Fort River PGO, Fort River School, Amherst, Massachusetts. Your source for Fort River news and events. Sponsored by the Fort River Parent Guardian Organization. All Fort River families are automatically members of the PGO.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Upcoming Events
All Kindergarten Party. Friday, June 6. 5-7pm. Groff Park. Click here for more details.
Field Day. Tuesday, June 10th. See below for more information.
3rd Grade Social. Wednesday, June 11, 4:30 Pot Luck, 5:30 Ice Cream Social. See below for more details.
Diversity and Social Justice Committee: Year-End Meeting and Dinner. Wed. June 13, 6pm. Cafeteria 1. See below for details.
Coffee With a Principal. Friday, June 13th, 8:30-9:15am. Cafeteria. Come join Principal Vernon-Jones or Asst. Principal Suarez-Werlein for coffee and light refreshments. Younger siblings welcome to attend.
Sixth Grade Graduation. Monday, June 16, 1:30pm. Gymnasium.
Last Day of School. Dismissal. at 1:20pm.
6th Grade Graduation. Monday, June 16th, 1:30pm. Fort River Gymnasium.
Last Day of School. Wednesday, June 18th. 1:20 Dismissal.
Planning for 2008-2009
As the school year draws to a close, we are starting to make plans for next year, and the continued success of Parent Council – and we need some help! Thanks to those who have already stepped up to help with an event, including Ann Becker (Fall Festival), Jan Kelly (6th Grade Graduation), Cathy Cullen (6th grade representative), Gloria McCann (5th grade representative), Catalina Arrubla (4th grade representative), Diane Caraker (3rd grade representative), Morgan Lord (2nd grade representative), and Amy Rose (1st grade representative). We also welcome Navneet Marwaha as a Vice President.
And it’s not too late for YOU to volunteer - we still need parents to coordinate the Family Fair (September event), Holiday Gift Wrap Sales (fall event), Election Day Bake Sale (November event), the Beach Party (winter event), and Celebrate With a Book (year round). We also are looking for co-chairs for Savings Makes Sense (year-round) and the Book Fair (timing to be determined!).
Please contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu, 256-4977) if you have any questions about what a particular position involves. Chairing an event is not as much work as you might believe (truly!) and is a lot of fun (really!). We could also use room parents (although we can’t assign room parents to classes until the fall when classes are set, it is VERY helpful to have a list of willing parents so that these matches can be made quickly in August).
Field Day--Tuesday, June 10th
Dear Parents,Just a reminder that field day is next week (June 10). Please prepare your children with a bathing suit or change of clothing, because there are many water activities that morning. Also it would be a good idea to send in sunscreen, water bottle, towel, hats and appropriate shoes.
We invite parents to join their children for a picnic outside. Bring a blanket and either buy lunch or bring one. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs will be available that day.
Times:
Kindergarten 9:00-9:45
1st, 2nd, and 3rd 9:30-10:45
4th and 5th 11:00-12:15
Lunch Times:
11:25 1st and 2nd grade
11:45 Kindergarten
12:00 3rd grade
12:25 4th and 5th grade
We always have room for more parents to volunteer, just email Sarah at saraha.murphy@comcast.net.
Have a great day,
Cathy Doctor and Sarah Murphy
Diversity & Social Justice Committee--Year-End Meeting & Dinner
Everyone is welcome to join us for a casual dinner, meeting, and play time for the kids. We will gather at the School, Wednesday, June 11th in Cafeteria 1 (or outside if weather is permitting), from 6 to 7:30PM. Come equipped to share ideas about diversity and social justice issues at the school or just come to meet and relax with other parents. Bring your children...there will be food and lots of friends to play with on the playground!
If you have any questions, contact Sheri Schmidt at 253-9666 or sschmidt@mac.com.
Annual Family Donation Fund Update
Thanks to ALL the families who have made a contribution 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 $6,501 from 158 of our 359 families (44% of families), which is the largest amount of money we have received since we started the Annual Fund three years ago! We 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 STILL be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive. Want to know how these donations are used? See below!
