Happy Wednesday!

Whew! A lot has taken place since I last wrote to you. School safety and security have always been a priority in P-CCS, however, in light of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida last month, and recent shelter-in-place lock-downs at P-CEP, an even greater focus has been placed on working collaboratively with law enforcement to review/hone our safety plans and provide the necessary training for staff and students. This work has started and will certainly continue as there is nothing more important than keeping our students safe in school. 

On a related note, students are discussing ways to engage in civic activism around the issues of school safety, gun violence, and mental health. As you may know, today was the National School Walk-Out at 10:00 am. Some students did walk out this morning, and then came together peacefully in designated, supervised areas around campus. P-CEP student representatives have communicated with us that they are organizing and planning to participate in the walkout activities on April 20th. Superintendent Merritt emailed families a letter recently related to student walkouts. You can access her letter HERE 

Hi, I'm Dave Fleming, entering my 13th (is that automatically bad luck?) year of teaching English at Plymouth High school.

My personal goal is to hit my goal time in the Monroe Half Marathon this fall. I fell 9 seconds short on a trail race this summer. Professionally, I want to get back to meeting regularly with my Reading / Writing Workshop colleagues.

My wife, Abby, and I have been married for 11 years. We have two children: Emma (6), who will be a first grader at Field this year, and Gavin (4). This summer flew by, but included taking the kids to Disney World for the first time. I'm not sure who is most tired.

I read Meddling Kids this summer, a take on a Scooby-Doo-like child detective group now in their twenties and tortured by their pasts.Brief cheating survey

Did you know that Katey McPherson is coming back to lead a free parent workshop on April 10th? Katey McPherson presented Under the Influence: What every parent needs to know about the often hidden impact of screen time and social media on your child's wellness in December, 2017. Her presentation received  SAVE THE DATE:  Ms. McPherson will be back on April 10th from 6-7:30 pm for an upgraded repeat of the talk in December with an open Q and A to follow. You'll receive practical evidence-based strategies and tips to manage and supervise digital devices. You can view details and register on the following link. Eventbrite sign-up  

Did you know that there are planned activities for 10th graders on 4/10? Katey McPherson is presenting a 1-hour assembly on April 10th to our sophomores titled Behind the Screen: How to Create a Digital Footprint that Lasts. 

Did you know that this year's Walk for Autism will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018? Come and celebrate Autism Awareness with food, raffle, and fun. All proceeds from this event go towards our Center Based ASD programs. Here is a link to a flyer. 

Did you know that there was a Vaping 101 session for parents last night? Don't worry if you missed it because there will be another session next Thursday, March 22nd, in the Canton High School Little Theater, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. You can find details and a sign-up HERE. 

Did you know that the SJ5K is a student-led event? The SJ5K is a student run event put on annually at P-CEP to raise money and support for Plymouth-Canton families going through medical crisis. Over the past 7 years, the SJ5K has impacted 26 different families and raised over $360,000. The purpose each year continues to be to bring the community together to provide hope, support, and financial relief for the families we sponsor each year. We hope to do this again for our 9 deserving recipients. SAVE THE DATE: This year's race is on May 6th. Please watch this year's video, click here to meet the 2018 recipients, and consider whether you can join us on May 6th for this amazing event. 

Happy Saturday!

I can't believe it's already February! I apologize that I missed communicating during the whole month of January. The month flew by in a blur.

We are getting ready for course selection 'season' at P-CEP. The master schedule is built (and teachers assigned to classes) based on students' requests, which makes it very important to pick the right courses. Please see this Course Request Parent Letter for detailed information and deadlines for the upcoming course selection.

Upcoming Events: 

2/5 - Reports cards distributed to 3rd hour teachers

2/6 - P-CEP Student of the Month breakfast @ SHS @ 7:30 am 

2/8 - 8th grade Curriculum Night 6-8 pm PHS Cafeteria

2/16-2/19 - Mid-Winter Break

2/22 - High School Course Selection Deadline

Gretchen Andridge- ELA and IB Depts.- BA/BD and MA from EMU & Marygrove- My Educational Philosophy is two-fold: "Work hard, practice a LOT and push yourself to be creative" mixed in with a Robin Williams quote, "You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."

A personal goal of mine is to take long road-trips with my family, that have moments where my risk-taking side is tested. A professional goal I have is to build all of my lessons around project-based learning that is student directed.

