

 

Congratulations to all graduates and their families!

 

FAQ - ATTENDANCE - End of Year!

STUDENTS….End of Year Attendance

Frequently Asked Questions

                                                                                             

At this time of year there always are many questions regarding ATTENDANCE.  I have tried to highlight many of the guidelines and rules that we follow.  Don’t hesitate to see me with any additional questions!

SENIORS & AP Testing

·         If you have any concern about your attendance or tardies to school, please plan to be in school every day, all day, until May 31^st.

·         If you are participating in an AP test and it is in the morning, please report directly to the testing center.  You are expected to return to school after the exam unless you have a note from your parent/guardian.  If you are in jeopardy for attendance, you must return.

·         If you have two AP tests in one day that is an excused absence.

·         If you have the AP test only in the afternoon, you are expected to come to the school in the morning and you need a dismissal note to be dismissed for the exam that should be submitted to student services.  If you have no issues with attendance, and your parent/guardian approves with a written note, you may miss school.  You are not allowed to miss any school without a note from your parent/guardian.

·         If you play a spring sport, and have an AP exam – you must be in school the other part of the day due to MIAA guidelines in order to participate in the game/practice.

·         During SENIOR EXAMS, all exams are scheduled in the morning.  If you are exempt from an exam due to your grade status, and you do not have attendance issues, you do not have to come for the exam.  In addition, you may be dismissed after the exam with a note from your parent/guardian.  However, if you have attendance issues and the days will exceed the allowed days, you must remain for the entire day of school.

Underclassmen Exams:

We are aware that due to the snow days, a number of families have planned events for the end of June.  If for some reason you are not going to be here the end of June and need to take your exams earlier, we need a note from your parent/guardian.  While we understand that school is going longer than usual, these are still unexcused absences.

Senior Exam Schedule – REMINDER – Exams are 20% of your Final Grade

Exam Times	Fri. 5/24	Tues. 5/28	Wed. 5/29	Thur. 5/30
7:20-8:52 a.m.	A Period Exam	C Period Exam	D Period Exam	G Period Exam
8:56-10:26 a.m.	B Period Exam	E Period Exam	F Period Exam

When in doubt….come to school ALL DAY every day!!!

See Mrs. Fry with any questions!

Do not jeopardize graduation or loss of credit!  Please check ASPEN at any time!

 

Moment of Silence - Boston Strong

It is difficult to return from vacation after such a tragic week and help our students find answers to the many questions that we all have.  As shared in Dr. Maestas letter to parents, our students are growing up in very difficult times and we always want to make sure that our school community is here to support.  Our counselors have many resources available so we encourage parents to call during any national or personal crisis.

This morning I shared a moment of silence with our students in memory of the victims.  The script is below.  We will be in touch moving forward regarding fundraising activities that we will be hosting in honor of Boston Strong.

PSHS Moment of Silence:

It saddens me to address you this morning regarding the tragedies that occurred last week in Boston.  It has been a difficult year for us all with local tragedies, the anniversary of the Columbine tragedy, as well as Sandy Hook Elementary School devastation.

I know I speak for many in saying that the events of the past week are some of the most disturbing of my lifetime.  I would be lying if I didn’t tell you all that like many staff at Plymouth South, the finish line of the Boston Marathon holds a very special place in my heart.

I am sure many of you have connections and stories about friends and family members who are linked to the tragedies of last week.  In fact, a few years ago one of our graduates wrestled against the young man who helped incite this awful violence…a very scary thought….where did his life go wrong?

However, in spending my week reading posts on social media outlets, listening to the radio and television broadcasts, and speaking with family and friends, what has impressed me throughout these dark days is how not only our city and state have come together, but how the entire country has rallied around the city of Boston…it was nothing short of amazing!  To me, this is the message we need to take away from the events of last week.  

Today, please take a moment to: 

·    Remember the victims Sean Collier, Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, and Lu Lingzi– as well as the family and friends they have left behind.

·    Pray for the 177 injured people who are still recovering. 

·    And applaud all of the first responders who ensured that the criminals were apprehended in amazing form – for all the world to see…

As we move ahead with our day and our lives, please make sure you remember that the majority of our world is good and while we witnessed evil first hand last week – you are all the people who can change our world and make sure that the safety of you and others is always number one.

I urge you to remember the message of eight year old Martin Richard that is posted on the sign as you entered Plymouth South this morning…..”No More Hurting People…Peace.”

In closing, I have been approached by many students and staff about fundraising for the One Fund Boston as well as a Boston Strong day – when these details are finalized we will make you all aware.  Thank you all for being a wonderful school community as evidenced by you always caring about others first….

At this time, I ask you all to take a moment to remember that we are Boston Strong.  

Thank you for your time.

April at Plymouth South

While the snow days were a bit of a challenge with many many rescheduled events, April is finally here.

Thanks to all junior and their parents for attending the mandatory pre-prom meeting this past week at Plymouth North.  If you were not able to attend and your child plans on attending the prom, just a reminder that the makeup session is April 24th at 7:00 p.m. at Plymouth SOUTH high school.

Spring sports have also begun in fine fashion and we encourage parents and students to access our schedule via the school facebook page, south panthers website, and even twitter.  We are hopeful that the weather has finally turned for the better!

If you did not get a chance to see the fantastic Plymouth High School musical, there are two upcoming all-town music presentations on April 23rd and 25th - we encourage parents and students to attend!

Finally, guidance counselors have been working hard to meet with all students regarding their course requests for next year.  Students will receive a copy of their schedule before leaving in June.

Also, thanks to all seniors who have submitted their scholarship applications recently.  They have been forwarded to the appropriate committees. 

March Madness!

It is hard to believe that St. Patrick's Day is next weekend and we turned the clocks back this weekend!  The snow days, late starts, and many postponements have been overwhelming for us all to say the least!  However, we are now in the home stretch of the school year.

As you can see, the district has unveiled a new and more user friendly website.  We encourage parents and students to use this resource as it is updated regularly - as is the school facebook page - "like" us to get news announcements daily.

March is a time for MCAS testing, scheduling of courses for next year, and the beginning of spring sports.  Please check our updates for dates, events, and much more.  We would also like to remind SENIOR parents to review the parent newsletter that has a great deal of important dates and information for you and your children. 

Again, call at any time with specific questions please see below for upcoming events at PSHS!

• Monday, March 11th - RESCHEDULED Tech Expo Visit - PSMS
• Tuesday, March 12th - Grade 11 Planning Night - 6:30 p.m. - SOUTH
• Wednesday, March 13th - Honors Breakfast Grades 11/12
• Wednesday, March 13th - School Council - 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 13th - Mr. PSHS  - 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 14th -
• Thursday, March 14th - RESCHEDULED Grade 8 Orientation - 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 15th - Advanced Placement Breakfast - 8:00 a.m.
• Friday, March 15th - RESCHEDULED Skills USA Event
• Friday, March 15th - March Madness Dance - 7:30-10:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 18th - Spring Sports BEGIN - all paperwork due!
• March 19th, 21st, 22nd - Grade 10 ELA MCAS
• March 22nd & 23rd - MUSICAL - don't miss out - @ NORTH
• March 23rd - Parent Booster Club Dance - see www.southpanthers.com for info.
• March 25th - Local Scholarship Due Date
• March 28th - Challenge Day
• April 2nd - Mandatory Pre-Prom Meeting @ NORTH - 7:00 p.m.
• March 29th - NO SCHOOL

Thanks again!