Volunteers are needed to really make this day successful for Fort River teachers and students. Please use the link below to sign up for this festive holiday FUNdraiser. Please sign up here: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/GV0aZpZ3fEY
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, November 28, 2016
Barnes & Noble Book Fair THIS SATURDAY, December 3rd
TODAY is GIVING TUESDAY
Kick off December, the month of giving, with a donation to
the PGO on Giving Tuesday! Your financial contribution to the Fort River PGO in
any amount will allow us to continue to provide our school much need funding
for enrichment activities, field trips, and classroom supplies.
Please make checks payable to Fort River PGO and send into
the Main Office or donate online via PayPal (link top right on this page.)
Every donation helps! Your contributions support daily work
in the classrooms by providing curriculum materials for special units,
supplementing field trips funds to make them more affordable, and sponsoring
visits from authors and other guests. The PGO also hosts numerous school wide
events including the upcoming Barnes & Noble Book Fair and the Annual Chili
Night for a Chilly Night, and every Fort River family received a Family
Directory thanks to your generous donations! Catch the WAVE!
Holiday Toy Fund for Qualifying Families - Applications due by Nov 28th
Holiday Toy Fund for Qualifying Families - Applications due
by Nov 28th
The Berkshire Children & Families agency is currently
accepting applications from families who wish to be considered for this year's
Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund.
The fund gives parents vouchers for children ages 1 through
14 to be used for holiday gifts.
Applications are not accepted over the phone. The required eligibility forms can be
picked up at the following locations:
* Berkshire Children and Families – 220 Russell St, Hadley
* Amherst Family Center – 1200 N. Pleasant St, Amherst
* Amherst Survival Center - 138 Sunderland Rd, Amherst
* United Way of Hampshire County – 71 King St, Northampton
* Community Action Offices, 17 New South St, Suite 116,
Northampton
* Daily Hampshire Gazette, 150 Conz St, Northampton
* Center for New Americans,42 Gothic St, Northampton
* Easthampton Community Center, 12 Clark St, Easthampton
* South Hadley Family Center, 7 Woodbridge St, South Hadley
* Gateway Family Center, 9 Russell Road, Huntington
Applications must be received by November 28, 2016.
Applications should be mailed to:
Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund, c/o Berkshire Children &
Families, 200 Russell St, Ste 200, Hadley, MA 01035
Cash donations for the Toy Fund are accepted at this web
site:
http://toyfund.gazettenet.com/
Donations to the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund are tax
deductible. The Toy Fund is a
donor-advised fund of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, a
501(c)3 organization.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
No School on 11/23, 11/24, and 11/25
Norma Jean Anderson Civil Rights and Academic Achievement Award Call for Nominations
The Norma Jean Anderson Civil Rights and Academic
Achievement Award applauds the contributions of a current teacher,
administrator or staff member in the Amherst and or Amherst-Pelham Regional
School Districts who promotes the ideals of a just and respectful community
built on compassionate relationships.
Click
here to learn more about the award and how to nominate someone.
Dr.
Norma Jean Anderson
(1936—2006)
"This
award honors the memory of Norma Jean Anderson who lived and worked in our
community and left a legacy of courage, determination and foresight. Dr.
Anderson was born in Springfield, IL in 1932. She graduated the University
of Illinois with a degree in Business and became the first black school
teacher in her hometown. Dr. Anderson completed her doctorate at the
University of Illinois in 1966. In 1970, Dr. Anderson came to the School of
Education at UMASS Amherst as Associate Dean of Admissions and Alumni Affairs.
She lead efforts to recruit a more diverse student body. After retiring from
the University in 1994, Dr. Anderson was an educational consultant both
nationally and internationally. “She will be remembered for many things, among
them her leadership in addressing issues of institutional racism and instilling
values of social justice at the School of Education and across the University”
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor, John Lombardi, 2006
SAVE THE DATE! 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off on January 19, 2017
Save the Date!
Fort River's annual Chili Night will be held on January 19th. Prepare for culinary delights as the chefs battle for the coveted "Golden Ladle" award.
More details coming soon.
Monday, November 21, 2016
SATURDAY DECEMBER 3RD BARNES & NOBLE BOOK FAIR & GIFT WRAPPING TABLE
SATURDAY DECEMBER 3RD
BARNES & NOBLE BOOK FAIR & GIFT WRAPPING TABLE
11:00 - 4:00, HADLEY
On Saturday December 3rd, just by mentioning
Fort River PGO at check out, a percentage of each purchase will be
donated to our school. We also will be hosting the gift wrap table, a fun
holiday activity. The service is free but customers are welcome to make donations in
support of our school.
Sign up here to help staff the table:
http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/GV0aZpZ3fEY
Support Amherst Education Foundation
"My fourth grade students love learning about what has come before them and finding similarities in what is around them now. I think of Ralph Waldo Emerson's statement, ‘Of the works of our mind, history is the record.’ It's certainly true that the teaching of history allows students to not only learn about the importance of the past but offers them the opportunity to learn from our mistakes."
