Recently the National Commission on Writing examined the role of writing in the workplace and developed the following suggestions for state policy dealing with writing education.
1. Every state should revisit its education standards to make sure they include a comprehensive writing policy that doubles the amount of time and resources devoted to writing while requiring a writing plan in every school.
2. State policy should require teacher education programs to provide instruction in writing theory and practice for all prospective teachers.
3. State policy should also require a writing plan in every school, insist that writing be taught in all subjects and at all grade levels, and require courses in teaching writing for all prospective teachers.
4. Assessment of students must go beyond multiple-choice, machine-scorable items to include requirements that students actually produce a piece of prose during the assessment.
Plymouth seems to be on the right track!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Tara Sharp, sixth grade math teacher at Lincoln, initiated her classroom blog this afternoon. Tara joins Terri Dennie and Jeff Hunter in the blogoshere. Links to the classroom blogs are to the right.
Work is scheduled to begin tommorrow on the repair of the Scoccerplex stadium. The projected completion of the repairs is eight work days.
Kindergarten ELL students began their extended day program this morning. Students who require assistance with language skills qualify for the program. Our staff is highly successful in helping students aquire the level of skills required for successful school experience.
Work is scheduled to begin tommorrow on the repair of the Scoccerplex stadium. The projected completion of the repairs is eight work days.
Kindergarten ELL students began their extended day program this morning. Students who require assistance with language skills qualify for the program. Our staff is highly successful in helping students aquire the level of skills required for successful school experience.
High School Parking Lot
The south high school parking lot will be closed Saturday, August 27th, for re-lining. Please make arrangements to use the north entrances on that date. Thank you.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
ISTEP
ISTEP is just around the corner so principals and counselors are creating the testing schedule for ISTEP in each building. The testing window for grades 3-9 runs from September 19 - 30. The testing window for the 10th grade ISTEP or the Graduation Qualifying Exam is September
20-22.
It's very important that all children are present during the testing days as the school is not only judged on the results of the test, but also with the percentage of students who take ISTEP.
If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the ISTEP testing process, don't hesitate to call your building principal.
PHS Richard Tobias 936-2178
LJHS John McNeil 936-3113
Jefferson Paula Neidlinger 936-2443
Menominee Melody Kruger 936-3787
Washington Michelle Riise 936-4072
Webster Donna Burroughs 936-2520
20-22.
It's very important that all children are present during the testing days as the school is not only judged on the results of the test, but also with the percentage of students who take ISTEP.
If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the ISTEP testing process, don't hesitate to call your building principal.
PHS Richard Tobias 936-2178
LJHS John McNeil 936-3113
Jefferson Paula Neidlinger 936-2443
Menominee Melody Kruger 936-3787
Washington Michelle Riise 936-4072
Webster Donna Burroughs 936-2520
Monday, August 22, 2005
Plymouth Community Schools Recognized
Standard & Poors school evaluation services announced today that Plymouth Community Schools is one of 19 Indiana districts that has been identified for significantly narrowing the gaps of achievement between economically disadvantaged students and their higher-performing classmates while simultaneously raising the average proficiency rates of the student groups being compared.
To be recognized in Standard & Poors Analytical Report, the districts must serve all grades K-12, enroll 30 students on average, per student sub group being compared per grade, reduce the achievement gap in overall reading and math proficiency rates by at least five percentage points between 2002-2003, and 2003-2004 school years, and simultaneously raise the reading and math proficiency rates in both the sub groups being compared over the same period.
“Closing the achievement gap is one of the most persistent challenges in American education today” said William Cox, executive managing editor of Standard & Poors evaluation services. Given the complex nature and extreme difficulty in closing these gaps, Standard & Poors believes its important to pay tribute to those districts that have made progress in this area.
Congratulations to all staff for your efforts.
To be recognized in Standard & Poors Analytical Report, the districts must serve all grades K-12, enroll 30 students on average, per student sub group being compared per grade, reduce the achievement gap in overall reading and math proficiency rates by at least five percentage points between 2002-2003, and 2003-2004 school years, and simultaneously raise the reading and math proficiency rates in both the sub groups being compared over the same period.
“Closing the achievement gap is one of the most persistent challenges in American education today” said William Cox, executive managing editor of Standard & Poors evaluation services. Given the complex nature and extreme difficulty in closing these gaps, Standard & Poors believes its important to pay tribute to those districts that have made progress in this area.
Congratulations to all staff for your efforts.
Opening Week
We had a very successful first week of school. Friday evening we closed with an enrollment of 3,431. This is up from 3,343 on count day last year. We have several new teachers working in the district.
Anne Gasway is teaching English at Plymouth High School.