I have three boys, ages 25, 21 and 8 and a husband who is also a teacher. I enjoy reading, hiking and being outdoors and playing games in my spare time. I'm passionate about quality treatment of animals and the environment and taking an active role in our local community.

PHS is a spirited, fun-loving, hard-working, talented and smart collective of people who fill a learning institute with purpose.

I've just finished reading 'The Book of Joy' by Gyatso, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Did you know that the Class of 2022 Curriculum Night is February 8, 2018?

Eighth grade parents will receive high school registration information. P-CEP counselors/administrators will provide parents and students with curriculum information and answer questions. P-CEP District families will meet at the following times in their assigned schools:
Last Names A - L at 6:00 p.m.
Last Names M - Z at 7:00 p.m.
Locations: Canton Cafeteria, Plymouth Cafeteria or Salem Auditorium, watch for signs. All Charter and Private School families: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Canton High School - Canton Little Theater

Did you know that the Michigan Department of Education released its Parent Dashboard for School Transparency? This new online data portal provides charts that break down eight different statistics: performance summary (proficiency); progress summary (growth); graduation rate (four-year cohort); advanced coursework; on-track attendance; English learner progress; and assessment participation. Each of these are compared against statewide averages and other schools with similar demographics. You can check it out at https://www.mischooldata.org/  by clicking on the parent dashboard tab in the upper left.

Did you know that P-CEP counselors organized a "Beating the Winter Blues" Stress Less week before final exams? The week was spent encouraging students to focus on positive mental health and taking care of themselves. They had music in passing periods, therapy dogs, yoga, positive words of affirmation, etc. all to help students stress less and raise awareness of mental health.  

Winter break!

We did it! We made it to Winter Break! My entire family has been counting down to this break, but I honestly don't know who is more excited - me or my girls. I'm looking forward to lazy nights (without homework), getting some order in my disordered house, and good, old-fashioned quality time with my family over the next two weeks. May the break be for you exactly what you desire and need. Happy Holidays!

David Sutherland - Social Studies Department - I have a school problem! I would be a professional student if possible. A.B. Communications - U of M - Ann Arbor, MA Educational Technology - Wayne State, MS Educational Leadership - Concordia University, and JD University of Detroit Mercy - My philosophy of education is .... and this is no joke... I have the document from 1994 when I got hired.. "Learning Should Be Fun!" I try to make sure the students are excited to enter my room every day because they know they'll learn something new which will usually be accompanied by a unique story to reinforce the concept. We have lots of laughs along the way.

My personal goal is to continue to embrace my passion for fitness without anymore trips to Kendra my physical therapist. Professionally, I am always trying to take my content (law, civics, media literacy, and sociology) to new levels. I am constantly pushing my students to understand complex content and acquire new advanced skills without them realizing they are going way beyond what they typically think they are capable of.

Elderly parents keep life interesting! In my spare time I like to exercise, golf, attend U of M sporting events, and I believe I have an Amazon book "issue" that I may need to address. I am well stocked for retirement. I am passionate about making the law easy for lay people to understand. I am also very passionate about professional ethics and conduct.

My classroom from the perspective of an administrator who evaluated me during my career. "People have no idea what you do." Oops! 7 -

A book I have read recently is Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission by Barry Friedman.

Did you know that there are so many apps available to help us monitor social media? The speaker who came in early December was very well received. If you missed her presentation, then here is a LINK to it. The file is very large so you will want to open it on a computer and not your phone. I have been using the app OurPact for several years and love it. It allows me to schedule bedtimes, HW time, etc. for each of my kids. I used the free version for at least a year and then upgraded so that I could select which apps to allow to remain on the phone/ipdad (i.e., I allow the apps that are related to school - google drive, google docs, etc.) 

Did you know that while there is a decrease nationally in the percentage of students who smoke tobacco there is an increase in students who use e-cigarettes and vape? Possession and/or use of an electronic cigarette or vaporizer is prohibited on school grounds, school property, school buses, and vehicles on school grounds, even if students are 18 and can legally purchase an electronic cigarette. Please partner with us in educating your children about the risks of electronic cigarettes. Here's a tip sheet for parents for talking with kids about e-cigarettes  and another Article on the subject. 

