Fort River PGO Information

Northampton Pride Parade

Save the Date!

The 2013 Northampton Pride Parade is Saturday, May 4th. The event involves a parade which steps off from the parking lot on Hampton Ave, across from the Northampton Brewery and marches through town, ending at a rally at the 3 County Fairgrounds. The tone of the event is celebratory and family-friendly. Participating is a great way to show support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered members of our community. 

Last year, for the first time, there was a contingent for the Amherst Regional Public Schools. Administrators, staff and families marched together, showing support and enjoying the festivities. This year we’d like to organize an even larger group and show even greater support. Staff and families and any allies who would like to show support are welcome. We’d love for you to join us!

More detailed information will be shared in another message, closer to the date. In the meantime if you have any questions please feel free to contact Ali Wicks-Lim at wickslim@yahoo.com or (413) 230-3720.

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Guarda la fecha!
El desfile del Orgullo de  Northampton 2013 es el sábado, 4 de mayo. El evento consiste en un desfile que se baja desde el estacionamiento en la Hampton Ave, frente a la fábrica de cerveza de  Northampton y marcha por la ciudad, terminando en un mitin en el recinto ferial del condado 3. El tono del evento es festivo y familiar. Participar es una gran manera de mostrar su apoyo a los miembros de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales y Transexuales de nuestra comunidad.

El año pasado, por primera vez, había un contingente para las Escuelas Públicas de Amherst Regional. Los administradores, personal y familias marcharon juntos, mostrando apoyo y disfrutaron de las festividades. Este año nos gustaría organizar un grupo aún más amplio y mostrar su apoyo aún mayor. Personal , las familias y todos los aliados que quieran mostrar su apoyo son bienvenidos. Nos encantaría que te unas a nosotros!

Información más detallada será compartida en otro mensaje, más cerca de la fecha. Mientras tanto, si usted tiene alguna pregunta no dude en ponerse en contacto con Ali Wicks-Lim en wickslim@yahoo.com 413-230-3720 .

Daffodil Fun Run

The 3rd Annual Daffodil Fun Run is scheduled for April 28. All are welcome to participate and online registration is open NOW! This event benefits BBBS of Hampshire County - a strong ARPS community partner.  This year's goal is to raise over $30K!  

Upcoming Events - The League of Women Voters

Candidates Night  Meet the candidates for Amherst Town offices (meet & greet from 7 pm), hear their views and ask them questions (forum from 7:30 pm).  March 27  ARMS Auditorium 7pm   FREE

Immigration Reform & Amherst Issues: A discussion on topics facing our community with Dr. Jennifer Fronc and Dr. Marta Guevara. Dr. Fronc is an Associate Professor and Honors Program Director of the UMass History Dept. and Dr. Guevara is Director of Student Achievement and Accountability, Amherst Public Schools.  The program is free and open to the public.

April 8, 2013    11:30-1pm  & 3-5 p.m, Woodbury Room, Jones Library
More info can be found at  http://www.lwvamherst.org/ 

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Multi-Arts Spring Break Camp

Dive in to the arts, guided by outstanding artist on the fields of
art, theater, dance, mime, fashion design, crafts and lots of magical games.

Join us during our SPRING BREAK camp April 15-19
or SUMMER camps from June 24 to August 9.
Our popular ONE- DAY option will assure you of the richness of our programs.
Spark your child's flow of creativity. Join us:

Register at: 
www.multi-arts.org   413-584-7951
Financial Aid available.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Multi-Arts/210197122436408 


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Eric Carle Museum Special

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is proud to present a special exhibition featuring 63 original artworks by Latino artists which opens March 26 and runs through June 9.


The League of Women Voters' Book Sale

The League of Women Voters' Book Sale, with its thousands of books, will be on the Amherst Town Common on May 3, 4, & 5 this year. This will be the 65th year for one of New England's largest book sales.
If you have any books you'd like to contribute, they can be dropped off from April 1-24 at two locations: 7 Pomeroy Lane, # 1 or Hadley Stop & Shop. Call 253-0633 to arrange to drop off a large quantity of books at 7 Pomeroy Lane.

Please: only books in good condition, not moldy or mildewed. No journals or magazines except cooking and crafts; no toys, puzzles or videotapes. LPs in good condition, CDs and DVDs will be accepted. Thank you! 

