Thursday, September 29, 2005

Blogbits

Welcome to the blog-o-sphere! The Plymouth High School Speech and Debate teams have created a blog that currently contains a calendar of all speech events. In the near future, the blog will have a weekly update with information on practices and tournaments. Welcome to the world of blogging!!

New Facility News
The district will occupy the new music wing at Plymouth High School next week. From October 3rd to October 7th, equipment will be moved into the new areas. Classes will begin meeting in the new areas on October 10th. The target date for moving in to the remodeled cafeteria is November 1st.

What is in a name?
Fourth and fifth grade students are having an opportunity to be involved in recommending a name for the 5/6 building. Some of the names that have been suggested from students are Pilgrim School, Liberty Intermediate, Centennial Intermediate, Harrison Intermediate, Plymouth Intermediate, Patriot Intermediate, Independence Intermediate, Hoosier Intermediate, Sally Ride Intermediate, Christa McAuliffe Intermediate,Reagan Intermediate, Kennedy Intermediate, Plymouth Rock Intermediate, Franklin Intermediate, Roosevelt Intermediate, Lewis & Clark Intermediate, Rockie Intermediate, Mayflower Intermediate, Riverside Intermediate, Marshall Intermediate, Tecumsah Intermediate, Potawatomee Intermediate, and Horris Corbin Intermediate. These suggestions are in addition to those that many of you have submitted.

As part of the naming process, students will also be involved in identifying a mascot, school motto, newspaper name, and yearbook name.

Miscellaneous
For those of you who enjoy satire and wish to keep abreast of educational happenings in Indiana and around the country, we invite you to read the Super's Blog. The link is located on the right side of this page.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Career Readiness

As a part of the high school's career readiness program, approximately 200 juniors participated in a mass job-shadow the last three days.

Mrs. Michelle Tanner handled the majority of the work load at the high school's end and deserves accolades for her tenatious approach to making the first mass job-shadow successful. Her job included working with students and their occupational desires, contacting businesses, and then organizing the students to be out of school one of the three days that ISTEP was being given to freshmen and sophomores.

A follow-up thank you letter from the students will be sent and feedback from each student will be examined so plans for next year's juniors can be initated.

A big thank you goes out from the school corporation to Mrs. Tanner and all of the businesses who took part in this very meaningful day. This is the type of partnership that helps students get a first-hand look at a carrer they are choosing. It also helps students focus on jobs in Plymouth and Marshall County to help eliminate part of the brain-drain.

More can be read about this in the South Bend Tribune as Mrs. Ida Chipman is preparing a story. Thank you Marshall County for all you do to help children!

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Mock Disaster

The PHS health careers class students were "victims" in the community mock disaster held Tuesday evening. Students used our the moulage kit to plaster themselves with fake burns, embedded glass charts, and actual pumping arterial bleeds. The students screamed in pain, pretended to die, and go into shock. One student actually portrayed premature labor so realistically that they took her by ambulance first to quiet her down!

At the site, the students were to be victims of a school bus explosion. They were doused with diesel fuel and a suspicious white powder, necessitating decontaminating by haz-mat teams.
Dr. Holm, our county medical director, and the EMA's worked with incident command to clear the site. PHS students were all taken by ambulance to SJRMC and put through the decontaminating process. Air Angels and Good Samaritan were there with the helicopters and the students were able to sit in the helicopter and talk to the paramedic.

After the disaster, the students and Mrs. King, the school's health occupations instructor, attended the debriefing at the First United Church of Christ where they learned what the Red Cross does in the event of an emergency. The church became an emergency shelter at that point and students were signed in to the shelter, just as they would have been in New Orleans last month. It was an amazing learning experience for our students.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Enrollments up

Last Friday was the official “count day.” Preliminary results show that Plymouth Community Schools has one hundred five (105) more students than it did at this time last year.

The enrollments are as follows:

Jefferson – 232 students
Menominee – 573 students
Washington – 384 students
Webster – 427 students
Lincoln Jr. High – 833 students
Plymouth High School – 1,026 students
Total Corporation Students – 3,475

The enrollment results will be sent to the Indiana Department of Education and will undergo a reconciliation process. Final numbers will be determined at a later date

New Teacher Biography - Cathy Deardorf


NEW TEACHER BIOGRAPHY

Cathy Deardorf



Family
Cathy and her husband Larry have been married for almost 17 years. They have four wonderful daughters, Leticia 16, Ciersten 14, Leah 12, and Cendra 9.

Education
Cathy graduated from DeKalb High School in 1987. She earned her Bachelors degree in Secondary Science Education from Tri-State University (Angola, IN) in 1996. She was licensed to teach biology, general science, and computers. Cathy earned her Masters degree in Administrative Education Leadership from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne in 2003. She finished her K-12 principal licensing in 2004.

