School will be closed on Friday, November 11 in observation of Veterans' Day.
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.
Monday, October 31, 2016
No School on November 8th and 11th
School will be closed on Friday, November 11 in observation of Veterans' Day.
Adolescents and Addiction and Rising Opioid/Marijuana Use Presentation Available Online
from ARHS PGO:
Last month, Dr Ruth
Potee, Chair of the Healthcare Solutions Committee of the Franklin
County/North Quabbin Opioid Task Force, spoke to the ARHS Community about
Adolescents and Addiction and Rising Opioid / Marijuana Use. The powerful
presentation sparked ARHS Community dialogue about how we as a school and
broader community think about teenage use and abuse of marijuana, pain pills
and other drugs. The event was jointly sponsored by the ARHS PGO,
SPIFFY[The Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth] and the Town
of Amherst.
To view the
presentation, click
here.
To discuss the
implications of Dr. Potee’s presentation for ARHS and its students, a second
meeting was held on Thursday, October 20. A group of ARHS parents and guardians
brainstormed a range of possible initiatives aimed at keeping our students
safe. We will keep the ARHS community informed about the direction of this work.
If you are interested in becoming more involved, please email Mark Jackson[jacksonmk@arps.org] Thank you.
Fort River PGO Election Day Bake Sale Tuesday, November 8th
Children are welcome to volunteer. Please help by baking or donating items and by buying yourself some treats when you come to vote! Our sale will be at Fort River which is Precinct 6. Crocker Farm is hosting a bake sale at Precinct 7: Crocker Farm School and Precinct 8: Munson Memorial Library.
Here are the links to sign up:
http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/+zqVnpdKWcE
http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/9OVAaNLulP0
Voter Resources: Amherst Elementary School Building Project and Question 5
The PGO hosted Town
Meeting Moderator Jim Pistrang last week for an informative conversation about
Amherst's Representative Town Meeting. Mr. Pistrang also spoke at length about
the role that Town Meeting plays in the Amherst Elementary School Building
Project. Thanks to all who attended and to Mr. Pistrang for his excellent
presentation!
The PGO has received
many questions about Question 5. The Town of Amherst provides multiple voter
resources on the Town's homepage; see below:
For information about this election and as well
as results and related documents about prior elections:
To see the official ballot (including all six
questions):
To see details about the Ballot Question (5)
Committees:
All public documents submitted to the state as
well as agendas and minutes from all Building Committee Meetings are
available on the ARPS homepage (bottom right of page or see below on this
page): www.arps.org
Amherst Elementary School Building Project's Facebook page:
Amherst Elementary School Building Project's website
hosted by NV5:
Amherst Elementary School Building Project's FAQ's:
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Voting in Amherst
Checking In
When you approach the
check-in table, first tell the poll worker the name of the street where you
live, then the number of your residence, and finally your name. The voter's
list is arranged in street order, which assists in keeping your wait time to a
minimum.
If you are disabled and need assistance, you may be accompanied by someone who can
provide the needed assistance or request a poll worker to provide you with
confidential, nonpartisan help.
If your name does not appear on the active list
of voters:
The poll worker at the
check in table will direct a voter whose name does not appear on the active
voter list to the warden for further assistance. The voter may be in
"Inactive Status" which will require the completing and signing of an
Affidavit of Current and Continued Residency before being able to vote. The
voter will also be required to show documentation that establishes their
current and continued residency in the town of Amherst. The precinct warden may
need to contact the Town Clerk to determine if you are registered in another
precinct. If you are listed on another precinct’s list in the Town, you must go
to that polling location.
If you are not on any voter list in the Town, but
believe you have registered:
You may request a
provisional ballot. The provisional ballot allows you to cast your votes, but
they will not be counted until the municipal election official determines your
eligibility. The municipal election official will review available records, at
least those for the last 3 years, to determine eligibility. If eligibility
is confirmed, the ballot will be removed from its sealed envelope and grouped
with similar ballots and counted in a manner that provides the greatest
secrecy. If eligibility cannot be confirmed, your ballot will remain sealed in
the envelope until such time as it is required to be kept and then will be
destroyed without being viewed.
