41 Obery Street
THE EAGLE Plymouth North High School Plymouth, Massachusetts
October 2019
The second phase of the NEASC Accreditation process begins this week By Oliver Trask
For the last few years, Plymouth North High School has been preparing for the most important visit in a decade. The time has come for North to undergo accreditation, the process by which the school is examined and determined to be giving the students a sufficient education. An organization called NEASCCPSS, or the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Committee on Public Secondary Schools is in charge of this evaluation. “We are not here to inspect,” said Visiting Team Chair Kevin McNamara. Rather, they’re here to help North become the best it can at preparing students for their lives beyond North’s walls. The Visiting Team will outline areas where North can improve in phase three of the process. The first part, the self-reflective study, wrapped up this year in preparation for phase two, the on-site evaluation taking place this week. For the next few days, officials from NEASC will get a hands on experience with our school, determine its strengths and weaknesses, and the best way to go forward to make sure North excels under the set guidelines. The Visiting Team will put together a report outlining plans for multi-year, long term improvement. McNamara said he wants North to “feel like [they] can be open and honest,” so they can gain as much as they can. North Teachers Allison Pickens and Geoffery Anstatt are the Steering Committee Co-Chairs for the NEASC Accreditation Process. They were in charge of
managing all the steps of the self study and the visit itself. Pickens and Anstatt have been working on the self study for over two years now. “Most schools, they don’t necessarily take that long, but because we had a transition from one principal to another, we extended it so we would have time to do everything we needed to do,” said Anstatt. Principal Peter Parcellin joined the Plymouth North administrative team halfway through the preparations for the accreditation. Parcellin said, “At Taunton High School, where I was before, we had just completed the accreditation process, so I was able to see the completion of the cycle at my old school, and come in to the completion of a cycle here.” Every staff member in the school has played some hand in preparing for the Visiting Team’s arrival this week. “Our greatest resource has been the support of the administration. Everyone has been on board with viewing the
whole NEASC process as an opportunity for self reflection and growth, and as a positive thing,” said Pickens. “We’ve really benefited from having that as a school-wide attitude the last two and a half years.” “It’s been a lot of meetings, and a lot of constructive conversations about who we are as a school. Everyone was really open and honest and willing to participate throughout the whole process, and this made the self-study extremely valuable,” said Anstatt. There are three major themes that NEASC will be looking for in North’s evaluation. The first is the desire to see North fostering a culture of learning. “When I see all the success in the building, and I try to recognize that. I see that as us achieving our mission, and allowing [students] to thrive,” said Parcellin. The Visiting Team also want to see North show a growth mindset and a
willingness to improve in areas we might not yet hit the mark in. Joyce Edwards, Visiting Team Assistant Chair, said they want the report to feel “supportive and constructive.” The purpose of NEASC is to improve education across the board- not to tear down schools who fall short. Finally, they want North to be focused on the vision of the graduate, and what skills are given to kids to best prepare them for wherever life after high school could take them. “We’ve spent a lot of time this year talking about student work,” said Parcellin. “Talking about types of learning we want to have in classrooms, and talking about the different types of instruction we want to do.”
SEE NEASC PAGE 3
MCAS results show significant growth Plymouth North jumps from having an overall 14% of progress towards improvement to 58% By Meiling Xiong
Last year, students around the state took the Next-Gen MCAS which realigned the previous exam to fit a revised curriculum which measures readiness for success in college/careers after high school. Additionally, the assessment at the 10th grade level was given for the first time electronically on Chromebooks. In late September, results were made public and Plymouth North showed improvement overall based on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) accountability report. From each year’s MCAS results, the DESE accountability report measures
New in the District:
Dr. Gary Maestas announces his retirement and reflects on his time as Superintendent Page 3
each district and school’s performance against their improvement target. 2019’s accountability report shows a significant change from 2018 to 2019. “The big shift is that we went from declining or not meeting targets last year to meeting or exceeding most targets this year,” said Principal Mr. Peter Parcellin. Plymouth North jumped from having an overall 14% of progress towards improvement to 58% this year. Plymouth South also improved from 40% to 54%. Both high schools changed from “Partially Meeting Target” to “Moderate progress towards target.” Based on this report, progress and improvements made by both schools were obvious. “Our kids are working hard and doing great things. These reports reflect a more accurate picture of what they are doing,” said Mr. Parcellin. While accountability reports were
raised, independent student scores declined. “Compared to last year, scores in general were lower because the test was more difficult,” said Dr. Lisa White, Plymouth Public Schools’ English Language Arts Coordinator.
In an effort to match the state assessment with the raised standards of the curriculum, the 10th grade Next-Gen MCAS asked students to meet increased expectations.
