Thursday, December 17, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Lost and Found. TODAY!! Thurs Dec. 17 until 3:30pm in the front lobby.  See below for more info.

School Council Meeting. Thurs. Dec. 17th, 5-6:30pm. FR Conference Room.


Fort River Family Redistricting Meeting.
Monday, Dec. 21 from 7-8:30 pm. An ll informational meeting for families of students currently attending Fort River. At Fort River. See below for more info.

School Vacation. 
Thursday, Dec. 24-January 1. (Last day 12/23; School reopens 1/4/10).

Internet Safety Presentation. Thursday, Jan. 7., 7pm. Mark's Meadow Auditorium. Cindy Boyle, a community educator from the Northwest DA’s office, will hold an evening session for parents of all elementary students. Her focus will be on Internet safety and cyberbullying.

Coffee with the Principals.  Friday, Jan. 8, 8:30-9:15am. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx for coffee, conversation and light refreshments. Younger siblings welcome. In the cafeteria.

Fort River Roasters Coffee Orders Due.
Fri. Jan. 8th. Order form here.

Parent Council Meeting
, Mon. Jan. 11, 7pm. In the school library.

Chorus Concert.  Jan 14th, 7pm. Middle School Auditorium.

Teacher Curriculum Workday
. Jan. 15. No School.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Jan. 18. No School.

*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.


Fort River Fort River Family Redistricting Meeting Monday, 12/21 from 7-8:30pm.

An informational meeting for families of students currently attending Fort River will take place on Monday, Dec. 21 at 7pm at Fort River School.  A ConnectEd phone/email reminder will be going out to all families in English and Spanish later this week.

Info here:  http://www.arps.org/node/1064.

Thanks for the Books!


FRPC President Sue Borden reports that many teachers have wished to express their thanks for all the books that were so generously donated to classrooms during the book fair. So thanks to everyone who used the teacher wishlists to donate books, including all those of you who wished to remain anonymous!

Last Day for Lost and Found! Ending at 3:30pm today!!


Don't forget that all items in the Lost and Found will be on display in the lobby until today (Thurs. Dec. 17) at 3:30pm! Please stop by and look for your child's lost items!!

Also please remember to have your children bring home all items by their coat hooks before vacation break.  Often items left behind are cleared for cleaning and placed in the Lost and Found.

Honor a Teacher through the Amherst Educational Foundation

Thinking about holiday gifts?

You can honor a teacher or staff member AND strengthen our schools with a gift to Amherst Education Foundation (AEF).

For more info:  http://amhersteducationfoundation.org/sites/default/files/Three-Cheers-Donation-Form-2009.pdf


Easy Ways to Earn $$$ for Fort River

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! It's not too late to sign up! This is an easy way to raise money with absolutely no cost to you. However, for Fort River to receive credit you need to re-designate Fort River each year. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. And, if you sign up anytime in the month of January, ALL your purchases for the month will be counted! We need your support! Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions or problems.

Big Y Education Express

Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying much needed equipment and supplies! Just visit the Big Y customer service desk and fill out a form that will link Fort River with your card (School ID # 5947). Or go to www.bigy.com/education and sign up from your computer! Whenever you use your card to purchase items designated with the “Education Express” logo, youʼll earn points for our school. 


Target Take Charge of Education

If you have a Target REDcard (credit card), you can designate Fort River to receive up to 1% of the value of your purchases on the card. Go to www.Target.com/tcoe to designate Fort River (School ID # 58645).

Atkins Farms Country Market
Use your Atkins card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Atkins provided us with one card per family last year, and new cards for new families will be coming soon-- stay tuned! Just show the card when you are checking out. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. 
Last year Fort River parents earned $500 for Fort River by shopping at Atkins! Thanks to everyone who has been participating--and don't forget to keep using your card every time you go.

Box Tops for Education
In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River--just take your scissors and clip! Last year we earned over $500. For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents. Just look for the Box Tops logo on products in you already have in your kitchen, cut it out and deliver your box tops to the school's main office. 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.

Cellphones & Ink Jet Cartridges
Protect the environment and raise money for Parent Council by donating used digital cellphones and ink jet cartridges. Please deliver to the Main Office. Cellphones will be recycled, according to EPA regulations, or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council.

Amherstopoly--A Great Holiday Gift

Here’s a great gift idea for the holidays – give your friends and family copies of the Amherstopoly board game! This is a unique gift that will provide hours of fun for the whole family and/or be a great souvenir of Amherst.

Ever dream of managing ARMS or Town Hall? Well, your chance is finally here! Amherstopoly, the fantastic board game that is all about Amherst and its most beloved haunts, has arrived just in time to celebrate Amherst’s 250th Anniversary.

Amherstopoly is a collaboration of the Parent Groups of Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood schools to raise funds for student enrichment programs. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money ($25) raised through school sales of the game will be split equally amongst the four elementary schools.

Games can be purchased directly from the front office any time. Questions? Please contact Sue Cairn scairn@verizon.net.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Amherst School Committee Meeting, Tues. Dec. 15.

Amherst School Committee Meeting, Tues. Dec. 15, 7pm at the High School Library.

This meeting of the Amherst Elementary School Committee will include a presentation of the preliminary budget cut projections for the elementary schools and an update on the redistricting plan.

The meeting agenda can be seen here

Fort River Fort River Family Redistricting Meeting Monday, 12/21 from 7-8:30pm.

An informational meeting for families of students currently attending Fort River will take place on Monday, Dec. 21 at 7pm.  I will post the location for this meeting as soon as possible!

Info here:  http://www.arps.org/node/1064.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Lost and Found. Tues. Dec. 15-Thurs Dec. 17 in the front lobby.  All items not claimed by 3:30pm on Thursday will be donated to charity. See below for more info.

Elementary School Committee Meeting. Dec. 15th. High School Library.

School Council Meeting. Thurs. Dec. 17th, 7-9pm. FR Conference Room.


