This year's Fort River Open House will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from 7-8:45pm. All parent/guardians are encouraged to attend. This is an evening to meet school staff and learn about the educational programs planned for your child’s class. Information about the schedule has gone home in the backpacks.
The Fort River PGO will be hosting a table in the Fort River lobby the evening of Open House. Members of the PGO will be available to answer questions and to provide information about what we do. Please stop by the table and say hello!
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, September 23, 2010
PICTURE DAY is Tuesday, September 28!!
Notices and order forms went home with students this week. Please contact the office if you did not receive one.
And remember those smiles on Tuesday!
If you are interested in volunteering for Picture Day, please contact Carol Slaughter at cslaughter143@aol.com or call 253-9920.
And remember those smiles on Tuesday!
If you are interested in volunteering for Picture Day, please contact Carol Slaughter at cslaughter143@aol.com or call 253-9920.
Last Call for School Council Elections
Members of the Fort River community interested in running for the FR School Governance Council must have their statement submitted by October 1.
There are two seats open on the Fort River School Governance Council. The Council is a state-mandated elected body of parents, staff, and community representatives that help define the policies and procedures of the school. The Council works collaboratively with the school Principal on matters such as the budget, staffing, and the school improvement plan. Meetings occur monthly, and the terms are two years in length. All candidates will need to prepare a short (50 words or less) statement that will accompany a ballot that goes home to all parents. If you are interested in running for a vacant seat, contact Pam Rietkerk at pam.fortriver@gmail.com. The election will be held in early October.
There are two seats open on the Fort River School Governance Council. The Council is a state-mandated elected body of parents, staff, and community representatives that help define the policies and procedures of the school. The Council works collaboratively with the school Principal on matters such as the budget, staffing, and the school improvement plan. Meetings occur monthly, and the terms are two years in length. All candidates will need to prepare a short (50 words or less) statement that will accompany a ballot that goes home to all parents. If you are interested in running for a vacant seat, contact Pam Rietkerk at pam.fortriver@gmail.com. The election will be held in early October.
Volunteers Needed--We Still Need Your Help
Please don't forget to check the list of PGO volunteer opportunities. We'd LOVE to have your help!
To see the list of PGO Events and Coordinators, and to see where we still need help, please click this link: Event Coordinators OR click the tab above labeled "Event Coordinators."
Thanks!
To see the list of PGO Events and Coordinators, and to see where we still need help, please click this link: Event Coordinators OR click the tab above labeled "Event Coordinators."
Thanks!
Thanks for Family Fair Help
Lynn Hayes wanted me to send the following message:
And the PGO thanks Lynn Hayes and Carrie Turkot for volunteering to be coordinators of this fun event!
Thanks to all those who helped with the family fair this year. The weather cooperated, the games were loads of fun and the food was delicious. A thank you goes out to all those who brought in food donations and for those who purchased the food.
A special thanks goes out to our volunteers, Carrie Turkot, Chris Felton, Mary Donoghue, Catalina Arrubla, Lisa Harvey, Jan Kelly, Wendy Curtis, Timothy Russell, David Hayes, Molly Patton, Louise Levy, the janitors and all the sixth grade teachers. If I have forgotten to list your name, I'm sorry, there were so many people helping out.
And the PGO thanks Lynn Hayes and Carrie Turkot for volunteering to be coordinators of this fun event!
Don't Forget to Sign Up for Bonus Bucks!
All you have to do is:
Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online
OR
Dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone.
After you register your card, each shopping trip at Stop & Shop using your Stop & Shop Card earns CASH for our school!
Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit.
Register your card to benefit Fort River School using ID # 05218. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same.
Please contact me at damclaughlin@comcast.net if you have any questions or trouble signing up. Feel free to give my your card number and the first three letters of you last name, and I will sign you up myself! We will also have a sign-up sheet at the Open House on Wednesday.