Did you know that we had a great Challenge Day Assembly with 9th graders?This was part of our continued intentional effort to teach empathy to our students. A school community that cares for one another and respects each other's differences makes for a great learning environment. You can see some of the pictures below. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, we went from one holiday right until the next one! This time of year provides an opportunity to consciously pause, reflect, and give thanks. My wish for all of you is that this break allows you to rest and recharge, and that you have quality time with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

COMING SOON: We are extremely fortunate to be able to host Katey McPherson, the Executive Director of The Gurian Institute, to present a parent workshop on Tuesday, 12/5, from 7-8 pm in the Plymouth Cafeteria. In this one-hour session, parents will learn practical tips and strategies to manage, supervise, and understand the pressures our kids face and how they can respond to the immediate need to recognize that this is a crucial mental health and wellness issue. All parents of students in grades 4-12 are welcome to attend. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one! Please help spread the word! Here is FLYER for details. 

My name is Jennifer Dealy and this is my 3rd year in the Counseling Department. Even though I've only been at Plymouth a short time, I started my career teaching Language Arts and Social Studies in Plymouth Canton Community Schools back at Lowell Middle School in 1995. Since then, I was fortunate enough to work at both East and Discovery. I have a Bachelor's degree in teaching from U of M - Dearborn and a Master's Degree in counseling from Wayne State. My educational philosophy is very student centered. I think that my best teaching and learning has come when my relationships with students were on point.

A personal goal that I am working on is trying to live in a healthy way spiritually, physically and mentally. I'm trying to make sure that I am living in the moment, enjoying the little things and remembering that "Life is a journey... not a destination!" Professionally this year I am really focusing on building relationships with students so that they know me and feel comfortable asking for help. Again, the relationship piece of this job is where I know I need to focus.

I am very blessed to have wonderful 19 year old twin sons, Jacob and Josh, and a very sweet husband, Steve. I have 9 nieces and nephews with whom I enjoying spending time as well. I spend a lot of time with family and my husband and I enjoy hanging out and going new places. Church is important to me and I feel like this part of my life has helped keep me grounded and sane. I do feel very blessed with all I have been given.

Five words to describe Plymouth High School would be: supportive, welcoming, cheery, flexible and fun!

2017 Boys Cross Country Team State Runner-up

P-CEP Marching Band (picture taken from Facebook)                                                    

Plymouth Girls Golf 

National Letter of Intent Signers

Did you know that there are many reasons to celebrate? Recently the PHS Boys Cross Country team finished 2nd in the State, our P-CEP Marching Band, who also finished 2nd in the State, went on to place 24th at Nationals, Girls Golf finished 5th in the state, and Boys Tennis was named All-State Academic with an impressive 4.17 Team GPA! And, just last week, 6 athletes signed their Letter of Intent to play college athletics after high school. Congratulations to Logan Dziadzio (Madonna Baseball); Evan Good (Northwood Baseball); Anthony Crump (University of North Carolina - Asheville Basketball); Erin Johnson (Grand Valley State Golf); Ethan Byrnes (Wayne State Cross Country); and Paige Sanders (Oakland Track and Field). 

Did you know that counselors met with all 9th grade students? Counselors met with their freshmen students in small groups on November 14th and November 15th. During the class period, counselors helped students "build a blueprint" by working on four year planning. During this time, students thought about their academic and personal goals and how to get there.  

Did you know that all Freshmen will participate in a Challenge Day Assembly on Friday, 12/1? This year, for the first time, the Park is hosting a Challenge Day Assembly for all 9th grade students. In the past we have always had the three Challenge Days (one per school); however, we wanted to expand the message of increasing awareness and empathy by offering this experience of the Challenge Day Assembly to all Freshmen. We're super excited!

I hope you had a Happy Halloween! Look at some of the pumpkins in one of our biology classes. I think I shocked the kids when I started pointing out the specific parts on the neuron pumpkin. Hey, once a biology teacher, always a biology teacher! 

And some pictures from last week . . .

Plymouth 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees Katie Chipman and Michael Jordan

Relay for Life Spirit Week - Superheros (staff spirit) 

Upcoming Events: 

Monday, 10/30:
Tuesday, 10/31: Halloween (full day for middle school & high school)
Wednesday, 11/1:
Thursday, 11/2: P-CEP Community Open House @ SHS 6-8 pm

Tuesday, 11/7: District PD (no school for students)
Friday, 11/10: End of 1st quarter

SAVE THE DATE: On Tuesday, 12/5 @ 7 pm, P-CEP is hosting a free parent workshop for parents with students in grades 4-12 on THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON TEENS. Guest speaker, Katey McPherson, will focus on the 4 pillars of digital citizenship, how to manage and supervise device use, the hidden impact of screen time on developing brains, and teaching kids how to use these tools for their future while meandering the many nuances of tween and teen hood. 