Fort River Family Redistricting Meeting.
Monday, Dec. 21 from 7-8:30 pm. An ll informational meeting for families of students currently attending Fort River. Location TBA.

School Vacation. 
Thursday, Dec. 24-January 1. (Last day 12/23; School reopens 1/4/10). 

Coffee with the Principals.  Friday, Jan. 8, 8:30-9:15am. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx for coffee, conversation and light refreshments. Younger siblings welcome. In the cafeteria.

Parent Council Meeting
, Mon. Jan. 11, 7pm. In the school library.

Chorus Concert.  Jan 14th, 7pm. Middle School Auditorium.

Teacher Curriculum Workday
. Jan. 15. No School.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Jan. 18. No School.

*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.


Lost and Found, Dec. 15-17.


Please come and check the Lost and Found items that will be on tables in the front lobby on Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 15-17th.  All items not claimed by 3:30pm on Thursday will be donated to charity.

Reminder to have your children bring home all items by their coat hooks before vacation break.  Often items left behind are cleared for cleaning and placed in the Lost and Found.

Parent Council Thanks Book Fair Volunteers

Thanks to everyone who volunteered at last week's Book Fair:

Jan Kelly
Karen Regis
Desiree Bohl
Eileen Marasco
Elayne Berger
Mark Dooley
Jean MacKimmie
Kerry Crosby
Catherine McGraw
Jacqueline Kang
Elizabeth Caraker

Sue Borden
Libby Stanforth

And special thanks to Diane Caraker for organizing the book fair! Our thanks also to Peter Wood for coordinating the Winter Sports and Clothing Swap, as well as to everyone who donated items.

Upcoming Community Workshops


Click on image to enlarge.

En español.

Walk-In H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic: Venue Changed to Wildwood School, Longer Hours

The location of this Saturday's H1N1 walk-in vaccination clinic has been changed from the Bangs Community Center to Wildwood School. The hours of the clinic have been extended from 10am-2pm. Everyone ages 6 months through 65 years is eligible for vaccination. Children under 10 who came to the Nov. 11 clinic at Amherst Regional Middle School can get a second dose!

 Click here to download a registration form.

Remember to bring your insurance card. To save time, please photocopy both sides of your card and fill in a registration card before arriving at the clinic.

More info here.
En español.

Coffee with Dr. Rodriguez at the Middle School

On Tuesday, December 15th from 12pm to 1pm, the ARMS Family School Partnership is hosting a Coffee with Superintendent Dr. Rodriguez. Topics will include goals for the middle school, the evaluation by the MS consultant, the MS principal search and the MS budget.  Dr. Rodriguez will also answer questions and take input from parents/guardians.  Everyone is welcome.  Hope to see you next Tuesday at noon in the Professional Development Center at the Middle School.

Internet Safety for our Children

Cindy Boyle, a community educator from the Northwest DA’s office, will be at our schools to facilitate a session with our 5th and 6th graders on Internet Safety. She will hold an evening session for parents of all elementary students on January 7th at 6:30 in the Mark’s Meadow auditorium. Her focus with our students will be Internet safety and cyberbullying.

Cindy is a former Pittsfield police officer and a victim’s assistance advocate for Berkshire County. She is currently the Director of Community Education and Outreach at Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Northampton, Massachusetts. Her primary responsibility is providing training to local elementary, middle, and high schools, community agencies, faith based organizations, and law enforcement agencies. Trainings topics include but are not limited to: internet safety, bullying/cyberbullying, suicide prevention and prevention of child sexual abuse. Additional duties include chairing the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board, cultivating and coordinating relationships with community partners, and assisting in all aspects of planning and presenting conferences.

Please come join us for this informative evening.  There will time for questions and answers.

Amherstopoly for the Holidays

Here’s a great gift idea for the holidays – give your friends and family copies of the Amherstopoly board game! This is a unique gift that will provide hours of fun for the whole family and/or be a great souvenir of Amherst.

Ever dream of managing ARMS or Town Hall? Well, your chance is finally here! Amherstopoly, the fantastic board game that is all about Amherst and its most beloved haunts, has arrived just in time to celebrate Amherst’s 250th Anniversary.

Amherstopoly is a collaboration of the Parent Groups of Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood schools to raise funds for student enrichment programs. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money ($25) raised through school sales of the game will be split equally amongst the four elementary schools.

Games can also be purchased directly from the front office any time. Questions? Please contact Sue Cairn scairn@verizon.net.

Click here for order form.


Easy Ways to Earn $$$ for Fort River

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! It's not too late to sign up! This is an easy way to raise money with absolutely no cost to you. However, for Fort River to receive credit you need to re-designate Fort River each year. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. We already have 123 participants and have earned $265.79. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. And, if you sign up anytime in the month of December, ALL your purchases for the month will be counted! We need your support! Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions or problems.

Big Y Education Express

Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying much needed equipment and supplies! Just visit the Big Y customer service desk and fill out a form that will link Fort River with your card (School ID # 5947). Or go to www.bigy.com/education and sign up from your computer! Whenever you use your card to purchase items designated with the “Education Express” logo, youʼll earn points for our school. 


Target Take Charge of Education

If you have a Target REDcard (credit card), you can designate Fort River to receive up to 1% of the value of your purchases on the card. Go to www.Target.com/tcoe to designate Fort River (School ID # 58645).

Atkins Farms Country Market
Use your Atkins card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Atkins provided us with one card per family last year, and new cards for new families will be coming soon-- stay tuned! Just show the card when you are checking out. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. 
Last year Fort River parents earned $500 for Fort River by shopping at Atkins! Thanks to everyone who has been participating--and don't forget to keep using your card every time you go.

Box Tops for Education
In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River--just take your scissors and clip! Last year we earned over $500. For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents. Just look for the Box Tops logo on products in you already have in your kitchen, cut it out and deliver your box tops to the school's main office. 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.

