Fort River PGO Information

Friday, June 21, 2013

Thank you for another fabulous year at Fort River School

Fellow parents and guardians - Once again, we have made it through another school year.  As I look through the yearbook with my child, I am reminded once again of the wonderful resources our Fort River community has in our staff, our children and our parents and guardians.  I would like to thank the out-going PGO officers for their work over this past year - Erin Cherewatti, Maria Polino and Radhika Natarajan.  I would also like to welcome the new PGO officers, Becky Schneider (Vice President) and Jenn Green (Blog Editor).

Many thanks to Beatriz Garcia, who provided translation for the PGO through the year.  To all of the coordinators of on-going committees - thank you, thank you, thank you.  And to all those who came out to help with various events, committees, projects - thank you, thank you, thank you.

Finally, thank you many times over to the administrative and custodial staff at the school.  Without their continuing (and always willing) support, the PGO could not function.  Karen, Paula, Lisa, John, James, Danny and Paul - you are my heroes!

Liz Larson, PGO President


Compañeros padres y tutores - Una vez más, hemos atravesado otro año escolar. Al mirar el anuario con mi hijo, me recordo  una vez más de los maravillosos recursos que nuestra comunidad Fort River tiene en nuestro personal, nuestros hijos y nuestros padres y guardianes. Me gustaría dar las gracias a los funcionarios PGO saliente por su labor durante este último año - Erin Cherewatti, Maria Polino y Radhika Natarajan. También me gustaría dar la bienvenida a los nuevos oficiales PGO, Becky Schneider (Vice Presidente) y Jenn Green (Blog Editor).

Muchas gracias a Beatriz García, quien facilito las traducciones  para el PGO a través del año. A todos los coordinadores de los comités en curso - gracias, gracias, gracias. Y a todos los que vinieron a ayudar con varios eventos, comités, proyectos - gracias, gracias, gracias.

Por último, gracias muchas veces a el personal administrativo y de custodia en la escuela. Sin su apoyo continuo (y siempre dispuesto), el PGO no podría funcionar. Karen, Paula, Lisa, Juan, Santiago, y Danny Paul - que son mis héroes!

Liz Larson, presidente del  PGO

Fort River READS Summer READ-A-THON

By now all children have been sent home with Read-a-Thon packets.  Please make sure you find them buried in all that has come home this week.  Reading is the best way to keep kids moving ahead in the summer.  Please talk this up!  This year no permission slips are needed.  We will have a celebratory party in the Fall to celebrate all participants and a friendly competition between grades for the greatest participation.  All money raised will be to benefit the library.  The more books our students read the more everyone benefits!  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jacquelynreilly@hotmail.com.

The Yearbooks are IN!

And boy, do your kids look good!  Every child should have received a copy of the book.  If your child was absent and did not, please let the yearbook committee know at yearbook.fortriver@gmail.com

An extra special thank you to the staff a Fort River for their understanding of the numerous errors and omissions on the staff pages due to a transmission glitch in the staff file pages.

Many thanks to Joy Ratzlaff-Sullivan for her many hours of photo-editing, input and layout design.  In the end, the kid have a wonderful keepsake of this past school year.

Art @ Fort River - UPDATE

The Fort River PGO Silent Art Auction raised over $550 to benefit art education at Fort River!  Congratulations to all the winners! Special thanks to Suzanne Schilling, Sue Borden, Jennifer Green, Becky Schneider, Michele Spirko, Erin Cherewatti, and Nancy Stewart whose help made the auction a success.

Field Day Thank You


Once again, Tammy Rahhal and Tim Farnham lead their team of parent/guardian volunteers to another victorious Field Day.  Thank you SO much to all the volunteers who helped make this year's event on June 5 another one to remember.  We got lucky with the weather and the kids had so much fun.  It would be impossible to run this event without the enthusiastic volunteer support of the parents and guardians.   

Bus & Van Driver Appreciation Breakfast

Thank you to the Fort River community for helping us honor our fantastic Bus and Van drivers on Thursday, June 14. The Bus and Van Driver Breakfast was a wonderful success and the drivers were all very appreciative! Thank you for your kind donations - they were enjoyed by one and all!

And a HUGE thank you to kindergarten parent Stephanie Jones for coordinating the event.  

