Season's Greetings from the Parent Council Secretary

Dear Fort River Families and Friends, I just wanted to take this opportunity to send Season's Greetings to you all and to wish you a wonderful and restful break from school. Please remember that school will start up again on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. I will be taking a break from the website until the beginning of January. My best wishes to all of you for a peaceful and happy New Year! Sincerely, Ann McLaughlin Fort River Parent Council Secretary

Upcoming Events

School Vacation. December 24-January 1, 2008. School reopens Jan. 2, 2008. Fort River Roaster's/Deans Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Jan. 4, 2008. Please send orders in to the Parent Council mailbox in the front office. Order forms are available for download in the "Parent Council Forms" section on the right-hand side of the page or at the Parent Council bulletin board in the school lobby. Parent Council Meeting. Monday, January 7th, 2008, 6:30-7:30pm. Library. Babysitting will be available.

AboutAmherst: A Local Amherst Blog by Mary Carey

AboutAmherst: School day

This is an adorable picture of some of our Fort River kindergarteners who were selling homemade ornaments yesterday to raise money for charity. This picture appears on the "AboutAmherst" blog by Mary Carey, a reporter who covers the Amherst schools for the Daily Hampshire Gazette and the Amherst Bulletin. Click on the link to check it out!

Teacher Wish Lists

At this time of year some parents like to make gifts to their children's classrooms and the school. The Parent Council therefore asked teachers what they would like if someone wanted to give something to the classroom, and received the following requests: Maurisa Davis – art supplies (various colors of yarn, foam, glitter, cotton balls, feathers, pipe cleaners), Target or Wal Mart gift cards, “classic” color markers, electric pencil sharpener Sally Imbimbo & Nettie Harrington – Bean Bag chair, big pillows, lamps, post-its, glue sticks Kris Griswald – non-fiction books (at the 3rd/4th grade level – especially on animals, weather, force & motion, cities, Cambodia, Russia, Romania, Japan, Africa), tissues, snacks. Roger Wallace – pencils, spiral bound notebooks, a new electric pencil sharpener, Scrabble games, dish rack for our mugs, powdered hot chocolate (individual or bulk), 8 ½” X 11” line paper, gift cards to stores where these items could be purchased. Laurie Hickson – instrumental CDs, tissues, stickers, Purell or other hand cleaner Trish Farrington – playground balls (rubber, about 81/2” to 10”), Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate Mix (ideally the scoop kind), gift certificates for area bookstores Linda Yeh - paper towels, markers, rolls of tape, pencils, pencil eraser tops, gift certificates to Target and Barnes & Noble Kim Thrasher – gift certificates to Barnes & Noble

Upcoming Events

Diversity and Social Justice Committee. Friday, December 21, 8:40am. Library. School Vacation. December 24-January 1, 2008. School reopens Jan. 2, 2008. Fort River Roaster's/Deans Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Jan. 4, 2008. Please send orders in to the Parent Council mailbox in the front office. Order forms are available for download in the "Parent Council Forms" section on the right-hand side of the page or at the Parent Council bulletin board in the school lobby. Parent Council Meeting. Monday, January 7th, 2008, 6:30-7:30pm. Library. Babysitting will be available.

Early Dismissal on Thursday, Dec. 13, Due to Snow

Amherst and Pelham ELEMENTARY Schools will DISMISS EARLY today at 12:45. Also, The Amherst-Regional MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS will be CLOSED today.

Upcoming Events

Fort River Roasters Orders Due. Friday, December 7th. Please send forms in to the Parent Council mailbox in the school front office. Order forms are available on the right-hand side of this webpage under "Parent Council Forms" or at the Parent Council bulletin board in the school lobby. Coffee With a Principal. Friday, December 14th, 8:30 to 9:15am. Join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Diversity and Social Justice Committee. Friday, December 21, 8:40am. Library. School Vacation. December 24-January 1, 2008. School reopens Jan. 2, 2008. Fort River Roaster's/Deans Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Jan. 4, 2008. Please send orders in to the Parent Council mailbox in the front office. Order forms are available for download in the "Parent Council Forms" section on the right-hand side of the page or at the Parent Council bulletin board in the school lobby. Parent Council Meeting. Monday, January 7th, 2008, 6:30-7:30pm. Library. Babysitting will be available.

Winter Choral Concert by 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Choruses

Dear Parents and Guardians of Fort River Chorus students, The fourth, fifth and sixth grade choruses will present a winter choral concert on Thursday, January 24th at 7 pm in the Amherst Middle School auditorium. Please have your child report to the auditorium by 6:40 pm that night so that we can have the chorus warm up and prepare for the concert. Concert attire for boys includes white shirts or sweaters and dark slacks. Girls should wear a white blouses or sweaters and dark skirts or slacks. If you are unable to attend the evening concert, we will also be presenting a daytime performance for the school in the Fort River gym on Thursday, January 24th at 2:10 pm. Thank you. It has been a joy working with your students. They are terrific singers! See you in January, Anne White

Amherst Regional Middle School Principal Search

Dear Amherst Elementary School Parents, At the next meeting of the Amherst Middle School Family School Partnership, Dr. Jere Hochman (School Superintendent) will speak on the ARMS principal search. The meeting is on Wednesday December 19 at 7 PM in the Middle School library. All elementary school parents are invited to attend. If you have questions that you would like Dr. Hochman to address please send them to the ARMS Family School Partnership: armsfsp@yahoo.com. Thanks & Best Regards, Kate Troast and Lise Halpern Co-Chairs, ARMS Family School Partnership

Of Interest to Fort River Families

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Cataline Arrubla of Multi-Arts has asked me to post the following information: Remember the movie being shot this past summer "Bubble Trubble?" (Several of your children took part it it.) Well, we are doing a "test show," and we would like to invite you all: children, friends and parents to see the entire movie (90 mins.). Thanks to Amherst College we will be showing it at their Campus Center Theater twice: Saturday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. & Sunday, December 9 at 11:00 a.m. Event free of charge. For more information about the movie and to see the preview visit: http://www.bubbletrubblethemovie.com/. Also we would like to invite you to see our art exhibition at the Henion Bakery, 174 N. Pleasant St, Amherst. With beautiful paintings made by several children who have participated in Multi-Arts during our past 7 years. INES ARRUBLA FLAMENCO DANCE THEATER presents "SON FLAMENCO 2007." Who: 7 musicians 4 dancers. When: December 7th and 8th, 7-9 pm. Where: Iron Horse, Northampton. Tickets: $22.50 in advance / $25 at the door. Northampton Box Office, 413-586-8686/1.800. THE.TICK. & IHEG.comyou can view our trailer on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8BYGbIHHTk. Contact: Catalina Arrubla, Director http://www.multi-arts.org/ ACAC Holiday Drop & Shops. Bring your kids to Amherst Community Arts Center for a 3 hour workshop while you shop in town! December 8: Origami Workshop with Annie Zirin 9:30-12:30am. Marble Chutes with David Costello, 12:30-3:30pm. December 15: Clay Masks with Dara Herman-Zierlein, 9:30-12:30am. Greeting Card & Gift Paper Workshop with Carolyn Toomey, 12:30-3:30pm. December 22: Paper & Bookmaking with Sarah Balascio, 9:30-12:30am. Ornament Workshop with Hillary Milens 12:30-3:30pm. $30/session or $50/2 sessions. Parents may attend workshops with children for a combined cost of $50/session. Pre-registration required. Please call ACAC at (413) 253-9265, http://www.amherstarts.org/. Northampton Family Dance. Please come to the Family Dance! Our second dance of the season will be held on Sunday, December 16. The dance takes place 3:00 - 5:00 PM at First Churches, 129 Main Street, Northampton (use the Center Street entrance across from the Iron Horse). Come enjoy a variety of folk and contra dances geared to children and families. All dances are taught, and all ages are welcome--no dance experience is necessary. Live music! Admission is $4 per person for ages 3 and up, $15 maximum per family. For more information, please call Judy Stern at 256-2613 or email judystern44@yahoo.com. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families. 2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short blurb of 100 words or less. 3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We will add new information to the blog every Friday. Thanks for your cooperation!

