By Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School Board heard an updated report this week on students who gradated in 2011. Guidance Counselor Aimee Portteus began tracking students after graduation a few years ago and now reports annually to the board on the findings.
Portteus reported that 130 of those graduating in 2011 went on to a four-year college and 45 entered a two-year or vocational program. Nine of the 265 entered the military. Although 53 are currently a part of the workforce, 18 remain unemployed. Seven certificates of completion were issued and three of the graduates were foreign exchange students.
Five students were able to complete their requirements for high school graduation or obtaining a GED during summer school.
There were an impressive number of students graduating with high academic honors. Portteus said 68 received Core 40 Academic Honors; one received Core 40 Academic Honors and Technical Honors; and 130 were extended Core 40 diplomas.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Redistricting work continues for Plymouth schools
By Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth School Corporation held a second meeting on Monday night concerning the redistricting necessary for the 2012-2013 school year. Dr. Jerome McKibben, McKibben Demographic Research, has been reviewing the data concerning enrollment for the entire Plymouth Schools.
To comply with federal mandates, school districts must maintain a balance of race/ethnicity, numbers of students who qualify for free and reduced services, and students who qualify for services due to placement in ELL classes for those with limited English speaking and/or writing skills.
The actual redistricting will affect the student population of each of the four elementary schools in the Plymouth system. Students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade attend one of the elementary schools and then all converge into Riverside Intermediate for grades 5-6.
The demographic study includes projections of students from private schools that are within the school district.
According to McKibben, 80 percent of students that will change schools are from Washington Elementary. Washington Elementary will be converted into the Discovery Academy for project-based learning. At an earlier meeting, McKibben said that 129 current students who reside within walking distance would be reassigned to Washington and the rest of the students would be assigned to other elementary schools. Enrollment for additional students at the Discovery Academy will be by application. The application process is open to any elementary student no matter where they live. The Discovery Academy can service 75 students per grade, according to current Washington Principal Michele Riise. The mix of students accepted would be based on a number of criteria.
Superintendent Dan Tyree said, “We want Discovery Academy to mirror the demographics of the other schools.”
McKibben said that the population forecast is based on projections for the next ten years. He said the final maps should be ready by the end of January, 2012 and he will present them in February to the public.
The influx of students from out of the district has contributed to the imbalances at the elementary schools, according to McKibben. He said, “Five years ago my crystal ball didn’t show that the state legislators would have open enrollment.” Open enrollment allows students to attend schools out of their home districts. This school year, there are 105 students from other districts attending the Plymouth elementary schools.
According to Tyree, parents/guardians will be notified by mail if their child (children) will be moved to another school. He said the Corporation will still allow parents to preference to another school.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth School Corporation held a second meeting on Monday night concerning the redistricting necessary for the 2012-2013 school year. Dr. Jerome McKibben, McKibben Demographic Research, has been reviewing the data concerning enrollment for the entire Plymouth Schools.
To comply with federal mandates, school districts must maintain a balance of race/ethnicity, numbers of students who qualify for free and reduced services, and students who qualify for services due to placement in ELL classes for those with limited English speaking and/or writing skills.
The actual redistricting will affect the student population of each of the four elementary schools in the Plymouth system. Students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade attend one of the elementary schools and then all converge into Riverside Intermediate for grades 5-6.
The demographic study includes projections of students from private schools that are within the school district.
According to McKibben, 80 percent of students that will change schools are from Washington Elementary. Washington Elementary will be converted into the Discovery Academy for project-based learning. At an earlier meeting, McKibben said that 129 current students who reside within walking distance would be reassigned to Washington and the rest of the students would be assigned to other elementary schools. Enrollment for additional students at the Discovery Academy will be by application. The application process is open to any elementary student no matter where they live. The Discovery Academy can service 75 students per grade, according to current Washington Principal Michele Riise. The mix of students accepted would be based on a number of criteria.
Superintendent Dan Tyree said, “We want Discovery Academy to mirror the demographics of the other schools.”
McKibben said that the population forecast is based on projections for the next ten years. He said the final maps should be ready by the end of January, 2012 and he will present them in February to the public.
The influx of students from out of the district has contributed to the imbalances at the elementary schools, according to McKibben. He said, “Five years ago my crystal ball didn’t show that the state legislators would have open enrollment.” Open enrollment allows students to attend schools out of their home districts. This school year, there are 105 students from other districts attending the Plymouth elementary schools.