Thanks,
Ann McLaughlin
Parent Coordinator for the Stop & Shop BonusBucks Program
Dance Classes Offered at Amherst Ballet
Amherst Ballet is a local, nonprofit organization that offers excellence in dance education in a warm and nurturing environment. Classes include classical ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern and creative movement (for ages 3-4). Adult classes are available as well. For registration and information, call (413) 549-1555, e-mail info@amherstballet.org, or view the website at www.amherstballet.org.
Please note that this is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Please note that this is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Family Fair: Please Pick Up Your Dishes!
All the serving dishes that were leftover from the Family Fair are in the Main Office. If you would like your dish back, please come on in and pick it up! All unclaimed dishes will be donated to the PGO for future events.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Multi-Arts: Fridays at Fort River
On Fridays at Fort River, Multi-Arts is offering an after school program with Fashion design, Architectural Design & modeling, Art and Theater.
We are starting this coming Friday September 24.
Parents can read more about the program at http://www.multi-arts.org/01programs.htm
Catalina Arrubla
Director
www.multi-arts.org
Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
We are starting this coming Friday September 24.
Parents can read more about the program at http://www.multi-arts.org/01programs.htm
Catalina Arrubla
Director
www.multi-arts.org
Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Fort River School Council--Upcoming Election
There are two seats open on the Fort River School Governance Council. The Council is a state-mandated elected body of parents, staff, and community representatives that help define the policies and procedures of the school. The Council works collaboratively with the school Principal on matters such as the budget, staffing, and the school improvement plan. Meetings occur monthly, and the terms are two years in length. All candidates will need to prepare a short (50 words or less) statement that will accompany a ballot that goes home to all parents. If you are interested in running for a vacant seat, contact Pam Rietkerk at pam.fortriver@gmail.com. The election will be held in early October.
Family Fair 2010
Wednesday's Family Fair was a big success! It was great to see the Fort River community come together and start the new school year with a bang.
The Fall Festival
The Fall Festival has been a PGO sponsored event occurring on the Friday night before Halloween. After discussions with Principal Sharick, teachers, custodians, and parents, we believe that this event may not be consistent with the mission of our PGO and has been a potentially unsafe environment for our school and our kids.
We would like to ask the community for volunteers to form a committee charged with improving this event and bringing it in line with the PGO's mission to enrich and enhance our children's education while celebrating the fall season. Our goal is to get creative and change its scope to reflect a true autumn festival.
We appreciate your understanding and truly hope to provide a safe and fun community event! Please contact Pam Rietkerk at pam.fortriver@gmail.com and share your thoughts or volunteer to serve on this committee.
We would like to ask the community for volunteers to form a committee charged with improving this event and bringing it in line with the PGO's mission to enrich and enhance our children's education while celebrating the fall season. Our goal is to get creative and change its scope to reflect a true autumn festival.
We appreciate your understanding and truly hope to provide a safe and fun community event! Please contact Pam Rietkerk at pam.fortriver@gmail.com and share your thoughts or volunteer to serve on this committee.
Fort River Open House, Wed. Sept. 29th--Save the Date!
This year's Fort River Open House will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from 7-9pm. Please mark your calendars. All parent/guardians are encouraged to attend. This is an evening to meet school staff and learn about the educational programs planned for your child’s class.
The Fort River PGO will be hosting a table in the Fort River lobby the evening of Open House. Members of the PGO will be available to answer questions and to provide information about what we do. Please stop by the table and say hello!
The Fort River PGO will be hosting a table in the Fort River lobby the evening of Open House. Members of the PGO will be available to answer questions and to provide information about what we do. Please stop by the table and say hello!
Parent Meeting with K-12 Math Consultant - Monday, Sept. 20th
Family and community members who have not yet had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Andrew Chen (MIT), the consultant conducting the K-12 math program review, are invited to do so on Monday, September 20, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., in the Professional Development Center at the Amherst Middle School.
Please come and let Dr. Chen know your experiences and opinions!