Grant Masson, Robyn Keller, and James Radican are all working in our Social Studies department at Plymouth High School.
Eric Doades is the new choir teacher at Lincoln Junior High.
Cathy Deardorf is serving as the new assistant principal at Plymouth High School.
Many teachers, custodians, teaching assistants, principals, have worked extremely hard in preparing for the opening of school. Thank you to all who contributed to making the opening a success.
Anne Gasway is teaching English at Plymouth High School.
Grant Masson, Robyn Keller, and James Radican are all working in our Social Studies department at Plymouth High School.
Eric Doades is the new choir teacher at Lincoln Junior High.
Cathy Deardorf is serving as the new assistant principal at Plymouth High School.
Many teachers, custodians, teaching assistants, principals, have worked extremely hard in preparing for the opening of school. Thank you to all who contributed to making the opening a success.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held August 11, 2005, at 9:00 a.m.
The contractors have committed to having buildings ready when school begins next week.
Lincoln Junior High
A fence will be placed around the transformer. Some walls need patching next to the dry food areas. Vinyl floor covering will be installed in the cafeteria office. The case work will be set in room A142. The ceiling grid and case work in the nurse’s office will be installed tomorrow.
Webster Elementary
Techs will be on site today to start up the air handling units in the new classrooms. The wood trim will be installed today.
Washington Elementary
The seeding of the area around the school will begin on Saturday. The stucco soffit on the canopy will be finished today. The fence around the gas meter will be installed on Saturday. Vinyl floor tiling in the kitchen area will be completed today. The rails for the cafeteria will be delivered today and installed shortly thereafter. The air conditioning units in the new classrooms will be charged and started up today. The contractors have guaranteed air conditioning for the entire building at 7:00 a.m. Monday morning. The architect will be conducting walk-throughs to create a punch list today and next week.
Plymouth High School
The installation of case work is taking place in the new music wing. Repairs will be made on the northeast parking lot over the weekend. That area will not be available for cars.
Reminder, all staff members should park in the parking lot between the administration building and the high school for the first day on August 16th. Entry to the high school can be made through the southeast doors.
The next construction meeting will be Thursday, August 18, 2005.
The contractors have committed to having buildings ready when school begins next week.
Lincoln Junior High
A fence will be placed around the transformer. Some walls need patching next to the dry food areas. Vinyl floor covering will be installed in the cafeteria office. The case work will be set in room A142. The ceiling grid and case work in the nurse’s office will be installed tomorrow.
Webster Elementary
Techs will be on site today to start up the air handling units in the new classrooms. The wood trim will be installed today.
Washington Elementary
The seeding of the area around the school will begin on Saturday. The stucco soffit on the canopy will be finished today. The fence around the gas meter will be installed on Saturday. Vinyl floor tiling in the kitchen area will be completed today. The rails for the cafeteria will be delivered today and installed shortly thereafter. The air conditioning units in the new classrooms will be charged and started up today. The contractors have guaranteed air conditioning for the entire building at 7:00 a.m. Monday morning. The architect will be conducting walk-throughs to create a punch list today and next week.
Plymouth High School
The installation of case work is taking place in the new music wing. Repairs will be made on the northeast parking lot over the weekend. That area will not be available for cars.
Reminder, all staff members should park in the parking lot between the administration building and the high school for the first day on August 16th. Entry to the high school can be made through the southeast doors.
The next construction meeting will be Thursday, August 18, 2005.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Why the Migrant Work Survey?
I’ve had several people ask why we had parents complete the Migrant Work Survey during registration. So, I thought it was time to pass on some information that I learned this summer.
The state receives federal dollars for the Title I, Part C Migrant Grant. We receive money from this grant to help pay for migrant education during the school year and the summer. This year the amount of money that Indiana received from the federal government decreased from the amount of money we received last year even though we have more students. Why? Well, as a state, we are not doing a good job of documenting the migrant students in our schools.
By definition, a migrant student is one whose family moves to a new community looking for or securing a job in the field of agriculture. By this definition anyone who moves to Plymouth for a job at Del Monte, Pioneer Seed, Dean Pickles, or Ready Pac could qualify for migrant grant dollars.
Since Plymouth has hundreds of employees working in agricultural businesses, our migrant numbers should be higher than they are. Hopefully, the completion of the work survey will help identify students who qualify.
So, why does the federal government give money to schools to help educate migrant students? Migrant students often start the school year in one school and move to several other schools throughout the same year. This disruption in education is a looming factor in poor grades, retention, failure, and drop-outs. Identifying these students and helping them make this transition from one school to the next is costly, but very important for their educational needs.
As state support decreases we have to look for every possible source of income that we can find. If we can do a better job of identifying migrant students in our school, we can look for additional dollars in the future.