According to Tyree, parents/guardians will be notified by mail if their child (children) will be moved to another school. He said the Corporation will still allow parents to preference to another school.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Grant will give Plymouth schools a "virtual book club"
By Lydia Beers
Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Community School Corporation was one of nine Indiana schools recently awarded up to 3,000 each in grants from the Indiana Arts Commission. The money will be used to fund a "virtual book club" at Lincoln Jr. High School and Plymouth High School — an extension of the "One Book, One Town" community-wide literacy event. This year, the theme is the Civil War — specifically, the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh.
Anna Liechty, planning committee member and literacy consultant for the schools, said that the book club will help students reach literacy goals set by the schools as well as increase their understanding of material taught in their classes.
"Literacy is being able to really make information your own, so that you can talk about it, and critically think about it," said Liechty.
Students will read the book "Behind Rebel Lines" by Seymour Reit, and participate in online discussions with their classmates about the story.
"It's so hard to keep kids engaged after spring break," said Liechty, noting that the book club is scheduled to begin in April, a typically "sluggish" time for students.
Liechty added that more than 300 students have committed to participate in the program. Most of the grant money ($2,300) will be used to host historical re-enactor Debra Conner. Connor will be assuming the persona of Mary Edwards Walker, the only female surgeon who served during the Civil War, during performances at the schools in spring. The remaining $1,600 of the grant money will be used to purchase hard copies of the book for students.
Although this is the eighth year that Plymouth will be doing "One Book, One Town," this is the first year that students have been involved as part of school requirements. Liechty said that the eighth grade is covering the Civil War this year in their curriculum, so the virtual book club coincides nicely with their schedule. High school students are participating in the club on a volunteer basis.
Around 50 volunteers in total have stepped up to match the grant money dollar for dollar, either in financial donations or "in kind" donations of their time, expertise, or materials. Liechty said that the total cost of the program is about $9,700.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Community School Corporation was one of nine Indiana schools recently awarded up to 3,000 each in grants from the Indiana Arts Commission. The money will be used to fund a "virtual book club" at Lincoln Jr. High School and Plymouth High School — an extension of the "One Book, One Town" community-wide literacy event. This year, the theme is the Civil War — specifically, the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh.
Anna Liechty, planning committee member and literacy consultant for the schools, said that the book club will help students reach literacy goals set by the schools as well as increase their understanding of material taught in their classes.
"Literacy is being able to really make information your own, so that you can talk about it, and critically think about it," said Liechty.
Students will read the book "Behind Rebel Lines" by Seymour Reit, and participate in online discussions with their classmates about the story.
"It's so hard to keep kids engaged after spring break," said Liechty, noting that the book club is scheduled to begin in April, a typically "sluggish" time for students.
Liechty added that more than 300 students have committed to participate in the program. Most of the grant money ($2,300) will be used to host historical re-enactor Debra Conner. Connor will be assuming the persona of Mary Edwards Walker, the only female surgeon who served during the Civil War, during performances at the schools in spring. The remaining $1,600 of the grant money will be used to purchase hard copies of the book for students.
Although this is the eighth year that Plymouth will be doing "One Book, One Town," this is the first year that students have been involved as part of school requirements. Liechty said that the eighth grade is covering the Civil War this year in their curriculum, so the virtual book club coincides nicely with their schedule. High school students are participating in the club on a volunteer basis.
Around 50 volunteers in total have stepped up to match the grant money dollar for dollar, either in financial donations or "in kind" donations of their time, expertise, or materials. Liechty said that the total cost of the program is about $9,700.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Plymouth Schools to help students address health issues
By Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — With the increased demands on students to perform at higher academic standards, many are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, sleep associated difficulties, attention problems, and behavioral issues.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Carrie Cadwell will be sharing her expertise on these very topics at presentations starting in January. The doors of Menominee Elementary are being opened for parents/guardians and any other interested members of the community who want to learn more about how to address the issues. All of the presentations are being offered at no charge.
On Jan. 10, Dr. Cadwell will speak on “Childhood Sleep Issues.”
Cadwell said, “The largest group of children I see in my practice are from kindergarten to fourth grade.”
According to Michael Dunn, principal of Menominee, he and Cadwell began brainstorming ideas of how they could help parents after the topics were mutually brought up during meetings of the Plymouth Community Schools Improvement Committee.
