Science
Night for Grades 4, 5 & 6. Friday,
April 30. 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. See below for more information.
Fort River Roasters Coffee Orders Due. Friday, May 7th. Click
here for order form.
Coffee with the Principals. Friday,
May 7th. Fort River Cafeteria. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx
for coffee, light refreshments and conversation. All parent/guardians
invited, younger siblings welcome.
Parent Council Meeting. Tues. May 11. 8:45am. Fort River Cafeteria. Next year's board will is the topic! Click here for more information about the various Parent Council board officer positions.
Fort River International Fair. Friday, May 14, 5:30-7:30pm. (Rain date May 21.) See below for more information.
*Items
in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.
Fort River PGO, Fort River School, Amherst, Massachusetts. Your source for Fort River news and events. Sponsored by the Fort River Parent Guardian Organization. All Fort River families are automatically members of the PGO.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Science Night for Grades 4-6, April 30
Parent Council is sponsoring a science night
tomorrow, April 30th from 6:30-7:30pm in the Fort River Gym for grades 4-6.
Come watch demonstrations by the UMass Science Outreach Club involving a Bed of Nails, Liquid Nitrogen, a Rocket Wagon and more. Please be sure to stop in the school lobby to see Polymer Science inspired artwork created by Fort River students under the guidance of our terrific art teacher, Teri Magner.
Here's a link to a story about this special art exhibition that appeared in the Apr. 23rd Amherst Bulletin: http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/170381/.
Any kids from the younger grades who did not make it to the last Science Night are welcome to attend tomorrow night!!
See you there!
Come watch demonstrations by the UMass Science Outreach Club involving a Bed of Nails, Liquid Nitrogen, a Rocket Wagon and more. Please be sure to stop in the school lobby to see Polymer Science inspired artwork created by Fort River students under the guidance of our terrific art teacher, Teri Magner.
Here's a link to a story about this special art exhibition that appeared in the Apr. 23rd Amherst Bulletin: http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/170381/.
Any kids from the younger grades who did not make it to the last Science Night are welcome to attend tomorrow night!!
See you there!
Fort River International Fair
Join
in the…
Fort River
International Fair!
International Fair!
Come
celebrate spring and the cultures of students, teachers, staff, and families that
make up our school community!
Friday, May 14
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Fort River Playground
- international potluck
- games
from around the world
- multicultural
creative arts and performances
Let’s make this gathering a wonderful reflection of
our community!
Share your talents in music, dance, poetry, etc. from around the world!
Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon: Help Us Say Thank You!
Please help us say thank you and express our gratitude to the incredible faculty and staff at Fort River School for another terrific year.
Parent Council is sponsoring the annual Staff and Teacher Appreciation Luncheon this year at Bistro 63 @ The Monkey Bar on May 19th.
All Fort River staff will be invited to come for an afternoon of fun with colleagues and delicious food.
In order to make this event happen, we need help from you and your children in three possible ways:
DONATE: An extra donation to help cover the cost of the meals and supplies used to decorate the space including gratitude notes from the students would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent in to the Parent Council mailbox or made online via PayPal.
PARTICIPATE: Parent Council will have a table in the Fort River lobby in early May for kids to create gratitude messages to the teachers and staff they wish to thank. Please also feel free to send in your own home-created messages with your children anytime before May 12th to the Parent Council mailbox.
DECORATE: If you are able, please drop off a flower arrangement (as simple as flowers from your garden), in a container you are willing to part with, to school on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, the week of May 17th. A table will be set up in the lobby for flower collections. If you are willing to help decorate the banquet room the day of the event, contact Catalina or Suzanne.
If you have any questions, please contact Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com) or Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).
Thank you in advance for your help in showing our appreciation!
Parent Council is sponsoring the annual Staff and Teacher Appreciation Luncheon this year at Bistro 63 @ The Monkey Bar on May 19th.
All Fort River staff will be invited to come for an afternoon of fun with colleagues and delicious food.
In order to make this event happen, we need help from you and your children in three possible ways:
DONATE: An extra donation to help cover the cost of the meals and supplies used to decorate the space including gratitude notes from the students would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent in to the Parent Council mailbox or made online via PayPal.
PARTICIPATE: Parent Council will have a table in the Fort River lobby in early May for kids to create gratitude messages to the teachers and staff they wish to thank. Please also feel free to send in your own home-created messages with your children anytime before May 12th to the Parent Council mailbox.
DECORATE: If you are able, please drop off a flower arrangement (as simple as flowers from your garden), in a container you are willing to part with, to school on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, the week of May 17th. A table will be set up in the lobby for flower collections. If you are willing to help decorate the banquet room the day of the event, contact Catalina or Suzanne.
If you have any questions, please contact Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com) or Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).
Thank you in advance for your help in showing our appreciation!
Multi-Arts Raffle to Benefit Crocker Farm Playground--Deadline Extended
Attention all Multi-Arts or potential Multi-Arts families in the Ft. River Community!
There's still time to purchase a raffle ticket for a slot in one of the Multi-Arts Summer Camp programs & help support Crocker Farm's effort to close the funding gap for their new playground! Very exciting news coming out of Crocker these days that they received the $25K grant from Rotary to help them rebuild their playground, but they still have about $5,000 to go to cross the "funding finish line". All Fort River families are invited to take a chance through May 10 when the drawing will be held to help support this worthwhile community effort to build a new playground at Crocker. Some current Ft. River families will be moving to Crocker Farm next year so you could be supporting your child or a friend of your child by purchasing a ticket.
Tickets are $15 each, tax deductible, and a fine way to support kids, the arts & families in town...as well as being a great investment if you win! Slots in one of the 2-week sessions are valued up to $585 including camp registration...what a deal!!!!
Multi-Arts, which was established and is run by Ft. River parent Catalina Arrubla, is very generously donating 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales to the Crocker Farm Playground Building Fund. Tickets are available from Catalina directly at multiarts.org@gmail.com, Eileen Marasco at e.marasco@comcast.net or through the Multi-Arts website www.multi-arts.org using PayPal.
You can also buy tickets at the Fort River main office and A.J. Hastings in downtown Amherst (45 S. Pleasant St.).