It's Time to Wake Up and Order the Coffee!

Orders for Fort River Roasters coffee from Dean's Beans are due this coming Friday, Dec. 7. Please be sure to get your forms into the Parent Council mailbox by then. Extra forms are now available at the Parent Council bulletin board in the school lobby. You can also click HERE to download a form or click on the link on the right hand side of this webpage under "Parent Council Forms."

Upcoming Events

Teacher Curriculum Workday. Friday, November 30th. No school. Fort River Roasters Orders Due. Friday, December 7th. Please place in Parent Council Mailbox. Coffee With a Principal. Friday, December 14th, 8:30 to 9:15am. Join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Diversity and Social Justice Committee. Friday, December 21, 8:40am. Library. Parent Council Meeting. Monday, January 7th, 2008, 6:30-7:30pm. Library. Babysitting will be available.

What Has Parent Council Done for You and Child?

As 2007 comes to an end, we wanted to provide an update about the various activities and events that were brought to you by Parent Council this year – and to ask for your continued support of Parent Council activities and events! *Providing FREE school directories to all children* *Paying $10 per child for all 4th graders to go to Plimouth Plantation* *Coordinating the Fall Festival (e.g., the Halloween Party)* *Funding the Welcome to New Families event* *Funding the monthly Coffee With a Principal event* *Providing the guidance counselors with funds to assist Fort River families in need* *Providing each classroom teacher with special funds to buy books for the classroom* *Coordinating the Summer Read-a-thon* *Providing the Museum of Science presentations to all children* *Paying for flowers for the planters in front of school* *Paying for the Birds of Prey presentation for all 2nd graders*

Big Thank Yous to...

Pam Rietkerk and Alisa Braverman for running the Hillside Pizza (and cookie dough) fundraiser – which raised over $800 (profit) for the playground!

Gift Wrap Orders

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Fall Gift Wrap fundraiser. The orders will be delivered on Wednesday, December 5th and distributed soon after. Those with large orders will receive notification that their orders can be picked up in the main office. Smaller orders will be sent home with students. Questions? Contact: Karen Zilberstein at eKaren@comcast.net.

Annual Family Donation Fund Update Nov. 29, 2007

Thanks to all the families who have already contributed to our Annual Family Donation Fund, which supports all Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, library books, scholarships for children in need, etc.)! We have now raised $5,812 from 152 of our 359 families (42% of families), and are still hoping for contributions from all families (and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation)! Although we suggest $20 a child, contributions of any size are welcome ­ and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive. Want to know how these contributions are spent? Click here.

A Note of Thanks to Parent Council

Don't Forget These Ongoing (and Easy) Fundraisers!

Stop & Shop's A+ BonusBucks Program: If you are a Shop & Shop customer and haven't already signed up, please do so! It's quick, easy and free. You can log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to designate online, call 1-877-366-2668 to designate over the phone, or fill out the A+ BonusBucks Form and drop it off at any Stop & Shop store. Even if you designated last year, you must re-designate this year for our school to receive credit. Please be sure to designate Fort River using ID # 05218. Click here for a form. Box Tops for Education: For each Box Top clipped we receives 10 cents! Please send in box tops to the collection box on the table in the Front Office. Cellphones and Ink Jet Cartridges: Please help protect the environment AND raise money for Parent Council by donating your used digital cell phone(s) and ink jet cartridge(s). Your used cell phone(s) will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council. Just bring your used cellphone and/or ink jet cartridges to the box in the main office.

Upcoming Events

Pizza Pick-Up Day. Get your Hillside Pizza Orders, Friday, Nov. 16th, 3-5pm. School lobby. Thanksgiving Recess. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22nd & 23rd. No school. Parent Council Meeting. Tuesday, November 27th, 8:30 to 9:30am, cafeteria. Teacher Curriculum Workday. Friday, November 30th. No school. Coffee With a Principal. Friday, December 21st, 8:30 to 9:15am.

Hillside Pizza Fundraiser -- Pickup This Afternoon (Friday, Nov. 9)

Don't forget to pick up your Hillside Pizza orders this afternoon at the school lobby between 3-5pm this afternoon! Questions? Contact Pam Rietkerk at pjrietkerk@aol.com or 256-2605 or Alisa Braverman at a.braverman@comcast.net or 253-5362.

Gift Wrap Sales

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Fall Gift wrap fundraiser. The orders will be delivered on Wednesday, December 5th and distributed so0n after. Those with large orders will receive notification that their orders can be picked up in the main office. Smaller orders will be sent home with students. Questions? Contact Karen Zilberstein, eKaren@comcast.net.

Fort River Parent Council Email List -- An Update

Hi All, We currently have a total of 168 subscribers to our Parent Council emails! I'd love to have as many parents as possible subscribe, so please help me spread the word about this website and about the email list. Feel free to forward this website address to other Fort River families, and let them know that they can get all kinds of great information here! Click here for more information about subscribing to our emails. Thanks, Ann McLaughlin Parent Council Secretary damclaughlin@comcast.net

Upcoming Events

TODAY -- Hillside Pizza Orders Due. Friday, Nov. 9. Veteran's Day Observed. Monday, Nov. 12. No School. Coffee With a Principal. Friday, November 16th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Pizza Pick-Up Day. Get your Hillside Pizza Orders, Friday, Nov. 16th, 3-5pm. in the school lobby. Diversity and Social Justice Committee Meeting, Friday, November 16th, 9 to 10 am, library. Thanksgiving Recess. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 22nd and 23rd. No School. Parent Council Meeting. Tuesday, November 27th, 8:30 to 9:30 am, cafeteria. Teacher Curriculum Workday. Friday, November 30th. No School. Coffee With a Principal. Friday, December 21, 8:30 to 9:15am.

Hillside Pizza Orders – LAST CHANCE!

Buy delicious, organic, locally-made pizza and cookie dough and help support our new playground! Orders are due TODAY, Friday, November 9th, and pizza/cookie dough pick-up is Friday, November 16th. Extra order forms are available here and in the main office. Ingredient and allergen info here.

Contact Pam Rietkerk (256-2605, pjrietkerk@aol.com) or Alisa Braverman (253-5362, a.braverman@comcast.net) with any questions.

Thanks to Volunteers

Thanks to Louise Levy for organizing the Fall Festival, and to ALL the volunteers who assisted in various ways with this event! Thanks to Morgan Lord for organizing the Winter Gear Drive, the following volunteers for helping with coat pick-up and distribution (Sheri Schmidt, Chris Felton and Pat Ononibaku) and all the families who donated items.

