Fort River PGO: March 2009

Friday, March 27, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Amherst Town Election. Tuesday, March 31st. Polls Open 7am-8pm. Coffee With The Principal. Friday, Apr. 3, 8:30am. Fort River Cafeteria. New Event: "Stress-Buster" Teacher & Staff Appreciation Lunch, Wednesday, Apr. 8. Your donations of food wanted! See below for more information. Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Apr. 3rd. Click for form. Spring Recess. No School, Apr. 20-24. Note: Items in teal are sponsored by Fort River Parent Council.

New Event: Show Your Support For Our Hard-Working Teachers and Staff!

Hear ye, hear ye! A new "Stress-Buster Teacher & Staff Appreciation Lunch" is being planned for Wednesday, April 8th. We Need Your Help! Fort River Parent Council will be sponsoring a special lunch for teachers & staff in the Staff Lounge on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 & we need your help. The theme for the menu is comfort food so put on your thinking caps on & hit the kitchen! Think mashed potatoes & gravy, macaroni & cheese, tapioca pudding, chocolate, whatever says comfort to you. This has been an especially tough year on the teachers & staff of our school given all the uncertainty in the system at this time. All members of the Ft. River community are invited to contribute food & drink items. You can sign up for your contribution using the BringIt online signup tool (click here--it's easy to use and you can even get an email reminder!) or call Eileen Marasco at 256-3880. We'll be cooking for 90--yes there are approximately 90 teachers & staff at our school--so all contributions are welcome! We'll have some special surprises for the teachers in appreciation for all the hard work they do for our children every day & some real stress busters will be in store. Anyone who wants to help Eileen put out food or prepare the Staff Lounge the day of the event can be directly in touch with her. Many, many thanks!

MCAS Testing Starts Next Week

MCAS testing for grades 3-6 will be starting next week. Click here for the schedule.

Lobby Our Legislators to Support Our Schools

The School Committee is asking for our help in lobbying our state legislators to restore funds to the school district which are used for transportation expenses. Given the dire budget outlook for the schools, any funds that can be directed to our school district are crucial. The following has been posted on the Amherst Regional Public Schools website. Please take a look and contact our state officials. Thanks!

At their March 24th meeting, the Regional School Committee voted unanimously to develop a statement for use in lobbying our legislators regarding restoration of regional transportation reimbursement. Staff, parents, and community members, are encouraged to contact our state legislators by phone and email about this issue. The following text that can be used as a script:

"As you know, the Governor’s Budget (House One) included cuts to Regional transportation reimbursement. Now that the initial distribution of fiscal stabilization funds has been used to increase all districts in the Commonwealth to foundation levels, I encourage the legislature to use a portion of the remaining stabilization funds to make whole the cuts to Regional transportation. Cuts to transportation reimbursement equal cuts to the classroom because transportation costs must be borne by the district in one way or another. In addition, these cuts are particularly problematic as local districts are being encouraged by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to explore the possibility of regionalization. Thank you for your continued support of our schools. "

Contact information for our legislators can be found on the district website at www.arps.org/node/147 .

Upcoming Commmunity Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Book collection for the League of Women Voters of Amherst’s book sale begins Friday, March 27 (today). The annual Spring sale of thousands of used books will take place May 1, 2 and 3 in a large tent on the Amherst Town Common. Donations of books may be dropped off in collection trunks at the League’s sorting and pricing center at 479 West Street (Rt.116), Unit 8. This is at the corner of West Street and Pomeroy Lane. Other drop-off locations are Stop & Shop in Hadley, the UPS Store on University Drive, the Jones Library, North Amherst Library and the Munson Memorial Library in South Amherst. Books must be in good condition and free of mildew. Magazines will not be accepted. The book sale is one of the oldest and largest in New England. It serves as the major fund raiser for the League and helps finance its voter service programs and publications, including the Election Guide for the coming town election, They Represent You listing all Town Meeting members and elected officials, and the just completed revision of Your Amherst Government. For information call 253-0633. The Fresh Air Fund: Host a Child This Summer. The Fresh Air fund is in need of hosts for this summer. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give a fresh air experience that disadvantaged children never forget. There's lots of info on the Fresh Air Fund website here: http://www.freshair.org/the-fresh-air-fund. 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 (website or 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.