Parent Council Activities and Events for 2007-2008
As the school year comes to an end, we wanted to update all families on the various activities and events that were brought to you by Parent Council this year:
Field Trips
· Subsidized the 5th grade trip to Lowell
· Subsidized the 6th grade trip to the Boston Science Museum
· Subsidized the 4th grade trip to Plimouth Plantation
Paid for the 3rd graders to see Tony Vacca’s African Rhythms performance (Trish Farrington and Rachel Davis’s classes)
In-School Educational Events and Assistance
· Funded the Kindergarten storyteller for all three kindergarten classes
· Funded the Museum of Science presentations for all classes in all grades
· Funded the Birds of Prey presentation
· Provided funding for library books
· Organized the Book Fair
· Organized the Book Swap
Staff/Teacher Support
· Provided each classroom and specials teacher with money for classroom set-up expenses
· Provided each teacher with funds to buy classroom books
· Organized and funded the Teacher/Staff Appreciation luncheon
· Organized and funded the Bus/Van Driver Appreciation breakfast
Social Events
· Subsidized 6th grade graduation
· Organized and funded Field Day
· Organized and funded the Beach Party (band and dinner)
· Organized and funded the monthly Coffee with a Principal
Funded end of year events for each grade
Community Building and Support
· Provided a free directory for every child
· Provided a free yearbook for every child (distributed the last day of school)
· Organized Picture Day
· Funded the Jump rope club
· Provided funds to Guidance Counselors to help Fort River families in need
· Provided a High School Scholarship (for a Fort River alum)
· Organized and funded the new Parent Handbook
· Organized and funded the new family welcome event
Box Tops for Education Update from Jan Kelly
Thanks to all for clipping those Box Tops. For the 2007-2008 we earned $296.64, a huge increase over $98.29 for the previous year. Please keep clipping for the remainder of the school year and over the summer as well. The next distribution will be October 31, 2008. We have already exceeded the amount earned last October ($128.00) as I already have $140.00 of Box Tops bundled and ready to go. So keep clipping and bringing in the Box Tops to the box on the table in the front office. Look for information early next fall for even more ways to earn easy money for Fort River School ….. don’t you love earning money with things you already have in the house? So keep those scissors handy!
Big (and Belated) Thank Yous to Our Fall Festival Volunteers
Louise Levy, Alison Donta, Meghan Keane, Madelyn Farr, Michele Spirko, Jeanine Gonzales, Gina Chaplain, Alisa Braverman, Margit Carkhuff, Shari Malone, Mary Donoghoe. Andrew Donoghoe, Lynn Hatch, Talia & Sara Levy, Diana Lin, Cathy Doctor, Liz Larson, Janet Lenze, Jay Levy, Amy Rose, Diane Caraker, Mary Abbott, Linda Bean, Iris Berkman, Alejandra Rojas, Sarah Murphy, Stacy Simonson, Lynn Logan, Susanna Brenna, Patrick Schilling, Gloria McCann, Joy Sullivan, Jen Vanderleeden, Lynn Hayes, Karen Cardozo, Jackie Juras, Katie Russavage, Anna Sullivan, Courtney Milne, Leah Hebert, Ann McLaughlin, Karen Helfer, Maya Rege-Colt, Neil Zagorin.
18 Years of Public Service (By Jerrey Roberts, Amherst Bulletin, May 30, 2008)
Pat Ononibaku offers a hug after giving a West African kente scarf to Fort River School Principal Russ Vernon-Jones during a retirement party for him May 23 at the school. He was the school's principal for 18 years. The event was coupled with a dedication of a brick walkway for the school's playground, which was installed last year. The bricks bear the names of donors for the playground project.
Of Interest to Fort River Families
Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.
Need Help Making Ends Meet? The Amherst Survival Center holds "Family Night" on the first and third Monday of each month, beginning June 2. Children with their parents or guardians are invited to join the staff and volunteers at the Survival Center for supper and fun in addition to access to all our free programs including free groceries, free clothing and free medical care. The Center is located at 1200 North Pleasant Street in Amherst. For more information, or to volunteer, call Tracey at (413) 549-3968 x202 or e-mail tracey@amherstsurvival.org.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.
Need Help Making Ends Meet? The Amherst Survival Center holds "Family Night" on the first and third Monday of each month, beginning June 2. Children with their parents or guardians are invited to join the staff and volunteers at the Survival Center for supper and fun in addition to access to all our free programs including free groceries, free clothing and free medical care. The Center is located at 1200 North Pleasant Street in Amherst. For more information, or to volunteer, call Tracey at (413) 549-3968 x202 or e-mail tracey@amherstsurvival.org.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Upcoming Events
Memorial Day. Monday, May 26th. NO SCHOOL.
