Issue 3 May 2025
Plymouth North Robotics Is Off To Texas!
What the robotics trip entails, and how they got there
By Lydia Canniff
The Plymouth North Robotics team has always been a hard working group Their numbers have dwindled down to only ten people but they continue to press forward to achieve their goals In May, four of these students are going all the way to Houston, Texas to compete at Nationals!
“This year a small group of Robotics Team students competed in the ‘Drones in School’ competition,” Mr Carl Nielsen, robotics advisor and engineering teacher at Plymouth North said
Juniors Shawn DeCourcey, Jackson Burke and Ethan Borges, and Senior Caelan McNiff put in the effort that allowed them to go all the way to Texas But, the competitions they competed in were not an easy win for them
“The team has competed in online simulator races along with virtual races in which we had set up a course in the gym With the virtual races we had to submit videos We also used it in our marketing video, team display, and our engineering portfolio,” Mr Nielsen said
This consisted of Simulator Races, and “Virtual Races” in which they set up a drone racing course that is the exact field measurements required within the set of rules given They continued to make sure that every drone was tested and ready to race If anything was broken or needed to be fixed they proceeded to fix it
Students on the robotics team are exhilarated to be able to go on this amazing trip Using it as a way to connect with people with similar interests is a huge part of school trips like this The team hopes to come home as National Champions But, they must prepare to race in two days of competitions That will be against other high school teams from all over the country that are just as good as them
“I am super excited to be able to meet other pilots and compete on a competitive level,” Junior, Shawn DeCourcey, project manager and designer for the drone team, said
“As well as make connections with other pilots,” DeCourcey said, seeing as this is an amazing opportunity coming down the road for him
However, along with this exciting trip, like everything else in the world there is a heavy cost This cost being around $1500 per student However, the team has come up with ways to assist with the financial burden
“The cost is being offset by corporate sponsorship and fundraising,” Mr Nielsen said
They have reached out to businesses all around Plymouth in order to receive more donations to help fund those attending the trip While there from May 20th to May 24th, they will get the amazing chance to go see NASA!
Everyone's wishing this small group good luck on their journey to Houston, Texas!
“Be The Light” Benefit Show
Plymouth North and South Interact clubs organize an inspiring show for a good cause
By Maeve Geary
“It always feels good to perform for causes like this,” said Ally Chamberlain, a junior at Plymouth North who performed in the show “Knowing that you get to help people out by doing what you love makes it all very special ” With such skilled students in Plymouth, it is clear to see why the Interact club decided to continue with another benefit show
“It’s the best fundraiser we have every year because it’s a perfect mix,” said Emma Gibbons, the club’s publicity coordinator “Not only does all the money earned go to a good cause, to a non-profit organization, but you also get to see the students perform ”
At the end of this year's show, Interact club president Molly St Gelais was proud to announce that the event had raised $7,500 toward Hope Floats “It really hit me this year, seeing the number how many people will benefit from this,” said St Gelais “Especially because I know people personally who have benefitted from Hope Floats ”
It is no secret that the students of Plymouth are exceptional, and the efforts of the North and South Interact clubs, as well as talented student performers to organize this years “Be The Light” Benefit Show is a perfect example On Wednesday, April 16th, Plymouth North hosted the show for the third year in a row showcasing a wide variety of acts The show provided a night of entertainment for Plymouth’s students and families, but what was even more incredible was the money raised in support of a non profit organization based in Kingston, Hope Floats
Founded by Denise and Ken Brack in 2008, Hope Floats’ mission is to provide free aid and support to individuals and families experiencing grief and other life challenges
“We had a poll go out to the student body at the end of last year to see what they would be most interested in seeing this event support, and mental health was the primary one,” said Mrs Michelle Lewison, the advisor for Plymouth North’s Interact club
Last year, the Benefit Show raised $6,500 in support of local veterans, and the year before that $6,000 for a non-profit called Lucy’s Love Bus “Lucy's Love Bus was our first charity, and they had actually sent a specific letter to us, letting us know what they were able to do with the money,” said Mrs Lewison Lucy’s Love Bus was able to use the money to help families dealing with pediatric cancer diagnosis, thanks to the efforts of the North and South Interact clubs