Tickets will also be sold at the Town Fair on Amherst Town Common on May 8th.
Many thanks for your support!!!!
There's still time to purchase a raffle ticket for a slot in one of the Multi-Arts Summer Camp programs & help support Crocker Farm's effort to close the funding gap for their new playground! Very exciting news coming out of Crocker these days that they received the $25K grant from Rotary to help them rebuild their playground, but they still have about $5,000 to go to cross the "funding finish line". All Fort River families are invited to take a chance through May 10 when the drawing will be held to help support this worthwhile community effort to build a new playground at Crocker. Some current Ft. River families will be moving to Crocker Farm next year so you could be supporting your child or a friend of your child by purchasing a ticket.
Tickets are $15 each, tax deductible, and a fine way to support kids, the arts & families in town...as well as being a great investment if you win! Slots in one of the 2-week sessions are valued up to $585 including camp registration...what a deal!!!!
Multi-Arts, which was established and is run by Ft. River parent Catalina Arrubla, is very generously donating 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales to the Crocker Farm Playground Building Fund. Tickets are available from Catalina directly at multiarts.org@gmail.com, Eileen Marasco at e.marasco@comcast.net or through the Multi-Arts website www.multi-arts.org using PayPal.
You can also buy tickets at the Fort River main office and A.J. Hastings in downtown Amherst (45 S. Pleasant St.).
Tickets will also be sold at the Town Fair on Amherst Town Common on May 8th.
Many thanks for your support!!!!
Soccer Balls for Haiti
Dear Friends,
Hi there! I'm helping Mariaelena Garcia raise money to purchase new soccer balls for an orphanage, St. Clare's, in Haiti. If you'd like to help by donating this can make a real difference! You may have heard about her, but if not, here are two articles:
http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/165899/
"Sharing the weight of Haiti: Amherst woman takes up moral mantle to
aid quake victims"
http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/168317/
"Hadley students aid Haitian youth"
This orphanage north of Port-au-Prince has over five thousand people comingdaily - to St, Clare's, to eat, get help, etc. There are nearly a thousand children that live around there, and we have an opportunity to help in a very meaningful way. Now that they have some semi
regular supply of food, medical and school supplies, they are trying to establish school and activity routines and they have requested soccer balls. This will help lift spirits, establish routines and build community. One soccer ball can transform the day for many kids and adults, and if we raise enough money to donate 12-24 or even more soccer balls, we will be making a real difference in their day to day lives.
The balls will be purchased from Jonathan's in Hadley, and another bulk ordering resource. Jonathan's is offering a 20% discount so a $15 ball will be $12, and the other company offers $8 balls. HOW MUCH TO GIVE? That's completely up to you! Every penny will go directly
towards soccer balls purchased, since all transportation and other costs are being donated. You can sponsor one ball with a $12 donation, a half ball with a $6 donation, or 5 balls for $60 if you so wish! If you are able to give a dollar or two, every bit helps!
I am collecting the orders / money now and until Friday, April 30th, for a large shipment of a variety of items scheduled for early May. You can send a check or cash in a labeled envelope to Matt in Kai Simon's class at Ft. River, (or to his soccer or baseball game/practice) or Ashlyn at the high school, or mail a check or money order to me, at 101 State Street, Amherst, MA 01002. The check can be made out to myself, Leigh Salvage, with the memo "Soccer balls - Haiti" written in. I will be purchasing the soccer balls this weekend. Children can draw pictures to be sent as well, if they are interested, though letters should really be in French if possible!
Thank you SO much in advance for your help and for the pledges to sponsor balls I've already received!
Leigh Salvage
413-230-3722
P.S. If you'd like to help in other ways, you can write a check directly to "Western Mass Collaborative" and in the memo you can write "food" or "medical supplies" or "wherever most needed", and I will also get those checks to Mariaelena Garcia.
Hi there! I'm helping Mariaelena Garcia raise money to purchase new soccer balls for an orphanage, St. Clare's, in Haiti. If you'd like to help by donating this can make a real difference! You may have heard about her, but if not, here are two articles:
http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/165899/
"Sharing the weight of Haiti: Amherst woman takes up moral mantle to
aid quake victims"
http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/168317/
"Hadley students aid Haitian youth"
This orphanage north of Port-au-Prince has over five thousand people comingdaily - to St, Clare's, to eat, get help, etc. There are nearly a thousand children that live around there, and we have an opportunity to help in a very meaningful way. Now that they have some semi
regular supply of food, medical and school supplies, they are trying to establish school and activity routines and they have requested soccer balls. This will help lift spirits, establish routines and build community. One soccer ball can transform the day for many kids and adults, and if we raise enough money to donate 12-24 or even more soccer balls, we will be making a real difference in their day to day lives.
The balls will be purchased from Jonathan's in Hadley, and another bulk ordering resource. Jonathan's is offering a 20% discount so a $15 ball will be $12, and the other company offers $8 balls. HOW MUCH TO GIVE? That's completely up to you! Every penny will go directly
towards soccer balls purchased, since all transportation and other costs are being donated. You can sponsor one ball with a $12 donation, a half ball with a $6 donation, or 5 balls for $60 if you so wish! If you are able to give a dollar or two, every bit helps!
I am collecting the orders / money now and until Friday, April 30th, for a large shipment of a variety of items scheduled for early May. You can send a check or cash in a labeled envelope to Matt in Kai Simon's class at Ft. River, (or to his soccer or baseball game/practice) or Ashlyn at the high school, or mail a check or money order to me, at 101 State Street, Amherst, MA 01002. The check can be made out to myself, Leigh Salvage, with the memo "Soccer balls - Haiti" written in. I will be purchasing the soccer balls this weekend. Children can draw pictures to be sent as well, if they are interested, though letters should really be in French if possible!
Thank you SO much in advance for your help and for the pledges to sponsor balls I've already received!
Leigh Salvage
413-230-3722
P.S. If you'd like to help in other ways, you can write a check directly to "Western Mass Collaborative" and in the memo you can write "food" or "medical supplies" or "wherever most needed", and I will also get those checks to Mariaelena Garcia.
Upcoming Community Events
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.