Dunn said, “Dr. Cadwell is dedicated to this cause. She is an active parent of an elementary-age child and sees first hand what some of our parents are up against.”
Dunn explained that kids are sometimes barely getting six to eight hours of sleep when they really need 10 hours each night.
“In the world we live in now," he said, "kids have to put in extra study time along with fitting in extra-curricular activities and family time. When we were trying to figure out why some kids weren’t reading nor focusing as well as they could, we found that often a lack of sleep was the issue.”
Cadwell concurred saying, “Many times I find that those I see for problems noted by parents or physicians are actually sleep deprived.”
She is also concerned that the state’s mandate that kids who can’t pass a reading test at the end of third grade will not be passed on to fourth grade.
She said, “Parents often think that kids will just outgrow attention problems, but there may be ways that they can help now.”
Other presentations and topics scheduled are as follows: Feb. 9, ADD/ADHD; March 13, Anxiety; and April 5, Autism Spectrum Disorders. all of the presentations will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.
Cadwell stressed that parents may be reluctant to attend the sessions because they don’t want others to think their child has a problem; but indicated that this is just a way to gain knowledge.
“Parents who generally have more information up front, know what to do if a problem arises," she said.
Cadwell has been working in the field of mental health since 1994 and as a licensed psychologist in 2005. She practices in Plymouth at Cadwell Psychological Services, LLC.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — With the increased demands on students to perform at higher academic standards, many are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, sleep associated difficulties, attention problems, and behavioral issues.
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Carrie Cadwell will be sharing her expertise on these very topics at presentations starting in January. The doors of Menominee Elementary are being opened for parents/guardians and any other interested members of the community who want to learn more about how to address the issues. All of the presentations are being offered at no charge.
On Jan. 10, Dr. Cadwell will speak on “Childhood Sleep Issues.”
Cadwell said, “The largest group of children I see in my practice are from kindergarten to fourth grade.”
According to Michael Dunn, principal of Menominee, he and Cadwell began brainstorming ideas of how they could help parents after the topics were mutually brought up during meetings of the Plymouth Community Schools Improvement Committee.
Dunn said, “Dr. Cadwell is dedicated to this cause. She is an active parent of an elementary-age child and sees first hand what some of our parents are up against.”
Dunn explained that kids are sometimes barely getting six to eight hours of sleep when they really need 10 hours each night.
“In the world we live in now," he said, "kids have to put in extra study time along with fitting in extra-curricular activities and family time. When we were trying to figure out why some kids weren’t reading nor focusing as well as they could, we found that often a lack of sleep was the issue.”
Cadwell concurred saying, “Many times I find that those I see for problems noted by parents or physicians are actually sleep deprived.”
She is also concerned that the state’s mandate that kids who can’t pass a reading test at the end of third grade will not be passed on to fourth grade.
She said, “Parents often think that kids will just outgrow attention problems, but there may be ways that they can help now.”
Other presentations and topics scheduled are as follows: Feb. 9, ADD/ADHD; March 13, Anxiety; and April 5, Autism Spectrum Disorders. all of the presentations will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.
Cadwell stressed that parents may be reluctant to attend the sessions because they don’t want others to think their child has a problem; but indicated that this is just a way to gain knowledge.
“Parents who generally have more information up front, know what to do if a problem arises," she said.
Cadwell has been working in the field of mental health since 1994 and as a licensed psychologist in 2005. She practices in Plymouth at Cadwell Psychological Services, LLC.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Faces in the Crowd
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Pilgrims celebrate Thanksgiving at Christmas
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
PLYMOUTH - Game day started a little earlier for Plymouth's Pilgrims.
Meeting Whitko on the floor at PHS in the evening, Coach Ryan Bales team met some real VIP's earlier in the day. The team "adopted" several families in Plymouth to help brighten their Christmas holiday with gifts and food.
"It's something that I started doing in North Judson and with other teams that I've been a part of as a player," said Bales. "We're always trying to find ways to show our guys this is more than just basketball. We are very fortunate to have the things that we have and to be able to play this game and we shouldn't take that for granted. We need to give back to our community."
The team went shopping for their families over the weekend and then after walk through on Wednesday morning gathered the gifts and food to deliver to their families.