The state receives federal dollars for the Title I, Part C Migrant Grant. We receive money from this grant to help pay for migrant education during the school year and the summer. This year the amount of money that Indiana received from the federal government decreased from the amount of money we received last year even though we have more students. Why? Well, as a state, we are not doing a good job of documenting the migrant students in our schools.
By definition, a migrant student is one whose family moves to a new community looking for or securing a job in the field of agriculture. By this definition anyone who moves to Plymouth for a job at Del Monte, Pioneer Seed, Dean Pickles, or Ready Pac could qualify for migrant grant dollars.
Since Plymouth has hundreds of employees working in agricultural businesses, our migrant numbers should be higher than they are. Hopefully, the completion of the work survey will help identify students who qualify.
So, why does the federal government give money to schools to help educate migrant students? Migrant students often start the school year in one school and move to several other schools throughout the same year. This disruption in education is a looming factor in poor grades, retention, failure, and drop-outs. Identifying these students and helping them make this transition from one school to the next is costly, but very important for their educational needs.
As state support decreases we have to look for every possible source of income that we can find. If we can do a better job of identifying migrant students in our school, we can look for additional dollars in the future.
Construction Update
Jefferson Elementary - the two rooms undergoing renovation have been painted. Once the floor coverings are installed at Menominee, those persons will move to Jefferson and complete installation of the floor coverings at that location.
The footers and foundation walls are completed. Plumbers and electricians are in the process of installing the plumbing and electrical rough-ins.
Menominee Elementary – the vinyl tile has been installed in the new science room. The installation of the lockers has begun. The installation of carpet in the new music room began this morning. Once the carpet is installed, the vinyl mop board will be put in place in all rooms. Menominee, for the most part, is completed. We have possession of all the rooms except the new music room.
Washington Elementary – Carpet has been installed in both of the new special education rooms. Workers are installing the tile in the cafeteria. The ceiling grid is going up in the storage room, the nurse’s office and conference room. Electricians are installing light fixtures. Plumbers have installed most of the fixtures with the exception of the sinks in the nurse’s office and the special ed rooms. Once the installation of the tile is completed in the cafeteria, the carpet in the hallways, teacher work room and lobby will be installed. The plastering in the overhang is being completed this week.
Lincoln Junior High – Punch lists have been developed for the band and choir room. Final hook-ups are being made in the kitchen. The final preparation of wall board is being completed in the new nurse’s office. Painting will begin tomorrow. Ceiling grid will also be installed tomorrow in the nurse’s office. Cabinetry will be installed late this week in Miss Gilbert’s room and in the nurse’s office.
Plymouth High School – Workers are completing the masonry in the north entrance. Concrete is scheduled to be poured late this week in that area. Cabinetry is being installed in the music wing. Electrical rough-ins are in process in the new broadcast classroom, the speech practice rooms, and the music wing. Possession of rooms in the music wing will begin in mid to late September with all being occupied by October 1st.
The New Building Site – Work continues on the installation of footers, foundation walls, and block masonry walls. The water line and sanitary sewer are being installed at this time
The footers and foundation walls are completed. Plumbers and electricians are in the process of installing the plumbing and electrical rough-ins.
Menominee Elementary – the vinyl tile has been installed in the new science room. The installation of the lockers has begun. The installation of carpet in the new music room began this morning. Once the carpet is installed, the vinyl mop board will be put in place in all rooms. Menominee, for the most part, is completed. We have possession of all the rooms except the new music room.
Washington Elementary – Carpet has been installed in both of the new special education rooms. Workers are installing the tile in the cafeteria. The ceiling grid is going up in the storage room, the nurse’s office and conference room. Electricians are installing light fixtures. Plumbers have installed most of the fixtures with the exception of the sinks in the nurse’s office and the special ed rooms. Once the installation of the tile is completed in the cafeteria, the carpet in the hallways, teacher work room and lobby will be installed. The plastering in the overhang is being completed this week.
Lincoln Junior High – Punch lists have been developed for the band and choir room. Final hook-ups are being made in the kitchen. The final preparation of wall board is being completed in the new nurse’s office. Painting will begin tomorrow. Ceiling grid will also be installed tomorrow in the nurse’s office. Cabinetry will be installed late this week in Miss Gilbert’s room and in the nurse’s office.
Plymouth High School – Workers are completing the masonry in the north entrance. Concrete is scheduled to be poured late this week in that area. Cabinetry is being installed in the music wing. Electrical rough-ins are in process in the new broadcast classroom, the speech practice rooms, and the music wing. Possession of rooms in the music wing will begin in mid to late September with all being occupied by October 1st.