After Receiving Your Ballot
Once you give your
address and name at the check-in table, you will receive a ballot and you can
proceed to a voting booth for privacy.
In a primary election,
voters who are registered in a political party may only obtain a ballot for
that party. If you are an unenrolled voter (commonly referred to as an
"independent voter"), you may request the ballot of any party
participating in the primary election.
You may vote for the
choices available on the ballot or, if you prefer, write in the name of a
candidate in the space provided on the ballot.
Once you are done voting, you will proceed to the check-out table. Again,
you will provide the poll worker your street address and name. You will then
insert your ballot into the ballot box.
Gift Card Orders DUE Wednesday, November 2
NOTE: Gift Card orders are DUE WEDNESDAY! Orders must be in by November 2 so that we can process and distribute the cards before Thanksgiving break.
The PGO is selling gift cards that you can use for your normal weekly purchases at Stop and Shop and Target, for example. Other retailers include Gap, Best Buy, and American Eagle, and more. This is money that you would already be spending, but if you use our gift cards, you will be earning money for Fort River as we buy the gift cards at a discount (amount varies depending on the retailer.)
Use the cards for:
- Purchases that you already make on a regular basis like groceries or gas.
- Holiday shopping.
- To give as gifts to teachers, mail carriers and bus drivers.
Again, this is money you already have budgeted, but if you use our gift cards, you are helping the PGO fund school programs for your students.
Crocker Farm Book Sale at Barnes and Noble on November 12
Crocker farm PGO is hosting their Barnes & Noble Book Fair on November 12. They will have book readings with author Cammie McGovern and with author team Corrine Demas and Artemis Roehrig, performances by Miss Leticia and her students, and a performance by Amherst Ballet.
Mention Crocker Farm at check out and a portion of your purchase will be donated to their PGO. Fort River will host a similar event on December 3. Support education and literacy while enjoying these fairs!
Mention Crocker Farm at check out and a portion of your purchase will be donated to their PGO. Fort River will host a similar event on December 3. Support education and literacy while enjoying these fairs!
Thursday, October 27, 2016
GARDEN HELP NEEDED: Request for Volunteers
GARDEN HELP NEEDED:
At Wildwood, volunteers are needed to help weed the garden beds and compost the weeds. Volunteers would work with small groups (2-3 children) at at time, meeting with several groups over the course of a 45-60 minute period. Contact Lisa Poirer (poirierl@arps.org) if interested.
At Wildwood, volunteers are needed to help weed the garden beds and compost the weeds. Volunteers would work with small groups (2-3 children) at at time, meeting with several groups over the course of a 45-60 minute period. Contact Lisa Poirer (poirierl@arps.org) if interested.
At Fort River, volunteers are needed to help revitalize the pollinator garden. This will involve weeding, trimming plants, cleaning out debris, adding fertilizer, and spreading wood chips. Contact Jane Costello (costelloj@arps.org) if interested.
Monday, October 24, 2016
PGO Coffee with the Principal Featuring Special Guest Jim Pistrang THIS THURSDAY, October 27
Please join your friends on Thursday, October 27 at 9 am for coffee and informative conversation!
Our featured speaker is Amherst Town Meeting Moderator Jim Pistrang. Mr. Pistrang will discuss the role that Town Meeting will play in the Amherst Elementary School Building Project.
Find out more about Town Meeting at: https://www.amherstma.gov/790/Town-Meeting
PGO Coffees with the Principal take place every month or two. The dates can be found on the PGO calendar which is on the right side of the blog home page. Some coffees may take place in the evening, depending upon community feedback.
Find out more about Town Meeting at: https://www.amherstma.gov/790/Town-Meeting
PGO Coffees with the Principal take place every month or two. The dates can be found on the PGO calendar which is on the right side of the blog home page. Some coffees may take place in the evening, depending upon community feedback.
Your infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are always welcome at PGO Coffees! Families with future Amherst Elementary school children are also welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!