6th Grade Gift - UPDATE

Each year at graduation, the 6th grade class presents a gift to the school as a way of saying thank you and to recognize the place many of them have spent the past 7 years learning & growing.  This year, the 6th grade presented a Peace Pole. This 4-sided, western red cedar peace pole will have the message, “may peace prevail on earth,” in four languages (Cambodian, English, Korean, and Spanish) that most represent Fort River students.  The pole can be found in the garden area outside the music room.  Thank you to all the parents and guardians who donated towards this gift, helping the class raise nearly $300.

Children’s Social Reasoning Study at Amherst College

Is your child between the ages of 8 to 12 years-old?   If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study at Amherst College examining how children understand their social relationships. This study is being conducted by Dr. Julia McQuade, Assistant Professor of Psychology. Participating children and their parent will complete a two hour assessment at Amherst College that includes an interview and measures assessing social experiences and cognitive abilities.

$75 compensation is provided

For more information, contact the Peer Relationships Lab at 413-542-5619 or email peerstudy@amherst.edu

This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

WMECo Fundraiser Participants!
If you did not pick Up Your Light Bulb/Power Strip Orders and PRIZES last week, please contact Dawn Lepere at 835-0164 or dawnlepere@gmail.com to make special arrangements.  

Thank you to everyone who participated!

LAST CALL FOR YEARBOOK PHOTOS!

There is still time, but just barely, to submit photos for this year's yearbook.  Photos of groups of kids work best.  Please send them ASAP to yearbook.fortriver@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 5th.  Please let us know what grade and/or event the pictures are from.
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ÚLTIMA LLAMADA PARA EL ANUARIO DE FOTOS!

Todavía hay tiempo, pero a duras penas, a presentar fotos para el anuario de este año. Fotos de grupos de niños funcionan mejor. Por favor, envíelo lo antes posible para yearbook.fortriver@gmail.com antes del miércoles 5 de junio. Por favor, háganos saber de que de grado y / o evento las fotografías son de.

6TH GRADE CLASS GIFT

Each year at graduation, the 6th grade class presents a gift to the school as a way of saying thank you and to recognize the place many of them have spent the past 7 years learning & growing.  This year, we would like to say thank you with a unique gift: a Peace Pole. This 4-sided, western red cedar peace pole will have the message, “may peace prevail on earth,” in four languages (Cambodian, English, Korean, and Spanish) that most represent Fort River students.  We will have a special time to “plant” the pole on the school grounds and will let you know when that ceremony will take place.
 The cost of the Peace Pole is $300I hope that you will consider making a donation toward this class gift.  Any amount is gratefully accepted (suggested amount: $5 - $20)Please join me in this opportunity to thank the teachers, staff, and students in our Fort River community.
 Please send your contribution by mail or in person to:

Fort River School, Amherst, MA 01002
PGO mailbox
Attention: Ruthie Ireland
Make checks payable to: “Fort River PGO” with “6th grade class gift” in the memo line.

Please make your donation by Friday, June 14th

Thank you, in advance, for your support in honoring our school community with this memorable gift.
  
Ruthie Ireland
6th grade parent & class gift coordinator
413-658-7806/4ireland@comcast.net
  
A brief overview of the Peace Pole Project:

The Peace Pole Project was started in Japan in 1955 by Masahisa Goi, who decided to dedicate his life to spreading the message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in response to the bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Peace Poles are handcrafted monuments erected the world over as international symbols of Peace. Their purpose is to spread the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in the languages of the world.  www.peacepoles.com
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Sexto Grado Regalo De Clase                                                            
                                                                                                                  
 Cada año en la graduación, la clase de sexto grado presenta un regalo a la escuela como una forma de decir gracias y reconocer el lugar que muchos de ellos han pasado los últimos 7 años de aprendizaje y crecimiento. Este año, nos gustaría dar las gracias con un regalo único: un Polo de la Paz. Esto, cedro rojo occidental palo de la paz de 4 lados tendrá el mensaje: "Que la paz prevalezca en la tierra", en cuatro idiomas (Camboya, Inglés, coreano y español), que representan la mayor parte de los estudiantes de Fort River. Tendremos un tiempo especial para "plantar" el polo en los terrenos de la escuela y le hará saber cuando la ceremonia se llevará a cabo.
El costo del Polo de la Paz es de $ 300. Espero que usted considere hacer una donación a este regalo de la clase. Cualquier cantidad es aceptada con gratitud (cantidad sugerida: $ 5 - $ 20). Por favor, únanse a mí en esta oportunidad para agradecer a los maestros, el personal y los estudiantes en nuestra comunidad de Fort River.