"I think it's good for our seniors to see that sometimes people struggle a little and we all just need a little help from others from time to time," said Bales. "Its important that our seniors drop everything off in person so they can see the impact that can have on people. Sometimes it gets really emotional and just to know how much people appreciate your help makes everything worth it."
"It's great to help other people in need," said John Ruff.
"We're really close as a team and I think that makes you want to share that feeling with others," added Ryan McNeil
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
PHS School of Inquiry accepting applications
By Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH - With the application date for applying for inclusion in the School of Inquiry at Plymouth High School only weeks away, Director Ken Olson is busy getting the word out.
Officially, the first day for submitting an application for incoming freshman for the 2012-2013 school year is January 3. Applications are expected to be considered until January 15-16.
Olson said, “The first 50 students to enroll will be guaranteed a spot. If there are more than 100, a lottery system will determine those that will be accepted in the maximum of 100 students.”
The first year, only 100 students will be enrolled. Then, 100 will be added each year for a total of four years.
Olson presented an overview of the proposed program to the Plymouth School Board on Tuesday night and to parents/guardians and other community members on Wednesday night.
The School of Inquiry will be, in essence, a school within a school. Students in the program will be using project-based leaning methods as they work through a number of different real-world projects. However, there will also be ample time for students to take other elective courses along with some of the core courses needed for graduation in the more traditional classroom setting.
Olson explained that the first year offerings will be Global Perspectives, 21st Century Communication, and Leadership Institute in the New Tech School. Students will then “passport” out of the school to take math, foreign language, and other electives.
Although future course work in the School of Inquiry could change, Olson outlined what could be added during a student's sophomore, junior and senior years.
Although the school board members only voted on the offerings for the first year, Olson suggested new courses that will be added in future years including Democracy in America, Personal Finance, European Perspective, Agrinomics, and Food Engineering.
According to Olson, project-based learning was introduced in 1990’s in Silicon Valley, California with funding from the Bill Gates Foundation. To date, there are 85 schools using the concept nationwide, with 19 of those being in Indiana. Plymouth will be number 20. Other area high schools that are using the New Tech programming include Rochester, South Bend Riley, Columbia City, Huntington, and Ft. Wayne Wayne.
“It’s a new way of learning, but not necessarily a new way of teaching,” said Olson, “It is inquiry based. We want students to ask questions. We want to turn out students who will seek knowledge.”
“It’s not about students sitting in class and having the teacher tell them what will be on the test. It’s about collaborative learning. Experts say that 80 percent of the jobs that these students will be working at in the future have not been invented yet. Students will have to have skills to adapt to the world that’s ever changing with an economy that is unknown.”
The first year, classes will be held in the Learning Center room that is located in the middle of PHS and in the speech room / small theatre. Olson said they are meeting with architects to talk about the design of the space that would look more like a professional open concept setting than a traditional classroom with desks and will have flexible furnishings.
The area of PHS that now houses the pool will be renovated for the School of Inquiry.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH - With the application date for applying for inclusion in the School of Inquiry at Plymouth High School only weeks away, Director Ken Olson is busy getting the word out.
Officially, the first day for submitting an application for incoming freshman for the 2012-2013 school year is January 3. Applications are expected to be considered until January 15-16.
Olson said, “The first 50 students to enroll will be guaranteed a spot. If there are more than 100, a lottery system will determine those that will be accepted in the maximum of 100 students.”
The first year, only 100 students will be enrolled. Then, 100 will be added each year for a total of four years.
Olson presented an overview of the proposed program to the Plymouth School Board on Tuesday night and to parents/guardians and other community members on Wednesday night.
The School of Inquiry will be, in essence, a school within a school. Students in the program will be using project-based leaning methods as they work through a number of different real-world projects. However, there will also be ample time for students to take other elective courses along with some of the core courses needed for graduation in the more traditional classroom setting.
Olson explained that the first year offerings will be Global Perspectives, 21st Century Communication, and Leadership Institute in the New Tech School. Students will then “passport” out of the school to take math, foreign language, and other electives.
Although future course work in the School of Inquiry could change, Olson outlined what could be added during a student's sophomore, junior and senior years.
Although the school board members only voted on the offerings for the first year, Olson suggested new courses that will be added in future years including Democracy in America, Personal Finance, European Perspective, Agrinomics, and Food Engineering.