Annual Spring Concert, 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Choruses. Tues. May 27, 7:30-9:00 pm. Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium. Click here for more details.
Field Day. Tuesday, June 10th. Details will be forthcoming!
6th Grade Graduation. Monday, June 16th, 1:30pm. Fort River Gymnasium.
Last Day of School. Wednesday, June 18th. 1:20 Dismissal.
Celebrate the End of the School Year With a Book
As we are approaching the end of school year, let’s celebrate graduation and say “thanks” to a teacher in a meaningful and thoughtful way by donating a book to Fort River Library! It’s a great year-end gift for special teachers and staffs, a great and meaningful way to celebrate graduation, birthday, friendship, or any other special 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. Let’s celebrate with a book!!
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 one of the Celebrate with a book box (collection boxes are in the Library and in the main office) with the note below completed.
2. Any questions, contact Elly Hosea (elly_hosea@yahoo.com) or contact school Librarian Fran Ludington.
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. Let’s celebrate with a book!!
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 one of the Celebrate with a book box (collection boxes are in the Library and in the main office) with the note below completed.
2. Any questions, contact Elly Hosea (elly_hosea@yahoo.com) or contact school Librarian Fran Ludington.
Celebrate With Books--Thank You Notes
We would like to thank Katie Michaels, Eleanor Wolfe, Teddy Wolfe, Tyler Hayes, Mina Stern-Wenk and Jonathan Hosea for donating books to the Library this year (if we missed anybody, let us know).
Persons that have been honored through this program for this school year are: Ms. Yeh, Ms. Rondeau, Ms. Maurisa Davis, Jared Kannel and Fran Ludington.
Grade-Wide Event for First Grade Families
Attention First-Grade Families!
Celebrate Spring!
Ice Cream Social.
When: Thursday, May 29th, 6 - 7:30 PM.
Where: Fort River Playground (if raining, in cafeteria).
Questions? contact Ruthie Ireland, 4ireland@comcast.net.
Grade-Wide Event for Kindergarten Familes
Dear kindergarten families,
Let's celebrate the end of the year with an All Kindergarten Party!!!
Friday, June 6, 5 - 7 pm
at Groff Park.
*In case of bad weather, picnic will be held at Ft. River. Check the Ft. River Parent Council Online website or call grade level coordinator Amy Rose on Friday afternoon to confirm location: 253-3831.
Pizza will be provided courtesy of the Parent Council, and thank you to the Alimonos family and Athena’s Pizza for pizzadonations!
Please bring:
--a bottle of soda or juice to share
--additional food for your family
--balls, frisbees, jump ropes, bubbles and other outdoor playthings. Let us know who is coming and how you can help by filling out this form and returning it to school by June 2, or by contacting Amy Rose at amy@klezamir.com (preferred) or 253-3831.
Please RSVP by June 4. Click here for form.
Of Interest to Fort River Families
Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.
"When Your Child is Anxious: Deciding When It Is a Problem and Determining What Can Be Done About It." Thursday, May 29, 7-9pm. Amherst Regional High School Library. Click here for more information.
Amherst Soccer Academy. ASA is being held at Amherst College on July 21st-July 25th, 2008. It is geared for boys and girls in Grades 1-8, giving them the opportunity to mix both soccer and summer fun. There is both a Full-Day camp and a Half-Day camp. The price for the Half-Day Camp is $140 (before May 15th) and $150 (after May 15th). The price for the Full-Day Camp is $230 (before May 15th) and $250 (after May 15th).An additional 10% off for Amherst College employees. For more information, and to sign up, please go to http://www.amherst.edu/, under the Men's or Women Soccer Team web pages, and click on "Youth Camp". Any questions/concerns, please contact Justin Serpone at either jserpone@amherst.edu or (413) 542-2956.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.
"When Your Child is Anxious: Deciding When It Is a Problem and Determining What Can Be Done About It." Thursday, May 29, 7-9pm. Amherst Regional High School Library. Click here for more information.