Ongoing Fundraisers: Easy Ways to Help Our School!

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. Just show the card when you are checking out. Atkins has provided us with one card per family, which should have come home in an envelope with your youngest Fort River child. There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. It's another easy way to earn money for your school! Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program. Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Box Tops For Education. Keep clipping and bringing the Box Tops to the office! Even though have made our last submission for this school year, we will hold all additional box tops clipped this year and over the summer for submission next October. Big Y Education Express. Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying equipment and supplies! Visit the Big Y customer service desk and ﬁll out a form that will link Fort River with your card. Fort River ID # 5947. Target Take Charge of Education. Designate 1% of the value of your purchases to Fort River every time you use your Target REDcard (credit card). Visit www.Target.com/tcoe . Fort River ID 58645. Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans. Order forms are available here. Next order deadline: March 6th. Please deliver to the Main Ofﬁce. 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.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Parent Council Meeting. Thurs. March 26, 7pm. (Please note that this meeting has been rescheduled from Wed. March 18th, 6:30pm.) Fort River Library. Amherst Town Election. Tuesday, March 31st. Polls Open 7am-8pm. Coffee With The Principal. Friday, Apr. 3, 8:30am. Fort River Cafeteria. Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Apr. 3rd. Click for form. Spring Recess. No School, Apr. 20-24. Note: Items in teal are sponsored by Fort River Parent Council.

Election Update

Don't forget that the next Town Election is coming up soon--on Tuesday, March 31st! Three candidates are vying for the two open seats on the Amherst School Committee. Given the dire budget outlook for the schools, this election will prove to be very important for the future of our schools. Today's Amherst Bulletin has published statements from all three candidates, as well as numerous other articles, opinion pieces and letters regarding the candidates and the schools. You can view the ballots for each precinct on the Amherst Town website here: http://www.amherstma.gov/index.asp?nid=861 Please take the time to become informed about the issues!

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Book collection for the League of Women Voters of Amherst’s book sale begins Friday, March 27. The annual Spring sale of thousands of used books will take place May 1, 2 and 3 in a large tent on the Amherst Town Common. Donations of books may be dropped off in collection trunks at the League’s sorting and pricing center at 479 West Street (Rt.116), Unit 8. This is at the corner of West Street and Pomeroy Lane. Other drop-off locations are Stop & Shop in Hadley, the UPS Store on University Drive, the Jones Library, North Amherst Library and the Munson Memorial Library in South Amherst. Books must be in good condition and free of mildew. Magazines will not be accepted. The book sale is one of the oldest and largest in New England. It serves as the major fund raiser for the League and helps finance its voter service programs and publications, including the Election Guide for the coming town election, They Represent You listing all Town Meeting members and elected officials, and the just completed revision of Your Amherst Government. For information call 253-0633. The Fresh Air Fund: Host a Child This Summer. The Fresh Air fund is in need of hosts for this summer. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give a fresh air experience that disadvantaged children never forget. There's lots of info on the Fresh Air Fund website here: http://www.freshair.org/the-fresh-air-fund. FOA Salute to Families. On March 26th, 2009, Family Outreach of Amherst (FOA) will be hosting its Seventh Annual Salute To Families Series, at the the Amherst College Cole Assembly Room of Converse Hall, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. This year's event, titled "Coming Home: Memoir Writing and Transformation", will feature author Leslie Garris. Ms. Garris is an Amherst native and granddaughter of the authors of numerous popular childrens' books, including The Bobbsey Twins and the Uncle Wiggly series. Ms. Garris will read from her recent book, The House of Happy Endings: A Memoir. Additionally, she will discuss some of the challenges and rewards inherent in writing about one's family, particularly one fraught with mental illness. The evening will be moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Madeleine Blais. Following the book reading and discussion, there will be a reception and book signing. Tickets to this event will be available at the door. The cost of tickets ranges from $25 Benefactor, $10 General, $ Seniors, to free for Students. All proceeds will benefit Family Outreach of Amherst. 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.