Gift Card Fundraiser Orders Due November 2
Help the Fort River PGO earn money for school programs by doing nothing! (Well, almost nothing.)
The PGO is selling gift cards that you can use for your normal weekly purchases at Stop and Shop and Target, for example. Other retailers include Gap, Best Buy, and American Eagle, and more. This is money that you would already be spending, but if you use our gift cards, you will be earning money for Fort River as we buy the gift cards at a discount (amount varies depending on the retailer.)
Use the cards for:
- Purchases that you already make on a regular basis like groceries or gas.
- Holiday shopping.
- To give as gifts to teachers, mail carriers and bus drivers.
Again, this is money you already have budgeted, but if you use our gift cards, you are helping the PGO fund school programs for your students.
Order forms will be sent home in backpacks this week (or click the link below to get a copy.) Forms will be collected until November 2nd. We hope to distribute gift cards before the Thanksgiving break so that you may use them for holiday shopping or teacher gifts.
Order forms will be sent home in backpacks this week (or click the link below to get a copy.) Forms will be collected until November 2nd. We hope to distribute gift cards before the Thanksgiving break so that you may use them for holiday shopping or teacher gifts.
Fort River Library Display Features Books Purchased by PGO
Fort River Librarian Fran Ludington submitted this photo of an Open House display featuring books purchased using PGO donations. Thanks to all in our community who support the PGO so we can enrich the collection for our school library!
ARPS Conducts Survey of Military Families
from ARPS regarding Survey of Military Families:
Dear Guardian,
Amherst Regional Public Schools is conducting a survey to determine which members of the Amherst community are children of a military family according to the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3). Your participation in the survey is voluntary and is being conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. If you currently have a student attending Amherst Regional Public Schools, please take a moment to complete this online survey at the following address:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQTG7RR
For more information on how this information is used to support children of military families, please visit MIC3 at www.mic3.net.
Thank you for your support,
Amherst Regional Public Schools
Dear Guardian,
Amherst Regional Public Schools is conducting a survey to determine which members of the Amherst community are children of a military family according to the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3). Your participation in the survey is voluntary and is being conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. If you currently have a student attending Amherst Regional Public Schools, please take a moment to complete this online survey at the following address:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QQTG7RR
For more information on how this information is used to support children of military families, please visit MIC3 at www.mic3.net.
Thank you for your support,
Amherst Regional Public Schools
Technology Resources for Students
Here are some useful resources from our Technology Teacher, Trevor Takayama:
Check out my Wave Tech website for good K-6 websites to visit:
Subscribe to the Tech Twitter feed:
Throughout the year, I will focus on digital life concepts found on this website.
Feel free to use it as a reference: http://bit.ly/frdlife
Literacy Tip from the Fort River ELA Reading Intervention Team
Here's a literacy tip from the Fort River ELA Reading Intervention Team:
Pamela Barsalou, Rachmana Santorelli, Marie Webber, Andrea Lyons
This fall season we invite you to try out this word game with your child:
Newspaper Words:
Give your child a word. Have them use a highlighter and find it in the newspaper (or magazine). Highlight it when they’ve found it. Count how many times they’ve found it.
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Giving Tuesday is on November 29 - Where Do your Donations to the PGO Go?
Save the Date!
Fort River PGO will be participating in a day of giving with others across the globe on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff!
Where does the money go? The pink family directories that came home last month were provided free to every family thanks to generous donations to the PGO.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
“Fighting Hunger in our Kitchens and in our Congress” a community conversation at Amherst Survival Center on 10/26
special public event at
the Amherst Survival Center on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 6:30PM TO 8:30PM:
“Fighting Hunger in our
Kitchens and in our Congress” a community conversation with Leanne Brown,
Congressman Jim McGovern, and Monte Belmonte, at the Amherst Survival Center on
138 Sunderland Road in North Amherst!
Join us, free and open
to the public!
Try Hockey For Free Day! November 12
Mullins Center Community Rink
This event is designed to provide kids, between the ages of 4 to 9, a completely free experience to try youth hockey. A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow. Our top coaches will be on the ice to assist your child in learning the basics. Your son or daughter does not need any previous skating or hockey experience.