Annual Family Donation Fund Update

Thanks to all the families who have already contributed to our Annual Family Donation Fund, which supports all Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.)! We have already raised $5,288 from 147 of our 359 families (41% of families), and are still hoping for contributions from all families (and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome ­ and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Scenes from the Fall Festival

A fun time was had by all!

Stop and Shop A+ BonusBucks update

As of today (Nov. 3), Fort River has earned $139.88 through the Stop and Shop A+ BonusBucks program! Thanks to the 24 Fort River families who have already signed up for the program, If you are a Shop and Shop customer and haven't already signed up, please click here for information on how to do it. It's very quick and easy and it costs you nothing.

Upcoming Events

Winter Gear Drive--Gear Pick Up. Monday, November 5th & Tuesday, November 6th, 8am-10 am & 2pm-4pm. School lobby. (See below for more details.) Hillside Pizza Orders Due. Friday, Nov. 9. Veteran's Day Observed. Monday, Nov. 12. No School. Coffee With a Principal. Friday, November 16th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Diversity and Social Justice Committee Meeting, Friday, November 16th, 9 to 10 am, library. Parent Council Meeting. Tuesday, November 27th, 8:30 to 9:30 am, cafeteria.

Celebrate With a Book

This year we are continuing a tradition at Fort River Library: Celebrate With a Book! Books may be donated to the Fort River Library in honor of a student’s birthday, a holiday or for any other occasion. A special book plate will be placed in the donated book stating the name of the donor and of the child or adult being honored. Also, the donor and the honoree will be sent a thank you note acknowledging the donation. In times of limited school budgets, this program helps our school by adding wonderful new books to our library. Children also gain a sense of sharing something meaningful to be enjoyed by readers for years to come. Please choose a book you and your child have enjoyed or you can call or email Fran Ludington, FR librarian, for suggestions (362-1215, ludingtf@arps.org). Here’s all you have to do: 1. Drop the book off in the main office of Fort River School (there is a Celebrate with a Book box there), with this completed form. 2. Any questions, contact parent volunteer Elly Hosea (elly_hosea@yahoo.com) or contact school Librarian Fran Ludington.

Pizza and Cookie Dough Orders Are Due in One Week!

Have YOU Ordered Your Hillside Pizza?? Please support the final push to finish the new playground! Thanks to those of you who have already placed orders and to those of you who haven’t… PLEASE ORDER NOW!!! Here’s how it works: 1. Order pizzas & cookie dough tubs with this order form.

(Ingredient and allergen information available here.)

2. Pick-up is from 3:00-5:00pm in the Fort River lobby on Friday, November 16. Samples of delicious Hillside Pizza will be available at Fort River after school Tuesday, November 6. Order form due Friday, November 9. Pizza pick-up will be Friday, November 16. Ready to Volunteer on Pizza pick-up day? Contact Pam Rietkerk at 256-2605 pjrietkerk@aol.com or Alisa Braverman at 253-5362 a.braverman@comcast.net

A HUGE Thank-You to Our Playground Volunteers

Parent Council thanks the small number of dedicated volunteers who assisted with the preparation of the new playground this past Sunday, October 28th. They worked for several hours removing excess cement, preparing the ground covering, removing brackets and raking woodchips. Thanks to Peter Wood, Mike Jacques, Ray Mann, Catherine Sanderson, Michael Ireland, Mark Marasco, Mark Dooley, and Sue Cairn. The playground looks terrific!

Annual Family Donation Fund Update

Thanks to all families who have already contributed to our Annual Family Donation Fund! Our latest numbers are: 142 families have contributed a total of $5,188. That's 40% of all of our Fort River Families! We are still hoping for contributions from ALL families and even a $1.00 donation helps us toward our goal! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Winter Gear Drive

Gear Drop off: Thank you to everyone who has already donated coats, snow pants, snow boots, etc. Donations will be accepted until Monday November 5. Gear Pick up: School Lobby Monday, November 5th & Tuesday, November 6th 8am-10 am & 2pm-4pm We will be in the lobby offering donated winter gear to families who may be in need of these items. All families are welcome. We are asking families that are in need to only take one of each item. Then, if there are extras and you need a spare or back up, we can offer those as well. If you are not available to come in during these times, children are allowed to come to the table with a note to receive their articles or call Morgan to arrange a pick up time. If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Lord, storm01060@yahoo.com or 253-9424.

Upcoming Events

Gift Wrap Sales Order Deadline. Friday, Oct. 26th. Fall Festival Friday, October 26th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, cafeteria. Fort River Roasters/Dean's Beans Orders Due. Friday, Nov. 2nd. Hillside Pizza Orders Due. Friday, Nov. 9. Veteran's Day Observed. Monday, Nov. 12. No School. Coffee With a Principal, Friday, November 16th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Diversity and Social Justice Committee Meeting, Friday, November 16th, 9 to 10 am, library. Parent Council Meeting, Tuesday, November 27th, 8:30 to 9:30 am, cafeteria.

Hillside Pizza Fundraiser

Don't forget to order your pizzas (and desserts)! The order deadline is Friday, Nov. 9th. Pizza pickup is Friday, Nov. 16th. Click here for extra order forms: Hillside Pizza Order Form. Contact: Pam Rietkerk (tel. 256-2605, pjrietkerk@aol.com) or Alisa Braverman (tel. 253-5362, a.braverman@comcast.net.)

Winter Gear Drive

To ensure all Fort River children are toasty warm, we are having a Winter Gear Drive. Donations of coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves will be accepted. ALL sizes, children and adults are in need. Gear Drop off:

During the Fall Festival Friday, October 26th from 6pm-8pm, & All week in the school lobby October 29th through November 2nd Gear Pick up: We will be in the lobby offering donated winter gear to families who are in need of some of these items. Monday, November 5th & Tuesday, November 6th 8am-10 am & 2pm-4pm If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Lord, storm01060@yahoo.com or 253-9424.

Someone will be available Friday 6pm to 8pm on October 26th and November 5th and 6th during distribution for questions as well. The Winter Gear Drive is sponsored by the

Diversity and Social Justice Committee of Fort River Parent Council.

Fall Festival Tonight

Just a reminder that tonight's Fall Festival is NOT a drop-off event! All children must be supervised by their parents.

Also, for those of you who are new to Fort River, the kids (and some parents!) do indeed wear their Halloween costumes.

This is one of Parent Council's most popular and fun events. We hope to see you all tonight in your costumes!

Annual Family Donation Fund Update for Oct. 26, 2007

Thanks to all families who have already contributed to our Annual Family Donation Fund, which supports all Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.)! We have already raised $4,898 from 143 of our 359 families (40% of families), and are still hoping for contributions from all families (and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Playground Volunteers Needed This Weekend

We are looking for some help for the last time in 2007 with preparing the new playground equipment and benches for use! Can you help this Sunday afternoon, October 28th, 1 to 3 pm (or any time within this period), with removing brackets (cordless drills would be useful), smoothing the ground beneath the equipment, and shoveling woodchips? Please contact Catherine (casanderson@amherst.edu, 256-4977) if you can help! Click here for some pictures of the latest installations. It's looking great!

Gift Wrap Sales -- Orders Due Today Friday, Oct. 26.