Amherst Soccer Academy. ASA is being held at Amherst College on July 21st-July 25th, 2008. It is geared for boys and girls in Grades 1-8, giving them the opportunity to mix both soccer and summer fun. There is both a Full-Day camp and a Half-Day camp. The price for the Half-Day Camp is $140 (before May 15th) and $150 (after May 15th). The price for the Full-Day Camp is $230 (before May 15th) and $250 (after May 15th).An additional 10% off for Amherst College employees. For more information, and to sign up, please go to http://www.amherst.edu/, under the Men's or Women Soccer Team web pages, and click on "Youth Camp". Any questions/concerns, please contact Justin Serpone at either jserpone@amherst.edu or (413) 542-2956.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Annual Family Donation Fund Update--Push to $7000
We are within a few hundred dollars of reaching $7000 in total contributions to the Annual Family Donation Fund. Wouldn't it be great make it to 7K?! It's still not too late to make a contribution for this year!
We 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 STILL be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.
Thanks!
5th Grade Class Event
None of the 5th grade room parents/grade representatives are able to plan a 5th grade event ... So, we are looking for a few good 5th grade parents who want to plan a grade-wide event sometime in the next month! $100 budget, totally open as to what the event is — ice cream party after school one day? Picnic in Groff Park? Frisbee and popsicles on the playground?
Contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu) ASAP if you are willing to take this on!
6th Grade Class Gift
We are still in need of donations for the 6th grade class gift! Sixth grade families please return your forms to the Parent Council mailbox ASAP. Thanks!
Click here for more information and extra forms.
Additional Thanks
We neglected to include Amy Rose in last week's list of Book Fair volunteers. Thanks for your help!
Field Day--June 10th
This year's field day will take place on June 10th. A volunteer sign-up sheet will go out in the backpacks on May 23rd, so be on the look-out.
Amherst Regional Middle School Partnership
To all 6th and 7th Grade Parents! Please join us at the next ARMS Family School Partnership Meeting (Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization)
Thursday, May 22nd
Middle School Library 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Meet other middle school parents/guardians. Discuss opportunities for involvement in the Middle School. Discuss the 2008-2009 Middle School Directory. Refreshments provided. This is a great opportunity to become involved in your child's middle school experience! Hope to see you then.
Regards,
Kate Troast & Lise Cooley
ARMS Family School Partnership(parents of 8th graders)
Of Interest to Fort River Families
Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.Multi-Arts introduces a new electronic magazine, which can be read by anyone in the world at any time and connects schools to the real-world. The electronic magazine has been visited by readers from Ireland to Singapore. In the spring edition, Multi-Arts featured the talented writers from Fort River Elementary School. Pieces ranged from the sweet view of a first grader about her new baby sister, to the crazy story of an imaginative fourth grader about to inhabit another planet. Please come and visit the beautiful and innovative magazine at http://www.multi-arts.org/.
Hampshire Young People’s Chorus. Sat. May 17, 2008, 2:00 & 3:00 pm. Free Concerts. (Does not include Museum Admission) The Hampshire Young People’s Chorus includes nearly 70 singers ages 7-16 from all over the Valley, performing a program of folksongs from around the world and music of composers old and new. Some Fort River kids are members of this chorus! http://www.picturebookart.org/Programs_Events/Upcoming/#E504Amherst Soccer Academy. ASA is being held at Amherst College on July 21st-July 25th, 2008. It is geared for boys and girls in Grades 1-8, giving them the opportunity to mix both soccer and summer fun. There is both a Full-Day camp and a Half-Day camp. The price for the Half-Day Camp is $140 (before May 15th) and $150 (after May 15th). The price for the Full-Day Camp is $230 (before May 15th) and $250 (after May 15th).An additional 10% off for Amherst College employees. For more information, and to sign up, please go to http://www.amherst.edu/, under the Men's or Women Soccer Team web pages, and click on "Youth Camp". Any questions/concerns, please contact Justin Serpone at either jserpone@amherst.edu or (413) 542-2956.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Upcoming Events
Fort River Roasters/Deans Beans Orders Due. DEADLINE EXTENDED to Friday, May 9. Last chance to order this school year! Click here for more info.
Coffee With a Principal. Friday, May 16, 8:30am – 9:15am. In the Fort River Cafeteria. Please join Principal Vernon-Jones or Asst. Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.
Parent Council Meeting. Monday, May 19, 8:30-9:30am. In the cafeteria. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TIME AND DATE HAVE CHANGED! Will be discussing next year's Parent Council budget.
Retirement Party for Russ Vernon-Jones/Family Potluck. Thursday, May 22. 5-7 pm. Come help Principal Russ Vernon-Jones celebrate his retirement after 17 years of service to the school. See the unveiling of the brick walkway to the new playground! See below for more information.
Memorial Day. Monday, May 26th. NO SCHOOL.
