The end of this school year was bittersweet in my life as an educator, parent and resident of Plymouth, MA. June 14, 2012 marked the last day of classes for students in what has been labeled the "Old North" high school. The original Plymouth high school, which opened in 1963, would be torn down July 1, 2012 making way for the "New North" high school's grand opening September 4, 2012. See link for full story via Mr. Rich Harbert of wicked local Plymouth. Plymouth North High School: End of classes marks end of an era
In this virtual tour I intend to share my memories of this beloved school in my years there as a student, educator and parent. I'd like to thank principal Cale Birk @birklearns for the idea of a virtual tour, and highly recommend you check out his post on the topic at The Learning Nation: 10 Picture Tour. I'd also like to thank principal Dr. Justin Tarte @Justintarte for his inspirational 10 Picture Tour post My new "10 picture tour".
#1 - The "Old North" 1963-2012
I met my wife here in 1985, graduated 1987 (Plymouth-Carver), became adjustment counselor & head football coach in 2001, athletic director and now assistant principal. I had the pleasure of driving my daughter (a freshman) to school each day this year!
#2 - The "Last Lap"
Video compliments of our outstanding district educational news network and director Dan Riley-thank you!
Excellent video of alumni visiting the "Old North" for the last time
#3 - The Portables
The Portables were portable units attached to the existing school in the mid 80's to assist with overcrowding. Initially slated to last approximately 5 years, they survived until June of 2012 where they were finally demolished (picture above). Should have named them the Permanents :)
#4 - The "Locker"
These lockers were located adjacent to room 205 on the main floor of Plymouth North High School. Back in 1986 & 87 locker 499 (missing....hmmm wonder where it went?) was where my girlfriend Jamie (now my wife) and I used to meet between classes. We had more than 4 minutes passing time to classes back then :)
#5 - The Courtyard
A truly remarkable and unique place. The courtyard was a place to hold class, take a walk, eat lunch, read a book, share great conversation and listen to music.
#6 - The Office
In 2002 principal John Siever allowed a new and enthusiastic adjustment counselor the opportunity to spend the summer cleaning out the old book storage room to make a new office. That's where I spent the next 7 years, as counselor and Director of Athletics. Hi praise to awesome English teacher Rachel Babcock @rachelbabcock and her students for making the best of this space as their classroom this past year.
#7 - Henry Cryer Jr.
Mr. Cryer was a beloved educator, coach and Athletic Director in Plymouth. He hired me for my 1st coaching job and is a man I respect tremendously. Our athletic fields are now named after him.
#8 - The Caf
The place I ate many a chicken fillet sandwich, took part in great conversations, played chess with students and watched friendships thrive!
#9 - The AP office
My office for the final 2 years at Plymouth North. A place where the desk was bigger than the office, but the people I met and the lessons I learned where bigger than life. PS: I wasn't that boring- my pictures and belongings were already packed when this photo was taken :)
#10 - The "New North" - Virtual Tour
Video compliments of Ai3 Architects & www.wickedlocal.com/Plymouth
The new school is better in real life, but that is for another 10 picture tour-stay tuned!
