What’s Happening At PAC
Remote Learning Day - Thursday, December 17
Good Morning Families, Sending Districts and Transportation Providers:
Please be advised that tomorrow, Thursday, December 17, 2020 will be a remote learning day for the Pilgrim Area Collaborative, due to the inclement weather forecast.
Learning options and check in/office hours will be available to all students. Stay safe!
Barnes & Noble Book- Thursday, December 10, 2020
Hi Everyone
The PSO is very excited to be sponsoring our 3rd Annual Book Fair fundraiser. We are teaming up with Barnes & Noble at Derby Street Shops in Hingham just 15 days before Christmas!
As you may remember, PAC gets a % of all sales in store and online when shoppers use our unique code or present a flyer! Over the past couple of years, we have raised over $2000 and, as always, 100% of what we make will go right back to our students, classrooms, and programs!!
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we will not be able to have PAC students/staff volunteer throughout the day handing out flyers, wrapping gifts, or representing PAC in the store, therefore it is more important than ever to spread the word and share our flyers/vouchers with family and friends!
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, December 10, 2020 (9:00 am-close)
*please note that our Bookfair Event will remain active through December 15th for qualifying purchases both in store and online!
- Carol/Diane/Deb will be emailing info to all PAC and PACES families
- Additionally, Teresa will print and send flyers/vouchers to all classrooms via interoffice mail to be sent home with students. Please be sure to give 1 of each (flyer and voucher sheet) to every student and staff.
- Please spread the word! Post to your FB page and social media accounts and email your family/friends - ANYONE can use our Bookfair ID # or make a purchase using our flyer/voucher!!
- For those programs who are working on community-based/transitional goals, you may want to consider planning a small group shopping trip.
Here’s what you can do to help:
1. Shop at Barnes & Noble
When: | Thursday, December 10, 2020- All day, or anytime during our Bookfair Event until Tuesday, December 15th |
Where: | Barnes & Noble at Derby St. in Hingham Present a copy of the attached flyer or voucher. |
2. Shop Online!
When: | Anytime, as often as you would like, between Thursday, December 10th-Tuesday, December 15th Be sure to look for Bookfair ID# entry at Checkout and enter the PAC Bookfair ID 12603999 |
3. Spread the Word!
Email the attached flyer/vouchers to friends/family/neighbors/co-workers and don't forget to share on social media!
PAC Bookfair ID# 12603999 |


2020 Thanksgiving Early Release Information

Just a reminder that Wednesday, November 25th is a half day for all programs except for those housed at Plymouth South Middle School. PSMS/SEASIDE which has no school this day. Programs have a half day with the following dismissal times:
Duxbury – 11:20 am
SLMS – 10:50 am
Pilgrim Academy – 11:05 am
GAP – 11:05 am
Bridgewater – 11:20 am
PSMS & SEASIDE – No School
Also, with the winter fast approaching, please see our Arrival and Dismissal Schedule here for School Cancellation/Delayed Openings/Early Dismissal procedures and times here: https://www.pilgrimac.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-2021-Arrival-Dismissal-Schedule-8-12-20.pdf This schedule is found under “PAC Calendars” on our main homepage.
Welcome Back Letters for Families
Welcome back letters were sent to families on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Please click the links below to view them:
These can also be found on our dedicated COVID-19 PAGE.
Required School Immunizations for 2020-21 School Year - Flu Shot
School immunization requirements exist to protect students and members of their community from serious vaccine-preventable diseases by ensuring high vaccination rates.
School immunization rates provide insight into the vaccine coverage in communities across the state. Since immunization rates are not uniform across the state, school immunization data highlight areas that may be more susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases. These data also show the importance of maintaining high immunization rates.
The 2020-21 school year will see the addition of a new immunization requirement for influenza vaccine for attending childcare/preschool, grades kindergarten – 12 and post-secondary institutions
Please CLICK HERE for all of the required immunizations and information about the flu shot requirement.
Mosquito Spraying in Bristol & Plymouth Counties
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced that due to the risk of EEEv in Plymouth and Bristol county, an aerial pesticide application will be taking place. This aimed at reducing mosquito populations to limit the incidence and spread of EEE infection.
This application is scheduled to begin on the evening of Monday, August 9th (weather depending). Please note that not all towns within Plymouth and Bristol county are in the spray area, and if a town is part of the spray area, the whole town may only partially in the spray area. For more information, please visit the Aerial Mosquito Spray Map.
PAC Transitional Skills in Kingston Living Magazine
Transitional Students in Tammy Hall's class at Plymouth South Middle School routinely help out around the community. PAC is very appreciative of the businesses and community members that help engage our students to learn life lessons while also contributing and giving back.
Sweet Sense Gluten Free Bakery in Plymouth has invited students in to help label products. Our students enjoy learning about small businesses and helping out. We thank bakery owner, Tessa Casey for being so accommodating and welcoming! Please CLICK HERE to read the article in the July 2020 issue of Kingston Living and to see our PAC students in action!
Summer 2020 Social Learning Opportunities

Now, more than ever, the value of social connection is evident. Regardless of our age, maintaining "social distance" does not mean being "socially distant". Whether we are communicating and interacting safely in-person, through Social Media, or via other technology platforms developing and maintaining relationships with others is critical to our social-emotional well being. Recognizing the vital need for our young people to continue to gain skills, engage in meaningful interactions, and to develop confidence navigating our ever-evolving social environment, Teach Social! PAC is pleased to announce Summer and Fall Social Learning Opportunities designed specifically for students with social learning challenges.
Please CLICK HERE for more details and to register.
2020-21 PAC Calendars and Arrival-Dismissal Schedule for All PAC Programs
If you are looking for the 2020-21 School Year Calendars and arrival and dismissal times for all of our PAC programs, please click PAC Calendars on the homepage for direct access. Should anything change for the fall, we will be updating that page. Thank you!
Please Check our COVID-19 Page

