Fort River PGO Information
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Change a Light Change the World! Green Energy Fundraiser
Local Vocal Chord Bowl #8 is Saturday, April 2 at 7pm at ARHS
Library Volunteers Urgently Needed!
Amherst and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees Approve MCAS Opt-Out Resolution
We are pleased to reaffirm that free speech is a fundamental right of all members of our educational community.
Amherst Town Elections on Tuesday
On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, the Town of Amherst will hold their annual election. This year, there is a contested school committee race (3 candidates for 2 open seats).
In addition, there is an important Yes/ No question about forming a Charter Commission to examine our form of government. Simultaneously, there is vote on candidates to serve on the Charter Commission should the question pass. There are 19 candidates vying for 9 seats.
The League of Women Voters has detailed election guides available online:
2016 Voting Guide - Town Meeting, School Committee and Select Board
March Principal Newsletter
ARMS Grade 8 Chorus "Night on Broadway" Show on April 1
GRADE 8 CHORUS “NIGHT ON BROADWAY” SHOW
Middle School Auditorium
This two act family friendly Broadway review includes 20 Broadway songs with Solos, Skits, Dancing, & of course the Middle School Grade 8 Chorus. Tickets may be purchased at the MS Main Office or reserved by sending in the ticket order form in the newsletter with payment. Adults $8.00, Students (Gr. K – 12) $5.00, Not in school yet – Free
CORO DE GRADO 8 "NOCHE EN BROADWAY"
ESPECTÁCULO VIERNES, 1 DE ABRIL DE, el año 2016
AUDITORIO de Intermedia
Estos dos actos familiares de Broadway incluye 20 canciones de Broadway, con solos, Obras de teatro, baile, y por supuesto El Coro de Octavo Grado de la Escuela Intermedia Los boletos pueden ser comprados en la oficina principal de la Escuela Intermedia o reservados enviando el formulario de pedido de entradas en el boletín con el pago. Adultos $ 8.00, Estudiantes (Gr K -. 12) $ 5.00, todavía no está en la escuela
MAGE upcoming conference on April 30th and Scholarship for students in Grades 3-6 for enrichment activities
MA Association for Gifted Education (MAGE) Annual Conference
Springfield, MA
Sessions on the Academic, Social, & Emotional Needs of Gifted Children in the Classroom & at Home, & on implications of the new federal education funding act (Every Student Succeeds Act - ESSA) for gifted education
Click here to download instructions and application forms for the 2016 Nicholas Green Award. The deadline for applying is April 15th.
This award was made possible through a generous donation from the Green family, which was administered by NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children). Nicholas was a bright seven-year old who was killed in a senseless shooting while on vacation in Italy. His parents wanted to keep his memory alive, and they donated money they had saved for his college expenses to fund this award.
For further information, please contact Carol Lach, MAGE Nicholas Green Awards Committee, carol@massgifted.org.
Kestrel Trust Family Events
Frogs & Forests
Forestry Walk & Maple Sugar Morning
Learn how low-impact forestry benefits wildlife & people.
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Fee: Free (donations accepted) |
Massachusetts Soccer School at UMass - Summer, April Vacation programs
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Adult Learn to Ice Skate Sessions with the Amherst Hockey League, start April 2nd
5 SESSIONS:
Saturdays 6:00-6:50 pm
April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30
(April 30th, 7-7:50 pm)
$95 per participant
UMass Community Skating Rink Mullins Center
To register or for questions, please contact Dan Feldman, president of Amherst Hockey Association, mbedan@comcast.net
(not a school-sponsored event)
Crocker Farm Early Childhood Visioning Group, District seeking Parents of 1-2 year olds to Participate
The district is seeking parents/ guardians of 1-2 year olds to participate in the visioning group for the future Crocker Farm. The group, which will consist of staff members & community members as well, will be meeting on April 7th, June 23th, & June 28th, from 8 am to 2:45 pm.
Please contact Sasha Figueroa, figueroas@arps.org, to signup to participate.
Early Dismissal on Wednesday, March 30
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Family Survey Available - PLEASE COMPLETE!