The gift wrap orders are due today. Questions? Contact Karen Zilberstein (253-7072; eKaren@comcast.net.)

Progress at the Playground

This is what the playground looked like on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd.

Awesome!

Upcoming Events

Coffee With a Principal. Friday, October 19, 8:30 to 9:15am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Fall Festival. Friday, October 26th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, cafeteria. Gift Wrap Sales Order Deadline. Friday, Oct. 26th. Fort River Roasters/Dean's Beans Orders Due. Friday, Nov. 2nd. Hillside Pizza Orders Due. Friday, Nov. 9. Veteran's Day Observed. Monday, Nov. 12. No School. Coffee With a Principal. Friday, November 16th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Parent Council Meeting. Tuesday, November 27th, 8:30 to 9:30 am, cafeteria.

Volunteers Desperately Needed -- Playground Installation

We are installing the next phase of the playground on Saturday, October 20th, and desperately need volunteers to assist with assembling the play equipment and planting trees/bushes. Please come, even for an hour or two (morning help ESPECIALLY needed). Contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu ,256-4977) ASAP to volunteer.

Annual Family Donation Fund Update

Thanks to all families who have already contributed to our Annual Family Donation Fund, which supports all Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.)! We have already raised $4,898 from 134 of our 359 families (37% of families), and are still hoping for contributions from all families (and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Thanks from Parent Council

Big Thank Yous to Pam Rietkerk for organizing Picture Day and to the volunteers who assisted on Picture Day: Audrey O'Connell, Diane Caracker, Lynn Hayes, Sue Borden, Ellie Skinner, Carrie Turkot, Crystal Sargent, Leah Hebert. Thanks to Libby Stanforth and Hana Rivkin for distributing the school directories.

Hillside Pizza Fundraiser

Buy delicious, organic, locally-made pizza and cookie dough and help support our new playground! Orders are due Friday, November 9th, and pizza/cookie dough pick-up is Friday, November 16th. Extra order forms are available here. Ingredient/allergen information is available here. Questions? Contact Pam Rietkerk (256-2605, pjrietkerk@aol.com) or Alisa Braverman (253-5362, a.braverman@comcast.net).

Fort River Roasters from Dean's Beans

Buy delicious coffee/hot chocolate at prices cheaper than local grocery stores and help support our new playground! Orders are due Friday, November 2nd. For more information about the products for sale, click here. Extra order forms are available here.

Questions? Contact Hana Rivkin (256-2330, hrivkin@yahoo.com) or Libby Stanforth (253-8039; bstanforth@comcast.net).

Gift Wrap Sales -- Orders Due Friday, Oct. 26.

Gift Wrap Sales orders are due Friday, October 26th. Questions? Contact Karen Zilberstein (253-7072; eKaren@comcast.net).

6th Grade Graduation

Calling all 6th grade parents! Please remember to sign up to assist with graduation responsibilities. Questions? Contact Karen Zilberstein (253-7072; eKaren@comcast.net). Click here for Graduation Form.

Class Potluck -- Amy Jackendoff's Class

Amy Jackendoff’s 4th grade class is having a potluck dinner on Wed, Nov 7., 6-7:30pm in the Fort River Cafeteria I. Contacts: Janet Kannel (janetkannel40@comcast.net or 253-4641) or Alisa Braverman (a.braverman@comcast.net or 253-5362).

Fall Festival--Please Volunteer and Help Recruit Volunteers

Hi, I'm writing to ask for your help in recruiting more volunteers for the Fall Festival. We still need a few more people who can help out at the craft and game tables and monitor the snack table, the survival center table, the halls and the playground from 6:00 to 8:00pm. The more people the more fun and the easier it is. There are no skills required, specific instructions/directions will be provided. Two people could even split a shift or do one together. It's really a fun way to participate in a really fun event. The kids have a blast and the costumes and parade are really awesome! If you can give us some of your time (and have a great time in return!) please contact Louise Levy, tel. 256-1930, lhlevy@lycos.com, or Gina Chaplain, tel. 253-1955, ginach@bigplanet.com. Please forward this information to the parents in your classrooms and/or spread the word to any else you think may be interested. Thank you, Gina and Louise For more info, click here for the Fall Festival Volunteer Form.

Hillside Pizza Fundraiser Allergen Information

For those of you who have food allergies in your families, here is some information from Hillside Pizza about the ingredients used in their products. You can also take a look at their website at: http://www.hillsidepizza.com. Basic Cheese Pizza. Ingredients: Dough: Unbleached white organic flour, water, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, organic sugar, yeast. Sauce: Organic ground tomatoes, organic pureed tomatoes, organic oregano, sea salt. Cheese: Natural cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan blend. Pesto Pizzas. Dough: Unbleached white organic flour, water, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, organic sugar, yeast. Sauce: Hillside Pesto (Hillside basil, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil blend, hillside garlic, walnuts, parmesan cheese, pignoli nuts). Cheese: Natural cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan blend. Allergy Warning: Contains known allergens – wheat, milk, tree nuts. (walnuts, pignoli nuts). Contains NO preservatives. Hillside Chocolate Chip. Unbleached white organic pastry flour, organic cane sugar, butter, egg, canola oil, chocolate chips, vanilla, sea salt, baking soda. Contains NO preservatives. Contains known allergens: wheat, milk, eggs.

Boston Museum of Science Demonstration

Some Fort River students help out at the "Fog, Flowers and Fireworks"

demonstration after school on Wed. Oct. 10.

This event was presented by the Boston Museum of Science and was sponsored by Parent Council. As part of this special event, each Fort River class attended one of three separate, age-appropriate demonstrations during the school day.

Thanks to Betty Sharpe for organizing the Science Day Demonstrations, and Chris Felton and Janet Kannel for managing the Bake Sales before/after this event.

Upcoming Events

Picture Day - Tuesday/Wednesday, October 16 & 17. Diversity and Social Justice Committee Meeting, Wednesday, October 17th, 8:40 to 9:40 am, library. Parent Council Meeting. Wednesday, October 17th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, library. Babysitting will be provided (free). Coffee With a Principal. Friday, October 19th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Playground Day. Saturday, October 20th, 8:30 am to ???. Please help with assembling equipment and planting trees. Contact Catherine Sanderson at casanderson@amherst.edu. Fall Festival. Friday, October 26th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm, cafeteria.

Playground News -- Installation on Oct. 20th.

We are installing the next phase of the playground in the next few weeks, and desperately need volunteers to assist with all of the following: assembling the play equipment and digging holes and planting trees (all on Saturday, October 20th). Can you help on that day? We also are in search of one or two people with some landscaping expertise to sketch out a layout of trees, benches, and picnic tables! Please contact Catherine (256-4977, casanderson@amherst.edu) if you can help in any of these capacities.

Hillside Pizza Fundraiser for the Playground--Dates Announced!

Orders for the pizza fundraiser are due Friday, November 9. Click here for a copy of the form. Forms will also be coming home in the backpacks.

Here’s how it works: 1. Order pizzas & cookie dough tubs; send form and payment to the Parent Council mailbox by Friday, November 9. 2. Pick-up is from 3:00-5:00pm in the Fort River lobby on Friday, November 16.