In the Community:
Student Life:
Page 4-5
Page 6
Learn about the renovation made to the planetarium in PCIS
Students learn how to improve their physical and mental health
SEE MCAS PAGE 8
SCHOOL NEWS
PAGE 2
A more inclusive club The student-led Gay Straight Alliance is reforming its structure to become more inclusive
By Zachary Sherman
One of the many studentled clubs at Plymouth North is working on appealing to new members and all demographics of students. This club is the Gay-Straight Alliance, known formerly as the PRIDE Club. The club is reaching out to all students of all sexual orientations or gender identifications to join. The club is led by co-presidents Phoenix Fiorillo and Evan Trenholm, and guided by advisors Mr. Cardoso and Ms. Velino. This year, the Gay-Straight Alliance is going on field trips, starting club debates, and looking for a higher level of student participation. The Gay-Straight Alliance meets every other Wednesday in Room 349 for an hour immediately after school. The club has struggled to get more members to attend its after school meetings in the past. “We wanted to make sure the club is not just for the gay kids. It’s for everybody to come in,” Fiorillo said. This is the reasoning behind the name change, perhaps the most
noticeable difference. “Gay-Straight Alliance is more inclusive,” said Mr. Cardoso. By changing Pride Club to the Gay Straight Alliance, leadership is attempting to appeal to a wider percentage of the student body. They are looking for an increase in membership and for more students to come, learn and converse. This student activity club has been at Plymouth North for years, but recently its attention is being focused in a new direction. The Gay-Straight Alliance is looking to reach out to inform and provide a safe conversational space for all students, as well as offering connections outside of Plymouth North. The Gay-Straight Alliance is reaching out to connect with other clubs in schools across the Northeast. They are taking a field trip on November 20th to the Gay-Straight Alliance Day at Bridgewater State University. “The Bridgewater State University Field Trip is a great opportunity for networking,” said Ms. Velino.
The leaders of GSA (From left to right) Ms. Velino, Phoenix Fiorillo Evan Trenholm and Mr. Cardoso.
The GSA Day compiles clubs throughout the country to discuss life as an LGBT individual. This day is a chance for students to explore what their college life might be like. Beyond this trip, the club is looking into incorporating debates into Wednesday meetings. There will be debates held about controversial LGBT topics where students will have a safe space to voice their opinions. Visitors from the Laurelwood in the Pinehills are coming to Plymouth North. These eight senior citizens are coming to discuss what growing up LGBT was like. The debates will provide all students with a non-confrontational means of expressing their ideas. Throughout the upcoming school year, the club is looking to become more student run. “We want students to bring up topics and take the lead,” said Fiorillo. The co-presidents want attendees of meetings to ask questions and use it to become educated about their differences.
Courtesy of Phoenix Fiorillo
OCTOBER 2019
Model U.N. New York cancelled By Julie Donegan
Plymouth North’s annual Model United Nations trip to the New York conference has been cancelled. The Model UN is an after school club that meets weekly to discuss international relations and to research world issues. Each year, the Plymouth North travelled to conferences in Boston and New York to role play international relations and simulate UN committees with other students from all over the world. Both the Boston and New York conferences require students to pay their own cost of the trip. In the past, the expenses for chaperones had been paid through the Students Activities Fund, but this year that was no longer permitted. Due to a change in the IRS policy, chaperones must cover their own costs. The IRS removed the ability for Student Activities Funds to pay for chaperones, and many weren’t comfortable covering the $700 cost of the trip. “The Boston trip is much more reasonable for students to attend,” said Plymouth Public Schools Business Administrator Gary Costin. Both conferences take place over the course of several days and require students to stay in hotels overnight. This can cause the price of these trips to add up quickly. “I’m hoping that a budget for Model UN can be funded each year to pay for chaperones accommodations so that both trips can continue to go,” said David Clark, advisor to North’s chapter of Model UN. He is not the only one look-
ing forward to a possible future for New York conference trips. Many students are also upset. Laney Powers, a junior at North, joined Model UN last year and attended the New York conference. She expressed disappointment about being unable to participate as often this year. “I really enjoyed the New York trip last year,” said Powers. “I’m a bit sad that we can’t go on it again this year.” Model UN is an enticing club for many because of these conferences. “Model UN [gives] me the opportunity to build my public speaking confidence and meet people from other countries,” Powers said. She and her partner represented the country of the Domican Republic in the department of National Security last year. “You get to make a lot of new friends” Powers said. “It’s easier to talk to people when they’re from different countries and you don’t see them every day.” Senior Brenna Colvin joined Model UN with her friends in her sophomore year and did not regret it. “I learned a lot about public speaking at conferences, as well as proper research methods. Participating in debates taught me how to have intellectual discussions,” said Colvin. Many students appreciate the unique opportunities that Model UN provides and hope to see the club’s full reach restored. The Model UN’s Boston trip will continue as scheduled this year.