This year, the responsibilities of organizing the show were placed almost entirely on the shoulders of the members of the Interact club Students in the club were divided up into three groups: A performance group, a donations group, and a publicity group
The club is hopeful that they can keep the tradition of the Benefit show alive “Hopefully, more students will get involved in building it,” said Mrs Lewison “But it does seem that the performers who are donating themselves in terms of their time and their talent have come back year after year, often the same ones ”
In the end, the Benefit Show had a third successful year and once again the talent of Plymouth’s students has been put to good use to support such an inspiring cause
“The fact that students are able to organize this is so impressive,” said Taliyah DeYoung, a senior at Plymouth North and one of many students who went to support the show “I always love seeing the performances everybody puts on, and the fact that they’re doing it for charity makes it even better”
Not only does the show put on display the talents of these students, but also the initiatives taken by Plymouth’s Interact club students and their ability to find creative ways to make a positive impact on their community
The show consisted of a range of talents students sang, rapped, played instruments, and even featured a performance from the Center for Active Living’s dance group Acapella groups from both schools participated in the event, and students from Manomet School of Dance stunned the audience with their performance
PNHS senior Noah Kerr performs with Northern Lights Acapella
Photo by Brady Meichsner
The Center for Active Living s Silver Steppers
Photo by Brady Meichsner
PNHS senior Molly Kelly performs
Photo by Brady Meichsner
How Local 5th Graders Stand On Business
5th Grade students present their business ideas during Plymouth’s 4th Annual Children’s Business Fair
By Caitlin Richer
This February, dozens of ambitious fifth grade students became CEO’s, marketers, and entrepreneurs Across the Plymouth Public Schools District, students were invited to participate in what is known as the Children's Business Fair Students were encouraged to create a business proposal, work with a mentor and sell their products and services to those who attend
Jennifer Mulvaney, Children's Business Fair Coordinator said, “the process guides them through how to cultivate an idea and bring it to fruition From production, to pricing, to promotion- they learn every facet of owning a small business and we are finding that students are really thriving in doing so We even meet as a larger committee with people from the Plymouth Foundation and the Chamber of Commerce to find ways to integrate local businesses and business owners to help support the young entrepreneurs ”
From selling crystals, to dog biscuits, to hand made jewelry, these fifth graders’ creative skills are impressive “I'm selling flower bouquets as my project and all the money I make is being donated to the Yellow Tulip Project!” said fifth grader Violet Wallberg, Owner of Violets Victorious Garden
“My favorite part was making the bouquets and watching people buy them ”
The skills students learned are lifelong-communication, problem solving, and innovation will last a lifetime Dually, they developed entrepreneurial skills, such as budgeting, marketing, and pricing These skills aren't just applicable in the classroom but are also relevant in the real world
“My project taught me how to be responsible and work hard I even got to make money and learn about something I'm interested in,” said Liam Huntley, fifth grader and owner of L & K Jewelers Events like the Children’s Business Fair show that age does not limit entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership
“This event is all about giving kids an opportunity to learn business skills and gain confidence at a young age ” said Sarah Mammone, a marketing teacher at Plymouth North “They gain the independence to develop their own ideas, build a brand, and pitch it to the public-it's incredible to watch ”
Parents and community members visited the fair and enjoyed each business stand in February of this year But, parents and community members are not the only people
getting involved
High School students from Plymouth North and Plymouth South were also invited to volunteer
“I decided to attend as a volunteer for National Honors Society, but I will definitely return in the future as a shopper These professional and intelligent students had great speeches, amazing layouts, and intriguing projects that will heavily help them in their future careers,” said Kateline Lawson, a senior at Plymouth North High School
The Children's Business Fair has the potential to spark the entrepreneurial spirit in future generations This incredible event will continue to inspire young students to develop a passion and market their interests as they progress through their lives, and continue to stand on business
Educating Outside of “Normal”
