Please note: 2^nd Quarter Progress Reports are enclosed.

Do you know the PMHS mission statement? I’m specifically not going to tell you in hopes that you do one of two things: look it up for yourself, or ask your child for the answer. What I’m hoping doesn’t happen is that you completely disregard the question and never take the time to find out what it is; after all, it’s the PMHS Mission that guides us on a daily basis.

As I forecasted in last month’s newsletter, November was extremely busy. We celebrated student achievements on a few different occasions including the National Honor Society induction ceremony as well as the fall sports banquet. We also faced several unforeseen obstacles such as when one of our student’s father died in a car accident, and when English teacher, Paula Adriance, lost her battle with cancer. Furthermore, PMHS was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to listen to Presidential candidate Barack Obama speak when he visited our school before Thanksgiving break. He spoke to our student body for about an hour and then responded to audience questions. I am proud to say that our students handled all of the aforementioned situations with a high level of respect and maturity.

Not to sound repetitious, but December is going to be a busy month. We have a lot to accomplish over the next couple of weeks, so let’s hope the weather cooperates with us. (No snow days!) With that being said, for those of you who have a child driving to and from school, remind them to be cautious and to drive safely as the winter weather worsens. Also, keep in mind that this Thursday (December 13^th) is a two-hour delay and that our Winter Concert will take place on December 20^th. I should also mention that on Friday, December 21^st, the PMHS Student Council will facilitate its annual Winter Carnival throughout the day. There are many activities planned and it is sure to kick off the winter break with some positive energy. Students are required to be in school that day as it is important to PMHS that we provide an opportunity for our students to meet the civic and social expectations for student learning as it relates to our Mission. If you choose to dismiss your child before the end of school on that day, he or she will need to present a signed note from you indicating as such to the Main Office before the school day begins,.

I began this newsletter with a question about the PMHS mission statement. I hope that you take the time to learn it and discuss it with your child. In fact, let me provide some incentive: if your child comes up to me during Winter Carnival and can recite the PMHS mission statement, I will provide him or her with an edible treat that I’m sure they’ll enjoy. As always, please feel free to contact me with any comments, concerns, or questions you may have. I can be reached at 875-8800 or at jfitzpatrick@pmhschool.com. Don’t forget to check out the school’s Website at www.pmhschool.com.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Student Recognition

Congratulations to Catherine Martinez, who is the first student in the four years PMHS has been open to make it to New Hampshire All-State. NH All-State is auditioned Band, Orchestra, and Choirs. The auditions took place on November 17^th. PMHS sent ten students to the auditions. Catherine will be going to Concord, NH, April 3-5 to practice with the other 150-200 choral students under the direction of Dr. Dan Perkins, of Plymouth State University. The NH All-State performance will be at the Grappone Center on April 5, 2008.

Chris Apkarian was one of ten students selected from Class M Cross Country to the 2007 New Hampshire All Class Cross Country Team. He was honored at an Awards Banquet on December 3. Congratulations!

Our own Deanna Clevesy attended a weekend seminar at Teen Vogue University October 26-28, 2007, in New York City. At this weekend she met designer Tommy Hilfiger, and Project Runway’s Tim Gunn.

Deanna also conducted a one-on-one interview with Senator Obama in November when he visited PMHS. She asked him questions from the students’ point of view.

At the Obama/Oprah rally in Manchester on December 9, Deanna was interviewed by USA Today.

Maria Frangione, Cam Drouin, Ryan Gillan, Moose Bourdeau, Brianna Tidd, and Logan Hopper pose with their certificates.

Brianna Tidd and Maria Frangione, received honorable mention for the Class M All State Girls Soccer Team. Moose Bourdeau received honorable mention for the Class M Boys All State Soccer Team. Ryan Gillan, Logan Hopper and Cam Drouin all made the Class M All Scholastic Boys Soccer Team, and Cam also made the Second Team Boys Class M All State Soccer Team. Congratulations to our outstanding student athletes!

Guidance News

SAT & ACT Test Dates

SAT Registration Late

Test Date Deadline Registration

Jan. 26, 2008 Dec. 26, 2007 Jan. 4, 2008

Mar. 1, 2008 Jan. 29, 2008 Feb. 7, 2008

May 3, 2008 Apr. 1, 2008 Apr. 10, 2008

Jun. 7, 2008 May 6, 2008 May 15, 2008

ACT Registration Late

Test Date Deadline Registration

Feb. 9, 2008 Jan. 4, 2008 Jan. 5-18, 2008

Apr. 12, 2008 Mar. 7, 2008 Mar. 8-21, 2008

Jun. 14, 2008 May 9, 2008 May 10-23, 2008

Accessing Web2School

PMHS made a change to Web2School on December 1, 2007. This change will have a small impact on your Web2School connection. Your new IP address in the advanced settings of Web2School is now 74.220.232.41.

Please refer to the instructions provided to you when you signed up for Web2School or you can visit www.pmhschool.com/w2s for detailed instructions. If you need assistance or have not signed up for Web2School and would like to, please contact w2stech@pmhschool.com.

The PTSA received a donation of a pair of prime tickets to a Patriots football game during the 2008-09 Season. The seats are 11^th row and are valued at $250.00. We are holding a raffle for these tickets throughout this year. Raffle tickets are $20.00 each. If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket, please contact Cathy Fraser at 875-3800 ext. 3087 or at cfraser@pmhschool.com.

PTSA Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the library. The next meeting will be held on January 8, 2008. Please join us!

Yearbook

If you would like to place an ad in the yearbook please contact Kim Kelliher at 875-3800 ext. 2115. Advertisement prices are below:

1/8 page - $45.00 ¼ page - $75.00

½ page - $165.00 Full page - $260.00

Student Council News

The Student Council is sponsoring a food drive to benefit local food pantries. Canned and/or dry goods can be brought to PMHS. The food drive will run until December 14. Thank you for your support.

School Play

Under the direction of John Anderson, PMHS students will perform Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet on May 15-17, 2008. Derek King and Meagan DiVito have been cast as Romeo and Juliet. More information on the play will be forthcoming.

Winter Concert

The Winter Concert will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2007, at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. Hope to see you there!

PMHS Calendar of Events December, 2007

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

School Board Meeting 6:30 pm Library

Dance 6:30-10:00 pm Cafeteria

Winter Concert

6:00 pm Auditorium

Holiday Break

Christmas Day

Holiday Break