Please come and let Dr. Chen know your experiences and opinions!
Attention All Stop & Shop Customers!
Welcome to the start of a new school year and another year of A+ Bonus Bucks. Starting October 8, 2010 through March 25, 2011, Fort River will have the opportunity to earn cash through the Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks Program. If you have a Stop & Shop card, please consider registering for this program. It's easy!
All you have to do is:
Log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online
OR
Dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone.
After you register your card, each shopping trip at Stop & Shop using your Stop & Shop Card earns CASH for our school! Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the Stop&Shop website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at stopandshop.com. Our school will receive a check at the end of the program. The money can be used for any of our school’s educational needs.
Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit.
Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference to our school. We need your support!
Please be sure to register your card to benefit Fort River School using ID # 05218. Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same.
Please contact me at damclaughlin@comcast.net if you have any questions or trouble signing up. Feel free to give my your card number and the first three letters of you last name, and I will sign you up myself!
Thanks,
Ann McLaughlin
Parent Coordinator for the Stop & Shop BonusBucks Program
Science Meets Art in Benefit for the Amherst Survival Center
Silent Auction of Eisner Prints to Benefit the Amherst Survival Center
Sunderland MA. Join fellow appreciators of art, science, and the Amherst Survival Center for a unique fundraising silent auction of photographic prints by renowned photographer and chemical ecologist Thomas Eisner on Thursday, September 23, 2010, from 5 to 7 pm at the Sinauer Associates’ offices at 23 Plumtree Road in Sunderland, MA. Light refreshments will be served.
Prints to be auctioned are on view at http://www.sinauer.com/auction/. Dr. Eisner has used scanning electron microscopes, 35 mm cameras, ultraviolet lenses, micromanipulators, chemical analytical equipment and color copiers to create these award-winning photos. Subjects include intimate details of insect life, leaves changing color, and butterfly wings. Many have been exhibited at the National Academy of Science's Annual Arts in the Academy show, Cornell University, and at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Tom Eisner is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Chemical Ecology at Cornell University whose photographs have adorned 15 covers of Science magazine. He is a world-renowned animal behaviorist, ecologist, pioneer of chemical ecology and insect chemical defenses, and recipient of the National Medal of Science.
The silent auction is made possible through the generous donation of these images by Dr. Eisner. Bidding on the 20 large prints will begin at $100, and all raises must be in increments of $10. The smaller prints are for sale to the first bidder at $50, $75, or $100. Forthose who cannot be present but would like to bid on a large print or purchase a smaller print, bids may be sent with the number and title of the print, the bidder’s name, phone number, and email address to the auction organizers at publish@sinauer.com, Subject: Silent Auction. Current bidding will be kept up-to-date at http://www.sinauer.com/auction/. Last online bids prior to the September 23 event must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 22.
Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Sunderland MA. Join fellow appreciators of art, science, and the Amherst Survival Center for a unique fundraising silent auction of photographic prints by renowned photographer and chemical ecologist Thomas Eisner on Thursday, September 23, 2010, from 5 to 7 pm at the Sinauer Associates’ offices at 23 Plumtree Road in Sunderland, MA. Light refreshments will be served.
Prints to be auctioned are on view at http://www.sinauer.com/auction/. Dr. Eisner has used scanning electron microscopes, 35 mm cameras, ultraviolet lenses, micromanipulators, chemical analytical equipment and color copiers to create these award-winning photos. Subjects include intimate details of insect life, leaves changing color, and butterfly wings. Many have been exhibited at the National Academy of Science's Annual Arts in the Academy show, Cornell University, and at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Tom Eisner is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Chemical Ecology at Cornell University whose photographs have adorned 15 covers of Science magazine. He is a world-renowned animal behaviorist, ecologist, pioneer of chemical ecology and insect chemical defenses, and recipient of the National Medal of Science.