Annual Spring Concert, 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Choruses. Tues. May 27, 7:30-9:00 pm. Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium. Click here for more details.
Special Fort River Event
Please join the Fort River community for a Pot Luck Dinner to celebrate the retirement of Principal Russ Vernon-Jones and thank him for 17 years of service – and see the unveiling of the brick walkway to the new playground! This event will be held on Thursday, May 22nd from 5 to 7 pm on the Fort River Playground (or in the cafeteria, in case of rain). All current and former Fort River families, children, teachers, and all community members are invited, so please spread the word! If you are interested in speaking and sharing stories and memories, please contact José Cantillo (CantilloJ@arps.org). If you are interested in assisting with set-up or clean-up, please contact Catherine Sanderson (256-4977, casanderson@amherst.edu).
Welcome to the New Parent Council Officers
Elections were held at the last Parent Council meeting, and we are delighted to announce the new Executive Board: Sue Borden (president), Eileen Marasco and Libby Stanforth (Vice Presidents), Ann McLaughlin (secretary), and Lynn Hayes (treasurer)! Thanks, Sue (for moving up to President), Ann and Lynn (for continuing on), and Eileen and Libby (for joining the team).
Planning for 2008-2009
As the school year draws to a close, we are starting to make plans for next year, and the continued success of Parent Council – and we need some help! Specifically, we need parents to coordinate each of the following activities: Family Fair (September event), Holiday Gift Wrap Sales (fall event), the Fall Festival (October event), the Beach Party (winter event), Celebrate With a Book (year round), and 6th Grade Graduation (spring event … but some work throughout the year). We also are looking for co-chairs for Savings Makes Sense (year-round) and the Book Fair (timing to be determined!). Please contact Catherine Sanderson (casanderson@amherst.edu, 256-4977) if you have any questions about what a particular position involves. Chairing an event is not as much work as you might believe (truly!) and is a lot of fun (really!). We could also use Grade Representatives for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, AND room parents (although we can’t assign room parents to classes until the fall when classes are set, it is VERY helpful to have a list of willing parents so that these matches can be made quickly in August).
Big Thanks Yous To....
Diane Caraker and Sue Borden for coordinating this year’s Book Fair, and to ALL the great volunteers who helped staff it -- Eileen Marasco, Lynn Hayes, Jen Ditkoff, Hitomi Sovjani, Ann Becker, Desiree Bohl, Anne Duffy, Jennifer Green, Jan Kelly, Lynn Logan, and Libby Stanforth!
Annual Family Donation Fund Update
Thanks to ALL the families who have made a contribution 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 $6167.50 from 158 of our 359 families (44% of families), which is the largest amount of money we have received since we started the Annual Fund three years ago!
We 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 STILL be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.
Of Interest to Fort River Families
Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.Multi-Arts introduces a new electronic magazine, which can be read by anyone in the world at any time and connects schools to the real-world. The electronic magazine has been visited by readers from Ireland to Singapore. In the spring edition, Multi-Arts featured the talented writers from Fort River Elementary School. Pieces ranged from the sweet view of a first grader about her new baby sister, to the crazy story of an imaginative fourth grader about to inhabit another planet. Please come and visit the beautiful and innovative magazine at http://www.multi-arts.org/.
Multi-Arts Meet the Artist: Open reading at Barnes and Noble, Hadley, Saturday, May 10th. Between 3-5pm. Come enjoy listening to these wonderful and creative stories and meet the writers behind this creation. Also in the program: a drama show, music, and clips from the children's movie: "Bubble Trubble."
The Fair is Back in Town! Once again the Amherst Rotary Club will host the Community Fair on the common, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 8th, May 9th, and May 10th. Fanelli Amusements will set up carnival rides for thrill-seekers of all ages. The climbing wall will be there to test your skills. The Pelham Lion’s Club Dime-Toss Booth will be stocked with Teddy Bear prizes and the Greenfield Savings Bank Putting - Booth will test your eyes. Of course, the Amherst Rotary Club will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries with all the fixings. The Fair will run from 2 – 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday. So shut your TVs off, come out and celebrate spring with your friends and neighbors at the Amherst Community Fair.