Many educators at Plymouth North have taken on teaching roles outside of their classrooms and beyond their disciplines aiming to broaden their scope of teaching while helping out departments in need
By Jennifer Cormier-Fosdick
This year many teachers at Plymouth North ventured outside of their disciplines to help meet the varied teaching needs of the building While the subjects being taught are not necessarily within some teachers’ specific certification, they are valuable resources and prove that teachers at Plymouth North can adapt to anything for the greater good of their students
With many departments in need, it is vital for the staff at Plymouth North to grow for all subject areas not only giving students more opportunities to learn outside of their core classes but also connect with new teachers they may not otherwise have known In particular, Mr Fabian and Mr Fraioli have risen to the challenge of helping the VPA department with Piano 1 and Introduction to Theater
“This is a new opportunity, and I said I wouldn’t mind because I think I have a lot of fun acting in the English classroom,” said Introduction to Theater teacher, Mr Fraioli “After teaching freshmen and seniors for five years, it was nice to change up the pace and really learn a lot ”
Mr Fabian Piano 1 teacher said “My department had been in the meetings with the VPA who were looking for people who could help and my name came up based on what I do in terms of music, and they asked me, it was a no brainer”
In the future, many teachers from the language department will also be teaching new classes, such as Mrs Lewison who will be teaching a happiness course next year She and Mr Davis, who is teaching a new education course, will allow students more choices to expand their knowledge and education
“Having only ever taught French, the idea of teaching something entirely new is refreshing and energizing,” said Future Happiness Teacher, Mrs Lewison “After witnessing Mr Fabian take on a piano course this year to help out within the VPA department, it made me think about how interesting it would be to teach just one course outside of my normal content ”
Mrs Lewison said, “I’ve read and learned a lot about a couple incredibly popular ‘happiness’ based courses at various universities and thought that the need and desire for this type of content is surely not isolated to college students, but could benefit students here in Plymouth ”
Though teachers have found incredible opportunities to teach new and exciting subjects, there are many challenges that come along with a whole new world of teaching The expectations for elective classes can be different from many core classes, so making adjustments has been key throughout this learning experience
“I think the gut reaction for me is super high standards but at the end of the day it’s piano one, and I’ve had to think about what are the shorter term goals I can leave them with,” said Mr Fabian “There are people in this building who are doing really amazing things that you would have no idea about ”
“It’s not my classroom, so I definitely feel like walking downstairs and being out of my space and the technology piece has been challenging,” said Mr Fraioli “I learned how the students really appreciate acting and getting into a new role and how a small theater class can get because of the way theater draws people together”
Although there has been an adjustment period to teaching these new classes, ultimately broadening their teaching perspectives Also giving teachers an opportunity to bring in more of their passions inside the classroom
The Art of Costume Design: Plymouth North’s Creative Team Creates Magic
Plymouth North’s costume design team takes the mainstage by bringing art and style together to breathe life into stories told on stage
By Ava Johnson
Plymouth North’s theater department has a vivid resume of productions, from plays such as Suite Surrender to award-winning musicals like Hadestown However, many people forget to appreciate the work that goes into choosing the costumes a crucial element to giving a story life It’s the artistry of North’s costume design team that brings productions to another level, creating a visually pleasing experience for the audience
Plymouth North s costume department is composed of lead costume designer Natalie Colbert, along with senior member Michaela Hanlon, and junior member Madeline Woomer This terrific trio have been working together for the past few years to create stories worth watching on the mainstage But it takes a lot to create the masterpieces students see on the Plymouth North stage This costume design team has inside knowledge on the mechanics of these productions, becoming the thread that ties North’s theater department together
Costume designing for a high school is really interesting The shows students and costumes change from year to year ” Mrs Natalie Colbert, Head Costume Designer for Plymouth North’s musical productions, said “We have a smaller budget and have to be creative casting a show this way