The New Building Site – Work continues on the installation of footers, foundation walls, and block masonry walls. The water line and sanitary sewer are being installed at this time
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Construction Update
Contrary to rumors in the community, construction is moving at a pace that will enable us to open school as scheduled.
At Washington Elementary, 80% of the drywall is up. Many of those walls have been mudded, painted, and covered with vinyl. The rough-in plumbing is completed. Ceiling grids are scheduled to be installed next week with case work and carpeting to follow. Tile is being installed in the cafeteria as of this writing. Plumbing and electrical hook-ups in the kitchen area will be completed this week. The clean-up and sanitizing of the kitchen area will follow shortly thereafter. The project is expected to be ready for the opening of school.
At Lincoln Junior High, the music and choir room are 95% completed. We are awaiting the delivery of lockers for the locker room. The kitchen hook-ups will be completed this week. The rough-in plumbing in the nurses office has been completed. The construction of the new walls in that area has begun. Sanitation and clean-up of all areas will be completed by the end of next week. The installation of the tile in the cafeteria area will be completed today. All areas are scheduled to be completed for the opening of school.
At Webster Elementary, the Fritz tile is being installed this week. Final clean-up begins next week. The addition is scheduled to be ready for opening day.
At Plymouth High School, the outside work on the music wing is nearing completion. All rooms have had the block filler applied. Two of the rooms have received a final coat of paint. Installation of ceiling grid began today. Casework stored in the hallways will be moved to the music rooms next week. The rooms will not be available on opening day; they will become available one at a time with the total wing available no later than October 1st. Mr. Tobias had anticipated this problem and has worked on an alternative room schedule. During the next week, sidewalks around the music wing will be installed. Part of the north parking lot will be undergoing asphalt repairs and sealing next week.
At Menominee Elementary, carpet in the new music room and vinyl floor covering in the science lab will be installed next week. Lockers are to be delivered August 8th. The wall coverings are to be installed next week. All inside work at Menominee is scheduled to be completed prior to the beginning of school. The addition to the parking lot will take place after the beginning of the school year.
At Jefferson Elementary, the floor covering in the current Kindergarten and first grade rooms will be installed next week. Mrs. Holloway’s first grade room will have no windows during the coming year, the old windows were blocked in and became part of the wall for the new addition. When the project is completed, there will be new windows in the west wall of the room. The relocation of utilities has been completed. The building pad is in place. The installation of footers and foundation walls will begin next week.
At the new elementary school, all the exterior footers and foundation walls have been completed in Section A. The masons are building the exterior walls. They have started in the northeast corner and will work toward the southwest. The installation of the water line has begun.
The northeast parking lot at Plymouth High School will be unavailable due to construction the week of August 1st.
At Washington Elementary, 80% of the drywall is up. Many of those walls have been mudded, painted, and covered with vinyl. The rough-in plumbing is completed. Ceiling grids are scheduled to be installed next week with case work and carpeting to follow. Tile is being installed in the cafeteria as of this writing. Plumbing and electrical hook-ups in the kitchen area will be completed this week. The clean-up and sanitizing of the kitchen area will follow shortly thereafter. The project is expected to be ready for the opening of school.
At Lincoln Junior High, the music and choir room are 95% completed. We are awaiting the delivery of lockers for the locker room. The kitchen hook-ups will be completed this week. The rough-in plumbing in the nurses office has been completed. The construction of the new walls in that area has begun. Sanitation and clean-up of all areas will be completed by the end of next week. The installation of the tile in the cafeteria area will be completed today. All areas are scheduled to be completed for the opening of school.
At Webster Elementary, the Fritz tile is being installed this week. Final clean-up begins next week. The addition is scheduled to be ready for opening day.
At Plymouth High School, the outside work on the music wing is nearing completion. All rooms have had the block filler applied. Two of the rooms have received a final coat of paint. Installation of ceiling grid began today. Casework stored in the hallways will be moved to the music rooms next week. The rooms will not be available on opening day; they will become available one at a time with the total wing available no later than October 1st. Mr. Tobias had anticipated this problem and has worked on an alternative room schedule. During the next week, sidewalks around the music wing will be installed. Part of the north parking lot will be undergoing asphalt repairs and sealing next week.
At Menominee Elementary, carpet in the new music room and vinyl floor covering in the science lab will be installed next week. Lockers are to be delivered August 8th. The wall coverings are to be installed next week. All inside work at Menominee is scheduled to be completed prior to the beginning of school. The addition to the parking lot will take place after the beginning of the school year.
At Jefferson Elementary, the floor covering in the current Kindergarten and first grade rooms will be installed next week. Mrs. Holloway’s first grade room will have no windows during the coming year, the old windows were blocked in and became part of the wall for the new addition. When the project is completed, there will be new windows in the west wall of the room. The relocation of utilities has been completed. The building pad is in place. The installation of footers and foundation walls will begin next week.