Dining on Hillside “take & bake” Pizza is a real treat! Hillside Pizzas are made fresh, locally, and are truly delicious. The crust is made with certified organic flours, virgin olive oil and sea salt. A tasty organic tomato sauce and triple-blend of hormone-free cheeses top Hillside pizzas. Pizzas come with freezer bag & oven-ready tray; enjoy one now and freeze another. Prices will be $12.50-$14.00/Large 16”. Don’t forget dessert! Fresh cookie dough comes in 4 flavors, ready to be scooped onto baking sheets & put into the oven. Each tub has enough dough to make 3 dozen cookies. They are made with the finest quality organic and natural ingredients--without preservatives, additives, hydrogenated oils, or GMOs. Tubs can be frozen and count towards our total sales. How can you help?? *Buy a few pizzas & cookie dough; cook fresh and/or freeze for later! *Get together with neighbors and throw a pizza party! *Ask family, neighbors, & co-workers to buy pizza & support Fort River! *Reach out to local businesses willing to further our efforts! ** Questions ** Sales Ideas ** Ready to Volunteer ** Contact Pam Rietkerk at 256-2605 pjrietkerk@aol.com or Alisa Braverman at 253-5362 a.braverman@comcast.net

Annual Family Donation Fund Update for Oct. 12, 2007

We’ve received the best response ever to our Annual Family Donation Fund, which supports all Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.) including the FREE directory your child will bring home today! We have already raised $4,159 from 117 of our 359 families (33% of families), and are still hoping for contributions from all families (and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome – and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Picture Day -- Volunteers Still Needed

School Pictures will be taken on Tuesday/Wednesday, October 16 & 17 (order forms will come home very soon), and we need volunteers to assist with getting kids set and ready to be photographed. Questions? Contact Pam Rietkerk (pjrietkerk@aol.com, 256-2605).

Family Fair Thanks

Thank you*** Thank you*** Thank You*** The Family Fair was a huge success, attendance was high, the weather was perfect, entertainment and games were fun and we sold out all the foods and beverages. We raised eight hundred dollars in profit, wow!!!! I would like to thank everyone who helped and supported the Family Fair. Special thanks to our fabulous six graders and their teachers, Roger Wallace, Peter Lamdin, and Catherine Davis, to Umoja Too Drummers and Eli Mentos (Fort River alumni) for the entertainment, to Russ Vernon-Jones, Karen Bonneau, Pam Blinn and her staff, Charles Thompson and his staff, to Catherine Sanderson, Ann McLaughlin, Alisa Braverman, Carol Richardson, and to our volunteers at the event: Lisa Lieberman, Sally Darby, Lisa Wallace, Karen Levine, Cristina Sunkel-Lord, Mareatha Bowen, Joe Russavage, Ronnie Coleman, Eileen Marasco, Sue Raker, to my fellow committee members, Anne Duffy and Shari Abbott, to all our six grade families, to Deb Napier who coordinated this event for several years, to all our food donors and buyers and to everyone who attended the event. You all made the Family Fair fundraiser event seem so easy. Again thank you very much. Please accept my sincere apologies if I omitted your name, this is not intentional. Thank you Pat Ononibaku on behalf of the committee.

Stop and Shop A+ Bonus Bucks

There's some good news and some bad news about the Stop and Shop fundraiser. The Good News: Fort River already has 13 people signed up. The Bad News: Crocker Farm has 22 people and Wildwood has 37! Help Fort River get the most money out of this program and sign up today! It easy and painless for anyone who regularly shops at Stop and Shop and has a Stop and Shop card. Here's a link to all the information you need: http://ftriver.blogspot.com/2007/09/attention-all-stop-and-shop-customers.html. Thanks!

Class Potlucks

On Tuesday, October 16 families with a student in Maurisa Davis' class are having a potluck dinner in the Fort River Cafeteria from 5:30-7:00pm. All family members are welcome. Families with a second-grader in Irene Eigner's class will gather for a potluck on Thursday, October 18 in the Fort River Cafeteria from 5:30-7:00pm. All family members are welcome.

Thank-You Note from Liliana Klass

Upcoming Events

Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL - Monday, Oct. 8th. Savings Makes "Cents" - Tuesday, October 9, 8:15am. Science Demonstration from the Boston Museum of Science - Wednesday, October 10th, 4:30 pm, gym. Picture Day - Tuesday/Wednesday, October 16 & 17. Diversity and Social Justice Committee Meeting - Wednesday, October 17th, 8:40 to 9:40 am, library. Parent Council Meeting - Wednesday, October 17th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, library. Babysitting will be provided (free). Coffee With a Principal - Friday, October 19th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. Playground Day - Saturday, Oct. 20 – Please help with assembling equipment and planting trees.

Thanks from Parent Council

Thanks to all who have already turned in various Parent Council forms –Fort River Roaster orders, School Council ballots, Science Day reservations, Fall Festival volunteering! Remember, we need many volunteers to run all of these great activities, so please help out when you can.

Annual Family Donation Fund Update for Oct. 5, 2007

We’ve received the best response ever to our Annual Family Donation Fund, which supports all Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.) – we have already raised $4,159 from 115 of our 359 families (32% of families)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome – and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous) and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation. Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Science Demonstration Day Update

Unfortunately we have reached (and surpassed!) our maximum capacity for the Science Demonstration Day tickets, and hence we can no longer accept ticket reservations. We are delighted with the enthusiasm for this event, and will certainly consider adding other similarly-themed events in the future. Please contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu, 256-4977) if you have ideas for such events and/or would be interested in helping plan an event.

Box Tops for Education

In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River….. and is one fund raiser that does not ask for any money….just take your scissors and clip! For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents! How easy is that? So before you recycle the cardboard Zip Lock bag container, tear off the plastic around the Scott Bath Tissue, or throw away the top to the Yoplait Yogurt container take out your scissors. I know I always return my 5 cent cans rather than throw away money and this is the same for Fort River.

This year, our goal is to raise $500.00 for our school. So far this year we have collected 670 box tops and are 67.00 towards that goal. (Last year we only earned 98.00….some schools in our area earned over $2,000.00!). The collection box is on the table in the Front Office. This is one way relatives can help support your child’s school. (My children’s aunt and 95 year old grandmother clip) Every Box Top clipped will help Fort River School continue to provide quality education for our kids! NEXT REDEMPTION IS END of October so clip and send in your Box Tops by Friday October 26.

If you would like to learn about the other ways you can make a difference sign up for the Box Tops website at boxtops4education.com. It’s easy, free and you’ll learn about new ways to help our school earn the extra cash it needs. Here's a link to the Box Tops product list.

Thanks,

Jan Kelly
janandkevink@comcast.net
tel. 253-9403

Thanks From Teri Magner, Fort River Art Teacher

Thank You Note from Kai Simon, 6th Grade Teacher

A Friendly Reminder from Parent Council

The Annual Fort River Open House is tonight (Wed. Oct. 3rd) at 7pm.

It's also a great time to bring in:

• Fort River Roasters/Dean's Beans order form,
• your Parent Council Annual Family Fund Donations,
• your ticket orders for next week's "Fog, Flowers and Fireworks" demonstration,
• and your ballots for the School Council Elections!