Hi, my name is Karen Pakula and I teach math at Plymouth High School. This is my fourteenth year at Plymouth High School. Prior to teaching at PHS, I taught part-time for seven years with PCCS Alternative/Adult Education program at Starkweather Education Center. I have been a teacher, in one form or another for 30+ years. I absolutely love it! My teaching experience is very diverse – I have taught at many different levels: middle school, high school, alternative education, and adult education. The one thing I have learned from my varied experiences is: Students are students, it doesn’t matter where they come from or who they are. The bottom line is that education is a necessity and as a teacher it is my mission to convey its importance. It is my responsibility to teach and help students become a productive, well-rounded citizens. I want to make a difference in their lives!

My personal goals this year are to exercise regularly, eat healthy and continue to spend quality time with my family. My professional goal is to use restorative circles in my classroom this year as one way to create a community in which all students want to and can learn.

My family and I live in Canton. Thirty-two years ago I married my high school sweetheart. He is in pharmaceutical sales and works for Sanofi. We have two sons. Parker is 24 and a graduate of Canton High School and Central Michigan University. He is employed by Ford Motor Company as a buyer in Purchasing. Carson is 19 and a 2016 graduate of Canton High School. He is a sophomore at Central Michigan University pursuing a degree in Biology.

Five words to describe my classroom are welcoming, colorful, energetic, challenging, and respectful.

Did you know that our student athletic captains completed the first day of a two-day leadership training? The training focused on the BE GREAT curriculum, which includes Boundaries, Expectations, Growth, Respect, Empathy,Assertiveness, and Trust. The training is facilitated by P-CEP teachers Derek Southwick and Nicol Shamey.

Did you know that P-CEP offers student shadow days for families who reside in the boundaries of P-CCS but do not currently attend P-CCS? Our first shadow days are 11/14 (CHS), 11/15 (PHS), and 11/16 (SHS).  You can get more information about P-CEP Shadow days HERE. 

High School Musical Homecoming

The steady drizzle last Friday night didn't keep the fans away from the tailgate and Homecoming Football game. Shades of pink were everywhere for the "pink out."  And, the dance on Saturday, complete with a High School Musical theme, rounded out our 2017 Homecoming Festivities. See below for some pictures. 

Upcoming Events: 

Monday, 10/16 - NHS Induction Ceremony 7 pm Salem Auditorium
Tuesday, 10/17 -

Wednesday, 10/18-

Thursday, 10/19 - Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-8:00 pm

Friday, 10/20 -

My name is Meghan Starr and I am a new teacher in the Social Studies Department. I have a Bachelors from Oakland University and have done one year of teaching in Sterling Heights prior to this school year. I believe that personal relationships with the kids are the key to being a successful teacher and I look forward to building relationships with the students and staff of P-CEP this school year.

This school year I hope to develop meaningful relationships with my students and put an emphasize on differentiation in building curriculum throughout this year.

My boyfriend of 3 years, Blair, and I have just recently moved to the Novi area and are looking forward to exciting new adventures in the area. I am also blessed with four younger brothers and sisters that make me extremely proud on a daily basis and who allows me to spend much of my free time supporting them in their various activities. On top of these activities I enjoy hiking, skiing, watching sports, and spending time with my friends and family.

In my short time at Plymouth High School so far I have found the staff and students of Plymouth to be supportive, professional, compassionate, and all around accepting. It is never easy to begin working and moving to a new place, but I believe that I have been blessed by beginning my career here at Plymouth and I can't wait to see what the future has in store.

This past summer I decided to relive my childhood by rereading the Harry Potter series.

Did you know that we are using PTC Fast again for PT sign-up? Parent Teacher Conference are on Thursday, October 19th from 4:30- 8 pm. You should have received an email with directions on how to sign up. If the time slots are full, please email your child's teacher directly so that you may set up a mutually agreed upon way to conference about your student.