At the new elementary school, all the exterior footers and foundation walls have been completed in Section A. The masons are building the exterior walls. They have started in the northeast corner and will work toward the southwest. The installation of the water line has begun.
The northeast parking lot at Plymouth High School will be unavailable due to construction the week of August 1st.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Free Breakfast and Lunch
The United States Department of Agriculture along with the Indiana Department of Education provides free breakfast and lunch for schools who qualify. Plymouth qualified this year for the program and has taken advantage of the offering for our children.
After the first five days we have averaged feeding 70 children for breakfast and 125 children for lunch.
After the first five days we have averaged feeding 70 children for breakfast and 125 children for lunch.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held on June 30, 2005 @ 9:00 a.m.
The focus of this meeting was Phase I.
Lincoln Junior High
The kitchen equipment has been set up. The process of hooking up the equipment has begun. The ceiling tile has been installed in the music and choir rooms. The wall and floor tile has been installed in the new locker room. The demolition has been completed at that site. The process of hanging new doors has begun. All the roofs have been installed. The music and choir room case work has been delivered and the binder coat is in place in the parking lot.
During the next two weeks the installation of the kitchen equipment will be completed. The ceiling tile will be installed in the kitchen area. The underground plumbing rough-ins will be completed in the new nurse’s office and teacher work room. The floor coverings in the music and choir area will be installed. The casework will be installed in the music and choir areas. The final coat of asphalt will be applied in the parking lot. The acoustic wall panels will be installed in the music area.
Washington Elementary
During the past two weeks the curbs and sidewalks have been installed. The canopy steel has been erected. The aluminum frames for doors have been installed and exterior doors are now in place. The vinyl wall covering in the cafeteria is installed. The kitchen equipment has been delivered and is set in place. The new quarter walls are up in the renovation area. The masonry piers on each side of the new stage opening have been completed. The fire alarm is 90% completed. The plumbing underground in the renovation area has been started.
During the next two weeks the paving will be completed with the stoning of the driveway on June 30. The masons will complete work on the canopy. All of the kitchen equipment will be installed and plumbed. The casework in the new computer and music rooms will be installed. Vinyl wall coverings in the computer lab will be applied. Ceiling grid will be put in place in the north addition. A steel beam will be set in the stage opening in the gym. All doors in the north addition will be hung. The underground plumbing rough-in will be completed and all new walls in the renovated area will be dry walled.
Webster Elementary
During the last two weeks the shingling of the roof has been completed. The quarry tile in the restrooms is installed and the insulation is currently being installed.
During the next two weeks the final coat of asphalt will be put in place. The casework will be set in both classrooms. The ceiling grid will be put in place. Carpet and other floor coverings will be installed. The doors will be hung. The toilets, fixtures, and partitions will be set. All hookups to the boiler will be completed and the ceiling tile will be put in place.
Plymouth High School
During the past two weeks the roof over the music wing is now completed. The brick washing and caulking in the music wing has been completed. The east and west walls of the multipurpose room has been completed. The south multi-purpose room wall is started. The joists and decking has been set over the hallway and the weight room in the multipurpose room wing. Interior demolition at the high school is underway. The power at the high school is currently shut down and should be restarted Friday afternoon, July 1st. All casework for the music wing is on site.
During the next two weeks the metal siding on the music wing will be installed. Windows in the music room will be put in place. Painting of the music wing rooms will be completed. The roof over the mezzanine area will be installed. The air handling units in the music wing will be rolled onto the pad. The south multipurpose room wall will be completed. The steel over the mezzanine in the multipurpose room will be installed. The entrance to the music wing will be completed.
Site improvements: The installation of curbs and sidewalks will begin.
Internet and email services should resume either July 6 or 7, 2005, for the district.
The next construction meeting will be July 7, 2005.
The focus of this meeting was Phase I.
Lincoln Junior High
The kitchen equipment has been set up. The process of hooking up the equipment has begun. The ceiling tile has been installed in the music and choir rooms. The wall and floor tile has been installed in the new locker room. The demolition has been completed at that site. The process of hanging new doors has begun. All the roofs have been installed. The music and choir room case work has been delivered and the binder coat is in place in the parking lot.
During the next two weeks the installation of the kitchen equipment will be completed. The ceiling tile will be installed in the kitchen area. The underground plumbing rough-ins will be completed in the new nurse’s office and teacher work room. The floor coverings in the music and choir area will be installed. The casework will be installed in the music and choir areas. The final coat of asphalt will be applied in the parking lot. The acoustic wall panels will be installed in the music area.