Amherst Soccer Academy. ASA is being held at Amherst College on July 21st-July 25th, 2008. It is geared for boys and girls in Grades 1-8, giving them the opportunity to mix both soccer and summer fun. There is both a Full-Day camp and a Half-Day camp. The price for the Half-Day Camp is $140 (before May 15th) and $150 (after May 15th). The price for the Full-Day Camp is $230 (before May 15th) and $250 (after May 15th).An additional 10% off for Amherst College employees. For more information, and to sign up, please go to http://www.amherst.edu/, under the Men's or Women Soccer Team web pages, and click on "Youth Camp". Any questions/concerns, please contact Justin Serpone at either jserpone@amherst.edu or (413) 542-2956.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Upcoming Events
Fort River Roasters/Deans Beans Orders Due. DEADLINE EXTENDED to Friday, May 9. Last chance to order this school year! See below for more details.
Coffee With a Principal. Friday, May 16, 8:30am – 9:15am. In the Fort River Cafeteria. Please join Principal Vernon-Jones or Asst. Principal Lianne Suarez-Werlein for coffee, light breakfast foods and casual conversation in the cafeteria. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.
Parent Council Meeting. Monday, May 19, 8:30-9:30am. In the cafeteria. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TIME AND DATE HAVE CHANGED! Will be discussing next year's Parent Council budget.
PlaygroundWalkway Dedication/Family Potluck. Thursday, May 22. 5-7 pm. Join Fort River families, teachers and staff for a fun potluck picnic and the unveiling of our new brick walkway and plaque!
Memorial Day. Monday, May 26th. NO SCHOOL.
Annual Spring Concert, 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Choruses. Tues. May 27, 7:30-9:00 pm. Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium. Click here for more details.
Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans: Last Chance to Order This Year!
The deadline for ordering Fort River Roasters/Dean's Beans Coffee has been extended to next Friday, May 9th. This will be your last chance to order for the year, so make sure to stock up for the summer.We're happy to report that the Parent Council has made almost $1000 profit on this fundraiser this year!
6th Grade Class Gift Request
A letter requesting donations and votes for the 6th Grade Class Gift will be going home in the 6th graders' backpacks today. Please look for it and respond promptly!
If it hasn't made it's way home, please click here for a copy.
Principal Named at Wildwood (Daily Hampshire Gazette, Apr. 29 2008)
BY MARY CAREY, STAFF WRITER
AMHERST - Matthew Behnke has been named principal at Wildwood Elementary School, Superintendent Jere Hochman announced Monday. Behnke, an Amherst College graduate and current principal of Granville Village School, in Granville, begins the job July 1. "Of note through the interview process was Mr. Behnke's collaborative style of leadership and inclusion of all voices in decision making," Hochman wrote in an email to parents. Hochman said interviewers and Behnke's references praised his "listening, visibility in classrooms, and skills in learning aspects of his school and curriculum."
Behnke's selection comes after a second round of applications and interviews. The first, earlier this year, resulted in principal appointments at Fort River and Crocker Farm elementary schools and at the middle school but not at Wildwood. Parents there expressed a strong desire to be welcomed into the school, which they said they are not now. They also said they want a principal versed in differentiated teaching.
He has been a special education teacher in Chicopee and a classroom teacher in Oakland, Calif. He has a master's degree in education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education in School Leadership and is certified in general education for grades 1 through 6 and as a principal and assistant principal in kindergarten through fifth grade and grades 6 through 8.
Two other finalists were interviewed in the same round as Behnke, Anna-Stina Ohlson and Thomas McGuire.
Of Interest to Fort River Families
Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.
Multi-Arts introduces a new electronic magazine, which can be read by anyone in the world at any time and connects schools to the real-world. The electronic magazine has been visited by readers from Ireland to Singapore. In the spring edition, Multi-Arts featured the talented writers from Fort River Elementary School. Pieces ranged from the sweet view of a first grader about her new baby sister, to the crazy story of an imaginative fourth grader about to inhabit another planet. Please come and visit the beautiful and innovative magazine at http://www.multi-arts.org/. Multi-Arts Meet the Artist: Open reading at Barnes and Noble, Hadley, Saturday, May 10th. Between 3-5pm. Come enjoy listening to these wonderful and creative stories and meet the writers behind this creation. Also in the program: a drama show, music, and clips from the children's movie: "Bubble Trubble."