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! This year's program ended on March 25th. This year we earned $567.66 for Fort River with 123 people participating. Thanks to everyone who signed up. Remember, you will need to sign up again next fall!
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. 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.
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! This year's program ended on March 25th. This year we earned $567.66 for Fort River with 123 people participating. Thanks to everyone who signed up. Remember, you will need to sign up again next fall!
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. 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.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Upcoming School Events
Spring Vacation.
April
19-23. No School.
Science Night for Grades 4, 5 & 6. Friday, April 30. 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. Click here for more information.
Spring Chorus Concert. Thursday, May 6. 7:30 pm. Middle School Auditorium.
Fort River Roasters Coffee Orders Due. Friday, May 7th. Click here for order form.
Coffee with the Principals. Friday, May 7th. Fort River Cafeteria. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx for coffee, light refreshments and conversation. All parent/guardians invited, younger siblings welcome.
Parent Council Meeting. Tues. May 11. 8:45am. Fort River Cafeteria. Next year's board will is the topic! See below for more information.
*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.
Science Night for Grades 4, 5 & 6. Friday, April 30. 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. Click here for more information.
Spring Chorus Concert. Thursday, May 6. 7:30 pm. Middle School Auditorium.
Fort River Roasters Coffee Orders Due. Friday, May 7th. Click here for order form.
Coffee with the Principals. Friday, May 7th. Fort River Cafeteria. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx for coffee, light refreshments and conversation. All parent/guardians invited, younger siblings welcome.
Parent Council Meeting. Tues. May 11. 8:45am. Fort River Cafeteria. Next year's board will is the topic! See below for more information.
*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.
Time to Assemble the Parent Council Board for Next Year!
This past year the Parent Council Board minimized the number of fundraisers held and instead concentrated on the rest of what we do:
This year many of Parent Council's veteran parent volunteers are "graduating" to the Middle School. If we want to continue to support our teachers and sustain the events and programs we have provided in the past, we need new blood!
There will be many openings on the Parent Council Board for the coming year. Please let us know if you are interested. Better yet, grab a friend and volunteer together! Parent Council is a great way to meet other parents, get to know teachers and staff and see what's going on in your child's school life. Every parent/guardian at Fort River is a member of Parent Council. Board members steer the direction of the various projects.
Next year's Parent Council Board will be assembled during the May 11th meeting at 8:45 am. Please contact Sue Borden or any Parent Council officer for further information and consider nominating yourself for one of the board positions. Decisions about the following year's activities and budget will be made during the June 2nd meeting.
Thanks for getting involved !
Sue Borden
Parent Council President
Here's a contact list of the current board officers:
President: Sue Borden (FRPC.sborden@gmail.com)
Vice Presidents:
Fundraising: Libby Stanforth (bstanforth@comcast.net)
Teacher outreach: Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net)
Room parents: Navneet Marwaha (marwaha.navneet@gmail.org)
Website: Ann McLaughlin (damclaughlin@comcast.net)
Secretary: Jenn Green (peachy-green@comcast.net)
Treasurer: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net)
Providing the Student Directory, Yearbook, Fort River Blog. Book Swap.
Organizing events such as the Family Fair, Multicultural Fair, Science Night and Field Day.
Supporting Teachers through funding, volunteers and the upcoming Staff Appreciation Luncheon.
Supporting Student Enrichment activities and field trips through funding and grant requests and much much more.
Organizing events such as the Family Fair, Multicultural Fair, Science Night and Field Day.
Supporting Teachers through funding, volunteers and the upcoming Staff Appreciation Luncheon.
Supporting Student Enrichment activities and field trips through funding and grant requests and much much more.
This year many of Parent Council's veteran parent volunteers are "graduating" to the Middle School. If we want to continue to support our teachers and sustain the events and programs we have provided in the past, we need new blood!
There will be many openings on the Parent Council Board for the coming year. Please let us know if you are interested. Better yet, grab a friend and volunteer together! Parent Council is a great way to meet other parents, get to know teachers and staff and see what's going on in your child's school life. Every parent/guardian at Fort River is a member of Parent Council. Board members steer the direction of the various projects.
Next year's Parent Council Board will be assembled during the May 11th meeting at 8:45 am. Please contact Sue Borden or any Parent Council officer for further information and consider nominating yourself for one of the board positions. Decisions about the following year's activities and budget will be made during the June 2nd meeting.
Thanks for getting involved !
Sue Borden
Parent Council President
Here's a contact list of the current board officers:
President: Sue Borden (FRPC.sborden@gmail.com)
Vice Presidents:
Fundraising: Libby Stanforth (bstanforth@comcast.net)
Teacher outreach: Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net)
Room parents: Navneet Marwaha (marwaha.navneet@gmail.org)
Website: Ann McLaughlin (damclaughlin@comcast.net)
Secretary: Jenn Green (peachy-green@comcast.net)
Treasurer: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net)
Help the Wildwood Afterschool Chess Club
Hello Fort River Community,
We want to extend an invitation for all of the children and parents coming from Fort River next year to participate in Wildwood’s highly successful parent-run afterschool chess club. Up to 100 kids participate in this club every year, and it has become a beloved and much-anticipated tradition at our school. Look for a sign-up sheet in your child’s backpack next fall.
I have had a wonderful experience leading the chess club for the last three years with the help of other parent volunteers, and now with my daughter graduating, I’m looking to pass the hat to the next parent or group of parent leaders. I’m hoping some of these volunteers will be among you, the new members of our school community.
Here’s what‘s needed:
Please email me or call 212.595.3585 if you would like to take part in this fun activity with the kids. The materials have already been purchased, and a successful organizational structure is already in place. We could really use your help to keep this wonderful activity going, and it’s a fun way to volunteer at the school and get to know the children.
I look forward to meeting you,
Mat Lebowitz
mat@mlcreative.com
212.595.3585
We want to extend an invitation for all of the children and parents coming from Fort River next year to participate in Wildwood’s highly successful parent-run afterschool chess club. Up to 100 kids participate in this club every year, and it has become a beloved and much-anticipated tradition at our school. Look for a sign-up sheet in your child’s backpack next fall.
I have had a wonderful experience leading the chess club for the last three years with the help of other parent volunteers, and now with my daughter graduating, I’m looking to pass the hat to the next parent or group of parent leaders. I’m hoping some of these volunteers will be among you, the new members of our school community.