Washington Elementary
During the past two weeks the curbs and sidewalks have been installed. The canopy steel has been erected. The aluminum frames for doors have been installed and exterior doors are now in place. The vinyl wall covering in the cafeteria is installed. The kitchen equipment has been delivered and is set in place. The new quarter walls are up in the renovation area. The masonry piers on each side of the new stage opening have been completed. The fire alarm is 90% completed. The plumbing underground in the renovation area has been started.
During the next two weeks the paving will be completed with the stoning of the driveway on June 30. The masons will complete work on the canopy. All of the kitchen equipment will be installed and plumbed. The casework in the new computer and music rooms will be installed. Vinyl wall coverings in the computer lab will be applied. Ceiling grid will be put in place in the north addition. A steel beam will be set in the stage opening in the gym. All doors in the north addition will be hung. The underground plumbing rough-in will be completed and all new walls in the renovated area will be dry walled.
Webster Elementary
During the last two weeks the shingling of the roof has been completed. The quarry tile in the restrooms is installed and the insulation is currently being installed.
During the next two weeks the final coat of asphalt will be put in place. The casework will be set in both classrooms. The ceiling grid will be put in place. Carpet and other floor coverings will be installed. The doors will be hung. The toilets, fixtures, and partitions will be set. All hookups to the boiler will be completed and the ceiling tile will be put in place.
Plymouth High School
During the past two weeks the roof over the music wing is now completed. The brick washing and caulking in the music wing has been completed. The east and west walls of the multipurpose room has been completed. The south multi-purpose room wall is started. The joists and decking has been set over the hallway and the weight room in the multipurpose room wing. Interior demolition at the high school is underway. The power at the high school is currently shut down and should be restarted Friday afternoon, July 1st. All casework for the music wing is on site.
During the next two weeks the metal siding on the music wing will be installed. Windows in the music room will be put in place. Painting of the music wing rooms will be completed. The roof over the mezzanine area will be installed. The air handling units in the music wing will be rolled onto the pad. The south multipurpose room wall will be completed. The steel over the mezzanine in the multipurpose room will be installed. The entrance to the music wing will be completed.
Site improvements: The installation of curbs and sidewalks will begin.
Internet and email services should resume either July 6 or 7, 2005, for the district.
The next construction meeting will be July 7, 2005.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
High School Summit
Three Plymouth High School educators attended the first-to-be-annual High School Summit in Indianapolis last week. Hundreds of presented innovative instructional and curricular strategies being used all over the state of Indiana. Principal Richard Tobias was present at the two-day conference and noted that it was the best conference that he had ever attended. Ben Waymouth, high school social studies instructor, presented on the portfolio system used at PHS. Director of Counseling, Aimee Portteus presented on Gold Star Counseling and Learning Communities.
We would encourage both high school and junior high teachers to attend the summit next year. As high schools are reshaped to meet the demands of the future, collaboration of this high caliber is something our educators can't miss.
We would encourage both high school and junior high teachers to attend the summit next year. As high schools are reshaped to meet the demands of the future, collaboration of this high caliber is something our educators can't miss.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
What is in a Name?
In the near future a name will be chosen for the 5th/6th grade building. The following names have been suggested:
Riverbend,
Cyrus Taber,
John Baptist De La Salle,
Parkview,
Otis Bowen,
Patriot,
and Riverside.
Please share your suggested name for the building.
Riverbend,
Cyrus Taber,
John Baptist De La Salle,
Parkview,
Otis Bowen,
Patriot,
and Riverside.
Please share your suggested name for the building.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Reminder!!!
The power at PHS will be shut off the week of June 27. Due to the location of our main servers, there will be no corporation internet and e-mail service that week.
Board Highlights
The board of trustees met in regular session June 16. In addition to approving claims and minutes, the board heard a report on the new schedule at Lincoln Junior High, approved textbook rental fees for LJHS, and appointed Linda Rippey to the Plymouth Library board. The next scheduled meeting will be held in the board room on July 7 at 7:00 PM.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held on June 16, 2005 @ 9:00 a.m.
During the next two week period:
Lincoln Junior High
The kitchen equipment will be installed. The installation of the ceiling tile will be completed in the kitchen, the choir room, and the music room. Acoustical wall tiles will be hung in the choir room and music room. The floor covering will be installed in the choir room and music room. Tile will be installed in the locker room. The ceiling grid will be put in place in the locker room area. The blacktopping will be completed at this site. The renovation of the current teacher work room into a new nurse’s office will begin today. The case work will be set in the music and choir room. The roof will be installed over the dry storage area; once that is completed, the quarry tile will be laid in the dry storage area.