- John Keins, Fourth Grade Teacher, Fort River Elementary School
We love this quote from Mr. Keins that was published in a recent outreach email from the Amherst Education Foundation! If you aren't familiar with their work please check them out at https://www.amhersteducationfoundation.org/
NOVEMBER 29TH is GIVING TUESDAY
Kick off the month of giving! Your financial
contribution to the Fort River PGO in any amount will allow us to continue to
provide our school much need funding for enrichment activities, field trips and
classroom supplies.
Please make checks payable to Fort River PGO and send into the Main Office or donate online via PayPal (link top right on this page.)
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Health Room Volunteers Needed
from Fort River School Nurse, Linda Stenlund, RN:
I am looking for two or three parent volunteers to help out
(one at a time) during vision screening in the Health Office. The volunteers
will work with me directly holding vision cards, helping to keep the students
organized, and checking off names as needed. Most parents find it fun and
interesting to help out in this way!
The volunteers need to have their CORI in. It is ideal if
parents can sign up for two time periods, if possible, as there is some
training involved.
Please contact me with any questions, by phone or email. My
office phone is 362-1601. Thank you!
Monday, November 14, 2016
4th Grader in Need of Community Support
Bill Chu, a Wildwood fourth grader, is in end stage
renal failure and is in need of a kidney transplant. His kidney functions at
about 10 percent, and his family is in need transplant-related assistance.
Principal Nick Yaffe previously expressed, “I have personally
known this family for more than twenty-five years and have taught two of the
older children. The parents’ own story is extraordinary. They could use the
support of our community.”
Learn more about Bill and/or make a donation:
- UMassDaily Collegian: Community fundraises for Amherst boy suffering from renalfailure
- Make a donation
Letter to the Community from Amherst/Northampton Superintendents
Letter to the Community
November 9,
2016
Dear Amherst-Pelham Regional and Northampton
Communities:
Today, many students came to school expressing feelings
about the Presidential Election in our similar school communities. Some
indicated that they were in need of support or that they are concerned for
their friends. In general, our response has been to provide instructional
routines which benefit students; to reassure students that our districts do not
tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity,
religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, economic status, or
ethnic background; and to provide additional support from our mental health
teams. Additionally, our staff has facilitated dialogue and guided discussions
about the election as students have raised the topic to make classrooms safe
for all students to discuss their viewpoints regardless of their reaction to
the election.
We are aware that there is a range of opinions and
emotions from many individuals in our communities. Our talented staff will
continue to be sensitive to students who express concerns about the election
results and will partner with students and families to support them in whatever
way is needed.
If you feel that your child would benefit from
additional support or a check-in based on what you are seeing at home, please
let your child’s teacher know and we will ensure that this support is offered.
We are fully committed to maintaining our districts as safe places for all
students to learn and interact with others in their school community.
A helpful video about talking to your children about the
results can be found here: https://goo.gl/mYIdxL If you have any questions,
please let us know.
Best,
Dr. Michael Morris
Interim Superintendent
Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools
Dr. John Provost
Superintendent
Northampton Public Schools
LAS ESCUELAS REGIONALES PÚBLICAS DE AMHERST
9 de noviembre de 2016
Estimadas Comunidades de Regionales de Amherst-Pelham y
Northampton:
En el día de hoy, muchos estudiantes llegaron a la
escuela expresando sentimientos acerca de la elección presidencial en nuestras
comunidades escolares similares. Algunos indicaron que estaban en necesidad de
apoyo y / o que estaban preocupados por sus amigos. En general, nuestra
respuesta ha sido proporcionar rutinas de instrucción que benefician a los
estudiantes; para asegurarle a los estudiantes que nuestros distritos no
toleran la discriminación por motivos de raza, color, sexo, identidad de género,
religión, discapacidad, origen nacional, orientación sexual, situación económica,
o el origen étnico; y para proporcionar apoyo adicional por parte de nuestros
equipos de salud mental. Además, nuestro personal ha facilitado el diálogo y
guiado discusiones acerca de las elecciones, ya que los estudiantes han
planteado el tema de hacer aulas seguras donde todos los estudiantes puedan
discutir sus puntos de vista, independientemente de su reacción a la elección.
Estamos conscientes de que hay una gama de opiniones y
emociones de muchos individuos en nuestras comunidades. Nuestro talentoso
personal continuará siendo sensible a los estudiantes que expresan sus
preocupaciones acerca de los resultados de las elecciones, y se asociará con
los estudiantes y las familias para apoyarlos de cualquier manera que se
necesiten.
Si usted siente que su hijo/a se beneficiaría de apoyo
adicional o de un chequeo basado en lo que está viendo en casa, por favor déjele
saber al maestro de su hijo/a y nos aseguraremos de que este apoyo se ofrezca.
Estamos totalmente comprometidos a mantener a nuestros distritos lugares
seguros para que todos los estudiantes aprendan e interactúen con otros en su
comunidad escolar.
Un video muy útil sobre cómo hablar con sus hijos acerca
de los resultados que puede encontrar en: https://goo.gl/mYIdxL Si usted tiene
alguna pregunta, por favor háganoslo saber.