Did you know that there will be limited late transportation available on Tuesdays and Thursdays? There will be a late bus for any Park student that is staying after school on a Tuesday or Thursday for tutoring/clubs/activities or after school study. Students must sign up using this Signup Genius page by 3 p.m. on the day they plan to ride. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4CAFAC2BA1FF2-tuesday
Buses leave the bus loop at 3:55 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
North bus drops off at: North Ridge Church, Bird, Smith, Isbister, West, Crossings Clubhouse, Allen, Farrand
South bus drops off at: Tonda, Dodson, Workman, Bentley, Field, Erikson, Hoben, Miller, Gallimore, Hulsing

Did you know that Challenge Day is returning to P-CEP? For the fourth year in a row, we are able to bring the Challenge Day program to the Park. Challenge Day is a 6 1/2-hour kickoff program which is designed for 100 students and 25 staff members. This program is created to build connection and empathy, and to fulfill the vision that every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved, and celebrated. Challenge Day is more than a one-day program. It goes beyond traditional anti-bullying efforts, building empathy and igniting a movement of compassion and positive change, known as the Be the Change Movement. Each school will have their own Challenge Day event: Plymouth’s will be Tuesday, 11/28; Salem’s will be on Wednesday, 11/29; and Canton’s is on Thursday, 11/30. All Park Freshmen will participate in a Challenge Day Assembly on Friday, 12/1. For more information regarding Challenge Day please visit their website at http://www.challengeday.org/

Homecoming Festivities

The kids had a blast at the pep rally this past Friday! The teachers lost the traditional tug-of-war against the students, but honestly, they didn't stand a chance . . . there were 15 teachers versus 38 student captains!!  We are already plotting and planning for next year, but mostly to make sure that the teams are even. :) See the picture collage below with a few highlights. 
This week is full of excitement as we head into our Homecoming weekend with the tailgate and game on Friday and dance on Saturday. In preparation for the dance, please read and review the dance guidelines with your child. P-CEP dance guidelines. We are looking forward to a fun filled weekend! 

Upcoming events:

Monday, 10/2 -
Tuesday, 10/3 -Schoolcraft College Night 6-8 pm Click HERE for more information.
Wednesday, 10/4 - Count Day!
Thursday, 10/5 -
Friday, 10/6 - PSAT/NMSQT pre-bubbling 6th hour; Athletic/Activity Eligibility Check; Tailgate from 4:30-6:30 pm Homecoming Football game vs. Livonia Franklin @ 7 pm
Saturday, 10/7 - Homecoming Dance 7 pm - 10 pm; Deadline to submit senior photo to the yearbook* 
Tuesday, 10/10 - Picture retake day/Infinite College Fair CHS 4-8 pm. See "did you know" of 9/20 post for more information.
Wednesday, 10/11 - PSAT/NMSQT for registered Juniors
Thursday, 10/12 - Parent Forum @ 9 am @ CHS little Theater

*Send image to:pcepyearbook@pccsk12.com. In subject line, include last name, first name, and school, in that order.

Hi, my name is Mark Howson and I am a Counselor at Plymouth High School. This is my 5th year as a Counselor and the start of my first full year at Plymouth. I received my bachelor degree for Western Michigan and my Masters from San Jose State. I am very excited to start the school year and seeing and meeting so many new faces.

My wife Ashley and I, just passed our four year anniversary and have one daughter, Jane, who just turned 7 months old. Adding a child to the mix has made for a very busy time and a lack of sleep, but I have loved every minute of it.

Did you know that parent teacher conferences are Thursday, October 19th, from 4:30-8:00 pm? We will be using PTFast again this year so you'll will be able to sign up online for 5 minute appointments. The sign-up should be available a week prior to conferences. Please email your child’s teacher directly to schedule a conference if the teacher’s PT conference sign-up is full.

Did you know that the midway point of first card marking is Friday, October 6th? We encourage you to login to Mistar Parent Connect to check your student's' progress in classes on this date. The first athletics/activities grade check will be conducted on that date. Click here for information on academic eligibility, and click here to access your student's grades via Mistar Parent Portal.

Did you know that students may still participate in the 1:1 program and be issued a chromebook? For students still interested in obtaining a district Chromebook, the technology department will resume issuance of devices out of each building (see locations below) from 10 am - 12 pm each day starting WEDNESDAY, October 11, 2017. You can learn more about Chromebooks in Plymouth-Canton Community Schools at P-CCS 1:1 Initiative Always. On. Learning.

Canton
Room 184
staffer: Tammy Remington
tammy.remington@pccsk12.com

Plymouth
Room 307 (inside Media Center)
staffer: Katie Ferencz
katie.ferencz@pccsk12.com

Salem
Room 2121 (on 2nd Floor, by the South Tower)
staffer: Tami Lowry
tami.lowry@pccsk12.com