Mrs Colbert has been part of Plymouth North’s costume department for over ten years She started her costume designing journey when her own children were cast in the musicals After this, she was asked to do costumes for the next show However, it takes a team to create the spectacular shows that people observe from the audience
One of the original members, Michaela Hanlon, has been a part of North’s costume design team for four years As a graduating senior, she has learned a lot from her experience with North’s theater department “My favorite part is finding just the right piece,” Hanlon, lead student costume designer, said “Or putting them all together on stage for the first time ”
Madeline Woomer, a junior at Plymouth North, is the final piece of North s costume designing team “I chose the costume team because I was already doing tech for the play,” Madeline Woomer, assistant costume director, said “But I wanted to have a more creative way of helping out and prior to this I liked sewing and making clothes
The process of costume designing is complex and varies throughout the years, changing under different circumstances
“Costume designing for a high school is really interesting The shows, students, and costumes change from year to year We have a smaller budget and have to be creative casting a show this way,” Mrs Colbert said “It’s fun researching what people would wear in different time periods or creating what some characters should look like
Mrs Colbert searches for these costume materials by going to Savers searching North’s costume wardrobe, and collaborating with actors to bring their own clothes Mrs Colbert’s team helps facilitate this process Her team is composed of both upperclassmen, both graduating in the next two years and she is looking for students to fill their shoes
“We have fun and do hard work It’s a rewarding experience for a student ” Mrs Colbert said “As far as advice, starting as a volunteer is a great way to start!
“Costume design is very unique and creative, it’s done with the nicest people we always have so much fun,” Michaela Hanlon said “I recommend joining because the feeling of seeing your work and dedication on stage is unforgettable ”
For those who are interested in fashion, or have any creative interest in costume design students should be prepared for what it takes to put on a fantastic show
“I would say the hardest part of our job is the ironing out the quick
changes and making sure those are successful and seamless, Mrs Colbert said Another hard part is making the costume plot for each character figuring out when they change or add a jacket, carry a bag, or take off an apron ” Costume designing takes precision Cues need to be met, quick changes need to happen, and costumes need to be sturdy All of these components make up the art of costume designing If costume design is a passion that is interesting, students need to remember that certain skills are helpful to becoming a successful costume designer “Anyone who is hardworking, creative, organized, a good team player and always up for a laugh would be perfect to join ” Michaela said
Through all the productions put onto the Plymouth North stage, costumes continue to be a unifying element of theater, adding to both the physical presentation and sound effects to create a beautiful story on the main stage Any production without costumes would be incomplete, however, Plymouth North’s costume department goes above and beyond in ensuring the costumes elevate the show beyond the audience’s expectations The future of Plymouth North s costume department is bright their work reminds students that every piece of production, from script to set to costume, are all important elements to telling a story on stage
Photo By Maeve Geary
Photo By Maeve Geary
Photo By Maeve Geary
Building Success: Why the trades are a good alternative a college education
How joining the trades could be a great alternative to a 4 year degree
By Brady Meichsner
In today s world, the expectations to attend college are at an all time high But for some graduating seniors the idea of four more years of school doesn't sound like something they want to do In addition to delaying the ability to start earning, it takes away a lot just to attend college There is high demand for students looking to go into the trades creating an opportunity for individuals to earn steady wages
“It really depends on your goals,” said Marie Kelleher, a Plymouth Vocational Technical Teacher We need more young people in the industry The world is changing every day but these workers will be needed for many years to come ”
For many, college is not their desired pathway It is important for students to remember there's more than one option after high school Going into the trades is a respectable career a job that is needed and continually looking for more help
One major way that these students are getting into the different trades is through Co-op Mrs Kelleher works closely with all of the technical programs to send students out to gain real world experience in the career of their choice Dave South, Facilities Management program teacher at Plymouth North said, I will only send out the kids if I know it will be a valuable experience for them Mrs Kelleher and I do an inspection of every jobsite beforehand to make sure all the students I send out will be going to a safe environment ”