Por favor enviar su contribución por correo o en persona a:

Fort River School, Amherst, MA 01002
buzón PGO
Atención: Ruthie Irlanda
Haga los cheques a nombre de: "Fort River PGO" por "regalo de la clase de 6 º grado" en la línea de memo.

Por favor haga su donación para el viernes, 14 de junio.

Gracias de antemano por su apoyo en honor a nuestra comunidad escolar con este regalo memorable.

Ruthie Irlanda
6 º grado los padres y coordinador del regalo de la clase
413-658-7806/4ireland @ comcast.net
  
Un breve resumen del Proyecto Polo de la Paz:
 El Proyecto de Poste de la Paz se inició en Japón en 1955 por Masahisa Goi, que decidió dedicar su vida a difundir el mensaje "Que la Paz prevalezca en la Tierra" en respuesta a los bombardeos de Hiroshima y Nagasaki. Postes de la Paz son monumentos erigidos artesanales de todo el mundo como símbolo internacional de la paz. Su objetivo es difundir el mensaje "Que la Paz prevalezca en la Tierra" en los idiomas del mundo.
 www.peacepoles.com


ART AUCTION

Save the Date - Friday, June 14th!

Ever wish you could own one of the fabulous and one of a kind art pieces created by Fort River students exhibited around the school?  Or would you like to stop by and visit them one last time? Now’s your chance!  Get ready to bid on a slice of history at the Art @ Fort River Silent Auction on Friday June 14th.  Art can be previewed at http://fortriverartsilentauction.shutterfly.com/ andwill be on display in the Fort River lobby 3-7PM for your viewing/bidding pleasure. Alumni, students, families and staff are invited to visit the art room for an afternoon of art appreciation.  Teri Magner will be available to chat and answer questions. Join us to hear the winners and celebrate from 6-7pm with a dessert potluck.  Auction proceeds to benefit art education at Fort River; Donations will also be accepted.
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Ahorre la fecha - Viernes, 14 de junio!

¿Alguna vez pensó que podía tener uno de los fabulosos y  una de las especies de  piezas de arte creadas por los alumnos de Fort River exhibidas alrededor de la escuela? ¿O le gustaría pasar por aquí y visitar por última vez? Ahora es tu oportunidad! ¡Prepárate para hacer una oferta en un segmento de la historia en la Subasta Silenciosa de Art @ de Fort River el viernes 14 de junio.  El Arte estará en exhibición en el vestíbulo de Fort River a partir de las 3-7PM para su visualización / placer de hacer una oferta. Los  Alumnos, estudiantes, familias y personal están invitados a visitar la sala de arte para una tarde de la apreciación del arte. Teri Magner estará disponible para conversar y responder preguntas. Únase a nosotros para conocer los ganadores y celebrar desde las  6 a 7 pm con una cena con  postre. También se aceptarán donaciones; Más detalles por venir pronto ..... ingresos de las subastas a beneficio de la educación de arte en Fort River.


PGO OFFICERS FOR NEXT YEAR!

Officers needed for the PGO next year!
Every year, the PGO elects new officers.  These officers serve on the executive committee and make decisions about the direction and role of the PGO.  The following are elected positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Blog Editor.  Each position is for a one year term.  If you are interested in serving as an officer, please contact Liz Larson, liz.fortriver@gmail.com.
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Funcionarios necesarios para el PGO el próximo año!

Cada año, el PGO elija nuevas autoridades. Estos funcionarios sirven en el comité ejecutivo y toman decisiones acerca de la dirección y el papel del PGO. Los siguientes son los cargos de elección popular: Presidente, Vicepresidente, Secretario, Tesorero y el Editor de Blog. Cada posición tiene un plazo de un año. Si usted está interesado en servir como oficial, por favor póngase en contacto con Liz Larson, liz.fortriver@gmail.com.