Please be sure to visit our dedicated COVID-19 page for the most up-to-date and comprehensive place to see all of our updates in regards to the COVID-19 school closures and online learning resources.
PAC ANNOUNCES 2 WEEK CLOSURE FROM 3/16/20 - 3/27/20
All PAC classes are cancelled Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, March 30. Please read the official letter at link below. Please note, this includes the cancellation of our PAC’s Got Talent which is scheduled for Friday, March 27. More details about whether this will be re-scheduled will be forthcoming.
PAC ANNOUNCES TWO WEEK CLOSURE
***PLEASE VISIT OUR DEDICATED COVID-19 PAGE HERE FOR ALL UPDATES IN REGARDS TO COVID-19**
Information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
***PLEASE VISIT OUR DEDICATED COVID-19 PAGE HERE FOR ALL UPDATES IN REGARDS TO COVID-19**
Please be advised that administrators and staff at Pilgrim Area Collaborative are staying informed about the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19).
For the most complete and comprehensive information, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's dedicated page on the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) include:
- fever
- cough and shortness of breath, and
- in severe cases, pneumonia (fluid in the lungs).
Although the risk to Massachusetts residents of the novel coronavirus is low, the risk for influenza is currently high. Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home if you are sick.
Click Here for Resources on how to talk to children about the Coronavirus from the National Association of School Psychologists.
GAP announces receipt of mini grant with South Shore Community Partners in Prevention

Read more at South Shore Community Partners in Prevention
Massachusetts IEP Improvement Project Survey
Below is a message from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). It outlines an optional survey is for all families that may have had or currently have a student on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The state is currently doing an IEP Improvement Project and is looking for feedback from parents who have children on IEPs.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) appreciates the feedback you have provided so far on the Massachusetts IEP Improvement Project. As you know from my previous email, we continue to need your help as we continue to make advancements with this initiative.
We are following up with a second survey specific to families, students with IEPs, and other interested parties. We need your assistance sharing this survey, which is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. This survey is open now through our deadline of May 18th.
Updated information about the status of the Massachusetts IEP Improvement Project will continue to be posted on our website. (http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/ImproveIEP/)
Input from family members and students with disabilities is essential in order to strengthen the direction of the state’s new IEP. Feedback from stakeholders in your community is critical in advancing the Massachusetts IEP Improvement Project, and impacting outcomes for students with disabilities. We sincerely appreciate your support and participation in this survey.
Thank you for your time and feedback.
PAC on PACTV Community News
We'd like to extend our gratitude to PACTV Community News for recently doing a segment on our work here at Pilgrim Area Collaborative. PACTV recently took a tour of our program at Pilgrim Academy in Plymouth, MA with Executive Director Dr. Maureen Gaughan, Pilgrim Academy Director Cheryl Jacques, and PACES Director Deb Booth.
Please feel free to share with your family, friends and neighbors and anyone else who may be interested in what we are doing at Pilgrim Area Collaborative!
MCAS Information - Now Available on PAC's Website
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) is in the process of upgrading MCAS to better measure the critical thinking skills students need for success in the 21st century.
Here at PAC, we have recently created a page on our website dedicated to MCAS testing. Under "PAC Information", you can click "MCAS Information" or access the page by CLICKING HERE. We have provided some basic information as well as informative links that will explain the new test, informally called "Next-Generation MCAS". We will routinely update with any additional information we receive from the state. We hope you find this information helpful for you and your student here at PAC.
Stop & Shop A+ Rewards Program
ID # 17982
All you have to do is:
- Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to designate our school online using your Stop & Shop card (PAC's ID is 17982),
OR
- Call the A+ Hotline at 1-877-275-2758 for assistance
Remember: If you registered your card last year, you DO NOT need to re-register this year. You can visit the website to verify correct school assignment. Also, don't forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. It could mean more CASH for our school. After you register your card, each shopping trip at Stop & Shop using your card earns CASH for our school.
Each month, the amount awarded will be updated on the Stop & Shop A+ website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at www.stopandshop.com. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program and the money can be used for any of our school's educational needs.
Box Tops for Education
This year, Pilgrim Area Collaborative will continue to participate in the Box Tops for Education program. Clipping Box Tops is an easy way for you to help the PSO to continue to support classrooms and programs. Box Tops are each worth 10 cents and quickly add up to real cash for our school. This school year, our school's earnings goal is $1,000.00.
To help our school, just look for pink Box Tops on products, clip them and send them in to your child's classroom teacher. As an added incentive, the classroom that collects the most Box Tops will be rewarded with an end of the year Classroom Celebration! Be sure to send them in a labeled envelope/baggie including your child's name and/or teacher!
AmazonSmile
The Pilgrim Area Collaborative PSO is now listed as an charitable organization with Amazon.com in the Amazon Smile program!
This means that when you shop at Amazon, using the link below, a portion of your purchase will go directly to the PAC Parent-Staff Organization (PSO) whose mission is to help raise funds for enrichment of our programs, students and families.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you
to support the PAC PSO –
every time you shop,
at no cost to you, at the same low prices.
Click here to link your Amazon account for PAC Rewards!