Dear Families,
The Amherst-Pelham Schools have formed a partnership with UChicago in an effort to provide us with reliable, ongoing data for school improvement. The data will be generated from student, staff, and family survey results. We ask that you participate in the survey. Your participation in this survey is voluntary and you have the right not to participate. However, I hope that you will strongly consider sharing your voice, as the results from this survey will help drive improvement in Fort River.
The 5Essentials Survey provides a comprehensive picture of a school’s organizational culture in an individualized report measuring five “Essentials” critical for school success:
- Effective Leaders
- Collaborative Teachers
- Involved Families
- Supportive Environment
- Ambitious Instruction
The survey will be open between March 23rd and April 15th and all of the surveys will be completed by the April vacation which will allow us to get the results before the end of the school year.
If you need access to a computer, the Fort River computer lab will be open M-F from8:00- 8:45am and 3:30- 4:30. Please stop by my office and I can help you. Your participation is important!
Click on this link to take the survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/amherst/survey/parent/
Sincerely,
Bobbie Finocchio, Principal
Estimadas Familias,
Las Escuelas de Amherst-Pelham han formado una asociación con Impacto de la Universidad de Chicago que nos proporciona datos fiables y constantes para el mejoramiento escolar. Los datos se generan a partir de los resultados de las encuestas de los estudiantes, del personal y de las familias. Les pedimos que participen en la encuesta. Su participación en esta encuesta es voluntaria y usted tiene el derecho de no participar. Sin embargo, espero que usted considere seriamente la posibilidad de compartir su voz, ya que los resultados de este estudio ayudarán a impulsar mejoras en Fort River.
La Encuesta “5Essentials” proporciona una visión global de la cultura organizacional de la escuela en un informe individualizado que mide cinco "Esenciales" críticos para el éxito escolar:
- Líderes eficaces
- Profesores colaborativos
- Familias involucradas
- Entorno favorable
- Instrucción ambiciosa
La encuesta estará abierta desde marzo 23 hasta el 15 de abril y todas las encuestas serán completadas en las vacaciones de abril, que nos permitirá obtener los resultados antes del final del año escolar.
Si necesita tener acceso a una computadora, el laboratorio de computadoras de Fort River estará abierto lunes a viernes de 8: 00- 8:45 am y de 3: 30- 04:30 pm. Favor de pasar por mi oficina y yo le puedo ayudar. Su participación es importante!
Haga clic en este enlace para participar en la encuesta: http://survey.5-essentials.org/amherst/survey/parent/
Sinceramente,
Bobbie Finocchio, Principal
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Trivia Night at the Jones Library on April 7
The Jones Library invites area trivia buffs to at our monthly Trivia Night, hosted by Mark “Harpo” Power, on the first Thursday of the month, from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm. The next Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2016 in the Woodbury Room. All trivia aficionados are invited to join in the fun and support the Jones Library!
Bring friends and family as a team, or form teams on the spot, with a maximum of five per team. There will be two rounds of 15 questions each, and there will be prizes for the top teams. Doors open at 6 pm, and the event starts promptly at 6:30 pm. There is a suggested donation of $5-$10 per person to participate. All proceeds benefit the Jones Library. Refreshments will be served.
Open to the public. For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Hitchcock Center Spring Programs for Children and Families
Josia DeChiara, Hitchcock educator
Ages 8-11, Grades 3-5 Alternating Thursdays: March 24, April 7, 28, May 12, 26, June 9 3:30pm-5:30pm Members: $162/Non-members: $190 Get to know nature, and make friends at the same time! This afterschool program is designed to bring girls together in a supportive environment that fosters creativity, nature skills and inquiry. Each afternoon will consist of hands-on projects and free outdoor exploration at the Larch Hill Conservation Area. Through playing games, exploring nearby habitats, and connecting with nature, we will develop our confidence, build friendships and have a lot of fun learning! Families provide their own transportation to the Hitchcock Center. Learn more... |
with Dan Ziomek, Local Birder and WRSI's Bird Songs Radio Program
For young people ages 8-13 Saturdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14 7:30am-10am Individual/Youth: Members $60/Non-members $75 Parent/Child: Members $100/Non-members $120
Spring migration is the most exciting time of year to get out and see birds! Each week new species return from the south wearing their spring colors. Each week we will explore a different local site and meeting locations will vary. Be the next generation of birders! Space is limited, registration required.