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Learn to Skate Program

SKATING CLUB OF AMHERST LEARN-TO-SKATE PROGRAM
Please join the fun and skate with us!
Please share this announcement with your friends, families and neighbors!
The Skating Club of Amherst announces its upcoming spring session of its LEARN TO SKATE program.  This program provides a group lesson in the basic skills of figure skating and serves the needs of both the recreational and competitive skater. The curriculum is designed to keep skaters enthusiastic about figure skating from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals. Whether their goal is to achieve Olympic fame or simply enjoy the recreational benefits of skating, the Basic Skills Program is the place to start!  Skaters of all ages and abilities (including adults) are welcome to enroll in this program.
 Information for the Learn-to-Skate program:
PLACE:  UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MULLINS CENTER PRACTICE RINK
DAY:     SUNDAYS STARTING APRIL 7, 2013  ENDING JUNE 9, 2013
TIME:   5:50- 6:30 PM (25 MIN. OF GROUP INSTRUCTION - 15 MIN. OF PRACTICE TIME)
NOTE:   FIGURE SKATES ARE REQUIRED.  PLEASE, NO DOUBLE RUNNERS OR HOCKEY SKATES.  Rental skates are available at the rink.

REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE PRINTED OFF THE CLUB WEBSITE AT  www.scamherst.org    REGISTRATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.  Skaters must be pre-registered before coming to the rink to skate.    
Questions??  Call Rita Leaman at (413) 253-6388 or e-mail questions to info@scamherst.org 

This events is not sponsored by the FR PGO

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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Autism Speaks U

Ali McIver has started a Fort River team for the Autism Speaks walk on April 7th If you are interested in joining her team go to events.autismspeaksu.org/umass. On this page click Register/Join A Team and choose Fort River Elementary.  If you do not want to walk but would like to donate, click the green Donate flag (top right hand corner) and enter the information requested.

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Help with the Fort River Cultural Heritage Fair!

This year's Cultural Heritage Fair will take place at 5:30-7:30 on Wednesday, April 10.

Unlike previous years, there will be a fashion show rather than a series of performances by selected groups. This will provide more students with opportunities to think about their own cultural heritage and to express it on stage.  Please urge your children to participate in the fashion show.

Also, parents' participation in holding cultural booths will be deeply appreciated as well. Last year, there were great booths, but the performances on stage unfortunately kept many people from exploring them. Therefore, if you are willing to share their cultural treasures like games and photos, please let organizer Reiko Sono know (413-545-4947 or rsono@asianlan.umass.edu). Of course, cultural heritage doesn't have to be of foreign places. We need a Yankee booth, too!
To sign up, click here.
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Feria de este año Patrimonio Cultural tendrá lugar a las 5:30-7:30 el
Miércoles, 10 de abril.
A diferencia de años anteriores, habrá un desfile de moda en lugar de una
serie de actuaciones de los grupos seleccionados. Esto proporcionará a más
estudiantes la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre su propia herencia cultural
y expresarlo en el escenario. Por favor, instar a sus hijos a participar
en el desfile de moda.

Asimismo, la participación de los padres en la celebración de las cabinas culturales serán profundamente
apreciado también. El año pasado, hubo stands grandes, pero las
actuaciones en el escenario desafortunadamente mantuvo  a  muchas personas explorando 
ellos. Por lo tanto, si usted está dispuesto a compartir sus tesoros culturales
como juegos y fotos, por favor comuniquese con el organizador Reiko Sono al 
(413-545-4947 o rsono@asianlan.umass.edu). Por supuesto, el cultural
patrimonio no tiene que ser de lugares extranjeros. Necesitamos una cabina Yankee,
también!
Para inscribirse, haga clic aquí.

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Haiti Fundraiser

Mr. Keins' grade 4 class is currently running a fundraiser to support elementary schools in Haiti which is still struggling with the after-effects of the 2011 earthquake.  They have raised over $250 to date with a goal of $500. The funds will be sent directly to the school chosen by the C-4 students to support the students there. Donation boxes are located throughout the school. Please donate to this worthy cause.
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Grado del Sr. Keins '4 clase está llevando a cabo una recaudación de fondos para apoyar a las escuelas primarias en Haití, que aún está luchando con la secuelas del terremoto de 2011. Se han recaudado más de $ 250 a día con una meta de $ 500. Los fondos se envían directamente a la escuela elegida por el C-4 a los estudiantes para apoyar a los estudiantes allí. Cajas de donaciones se encuentra en toda la escuela. Por favor, done a esta noble causa.