Here’s what‘s needed:
- administration that can be done at home, i.e.: collecting forms and assigning kids to groups (no chess knowledge required). Helps to be able to create spreadsheets and email lists. Approximate time required: 3 hours each semester.
- leading weekly 1 hour chess club sessions for beginning, intermediate or advanced players. Knowledge of chess is pretty important. I generally give a 15-20 minute ‘lesson’ at the start of each session, then let them just play each other for the rest of the time. Time: 2 hours each week,
- organizing snack (no chess knowledge required). We usually have a sign up sheet at beginning of session and parents bring snack throughout.
- overseeing the operation – working with the club leaders to determine best days, printing and distributing the sign-up forms, sending group emails, generally keeping track. Time: 7 hours per semester
Please email me or call 212.595.3585 if you would like to take part in this fun activity with the kids. The materials have already been purchased, and a successful organizational structure is already in place. We could really use your help to keep this wonderful activity going, and it’s a fun way to volunteer at the school and get to know the children.
I look forward to meeting you,
Mat Lebowitz
mat@mlcreative.com
212.595.3585
6th Grade Class Class Gift--Now With PayPal!
TIME FOR THE SIXTH GRADE CLASS GIFT ! ! !
In a great and ancient Fort River tradition, the 6th grade class and their parents give a gift to the school. In past years, 6th grade classes have bought maple trees to shade the playground, a wooden dictionary stand and other equipment.
This year, we are looking to buy a granite bench, so kids can eat in the courtyard next to the cafeteria in good weather. We also want to buy science equipment for classroom use.
Please give what you can. $5, $10, $25 or more -- it all helps. Let’s give back to all the people at Fort River who have meant so much to our kids. Previous classes raised $600 to $800 and we hope this year’s parents will donate at least that much.
Please put your donation teacher in the envelope marked “6th Grade Gift.” Have your child to give it to their teacher or mail it to: Janet McGowan 706 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002.
Checks can be made out to: “Fort River Parent Council.” (Please write: 6th grade gift on the check’s memo line.) Your donation is tax-deductible.
****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your support and generosity. We will see you at Graduation!
Janet McGowan (Janetmcgowan30@comcast.net)
Elly Hosea (elly_hosea@yahoo.com)
Betty Sharpe (elizabeth.sharpe@comcast.net)
In a great and ancient Fort River tradition, the 6th grade class and their parents give a gift to the school. In past years, 6th grade classes have bought maple trees to shade the playground, a wooden dictionary stand and other equipment.
This year, we are looking to buy a granite bench, so kids can eat in the courtyard next to the cafeteria in good weather. We also want to buy science equipment for classroom use.
Please give what you can. $5, $10, $25 or more -- it all helps. Let’s give back to all the people at Fort River who have meant so much to our kids. Previous classes raised $600 to $800 and we hope this year’s parents will donate at least that much.
Please put your donation teacher in the envelope marked “6th Grade Gift.” Have your child to give it to their teacher or mail it to: Janet McGowan 706 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002.
Checks can be made out to: “Fort River Parent Council.” (Please write: 6th grade gift on the check’s memo line.) Your donation is tax-deductible.
****************************************************************
And now you can also make your donation via PayPal! All you have to do is click on the PayPal button! (There's also one at the top of the right-hand column of this page under "6th Grade Gift.")
****************************************************************
Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your support and generosity. We will see you at Graduation!
Janet McGowan (Janetmcgowan30@comcast.net)
Elly Hosea (elly_hosea@yahoo.com)
Betty Sharpe (elizabeth.sharpe@comcast.net)
Attention Future Crocker Farm Families!
An invitation to all new Crocker Farm families
Welcome in advance to the Crocker Farm community! You are invited to join us for one or for all of the following casual social events. We’d love to meet you, your children, and your friends for relaxed conversation and play. There’s no need to confirm (unless noted), just come by and get to know a few NEW friends.
* Friday April 16, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, Groff Park. Bring the kids for an afternoon “Play at the Park”. (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Thursday April 29, 9:00 – 10:30 AM, Black Sheep Cafe. Meet for casual coffee and conversation.
* Friday May 7, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, Groff Park. Bring the kids for an afternoon “Play at the Park”. (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Wednesday May 12, 2:30 – 3:30 PM, Crocker Farm. Meet in the lobby and have a tour of the Crocker Farm school building. Children welcome.
* Friday May 14, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Crocker Farm Playground. Bring a picnic dinner & be prepared to play! (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Saturday May 15, 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Groff Park. “Play at the Park” especially for families with children entering 1st grade. Bring your children and if you can please bring snacks or drinks to share. If you have a soccer ball or outdoor games, bring those too! (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Friday May 21, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Amherst Coffee. Have a coffee or a glass of wine and meet with new friends. * May 26, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, New Families Open House. An opportunity to meet the principal and see the school.
* Thursday June 3, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, Flayvors of Cook’s Farm. Buy an ice cream cone and meet some new friends! For children and adults.
* Friday June 4, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Bernier’s home (817 Bay Road). Come for hors d'oeuvres and friendly adult conversation. (Please call or email Sue to confirm: 256-1164 or susanbernier68@comcast.net)
* Saturday June 5, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, Groff Park. "Potluck Picnic at the Park”. Bring your children and food or drink to share. Bring games and balls, too! We’ll have limbo dancing and music. (No event if the weather is bad.)
There are also a number of Crocker Farm school events coming up that we would like to invite you to attend:
* Friday April 16, 8:40 – 9:40 AM, Coffee with the Principal, Crocker Farm Community Room
* Friday April 30, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Movie Night, Crocker Farm Cafeteria. Free admission. We are showing “The Tale of Despereaux” and will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Survival Center.