Why did you become a teacher?
“When I began college, I chose the field of education because I was influenced by some wonderful teachers at DeKalb High School. They had a big impact on my life. I wanted to be the same type of positive influence for my students. The decision for me to move out of the classroom into administration was a difficult one to make. I loved teaching, but with administration I can work with students in so many different ways and on so many different levels, not just with my curriculum. I also get the opportunity to work more directly with the wonderful staff and community of Plymouth. Since coming to Plymouth, I know I made the right decision.

Cathy's Comments
“I love working with the students and staff at Plymouth high School. Coming into a new position, there is always a lot to learn and everyone has been very supportive. Thank you for making me feel welcome.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Want to be Principal for a Day?

On November 18, Plymouth will host the 5th consecutive "Principal for a Day" program. The day each fall was officially proclaimed by the late Governor Frank O'Bannon to provide greater community involvement and understanding of the principal's role in leading Indiana's schools.

Community members will spend their morning with one of Plymouth's principals starting at 8:00 AM and concluding at 1:00 PM. At that time all participants and volunteers will gather at the administrative building for a luncheon and discussion of the day's events. The press will be invited so pictures will be taken as well.

If you want to be a "Principal for a Day" contact Plymouth Community School Corporation by calling Amy Pratt at 936-3115. All volunteers must be 21 years old and live in the Plymouth School district.

Friday, September 16, 2005

Blog Bits

Highlights of Last Evening’s Board Meeting
The school board met in regular session last evening. The highlights of the meeting are as follows:

- The board approved monthly claims and personnel.

- The board heard a report on the school improvement plan at Washington Elementary. Mrs. Riise explained the use of the DIBELS assessment and the three-tier intervention model.

- Mrs. Riise also reported that the students at Washington Elementary have raised over $1,000 for victims of hurricane Katrina.

- The board gave permission to publish Notice to Taxpayers of Additional Appropriation from the rainy day fund.

- The next board meeting will be on October 6, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Administration Building.


Construction Update
At Washington, Webster, Lincoln schools, the contractors are still working on items that have been identified on the punch list. Principals have contacted the construction manager with unresolved issues in their buildings.

At Menominee Elementary, the interior work is substantially completed. The contractors are installing the new parking lot. Projected completion of this installation is late October.

At Jefferson Elementary, the masons will complete the construction of the load bearing walls during the next two-week period. The pouring of the concrete floors will begin. Trusses are scheduled to arrive on site on November 1st. The new addition should be under roof by the end of November.

At Plymouth High School, the music wing is moving closer to completion. Carpeting has been installed in three of the large instructional areas. Vinyl floor covering will be installed in the choir room next week. Work on the driveway around the music wing is nearing completion. Weather permitting the base coat of asphalt will be applied in another week. The target date for completion of the music wing is October 1. The contractors have completed the electrical rough-ins in the cafeteria area. Wall board is being installed at this time. Target completion date of the cafeteria is November 1. The masons are wrapping up their work in the multipurpose wing. Mechanical, plumbing and electrical workers are installing their equipment. Electrical rough-ins have been completed in the broadcast classroom and studio. Contractors are installing wall board. During the next two week period, painting and installation of ceiling grids will begin in that area.

The construction of the load bearing walls continues in Section A of the new elementary. This process will continue during the next two weeks. All the footers and foundations in the classroom wing will be completed next week.

ISTEP
Students in the Plymouth Community School Corporation will be taking the ISTEP tests next week. Please be sure your children are getting plenty of sleep and a good meal each morning

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

New Teacher Biography - Grant Masson


NEW TEACHER BIOGRAPHY

Grant Masson


Family:
Grant is married to wife Debbie for 15 years. They have two children, Scott 8, and Sean 6.

Education:
Boraughmuir High School (Scotland), IUSB Bachelors in Social Studies, World History, U.S. History, Government, Geography

Why did you become a teacher?
To give back to the Country that has given me so much, namely allowing me to become a citizen in 2003. One of the proudest days in my life.

Your Comments:
"I am so excited to be teaching at PHS! The school feels like a family where both staff and pupils are nurtured to succeed! I believe firmly in the principle, “By Example, We Lead” and hope to foster this in the children I teach. "

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

New Teacher Biography - Elizabeth (Holmes) Miller


NEW TEACHER BIOGRAPHY

Elizabeth Miller

4th Grade Teacher at Menominee Elementary


Family
Elizabeth is married and has one daughter who attends Webster Elementary.