Los mejores deseos,
Dr. Michael Morris
Superintendente Interino
Escuelas Regionales de Amherst-Pelham
Dr. John Provost
Superintendente
Escuelas Públicas de Northampton
Cognition and Action Lab at UMass Amherst Research Subjects Needed
The Cognition and Action Lab at UMass Amherst is
recruiting children (6 - 9 years of age) for a study assessing the effects of
sleep on behavior in children with ADHD.
· Children will wear a watch to
monitor sleep for 10-days
· For 5 days of the study, your child
will follow their normal sleep routine
· For the other 5 days of the study,
your child will go to bed 1.5 hours earlier than they normally do
· There will be approximately 1 week
between these 5-day periods
· At the end of these 5 day testing
periods, you and your child will participate in 2 overnight visits at our sleep
lab located on campus
· During these overnight visits,
children will complete a computer task and wear sleep-recording sensors to
measure sleep physiology during overnight sleep
If you and your child choose to participate, you are
free to withdraw anytime. Eligible children should have diagnosed ADHD, no
other developmental disorders or sleep disorders, sleep ≤ 10 hours/night, have
a bedtime after 8pm (on average) and have normal, or corrected to normal vision.
Children will receive a small prize and caregivers will
receive up to $100.00.
If you would like to learn more about this research,
please contact Amanda:
Phone: (413) 545 – 4831
Email: acremone@cns.umass.edu
ARMS PGO Online Amherst Merchandise Store
The store can be
accessed at:
If you have any
questions, please contact Amy Sweeting at amysweeting@yahoo.com.
Monday, November 7, 2016
ARPS Warm Winter Clothing Share - DONATE NOW
The Amherst school PGOs are joining together again this year
to collect winter clothing for distribution to school and community
families. We are seeking donations
of clean, gently used items in all sizes (both kids and adults), including: coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats,
mittens, gloves, scarves, and snowsuits.
Donations may be dropped off at any school now through Thursday, December 2 (look for the big box in the lobby).
Distribution for Fort River families will take place through December 5 - 8 from 8:30am to 3pm. Please contact sarah.fortriver@gmail.com with questions.
SEPAC: Supporting Teens With Executive Functioning Challenges on November 14th
Does your child struggle to keep track of and complete
assignments? Are needed materials
often lost or left at school? Is
homework completed, only to be lost before your child can turn it in? These are all challenges associated
with executive functioning challenges.
Come learn about the brain-based source of these challenges, as well as
interventions and strategies that can help students plan and organize their
academic work. There will be a presentation along with an opportunity to ask
questions!
Guest Speakers:
Raloon Bialek, ARHS Special Education Teacher
and Denise Green, ARHS School Psychologist
Date: Monday
November, 14th
Time:
5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Amherst Regional High School Library- 21 Mattoon
Street, Amherst
RSVP: Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Nancy Stewart (sepac@arps.org) or 413-687-4255
Childcare can be provided if given notice one week ahead of time.
Election Day Bake Sale on Tuesday, November 8th - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Voter turnout should be extremely high so this is a fabulous fundraising opportunity!
Please help by baking or donating items and by buying yourself some treats when you come to vote! Children are welcome to volunteer. Our sale will be at Fort River which is Precinct 6. Crocker Farm PGO is hosting a bake sale at Precinct 7: Crocker Farm School and Precinct 8: Munson Memorial Library. Wildwood PGO is hosting a bake sale at Precinct 9: Wildwood School.
Here are the links to sign up:
http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/+zqVnpdKWcE
http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/9OVAaNLulP0
REMINDER: No campaign buttons or materials may be present in the polling locations and sign holding or canvassing activities must remain outside the appropriate perimeter. Volunteers are reminded to abide by these rules. Thanks!
Holiday Events in Amherst including Craft Bazaars on December 3
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN AMHERST on December 3
TWO fun holiday shopping events benefitting community
churches PLUS 20% discounts at many local stores and restaurants! Visit
www.amherstdowntown.com for details.
St. Nicholas Bazaar - Grace Episcopal Church
9am - 3pm
14 Boltwood Avenue (on the Common)
Marketplace - Antiques and Collectibles, White Elephant,
Toys and Games, Holiday Decorations, Baked Goods, Fresh Wreaths, Books, CDs
& DVDs, Textiles, Framed Art, and Handmade gifts.
Lunch - Chili and fixings with beverage and brownie.
For more information go to www.gracechurchamherst.org or
contact jobrien82@gmail.com
Stone Soup Bazaar & Cafe - Unitarian Universalist
Society of Amherst
10am – 4pm 121
N. Pleasant Street
Arts and Crafts Fair - pottery, fabrics, wood, jewelry,
mixed-media prints, greeting cards, photography, artisan soaps, honey, gourmet
brownies and more. Parents, grandparents and people of all ages are sure to
find that special something for the people on their list.
Raffles - themed gift baskets and congregation made
queen-size quilt.
Food - homemade soups and breads. For more information go to
www.uusocietyamherst.org or contact sandysladen@gmail.com
UMASS Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) - Prizes Plus Donations to the PGO