Washington Elementary
The front entrance will be completed. The vinyl wall covering will be put in place on the bulkhead in the cafeteria. The kitchen equipment will be delivered next Tuesday. Installation will begin immediately. The studs and drywall in the renovated area will be installed. The ceiling grid will be put in place in the music room and choir room. A steel beam will be set in the wall that separates the gym and music room. Curbs and sidewalks will be installed.
Webster Elementary
The shingling of the roof will be completed by Tuesday. Quarry tile will be installed in the restrooms. Ceiling grid and insulation will be installed. The blacktopping will take place next week.
Plymouth High School
The finish studs on the music wing will be completed. Siding and insulation will begin immediately thereafter. The roof will be completed in the music wing. Windows will be installed in the music wing. The painting will begin in the music wing. Masonry work will continue in the multi-purpose wing. Steel will be set over the weight room. Site improvements will continue, especially the road which will go to the west of the new music room. Interior demolition will begin on Monday.
Jefferson Elementary
Utilities will be relocated. The installation of the footers and foundations will begin.
Menominee Elementary
Demolition for the new band room will take place. The construction of the new walls will begin.
New Elementary School
The installation of footers and foundations will begin.
**REMINDER TO ALL STAFF MEMBERS**
The week of June 27th there will be no power at the high school.
The next construction meeting will be Thursday, June 23, 2005.
During the next two week period:
Lincoln Junior High
The kitchen equipment will be installed. The installation of the ceiling tile will be completed in the kitchen, the choir room, and the music room. Acoustical wall tiles will be hung in the choir room and music room. The floor covering will be installed in the choir room and music room. Tile will be installed in the locker room. The ceiling grid will be put in place in the locker room area. The blacktopping will be completed at this site. The renovation of the current teacher work room into a new nurse’s office will begin today. The case work will be set in the music and choir room. The roof will be installed over the dry storage area; once that is completed, the quarry tile will be laid in the dry storage area.
Washington Elementary
The front entrance will be completed. The vinyl wall covering will be put in place on the bulkhead in the cafeteria. The kitchen equipment will be delivered next Tuesday. Installation will begin immediately. The studs and drywall in the renovated area will be installed. The ceiling grid will be put in place in the music room and choir room. A steel beam will be set in the wall that separates the gym and music room. Curbs and sidewalks will be installed.
Webster Elementary
The shingling of the roof will be completed by Tuesday. Quarry tile will be installed in the restrooms. Ceiling grid and insulation will be installed. The blacktopping will take place next week.
Plymouth High School
The finish studs on the music wing will be completed. Siding and insulation will begin immediately thereafter. The roof will be completed in the music wing. Windows will be installed in the music wing. The painting will begin in the music wing. Masonry work will continue in the multi-purpose wing. Steel will be set over the weight room. Site improvements will continue, especially the road which will go to the west of the new music room. Interior demolition will begin on Monday.
Jefferson Elementary
Utilities will be relocated. The installation of the footers and foundations will begin.
Menominee Elementary
Demolition for the new band room will take place. The construction of the new walls will begin.
New Elementary School
The installation of footers and foundations will begin.
**REMINDER TO ALL STAFF MEMBERS**
The week of June 27th there will be no power at the high school.
The next construction meeting will be Thursday, June 23, 2005.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held on June 9, 2005 @ 9:00 a.m. at the site of the new Menominee Elementary.
At the site of the new building, the pad has been brought to grade level. During the next two weeks the installation of footers and foundation will begin. The entrance road will be brought to grade and aggregate will be laid down. The northeast parking lot will be developed as a lay down area for contractors.
At Jefferson, the footprint of the building has been surveyed. The relocation of utilities has begun. During the next two week period, those tasks will be completed. Demolition work will begin in room B128 and B121.
At Menominee, contractors will begin building the new walls. During the next two week period the electrical contractor will be moving lights in those areas.
At Lincoln, the kitchen equipment will arrive Monday. Installation will take place shortly thereafter. Light fixtures will be installed during the next two week period. General clean-up in the music and choir rooms will begin. Installation of plumbing will begin to take place in the new nurse’s office.
At Webster, the installation of heating and cooling units will be completed. Shingles will be applied to the roof.
At Washington, the light fixtures will be installed in the cafeteria. The construction of the new walls of the teacher work room and Special Ed rooms will begin. Installation of heating and cooling units in the new music room and computer lab will begin.
At Plymouth High School, the brick will be applied to the music room. The heating and cooling unit will be placed on the mezzanine area. Roofing materials will be applied to the music area. The erection of walls will continue in the multi-purpose wing. Demolition will be taking place in the old cafeteria and choir areas.
There was some wind damage to the north wall of the weight room. The insurance adjustors have been on site and have approved repair of that area.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2005.