According to Olson, project-based learning was introduced in 1990’s in Silicon Valley, California with funding from the Bill Gates Foundation. To date, there are 85 schools using the concept nationwide, with 19 of those being in Indiana. Plymouth will be number 20. Other area high schools that are using the New Tech programming include Rochester, South Bend Riley, Columbia City, Huntington, and Ft. Wayne Wayne.
“It’s a new way of learning, but not necessarily a new way of teaching,” said Olson, “It is inquiry based. We want students to ask questions. We want to turn out students who will seek knowledge.”
“It’s not about students sitting in class and having the teacher tell them what will be on the test. It’s about collaborative learning. Experts say that 80 percent of the jobs that these students will be working at in the future have not been invented yet. Students will have to have skills to adapt to the world that’s ever changing with an economy that is unknown.”
The first year, classes will be held in the Learning Center room that is located in the middle of PHS and in the speech room / small theatre. Olson said they are meeting with architects to talk about the design of the space that would look more like a professional open concept setting than a traditional classroom with desks and will have flexible furnishings.
The area of PHS that now houses the pool will be renovated for the School of Inquiry.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
New classes to help PHS students compete globally
By Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School Board has approved the addition of two new courses for Plymouth High School for the school year 2012-13.
Plymouth High School Principal Jim Condon briefly outlined the two new proposed offerings to the board and both were unanimously approved.
The first addition will be Digital Electronics. Condon explained the course is the third in a series of four for Project Lead the Way, targeting those students who want to pursue studies in engineering.
The second class will add a foreign language and, at the same time, phase out another. Starting next year, the school will be offering Chinese and begin the process of taking out French classes.
Condon said he and Superintendent Dan Tyree have met with administrators from Valparaiso University and will be forming a partnership with the University’s Confucius Institute. Although not all of the contract details have been ironed out, Condon said the cost of a hiring a certified English as a Second Language teacher will be shared by the corporation and the Confucius Institute. The contract will be for a period of three years.
Condon said in talking with other schools corporations and Valparaiso officials, it is recommended that the study of Chinese begin before students enter high school. Plans are now to offer the Chinese I at Lincoln Junior High and PHS the first year. The second year, PHS will add Chinese II and in year three, Chinese III. The classes at LJH will continue with just Chinese I. The course work will include both written and spoken Chinese.
There is also a possibility of allowing students from other corporations to attend the classes, according to Condon.
French instruction will continue until those students already signed up for the credits have graduated or completed the requirements. Aimee Portteus, guidance counselor, said there is also the possibility of using online course work.
Condon said they have a list of about 40 students now who have indicated an interest in taking Chinese.
“Whether they can all take the course will depend upon fitting it into scheduling,” he said, adding students need to be prepared for the global future.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth School Board has approved the addition of two new courses for Plymouth High School for the school year 2012-13.
Plymouth High School Principal Jim Condon briefly outlined the two new proposed offerings to the board and both were unanimously approved.
The first addition will be Digital Electronics. Condon explained the course is the third in a series of four for Project Lead the Way, targeting those students who want to pursue studies in engineering.
The second class will add a foreign language and, at the same time, phase out another. Starting next year, the school will be offering Chinese and begin the process of taking out French classes.
Condon said he and Superintendent Dan Tyree have met with administrators from Valparaiso University and will be forming a partnership with the University’s Confucius Institute. Although not all of the contract details have been ironed out, Condon said the cost of a hiring a certified English as a Second Language teacher will be shared by the corporation and the Confucius Institute. The contract will be for a period of three years.
Condon said in talking with other schools corporations and Valparaiso officials, it is recommended that the study of Chinese begin before students enter high school. Plans are now to offer the Chinese I at Lincoln Junior High and PHS the first year. The second year, PHS will add Chinese II and in year three, Chinese III. The classes at LJH will continue with just Chinese I. The course work will include both written and spoken Chinese.
There is also a possibility of allowing students from other corporations to attend the classes, according to Condon.
French instruction will continue until those students already signed up for the credits have graduated or completed the requirements. Aimee Portteus, guidance counselor, said there is also the possibility of using online course work.
Condon said they have a list of about 40 students now who have indicated an interest in taking Chinese.
“Whether they can all take the course will depend upon fitting it into scheduling,” he said, adding students need to be prepared for the global future.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Monday, December 19, 2011
Riverside students next to have 1:1 computers
By Carol Anders
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Riverside Intermediate will be the next school in the Plymouth Schools system to offer 1:1 computers for their students in grades 5 and 6.