Cellphones & Ink Jet Cartridges
Protect the environment and raise money for Parent Council by donating used digital cellphones and ink jet cartridges. Please deliver to the Main Office. Cellphones will be recycled, according to EPA regulations, or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Dec. 4. Don't forget to stock up for the holidays! Give as gifts to your coffee-loving friends! Order forms here.

Amherstopoly Order Forms Due, Friday, Dec. 4. See below for more information.

Coffee with the Principals.
Friday, Dec. 4, 8:30am in the cafeteria.
All Fort River parents are invited to meet with Principal Ray Sharick and/or Asst. Principal Susan Kennedy-Marx for coffee, light refreshments and casual conversation. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.

Book Fair.  After-school hours on Friday, Dec. 4th from 3-6. Do some holiday shopping for great books at reasonable prices! We are also holding our Winter Clothing and Sports Swap during the after-school book fair hours. See below for more information.


*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.

Winter Clothing and Sports Swap

We will be holding the Winter Clothing and Sports Swap on Friday, Dec. 4, from 3-6pm, during the after-school book fair hours.

Please bring your unwanted clean and usable winter clothes and sporting equipment to the school lobby during the swap hours. This is a take-it-or-leave-it event without money or obligation. Possible items include but are not limited to dance clothes/shoes, skates and skating clothes, soccer equipment, hats, gloves, winter coats, snowsuits and snowboarding, hockey & skiing equipment. Please bring your items with you--there is no drop-off prior to the swap. 

There is no obligation to bring anything in order to take something.

Contact: Peter Wood cpwolfwood@hotmail.com.

A Great Holiday Gift Idea--For the Coffee and Chocolate Lovers in Your Life!

Dean's Beans organic, fair trade coffee, cocoa, and chocolates make great gifts!

Don't forget to send or bring in your Dean's Beans orders, due TOMORROW (Friday, Dec. 4).

Here's the order form . Make checks out to "Fort River Parent Council." 

Questions or comments? Contact Libby Stanforth (bstanforth@comcast.net) or Hana Rivkin (hrivkin@yahoo.com).

Parent Council Thanks Atkins

Parent Council would like to thank Atkins Farms Country Market for their $500 donation to Fort River. We received this money by using the cards that Atkins provided us with last year.

You can still use this same card until it expires, which is when your youngest child will graduate from Fort River. Just show your card when you are checking out. New cards for new Fort River families will be coming soon!

Amherstopoly--A Great Holiday Gift

Here’s a great gift idea for the holidays – give your friends and family copies of the Amherstopoly board game! This is a unique gift that will provide hours of fun for the whole family and/or be a great souvenir of Amherst.

Ever dream of managing ARMS or Town Hall? Well, your chance is finally here! Amherstopoly, the fantastic board game that is all about Amherst and its most beloved haunts, has arrived just in time to celebrate Amherst’s 250th Anniversary.

Amherstopoly is a collaboration of the Parent Groups of Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood schools to raise funds for student enrichment programs. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money ($25) raised through school sales of the game will be split equally amongst the four elementary schools.

To order your game: Order forms are due in the front office of Ft. River on FRIDAY, Dec 4th. Please include name/phone number/email, number of games ordered) and a check made payable to “Amherstopoly.” Games can be picked up at the front office of Ft. River after Friday, Dec.11th. Games can also be purchased directly from the front office (without an order form) any time. Questions? Please contact Sue Cairn scairn@verizon.net.

Click here for order form.


It's not too late to sign up for Amherst Youth Basketball






















Click on image to enlarge.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.

Merry Maple Celebration. Friday, Dec. 4, 4-6pm. In front of Amherst Town Hall. This is a fun family event to kick off the holiday shopping season! Come watch the lighting of the Merry Maple, hear music, sing carols and get some delicious treats! More info here: http://is.gd/5bz09.




Holiday Open House. Please join us for a Holiday Open House and Art Sale featuring yummy treats, warm company, and a showing of beautiful handmade gifts by local artisans (two of whom are Fort River Parents): Rebecca Fricke (quilted fabric arts), Laura Woodworth (functional pottery), and Lisa Oram (beaded and glass jewelry).  You are welcome to spread the word and bring friends!  When: Sunday, December 6, 2009, Time:  1:00 – 5:00 pm, Where: Home of Lisa Oram, 195 Aubinwood Road, Amherst Questions: lo@lisaoram.com.

Multi-Arts Children's Theatre Show. The Twisted Story. December 12, at 11 am, Jones Public Library. The play is written by a 13-year-old, Alejandra Rojas, who is a Fort River Alumna. Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Red Robin Hood and Sleeping Beauty in a 2010 setting. Come laugh and be be entertained by this creative, clever and funny story. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Catalina Arrubla, Director www.multi-arts.org.

***********************************************************************************
Fort River Parent Council 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 (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also 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.

Easy Ways to Earn $$$ for Fort River

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! It's not too late to sign up!  This is an easy way to raise money with absolutely no cost to you. However, for Fort River to receive credit you need to re-designate Fort River each year. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. We already have 123 participants and have earned $169.56. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. And, if you sign up anytime in the month of December, ALL your purchases for the month will be counted! We need your support! Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions or problems.

Big Y Education Express

Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying much needed equipment and supplies! Just visit the Big Y customer service desk and fill out a form that will link Fort River with your card (School ID # 5947). Or go to www.bigy.com/education and sign up from your computer! Whenever you use your card to purchase items designated with the “Education Express” logo, youʼll earn points for our school. 


Target Take Charge of Education

If you have a Target REDcard (credit card), you can designate Fort River to receive up to 1% of the value of your purchases on the card. Go to www.Target.com/tcoe to designate Fort River (School ID # 58645).

Atkins Farms Country Market
Use your Atkins card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Atkins provided us with one card per family last year, and new cards for new families will be coming soon-- stay tuned! Just show the card when you are checking out. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. 
Last year Fort River parents earned $500 for Fort River by shopping at Atkins! Thanks to everyone who has been participating--and don't forget to keep using your card every time you go.