Ongoing Fundraisers: They're Fun & Easy!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Teacher Curriculum Day. No School. Monday, March 16. School Committee Meeting. Tues., March 17, 7pm. H.S. Library. League of Women Voters Candidates Forum. Wed., March 18th, at the Middle School auditorium. Refreshments at 7 pm, program starts at 7:30 pm. Candidates for School Committee will speak. See below for more information. Kids & the Internet. Presentation for parents. Thursday, March 19th, 7-8pm. Fort River Library. Click here for more information. Parent Council Meeting. Thurs. March 26, 7pm. (Please note that this meeting has been rescheduled from Wed. March 18th, 6:30pm.) Fort River Library. Amherst Town Election. Tuesday, March 31st. (The deadline to register to vote is March 11.) Coffee With The Principal. Friday, Apr. 3, 8:30am. Fort River Cafeteria. Note: Items in teal are sponsored by Fort River Parent Council.

Amherstopoly Update

Volunteers are needed to help market and sell the Amherstopoly board game! For every game we sell proceeds go directly to the Amherst elementary school PTO's. We are looking for people to help us figure out the best way to sell the games, manage inventory, set up a website to sell the games over the internet and handle money transactions. Games will be available in early May. To get involved...contact Sue Cairn scairn@verizon.net 253-9148 or Liz Larson 230-3453 lizinamherst@gmail.com.

Atkins Market Shopping Cards

Announcing a new fundraising program from Atkins Farms Country Market. Be on the lookout for your family's Atkins Farms card. Use this card when you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market, and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School. Just show the card when you are checking out. Atkins has provided us with one card per family, which should be coming home in an envelope with your youngest Fort River child (either today, 3/13, or Tues., 3/17). There is an expiration date on the card, which is the date that youngest child graduates from Fort River. It's another easy way to earn money for your school!

New Local Blog of Note

Alison Donta-Venman, a Fort River parent who was on the Town's Facilitation of Community Choices Committee, which examined the town's future budget scenarios, has started her own blog, called Amherst By The Numbers. I recommend that you all check it out! -- Ann McLaughlin