Monday, October 17, 2016
Save The Date! Saturday, December 3 Barnes & Noble Book Fair to Benefit Fort River School
Start getting those holiday book shopping lists ready!
On Saturday, December 3rd, Fort River will host a book fair at Barnes & Noble Hadley. On that day, our school will get a percentage (10-15%) of every purchase made by customers who mention Fort River School at checkout. Look for more details on the day’s performances, story times and activities in the coming weeks.
Volunteers are needed to make the day a success. In addition to welcoming customers to the store and making sure they know to mention Fort River, we will be hosting a gift wrapping table. Please contact Liz if you'd like to help out with programming or plan to volunteer. Thanks!
PGO Coffee with the Principal Featuring Special Guest Jim Pistrang on THURSDAY, October 27
Please join your friends on Thursday, October 27 at 9 am for coffee and informative conversation!
Our featured speaker is Amherst Town Meeting Moderator Jim Pistrang. Mr. Pistrang will discuss the role that Town Meeting will play in the Amherst Elementary School Building Project.
PGO Coffees with the Principal take place every month or two. The dates can be found on the PGO calendar which is on the right side of the blog home page. Some coffees may take place in the evening, depending upon community feedback.
PGO Coffees with the Principal take place every month or two. The dates can be found on the PGO calendar which is on the right side of the blog home page. Some coffees may take place in the evening, depending upon community feedback.
Your infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are always welcome at PGO Coffees! Families with future Amherst Elementary school children are also welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Thanks for Attending Open House!
Thanks to everyone who was able to attend Open House last week! Here are some snapshots from the evening. Pictures include: the bounty from the school garden (including pumpkin pie!), a Growth vs Fixed Mindset poster, a Family Pledge poster, sneak peaks from the Art room, and a "Just Be Awesome" poster from Tech Ed.
Giving Tuesday - a Global Day of Giving on November 29
Save the Date!
Fort River PGO will be participating in a day of giving with others across the globe on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power
of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the
U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday,
#GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their
holiday and end-of-year giving.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff! #givingtuesday
Gift Card Fundraiser is Back!
Help the Fort River PGO earn money for school programs by doing nothing! (Well, almost nothing.)
The PGO will be selling gift cards that you can use for your normal weekly purchases at Stop and Shop and Target, for example. Other retailers include Gap, Best Buy, and American Eagle, and more. This is money that you would already be spending, but if you use our gift cards, you will be earning money for Fort River as we buy the gift cards at a discount (from 3-16% depending on the retailer.)
The PGO will be selling gift cards that you can use for your normal weekly purchases at Stop and Shop and Target, for example. Other retailers include Gap, Best Buy, and American Eagle, and more. This is money that you would already be spending, but if you use our gift cards, you will be earning money for Fort River as we buy the gift cards at a discount (from 3-16% depending on the retailer.)
Use the cards for:
- Purchases that you already make on a regular basis like groceries or gas.
- Holiday shopping.
- To give as gifts to teachers, mail carriers and bus drivers.
Again, this is money you already have budgeted, but if you use our gift cards, you are helping the PGO fund school programs for your students.
Order forms will be available on or after October 24th and will be collected until November 2nd. Gift cards will be distributed before the Thanksgiving break so that you may use the gift cards for holiday shopping or teacher gifts. Stay tuned!
Order forms will be available on or after October 24th and will be collected until November 2nd. Gift cards will be distributed before the Thanksgiving break so that you may use the gift cards for holiday shopping or teacher gifts. Stay tuned!
Save your Gear for the Annual ARPS Winter Clothing Drive!
When you pull out your winter gear from storage please set aside anything that your kids have out grown for our annual ARPS Winter Clothing Drive. This year Fort River will host the Winter Clothing Drive in mid November; details coming soon. In the meantime, please save your gear so that families in our own community can benefit. Thank you!