FINAL COFFEE WITH THE PRINCIPAL

Please join us for our final Coffee with the Principal on Friday, June 7 at 8:40 am.  This is a great opportunity for asking questions, socializing and brainstorming ideas for the PGO for next year.  As our school and community changes, opportunities for how the PGO and school can work together to enhance the school environment changes as well.  As we move forward to a new school year, now is the perfect time to review what works, what needs tweaking and look for areas of new or increased support for next year.  If you are unable to join us on June 7th but would like to add your voice to the discussion, please email your ideas to Liz Larson, liz.fortriver@gmail.com.
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Mirando hacia el futuro para el próximo año

Por favor, únase a nosotros para nuestro café final con el Principal el viernes 7 de junio a las 08:40 am. Esta es una gran oportunidad de hacer preguntas, la socialización y la lluvia de ideas para el PGO para el próximo año. A medida que nuestra escuela y la comunidad los cambios, las oportunidades de cómo el PGO y la escuela pueden trabajar en conjunto para mejorar el entorno cambio de escuela también. A medida que avanzamos hacia un nuevo año escolar, ahora es el momento perfecto para revisar lo que funciona, lo que necesita un retoque y buscar áreas de apoyo a nuevos o mayores para el próximo año. Si usted no puede unirse a nosotros el 7 de junio, pero le gustaría añadir su voz a la discusión, por favor escriba sus ideas a Liz Larson, liz.fortriver@gmail.com.

BUS AND VAN DRIVER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

Date: Thursday, June 13th, 8:30 - 9:30 am
 Help us thank our wonderful bus and van drivers who transport our kids to and from school and field trips throughout the year.
 Please sign up to bring in a breakfast food (for example fruit, a hot dish, bake goods or juice) to make this event a success. Please drop off your dish in the cafeteria at Fort River between 8:00 and 8:30 on Thursday morning. To sign up click on the following link: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/Ko2jV+e$Z+0

We are also asking for a few volunteers to assist with receiving food or clean up after the event.
 If you have any questions or able to help out during the event, please contact Stephanie Jones at sljones@kin.umass.edu.
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Desayuno de Apreciacion para los Conductores de Autobus y Furgonetas

Fecha: Jueves, 13 de junio, de 8:30 - 9:30 am

Ayúdanos a Agradecer a nuestros conductores de autobuses y furgonetas que transportan a nuestros maravillosos niños hacia y desde los viajes escolares y de campo durante todo el año.

Por favor inscríbase para traer un alimento de desayuno (por ejemplo, frutas, un plato caliente, productos de pasteles o jugo) para que este evento sea un éxito. Por favor deje su plato en la cafetería de  Fort River desde las 8:00-8:30 de la mañana del jueves. Para inscribirse, haga clic en el siguiente enlace:  http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/Ko2jV+e$Z+0

También estamos pidiendo a algunos voluntarios para ayudar con la recepción de la comida o limpiar después del evento.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o capaces de ayudar durante el evento, por favor póngase en contacto con Stephanie Jones ensljones@kin.umass.edu.  de ayudar durante el evento, por favor póngase en contacto con Stephanie Jones en sljones@kin.umass.edu.

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Annual Staff and Teacher Appreciation Lunch

Annual Staff and Teacher Appreciation Lunch - Thanks for your support!

Thanks to our great community of families for your continued support in honor of the staff and teachers at Fort River!  Every staff member received a goodie package at school the morning of the lunch filled with a note of gratitude from the PGO and the beautiful appreciation notes sent in from children.  Over 80 staff enjoyed a wonderful luncheon at the Amherst Brewing Company. Thanks to the support of Fort River families, we more than covered the costs of the luncheon and gifts, and staff were so grateful at the outpouring of generosity of our community. It really shows how much our families care about the staff and teachers of Fort River!

Thank you everyone for your support!  Special thanks to Paula Mangiaratti, Karen Bonneau and the front office team, and parents Suzanne & Patrick Schilling, Liz Larson, Sue Borden, Jennifer Green and our student helpers for making the day a success.
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Personal Anual y Almuerzo de aprecio a los profesores - Gracias por su apoyo!

Gracias a nuestra gran comunidad de familias por su continuo apoyo en honor del personal y los maestros en Fort River! . Cada miembro del personal recibió un paquete de sorpresas en la escuela la mañana del almuerzo lleno de una nota de agradecimiento del PGO y  la unas  bellas notas de apreciacion enviadas por los  niños . Más de 80 empleados disfrutaron de un almuerzo maravilloso en el Amherst Brewing Company. Gracias al apoyo de las familias de Fort River, que más que cubrir los gastos de la comida y los regalos, y el personal era muy agradecido a la efusión de generosidad de nuestra comunidad. Esto realmente muestra cuánto se preocupan nuestras familias sobre el personal y los profesores de Fort River!


Gracias a todos por su apoyo! Un agradecimiento especial a Paula Mangiaratti, Karen Bonneau y el equipo de oficina, y los padres de Suzanne y Patrick Schilling, Liz Larson, Sue Borden, Jennifer Green y nuestros alumnos ayudantes para que la jornada sea un éxito.