All of these opportunities are great for a high school student looking to get into the trades “ Personally I like to make sure that my students are being rewarded for their hard work, which is why I try to make sure all students that are sent out are being paid,” Mr South said “These trade jobs are a lot of manual labor and hard work and the kids deserve to be fairly compensated ”
Comfortable is the New Chic
A closer look at the rise of sweatsets and athleisure in fashion
By Ellie Rodgers
Once worn primarily during workouts and days off, sweatsets and athleisure wear have climbed the ranks of fashion and begun to dominate sectors such as street style and haute couture alike In fact, in 2023, the global athleisure market was estimated to be worth 358 07 billion USD, according to Grand View Research
“I love wearing sweat sets to school,” said Maddy Whiting-Wyatt, a student at Plymouth North “They’re way more comfortable than jeans, but still look cute ”
Many share Whiting-Wyatt’s opinion; it doesn’t make sense to wear uncomfortable, restricting clothing when one could opt for a more relaxed fit and still be considered stylish They also take away the need to carefully coordinate an outfit, as athleisure typically comes in matching sets or basic colors
“I just don't always feel motivated to put together a whole outfit at six in the morning,” said Whiting-Wyatt
Although sweat-sets may look laid-back, their costs are often anything but casual A typical pair of LuLuLemon leggings costs about $118, whereas a basic pair of Levi’s is $108 Often brand labels such as Essentials or Whitefox are used to justify these high price tags
“Athelisure wear conveys a message that the wearer is physically active and exercises regularly The clothing choice supports the way that we may want to be
Lydia
Jennifer
Ellie
One way that students could get the opportunity to go on co-op would be by joining a tech program In those classes you can build the skills you need to be able to sustain a job off campus
According to educationdata org every student who attends college departs with an average of $38 375 in student loans This is one major upside to picking trades there is no extra education after high school needed Another 4 years of earning in addition to no debt is a huge selling point to students who are sure they want to join the workforce straight out of highschool
More and more people are starting to see trades as a great option instead of going to college With way lower costs, and a huge need for workers, trades could be a viable option Today, getting a degree from a four year college isn t the only way to create a successful career For those who want to learn helpful skills and start earning money, trades can lead to a bright future
viewed by others," said Mr Shaun Loughlin, a psychology teacher at Plymouth North
Athleisure brands have built their image around fit, healthy models and the concept of wellness This association leads people to invest in a brand's image rather than its product, potentially leading to the increase in luxury sweatsets and athleisure wear
“Human beings have a tendency to conform to the behavior of the people they are surrounded by Fashion trends are a form of this, as many people choose clothes that match what they see others wearing,” said Mr Loughlin
Elaine Lutz a sales associate at Old Navy has seen first-hand this uptick in athleisure sales
“When I first started working, we carried basic sweats that were always stocked but never very popular,” said Lutz “In 2025, we have a much wider array of colors and styles due to high demand ”
This growing interest in Athleisure is partially fueled by the influence of social media
“When an item is trending on social media, people come into the store asking for it ” said Lutz “It's typically sold out within days of the initial post ”
Influencer marketing and general brand image are both driving factors for the growth of the athleisure industry However, it is likely that the
Covid-19 pandemic also played a key role It forced many people to go remote encouraging them to adopt a more casual wardrobe
“The demand for athleisure has definitely increased since Covid,” said Lutz “Often customers who work from home are the ones interested in the athleisure sections ”
Despite its rise in popularity athleisure is not universally accepted as stylish or fashionable Many people maintain the view that it does not belong in formal settings, such as at school or in an office
“I hope sweatsets go out of style I miss when putting on nice outfits for school was normal,” said Jocellyn Melleby, who is the winner of the “Best Dressed” superlative at Plymouth North and a future fashion design major
“I do not incorporate athleisure into my fashion ” Melleby said “I really only wear it when I’m working out ”
Although some, like Melleby, prefer the process of creating formal outfits, it is clear that Athleisure’s place in the fashion industry is not going away