* Wednesday May 5, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Scholastic Book Fair, Crocker Farm Gym
* Friday May 7, 8:30 – 9:00 AM, Coffee with the Principal, Crocker Farm Community Room
* Saturday June 5, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Annual PGO Tag Sale, Crocker Farm Lobby
* Friday June 4, 8:40 – 9:40 AM, Coffee with the Principal, Crocker Farm Community Room
The Crocker Farm PGO is looking forward to meeting you at one of these events or at school next year. Welcome to our community! ~ Becky Demling and Lucy McMurrer (PGO co-chairs)
Welcome in advance to the Crocker Farm community! You are invited to join us for one or for all of the following casual social events. We’d love to meet you, your children, and your friends for relaxed conversation and play. There’s no need to confirm (unless noted), just come by and get to know a few NEW friends.
* Friday April 16, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, Groff Park. Bring the kids for an afternoon “Play at the Park”. (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Thursday April 29, 9:00 – 10:30 AM, Black Sheep Cafe. Meet for casual coffee and conversation.
* Friday May 7, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, Groff Park. Bring the kids for an afternoon “Play at the Park”. (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Wednesday May 12, 2:30 – 3:30 PM, Crocker Farm. Meet in the lobby and have a tour of the Crocker Farm school building. Children welcome.
* Friday May 14, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, Crocker Farm Playground. Bring a picnic dinner & be prepared to play! (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Saturday May 15, 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Groff Park. “Play at the Park” especially for families with children entering 1st grade. Bring your children and if you can please bring snacks or drinks to share. If you have a soccer ball or outdoor games, bring those too! (No event if the weather is bad.)
* Friday May 21, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Amherst Coffee. Have a coffee or a glass of wine and meet with new friends. * May 26, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, New Families Open House. An opportunity to meet the principal and see the school.
* Thursday June 3, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, Flayvors of Cook’s Farm. Buy an ice cream cone and meet some new friends! For children and adults.
* Friday June 4, 7:00 – 9:00 PM, at the Bernier’s home (817 Bay Road). Come for hors d'oeuvres and friendly adult conversation. (Please call or email Sue to confirm: 256-1164 or susanbernier68@comcast.net)
* Saturday June 5, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, Groff Park. "Potluck Picnic at the Park”. Bring your children and food or drink to share. Bring games and balls, too! We’ll have limbo dancing and music. (No event if the weather is bad.)
There are also a number of Crocker Farm school events coming up that we would like to invite you to attend:
* Friday April 16, 8:40 – 9:40 AM, Coffee with the Principal, Crocker Farm Community Room
* Friday April 30, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Movie Night, Crocker Farm Cafeteria. Free admission. We are showing “The Tale of Despereaux” and will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Survival Center.
* Wednesday May 5, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Scholastic Book Fair, Crocker Farm Gym
* Friday May 7, 8:30 – 9:00 AM, Coffee with the Principal, Crocker Farm Community Room
* Saturday June 5, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Annual PGO Tag Sale, Crocker Farm Lobby
* Friday June 4, 8:40 – 9:40 AM, Coffee with the Principal, Crocker Farm Community Room
The Crocker Farm PGO is looking forward to meeting you at one of these events or at school next year. Welcome to our community! ~ Becky Demling and Lucy McMurrer (PGO co-chairs)
Don't Forget to Send in Your Yearbook Photos!
Digital photos are needed for the yearbook! If you've taken any
pictures of the kids at Fort River over the past school year, please
forward them to Joy Sullivan (joyrrs@comcast.net)
or place in the Parent Council mailbox by April 30th.
We need grade/classroom events, chorus, band & orchestra pictures.
Thanks!
We need grade/classroom events, chorus, band & orchestra pictures.
Thanks!
Parent's Internet Safety Night
Internet 101: A Parent’s Guide to the Preteen’s Life Online
Presented by
Cindy Boyle
Where: Wildwood School Library
When: May 6, 2010, 6:30PM
The Internet's "super highway" runs right through the middle of our children's lives. It opens up a world of entertainment, communication and educational opportunities. However, it also allows direct access to people and Web sites that can expose kids to age-inappropriate content and risky social contacts. This workshop offers a glimpse into the online lives of young people. Participants in this workshop will become familiar with those web sites that are popular with the youth in our community.
Topics covered will include: social networking sites, online gaming, popular websites and “sexting”.
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 in Massachusetts. Cindy visited Wildwood School last year and presented to our fifth and sixth grade students about Internet Safety and Cyber-bullying. Cindy is a valuable resource for our staff and students in our anti-bullying effort.
The presentation is geared toward parents of 5th and 6th grade students. However, if you have younger children who are currently using social networking sites or email at home, please feel free to join us.
Coffee, refreshments and childcare will be provided by the Wildwood PTO.
Where: Wildwood School Library
When: May 6, 2010, 6:30PM
The Internet's "super highway" runs right through the middle of our children's lives. It opens up a world of entertainment, communication and educational opportunities. However, it also allows direct access to people and Web sites that can expose kids to age-inappropriate content and risky social contacts. This workshop offers a glimpse into the online lives of young people. Participants in this workshop will become familiar with those web sites that are popular with the youth in our community.
Topics covered will include: social networking sites, online gaming, popular websites and “sexting”.
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 in Massachusetts. Cindy visited Wildwood School last year and presented to our fifth and sixth grade students about Internet Safety and Cyber-bullying. Cindy is a valuable resource for our staff and students in our anti-bullying effort.
The presentation is geared toward parents of 5th and 6th grade students. However, if you have younger children who are currently using social networking sites or email at home, please feel free to join us.
Coffee, refreshments and childcare will be provided by the Wildwood PTO.
Upcoming Community Events
***************************************************
Mad Science of Western New England is offering an afterschool program at Fort River school beginning Wednesday April 28th through June 9th, 1:20-2:20pm for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The session is "System 3," and is $98 for the 7-week offering.
For program information and to register, contact Mad Science at 584-7243 or visit their website at: http://www.madscience.org/locations/westnewengland/afterSchool.aspx
***************************************************
1st Annual Sustainability Festival. A fun new family-oriented festival comes to Downtown Amherst!
The first Annual Amherst Sustainability Festival will be held on Saturday, April 24 from 10-4 in Downtown Amherst. The new festival, a combined effort of the Town’s Shade Tree Committee, Energy Task Force, Department of Public Works, and Chamber of Commerce, is all about sustainability for future generations. Families will find interesting activities at Kendrick Park, on the Town Common and in between (participation in a local merchant green scavenger hunt could net great prizes from Amherst businesses!). Face-painting, earth-themed story-telling, and human gyroscope rides are free and the solar-powered sound stage will feature children’s theater and music. Find more information in the Amherst Bulletin and on the Town of Amherst’s website.