Box Tops for Education
In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River--just take your scissors and clip! Last year we earned over $500. For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents. Just look for the Box Tops logo on products in you already have in your kitchen, cut it out and deliver your box tops to the school's main office. 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.

Cellphones & Ink Jet Cartridges
Protect the environment and raise money for Parent Council by donating used digital cellphones and ink jet cartridges. Please deliver to the Main Office. Cellphones will be recycled, according to EPA regulations, or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Teacher Curriculum Workday, Fri., Nov. 20. No School.

Thanksgiving Recess
. Nov. 26-27. No School.
(Please note that the elementary schools will be dismissed at 1:20pm on Wednesday, Nov. 25.)

Yearbook Meeting. Wed. Dec. 2, 10:30am, Fort River Cafeteria 3. First meeting of the Yearbook Committee. All interested parent/guardians invited to attend. See below for more info. 


Book Fair.
Tues. Dec. 1-Fri. Dec. 4. We will be having after-school hours on Friday, Dec. 4th from 3-6. More information will be coming home in the backpacks. Online sign up sheet here.


Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans Coffee Orders Due
. Friday, Dec. 4. Don't forget to stock up for the holidays! Give as gifts to your coffee-loving friends! Order forms here.

Coffee with the Principals.
Friday, Dec. 4, 8:30am in the cafeteria.
All Fort River parents are invited to meet with Principal Ray Sharick and/or Asst. Principal Susan Kennedy-Marx for coffee, light refreshments and casual conversation. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.

Winter Clothing and Sports Swap
. Friday, Dec. 4, 3-6pm, during the after-school book fair hours. See below for more information.

*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.

Book Fair: Dec. 1-4

The Fort River book fair will be taking place during the first week of December, from Tues. Dec. 1 through Fri. Dec. 4. We will be having after-school hours on Friday, Dec. 4th from 3-6pm. Flyers will be going home in the backpacks soon with information about the class times.

If you would like to sign up to work at the Book Fair, please click the following link for the online sign-up sheet:
Book Fair!!!!

Winter Clothing and Sports Swap

We will be holding the Winter Clothing and Sports Swap on Friday, Dec. 4, from 3-6pm, during the after-school book fair hours.

Please bring your unwanted clean and usable winter clothes and sporting equipment to the school lobby during the swap hours. This is a take-it-or-leave-it event without money or obligation. Possible items include but are not limited to dance clothes/shoes, skates and skating clothes, soccer equipment, hats, gloves, winter coats, snowsuits and snowboarding, hockey & skiing equipment. Please bring your items with you--there is no drop-off prior to the swap. 

There is no obligation to bring anything in order to take something.

Contact: Peter Wood cpwolfwood@hotmail.com.

Parent Council Wants YOU!

Parent Council would like to start a running list of parent volunteers who would be willing to help out with small tasks during school hours. Volunteers would do such things as stuffing envelopes and distributing mailings, directories and fundraiser orders. Most of these tasks would take an hour or less.

If you would like to be added to this list, please contact Sue Borden at frpc.sborden@gmail.com.

Thanks!

Yearbook Meeting, Wednesday, December 2 at 10:30 am

Are you interested in learning about publication layout and graphic design? Do you enjoy digital photography? Then come help with the Fort River Yearbook! Parent Council provides a parent/guardian designed yearbook for every student at the end of each school year. The first meeting of the Yearbook Committee will be taking place on Wed. Dec. 2nd at 10:30am  in cafeteria 3. All interested parents/guardians are invited to attend.

Although much of the work involved in putting together the yearbook doesn’t happen until the spring, this committee works throughout the year enlisting people to take pictures and making arrangements for a printer. Once materials have been gathered, this committee works on laying out the book, printing, and distribution during last week of school.

Remember, even if you're not interested in working on the yearbook, there's an easy way for you to contribute by sending us photos of any events, field trips, and in-class activities for ALL grades. If you are going on a field trip, visiting your child's class, or participating in any other school activities--bring a camera!

Coordinators: Joy Sullivan (joyrrs@comcast.net) and Kathy Niedzielski (stonyhill4@verizon.net).

Library Committee

Parent Council is forming a committee of parents/guardians who are interested in working with the school librarian on various projects. If you are interested in joining, please contact Liz Larson at lizinamherst@gmail.com or Sue Borden at FRPC.sborden@gmail.com. Plans are in the works for the first meeting!

Parent Council Thanks...

Parent Council would like to thank Diane Caraker who put in a lot of work organizing this year's Fall Festival, despite the fact that it eventually got canceled due to H1N1 concerns.

Let's hope for better luck next year!

Amherstopoly for the Holidays

Here’s a great gift idea for the holidays – give your friends and family copies of the Amherstopoly board game! This is a unique gift that will provide hours of fun for the whole family and/or be a great souvenir of Amherst.

Ever dream of managing ARMS or Town Hall? Well, your chance is finally here! Amherstopoly, the fantastic board game that is all about Amherst and its most beloved haunts, has arrived just in time to celebrate Amherst’s 250th Anniversary.

Amherstopoly is a collaboration of the Parent Groups of Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood schools to raise funds for student enrichment programs. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money ($25) raised through school sales of the game will be split equally amongst the four elementary schools.

To order your game: Order forms are due in the front office of Ft. River on Dec 4th. Please include name/phone number/email, number of games ordered) and a check made payable to “Amherstopoly.” Games can be picked up at the front office of Ft. River after Friday, Dec.11th. Games can also be purchased directly from the front office (without an order form) any time. Questions? Please contact Sue Cairn scairn@verizon.net.

Click here for order form.


Easy Ways to Earn $$$ for Fort River!