I still feel like sweat sets let me express my style,” Whiting-Wyatt said “They are just more convenient ”
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Love at First Swipe: More Teens Are Using Social Media to Find Romance
In recent years, social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat have seen increased usage among teens for finding romance, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community
“Stranger danger” doesn’t hold the same ominous meaning for today’s teens what was once a warning has, for many, become the start of a connection Twenty four percent of all American teen “daters” have dated someone they first met online according to a 2015 study by the Pew Research Center This amounts to eight percent of all American teens Though this is a small percentage for some, it is indicative of a generational behavior shift in recent years
Of those who have met a partner online, the majority met on social media sites, with the bulk finding each other on Snapchat and Instagram In the digital age, it’s natural to see an uptick in this behavior The number today is most likely higher than it was in 2015, though there is no reliable data currently to prove this
Still for Plymouth North students finding someone online isn t just about convenience it’s about possibility “I’ve seen a noticeable increase in students meeting their significant others through social media,” said Kara Simmons, a guidance counselor at Plymouth North “From what I hear, it’s become pretty common They’ll tell me ‘I met this person online’ and I’ll ask, ‘Do they go here?’ and they’ll say, ‘No, I met them through Snapchat ’”
However, for LGBTQ+ students, dating is often restricted to the online world due to the challenges associated with the limited distinct local pool of potential candidates I do think it’s more common for LGBTQ+ students to seek out connections online,” said Alexandre Cardoso, leader of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Plymouth North “In a high school setting, the dating pool for LGBTQ+ students can feel very limited and the fear of rejection or outing makes in-person approaches riskier”
By Noah Kerr
He explained that platforms like Snapchat Instagram, and Discord allow students to meet others who share their identities and values even beyond their immediate communities “That’s really the heart of it safety, privacy, and community” Cardoso said “Dating apps or social spaces tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals often create a sense of validation and comfort ” Social media becomes a lifeline for these teens, allowing them to see they’re not alone and that others are living openly and seeking the same things “It gives students a chance to express themselves authentically and connect with others who are doing the same,” Cardoso said
In 2023, Pew Research Center published a study suggesting that LGBTQ+ adults are nearly twice as likely to use online platforms to form romantic or sexual relationships compared to their heterosexual peers Although this cannot be generalized to youth, this is a trend indicative of cultural norms
The reason? Safety, privacy, and access In a world where in-person rejection can have real social consequences the anonymity and reach of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat offer a softer place to land
Ella Pristas, a Plymouth North senior, found her significant other on Snapchat “At first, I was hesitant ” she said “You never know who someone really is online But over time, we FaceTimed, texted, and eventually met in person It was nerve-wracking but it also felt natural ”
Another student who chose not to be named expressed similar sentiments “At school, everyone knows everyone, and it can be intimidating On Instagram, I could talk to someone without all the pressure,” they said Still there is pushback from adults who view the behavior as unsafe and rightly so Simmons urges students to approach online relationships with caution “It’s important to set boundaries, verify identities, and talk to a trusted adult if something feels off,” she said
In a school environment where discussions around relationships often focus on heterosexual norms or avoid the topic altogether, opening up a conversation about online dating might do the trick in keeping our teens safe “I hope this helps other students feel less weird or alone,” Pristas said “It’s okay to find love in unexpected places even if it s through a screen
Social media will, of course, continue to have a grip on our dating practices The heart still wants what it wants Only now, it might just want to send a friend request first
The Buzz About Bees
The importance of supporting the small but vital local pollinators
As the earth awakens with signs of spring, many insects and small animals are drawn to come out of hiding from winter to soak up the first hints of warmth One small but mighty insect has learned to survive winters in a clever fashion, and also prove to be an environmental keystone for our area: bees