ART AND MUSIC SURVEY FOR AMHERST FAMILIES

Fort River parent Ellen Alvord is conducting a brief survey to gather feedback from Amherst families about arts education in our elementary schools.
Please take 2-3 minutes to fill out the Art and Music Survey below.
Art and Music Survey for Amherst Elementary School Families
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ARTE Y MÚSICA DE ENCUESTA PARA FAMILIAS AMHERST

Fort Río padres Ellen Alvord está llevando a cabo una breve encuesta para recabar opiniones de las familiasAmherst sobre la educación artística en las escuelas primarias.
Por favor, tome 2-3 minutos para completar la encuesta Arte y Música continuación.
Encuesta de Arte y Música de las familias de las Escuelas Primarias de Amherst
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TRQW2F8

STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS!

Looking for a meaningful end-of-school year gift to honor teachers,
staff members or graduating seniors?
You can say thank you and strengthen our schools at the same time!
Make a tax-deductible gift to Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) in a
teacher's, staff member's or graduating senior's name.  AEF will
deliver a personalized recognition card to your honoree/s.

Your gift supports AEF's grant program, which, this year, funded:
-robotics for elementary schools
-new technology for high school science classes
-strong transitional supports for incoming 9th graders
-Family University, a program which engages more ARPS families in
their kids' education
Send your gift using the attached form or make your gift online at
www.amhersteducationfoundation.org by:
June 15th for teachers/staff--to guarantee delivery to honorees at
school before their last day
June 3rd for graduating seniors--to guarantee delivery to honorees at
graduation rehearsalThank you!

MULTI-ARTS

What: "ECO-MULTI-ARTS” - Children Art Exhibition

When:   June 1 st. – 31st, 2013

  OPENING:  Thursday June 6 - 5:30 PM  8:00 PM
Where: Chamber of Commerce in Amherst
              28 Amity Street, Amherst
 "CHILDREN’S ANIMAL WORLD”
 "CHILDREN’S ANIMAL WORLD” shows children’s art work representing their love for the animal world. These creations express their hopes, imagination, and joy of being part of nature. All of them depict their inner world with a refreshing and joyful spirit. The work was created during the Multi-Arts spring camp 2013.

 We would love to invite you to the exhibition "CHILDREN’S ANIMAL WORLD.” Enjoy the imagination of children representing their view of nature, and join us for theopening on Thursday June 6 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at the Chamber of Commerce in Amherst. You can also come along at any time during the month of June to enjoy the exhibition.

Exhibition is sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Multi-arts is a innovative program in which children work with professional artists in the fields of drama, art, music, dance, fashion design and playwriting and exhibits their creative work to the larger community through free public performances, art exhibitions, and Local T.V. broadcast. Serving 2500 families a year (an amount that increases year by year), Multi-Arts’ mission is to empower and inspire children to explore their own creativity and develop a lifelong love of the arts. In our effort to promote children’s art work we exhibit their paintings, drawings, and sculptures in permanent galleries on our web site and at the Northampton Community Music Center, as well as in rotating exhibits in local museums, community centers, cafés, bookstores, public libraries, and hospitals.
 For more information about Multi-Arts programs, camps, and exhibitions, visit us at: www.multi-arts.org

Monday, June 3, 2013

DOCTOR OR NURSE PARENT VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR 6TH GRADE TRIP

The sixth grade class is in great need of a doctor or nurse to come on to Camp Howe on Tuesday, June 11th.  They have done all kinds of wonderful fund raising including a car wash and raffle tickets.  We have a parent volunteer for Monday and Monday night but not Tuesday.  We are hoping to avoid going through an agency because they are so expensive.  If anyone needs more information, they can contact any of the sixth grade teachers.

Amherst Afterschool End of the Year Showcase

Amherst Regional Middle School
Tuesday, June 11th 2013
5:30-7:00 pm
Come  join us as the talented students of the Amherst Elementary School After School programs from Marks Meadow - Wildwood, Capacidad - Fort River, and LSSE Prime Time - Crocker Farm showcase their talents!
It will be an evening full of performances, exhibits, and fun times as we head towards the end of the after-school year.
Special guest appearance by Teaching Creatures!
Special guest performances by the ARHS Conjunto de Bomba and the PRISM ZumbaGurlz! 
Food will be provided by El Rincon Boricua