Candidates' Night Wednesday, March 18th at the ARMS Auditorium

The League of Women Voters of Amherst will hold a Candidates' Night on Wed. Mar. 18 in the Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium. There will be light refreshments at 7 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:30 p.m. The forum will include candidates for both contested and uncontested positions. Uncontested races: Town Meeting Moderator: Harrison Gregg Select Board: Aaron Hayden Housing Authority: Peter Jessup Uncontested candidates will make an opening statement only. Contested races: School Board -- 2 positions: Irvin Rhodes Steven Rivkin Megan Rosa Redevelopment Authority -- 1 position: John Coull Robert Kusner Jones Library Trustee -- 2 positions: Carol Gray John McDonald III Sarah McKee Lucy McMurrer Oliver Smith Elector -- 1 position: John Coull David Farnham Contested candidates will make an opening statement, followed by a question period and closing statements. Joan Temkin will serve as moderator. All those interested in meeting and questioning candidates are urged to attend. Please note that political advertisements, including campaign buttons, signs, t-shirts, etc. are not permitted inside the auditorium. The forum will be taped and broadcast on Channel 17 several times before the election on Mar. 31. Check your newspaper or the community calendar on ACTV Channel 12 for viewing schedule. For more information call 253-0633.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Northampton Family Dance. Sunday, March 15, 3:00 - 5:00 PM at the First Churches, 129 Main Street, Northampton (Use Center Street entrance across from the Iron Horse). Please come to the Family Dance! Come enjoy a variety of folk and contra dances geared to children and families. All dances are taught and all ages are welcome--no dance experience needed. A healthy snack is served at the break. Live music! Brendan Taaffe calls, music by Linda Henry & Shirley White. Admission is $4 per person for ages 3 and up, $15 maximum per family. This is the last dance this season in our season of five dances, taking place on the third Sunday of the month from November through March. For more information, please call Judy Stern at (413) 256-2613. The Fresh Air Fund: Host a Child This Summer. The Fresh Air fund is in need of hosts for this summer. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give a fresh air experience that disadvantaged children never forget. There's lots of info on the Fresh Air Fund website here: http://www.freshair.org/the-fresh-air-fund. FOA Salute to Families. On March 26th, 2009, Family Outreach of Amherst (FOA) will be hosting its Seventh Annual Salute To Families Series, at the the Amherst College Cole Assembly Room of Converse Hall, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. This year's event, titled "Coming Home: Memoir Writing and Transformation", will feature author Leslie Garris. Ms. Garris is an Amherst native and granddaughter of the authors of numerous popular childrens' books, including The Bobbsey Twins and the Uncle Wiggly series. Ms. Garris will read from her recent book, The House of Happy Endings: A Memoir. Additionally, she will discuss some of the challenges and rewards inherent in writing about one's family, particularly one fraught with mental illness. The evening will be moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Madeleine Blais. Following the book reading and discussion, there will be a reception and book signing. Tickets to this event will be available at the door. The cost of tickets ranges from $25 Benefactor, $10 General, $ Seniors, to free for Students. All proceeds will benefit Family Outreach of Amherst. 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.

Ongoing Fundraisers: They're Fun & Easy!

Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program. Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus. Fort River ID # 05218. Box Tops For Education. Keep clipping and bringing the Box Tops to the office! Even though have made our last submission for this school year, we will hold all additional box tops clipped this year and over the summer for submission next October. Big Y Education Express. Use your Big Y Express Savings Club card and Fort River can earn points for buying equipment and supplies! Visit the Big Y customer service desk and ﬁll out a form that will link Fort River with your card. Fort River ID # 5947. Target Take Charge of Education. Designate 1% of the value of your purchases to Fort River every time you use your Target REDcard (credit card). Visit www.Target.com/tcoe . Fort River ID 58645. Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans. Order forms are available here. Next order deadline: March 6th. Please deliver to the Main Ofﬁce. 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.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Principal Sharick's Latest Newsletter Has Been Posted

Here's the link: http://www.arps.org/fr/Fort_River_News.htm

Friday, March 6, 2009

Upcoming School Events

Fort River Roasters by Deans Beans. Monday, March 9 . Orders Due (order deadline has been postponed from Friday 3/6). Forms here. Teacher Curriculum Day. No School. Monday, March 16. School Committee Meeting. Tues., March 17, 7pm. H.S. Library. League of Women Voters Candidates Forum. Wed., March 18th, at the Middle School. Time TBA. Candidates for School Committee will speak. See below for more information. Kids & the Internet. Presentation for parents. Thursday, March 19th, 7-8pm. Fort River Library. See below for more information. Parent Council Meeting. Thurs. March 26, 7pm. (Please note that this meeting has been rescheduled from Wed. March 18th, 6:30pm.) Fort River Library. Amherst Town Election. Tuesday, March 31st. (The deadline to register to vote is March 11.) Coffee With The Principal. Friday, Apr. 3, 8:30am. Fort River Cafeteria. Note: Items in teal are sponsored by Fort River Parent Council.