In New England alone, there are estimated to be around 400 bee species which aid in the pollination of local plants
Not only do they ensure the growth of crops, they also produce valuable materials such as wax and honey which are used in millions of households for cooking and self care Their survival naturally and through the help of local bee owners is crucial to support the ecosystem
“I read a book by Barbara Kingsolver called Animal, Vegetable, Mineral This book is about a family's vow to only eat locally sourced food for one year It really inspired me to think about raising as much of my own food as possible ” Adrienne Fontes, Plymouth bee owner, said “I definitely enjoy seeing the bees working the flowers on my vegetable plants in the garden and on bushes around the yard ”
As bees travel from flower to flower collecting nectar for their hive, pollen from male flowers rubs onto the bees bodies When at the next flower, some pollen will come off the bee on the female part of the flower from the male plant, allowing for pollination to occur
By: Molly Lutz
Despite their vital role in our community, pollinating up to 5 000 flowers per day many people fear bees potent sting and cause harm to the pollinators
“The bees had survived the winter and although it was not warm enough to open the hive, I witnessed a few flying in and out during warmer, sunny weather We went away and when we returned the top of the hive had clearly been opened,” Jessica Whittaker, Plymouth County bee owner, said “Our bees were away from any homes or places others walked It took effort to walk to our hive and open it ”
Incidents such as that experienced by Whittaker highlight the fear and stigma many people have surrounding bees and their sting Additionally, with many bees like Whittaker’s not surviving the winter and the expansion of human settlements has taken away bees' natural habitat and access to native plants, the bee population is rapidly declining
“I started beekeeping to help increase the bee population since there has been a drastic decline in honeybees over the last couple decades Especially this year, where hundreds of thousands of hives did not survive the winter Bees pollinate 1/3rd of the world s food crops, Stephanie Brandt, Plymouth Public Schools Special Education teacher and bee keeper said “In my classroom, I have an observation hive This hive is made of plexiglass so you can see into the hive and watch the bees at work ”
“Through educational opportunities provided by Brandt members of the Plymouth community are becoming educated on the importance of honey bee pollination, and the vital role they have on the environment
“Many students did not know that honey bees are docile little creatures, that are only trying to make food for themselves for survival I am hopeful that the observation hive will inspire students to go into beekeeping to help support the bee population,” Brandt said
By educating both students and citizens on the importance of these pollinators Plymouth can help bees thrive to support our community One way anyone can help support bees is by planting local flowers Local flowers for our area include Aster, Goldenrod, Wild Bergamot, and Blue Flag Iris, and make it easier for pollinators to access these flowers, and go on to pollinate other plants
Plymouth Police Department’s Consideration of Withdrawal
A look into the reasons the police department wants out of the civil service system
“The civil service system assists cities and towns with recruiting a qualified diverse labor force and evaluating current and potential employees desiring a career in public safety, to fill jobs across the Commonwealth, while providing safeguards to ensure a merit-based selection process, free of favoritism or nepotism,” Angela C McConney, Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, said
For over 100 years, the Plymouth Police Department has been a part of the state’s civil service program The town has tried at least twice before to remove the positions of police and fire chief from the civil service in 2008 and 2016, but despite their efforts, both attempts failed
This move, considering withdrawing from Massachusetts’s civil service system, is due to the challenges regarding hiring and sustaining qualified officers This decision also aligns with the trend among the town of Plymouth, which is seeking a more flexible recruitment and promotion process
“What I and other police chiefs have found is the civil service rules and processes have become an impediment putting a lot of restrictions on who we can hire, and it’s not always the best candidate or the best person for the community,” Dana Flynn, Plymouth Police Chief, said
The civil service system mandates a stateadministered exam, which many departments, for instance, Plymouth, find restrictive Departments under the civil service would hire candidates who scored high on the state test, but departments like Northbridge and Fairhaven have dropped this requirement The Northbridge police chief Timothy Labrie has noted the flaws this system holds, hindering the recruitment of candidates who may excel in policing skills but do not perform well on standardized tests