Wear BLUE on Wednesday, October 19
The Fort River community celebrates Unity Day on Wednesday, October 19th. Please send your child to school wearing anything BLUE! If you purchased a Fort River t-shirt this would be a terrific opportunity to wear it but it is certainly not required; any blue clothing item will work.
Unity Day is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month and has been recognized in the United States since 2011. By participating in Unity Day, the Fort River community aims to show support for students who have been bullied.
Support for Students and Families During Tragedy
message from Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Morris and Director of Student Services Dr. Faye Brady
October 16, 2016
Dear Families,
Many of you may have heard the news this weekend that our community has suffered a tragedy. Late Friday night/early Saturday morning there was a fatal shooting in Amherst. Although this is still an active police investigation, we do know that one person was fatally shot and another is hospitalized. When tragic events occur, we know that many will be impacted either directly or indirectly. It is important that we all recognize that there is no one way that people respond to tragic events and the impact of stress is experienced in many ways. There is no right or wrong way to cope and each person will need to use the coping skills that are appropriate for them. Below are several resources that you may find helpful to guide you as you and your family cope with our community’s tragedy. If you need a translated copy of any of these resources, please let us know.
http://traumacenter.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Talking-withYour-Children-about-Traumatic-Events.pdf
http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/pfa/school/13-PFA_for_Schools_family_coping_parents.pdf
http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/pfa/school/14-PFA_for_Schools_relaxation.pdf
If you would like your child to speak with a counselor or psychologist, please call your child’s school to let us know. Personnel will be available to meet with students as needed.
Also, if you would like to share information that would be helpful for the teacher(s) to know, please let us know that as well.
As always, we welcome your partnership and support. We offer our sympathy and support to all families that are suffering or struggling. Please stay in touch with us if we can directly support you or offer guidance towards resources that may be helpful.
Sincerely,
Michael Morris, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Faye Brady, Ed.D.
Director of Student Services
School contact numbers: Crocker Farm: 362-1600; Fort River: 362-1200; Wildwood: 362-1400; Pelham: 362-1100; ARMS: 362-1800; ARHS: 362-1700; SEC: 362-1753
16 de octubre del 2016
Estimadas familias:
Muchos de ustedes habran escuchado que nuestra comunidad sufrio una tragedia este fin de semana. En la madrugada del sabado hubo un asesinato en Amherst. Aunque la investigacion policiaca continua, sabemos que una persona fue balaceada mortalmente y otra persona sigue hospitalizada.
Cuando eventos tragicos ocurren, sabemos que muchos seran impactados directa o indirectamente. Es importante reconocer que las personas responden de distintas maneras a eventos tragicos y el estres impacta de muchas maneras. No hay una manera correcta o incorrecta de reaccionar y cada persona debe utilizar los medios de mediar que sean adecuados para ellos. Abajo incluimos recursos que podran encontrar de utilidad para ayudarlo a mediar con esta tragedia comunitaria. Si desea una copia traducida, dejenos saber.
http://traumacenter.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Talking-withYour-Children-about-Traumatic-Events.pdf
Si desea que su hijo hable con un consejero o psicologo, llama a la escuela de su hijo/a y dejenos saber. Empleados de apoyo van a estar disponible para reunirse con los que necesiten. Si tiene informacion que compartir con sus maestros que puede ser de ayuda, dejenos saber tambien.
Como siempre, agradecemos su apoyo y hermandad.
Le ofrecemos nuestro pesame y apoyo a todas las familias afectadas y/o estan sufriendo. Por favor, mantengase en comunicacion con nosotros y diganos si le podemos ofrecer apoyo adicional u ofrecer recursos adicionales para ayudarlos.
Sinceramente,
Michael Morris, Ed.D.
Superintendente interino
Faye Brady, Ed.D.
Directora de Asuntos Estudiantiles
Numeros de contacto de las escuelas.
Crocker Farm: 362-1600; Fort River: 362-1200; Wildwood: 362-1400; Pelham: 362-1100;ARMS: 362-1800; ARHS: 362-1700; SEC: 362-1753
Family letter- Spanish- 10.16.16.pdf
Family letter 10.16.16.pdf