***********************************************************************************
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.
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! This year's program ended on March 25th. This year we earned $567.66 for Fort River with 123 people participating. Thanks to everyone who signed up. Remember, you will need to sign up again next fall!
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. 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.
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! This year's program ended on March 25th. This year we earned $567.66 for Fort River with 123 people participating. Thanks to everyone who signed up. Remember, you will need to sign up again next fall!
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. 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, April 8, 2010
Upcoming School Events
Fort
River Roasters by Dean's Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Apr. 9.
See below for more info and order form.
Coffee with the Superintendent. Friday, Apr. 9, 2010. 8:30-9:15am. Fort River Cafeteria. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx and our new Interim Superintendent, Maria Geryk, for coffee, light refreshments and conversation. All parent/guardians invited, younger siblings welcome. (More info below.)
Science Night for Grades K,1, 2, and 3. Friday, Apr. 9, 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. More information below.
Book Swap. During school hours. Tues-Thurs, April 13-15. More info below.
Lost and Found. Wed-Thurs, April 14-15. In the school lobby.
Spring Vacation. April 19-23. No School.
Science Night for Grades 4, 5 & 6. Friday, April 30. 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym.
*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.
Coffee with the Superintendent. Friday, Apr. 9, 2010. 8:30-9:15am. Fort River Cafeteria. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx and our new Interim Superintendent, Maria Geryk, for coffee, light refreshments and conversation. All parent/guardians invited, younger siblings welcome. (More info below.)
Science Night for Grades K,1, 2, and 3. Friday, Apr. 9, 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. More information below.
Book Swap. During school hours. Tues-Thurs, April 13-15. More info below.
Lost and Found. Wed-Thurs, April 14-15. In the school lobby.
Spring Vacation. April 19-23. No School.
Science Night for Grades 4, 5 & 6. Friday, April 30. 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym.
*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.
Fort River Science Night Tomorrow, Apr. 9 for Grades K-3
Parent Council is sponsoring a science night tomorrow, April 9th from 6:30-7:30pm in the Fort River Gym for grades K-3.
Come watch demonstrations by the UMass Science Outreach Club involving a Bed of Nails, Liquid Nitrogen, a Rocket Wagon and more. Polymer Science inspired artwork created by Fort River students will also be on display.
A science night for grades 4-6 will be held on April 30th.
See you there!
Come watch demonstrations by the UMass Science Outreach Club involving a Bed of Nails, Liquid Nitrogen, a Rocket Wagon and more. Polymer Science inspired artwork created by Fort River students will also be on display.
A science night for grades 4-6 will be held on April 30th.
See you there!
Lost & Found: Please Find Your Lost Stuff!
Items will be displayed next week on Wednesday and Thursday (April 14 &15) on the Lost & Found table in the school lobby. Unclaimed winter items will be donated after that.
So come on by and check for your lost winter stuff. You may need it again someday. (Hard to believe!)
Yearbook Photos Needed by April 30th
We need grade/classroom events, chorus, band & orchestra pictures.
Thanks!
Sixth Grade Class Gift
TIME FOR THE SIXTH GRADE CLASS GIFT ! ! !
In a great and ancient Fort River tradition, the 6th grade class and their parents give a gift to the school. In past years, 6th grade classes have bought maple trees to shade the playground, a wooden dictionary stand and other equipment.
This year, we are looking to buy a granite bench, so kids can eat in the courtyard next to the cafeteria in good weather. We also want to buy science equipment for classroom use.
Please give what you can. $5, $10, $25 or more -- it all helps. Let’s give back to all the people at Fort River who have meant so much to our kids. Previous classes raised $600 to $800 and we hope this year’s parents will donate at least that much.
Please put your donation teacher in the envelope marked “6th Grade Gift.” Have your child to give it to their teacher or mail it to: Janet McGowan 706 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002.
Checks can be made out to: “Fort River Parent Council.” (Please write: 6th grade gift on the check’s memo line.) Your donation is tax-deductible.
Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your support and generosity. We will see you at Graduation!
Janet McGowan (Janetmcgowan30@comcast.net)
Elly Hosea (elly_hosea@yahoo.com)
Betty Sharpe (elizabeth.sharpe@comcast.net)
In a great and ancient Fort River tradition, the 6th grade class and their parents give a gift to the school. In past years, 6th grade classes have bought maple trees to shade the playground, a wooden dictionary stand and other equipment.
This year, we are looking to buy a granite bench, so kids can eat in the courtyard next to the cafeteria in good weather. We also want to buy science equipment for classroom use.
Please give what you can. $5, $10, $25 or more -- it all helps. Let’s give back to all the people at Fort River who have meant so much to our kids. Previous classes raised $600 to $800 and we hope this year’s parents will donate at least that much.
Please put your donation teacher in the envelope marked “6th Grade Gift.” Have your child to give it to their teacher or mail it to: Janet McGowan 706 South East Street, Amherst, MA 01002.
Checks can be made out to: “Fort River Parent Council.” (Please write: 6th grade gift on the check’s memo line.) Your donation is tax-deductible.
Any amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your support and generosity. We will see you at Graduation!
Janet McGowan (Janetmcgowan30@comcast.net)
Elly Hosea (elly_hosea@yahoo.com)
Betty Sharpe (elizabeth.sharpe@comcast.net)
Trash Free Lunch Day
Friday, April 16th, is Trash Free Lunch Day! If you pack a lunch for your children, try to decrease the amount of waste by using cloth napkins and reusable bags.
If your child buys a school lunch, ask him or her about it at the end of the day. The lunch folks are very creative in making Trash Free Lunch Day work!
If your child buys a school lunch, ask him or her about it at the end of the day. The lunch folks are very creative in making Trash Free Lunch Day work!
Can & Bottle Drive to Benefit ARHS Ultimate Team
The ARHS Ultimate disc teams are holding a can & bottle drive at Dave's Soda and Pet City in Hadley this Saturday, April 10, from 9 am to 1 pm to help raise money to travel to our Ultimate tournaments. Please stop by to drop off your redeemable cans and bottles at Dave's, or leave a message at (413) 320-6667 to schedule a pickup of your items on Saturday morning. Thanks!