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! It's not too late to sign up!  This is an easy way to raise money with absolutely no cost to you. However, for Fort River to receive credit you need to re-designate Fort River each year. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. We already have 113 participants and have earned $169.56. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. And, if you sign up anytime in the month of November, ALL your purchases for the month will be counted! We need your support! Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions or problems.

Big Y Education Express

Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying much needed equipment and supplies! Just visit the Big Y customer service desk and fill out a form that will link Fort River with your card (School ID # 5947). Or go to www.bigy.com/education and sign up from your computer! Whenever you use your card to purchase items designated with the “Education Express” logo, youʼll earn points for our school. 


Target Take Charge of Education

If you have a Target REDcard (credit card), you can designate Fort River to receive up to 1% of the value of your purchases on the card. Go to www.Target.com/tcoe to designate Fort River (School ID # 58645).

Atkins Farms Country Market
Use your Atkins card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Atkins provided us with one card per family last year, and new cards for new families will be coming soon-- stay tuned! Just show the card when you are checking out. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. 
Last year Fort River parents earned $500 for Fort River by shopping at Atkins! Thanks to everyone who has been participating--and don't forget to keep using your card every time you go.

Box Tops for Education
In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River--just take your scissors and clip! Last year we earned over $500. For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents. Just look for the Box Tops logo on products in you already have in your kitchen, cut it out and deliver your box tops to the school's main office. 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.

Cellphones & Ink Jet Cartridges
Protect the environment and raise money for Parent Council by donating used digital cellphones and ink jet cartridges. Please deliver to the Main Office. Cellphones will be recycled, according to EPA regulations, or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council.

Limited Supply of Fort River T-shirts and Bags Available!


 
We still have the following sizes and colors available:

Navy t-shirts:  (please note that the kids sizes in Navy run quite small)

Kids sizes small, medium, and large
Adult sizes small, large, and x-large

Celadon t-shirts (the light green): (Kids’ sizes run small, not quite as small as the navy)

Kids sizes small and medium
Adult sizes large and x-large.

EcoConscious bags (11.5 x 14.5 x 5, with handles long enough to fit over the shoulder)

Olive
Black

Please e-mail Libby Stanforth (bstanforth@comcast.net) if you’d like to purchase any of these items!  Prices are as follows:

Kids’ t-shirts    $12
Adult t-shirts    $14
Bags               $14

Click here to see t-shirt and bag colors.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Parent Council Meeting. Wed. Nov. 18, 8:45-9:45am. Fort River Cafeteria.

Teacher Curriculum Workday, Fri., Nov. 20. No School.

Thanksgiving Recess
. Nov. 26-27. No School.


Book Fair. Tues. Dec. 1-Fri. Dec. 4. We will be having after-school hours on Friday, Dec. 4th. More information to follow.
 

*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.

Amherstopoly presents a check for $2500 to the Fort River Parent Council!


This amount represents our school’s portion of the proceeds from sales to date.  And there is more to come.  Be a part of the exciting (and lucrative) fundraising project for Fort River.  Help is needed to continue the sales momentum as we approach the holiday season.  Contact Sue Cairn (scairn@verizon.net) for more details about how you can get involved.

Amherstopoly is a collaboration of the Parent Groups of Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood Schools to raise funds for student enrichment programs. Copies of the game are available for purchase in the Fort River office. Games are $25 each, cash or check (payable to “Amherstopoly”). If you have any questions, please contact Sue Cairn (scairn@verizon.net).

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money raised through school sales of the game will go directly to benefit the students.

Stop and Shop A+ BonusBucks Update

The first month of the BonusBucks program at Stop and Shop has ended and Fort River has already earned $169.56! We now have 112 participants signed up.

It's still not too late to sign up! If you sign up anytime during November, all of your November purchases will count toward your BonusBucks total. Please click here for instructions on how to register, or send an email to Ann McLaughlin and I'll help you sign up!

Thanks
Ann

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.

NORTHAMPTON FAMILY DANCE

Date:  Sunday, November 15
Time:  3:00 - 5:00 PM
Place:  First Churches, 129 Main St., Northampton (use Center Street entrance)

Please join us at the Northampton Family Dance!  Come enjoy a variety of easy, fun dances for children and families, from traditional American to international folk.  All dances are taught and all ages are welcome--no dance experience is necessary.  Peter Amidon calls, with music by Mary Alice Amidon and Shirley White.  Admission is $4 per person for ages 3 and up, $15 maximum per family.  This is the first dance of the year in our season of five dances, held on the third Sunday of the month, November through March.  For more information, please call Judy Stern (parent of Fort River third grader) at (413) 256-2613.


***********************************************************************************
Fort River Parent Council 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 (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also 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.

Easy Ways to Earn $$ for Fort River!

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! It's not too late to sign up!  This is an easy way to raise money with absolutely no cost to you. However, for Fort River to receive credit you need to re-designate Fort River each year. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. We already have 112 participants. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. We need your support! Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions or problems.

Big Y Education Express

Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying much needed equipment and supplies! Just visit the Big Y customer service desk and fill out a form that will link Fort River with your card (School ID # 5947). Or go to www.bigy.com/education and sign up from your computer! Whenever you use your card to purchase items designated with the “Education Express” logo, youʼll earn points for our school. 


Target Take Charge of Education

If you have a Target REDcard (credit card), you can designate Fort River to receive up to 1% of the value of your purchases on the card. Go to www.Target.com/tcoe to designate Fort River (School ID # 58645).

Atkins Farms Country Market
Use your Atkins card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Atkins provided us with one card per family last year, and new cards for new families will be coming soon-- stay tuned! Just show the card when you are checking out. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. 


Box Tops for Education
In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River--just take your scissors and clip! Last year we earned over $500. For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents. Just look for the Box Tops logo on products in you already have in your kitchen, cut it out and deliver your box tops to the school's main office. 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.

Cellphones & Ink Jet Cartridges
Protect the environment and raise money for Parent Council by donating used digital cellphones and ink jet cartridges. Please deliver to the Main Office. Cellphones will be recycled, according to EPA regulations, or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council.