Principal Donna Burroughs asked the school board members this week for permission to purchase computers for 30 certified staff members, an anticipated 571 students for the 2012-13 school year, and 49 reserve units. The annual cost was noted at $165,351.75 and would be under a four-year contract totaling $661,407.50.
Burroughs said she will be following the steps taken at Lincoln Junior High and Plymouth High School for implementing the program at the intermediate level. Each student in the schools has a computer assigned to them. At LJH and PHS students are allowed to take home the units. Burroughs did not indicate whether that practice will be in place at Riverside as well.
Burroughs said she has been focusing on staff training in the technology needed.
“This will increase the levels of engagement on behalf of students and parents in technology,” she said.
According to Bruce Johnson, corporation technology director, the infrastructure is already in place in the building. Burroughs said she will have to add four more access points during the 2011-12 school year.
“A team is piloting the 1:1 program this year and the team members will train the other teachers,” said Burroughs, adding there are a group of students who have been using the 1:1 program this year and will be helping other students next year.
Burroughs said she is developing a plan to instruct students on the proper use and care of the computers.
In order to help monitor what sites the students are visiting, Burroughs said she is purchasing a monitoring program for the office staff, adding that the current library aide will be trained in the asset manager program as a part of the project.
Superintendent Dan Tyree said the corporation will seek quotes for the purchases. Burroughs said the purchase has been budgeted in the Capital Projects fund.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — Riverside Intermediate will be the next school in the Plymouth Schools system to offer 1:1 computers for their students in grades 5 and 6.
Principal Donna Burroughs asked the school board members this week for permission to purchase computers for 30 certified staff members, an anticipated 571 students for the 2012-13 school year, and 49 reserve units. The annual cost was noted at $165,351.75 and would be under a four-year contract totaling $661,407.50.
Burroughs said she will be following the steps taken at Lincoln Junior High and Plymouth High School for implementing the program at the intermediate level. Each student in the schools has a computer assigned to them. At LJH and PHS students are allowed to take home the units. Burroughs did not indicate whether that practice will be in place at Riverside as well.
Burroughs said she has been focusing on staff training in the technology needed.
“This will increase the levels of engagement on behalf of students and parents in technology,” she said.
According to Bruce Johnson, corporation technology director, the infrastructure is already in place in the building. Burroughs said she will have to add four more access points during the 2011-12 school year.
“A team is piloting the 1:1 program this year and the team members will train the other teachers,” said Burroughs, adding there are a group of students who have been using the 1:1 program this year and will be helping other students next year.
Burroughs said she is developing a plan to instruct students on the proper use and care of the computers.
In order to help monitor what sites the students are visiting, Burroughs said she is purchasing a monitoring program for the office staff, adding that the current library aide will be trained in the asset manager program as a part of the project.
Superintendent Dan Tyree said the corporation will seek quotes for the purchases. Burroughs said the purchase has been budgeted in the Capital Projects fund.
Reprinted by permission of the Pilot News
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
PHS students communicate the meaning of Christmas in two languages
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
PLYMOUTH - One of the exciting things about Plymouth FOP #195's Shop with a Cop program is the way it brings widely different sections of the community together to help kids have a Christmas they wouldn't have a chance to have otherwise.
Last Saturday was no exception and for a second year Spanish students from Plymouth High School pitched in to do their part. The students volunteered their services to help translate for Spanish speaking families during the shopping trip.
"Most of the kids also volunteered last year and they loved the program so much they wanted to be part of it again," said Delia Gadziola, Spanish/ELL teacher at PHS. "Haley Jaggers worked to set the whole thing up last year and helped out again this year."
"This can be kind of overwhelming for third year students so we have mostly our fourth year students and some of our students who speak Spanish."
"A lot of our kids don't participate in sports or other extra curricular things and this type of thing is sort of a niche for them," said Gadziola. "They believe in this community and they want to make a difference. This gives them a chance to get out and demonstrate their leadership ability."
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Wanna be Steve Carell? Plymouth grad will get the chance
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
PLYMOUTH - Steve Carell is one of the hottest names in Hollywood right now, and a local actor will have a chance to share that "persona" in an upcoming film.