Coffee Orders Due Tomorrow (Apr. 9)
You can get a copy of the newest order form with (slightly) raised prices here: Coffee Order Form (Revised Apr. 2010).
New ARMS Principal Announced. Middle School Coffee Tonight, 7-8pm.
The following is an announcement posted on the ARPS.org website:
6th grade families: If you haven't had a chance to meet Mike Hayes, please attend the ARMS FSP Coffee with the Principal on Thursday, April 8th from 7 - 8pm in the MS Professional Development Center. The topics for the evening will be the MS Needs Assessment that was presented by consultant Dr. Barry Beers and the ARMS School Improvement Plan. This important discussion about the direction of the middle school welcomes your participation. Please add your opinions and preferences to the conversation. In addition to great conversation with our new ARMS Principal and coffee, a yummy dessert will be provided!
Maria Geryk, Interim Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Michael Hayes has been appointed to a permanent position as Amherst Middle School Principal. Having been a recent candidate in a different community which was very interested in his candidacy, we are particularly pleased that Mr. Hayes will remain in our community. Mr. Hayes will assume the role of Principal, effective April 26, 2010. Mark Jackson, who served as Principal of both the Middle and High Schools since the departure of Glenda Cresto in September, will resume his full time High School principalship on April 26. We know our community of staff, students, and families will congratulate Mike and support him as he assumes his role as permanent Building Principal.
6th grade families: If you haven't had a chance to meet Mike Hayes, please attend the ARMS FSP Coffee with the Principal on Thursday, April 8th from 7 - 8pm in the MS Professional Development Center. The topics for the evening will be the MS Needs Assessment that was presented by consultant Dr. Barry Beers and the ARMS School Improvement Plan. This important discussion about the direction of the middle school welcomes your participation. Please add your opinions and preferences to the conversation. In addition to great conversation with our new ARMS Principal and coffee, a yummy dessert will be provided!
Parent's Internet Safety Night
Internet 101: A Parent’s Guide to the Preteen’s Life Online Presented by
Cindy Boyle
Where: Wildwood School Library
When: May 6, 2010, 6:30PM
The Internet's "super highway" runs right through the middle of our children's lives. It opens up a world of entertainment, communication and educational opportunities. However, it also allows direct access to people and Web sites that can expose kids to age-inappropriate content and risky social contacts. This workshop offers a glimpse into the online lives of young people. Participants in this workshop will become familiar with those web sites that are popular with the youth in our community.
Topics covered will include: social networking sites, online gaming, popular websites and “sexting”.
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 in Massachusetts. Cindy visited Wildwood School last year and presented to our fifth and sixth grade students about Internet Safety and Cyber-bullying. Cindy is a valuable resource for our staff and students in our anti-bullying effort.
The presentation is geared toward parents of 5th and 6th grade students. However, if you have younger children who are currently using social networking sites or email at home, please feel free to join us.
Coffee, refreshments and childcare will be provided by the Wildwood PTO.
Where: Wildwood School Library
When: May 6, 2010, 6:30PM
The Internet's "super highway" runs right through the middle of our children's lives. It opens up a world of entertainment, communication and educational opportunities. However, it also allows direct access to people and Web sites that can expose kids to age-inappropriate content and risky social contacts. This workshop offers a glimpse into the online lives of young people. Participants in this workshop will become familiar with those web sites that are popular with the youth in our community.
Topics covered will include: social networking sites, online gaming, popular websites and “sexting”.
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 in Massachusetts. Cindy visited Wildwood School last year and presented to our fifth and sixth grade students about Internet Safety and Cyber-bullying. Cindy is a valuable resource for our staff and students in our anti-bullying effort.
The presentation is geared toward parents of 5th and 6th grade students. However, if you have younger children who are currently using social networking sites or email at home, please feel free to join us.
Coffee, refreshments and childcare will be provided by the Wildwood PTO.
Upcoming Community Events
***************************************************
Mad Science of Western New England is offering an afterschool program at Fort River school beginning Wednesday April 28th through June 9th, 1:20-2:20pm for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The session is "System 3," and is $98 for the 7-week offering.
For program information and to register, contact Mad Science at 584-7243 or visit their website at: http://www.madscience.org/locations/westnewengland/afterSchool.aspx
***************************************************
(Click on image to enlarge.)
***************************************************MULTI-ARTS TASTE OF THE ARTS. Multi-Arts invites families to join our fun day of artistic activities: face painting interactive story telling, and circus for little ones, create 3-D artwork, play along your instrument (easy music for sight reading), theatre improvisation, or learn flamenco dance. At 3:30 Show time: Come and enjoy “Piece of Pie,” a fun and entertaining show about a circus and its clowns, performed by a group of talented children.
For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.multi-arts.org.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Interactive Festival of the Arts
WHEN: Saturday, April 10, throughout the day
WHERE: Barnes and Noble bookstore in Hadley
--
Contact: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com)
Executive Director
Multi-Arts
***********************************************************************************
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.
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! This year's program ended on March 25th. I will post the total for the year when available. Thanks to everyone who signed up. Remember, you will need to sign up again next fall!
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. 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.
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! This year's program ended on March 25th. I will post the total for the year when available. Thanks to everyone who signed up. Remember, you will need to sign up again next fall!
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. 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, April 1, 2010
Upcoming School Events
Public Forum With the Middle School Principal Candidates. Thursday, Apr. 1. 6:30-8:00pm. ARMS Library. (See below for more information.)
Good Friday, April 2. No school.
Coffee with the Superintendent. Friday, Apr. 9, 2010. 8:30-9:15am. Fort River Cafeteria. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx and our new Interim Superintendent, Maria Geryk, for coffee, light refreshments and conversation. All parent/guardians invited, younger siblings welcome. (More info below.)
Science Night for Grades K,1, 2, and 3. Friday, Apr. 9, 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. More information here.
Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Apr. 9. See below for more info.
Book Swap. Week of April 12th. Parent Council is still collecting books through the first week in April. More info here.