Limited Supply of Fort River T-Shirts and Bags Available


 
We still have the following sizes and colors available:

Navy t-shirts:  (please note that the kids sizes in Navy run quite small)

Kids sizes small, medium, and large
Adult sizes small, large, and x-large

Celadon t-shirts (the light green): (Kids’ sizes run small, not quite as small as the navy)

Kids sizes small and medium
Adult sizes large and x-large.

EcoConscious bags (11.5 x 14.5 x 5, with handles long enough to fit over the shoulder)

Olive
Black

Please e-mail Libby Stanforth (bstanforth@comcast.net) if you’d like to purchase any of these items!  Prices are as follows:

Kids’ t-shirts    $12
Adult t-shirts    $14
Bags               $14

Click here to see t-shirt and bag colors.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

H1N1 Immunization Clinic for Amherst kids Wednesday 11-11-09 at ARMS 9am - 1pm

There will be an H1N1 immunization clinic tomorrow (Wed. 11/11) at the Amherst Regional Middle School from 9am to 1pm for persons under 17, pregnant women, and those living with infants.

Please see the Amherst Town Government webpage http://amherstma.gov/ for more information.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Upcoming School Events

School Council Meeting. Thursday, Nov. 5, 7pm. FR Conference Room.

Fort River Roasters Order Forms Due. Friday, November 6. Click here for form

Coffee With A Principal.
Friday, November 6, 8:30 am. FR Cafeteria. All Fort River parents/guardians are invited to share coffee and light refreshments with Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx. Younger siblings welcome. Please note that Amherst School Superintendent Alberto Rodriguez is scheduled to attend this month's coffee!

Picture Retake Day, Tuesday, Nov. 10th  from 9am-12pm. Click here for details.

Veteran's Day. Wed., Nov. 11. No School.

Parent Council Meeting. Wed. Nov. 18, 8:45-9:45am. Fort River Cafeteria.

Teacher Curriculum Workday, Fri., Nov. 20. No School.

Thanksgiving Recess
. Nov. 26-27. No School.


*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.

Limited Supply of Fort River T-shirts and Bags Available!


 
We still have the following sizes and colors available:

Navy t-shirts:  (please note that the kids sizes in Navy run quite small)

Kids sizes small, medium, and large
Adult sizes small, large, and x-large

Celadon t-shirts (the light green): (Kids’ sizes run small, not quite as small as the navy)

Kids sizes small and medium
Adult sizes large and x-large.

EcoConscious bags (11.5 x 14.5 x 5, with handles long enough to fit over the shoulder)

Olive
Black

Please e-mail Libby Stanforth (bstanforth@comcast.net) if you’d like to purchase any of these items!  Prices are as follows:

Kids’ t-shirts    $12
Adult t-shirts    $14
Bags               $14

Click here to see t-shirt and bag colors.

Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans: Orders Due Friday, Nov. 6

Don't forget to send or bring in your Dean's Beans orders, due TOMORROW (Friday, Nov. 6).

Here's the order form .

Make checks out to "Fort River Parent Council." 

Questions or comments? Contact Libby Stanforth (bstanforth@comcast.net) or Hana Rivkin (hrivkin@yahoo.com).

The next order due date is Friday, Nov. 6th.

AEF Trivia Bee Results


The Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium was "abuzz" with contestants and spectators at the Amherst Education Foundation's 15th Annual Trivia Bee on Thursday, October 29.  120 contestants, many in costumes, competed for bragging rights to the title of Amherst area trivia champion. Hosted by AEF President Katie Allan Zobel and emceed by State Representative Ellen Story, the evening of challenge, wit and fun netted a record $6,150.00 for the benefit of Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury schools.

While area schools are the big winners from the event, bragging rights belong to the team of bee champion Jones Group Realtors, comprised of Doug Albertson, Tim McGee, Maureen Porter and Micki Sanderson, who won an exciting sudden death playoff against competitors New England Finishing and the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement.  Winning prizes for best costume were the teams from Atkinson Family Practice (Slum"doc" Millionaires), Attorney David Noonan (the Harry Potters) and Minuteman Pest Control (the H1N1 Swine Patrol.)  Awards for best team spirit went to the Amherst Club, New England Greenscape and the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement.   The audience contest, themed Amherst 250th, offered a unique glimpse into Amherst's past and was won by Jackie Churchill.

The trivia bee marks AEF's first fundraising event since the organization completed its strategic plan last year, and launches what promises to be a new era in AEF history.  AEF's mission is to provide significant and consistent support for area teachers and students by awarding grants, funding district-wide projects, and encouraging teacher innovation and academic excellence.

The event was underwritten by Northampton Cooperative Bank and made possible by the local businesses who provided sponsorships for the teams, donated prizes and/or helped with publicity.  The Amherst Education Foundation is profoundly grateful to these businesses for their support, and is already looking forward to another successful Trivia Bee in 2010.   For more information, or to make a tax-deductible gift to the schools via AEF, please visit our website at www.amhersteducationfoundation.org.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.

Stone House Farm Gifting Classes. At Stone House Farm Arts and Crafts Program, our annual "gifting crafts" classes will begin Monday and Tuesday November 9 and 10.  This year we will make custom teas, wood burn a gift box, make an herb wreath, decorate candles, and more!  These on-going after school crafts classes are $140 a month, and go from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.  Join us for a month or more! For more information, contact Candi at her e-mail  Candace@stonehousefarmbb.com, and check our website stonehousefarmbb.com and select children's program.

***********************************************************************************
Fort River Parent Council 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 (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also 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.

Easy Ways to Earn $$$ for Fort River!

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! It's not too late to sign up!  This is an easy way to raise money with absolutely no cost to you. However, for Fort River to receive credit you need to re-designate Fort River each year. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. We already have 107 participants. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. We need your support! Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions or problems.