Important Playground Update

As many of you know, we installed Phase 1 of the new playground for the younger grades last year, and are working this year on Phase 2 (which includes landscaping, benches, more satellite equipment, and a brick walkway). Remember to turn in your Fort River Roasters order form by Friday, October 5th if you want to help the playground AND get high quality, fairly priced coffee! If you'd like to help with installation of the new equipment, benches, and trees in October (on a date to be determined!), contact Catherine (256-4977, casanderson@amherst.edu) ASAP! We need volunteers to assist with digging holes, assembling equipment, and providing childcare during these activities. We also are in search of equipment, including a bobcat (to move away woodchips and dig holes) and a cement mixer, so please let us know if you can help in any way.

School Council Ballots

Ballots to elect THREE new School Council members will come home with your child today, and we want to encourage you to vote! These three parents will join Fort River teachers and administrators in helping define the policies and procedures of the school. Completed (anonymous) ballots should be sent in to the Parent Council mailbox by Friday, October 5th. Questions? Contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu).

Savings Makes "Cents" Program

Saving Makes "Cents" is a program to encourage savings habits and goal setting. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria with help from parent volunteers (or directly at the bank). Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited and after 10 deposits, the Bank will deposit $1.00 into the account. Information on setting up an account will be sent home soon, and deposits can first be made at school on Tuesday, October 9th (8:15 am). Questions? Contact Ron Miller (256-6076; ronsmiller@comcast.net).

Annual Family Donation Fund Update for Sept. 28, 2007

We've already received a great response to our Annual Family Donation Fund, in which we ask all families at the start of the year to make a donation to support Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.). We have already raised $3,688 from 100 of our 359 families (28% of families)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous) and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation. Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Gift Wrap Sales

Materials for the Gift Wrap fundraiser have gone out in the backpacks this week. Sale dates are Sept. 28 through Oct. 26. Items will be delivered after Thanksgiving. Questions? Contact Karen Zilberstein at ekaren@comcast.net or tel. 253-7072.

Attention All Stop and Shop Customers!

This is an easy fundraiser for anyone who already shops at Stop & Shop and has a Stop & Shop Card. Starting Oct. 5, 2007 through April 3, 2008, Fort River will have the opportunity to earn cash through Stop & Shop's A+ BonusBucks Program. All you have to do is one of the following:

• Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to designate online
• Call 1-877-366-2668 to designate over the phone
• Fill out the A+ BonusBucks Form and drop it off at any participating Stop & Shop store.

After you designate our school, each shopping trip at a participating Stop & Shop using you Stop & Shop Card earns CASH for our school! Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the Stop & Shop website. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program. The money can be used for any of our school's educational needs. Remember, even if you designated last year, you must re-designate this year for our school to receive credit. Please be sure to designate Fort River using ID # 05218. Also, don't forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same!

New Section Added to Blog -- Parent Council Forms

I've added a new section to the right-hand side of the blog page. It's called "Parent Council Forms" and it contains copies of all the various Parent Council forms that are supposed to come home in the backpacks. Just click on the link and you've got a copy! -- Ann McLaughlin, Parent Council Secretary and Keeper of the Blog.

Buy A Brick -- Fort River Playground

Have your name, your child’s name, a teacher’s name, or an inspiring quote etched on a brick that will become a permanent part of our new playground. Each 4x8 brick can have up to can have up to three lines of inscription with 13 characters per line. Each 8x8 brick can have up to six lines of inscription with 13 characters per line. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Felton (cmfelton@comcol.umass.edu/253-1242). Click here for the order form.

Upcoming Events

Fort River Open House, Wednesday, October 3rd, 7pm. Fort River Roasters/Dean's Beans Order Forms Due! Friday, October 5th. Please return forms to the Parent Council mailbox or send it in your kids' backpacks. School Council Ballots Due. Friday, October 5th. Please return ballots to the Parent Council mailbox in the office. Science Demonstration from the Boston Museum of Science, Wednesday, October 10th, 4:30 pm, gym. RESERVE your tickets now (by returning this form). Picture Day - School Pictures will be taken on Tuesday/Wednesday, October 16 & 17. More information and order forms will sent home in early October. Questions? Contact Pam Rietkerk mailto:pjrietkerk@aol.com, 256-2605). Parent Council Meeting, Wednesday, October 17th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, library. Babysitting will be provided (free). Coffee With a Principal, Friday, October 19th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.

Fog, Flowers & Fireworks

What do fog, flowers and fireworks have in common? Chemistry! Experience with your own eyes some cloud-forming, colorful, and explosive evidence that a chemical reaction is taking place. This 40-minute demonstration will be presented by the Boston Museum of Science. Wednesday, October 10 at 4:30 PM in the Fort River Gym. All students and families welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets are free, but a $1.00 donation per ticket is suggested. The audience is limited to 150, so reserve tickets early. Tickets should be picked up at the door 20 minutes before the demonstration. This event is the grand finale for Science Day which is brought to you by the Parent Council with funds raised during last year’s very successful campaign. Questions? Contact Betty Sharpe at 256-4716 (elizabeth.sharpe@comcast.net) or Catherine Sanderson at casanderson@amherst.edu.

Click here for the order form.

Resource Coordinators

ALANA ([African-American, Latino(a)/Chicano(a), Asian/Pacific American, and Native American]) families: Pat Ononibaku (256-0027, PatBaku@aol.com) Same-sex parent families: Megan Lambert and Dana Mergendahl (253-8931, lambertmegan@yahoo.com, genxmergie@yahoo.com) Single-parent families: Christie Barcelos (546-4956; christiebarcelos@gmail.com) Child with special needs families: Pamela Brigham (256-1951; pamberwald@gmail.com) English as a second-language families: Pamela Brigham (256-1951; pamberwald@gmail.com)

Grade Reps. 2007-2008

K – Amy Rose (253-3831, amy@klezamir.com) 1 – Ruthie Ireland (253-1744, 4ireland@comcast.net) 2 – Diane Caraker (253-4191, dianec711@comcast.net) 3 - Morgan Lord (256-3763, storm01061@yahoo.com 4 – Janet McGowan (256-8333, janetmcgowan30@comcast.net) 5 – Jan Kelly (253-9403, jankelly@jkellycollegeconsultants.com) 6 - Lynn Logan (256-0232, lynnlogan@comcast.net)