Plymouth grad Tyler Langdon has signed on to play the part of Steve Carell - star of "The Office", "The Daily Show", and numerous hit feature films - in an upcoming movie with the working title "Burt Wonderstone". Tyler will play the part of Carell as a 19 year old budding magician. The film features Steve Buscemi as Carell's partner in magic, Jim Carrey as their arch nemesis as well as James Gandofini known for his work on "The Soprano's" and Olivia Wilde from "House".
"I think if he (Carell) had been in the room when I went in for the final audition I might not have been able to perform," said Tyler with a laugh. "It felt really good when he got the footage of my audition and told the director and producers that I was by far his first choice.
"It's really an unbelievable opportunity and I'm really excited. I'm going to be able to be on the set every day with some very talented people and watch them work and learn from them. Maybe even more exciting is that I'm going to be able to attend the premiere with them and walk the 'red carpet' with them. That's a really exciting thing."
The Warner Brothers film will be Tyler's first major feature film since beginning his career about two and a half years ago. It's a major accomplishment in such a young career. A year ago he was chosen to be part of an online "American Idol" type competition for up and coming actors and since has been able to work in some independent films and other projects.
"It was really something to sit in the same room waiting to audition with people like Seth Green and Will Forte - people who's work I've really admired," said Tyler. "Now to be able to be on the set with actors that know so much and can teach me so much about the process of being an actor is an opportunity that I am going to make the most of."
"The way the cards have fallen so far I can only say that I've been unbelievably fortunate in my career."
Freyenberger gives NFL films a Plymouth flavor
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Next time you watch "Inside the NFL", or "ESPN Match Up" you might want to scan the credits for a familiar local name.
Josh Freyenberger has taken his love of photography and his love of sports and combined them into an exciting start to his career. The 2007 graduate of Plymouth High School has spent the last two years working behind the camera for the NFL Network.
Last year as an intern Josh shot 13 games - including the NFC Championship and Super Bowl - as part of the camera crew for the network. His talent led to a full time job offer and this year he works on three national studio shows each week.
"Last year seemed a little more exciting I think, this year it's a little more like your job," said Josh. "Of course there are those days when you realize just how cool it is to have this job. The other day I was talking about Notre Dame football with Joe Theisman and then it struck me a little bit later just how many times do you get to talk Notre Dame football with Joe Theisman? It's times like that you realize just how unbelievably lucky you are to have a job like this."
Upon leaving PHS Josh admits he wasn't completely sure where he was headed career-wise. A little over a year of classes at IUSB failed to give any real direction. Then friends Dylan and Ethan Hayn encouraged him in another direction.
"I was taking business classes and it was alright but I just didn't think that's what I wanted to do with my life," said Josh. "They asked me to come down and visit them at Full Sail University in Orlando and the next thing I knew I was enrolled."
Film school was just the thing for the aspiring cinematographer. As they say in the movies - the rest is history.
"I've always been an avid photographer," he said. "I love anything that has to do with cameras. I always have. It's really kind of funny because I found out that my dad loved photography too but when I came along and he had a family he decided it was too expensive and sold his equipment and gave it up."
While NFL Films is a great place for somebody of Josh's interests, there are other things the aspiring photographer would like to achieve as well.
"I'm young and I would love to travel and see the world as part of my work," he said. "Working on a project for National Geographic - or some other kind of international shoot - would be really special. I would love to be able to that.
"It's really kind of an exciting time to be involved in the field. I have access to a lot of high end equipment that lots of people could only have dreamed about years ago. It's not that hard to get really great footage without spending a lot of money or being part of a network."
"I think being a part of things like stage crew and band in high school really helped me to see the creative side of my mind and that really helped me. Growing up in a small town really helps put all this in perspective for me."
"I'm going to enjoy all this while I can. I'm still single and there's a lot of things I'd like to see and places I'd like to go. We'll go with the flow and see where it takes me."
Faces in the Crowd
Our roving camera captured lots of faces at last Friday's boys basketball home game with Peru...was yours or maybe someone you know one of them?
Click here to check out our Facebook page to find out.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Christmas Spectacular this weekend
Tickets for the event are available at the door for the price of $5 per adult and $3 per child, student or senior. This year's show is called "Santa's Wild Wacky Workshop!"
The show will feature over an hour of Christmas and Holiday musical selections presented by the Chorale, Counterpoint, Crimson Connection, Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. There will be nearly 250 PHS students involved in the production of the show.