Co-op program gives students life experience
The Cooperative Education program at Plymouth North high school allows students to take part in the workforce while still attending school
By Samantha Larson
The high school students at Plymouth North who are enrolled in Co-Op wear two hats, as they balance their alternating schedule. They will spend one day in the classroom and the next on a worksite or in business firm, depending on the vocational tech program the student is in. The vocational tech programs Marketing, Allied Health, and Facilities Management partner with local businesses in the community to form opportunities for all involved. Students intrigued by this opportunity of internships in which Co-Op provides, must meet a set of requirements. These include at least a B in the vocational shop class, at least a 70% as an overall grade, and no failing grades in any subject. The students record must be
excellent in terms of conduct and attendance and they must be approved by their Shop Teacher, Academic Teacher, Department Head, Guidance Counselor, Administrator, Parent/Guardian to be eligible for Co-Op. Ms. Kelleher, the Cooperative Education Coordinator, is responsible for seeking potential jobs and evaluating internship opportunities offered for her Co-Op students. She assesses the position and employer in order to find the perfect fit for each student. “I always say I have the best job in Plymouth as I almost always get to witness amazing growth; personally, professionally, and academically in my students. Most, not all, of my students are not big fans of school and to see them thrive in their chosen field, is truly rewarding,” said Ms. Kelleher.
The Co-Op program is credited for giving students the option to use the skill set they have been building upon in the workforce. When students are in the classroom, they are taught lessons and given projects inside the walls of their school. The foundation gained in the classroom is expended upon during each student’s internship. “Without Co-Op, all of our projects would be in a shop somewhere on campus. It wouldn’t be as fulfilling and enriching as it would be to work for a real paycheck,” said Mr. David South, Facilities Management teacher. Co-Op provides businesses with skilled young adults equipped to work the job in their field. The work experience gained by students on the job can provide them with clarity for their future work plans. “Co-Op has influenced my future
plans, I am now very confident with what I want to do when I’m older because of the confidence I have gained working independently with patients to treat them on my own,” said Amelia Christensen, Allied Health senior. Students involved in Co-Op will leave high school with an education and work experience. In some cases, students stay with the company of their high school internship making a career out of it. “A handful of kids in Facilities Management stayed with the construction and plumbing companies they worked with this year. It’s a good deal for everyone involved,” said Mr. South. The knowledge gained by the students through this opportunity will stay with them until after they graduate. The resumes of Co-Op
students will stand out among others when continuing into their future.
North engineering students participating in Co-op Photo by Emma George
SCHOOL NEWS
PAGE 3
NEASC
He MadeDr. Maestas Theannounces Call his retirement
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “We’re trying to put less focus on the lecture based classroom, where students are encouraged to be more active learners by giving meaningful group work activities such as jigsaw expert groups, stations, and Think/Pair/Share to get input from all students, instead of the single student that keeps raising their hand,” said Math Department Head Kesha Nielson. “Students are also encouraged to verbalize their learning by putting problems up on the board and explaining their thought process.” “A lot of where we’re going as a school has to do with focusing on the student engagement through giving students a voice,” said Anstatt. “Getting them more involved in decisions, but also making them feel comfortable participating and getting them out of their little boxes and exploring new things, both in the classrooms and out of the classroom.” What NEASC is really trying to assess is how North puts the student first in all its endeavors and how, as a result, they come out prepared to take on any challenges that face them. “Teachers do a very good job of trying to give kids optionstrying to let them be themselves through the content that we teach. We’re trying to get kids to find not only what
they’re passionate about, but take that passion and focus a project of their own on their learning,” said Parcellin. There are many moving parts when it comes to preparing North for a fair evaluation, but both Pickens and Anstatt said they’re honored to be a part of it. “What made the whole thing great is that Plymouth North is great,” said Anstatt. “We have an amazing amount of talent in this building, and an amazing amount of resources in this building. There are people doing amazing things every day. So when you’re studying yourself and you start discovering how great you really are, I think ultimately it can be a very pleasing experience overall.” This week, while the accreditation team is in the building, faculty and staff will be doing their best to accurately represent what goes on here at North, so they can receive the best advice on how to really make North the most effective it can be in the coming years.
Dr. Maestas points to a post-it note that says “take the world by storm,” this year’s district theme.
On Friday, October 11th, Superintendent Dr. Gary Maestas announced his retirement to the Plymouth Public Schools community. After 12 years as superintendent, Dr. Maestas has left a massive impact on this school system. “Dr. Maestas has been a tireless champion for every student and teacher. It is evident he cares tremendously about our kids, our families, and our community” said Laurie Moore, the parent of four Plymouth students. “What stands out most to me is how involved and approachable he has always been. He is leaving Plymouth a better place.” “What I will miss most is the
students and the teachers. And just working with everyone to support education. I really enjoy working with a lot of people, creating opportunities for education. I really enjoy working with people and helping to create awesome opportunities for kids to go out and do great things in the world,” said Dr. Gary Maestas. In announcing his retirement a year early Dr. Maestas is giving the district enough time to find someone to fill his shoes, which is no easy feat. “Dr. Maestas has very big shoes to fill but I know we will find the best possible leader for the years ahead! I have considered myself so lucky from day
Nobel Science Teacher
By Justin Fosdick and Maggie Mallon
Kenneth Magno is a well-respected scientist with a thesis that has changed generations of teachings for students studying physics
This year Plymouth North added teacher, Kenneth Magno, to the science department. Magno teaches engineering, and CP1 and AP level Physics. Magno has been teaching for 11 years. Mr. Magno obtained his Masters degree at UMass Dartmouth. There he worked on a new technology that would later aid in a Nobel Prize-winning idea, the Playstation Supercomputer. Without it, the Nobel award-winning theory might not have happened. “The Playstation Supercomputer is a group of Playstation 3s that were networked to group together and work as one computer,” Mr. Magno said. “There is something called distributive computing, which is where you take a problem, and instead of just having one computer work on it, you have multiple working on it.” The calculations that Mr. Magno and his team were running on the Supercomputers helped verify the Ringdown Theory, which ultimately ended up winning a Nobel prize. The Nobel prize, which was won in 2017, was awarded to research that proved that gravity waves exist by using the Ringdown Theory. The calculations Mr. Magno and his team established ended up being used in this Ringdown Theory.