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Earth Day Poetry Contest

All students in Grades K-12 are invited to enter the American Chemical Society's "Chemists Celebrate Earth Day" illustrated poetry contest.  Poems should not exceed 40 words on the topic "Our Earth:  Handle With Care!" and illustrated using crayons, markers, colored pencils or paints.  Entries must be received by March 29.  Please contact ARHS science teacher Sharon Palmer palmers@arps.org for details and entry forms.  Good luck!
The general contest rules are listed here 

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Regional School District Planning

The twelve member Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) of Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury agreed unanimously on Saturday, March 9, 2013 to propose a regional school district for the preK-6 elementary schools in Amherst, Leverett and Pelham. The RSDPB will develop a plan for the three-town preK-6 elementary regional school district during the next three months and then present it to the voters in those three towns in the fall. 
Click here to link to their website. 

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Roger Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award


































This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.
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SEPAC Meeting - Sat. March 16, 8:30 am at Rao's

Special Education Parents Advisory Council Meeting

 By Birdie Champ

All are welcome to attend a Special Education PAC meeting to be held TOMORROW.
WHEN:  Saturday, March 16th, 2013, 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Raos Coffee, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst MA.
WHO: Open to the general public.
WHAT: The agenda is as follows:
  1. Updates needed to the SEPAC brochure – to be made after May elections
  2. Review of Bylaws – suggested changes/edits to be made at April meeting
    • Process for communication with the District – contact and protocol
    • Meeting attendance requirements for Board membership
    • Responsibilities and approvals process for minutes, web postings, newsletter articles and SC statements
  3. Meeting Dates times for April and May
  4. Agenda Items for 3/18 meeting with Faye Brady, Director of Student Service
  5. Status of the newsletter this year (no Fall newsletter agreed upon)
     For more information, please visit the SEPAC blog (http://arpssepac.wordpress.com/) or main SEPAC web site (http://arps-sepac.info/)

Bigelow Home Goods Collection

Bigelow Home Goods Collection: Sunday 3/17 - Noon on Wednesday 3/20
We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online signup and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming activity. Please sign up for Bigelow Home Goods Collection - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
   1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot.
   2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
   3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy! 
Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.  
Please sign-up with your name, email and phone number so we can get in contact with further information. Thank you for your generosity,
-Shannon Borrell 

Rolling Green Fire Fund                                              Peshkov Fire Fund 
Florence Savings Bank                                                    
c/o UMass Five College F.C.U. 
385 College Street                                                          
200 Westgate Center Drive 
Amherst, MA 01002                                                       P.O. Box 1060 
                                                                                       Hadley, MA 01035-1060

LSSE SPRING EVENTS
































































This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.
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Youth Volleyball Clinics


































This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.
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LSSE- Girls Softball League


































This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.
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Sign up for LSSE Flag Football!

It's not too late to sign up for Flag Football!  For the past three seasons, the Town of Amherst Leisure Services in conjunction with Amherst College head coach EJ Mills, Amherst College Football coaching staff and Amherst Youth Football volunteers have run an instructional program to teach the game of non-contact flag football to boys and girls of all abilities in grades 1-6. This program is for kids who are interested in learning the sport or want to improve their skills in a fun and interactive environment. The flag football concept allows children to learn and develop the necessary skills and concepts in a safe and fun setting with no equipment necessary (cleats recommended). The coaches will divide kids by similar age and ability

Players are guaranteed a flag football Patriots jersey if signed up by Monday, March 18th. Register online at www.lsse.org.

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Amherst Youth Baseball

Registration for Amherst Youth Baseball is now open at LSSE.  Registration for boys and girls ages 5 – 15 continues this week.   The kickoff to the Little League (ages 10 to 12), Minors (ages 7 to 9) and Rookie (ages 5 to 6) seasons will occur on Saturday, March 16 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Amherst College Cage.

On Sunday, March 24 all players ages 5 to 12 will meet from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Amherst College cage to begin Spring Training.  Players ages 5 to 9 will participate in a hitting clinic from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM while players ages 10 to 12 will hit from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. 
Outdoor Spring Training for players ages 5 to 12 will occur from April 1 to April 13.  These sessions will be held at Mill River.  Individual team practices will begin after that. 
The Little League and Minor League Jamboree will be held on Saturday, April 27.
Opening Day for Little League and Minor League will be held on Sunday, April 28.
For further information or contact information, please visit www.Amherstbaseball.org or like Amherst Baseball on Facebook.  

This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.
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Amherst College Swimming Lessons

Amherst College Swimming and Diving Lessons for kids run from early April to early May.   Registration deadline is March 22nd. 
Registration Forms and information are available at this link:
3/7/13 Update:  At this time the Wednesday 2:45 lessons are full with the exception of some space in the diving class. There is still space available in each of the other times though they are filling quickly so please get your registration in soon.