Multi-Arts introduces a new electronic magazine, which can be read by anyone in the world at any time and connects schools to the real-world. The electronic magazine has been visited by readers from Ireland to Singapore. In the spring edition, Multi-Arts featured the talented writers from Fort River Elementary School. Pieces ranged from the sweet view of a first grader about her new baby sister, to the crazy story of an imaginative fourth grader about to inhabit another planet. Please come and visit the beautiful and innovative magazine at http://www.multi-arts.org/. Multi-Arts Meet the Artist: Open reading at Barnes and Noble, Hadley, Saturday, May 10th. Between 3-5pm. Come enjoy listening to these wonderful and creative stories and meet the writers behind this creation. Also in the program: a drama show, music, and clips from the children's movie: "Bubble Trubble."
League of Women Voters Book Sale. On Friday morning, May 2, the League of Women Voters of Amherst’s giant book sale opens under the big tent on the Amherst Town Common. The sale continues through Sunday, May 4. The hours will be from 9:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. Friday and Saturday and on Sunday from 11:00a.m. until 4:00p.m.
The Fair is Back in Town! Once again the Amherst Rotary Club will host the Community Fair on the common, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 8th, May 9th, and May 10th. Fanelli Amusements will set up carnival rides for thrill-seekers of all ages. The climbing wall will be there to test your skills. The Pelham Lion’s Club Dime-Toss Booth will be stocked with Teddy Bear prizes and the Greenfield Savings Bank Putting - Booth will test your eyes. Of course, the Amherst Rotary Club will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries with all the fixings. The Fair will run from 4 – 10 p.m. Thursday, 2 – 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday. So shut your TVs off, come out and celebrate spring with your friends and neighbors at the Amherst Community Fair.
Amherst Soccer Academy. ASA is being held at Amherst College on July 21st-July 25th, 2008. It is geared for boys and girls in Grades 1-8, giving them the opportunity to mix both soccer and summer fun. There is both a Full-Day camp and a Half-Day camp. The price for the Half-Day Camp is $140 (before May 15th) and $150 (after May 15th). The price for the Full-Day Camp is $230 (before May 15th) and $250 (after May 15th).An additional 10% off for Amherst College employees. For more information, and to sign up, please go to http://www.amherst.edu/, under the Men's or Women Soccer Team web pages, and click on "Youth Camp". Any questions/concerns, please contact Justin Serpone at either jserpone@amherst.edu or (413) 542-2956.
Group Swim Lessons at Hampshire Athletic Club. Another session of group swim lessons will begin on May 3rd with sign-ups and level placement. Lessons will be held on the four following Saturdays in May. To sign-up students should come in to the club on the 3rd from 2:00-4:00pm. The price for the four lessons is $60 ($50 for members) Please contact Julian Porcino at (413) 687-2692 or jcp1405@yahoo.com with questions.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.
The Fair is Back in Town! Once again the Amherst Rotary Club will host the Community Fair on the common, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 8th, May 9th, and May 10th. Fanelli Amusements will set up carnival rides for thrill-seekers of all ages. The climbing wall will be there to test your skills. The Pelham Lion’s Club Dime-Toss Booth will be stocked with Teddy Bear prizes and the Greenfield Savings Bank Putting - Booth will test your eyes. Of course, the Amherst Rotary Club will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries with all the fixings. The Fair will run from 4 – 10 p.m. Thursday, 2 – 10 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday. So shut your TVs off, come out and celebrate spring with your friends and neighbors at the Amherst Community Fair.
Amherst Soccer Academy. ASA is being held at Amherst College on July 21st-July 25th, 2008. It is geared for boys and girls in Grades 1-8, giving them the opportunity to mix both soccer and summer fun. There is both a Full-Day camp and a Half-Day camp. The price for the Half-Day Camp is $140 (before May 15th) and $150 (after May 15th). The price for the Full-Day Camp is $230 (before May 15th) and $250 (after May 15th).An additional 10% off for Amherst College employees. For more information, and to sign up, please go to http://www.amherst.edu/, under the Men's or Women Soccer Team web pages, and click on "Youth Camp". Any questions/concerns, please contact Justin Serpone at either jserpone@amherst.edu or (413) 542-2956.
Group Swim Lessons at Hampshire Athletic Club. Another session of group swim lessons will begin on May 3rd with sign-ups and level placement. Lessons will be held on the four following Saturdays in May. To sign-up students should come in to the club on the 3rd from 2:00-4:00pm. The price for the four lessons is $60 ($50 for members) Please contact Julian Porcino at (413) 687-2692 or jcp1405@yahoo.com with questions.
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 description.
3. Contact information (name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.
We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.