Amherst Elementary School Reorganization News

From the March 3rd Amherst School Committee Meeting. New Interim Superintendent Maria Geryk gave a thoughtful, well-organized and comprehensive presentation on updated budget scenarios and potential redistricting scenarios. She started the meeting by stating that she and the 4 Elementary School Principals did NOT recommend making any changes in redistricting and closing schools at this time. The redistricting scenarios were emphasized as being preliminary. At the end of the meeting, however, she did admit that, should they be looking at tier 3 budget cuts, everything would be back on the table. As ﬁgures for State and Federal funding are still not available and may not be for months after Amherstʼs budget decisions are made, the budget scenarios were again presented with 3 different tiers of budget cuts: the 1st being the best case scenario - the 3rd being the worst case scenario. These documents are to be available online at (www.arps.org). A summary of the proposed budget cuts, particularly as they impact students, are discussed on School Committee member Catherine Sandersonʼs blog (myschoolcommitteeblog.blogspot.com). Of note, Instrumental music was presented as being cut in a tiered fashion with 1.7 (of 3) instrumental teachers being cut at the tier 1 level (meaning a delay of instrumental music instruction) and all instrumental music effectively being cut at the tier 3 level. Further reﬁning of the budget data will be presented at the Amherst School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 17. As of now there is no planned presentation to the individual elementary schools. For other reorganization news keep checking back here at the Parent Council Blog for links to the ARPS website (www.arps.org), and School Committee member Catherine Sandersonʼs blog (myschoolcommitteeblog.blogspot.com). Check ACTV to view reruns of Tuesdayʼs School Committee meeting.

Schools in the News

Here are some links to recent newspaper articles about the Amherst schools: "Amherst schools pick says he's ready for pressure,"by Mary Carey, Amherst Bulletin, March 5. "Amherst school leaders cautious on budget cuts," by Mary Carey, Amherst Bulletin, March 4. “School chief consensus reached,” by Diane Lederman. The Republican, March 4. "Amherst picks Florida principal as schools chief," by Mary Carey, Amherst Bulletin, March 3. "Amherst Regional School Committee picks Miami-Dade's Alberto Rodriguez as new superintendent," by Diane Lederman, Republican, March 2. "Interim Schools Chiefs Resign in Amherst," by Mary Carey, Amherst Bulletin, Feb. 28.

Candidate Forum--School Committee Candidates

The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a Candidate Forum on Wednesday, March 18th, time TBA. This will occur at the Middle School and be televised by ACTV. Come or tune in to see the School Committee candidates Irv Rhodes, Steve Rivkin and Megan Rosa in action. Town elections will be held on Tuesday, March 31st. Each of the candidates has launched an election website detailing their positions. Please check them out and become informed on this very crucial election for our schools. Irv Rhodes: http://irvrhodesforschoolcommittee.org/ Steve Rivkin: http://home.comcast.net/~s.rivkin/ Megan Rosa: http://meganrosa.blogspot.com/

Kids and the Internet: A Presentation for Parents

Fort River Elementary School will be sponsoring an informational presentation for parents on Thursday, March 19th, 7 pm. This presentation by the Northwest DAʼs ofﬁce is planned in conjunction with school day workshops for 1st, 2nd and 5th, 6th graders in the coming weeks. Limited babysitting will be provided: Contact Sue Borden (FRPC.sborden@gmail.com).

Next Parent Council Meeting Rescheduled

The next Parent Council meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 pm in the library. Please note the time change as well.

Savings Makes Cents--New Location

The Savings Makes Cents program will be held in the main hall outside the ofﬁce on Tuesday mornings from 8:15-8:45am. Please remind your children to bring in their deposits. Children wishing to participate can also pickup materials to start accounts at Florence Savings Bank. Savings Makes Cents is a really fun, easy way to help our kids learn to save. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria, or directly at the bank. Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited. After 10 deposits, the Bank will contribute $1.00 to the account.

Gradewide Events--Coming Soon!

Grade-wide events are being planned for K, 1st, 3rd and 4th grades - dates to be announced. If you have a great idea or are interested in helping with this endeavor please contact your grade rep and/or room parent. (See right-hand side of the screen under "Fort River Links" for contact info.)

Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks: February Numbers

I have just checked the numbers from the Stop & Shop BonusBucks program and they are looking great! In February, our participants have earned another $673.50 for Fort River, which means we have already earned $1,792.83 for Fort River during this school year! We also now have 134 people signed up for the program, which is up from 111 in January. We have already earned $460 more than we did last year. Unfortunately, March is the final month of the 2008-2009 A+BonusBucks program, which officially concludes on April 2, 2009. By the end of May, Fort River will receive a check for our total amount to use for any of our school's educational needs. The good news is that it's STILL not too late to sign up for the program, if you haven't already. (Please click here to find out how to do it.) If you sign up in March, ALL of your purchases at Stop & Shop during the entire month of March will count towards our total. So please sign up if you haven't already. Thanks to everyone who already has signed up! -- Ann McLaughlin

Volunteers Needed

Library Fran Ludington is looking for volunteers to shelve / organize books and perform minor book repairs. Training will be provided. Contact Fran Ludington, 362-1215 (LudingtF@arps.org) Amherstopoly Additional volunteers needed to help with this all elementary school fundraiser. Contact: Liz Larson (lizinamherst@gmail. com). T-Shirt Sale T-shirts,sweatshirts & totes made with the Fort River logo will be available this Spring. Co-organizer needed. (Contact: Sue Borden, frpc.sborden@gmail.com) Immigration Play (5th Grade) Volunteer help needed with rehearsals leading up to performance in the Spring. Please contact: Anne White, 362-1215, WhiteA@arps.org.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Northampton Family Dance. Sunday, March 15, 3:00 - 5:00 PM at the First Churches, 129 Main Street, Northampton (Use Center Street entrance across from the Iron Horse). Please come to the Family Dance! Come enjoy a variety of folk and contra dances geared to children and families. All dances are taught and all ages are welcome--no dance experience needed. A healthy snack is served at the break. Live music! Brendan Taaffe calls, music by Linda Henry & Shirley White. Admission is $4 per person for ages 3 and up, $15 maximum per family. This is the last dance this season in our season of five dances, taking place on the third Sunday of the month from November through March. For more information, please call Judy Stern at (413) 256-2613. The Fresh Air Fund: Host a Child This Summer. The Fresh Air fund is in need of hosts for this summer. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give a fresh air experience that disadvantaged children never forget. There's lots of info on the Fresh Air Fund website here: http://www.freshair.org/the-fresh-air-fund. FOA Salute to Families. On March 26th, 2009, Family Outreach of Amherst (FOA) will be hosting its Seventh Annual Salute To Families Series, at the the Amherst College Cole Assembly Room of Converse Hall, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. This year's event, titled "Coming Home: Memoir Writing and Transformation", will feature author Leslie Garris. Ms. Garris is an Amherst native and granddaughter of the authors of numerous popular childrens' books, including The Bobbsey Twins and the Uncle Wiggly series. Ms. Garris will read from her recent book, The House of Happy Endings: A Memoir. Additionally, she will discuss some of the challenges and rewards inherent in writing about one's family, particularly one fraught with mental illness. The evening will be moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Madeleine Blais. Following the book reading and discussion, there will be a reception and book signing. Tickets to this event will be available at the door. The cost of tickets ranges from $25 Benefactor, $10 General, $ Seniors, to free for Students. All proceeds will benefit Family Outreach of Amherst. Multi-Arts Winter 08-09 Online Magazine. Multi-Arts has published its latest edition of its online magazine with contributions from many of the valley's talented young people! Click here to take a look. Multi-Arts Play-Writing Competition. As a way to inspire children and young adults to create stories and promote their imagination, Multi-Arts invites them to enter a play-writing competition. The winner will receive $200 and the staging of their play by children in our summer program. Rules can be found on our website: www.multi-arts.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.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

From the Springfield Republican: Amherst Regional School Committee picks Miami-Dade's Alberto Rodriguez as new superintendent

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/amherst_regional_school_commit.html?category=Amherst+category=Education

Fort River PGO Information

Friday, March 27, 2009

Friday, March 20, 2009

Friday, March 13, 2009

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Friday, March 6, 2009

Tuesday, March 3, 2009