October 2019
“The Ringdown Theory is waves to better understand the the gravitational waves emitted creation of the universe and by two orbiting black holes or confirm the American Teams’ stars,” Mr Magno said. “Think model on the ring down theory. of two tennis balls spinning Mr. Magno’s achievements in around in a educatoilet, and tion and The Nobel prize, which was won in his how they in 2017, was awarded to research scienmake a that proved that gravity waves wave; this tific field exist by using the Ringdown is the wave make Theory. The calculations Mr. they were him an Magno and his team established excellent looking for.”. ended up being used in this Ring- instrucThis tor and down Theory. work that teacher. he did for Mr. his master’s thesis has had a Magno attended school at Plymsignificant effect on the physouth North and has returned ics community, changing the to his home town to fulfill his theoretical models’ structure passion for teaching. that has been taught at colleges Mr. Magno said, “What I for years. really liked about the education His master’s thesis was on system being at the college level low energy nuclear physics, a was the actual teaching part, field that Mr. Magno said, “not a and not so much the research lot of people understand,” with part.” He taught at UMass fundamentals that many people Dartmouth along with private in the physics field struggle to schools, and at Norwell and study. Marshfield High schools before In regards to the Ringdown Plymouth North. Theory and gravitational waves, He has returned, Mr. Magno Mr. Magno said, “Entire genera- said, “to give back to the comtions of physics students will be munity.” In high school, he was taught to follow the American involved Mr. Bastonis’ robotics model as opposed to the Gerprogram. man model.” He was interviewed by the This uses the model he department head Mary Rayconfirmed in his thesis to obmond. “He is extremely knowlserve changes in gravitational edgeable with what he does,”
Mrs. Raymond said. “Being a part of the robotics program in high school” was important to him being here. In his classes, Mr. Magno teaches using practical theory, which is teaching by showing what is happening, and
New science teacher Mr. Magno.
By Sam White
Courtesy of Emily Goonan
one to be working with Dr. Maestas - he is truly one in a million,” said Mrs. Patty Fry, assistant superintendent. Mrs. Fry is in charge of selecting the next superintendent and the process is a lengthy one. The district starts by holding a meeting with any stakeholders to share input on what they would like to see in the next Superintendent. There is also a survey sent out to staff members. After months of deliberation, the applicants will be interviewed and those interviews will be televised. Be sure to check the district website and all social media to be informed of when meetings and surveys will be happening.
learning the theory behind it through a lab or experiment. His students enjoy his class and the way he teaches. Nathan Bonner said, “He is in-depth, funny, and teaches a focused class.” “The class is a positive “The class is a positive environment,” Jeff Yang said. “He’s a great teacher and an all-around great guy.”
Photo by Maggie Mallon
The sun contains
Mars has the biggest volcano in the Solar system
98.89% percent of our solar system's known mass
There are 181 moons in our solar system
Renovated Planetarium Shoots for the Stars By Bobby Murray
After being closed for just over 2 years, the Blake Planetarium recently reopened early last year with some new and exciting ways to reach out to the community
The night sky flickers on as dozens of eyes begin to perceive the billions of stars scattered across the screen as the camera suddenly zooms in on another cluster. The room is being transported across the solar system in seconds, while only minutes away from home. This is the view from the inside of the Dr. W. Russell Blake Planetarium at PCIS. The view may seem familiar to most Plymouth North students, many of which visited the planetarium once or twice during their time in middle school. The view has now changed, though, as the Blake Planetarium has recently reopened after undergoing renovations totalling in at $230,000. These renovations may have had an impact on the inside of the Planetarium, but the new programs created outside of the planetarium had a much larger impact on the community. A strong example of one of the programs at Blake Planetarium is First Fridays. As the name implies, this program takes place on the first Friday of every month, and is spearheaded by Steve Davies, who is the director of the planetarium and actually worked closely with Russell Blake, who the planetarium is now named after. Every first Friday of the month, Davies hosts a show open to the public for only $7 where he takes them on a tour of the current night sky, allowing for a unique viewing experience every time. Davies started the program as a way to allow more students to see the stars. “There is no grade level where [the students] are to identify constellations of bright stars, which is a shame in my opinion,” he said. “Which is why I generated the First Fridays program, to get more folks involved with that.” But the Blake Planetarium is not just being used to tour the stars. As
The Solar System was formed over 4.6 billion years ago
the technology has expanded, so has the variety of programs. Allison Riordan is the program coordinator for the planetarium, as well as the science and technology curriculum head in the Plymouth Public School system. She is one of the main people looking to expand the meaning of the Blake Planetarium. “We try to provide a minimum of 3 programs to the public every single month,” she said: one of these programs being First Fridays. The other two events are considered movie oriented. For example, a recent film showed in the planetarium called Distant Worlds: Alien Life was a prerecorded film that showed the possibility of other life in our galaxy. As the programs evolve at Blake, many students with a passion for astronomy are taking interest. One such student is Mary Whelan, a Senior at Plymouth North, who is currently enrolled in an online course in astronomy. Whalen is excited about the changes, and what they could bring to the community around town. She said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for my interests and I can’t wait to see where the Blake Planetarium goes from here.” And the Blake Planetarium shows no signs of stopping, with another upcoming event called Halloween Celestial Origins showing October 29th with many expected to attend. As Davies turns to the future, he can’t wait to see the potential that Blake planetarium has for not just students, but all members of the community. “If they go out and look into the night sky and they are lost, they can’t identify anything up there ... that’s the person I want.” said Davies. “I’ll give you the tools to get you started.”