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Jeff Mazur and Hannah French, Hitchcock educators
Ages 6-8 Tuesdays, 10:00am-2:00pm 9 classes - March 22, 29, April 12, 26, May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7 *No class April 5, 20 or May 3 Members: $375/Non-members: $404 Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's a nature superhero! In Homeschool I this spring we will learn about superheroes of survival in nature. We'll explore super senses, and learn how sight, hearing, and smell are used to capture prey and avoid detection. We'll discover special powers including poisons, prickles, and pollination. Learn more... |
Patrick O'Roark, Hitchcock educator
Ages 9-12 Tuesdays, 10:00am-2:00pm 9 classes - March 22, 29, April 12, 26, May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7 *No class April 5, 20 or May 3 Members: $375/Non-members: $404 Have you ever wondered why animals act the way they do, or what they are thinking? Why do coyotes howl at night? Is the cardinal pecking my window because it's angry? Do the two crayfish you caught like each other? During this spring's Homeschool II class we'll be exploring these and many other questions about the inner lives of the animals around us. We'll practice scientific observation and experimentation, with both the animals that live with us here at the Hitchcock Center and the wildlife that shares our neighborhood. Learn more... |
Nature Summer Camp
A few openings are still available for camp sessions this summer for the Young Naturalists, ages 6-7.
There's no better place to discover the wonders of the outdoors! At Hitchcock Nature Summer Camp, children enjoy, play and learn in the natural world. Each day is designed with outdoor adventures, along with cooperative games, art projects, singing, and science experiments. Learn more... |
Nature Discovery Preschool: All About Birds
Colleen Kelley, Hitchcock Center Educator
Ages 3-5 (adult required to attend with child) Fridays, March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 (No class 4/22) Morning session: 9:30am-11:30 am (wait list only) Afternoon session: 1:00pm-3:00pm Members: $205/Non-members: $225 We will head in to spring in full flight! Children and their adult companions will explore the world of birds through movement, songs, crafts and live animal observations. An adult is required to attend with each child. Learn more... |
Explore a Vernal Pool
Ted Watt, Hitchcock Center Naturalist
Saturday, April 9, 9:30 am - noon
Members $15 Non-members $18 Vernal pools with their temporary spring accumulations of rain and runoff water provide unique homes for a variety of amazing creatures. How do they survive both in the water and when the pool dries up? We'll find out by observing and wondering about these creatures. Appropriate for adults and young people ages 8 and up accompanied by their adult. Please call to register. Space is limited and registration required. Learn more... |
Spring Vacation Camp
Ages 6-10, Grades K-4
Monday through Friday, April 18-22 Members: $60 per day/Non-members: $70 per day Spend your days off from school learning and playing outside at the Hitchcock Center! We'll explore topics in spring ecology while playing games, making crafts and spending time with our live animals. Sign up for as many days as you wish. Learn more... |
About Us
The Hitchcock Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to inspire people to learn about our natural world through innovative, hands-on environmental education programs. We help people to explore the interconnections between the health of humans and ecosystems, reinforcing our innate bonds with our environment, and looking to nature as a model and measure to improve our quality of life.
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FINAL DAY to order Coffee Cakes!
Amherst Splash Spring 2016 registration IS OPEN!
Splash is a one–day event at Amherst College, where middle and high school students learn anything from Masks of the World to How People Make Money to Harry Potter: A Chamber of Secrets to Instant Chinese to Beat–boxing, all taught by college students!
When: Saturday April 9th 2016, 9am–3pm at Converse Hall, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002
A $10 fee includes course supplies and lunch. Scholarships are available.
Here’s the registration link to get you started: Register
Quick link to courses offered this semester: Class Catalog
Please invite all your friends and pass the information along to anyone interested! Additionally, we are now on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/splashamherst) so give us a like and get a chance to see updates and what happens behind the scenes with us :)
Registration is set to close April 6th so sign up soon! Give us an email if you have any questions.