Room Parents 2007-08

K Felix – Hana Rivkin (256-2330, hrivkin@yahoo.com), Iris Berkman (253-3787, ianddberkman@comcast.net), Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net, 253-4697 ) Imbimbo – Carol Slaughter (253-9920, CarolSpyce@aol.com) Shea – Lisa Oram-Brown (253-8199, lisaoram@comcast.net) 1st Hickson – Deb Leonard (253-3294, deblee@comcast.net), Matt Mitchell (253-7999, studio@crocker.com) Rondeau - Becky Michaels (256-3579, beckymichaels@hotmail.com), Chris Felton (253-1242, cmfelton@comcol.umass.edu) Thrasher – Amy Bush (256-3755, jadeandsamsmama@yahoo.com) 2nd Davis – Kathy Niedzielski (253-3201, stonyhill4@verizon.net), Eileen Marasco (256-3880, e.marasco@comcast.net). Eigner – Pam Rietkerk (256-2605; PJRietkerk@aol.com) Sheehan – Michele Spirko (253-6412, spirko@pol.net), Lynn Hatch (256-4113, lhatch@econs.umass.edu) 3rd Davis – Scott Goldman (253-9969, hccs_goldman@yahoo.com) Farrington - Mary Donahue (253-7016, aj_donoghue@msn.com) Fournier – Catalina Arrubla (584-7951, carrubla@gmail.com), Jeanine Gonzales (230-3605, jeanineajk5@comcast.net) Griswold – Jacquie Juras (256-0979, jac.juras@comcast.net) 4th Davis – Pam Rietkerk (256-2605; PJRietkerk@aol.com) Jackendoff – Janet Kannel (253-4641, janetkannel40@comcast.net), Alisa Braverman (253-5362, a.braverman@comcast.net) Yeh – Amy Bush (256-3755, jadeandsamsmama@yahoo.com), Traci Wolfe (230-3007, twolfe@amherst.edu) 5th Cantillo – Robin Corder (253-1320; robincorder@gmail.com) Chang – Anne Duffy (256-1646, cattlexstudios@verizon.net) and Nancy Reffsin (253-5183, nreffsin@hotmail.com) Klass - Carla Carpenter (549-0484, kipandcarla@gmail.com) 6th Morris – Lynn Logan (256-0232, lynnlogan@comcast.net) and Susan Seigel (230-3333, susan.seigel@gmail.com) Lamdin – Janet McGowan (256-8333, janetmcgowan30@comcast.net), Jihyun Kim (230-3736, jihyun0716@gmail.com) Wallace – Lisa Liberman (253-4966, phaedrus4@comcast.net)

Food Services Committee

This year concludes a five-year contract with Chartwells, the vendor who manages food service for all schools. Prior to this five-year contract, the schools provided food service internally. The Regional School Committee, after reviewing the pros and cons of an internal program vs. use of a management vendor, decided to develop a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the future. We will continue to examine other districts and how they approach food service. A Committee is being formed to research food service operations, to survey the parents and students, and to develop criteria and priorities for an RFP. If you wish to be considered for this committee, you can reply to this email or contact Debbie Westmoreland at 362-1823 or westmorelandd@arps.org <mailto:westmorelandd@arps.org> .

Upcoming Events

Diversity and Social Justice Committee Meeting, Wednesday, September 26th, 8:40 am, school library. Fort River Open House, Wednesday, Oct. 3rd, 7pm. Science Demonstration from the Boston Museum of Science, Wednesday, October 10th, 4:30 pm, gym. Picture Day. School Pictures will be taken on Tuesday/Wednesday, October 16 & 17. More information and order forms will sent home in early October. Questions? Contact Pam Rietkerk (pjrietkerk@aol.com , 256-2605). Parent Council Meeting, Wednesday, October 17th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, library. Babysitting will be provided (free). Coffee With a Principal, Friday, October 19th, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.

Family Fair -- A Fun Time Was Had By All!

There was a terrific turn-out at the Family Fair this past Tuesday.

Diversity and Social Justice at Fort River School

If you are interested in exploring issues of Diversity and Social Justice within our school community we would love to have you join us for the upcoming meeting of Parent Council's Diversity and Social Justice Committee. We will meet in the school library Wednesday morning, September 26th from 8:40 - 9:40 am. Everyone is welcome! If you are interested but cannot attend the meeting or if you would simply like more information, please contact Sheri Schmidt (253-9666, sschmidt@mac.com).

Annual Family Donation Fund Update for Sept 21, 2007

We’ve already received a great response to our Annual Family Donation Fund, in which we ask all families at the start of the year to make a donation to support Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.) – we have already raised $2,488 from 75 families (21% of families so far)! Although we suggest $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome – and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Important Playground Update

As many of you know, we installed Phase 1 of the new playground for the younger grades last year, and are working this year on Phase 2 (which includes landscaping, benches, more satellite equipment, and a brick walkway). Included on this blog is information about playground-specific fundraisers (which isn’t supported by regular Parent Council fundraising), including our popular Fort River Roasters coffee program, a new pizza fundraiser, and the final chance to buy a brick engraved with your child’s name or a special phrase! If you’d like to help with installation of the new equipment, benches, and trees in October (on a date to be determined!), contact Catherine (256-4977, casanderson@amherst.edu) ASAP! We need volunteers to assist with digging holes, assembling equipment, and providing childcare during these activities. We also are in search of equipment, including a bobcat (to move away woodchips and dig holes) and a cement mixer, so please let us know if you can help in any way.

Family Fair Musical Entertainment

New at the Family Fair this year: musical entertainment!

A Note of Thanks to Parent Council

Catherine, Sue, Elly, Ann, and Lynn, Thank you so very much for the check for excess school supplies. I find this money very useful each year when we run out of CD's, batteries, DVD's etc. I cannot tell you how much it is appreciated. I was amazed as I read your note, at all the funds you have generated to give to teachers for many different purposes. It is so helpful to have your support in these very tough budget times. We are all very grateful for all that you all do. Thanks a million! Joan Joan Gallinaro Technology Resource Teacher Fort River School PS Please pass my thanks along to all parent council members.

Fort River Roasters from Dean's Beans -- MMM....Good!

Help support our new playground by buying something that we all love (or know someone else who does)….. COFFEE. Here are a few reasons why this Dean’s Beans fundraiser is so great:

• Dean’s Beans coffee is not only delicious, but it’s also organic and kosher. Not to mention, Dean’s Beans is committed to Fair Trade, which make every sip worth while.
• No need to come to school to pick up your order. Coffee will be sent home with your child (unless you otherwise specify).
• The price of the coffee is cheaper than if you purchased it at the grocery store. WOW! Not only are we saving you a trip to the store, but we’re also saving you money.
• Your friends, co-workers, and family members can save money too. Ask them if they’d like to buy some delicious coffee at a cheaper price.

If this sounds good to you, fill out this order form and send it in with a check made out to Fort River Parent Council to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office. Questions or comments? Contact Libby Stanforth (253-8039, bstanforth@comcast.net) or Hana Rivkin (256-2330, hrivkin@yahoo.com).

Orders are due the first Friday of every month (Oct. 5th, Nov. 2nd, Dec. 7th, Jan. 4th, Feb. 1st, March 7th, April 4th, May 2nd, June 6th), and the coffee will arrive within two weeks.

REMINDER: Make checks payable to Fort River Parent Council.

Not only do we thank you, your taste buds thank you too!

Price List

Regular Coffee
Dark: $8.50. A strong and exceptionally smooth cup of coffee from Nicaragua. Medium body and slightly dry.
Medium: $8.50. Complex, full-bodied bean from the Andean slopes near Colombia. (The traditional standard in coffee.)

Swiss-water Processed Decafs
Dark: $9.50. A full-bodied, but flavorful and aromatic Peruvian coffee. The best tasting decaf in the world!
Medium: $9:50. A delightful dance of light and dark roasted Mexican Chiapas beans. Smooth and nutty, with a bold finish.

Dean’s Beans' Other Fun Products
Hot Cocoa, Wow! : $4.50
Field tested by a playgroup of wild 4-year olds over the spring and summer, this hot cocoa mix really passes the test. Guaranteed to be the best tasting and lowest cost organic hot cocoa mix available!