The sun contains
Mars has the biggest volcano in the Solar system
98.89% percent of our solar system's known mass
There are 181 moons in our solar system
Renovated Planetarium Shoots for the Stars By Bobby Murray
After being closed for just over 2 years, the Blake Planetarium recently reopened early last year with some new and exciting ways to reach out to the community
The night sky flickers on as dozens of eyes begin to perceive the billions of stars scattered across the screen as the camera suddenly zooms in on another cluster. The room is being transported across the solar system in seconds, while only minutes away from home. This is the view from the inside of the Dr. W. Russell Blake Planetarium at PCIS. The view may seem familiar to most Plymouth North students, many of which visited the planetarium once or twice during their time in middle school. The view has now changed, though, as the Blake Planetarium has recently reopened after undergoing renovations totalling in at $230,000. These renovations may have had an impact on the inside of the Planetarium, but the new programs created outside of the planetarium had a much larger impact on the community. A strong example of one of the programs at Blake Planetarium is First Fridays. As the name implies, this program takes place on the first Friday of every month, and is spearheaded by Steve Davies, who is the director of the planetarium and actually worked closely with Russell Blake, who the planetarium is now named after. Every first Friday of the month, Davies hosts a show open to the public for only $7 where he takes them on a tour of the current night sky, allowing for a unique viewing experience every time. Davies started the program as a way to allow more students to see the stars. “There is no grade level where [the students] are to identify constellations of bright stars, which is a shame in my opinion,” he said. “Which is why I generated the First Fridays program, to get more folks involved with that.” But the Blake Planetarium is not just being used to tour the stars. As
The Solar System was formed over 4.6 billion years ago
the technology has expanded, so has the variety of programs. Allison Riordan is the program coordinator for the planetarium, as well as the science and technology curriculum head in the Plymouth Public School system. She is one of the main people looking to expand the meaning of the Blake Planetarium. “We try to provide a minimum of 3 programs to the public every single month,” she said: one of these programs being First Fridays. The other two events are considered movie oriented. For example, a recent film showed in the planetarium called Distant Worlds: Alien Life was a prerecorded film that showed the possibility of other life in our galaxy. As the programs evolve at Blake, many students with a passion for astronomy are taking interest. One such student is Mary Whelan, a Senior at Plymouth North, who is currently enrolled in an online course in astronomy. Whalen is excited about the changes, and what they could bring to the community around town. She said, “I think it’s a great opportunity for my interests and I can’t wait to see where the Blake Planetarium goes from here.” And the Blake Planetarium shows no signs of stopping, with another upcoming event called Halloween Celestial Origins showing October 29th with many expected to attend. As Davies turns to the future, he can’t wait to see the potential that Blake planetarium has for not just students, but all members of the community. “If they go out and look into the night sky and they are lost, they can’t identify anything up there ... that’s the person I want.” said Davies. “I’ll give you the tools to get you started.”
