Five Things You Need to Know Today: Feb. 21

1. Plymouth Public Schools are accepting applications for September 2013 placement in full day, tuition-based kindergarten. Application deadline is Feb. 26. Staffed by certified classroom teacher, the program offers music, art and physical education taught by certified professionals; educational field trips; cultural arts programs; lunch program. Before and after school childcare available through the Old Colony YMCA Program on site (fee-based).

Applications and information available at all Plymouth schools, the Plymouth Public Schools website and administration building. Reduced tuition application, based on family income, is available. Childcare vouchers are accepted as payment for tuition (no deposit required for families holding a current voucher). Possible locations: Cold Spring, Federal Furnace, Hedge, Nathaniel Morton, Manomet and South elementary schools.

2. Here are some ideas for free kids' activities during February vacation at Pilgrim Hall Museum.

3. The Plymouth Guild will hold its third annual juried photography exhibition March 30 through May 5 at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, located at 11 North St. Submissions may be made Feb. 1-22. Painted photos, digital (computer generated) artwork or other mixed-media work partially containing photos will not be accepted. All work entered must be for sale. A reception and awards ceremony will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 7, with hors d’oeuvres, live music and a cash bar. For a complete prospectus and details, see www.plymouthguild.org or call 508-746-7222.

4. The Plymouth Education Foundation is holding its third annual Valentine Gala from 7 p.m. to midnight, Friday, Feb. 22 (postponed from Feb. 9), at Waverly Oaks Golf Club, located at 444 Long Pond Road, Plymouth. This is a black tie-optional event and will include dinner, dancing and live music featuring Smoking Jackets. There will also be live and silent auctions featuring wares and gift certificates from local businesses, unique services, trips, gifts and services from the Plymouth South High School Technical Studies Department. Plymouth’s own Michael Rothberg will be the evening’s auctioneer, assisted by a special “celebrity” guest co-auctioneer. Rockland Trust Company is the event sponsor for the second year in a row.

All proceeds from the event will go the Plymouth Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2008. Reservations are $75 per person or $550 for a table of eight. In addition, the Foundation is gratefully accepting auction items of any value. To purchase reservations or donate an auction item, contact Nicole Manfredi at Nicole.Manfredi@plymoutheducationfoundation.org. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.plymoutheducationfoundation.org.

5. Have you ever thought about starting a blog? Learn how to blog on Patch.