Big Y Education Express

Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying much needed equipment and supplies! Just visit the Big Y customer service desk and fill out a form that will link Fort River with your card (School ID # 5947). Or go to www.bigy.com/education and sign up from your computer! Whenever you use your card to purchase items designated with the “Education Express” logo, youʼll earn points for our school. 


Target Take Charge of Education

If you have a Target REDcard (credit card), you can designate Fort River to receive up to 1% of the value of your purchases on the card. Go to www.Target.com/tcoe to designate Fort River (School ID # 58645).

Atkins Farms Country Market
Use your Atkins card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Atkins provided us with one card per family last year, and new cards for new families will be coming soon-- stay tuned! Just show the card when you are checking out. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. 


Box Tops for Education
In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River--just take your scissors and clip! Last year we earned over $500. For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents. Just look for the Box Tops logo on products in you already have in your kitchen, cut it out and deliver your box tops to the school's main office. 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.

Cellphones & Ink Jet Cartridges
Protect the environment and raise money for Parent Council by donating used digital cellphones and ink jet cartridges. Please deliver to the Main Office. Cellphones will be recycled, according to EPA regulations, or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council.

Amherstopoly On Sale In School Office


Amherstopoly is a collaboration of the Parent Groups of Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood Schools to raise funds for student enrichment programs. Copies of the game are now available for purchase in the Fort River office. Games are $25 each, cash or check (payable to “Amherstopoly”). If you have any questions, please contact Sue Cairn (scairn@verizon.net). Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money raised through school sales of the game will go directly to benefit the students.

Educational Forum at ARMS: Social-Emotional Development in Early Adolescence

The Counselors at Amherst Regional Middle School will be presenting an educational talk/discussion session for the benefit of parents of middle school. The topic of the first talk will be on the social-emotional development in early adolescence and will be given on Thursday, November 19 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Middle School Library. The material for discussion will include social skills, parenting, keeping students safe in cyberspace, typical development, etc. This is a great way to understand the metamorphosis taking place in your adolescent child and how to deal with it. If you would like specific items to be discussed, please send your request to the Family School Partnership Co-Chair, Rama Janaswamy (doctor_jey2000@yahoo.com), and he will make sure to pass them on to the Counselors ahead of the talk. All parents and families, including those of prospective middle-schoolers, are welcome.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Fort River T-Shirts and Bags Still Available!


Logo:


T-Shirt colors: Celedon (top) and Navy.



Eco-Bags (available in Olive and Black):

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Fall Festival Postponed Indefinitely

Hi Everyone,

Here is the text of Ray Sharick's message regarding the Fort River fall festival and Halloween parties at school tomorrow (Oct. 30).

Ann

Dear Fort River Families,
Over the past two days, our absence rate at Fort River has dropped somewhat (from 86 to 61 from Tuesday to today). This is still three to four times higher than our normal absentee rate. As Mark Jackson, the Middle/High School Principal has noted, it is not in our best interest to assume that we are out of the H1N1 woods just yet. So, given what is happening around us locally and nationally, we need to remain vigilant.

As a result, I am writing to inform you of my decision to change how we will conduct our Halloween festivities in school tomorrow, October 30th. While children may still follow their classroom teacher's guidelines and wear costumes, all halloween celebrations will have to remain in the classrooms. That is, we will not be having children parade around the school. I am also asking that you do not send treats to share, as we are trying to reduce the amount of contact that children have with each other.

Also, the Parent Council's Fall Festival, scheduled for the evening of October 30th, is postponed indefinitely. More news will follow about the possibility of rescheduling, but it is very difficult to predict if/when this may happen.

I realize this is likely disappointing news for children, families, and teachers. However, Health Care Providers and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are recommending that we increase social distances in schools and reduce opportunities for direct contact.

These decisions are made in what I believe is the best interest of all children and adults. I truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,
Ray Sharick

Upcoming School Events

Original Works Order Forms Due, Friday, Oct. 30. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd. See below for more information.

Fall Festival
and Winter Sports Swap, Friday, Oct. 30. 6:00-7:30 pm. FR Cafeteria (Sport Swap in the school lobby). See below for more info and online sign-up sheet. FALL FESTIVAL POSTPONED INDEFINITELY.


Fort River Roasters Order Forms Due. Friday, November 6. Click here for form

Coffee With A Principal.
Friday, November 6, 8:30 am. FR Cafeteria.

Veteran's Day. Wed., Nov. 11. No School.

Parent Council Meeting. Wed. Nov. 18, 8:45-9:45am. Fort River Cafeteria.

Teacher Curriculum Workday, Fri., Nov. 20. No School.

Thanksgiving Recess
. Nov. 26-27. No School.


*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.

Annual Fund Update

At the start of this year Parent Council decided to shift its focus toward student events and community building and away from fundraising.  To do so we challenged the Fort River community to help us raise a significant portion of our $13,000 budget in September, through our Annual Fund. 

So far, this year's Annual Fund has raised $6150 from about 30% of Fort River families.  Thank you to all those families who donated.  Because of this great start to our fundraising, Parent Council feels confident enough to eliminate one fundraiser.  Therefore, this year we will NOT be running the Holiday Gift Wrap Sale!

However, we are still counting on continued Annual Fund donations to get us through the year. If you have not yet donated, there is still time!  Our goal continues to be 100% participation of all Fort River families.  The suggested donation is $25-$50 a child, but donating more will help the families who cannot afford as much.  And, contributions of any size can help us reach our goal.

Once again, THANK YOU to all the families who have already donated.  If you have not, please do so.

Send cash or check (payable to "Fort River Parent Council") to the Fort River Office
(mail it or send it to school with your child to give to his/her teacher)

OR

Donate online using the PayPal link on the top right-hand column of this page!

Thanks for all your support !

SCHOOL PICTURES ARE HERE!

Students will bring home school pictures at the end of the week.