PAGE 6
SCHOOL NEWS
OCTOBER 2019
Mental health in high school
Mrs. Allen is teaching students to bridge the gap between physical and mental health
By Sam White
This year teachers, Mrs. Allen and Ms. Cartmill have taken the initiative to provide North students with the opportunity to care for their own mental health with an educative class, Wellness for Life: Self Care and Myself, and the calm room during Directed Study. Mrs. Allen’s class meets for 1 semester and discusses lifelong techniques for mental health. Focusing on the ‘Wellness Wheel’ (above) students complete a self-assessment at the beginning of the semester and then complete subsequent tests after each lesson. “The class is about looking at wellness from an overall perspective, a lot of people I think look at wellness as nutritionbased or physical fitness based but we really stress that it’s kind of like a wheel and there’s a lot of different spokes within that wheel and you need all of those spokes in alignment in order to be well overall,” said Mrs. Allen. Mrs. Allen’s goal is to relieve students of academic and social stress by teaching things
normal classes students are required to take would not. “It’s important because it’s not something that tends to fit into a traditional school curriculum kids take Physical Education so they are learning the physical fitness piece they also have to take health as far as nutrition and drug awareness, safe relationships, but I don’t feel as though there is a lot of opportunity to learn about yourself,” said Mrs. Allen. Lauren Boisvert said, “I really just think that everyone needs something like this it’s just so helpful.” Though the class took on a new title this year to emphasize that it’s rooted not in the physical aspect of wellness but in all six ‘wedges’ of the ‘Wellness Wheel’, social, spiritual, physical, financial, intellectual, and emotional, it is not new. Originally it came out of but eventually Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Burt enjoyed teaching it so much and felt that the content was vital for students, so it stuck around. The structure of the class
consists of “regular self-assessments before and after each unit to see where everybody fits or everyone feels as though they fit within that well,” said Mrs. Andersen. The class goes over a concept, and typically follows it with a more hands-on project, recently the class watched the movie Inside and Out and each student created a poster to go along with the emotions depicted in the animated film and how they related to each. Ms. Cartmill’s directed study sessions focus on mental health while Mrs. Allen’s class is more directed towards combining metal and physical health. “I have had some students come through I defintely see a weight lifted off their shoulders when they leave,” said Ms. Cartmill, “That’s definetely the goal: to stay present in the moment.”
2 students writing personal goals in Mrs. Allen’s class. Photo by: Sam White
The wellness wheel. Courtesy of: Anchor Point Counseling
From Instagram activism to large scale impact The new environmental club aims to turn activism and education into action that will lessen human impact on the planet By Amber Bates
Videos of small creatures smothered in oil, herds of cows crammed into tight cages, Greta Thunberg slamming world leaders for their lack of action, and even the effects of climate change in our home state are all images that have become increasingly prominent on social media. These images are meant to spark activism and awareness regarding an issue at the forefront of humanity; climate change. Social media has provided a platform for environmental activism in which a constant stream of these videos, quotes, and images are posted and reposted with the hopes of bringing society together behind the issue of climate change. Many young people and students are at
the forefront of the climate change movement, and some in the North community want to mirror that enthusiasm for saving the planet through a new club. This year, three North students have created an environmental club to materialize this activism and inform small changes within Plymouth North to create large impacts on the planet. “It’s not just watching a video on Instagram and saying ‘Oh, that’s too bad’,” said Sophomore Delia Joyce. “It’s trying to figure out what you can actually do to help.” Joyce is a co-president of the club alongside Sophomore Grace McNeil while Sophomore Delyla Coleman takes on the role of graphic designer. They are all taking steps to lessen their human impact on the planet, and want to share what they have learned with others through the environmental club. “We want to give students more information than what they might learn on social media,” said club advisor Ms. Sandra Isiminger. The club’s goal is to demonstrate small ways to decrease harmful habits and to create an educated conversation around the importance of
these changes. “A lot of people know general things,” said Ms. Isinminger. “For example, they equate not using plastic straws with turtles, but it goes further than that.” Each term, the club plans on focusing their energy on a specific theme relevant to sustainability. Term 1 focuses on plastic reduction, term 2 on deforestation, term 3 educates students on veganism and animal agriculture, and term 4 revolves around the ocean. Through the lens of each theme, the club plans on creating posters to hang around the school, organize possible fundraisers and even initiate beach clean-up events. In addition to creating posters, the group wants to create QR codes to put around the building with information regarding each theme in order to reduce the inherent paper waste associated with posters. The club meets in room 302.A on Fridays during K block. Ms. Isiminger said, “Doing it during K block opens it up to more people so everyone can come who’s excited and wants to save the planet.” Students who join the club must be willing to begin making changes through the lens of each theme, said Ms.
Isiminger. She, however, admits that making these changes is not a simple task. “I often forget my metal cup at home and have to use a Dunkin’ Donuts cup instead,” she said. “Nobody’s perfect, we know that!” Sophomore Sofia DeCola, a member of the environmental club, said her environmental awareness began about a year ago when she became a vegetarian. DeCola said, “It feels really good to be a part of something that makes a difference and feel like you’re giving back to something that has given you so much.” Principal Parcellin is also in support of the club. He said, “The only way we are going to create sustainability or create a stronger environment is if everybody does their part” Supporting the environmental club and other student-run activities, especially those that benefit the community, is essential to Plymouth North’s identity. Mr. Parcellin said, “If these kids want to step up and make an impact, our best efforts are to give them the resources and the opportunity to fly.”