At the site of the new building, the pad has been brought to grade level. During the next two weeks the installation of footers and foundation will begin. The entrance road will be brought to grade and aggregate will be laid down. The northeast parking lot will be developed as a lay down area for contractors.
At Jefferson, the footprint of the building has been surveyed. The relocation of utilities has begun. During the next two week period, those tasks will be completed. Demolition work will begin in room B128 and B121.
At Menominee, contractors will begin building the new walls. During the next two week period the electrical contractor will be moving lights in those areas.
At Lincoln, the kitchen equipment will arrive Monday. Installation will take place shortly thereafter. Light fixtures will be installed during the next two week period. General clean-up in the music and choir rooms will begin. Installation of plumbing will begin to take place in the new nurse’s office.
At Webster, the installation of heating and cooling units will be completed. Shingles will be applied to the roof.
At Washington, the light fixtures will be installed in the cafeteria. The construction of the new walls of the teacher work room and Special Ed rooms will begin. Installation of heating and cooling units in the new music room and computer lab will begin.
At Plymouth High School, the brick will be applied to the music room. The heating and cooling unit will be placed on the mezzanine area. Roofing materials will be applied to the music area. The erection of walls will continue in the multi-purpose wing. Demolition will be taking place in the old cafeteria and choir areas.
There was some wind damage to the north wall of the weight room. The insurance adjustors have been on site and have approved repair of that area.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2005.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Construction Update
A construction meeting was held on Thursday morning.
Washington- Demolition of the old cafeteria, kitchen, and nurse's office will begin on Tuesday. There will be periodic shut off of utilities in parts of the building during the month of June. The front entrance will not be available during the month of June. The projected completion date is June 30.
Webster- The ceiling grid will be installed, roof shingled, heating and cooling units installed, cabinetry installed, and sidewalks constructed during the next two weeks. Projected completion date is June 30.
Lincoln - Demolition in the teacher work room will take place next week. The kitchen equipment will be installed, kitchen flooring completed, ceiling grid installed in the music and choir rooms during the next two weeks. Completion date is mid- July.
PHS- Roofs will be installed in the new music wing. Plumbing and electrical work will be taking place throughout the north end of the building. The north entrance will not be available until the beginning of the next school year. Construction of walls in the multipurpose wing will be taking place throughout the summer. Demolition in the cafeteria will begin next week.
Jefferson - Blacktop and vegetation will be removed at the south end of the building. The relocation of utilities will begin next week. There will be periodic shut off of utilities throughout the months of June and July. All cars should park in the lot north of the baseball diamond.
Washington- Demolition of the old cafeteria, kitchen, and nurse's office will begin on Tuesday. There will be periodic shut off of utilities in parts of the building during the month of June. The front entrance will not be available during the month of June. The projected completion date is June 30.
Webster- The ceiling grid will be installed, roof shingled, heating and cooling units installed, cabinetry installed, and sidewalks constructed during the next two weeks. Projected completion date is June 30.
Lincoln - Demolition in the teacher work room will take place next week. The kitchen equipment will be installed, kitchen flooring completed, ceiling grid installed in the music and choir rooms during the next two weeks. Completion date is mid- July.
PHS- Roofs will be installed in the new music wing. Plumbing and electrical work will be taking place throughout the north end of the building. The north entrance will not be available until the beginning of the next school year. Construction of walls in the multipurpose wing will be taking place throughout the summer. Demolition in the cafeteria will begin next week.
Jefferson - Blacktop and vegetation will be removed at the south end of the building. The relocation of utilities will begin next week. There will be periodic shut off of utilities throughout the months of June and July. All cars should park in the lot north of the baseball diamond.
Board Highlights
The Board of Trustees met in regular session last evening at Plymouth High School.
Susie Clevenger shared the successes of the students at the alternative school during the past school year.
A report on the Education to Careers Program at Plymouth High School was given by Michelle Tanner and Don Gandy. Michal Beguin shared her experiences as a participant in the internship program.
Dick Tobias updated the board on the status of the drug testing program at the high school.
The board designated Menominee Elementary as the name of the new building. The 5th/6th grade building will be named in the near future.
The next board meeting will be held at 6:00 PM on June 2nd in the administration building.
Susie Clevenger shared the successes of the students at the alternative school during the past school year.
A report on the Education to Careers Program at Plymouth High School was given by Michelle Tanner and Don Gandy. Michal Beguin shared her experiences as a participant in the internship program.
Dick Tobias updated the board on the status of the drug testing program at the high school.
The board designated Menominee Elementary as the name of the new building. The 5th/6th grade building will be named in the near future.
The next board meeting will be held at 6:00 PM on June 2nd in the administration building.
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