The silent auction is made possible through the generous donation of these images by Dr. Eisner. Bidding on the 20 large prints will begin at $100, and all raises must be in increments of $10. The smaller prints are for sale to the first bidder at $50, $75, or $100. Forthose who cannot be present but would like to bid on a large print or purchase a smaller print, bids may be sent with the number and title of the print, the bidder’s name, phone number, and email address to the auction organizers at publish@sinauer.com, Subject: Silent Auction. Current bidding will be kept up-to-date at http://www.sinauer.com/auction/. Last online bids prior to the September 23 event must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 22.
Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Apple Harvest Crafts Fair, Saturday, Sept. 25th.
Apple Harvest Crafts Fair and Children's Festival, Saturday September 25, 10 am to 4 pm, Amherst Town Common. Children’s games, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, baby scarecrow making, live entertainment, crafters’ booths. Sponsored by the Amherst Family Center, 256-1145
Randa Nachbar, coordinator
Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Randa Nachbar, coordinator
Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thanks to Local Businesses for Their Generous Donations
Fort River would like to thank our local businesses - Hadley Garden Center and Andrew's Greenhouse for donating fall mums and planting soil to help make our building entrance welcoming and beautiful for the first day of school. Hadley Garden Center donated 5 bags of composted soil and Andrew's donated the 8" mums planted in each of the five barrels out front.
The PGO would also like to thank Ruthie and Michael Ireland for soliciting the donations, cleaning up the front of the building, and planting mums in the half-barrel planters out front!
The PGO would also like to thank Ruthie and Michael Ireland for soliciting the donations, cleaning up the front of the building, and planting mums in the half-barrel planters out front!
Classroom Parents Still Needed
Please consider volunteering for this important PGO role! Classroom parents can assist their classroom teachers in many ways. They check in with the teacher monthly to see what the needs are in the classroom, e.g. snacks, tissues, hand sanitizer, project materials, field trip volunteers, etc. Class parents may utilize the online teacher wish lists to solicit help from classroom families in fulfilling these needs. Class parents also plan a class pot-luck in the fall for families, and they may organize a class gift at the end of the school year. Green notes indicate teachers still in need of a class parent! Please contact Michele Spirko if you are available to serve as a classroom parent, michele.fortriver@gmail.com.
Ann Shea K Ali Wicks-Lim (wickslim@yahoo.com)
Deborah Felix K CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kim Prince 1 Kathryn Mahony (kjmahony@gmail.com)
& Jenn Green (peachy-green@comcast.net)
Laurie Hickson 1 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Krista Rondeau 1 Cathryn Brubaker & Mark Dooley
(srchworks@aol.com or zenster1@aol.com)
Irene Eigner 2 Tammy Rahhal-Schulkind(trahhal@psych.umass.edu)
Lott 2 Carmela Gravante (carmela_ann@hotmail.com)
Linda Castronovo 2 Kim Salditt-Poulin (ksalditt@comcast.net)
& Steve Poulin (poulins@gcc.mass.edu)
Kristine Griswold 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Rachel Sautter/
Monica Bhomik 3 Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net)
Mary Fournier 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
John Keins 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Amy Jackendoff 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Linda Yeh 4 Becky Michaels (beckymichaels@hotmail.com)
Jose Cantillo 5 Eileen Marasco (e.marasco@comcast.net)
Judah Hughes 5 Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
Maurisa Davis 5 Nancy Stewart (basilstew@comcast.net)
Roger Wallace 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Peter Lamdin 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Jen Pablico 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kai Simon 6 Chris Felton (cmfelton@comcol.umass.edu)
Ann Shea K Ali Wicks-Lim (wickslim@yahoo.com)
Deborah Felix K CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kim Prince 1 Kathryn Mahony (kjmahony@gmail.com)