By Nelson Thevenin
Similarly, Fairhaven's Select Board criticized the civil service system for its failures in promoting diversity They highlighted the system’s lack of quantity in hiring women and minority candidates, on top of its outdated promotional and disciplinary appeal processes
Recently, it has become a trend for towns to leave the system Every town that either wants to leave or has left the civil service system has 1 or 2 main reasons or concerns that brought them to these decisions
Report HD 5005, The final report of the civil service special commission (March 2022) has stated, “Municipalities cite various reasons for separating from the civil service system Among the most common are delays in the hiring process, challenges with recruitment, and unsuitable examinations Municipalities also reported frustration with delays in exam results and release of eligible lists, sequencing of examinations and academy schedules and a lack of funding ”
On November 20, 2024, Governor Healey signed Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 into law, enacting a sweeping reform of civil service law to help combat Plymouth's hiring concerns The new reforms offered the following:
New alternative pathway: “hybrid” option for entry-level police and fire appointments
Larger pool of candidates to consider from the traditional civil service exam process
A new regional residency preference option
Streamlined approval process for cadet programs
DEI resources at the state level to assist cities and towns, especially with recruitment
Standing Commission to ensure continuous improvement in the civil service system
The new reforms were enacted after actively listening to the stakeholders, and modernize the system The hybrid option addresses one of the most-commonly identified needs, helping the chiefs in expediting original hires Cities and towns will “opt-in” through a multi-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HRD that includes an anti-nepotism and anti-favoritism policy Cadet programs now only need HRD permission rather than legislative action These programs give young people exposure to public safety professions, and provide a pathway to a diverse pool of qualified candidates,” said Angela C McConney regarding what she thinks Plymouth residents should understand about this issue
Plymouth’s consideration of exiting the civil service system is driven by its desire to enhance its recruitment capabilities and maintain excellent public safety services
This move is a reflection of the trend throughout Massachusetts’s towns seeking to adapt their public safety departments to best suit the needs of their communities
The Plymouth Police Department Now Has Body Cameras
An insight to the Plymouth Police Department’s newly implemented body cameras
By: Caelan McNiff
All on-duty officers in the Plymouth Police Department are now required to wear body cameras a move aimed at increasing transparency and public trust
The PPD which serves about 65 405 people is now taking new steps to move forward with the safety of the town and the citizens as a whole
According to Police Chief Dana Flynn, “I commend our officers for embracing this program not only to stay current with technology but also to enhance accountability and trust ”
This upgrade is an important step in fulfilling the department’s commitment to modern practices The new body cameras boost many new key features by addressing the needs of the officers and the needs of the people in the community “It increases accountability, transparency As well as good evidentiary value to record evidence on the scene, whether that’s criminal services or other services we provide ” Officer Connor Flynn stated
While sometimes it does seem good, some citizens may have concerns about their children being in school With the school resource officers having them, some parents may be worried about their children being recorded
But parents should have nothing to worry about considering it is only used for safety measures Officer Flynn said, “There is a mode that’s constantly recording, just video But when we activate it per our policy it then starts recording audio ”
With these resources being available it may help schools to figure out what actually occurs if an incident happens Instead of them just believing what someone says now they ll be able to just watch the body camera footage
With this new implementation the citizens in the Plymouth community can feel more safe and comfortable, fully knowing that they will have a good police department looking over them Stepping into the modern day, people will thank these new changes that are here and that are to soon come
“I feel more comfortable knowing that the police that watch over our town are now using body cameras, so then we are able to have a good law enforcement that isn’t corrupt ” Jeff Norton a citizen in Plymouth community states These body cameras also can make sure that there are no corruptions within the Plymouth Police Department
Plymouth North’s resource officer, Mr Ireland, wearing his body camera