Education
Graduate of Indiana University, South Bend, May 2004

Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher to inspire a life-long love of learning in students. My goal is to encourage students to achieve their personal best in all they do.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Thank You!!!

At the football game Friday night, the generosity was overwhelming. The PHS Key and Ambassador clubs raised over $1500.00 to be donated to the Red Cross for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Thank you, to all of you who chipped in to support those IN NEED!!!!Plymouth is a great COMMUNITY!!!

Friday, September 09, 2005

New Teacher Biography - James E. Radican


NEW TEACHER BIOGRAPHY

James E. Radican - Social Studies at PHS



Family:
James’ wife is Tammie and she is a Special Education teacher at LaVille High School. James and Tammie have two children, Christian 10, and Ian 8.

Education:
Bremen Senior High School, class of 1983
Ball State University, Bachelors Degree in 1988
Indiana University South Bend, working toward his Masters Degree in ESL

Why did you become a teacher?
Outside of family, teachers have made the greatest impact in my life. Teachers in both public education and religious instruction have been my role models. I have respected the profession and admire those that excel in the field.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Welcome to the Blogosphere!

The PHS library has established a blog, Waymouth's World. A link to the blog is located on the right side of this page. Welcome!

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

New Teacher Biography - MaryPat Glaub


NEW TEACHER BIOGRAPHY

Mary Pat Glaub - Choral Director at PHS



Family:
MaryPat's husband is John, they have been married for 28 years and have five children, Carrie 27, Patrick 26, Chris 24, Anthony 18, and John 15. Mary and John also have one grandchild, Elija 15 months.

Education:
Bachelors and Masters at Indiana University

Why did you become a teacher?
I want to share my love of music and give students positive musical experiences that will last a lifetime.

Your Comments:
It’s great to be back in the classroom!!

Blog Bits

Blueberry Festival
We wish to thank all staff members, parents, friends of the school district, and students who assisted with the various projects during the blueberry festival. Your efforts provide valuable resources for school organizations during the coming year.

School Board Highlights
The board met in regular session on September 1, 2005. Highlights of the meeting are as follows:

~ The board approved monthly claims and personnel items.

~ An agreement with Cyberlink for Internet service was tabled for further information.

~ A hearing was conducted on an additional appropriation for the technology fund. At the conclusion of the hearing, a resolution was adopted approving the appropriation.

~ The 2006 Budget, 2006 Capital Projects Plan, and the 2006 Transportation Plan were approved.

~ The board approved a list of revised and new policies recommended as a result of legislative changes.

~ The board approved the use of Menominee school for the balloon launch by the Blueberry Festival Committee.

~The board approved several transfer tuition student requests.

~The board heard a facility update and approved affidavits for payment on the construction project.

The next board meeting will be held on September 15, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Washington Elementary cafeteria.

Construction Update
At Washington, Webster, Lincoln, and Menominee schools, the contractors are completing the items on the punch lists. Principals have also been contacting the construction manager with unresolved issues in their buildings.

At Jefferson Elementary the contractors are now building the load-bearing masonry walls. Electricians and plumbers are following-up with rough-in work.

At Plymouth High School the music wing is nearing completion. Carpeting will be installed at the end of the week of September 5th. The contractors are developing the roadway and constructing sidewalks around the music wing. The roofing over the new multipurpose room wing is nearing completion. Target date for occupation of the music wing is October 1st. The target date for the use of the remodeled cafeteria is November 1st. December 31st is the completion date for the remainder of the project.

At the new elementary school, the construction of the load-bearing walls continues in section A. The gymnasium, boiler room, cafeteria, art room, and music room walls have been completed. The contractors are currently working on the outside walls of the Kindergarten rooms. All foundations in the building will have been installed by September 26th.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

What is DIBELS?

Last week all Plymouth elementary students in grades K, 1, 2, and 3 were given the DIBELS assessments. DIBELS is an acronym for the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. The assessments consist of a set of standardized, individually administered measures of early literacy development. They are designed to be short (one minute) fluency measures used to regularly monitor the development of pre-reading and early reading skills.

The measures were developed upon the essential early literacy domains discussed in both the National Reading Panel (2000) and National Research Council (1998) reports to assess student development of phonological awareness, alphabetic understanding, and automaticity and fluency with the code. Each measure has been thoroughly researched and demonstrated to be reliable and valid indicators of early literacy development and predictive of later reading proficiency to aid in the early identification of students who are not progressing as expected. When used as recommended, the results can be used to evaluate individual student development as well as provide grade-level feedback toward validated instructional objectives.

In the next few weeks parents will receive a letter explaining how their child performed on the assessment. More importantly they will receive the school’s plans to meet the individual student needs.