Plymouth North Plymouth North High School High School Editors Sadie Fosdick Helen Frazer Cady Nessralla Shobha Singh Reporters Eddie Payzuant Editors Lauren Garcia Amber Bates Sam Murphy Julie Donegan Sadie Fosdick Maggie Mallon Cady Nessralla Bobby Murray Oliver Frazer Trask Helen White CySam Beltran Meiling Xiong Johnathan Liskov Gracie Curtin Reporters Amber Bates Eric Chase Editorial CartoonJustin Fosdick ist Caroline Gillis Queenie Cheung Sam Larson Molly Long
Graphic Design: Photographers Maxwell Espinosa Emma George Hannah Caple
Advisor: Mrs.Michelle Terry Our Email
plymouthnorthnews@gmail.com
SCHOOL NEWS
PAGE 7
OCTOBER 2019
Voice Lessons at Plymouth North High School The vocal music program at Plymouth North High School provides voice lessons for students interested in bettering their musical literacy By: Molly Long
Since 2016, Plymouth North High School has been providing students with the opportunity to take voice lessons after school. By taking voice lessons, students are given the chance to learn about certain aspects of the voice that they may otherwise not discover. Plymouth North High School has always displayed the hard work and dedication demonstrated by students involved in the vocal music program through events such as concerts, coffeehouses, pep rallies, and countless other vocal music performances. However, lots of work goes on behind the scenes to make these things happen. For the last four years, North has been offering a chance for students to practice and explore music in a different way that is not seen by the audience. Plymouth North gives students a chance to work with professional vocal teachers, who know the ins and outs of healthy and successful singing. This gives students a chance to focus on aspects of both the voice and
music in general that may not get the chance to within their other vocal music groups, but are equally important in order to develop one’s skills. “Voice lessons can be especially important in middle and high school because voices change around that time,” said Plymouth North Voice Teacher Mr. Justin Parish. “So many young people become disheartened by an intense voice change and they struggle to sing as easily as they used to. At any age, it’s helpful to check in with a professional and make sure everything is in good shape.” High school is often a time when many people either experiment with or further develop skills that they are interested in. Because it’s also such a particularly vulnerable time for one’s voice, having a professional that can guide students in the right direction makes following one’s passion for music much easier. Vocal Music Student Liam Lonergan said, “voice lessons are especially beneficial because understanding your own sound
is important in order to know how to improve alone or even with group sounds.” One on one lessons provide a benefits that groups cannot. When making music in an ensemble, a singers’ individual voice often blends into the sound of the group collectively, which can result in a singer not hearing mistakes they made and not noticing any harmful habits they might unconsciously be building. “I have had a lot of health issues involving my voice, and voice lessons have taught me how to sing safely and mindfully,” said Plymouth North Sophomore Hannah Ferro. “After my vocal injury last year, I needed a new voice teacher to help me learn how to use my voice properly, and it has truly paid off.” One-on-one
attention given in voice lessons allows students to find a way to sing that will be as healthy and beneficial for their individual voice as possible. “The student and teacher are able to engage on a different level,” said Parish. “In a choral or acapella situation, everyone learns differently, so an instructor has to ‘cast a wide net,’ so to speak, and try to benefit everyone. Even the best instructors can’t fully manage everyone’s personal educational
needs, even if they get pretty close. Private lessons allow the teacher and student to connect personally and develop a musical language that works for them.” The Plymouth North Vocal Music Department encourages interested students to take full advantage of this opportunity. Voice lessons take place in fifteen minute time slots all throughout the week, and sign ups for the second semester begin in January.
Voice Teacher Justin Parish shows Freshman Parker Maslowski proper singing technique in his lesson.
Photo by: Hannah Caple
The progress of Plymouth 400
This community based organization is working to realign their focus for this upcoming year and keep the town updated on future announcements and events to come
By: Eric Chase
Beyond the walls of North, the Plymouth 400 committee is engaging all in an effort to shed light on the historical significance of this upcoming year, often chattered about within town. The upcoming festivals, pop up events, and community council meetings are only possible with an active team of collaboratives. The anticipated year of 2020 is shaping to become remembered as a “commemoration rather than a celebration,’’ said Dr. Donna Curtin, Plimouth Hall Museum executive director and plymouth 400 board member. As we approach the 400 year anniversary of our town’s founding, it is imperative to remember the roots and story in which our foundation was built on. The Plymouth 400 board of directors and committee have been dedicating themselves to generatings projects every day and engaging activities for all to experience and learn about where the community around us is headed. “Every month, week, or day rather, that we’ve gotten closer to the 400 year mark, the expediency of what we do as a board has become more and more crucial,” said Dr. Gary Maestas, superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools. With a populated and involved community like Plymouth, a resilient, leading force behind all of the coming change is needed. “From getting events
planned, to donations made, and keeping the town updated, the directors and board members wished they could plan for all of this to be happening 3 years ago, but life doesn’t work like that…We just have to prepare for what’s to come,” said Dr. Maestas. Plymouth 400 is empowering the community and taking on in-town obstacles as well as creative projects like ‘Our Story’ featuring the Wompanoag history, to make for a memorable year of 2020. There are different event offerings for various groups of backgrounds and age groups to increase engagement and community interaction. This organization looks to be unique in their way of building an audience, as they are holding an upcoming ‘Mass. Memories Road Show’ in early November; A documentary created around the progress of Plymouth. “If you go onto our website there are two types of events that you can choose from. There are the signature events… that are bigger in scope with a larger audience than just Plymouth,” said Dr. Maestas. “Our sanctioned events, would include the weekend opportunity at the Plimoth Plantation, dates planned for our schools throughout the