If you are dissatisfied with the photograph or your child was absent on the original picture day, PICTURE RETAKE DAY is scheduled for TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10th  from 9am-12pm.
                                                                                                     
A photographer from Grynn & Barrett will be at Fort River to re-photograph your child at no extra charge. Please have your child return their entire picture package to the photographer on retake day (please keep the class photo). If your child was absent on picture day, send in the original order form with payment. Some teachers may have held on to the order forms.

If you would like to order more photos or have any other concerns about your order, please contact Grynn & Barrett Studios at 413-532-9406 or 800-639-2104 or www.grynnandbarrett.com. Please do not contact the school.

Questions? Contact Pam Rietkerk at pamrietkerk@gmail.com.

Update on School Redistricting

The Amherst School Committee voted on Elementary School Redistricting during the Tuesday, October 27th School Committee meeting.  The Committee voted 4 to 1 for Redistricting Map Rendition #5. (Click here to view Map 5). 

Superintendent Rodriguez announced that his office will now begin planning for implementation of this map.

Thanks to the School Committee and the Redistricting Subcommittee for all its hard work and getting the vote done!

Original Works: Deadline Extended to Mon., Nov. 2nd

Don't forget to have your kids get to work on their Original Works projects! The order deadline has been extended to Monday, Nov. 2nd.

Click here to see the products: Original Works.

You can download an order form here: Order form

OR

Pick one up in the school lobby by the Parent Council bulletin board in the front hall (right-hand side wall by the art room). 

Amherstopoly Volunteer Needed

A volunteer is needed for Amherstopoly, a collaborative fundraiser undertaken by all of the Amherst Elementary School to raise funds for student enrichment programs.  If you are interested in joining this committee please contact Sue Borden (FRPC.sborden@gmail.com) or Sue Cairn (scairn@verizon.net).

Also, don't forget that copies of the game are now available for purchase in the Fort River office. Games are $25 each, cash or check (payable to “Amherstopoly”). If you have any questions, please contact Sue Cairn (scairn@verizon.net). Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money raised through school sales of the game will go directly to benefit the students.

Upcoming Community Events





  The AEF 15th Annual Trivia Bee

The Amherst “not to miss” event of the year!

Thursday October 29th at 7:00 p.m.
Amherst Middle School Auditorium

Join us for trivia, laughs, costumes, refreshments and raffles.
Admission is free with donations to AEF welcome.

See our website for details: http://amhersteducationfoundation.org/
   or contact Mary Donoghue at 253-7016  Aj.donoghue@verizon.net.
All proceeds benefit the public schools of Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury

Underwriting generously  provided by Northampton Cooperative Bank



***********************************************************************************
Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Fort River Parent Council 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 (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.


We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also 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.

Easy Ways to Earn $$ for Fort River!

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! Your A+ Bonusbucks have started accumulating as of Friday Oct. 9th. It's not too late to sign up!  If you sign up by Oct. 31st, ALL your October purchases will be counted toward Fort River's total. This is an easy way to raise money with absolutely no cost to you. However, for Fort River to receive credit you need to re-designate Fort River each year. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. We already have 106 participants. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. We need your support! Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions or problems.

Big Y Education Express

Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying much needed equipment and supplies! Just visit the Big Y customer service desk and fill out a form that will link Fort River with your card (School ID # 5947). Or go to www.bigy.com/education and sign up from your computer! Whenever you use your card to purchase items designated with the “Education Express” logo, youʼll earn points for our school. 


Target Take Charge of Education

If you have a Target REDcard (credit card), you can designate Fort River to receive up to 1% of the value of your purchases on the card. Go to www.Target.com/tcoe to designate Fort River (School ID # 58645).

Atkins Farms Country Market
Use your Atkins card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Atkins provided us with one card per family last year, and new cards for new families will be coming soon-- stay tuned! Just show the card when you are checking out. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. 


Box Tops for Education
In case you are not familiar with Box Tops this is an easy way to earn money for Fort River--just take your scissors and clip! Last year we earned over $500. For each Box Top clipped the school receives 10 cents. Just look for the Box Tops logo on products in you already have in your kitchen, cut it out and deliver your box tops to the school's main office. 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.

Cellphones & Ink Jet Cartridges
Protect the environment and raise money for Parent Council by donating used digital cellphones and ink jet cartridges. Please deliver to the Main Office. Cellphones will be recycled, according to EPA regulations, or refurbished and sold, with 100% of the proceeds going to Parent Council.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Report from the October 22nd Special Meeting of the Amherst School Committee

The Redistricting Subcommittee reviewed the redistricting process and maps with the Amherst School Committee. A slide presentation and handouts were provided. This information is available on the ARPS website at the following link: http://www.arps.org/node/1039 (Click on "Redistricting presentation10-22-09.pdf" to download the maps.) After the presentation School Committee members commented and asked questions, followed by one hour of public comment.

Two new maps were presented: Rendition 5 and Rendition 6. Rendition 5 has children living in South Amherst apartment complexes divided between Wildwood and Fort River, resulting in a % FRL (free/reduced lunch) range of 1%. Rendition 6 has all these children attending Fort River, resulting in a % FRL range of 6%. See the chart below.

All 6 maps are presently under consideration for the School Committee Redistricting vote next Tuesday (Oct. 27). Any thoughts or questions regarding the last two renditions of the redistricting maps, or any of the other versions, can be directed to the School Committee at
schoolcommittee@arps.org.

*******************************************************

Redistricting Map: Rendition 5

School                # Students            %FRL*             % Struggling
Crocker Farm           330                     35.5%                22.1%
Fort River                 437                     34.8%                21.7%
Wildwood                 476                     34.7%                22.3%


Redistricting Map: Rendition 6

School                  # Students           %FRL            % Struggling
Crocker Farm             336                   36.3%                22.9%
Fort River                   460                   37.4%                21.3%
Wildwood                   447                   31.5%                22.1%

*Free/Reduced Lunch