The show takes the audience on a musical journey during the three days before Christmas when all is extremely busy hectic in Santa's Workshop and the elves are nowhere to be found. Join the PHS Music Department for a wonderful afternoon of entertainment and Christmas music.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Teaming up to help others
PLYMOUTH - During the month of December, the Plymouth basketball program, Oliver Ford and PHS Operation Leadership Students will be pitching in to help the Community Center.
On December 2, 6, 9, and 21st during PHS Boys Basketball games Oliver Ford and the PHS Operation Leadership Students will be collecting canned goods at the North Entrance of PHS in an attempt to Fill a Focus.
Community members who donate 6 items, consisting of boxed or canned non-perishable foods, grooming supplies, or paper products will receive a certificate for a $15 oil change through Oliver Ford. The collection of these items will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the JV game on each evening and continue through the 1st quarter of the Varsity game.
Come see the Pilgrims battle Rochester, St. Joe, Peru, and Whitko and help support those in need in our community.
On December 2, 6, 9, and 21st during PHS Boys Basketball games Oliver Ford and the PHS Operation Leadership Students will be collecting canned goods at the North Entrance of PHS in an attempt to Fill a Focus.
Community members who donate 6 items, consisting of boxed or canned non-perishable foods, grooming supplies, or paper products will receive a certificate for a $15 oil change through Oliver Ford. The collection of these items will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the JV game on each evening and continue through the 1st quarter of the Varsity game.
Come see the Pilgrims battle Rochester, St. Joe, Peru, and Whitko and help support those in need in our community.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Plymouth grad kicks off tour as part of a new Christmas compilation
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| Plymouth grad Denver Bierman with fellow grad Adam Beck |
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs
NASHVILLE, TN - The weather outside may be frightful, but the music of the season is delightful with a new dual release of Christmas Favorites from Jesus Daily Facebook, featuring Plymouth's Denver Bierman and the Mile High Orchestra.
Jesus Daily - the most highly engaged Facebook page in the world - has released two new digital Christmas compilations available on iTunes. One - "An ePOP Christmas” - features 25 Christmas songs by 23 top and emerging new artists including notables Everlife, The Tractors, Alison Krauss, and Gary Chapman, alongside some of today’s best emerging artists - Chris Sligh, Story Side: B , Stephen Speaks and Denver & the Mile High Orchestra.
The second release has a more traditional approach and is entitled "An Inspiring Christmas”. It also contains 25 favorite Christmas classics, offering with a traditional sound that features Christian artists Gary Chapman and Wintley Phipps alongside notable Worship leaders from Churches all over the country including Rick Muchow from Saddleback Church and Charles Billingsley from Thomas Road Baptist Church and - of course - two more songs from DMHO.
"Our lead trumpet player, Keith Smith, was hired by Jesus Daily as a staff producer for the groups musical projects," said Denver. "He brought them the idea of making our music part of the Christmas compilations and they thought the message along with our nostalgic sound was a perfect fit for this project."
As part of the two compilation release, Denver will also appear on a television special with several of the other artists that will be broadcast on TBN later in the month.
"It's wonderful for us to have the opportunity for our music to get some exposure to some people who may never have heard it before," said Denver.
Denver and the rest of the Mile High Orchestra will embark on their enormously popular "Christmas Tour" this weekend. It's a bittersweet time for a family man who is also a performer.
"This is the biggest tour of year for us because our sound becomes mainstream," he said. "Our style is part of everybody's memory of what Christmas sounds like. It comes to the forefront of American culture from November to January.
"We love sharing with our fans, sharing our music and our faith which is the reason for Christmas but man it is terribly hard to leave home for the tour. It's why we've (wife Amy and children London and Boston) already started celebrating at my house. We've watched all the Christmas specials and maybe it sounds silly but we always build a gingerbread house and we're going to do that tonight. Then Dad leaves to go to work for Christmas. It's hard but it's exciting at the same time."
The tour has several big stops including a chance for hometown fans to see the band at a special performance at Moraine Valley Church in Palos Heights, IL just outside of Chicago on December 17. The performance will be broadcast live on the Moody Radio Network to nearly 500 radio stations across North America.
Tickets for the show are available online at http://www.itickets.com/events/275503.html or can be ordered by phone at 800-965-9324. All the band's Christmas Tour dates are available at http://www.denvermho.com/
To check out "An Inspiring Christmas" go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/an-inspiring-christmas/id482951712. "An e-Pop Christmas" is at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/an-e-pop-christmas/id482980971
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