This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.

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6th graders: Check out SPLASH!

SPLASH is happening at Amherst College on April 27th from 9am-4pm. In its third year, SPLASH offers a unique variety of classes taught by Amherst College students for students in grades 6-12 taught. Courses include comic books, Chinese, Arabic, friendship bracelets, a cappella singing, logic games, nitrogen ice cream, Rubik's Cube and MORE! Students have the opportunity to take 5 SPLASH classes of their choice. For a full list of courses and registration info, please visit
There is a $10 registration fee which covers all five classes, course materials and lunch! All classes are 55 minutes in length. The online registration will be open on Friday, March 15th 2013.
This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.

Child Safety Event


































This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.
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WMECo FUNDRAISER COORDINATOR NEEDED


Coordinator STILL Needed for WMECo fundraiser next month!
Are you interested in helping people cut their energy use while at the same time raising money for Fort River?  Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) has a school fundraising program that offers compact fluorescent light bulbs and smart power strips at very reasonable prices.  All the proceeds go to help support programs such as Field Day, support for classroom supplies, yearbook and much more.  If you are interested in working with our WMECo liaison on this fun and easy way, please contact Liz Larson (230-3453) for more information.
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Se necesita Coordinador para recaudar fondos WMECo
¿Está interesado en ayudar a las personas a reducir su consumo de energía y, al mismo tiempo recaudar fondos para Fort River? Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) tiene un programa de recaudacion de fondos para la  escuela que ofrece bombillas compactas de luz fluorescente y tiras eléctricas inteligentes a precios muy razonables. Todos los ingresos van a ayudar a los programas de apoyo, como el Día de Campo, el apoyo para útiles escolares, anuario y mucho más. Si usted está interesado en trabajar con nuestro enlace WMECo en esta forma divertida y fácil, por favor póngase en contacto con Liz Larson (230-3453) para más información.  

The Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award

Call for Nominations

for the first year of this annual award honoring former Fort River teacher Roger Wallace!

       Elementary teachers, instructional paraprofessionals, and parents of students currently in the elementary schools of Amherst and Pelham are invited to nominate an outstanding teacher to receive this award.  You are encouraged to collaborate with others in making nominations.

        A group of parents, alumni and retired educators, partnering with the Amherst Education Foundation, the Social Justice Education Program at UMass, and collaborating with the Amherst Public Schools, has created this award to honor Amherst and Pelham elementary teachers and recognize excellence in teaching!  We are raising money to create an endowment of $25,000 so that one teacher can be honored each year and the award can continue into perpetuity.  The award will include a stipend of $750 in the first year, and a stipend based on the income from the endowment each year thereafter.

Nominations are due April 1, 2013.
For more information on  how to nominate an outstanding teacher, please visit the website and/or join us for our fundraiser on April 6, 2013.  Details coming soon.

Voices from our Schools

From the Superintendent's office...
Please enjoy the latest segment of the popular Amherst Media program, Voices from Our Schools,featuring Amherst Lions Club President, Todd Cromack, and LEO Club President, Emma Jo Anderson, as they discuss  programs and fundraisers which benefit the Amherst Public Schools and our community:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN8SCGP5hJw&feature=share&list=UUECEesweX78OaddZ1V3yaTA

This segment features Athletic Director Rich Ferro as he discusses the dynamic sports programs at ARHS and ARMS and the Hurricane Booster Club:
 

Baseball in Amherst


This is not sponsored by the FR PGO.

It's not too late to sign up for Futsal!





This is not sponsored by the FR PGO.

Sixth Graders - take note!



This event is not sponsored or endorsed by the Fort River PGO.

LatinSummer at UMass


Introducing “LatinSummer at UMass,” a two-day summer enrichment program that provides students in grades 1-6 a unique chance to learn about Latin and the classical world! Creative and enthusiastic instructors will provide a wide array of exciting and hands-on activities that introduce students to many varied aspects of classical and conversational Latin, Greco-Roman mythology, and Roman culture and daily life. No prior knowledge of Latin or Classics is required.  
The popular LatinSummer programs have been offered many times over the past decade in locations across the nation. LatinSummer at UMass will run from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm during the weekend of June 1 – 2, 2013 on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. LatinSummer is sponsored by the nonprofit Ascanius: The Classics Youth Institute and the UMass Department of Classics. Registration fees range from $35-$110 per student depending on financial need. Registrations are accepted by mail or online through May 10. For more information and to register, please visit www.ascaniusyci.org/umass - this summer, let’s carpe diem and do as the Romans did!

This is not sponsored by the FR PGO.