year, and the Plymouth Rebel Film Festival in June.” The weekend experience at the Plimoth Plantation is held to reenact what colonial Plymouth life was like. The film festival is another creative way to enhance engagement by having entered participants from all over the globe right here in Plymouth in the midst of June. The Communications branch of the Plymouth 400 organization is striving to capture the excitement in which encompasses this time in history in traditional and new ways. “We’re active on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and to a lesser extent others, like Linked In. We also send out a monthly email as well. As a board, we hold many different offerings and meetings in various parts of the town to be inclusive to everyone,” said Logan, communications manager for Plymouth 400. A project at this scale requires
organization, perseverance, and interaction from people on the board and especially from those who use social platforms. “Our goal is to get the people involved. We want them to feel that this project and town is a part of theirs to contribute to,” Brian Logan said. “Whether it’s the banner project, the Plymouth international choir trip, or the Dreamride coming up. There is lots going on.” “There are official events that the Plymouth 400 will orchestrate. But, we’re also opening the doors to those who want to join and hold a share in other ways with the 400 through your school, or your social group, or your quilting club... there is something for everyone,” said Dr. Curtin. The Plymouth 400 board holds community meetings 2-3 times a month at the Center for Visual Arts and The Plymouth Tapestry group meets on a day to day basis at the Pilgrim Hall Museum from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m.. These unique event ideas like The Plymouth Tapestry, in which entails a volunteer sewing club working to create art on cloth, contribute towards something for all to come and enjoy. Whether it’s voicing your ideas for the town or coming to volunteer and show your threading techniques, the organization is looking to get people involved in a plethora of ways. Through many different applications and platforms like the Plymouth 400 website or social media, they plan to relay a new message to the people, and give them insight on what this 400 year mark is truly about. Tied within these events, meetings, and updates, there is hope to make an impact on the community and of all ages throughout for the upcoming year. The organization is working diligently each and everyday to bring an American story, and a national legacy to life for all to experience and learn from.
SCHOOL NEWS
PAGE 8
OCTOBER 2019
Volleyball team set to qualify for tournament
The Plymouth North Volleyball team has qualified this year for the tournament for the first time in 18 years By Justin Fosdick
The Plymouth North Varsity Volleyball team’s season has gone well, with a record of 10 and 6 to qualify for tournament. This will be the first time in 18 years that the team has been able to play in a tournament for a chance at the title of State Division Champions. Head Coach, Jane Burt, said, “The chemistry of this team is special. The players have a team first attitude.” The key players this year have been Charlotte Woomer as setter, and Eyleen Dias as their libero. Cheesman said “ [Eyleen] is a very good asset, and number one in the league.” The two captains, Sarah Burt
MCAS
and Julia Cheesman, have run the team this season. Cheesman said, “Sometimes when we’re down in a game, through positive encouragement we get back at it.” Captain Burt said “I have to step into a different role to be like a captain more off the court”. The team is working 6 out of 7 days a week. Cheesman said “We are constantly working hard on skills we didn’t do good on in a game”. Coach Burt said, “We have seven seniors on the team and their leadership and hard work are key to our success. The seven juniors and two freshmen
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
In 2018, Plymouth as a English. Plymouth had 65% district had 91% of 10th-grade more students who achieved students who scored proficient “Meeting Standards” - 4% or higher in ELA, and 69% more than the state. In Math, in Math. This year, on the the state had 59% of students Next-Gen MCAS, percentages receiving “Meeting Standards,” dropped to 65% for ELA and while Plymouth had 52%. 52% for Math. Mathematics performance at “Since it was a harder test, North exceeded or improved all more students found the test state targets in all categories. difficult,” said Dr. White. While this year’s sophomores Since this was the first time and juniors (classes of 2021 and all high schools in the state 2022) are held to an interim switched to the Next-Gen standard of a similar level of MCAS, the achievestate lowment ered the When comparing the state’s to the standard required average of the Next-Gen standards for passing for every MCAS to Plymouth’s, the on the subject legacy district met the standards and MCAS, the (known as the even scored better in some class of interim 2023 will categories than the state. be held to standard). However, the new in two higher years, the passing level will be standard to meet graduation raised. requirements. When comparing the state’s The administration and average of the Next-Gen MCAS faculty are already preparing to Plymouth’s, the district met for this. Assistant Principal Ms. the standards and even scored Shannon McGuire said, “There better in some categories than is a meeting in October that I’ll the state. attend with Mr. Parcellin. As The state had an average of a district we talk about MCAS 61% of students who scored scores and how to help students over “Meeting Standards” raise the scores even higher [Proficient in 2018 MCAS] in than they are now.”
The MCAS this year was a computer based assessment. Photo by Meiling Xiong
look up to them and work just as hard.” The team is tight knit and their hard work has paid off. The teams closeness is has been a key factor in their success. Cheesman said, “On and off the court we’re best friends.” Coach Burt said, “I believe the success of this years team will help the volleyball program continue to grow.” The tournament will begin in late October or early November. Be sure to listen to the announcements and check social media to support the girls in their tournament. Plymouth North’s Volleyball Team celebrates their win after a game. Courtesy of Sarah Burt