Spring Vacation. April 19-23. No School.
Science Night for Grades 4, 5 & 6. Friday, April 30. 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. More information here.
*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.
Good Friday, April 2. No school.
Coffee with the Superintendent. Friday, Apr. 9, 2010. 8:30-9:15am. Fort River Cafeteria. Join Principal Sharick and Asst. Principal Kennedy-Marx and our new Interim Superintendent, Maria Geryk, for coffee, light refreshments and conversation. All parent/guardians invited, younger siblings welcome. (More info below.)
Science Night for Grades K,1, 2, and 3. Friday, Apr. 9, 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. More information here.
Fort River Roasters by Dean's Beans Coffee Orders Due. Friday, Apr. 9. See below for more info.
Book Swap. Week of April 12th. Parent Council is still collecting books through the first week in April. More info here.
Spring Vacation. April 19-23. No School.
Science Night for Grades 4, 5 & 6. Friday, April 30. 6:30-7:30pm. Fort River Gym. More information here.
*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.
Coffee With the Superintendent, Friday April 9.
The new Interim Superintendent of Schools, Maria Geryk, will be attending the next Coffee with the Principals on Friday, April 9th at 8:30am in the cafeteria. Ms. Geryk is hoping to get input from the Fort River community about our priorities/concerns for the schools.
Please plan on attending. All Fort River community members are welcome!
Please plan on attending. All Fort River community members are welcome!
Public Forum With the ARMS Principal Candidate Finalists Tonight, 6:30pm
The finalists for the Middle School principal position will visit the district on Thursday, April 1, 2010 and
will spend the day on site at the Middle School in a variety of
settings. Each candidate will begin his day with a building tour,
followed by meetings with staff, students, elementary and secondary
administrators, and Central Office administrators. The public forums
will be held in the Middle School library on the evening of April 1 at
the following times:
Please note: Mr. Paul Goodhind has withdrawn from the finalist pool.
- Karsten Schlenter 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
- Michael Hayes 7:15 - 8:00 p.m.
Please note: Mr. Paul Goodhind has withdrawn from the finalist pool.
Skating at the Mullins for All Wildwood Families
Calling all current and future Wildwood families!
The Wildwood PGO is hosting ice skating at the Mullins Center at UMass this Saturday, April 3, from 2-3:50pm. This event is free and includes rental skates. Please come to this fun event!
Also, there will be a bake sale to help Crocker Farm raise money for a new playground. If you'd like to contribute to this effort, please bring a baked good to sell.
If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Coleman Baird (colemanbaird@gmail.com) or Taryn LaRaja (tlaraja@gmail.com).
--------
¡Llamando toda las familias del presente y el futuro de Wildwood!
El Wildwood PGO te invita a patinar en el Mullins Center de la universidad de UMASS este Sabado el 3 de Abril, de 2-3:50. Este acontecimiento es gratis y incluye alquilar patines.
¡Por favor vengas a patinar con nosotros para pasar un gran tiempo!
Tambien, se va a vender postres para ayudar a Crocker Farm construir un nuevo patio de recreo. Si quieres ayudar con esta meta, por favor traigas postre para vender.
Si tienes preguntas, llamas a Andrea Coleman Baird (colemanbaird@gmail.com) or Taryn LaRaja (tlaraja@gmail.com)
The Wildwood PGO is hosting ice skating at the Mullins Center at UMass this Saturday, April 3, from 2-3:50pm. This event is free and includes rental skates. Please come to this fun event!
Also, there will be a bake sale to help Crocker Farm raise money for a new playground. If you'd like to contribute to this effort, please bring a baked good to sell.
If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Coleman Baird (colemanbaird@gmail.com) or Taryn LaRaja (tlaraja@gmail.com).
--------
¡Llamando toda las familias del presente y el futuro de Wildwood!
El Wildwood PGO te invita a patinar en el Mullins Center de la universidad de UMASS este Sabado el 3 de Abril, de 2-3:50. Este acontecimiento es gratis y incluye alquilar patines.
¡Por favor vengas a patinar con nosotros para pasar un gran tiempo!
Tambien, se va a vender postres para ayudar a Crocker Farm construir un nuevo patio de recreo. Si quieres ayudar con esta meta, por favor traigas postre para vender.
Si tienes preguntas, llamas a Andrea Coleman Baird (colemanbaird@gmail.com) or Taryn LaRaja (tlaraja@gmail.com)
Fort River Roasters: New Order Form Available
You can get a copy of the newest order form with (slightly) raised prices here: Coffee Order Form (Revised Apr. 2010).
ARMS Family School Partnership: Coffee with the Principal
Parents that are looking ahead to the middle school, add this
function to your calendar: The next ARMS Family School Partnership
Coffee with the Principal is April 8th from 7-8 pm in the MS
Professional Development Center. The topics for the evening will be the
MS Needs Assessment that was presented by consultant Dr. Barry Beers
and the ARMS School Improvement Plan. This important discussion about
the direction of the middle school welcomes your participation. Please
add your opinions and preferences to the conversation. In addition to
great conversation and coffee, a yummy dessert will be provided!
Upcoming Community Events
***************************************************
(Click on image to enlarge.)
***************************************************MULTI-ARTS TASTE OF THE ARTS. Multi-Arts invites families to join our fun day of artistic activities: face painting interactive story telling, and circus for little ones, create 3-D artwork, play along your instrument (easy music for sight reading), theatre improvisation, or learn flamenco dance. At 3:30 Show time: Come and enjoy “Piece of Pie,” a fun and entertaining show about a circus and its clowns, performed by a group of talented children.
For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.multi-arts.org.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Interactive Festival of the Arts
WHEN: Saturday, April 10, throughout the day
WHERE: Barnes and Noble bookstore in Hadley
--
Contact: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com)
Executive Director
Multi-Arts
***********************************************************************************
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.
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! This year's program program ended on March 25th. I will post the total for the year when available. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. Contact Ann McLaughlin (damclaughlin@comcast.net) if you have any questions.
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.
Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage! This year's program program ended on March 25th. I will post the total for the year when available. Thanks to everyone who has already signed up. Contact Ann McLaughlin (damclaughlin@comcast.net) if you have any questions.
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.