Milk and Dark Chocolate Chocolate Java Drops : $8.50
Vienna-roasted, shade grown Guatemalan and Mexican coffees sensuously surrounded by pure dark or milk chocolate. A mouthful of 100% organic pleasure. Half of the profits are returned to the indigenous cooperative in Costa Rica that provides the cocoa butter.

Coffeelands CD from Putamayo: $14.00
We absolutely love this CD (and part of the proceeds goes to Coffee Kids for development work). Incredible music from around the coffee world.

Sneakers Needed!

We have a request from Dianna Spaulding for any old sneakers that might be in good condition for use by children who don't have sneakers or who have forgot them for P.E. Please bring in great “used” sneakers to Dianna in the PE office.

Volunteers Urgently Needed

Science Day Bake Sale Coordinator(s) - We are looking for someone to coordinate the Bake Sale before and after the Boston Museum of Science demonstration for students and families on Wednesday, October 10 at 4:30 in the Fort River gym. The proceeds from the bake sale will help defray some of the cost of having the Boston science museum educators come to us. The coordinator would be in charge of setting up the table, arranging for people to sell food (a great way for kids to help!), and cleaning up at the end. Please contact Betty Sharpe (256-4716, elizabeth.sharpe@comcast.net ) if you are able to help with this. School Council Members – Several seats will open this year at the Fort River School Council, a state-mandated elected body of parents and staff that help define the policies and procedures of the school. It meets monthly to work on the development of the budget, develop a school improvement plan, and make recommendations to the principal. If you are interested in running for one of the vacant seats (this is a two-year commitment), please contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu).

Big Thank Yous to...

Amy Rose for purchasing and planting the lovely mums in the front of school, Jenny Reynolds for coordinating work on the school directory, Alan Schlingenbaum and Dror Shmerling for work on data compilation for the directory, Pamela Brigham, Cheryl Edgerly, Mary Ellen Sailor, and Joanne Swanson for their work on ad sales for their directory, Pat Ononibaku for coordinating the Family Fair, and Shari Abbott and Anne Duffy for assisting with coordinating the family fair.

Big Thank Yous to...

Amy Rose for purchasing and planting the lovely mums in the front of school, Jenny Reynolds for coordinating work on the school directory, Alan Schlingenbaum and Dror Shmerling for work on data compilation for the directory, and Pamela Brigham, Cheryl Edgerly, Mary Ellen Sailor, and Joanne Swanson for their work on ad sales for their directory.

Volunteers Urgently Needed

Room Parents. Room parents check in with their teacher monthly to see what he or she might need (e.g., help with an event, field trip volunteers, etc.), organize a class potluck at the start of the year, and work with their grade representative to plan one grade-wide event. They might also organize a class gift in December and/or at the end of school. We need a room parent for Davis in 4th grade. School Council Members. Several seats will open this year at the Fort River School Council, a state-mandated elected body of parents and staff that help define the policies and procedures of the school. It meets monthly to work on the development of the budget, develop a school improvement plan, and make recommendations to the principal. If you are interested in running for one of the vacant seats (this is a two-year commitment), please contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu).

A message from Parent Council President

We hope you and your kids are settling in well to the new school year‹and we hope to see you soon at various Parent Council events! Please contact any of the Executive Board members if you have questions or suggestions about Parent Council. Executive Board President: Catherine Sanderson (256-4977; casanderson@amherst.edu) Vice Presidents: Sue Borden (253-1608; szborden@yahoo.com) Elly Hosea (259-1334; elly_hosea@yahoo.com) Secretary: Ann McLaughlin (256-3768; damclaughlin@comcast.net) Treasurer: Lynn Hayes (253-7207; hay3bay@comcast.net)

Annual Family Donation Fund Update

We've already received a great response to our Annual Family Donation Fund, in which we ask all families at the start of the year to make a donation to support Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, books for the library, scholarships for children in need, etc.). We have already raised $2,239 from 65 families (18% of families so far)! Although we suggest a donation of $20 a child, larger and smaller amounts are welcome and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (made out to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

Family Fair postponed to Tues., Sept. 18th 5-7pm

Due to the rain, the Family Fair has been postponed to Tuesday, Sept. 18th from 5-7pm.

Parent Council Meeting Postponed to Sept. 20th

Due to Rosh Hashana this coming Thursday, the first Fort River Parent Council meeting of the year has been postponed by one week to Thursday, Sept. 20th at 8:30am. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!

Sign up for automatic email reminders from the Parent Council!

If you're not already on our email list, you might want to consider signing up. You'll get weekly email reminders to check the updates on this blog, and you'll also get automatic calendar reminders before the various Fort River events such as the Family Fair and Parent Council meetings. Just click on the link and tell me your name and connection to Fort River. All Fort River families, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up! Subscribe to the Fort River Email list. Have you been getting Parent Council emails this year? Make sure I have your latest email address or else you won't! Click on the above link to let me know your new email address. Thanks! Ann McLaughlin

School Picture Days

School Pictures will be taken on Tuesday/Wednesday, October 16 & 17. More information, order forms, and volunteer opportunities will sent home soon. Questions??? Contact Pam Rietkerk at pjrietkerk@aol.com or 256-2605.

Welcome to the New Fort River Blog!

Hello to All Fort River Families, Staff and Friends! I hope that you all had a great summer and are now settling back into the school year. I have been busy making some changes to the way the Parent Council will communicate with all of you this year. Instead of sending out The Fort River Front Page every week, I will be updating our brand-new Fort River Parent Council Blog. In case you don’t already know what a blog is, it’s basically an easy-to-maintain website. Some of the advantages of the blog are: (a) it’s a good place for parents to monitor the Parent Council news (b) it’s a good resource to check on things like the Parent Council calendar events (c) people who use RSS readers can subscribe to it (d) it’s much less hassle for parents than keeping old email newsletters around (e) it’s a great repository for Parent Council institutional knowledge. The advantage to me is that it takes a lot less time than the newsletter! Please fee free to bookmark this page, send the link to other Fort River families and friends, and to check it at any time. I will update it at least once a week (on Fridays) and I will continue to send out weekly email reminders to you every Friday to check the updates. If you use a news reader program (such as iGoogle or Netvibes) you can add the feed to your page. I will also continue to send out automatic calendar reminders (via email) to remind you of upcoming events. Please feel free to send me any questions, suggestions, or corrections. Thanks! Ann McLaughlin Fort River Parent Council Secretary and Blogger (!) damclaughlin@comcast.net

Fort River Parent Council Calendar

Fort River Parent Council Calendar Click the link above to view the Parent Council Calendar with all Parent Council events. The calendar also includes other school events of interest to the Fort River Community. This calendar is updated frequently and every effort is made to keep it up-to-date. Please notify Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net if you spot an error. This is not an official school calendar. Thanks! P.S. You can also view this calendar by clicking the "Fort River Parent Council Calendar" link on the right-hand side of the page.

Upcoming Events

*Family Fair, Tuesday, September 11th, 5:30 pm, Fort River fields. *Parent Council Meeting, Thursday, September 13th, 8:30 to 9:30 am (in the cafeteria). Please join us for our first meeting of the year. *Coffee With a Principal, Friday, September 21st, 8:30 to 9:15 am. Please join Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and/or Vice-Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee (obviously!), light breakfast foods, and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend. *Parent Council Meeting, Wednesday, October 17th, 6:30 to 7:30 pm (in the library). Babysitting will be provided (free).