& Jenn Green (peachy-green@comcast.net)
Laurie Hickson 1 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Krista Rondeau 1 Cathryn Brubaker & Mark Dooley
(srchworks@aol.com or zenster1@aol.com)
Irene Eigner 2 Tammy Rahhal-Schulkind(trahhal@psych.umass.edu)
Lott 2 Carmela Gravante (carmela_ann@hotmail.com)
Linda Castronovo 2 Kim Salditt-Poulin (ksalditt@comcast.net)
& Steve Poulin (poulins@gcc.mass.edu)
Kristine Griswold 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Rachel Sautter/
Monica Bhomik 3 Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net)
Mary Fournier 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
John Keins 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Amy Jackendoff 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Linda Yeh 4 Becky Michaels (beckymichaels@hotmail.com)
Jose Cantillo 5 Eileen Marasco (e.marasco@comcast.net)
Judah Hughes 5 Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
Maurisa Davis 5 Nancy Stewart (basilstew@comcast.net)
Roger Wallace 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Peter Lamdin 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Jen Pablico 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kai Simon 6 Chris Felton (cmfelton@comcol.umass.edu)
Family Fair 2010
Fort River Playground
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010
(Rain Date Thurs. Sept. 16th)
5-7pm
Please join the Fort River Community in celebrating the start of school, featuring foods from around the world, drinks and games. Once again, pizza salad, drinks, casseroles side dishes and baked goods will be on sale. You can bring your own picnic if you prefer. The sixth graders will be working very hard planning fun games for everyone.
The Family Fair is one of the most popular fundraising and social events sponsored by the Parent Guardian Organization. Please come and support the sixth grader while socializing with your friends and meeting new families.
The salads, casseroles, side dishes and baked goods all come from your generous contributions. Each year the selection of wonderful foods gets better. Please support this fun event by donating food for the fair, and consider bringing a dish from your cultural heritage. This make for an exciting and diverse butffet. Of course, all food donations will be enjoyed! You can return the form that went out in the backpacks to the PGO mailbox in the main office or if time runs out, just bring your food to the fair. Thank you for your support.
WE NEED PARENT VOLUNTEERS TO HELP MAKE THIS A SUCCESSFUL EVENT. Please email Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) or Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com) to let us know you you can help.
Faculty/Staff Welcome Back Event Held September 1st - Lovely Brunch for Fort River
Families showed up early and in large numbers on the day before school, bringing delicious food, gorgeous flowers, and helping hands as we prepared for the arrival of our talented teachers and staff. Thanks to all who helped by cooking, shopping, setting-up, arranging flowers, washing dishes, etc. Many hands made light work, and the Fort River families once again treated our teachers and staff to a lovely meal. We sincerely appreciate all of the following volunteers as well as anyone who we may have missed!Tammy Rahhal-Schulkind
Rebecca Fricke
Becky Michaels
Carol Slaughter
Carol Richardson
Matt Mitchell
Dorie Goldman
Laura Wenk
Eileen Marasco
Carmela Gravante
Mike Lynch
Jenn Wellman
Iris Berkman
Suzanne Schilling
Erin Cherewatti
Ellie Skinner
Jenn Green
Kathryn Mahony
Katie Wright
Karen Zilberstein
Hana Rivkin
Nora Martin
Catherine Sanderson
Sue Borden
Chris Felton
The PGO also thanks Michele Spirko for organizing this event!
PGO Activities and Events
The following is a list of PGO activities and events, as well as contact information for coordinator(s).
To volunteer or find out more, contact the coordinator(s) or Pam Rietkerk (pam.fortriver@gmail.com).
Room Parents
Room parents plan a class potluck, check in with the teacher monthly to see what is needed (snacks, class/field trip volunteers, supplies, etc.) and update the online teacher wish-lists accordingly. They may also organize an end of year class gift in June. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact: Michele Spirko at michele.fortriver@gmail.com.
Student Directory
The student directory is an invaluable resource! Volunteers follow up with local businesses who have previously placed ads, compile student data, and arrange for the directory to be copied and distributed at school. Volunteers are particularly needed to help edit the directory corrections in early September and contact our friendly advertisers. Coordinator: Dror Schmerling (dshmerling@yahoo.com) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Savings Makes “Cents”
This program encourages savings habits and goal setting. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria with help from parent volunteers (or directly at the bank). Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited—and after 10 deposits, the Bank will deposit $1.00 into the account. Coordinator: Nat Larson (nc.larson@gmail.com) Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED !
Cultural Enrichment Coordinator
This volunteer notifies teachers of local cultural events (UMASS, Shea Theatre, etc), orders tickets that teachers’ request, and completes (easy) paperwork for grant reimbursement. This is a September/early October job. Coordinator: Dorie Goldman (goldman.dorie@gmail.com)
Family Fair
The Family Fair helps welcome everyone back to school. The 6th graders create and run games, and/or sell food. The 6th grade teachers work the fair into the beginning of the year assignments, and help on the day of the fair (Mr. Wallace is a key contact!). This coordinator arranges for pizza delivery, purchases drinks for sale, requests food from families, and organizes parents at the fair (set up, clean up, helping the kids serve food). One 5th grade parent and one 6th grade parent volunteer are needed. This is a short term, early September job. Coordinators: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) and Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com).
School Pictures
The coordinator works to schedule Picture Day and communicates with teachers, families and parent volunteers. Coordinator: Carol Slaughter (CSlaughter143@aol.com).
Book Fair
This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality books at affordable prices and provides funds for our library. This week-long event takes place in early December. This committee makes arrangements to have the books delivered, staffs the book fair, and handles the final payment to the book companies. This project needs many volunteers! Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net), Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED!
Fall Festival (the “Halloween Party”)
This event, which is usually held the Friday before Halloween, is a fun-filled evening featuring a costume parade, games and crafts, and food. This committee recruits and coordinates volunteers to help plan and run the events, and work on set up and clean up. Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
International Fair
This event is an international potluck/community building event in late May featuring talents of Fort River students. Coordinator: Rebecca Fricke (fricke@crocker.com)
6th Grade Graduation
This committee is in charge of making sure this day is special for all the 6th grade children. The coordinator(s) of this event organize the sixth grade parents to decorate the gym and set up all the other events surrounding graduation (slide show, food for the reception, class gift, etc.)
Coordinators: Lisa Oram and Steve Brown (lo@lisaoram.com)
Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
This is a great way to say “thank you” to all the people who take care of our kids. This committee finds a restaurant and works with the manager to set a date and menu, sends invitations to all staff asking for menu choices, collects RSVPs and gives meal counts to the restaurant, and keeps in contact with the restaurant to make sure that everything is on track! Coordinator: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com) and Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).
To volunteer or find out more, contact the coordinator(s) or Pam Rietkerk (pam.fortriver@gmail.com).
Room Parents
Room parents plan a class potluck, check in with the teacher monthly to see what is needed (snacks, class/field trip volunteers, supplies, etc.) and update the online teacher wish-lists accordingly. They may also organize an end of year class gift in June. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact: Michele Spirko at michele.fortriver@gmail.com.
Student Directory
The student directory is an invaluable resource! Volunteers follow up with local businesses who have previously placed ads, compile student data, and arrange for the directory to be copied and distributed at school. Volunteers are particularly needed to help edit the directory corrections in early September and contact our friendly advertisers. Coordinator: Dror Schmerling (dshmerling@yahoo.com) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Savings Makes “Cents”
This program encourages savings habits and goal setting. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria with help from parent volunteers (or directly at the bank). Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited—and after 10 deposits, the Bank will deposit $1.00 into the account. Coordinator: Nat Larson (nc.larson@gmail.com) Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED !
Cultural Enrichment Coordinator
This volunteer notifies teachers of local cultural events (UMASS, Shea Theatre, etc), orders tickets that teachers’ request, and completes (easy) paperwork for grant reimbursement. This is a September/early October job. Coordinator: Dorie Goldman (goldman.dorie@gmail.com)
Family Fair
The Family Fair helps welcome everyone back to school. The 6th graders create and run games, and/or sell food. The 6th grade teachers work the fair into the beginning of the year assignments, and help on the day of the fair (Mr. Wallace is a key contact!). This coordinator arranges for pizza delivery, purchases drinks for sale, requests food from families, and organizes parents at the fair (set up, clean up, helping the kids serve food). One 5th grade parent and one 6th grade parent volunteer are needed. This is a short term, early September job. Coordinators: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) and Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com).
School Pictures
The coordinator works to schedule Picture Day and communicates with teachers, families and parent volunteers. Coordinator: Carol Slaughter (CSlaughter143@aol.com).
Book Fair
This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality books at affordable prices and provides funds for our library. This week-long event takes place in early December. This committee makes arrangements to have the books delivered, staffs the book fair, and handles the final payment to the book companies. This project needs many volunteers! Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net), Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED!
Fall Festival (the “Halloween Party”)
This event, which is usually held the Friday before Halloween, is a fun-filled evening featuring a costume parade, games and crafts, and food. This committee recruits and coordinates volunteers to help plan and run the events, and work on set up and clean up. Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
International Fair
This event is an international potluck/community building event in late May featuring talents of Fort River students. Coordinator: Rebecca Fricke (fricke@crocker.com)
6th Grade Graduation
This committee is in charge of making sure this day is special for all the 6th grade children. The coordinator(s) of this event organize the sixth grade parents to decorate the gym and set up all the other events surrounding graduation (slide show, food for the reception, class gift, etc.)
Coordinators: Lisa Oram and Steve Brown (lo@lisaoram.com)
Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
This is a great way to say “thank you” to all the people who take care of our kids. This committee finds a restaurant and works with the manager to set a date and menu, sends invitations to all staff asking for menu choices, collects RSVPs and gives meal counts to the restaurant, and keeps in contact with the restaurant to make sure that everything is on track! Coordinator: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com) and Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Letter from the PGO President
Dear Fort River Families,
Welcome to the start of the new year! Our first bit of exciting news is that the Fort River Parent Council has changed its name to the Parent/Guardian Organization or PGO. With so many families changing schools due to redistricting, this new name will bring continuity to the parent organizations of Fort River, Crocker Farm, and Wildwood, who will also use the name PGO.
Our PGO works to help make Fort River a fun, stimulating, and welcoming environment for all children and families. Every parent and guardian is a member of the Fort River PGO.
Here are some of the PGO sponsored events:
*Volunteer your time. There are many opportunities to give the precious gift of your time. Please see the attached list of volunteers needed and choose something that interests you.
*Make a donation to our Annual Fund. 100% participation is our goal!
The PGO Annual Fund: As you can see, the Fort River PGO is very active and supports teachers and students in many ways. This support requires a healthy Annual Fund! We hope every family will contribute, so please donate in ANY amount. We want 100% participation--every dollar helps!
With a successful Annual Fund, our PGO can focus time and energy on teacher support, events, and community building.
Thanks so much for all your support.
Pam Rietkerk, PGO President Liz Larson, PGO Treasurer
Michele Spirko, PGO Vice President Catherine McGraw, PGO Secretary
Welcome to the start of the new year! Our first bit of exciting news is that the Fort River Parent Council has changed its name to the Parent/Guardian Organization or PGO. With so many families changing schools due to redistricting, this new name will bring continuity to the parent organizations of Fort River, Crocker Farm, and Wildwood, who will also use the name PGO.
Our PGO works to help make Fort River a fun, stimulating, and welcoming environment for all children and families. Every parent and guardian is a member of the Fort River PGO.
Here are some of the PGO sponsored events:
- Free Yearbook
- Free Student Directory
- Family Fair
- Science Night
- School Picture Day
- Book Fairs
- Field Day
- International Fair
- Coffee with the Principal
- Special Education Staff needs
- Classroom Support & Enrichment
- Extra Funds for Field Trips
- Library Fund
- Scholarship Fund
- After School Clubs
- Staff Appreciation Luncheon
- Bus Driver Breakfast
- And much more …
*Volunteer your time. There are many opportunities to give the precious gift of your time. Please see the attached list of volunteers needed and choose something that interests you.
*Make a donation to our Annual Fund. 100% participation is our goal!
The PGO Annual Fund: As you can see, the Fort River PGO is very active and supports teachers and students in many ways. This support requires a healthy Annual Fund! We hope every family will contribute, so please donate in ANY amount. We want 100% participation--every dollar helps!
With a successful Annual Fund, our PGO can focus time and energy on teacher support, events, and community building.
Please support the Annual Fund by making an early donation.
You may send cash or check, payable to "Fort River PGO", to the Main Office (mail or send envelope to school)
OR
Thanks so much for all your support.
Pam Rietkerk, PGO President Liz Larson, PGO Treasurer
Michele Spirko, PGO Vice President Catherine McGraw, PGO Secretary
Parent Volunteers Needed for Science
Please contact FR PGO President Pam Rietkerk at pam.fortriver@gmail.com if you're interested in helping out!
Thanks.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome to the Fort River PGO Website!
To all new Fort River Parent and Guardians:
If you are new to Fort River, please consider signing up for PGO emails. Once you've signed up, you'll get email notifications after the PGO website has been updated, and you'll also get automatic calendar reminders before the various Fort River events such as the Family Fair and PGO meetings. Just click on the link below and tell me your name and preferred email address. All Fort River families, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up!
Subscribe to the Fort River Email list.
To all returning Fort River parents and guardians:
Have you been getting PGO emails this year? Have you recently changed your email address? Make sure I have your latest email address or else you won't be kept up-to-date on the latest PGO news! Click on the above link to let me know your new email address. Please include your old email address so I can remove it from the list.
Thanks!
Ann McLaughlin,V.P. for Website
Fort River PGO
damclaughlin@comcast.net
To all new Fort River Parent and Guardians:
If you are new to Fort River, please consider signing up for PGO emails. Once you've signed up, you'll get email notifications after the PGO website has been updated, and you'll also get automatic calendar reminders before the various Fort River events such as the Family Fair and PGO meetings. Just click on the link below and tell me your name and preferred email address. All Fort River families, staff and faculty are welcome to sign up!
Subscribe to the Fort River Email list.
To all returning Fort River parents and guardians:
Have you been getting PGO emails this year? Have you recently changed your email address? Make sure I have your latest email address or else you won't be kept up-to-date on the latest PGO news! Click on the above link to let me know your new email address. Please include your old email address so I can remove it from the list.
Thanks!
Ann McLaughlin,V.P. for Website
Fort River PGO
damclaughlin@comcast.net
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Thanks for Your Help Sprucing Up Fort River!
A MILLION THANKS to all the families who helped out with the Fort River spruce up! The cafeteria looks bright and fresh with new paint; the front sign is free of weeds and has new flowers; and HUGE piles of woodchips have been spread on the playground to make it soft and safe. Our school is looking great and ready for the start of the year!
Thanks to:
Ray and Carol Sharick
Michele Spirko
Dorie Goldman, Eskil and Jakob Skott
Bart, Jessie, and Tate Rietkerk
Chris, Todd, Tim and Liam Felton
Becky, Katie, and Claire Michaels
Nat, Liz, and Catherine Larson
Mike Jacques and Kiran and Alex Marwaha
Eileen, Mark, and Jessie Marasco
Bart and Caroline Hollander
Stephen Poulin
David and Nadav Berkman
Michael and Ruthie Ireland
Carmela Gravante, Milena and Carina Gravante-Gunnells
Becky Caraker
Zaim, Layla and Sahar Elkalai
and thank you to anyone who helped out that we missed on this list!
Your efforts are appreciated!!!
Pam Rietkerk
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