5th and 6th Grade Winter Chorus Concert on January 12

The 5th and 6th Grade Winter Chorus Concert will be held on Thursday, January 12 at 7pm. All families from all grades are welcome - hope to see you there!

Fort River Winter Orchestra Concert on January 17

The Fort River Winter Orchestra and Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, January 17, from 6:30 - 8pm. There will be an afternoon performance at 2pm. Please help our Instrumental Music Professional Staff by encouraging your students to practice!

Two-Day Ski, Skate and Winter Gear Sale: Jan 6 & 7

Sell Your Outgrown or Lightly Used Winter Gear

on Consignment

to Support

the Amherst Historical Society

and the Crocker Farm PGO

Clean out your garage and basements and earn extra money from your unwanted winter gear. The Historical Society will be accepting lightly used winter sports equipment to resell, either as donations or on consignment, during its 2-day ski, skate, and snowboard sale. Consignors earn 50% of all revenue from their sold items. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Society’s partner in this event: the Crocker Farm Parent-Guardian Organization.

Consignments will be accepted only on Friday, Jan. 6, 4 to 6 p.m., at Crocker Farm School. The Society reserves the right to refuse any consigned or donated items not in usable condition. 

The two day Ski, Skate, and Snowboard sale runs Friday, Jan. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Crocker Farm Elementary School. (280 West Street) The Sale features both new and used equipment at rock-bottom prices so that the entire family can afford to get the equipment they need. Experts will be on hand to help individuals buy just the right item and the right size.

The Amherst Historical Society reserves the right to refuse any consigned or donated items not in usable condition. You must pick up your money or unsold items after the sale ends on Saturday afternoon, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Any unclaimed items will be donated or discarded and uncollected funds will be considered a donation.

For information, contact Bonnie MacCracken at 413-256-6857 or at amhersthistory.org

26th Annual Amherst College Baseball 2017 Winter Instructional Clinic

26th Annual Amherst College Baseball 2017 Winter Instructional Clinic

Dear Coaches,

We hope that you enjoyed the excitement of the MLB season and that you and your teams had successful seasons. This email is in regard to the 2017 Amherst College Baseball Winter Instructional Clinic. For the seventh straight year we have been able to keep the clinic fee constant to encourage attendance. Some of your players participated in last year’s winter clinic and we hope that you will forward this information to your team so that you have more participation this year.

The purpose of the instructional clinic is to provide an environment where participants develop their baseball skills while having fun. Players will participate in small groups and will be given individual attention and instruction by college coaches and college players.

The clinic will take place in Calvin Coolidge Cage at Amherst College. There will be sessions for two age groups. With the younger group (ages 9-13), we concentrate on basic techniques to help participants develop proper mechanics and to build their confidence. There will be competitive and fun games for the participants to use what they have learned and to challenge their skills.

With the older group (14-16), we concentrate on individual techniques and skills they will need to master in order to compete at the college level. We will teach techniques and drills that participants can practice at home or in small groups, as well as use in game situations.

Session 1 - Hitting Clinic

All Age Groups (ages 9 – 16): Monday, January 16 (6:30 – 8:15 p.m.)

* Clinic will be divided into two sections for age groups 9-13 & 14-16

                                                         

Session 2 - Pitching & Positional Play (catching, infield, outfield)

All Age Groups (ages 9 – 16): Wednesday, January 18 (6:30 – 8:15 p.m.)

       * Clinic will be divided into two sections for age groups 9-13 & 14-16

Cost for attending one session: $60

Cost for attending two sessions: $110

To register for the clinic, please fill out and submit the online registration form that can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/jlgwwmp

For questions, call: 413-542-2284

Information and clinic details will be sent to participants upon registration.

Child Learning and Development Lab of Amherst College Research Study

The Child Learning and Development Lab of Amherst College is looking for kids ages 8-10 to participate in a fun, 30 minute research study exploring their understanding of luck. Check out the video at: http://tinyurl.com/joqcqgc

Kids earn a $5 gift card or a small prize for their participation.
Contact: cladlab@amherst.edu or 413-542-5670
Appointments are scheduled with family convenience in mind.

Studies take place on the Amherst College campus, where you will be provided with a reserved parking spot and access to the free Mead Art Museum following your participation in the study.

Art Museum Hours:
Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Early Release on 12/23 and Winter Break 12/26 - 1/2

This Friday, December 23, is an Early Release Day for all ARPS students. Faculty and staff will spend the time in professional development activities. 

Elementary students will be dismissed at 1:20pm. 

Winter Break is December 26 - January 2. Classes resume on January 3, 2017. Enjoy your break!

Annual Fund Update #feelingthankful

Thanks again to our generous donors who have already contributed to the PGO Annual Fund!

The PGO's Facebook platform for Annual Fund donations closed on Monday with a total of $1050 raised from 20 donors! The PGO participated in this fundraising option because of matching grants made available. In honor of #GivingTuesday, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Facebook contributed $1 million to fundraisers on Facebook. The Gates Foundation matched $500,000 in donations to fundraisers (up to $1000 per non-profit). In addition Facebook waived up to $500,000 in administrative fees on the fundraising pages set up for the event (through December 31st). 

In addition to donations on Facebook we received charitable contributions via cash, check, and through our PayPal portal (link on top right of the blog homepage - "Donate" button) - contributions can be made at any time and all donations to the PGO are tax-deductible. Envelopes came home with students before Thanksgiving, but feel free to use a different one if it's been misplaced. Donations are accepted throughout the year.

Every donation made to the Annual Fund goes directly into the current year PGO operating budget to fund many teacher requests intended to enhance student experiences, e.g., classroom equipment or special furnishings, special curriculum materials, recess equipment, special guest authors, poets, musicians, and other performers, and field trips funds. 

Thanks again! We are all blessed to be part of such a generous and caring community!

Our Amazing Mental Health Team with Holiday Tips for Families

The PGO hosted Interim Principal Diane Chamberlain and the Fort River Mental Health Team last Friday at our regular PGO Coffee. The presentation was FABULOUS and covered many topics of use to every family. We will share notes and slides from this wonderful session in the near future but in the meantime are reposting the holiday tips that they shared in the November FR Principal Newsletter.

FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH TEAM

The holidays can be a stressful time for not only adults, but for children as well. While one child may experience joy and excitement during this time, another may struggle with anxiety or overwhelming feelings related to meeting new people (guests), seeing new decorations in the house or constantly changing routines. Most adults can manage and adjust to these changes successfully but many children can’t. For these children new people, things and environment can bring confusion, shyness and even fear.

To avoid this inevitable overwhelming time for some children during these holidays, it is important for parents to talk to children about future guests who may visit the house, food that will be cooked or ordered, and any new surroundings. These conversations will help children to learn what is coming in advance, and help them to prepare mentally and physically to upcoming changes. Parents should also remember that children learn and develop in the context of a relationship. They can pick up on parents’ impatience and anxiety. So, becoming aware of your own feelings is important. Offering choices, empowering and providing positive support are essential tools in the parent’s pocket to use while spending time with kids during holidays.

Mental Health Team:   Dr. Patricia Schumm, Jessica Rudnick, Melanie Collins, Ana Encarnacion, Miguel Aquino, Ruth Killough-Hill

Gift Ideas from the Amherst Education Foundation

Are you trying to figure out how to thank your children’s teachers for their wonderful work this holiday season? Here’s a great way to give a gift that teachers appreciate and is an easy way to remain in compliance with the law that forbids public employees from receiving gifts valued at more than $50. AEF’S THANK A TEACHER/STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS!

Contribute to the Amherst Education Foundation in a teacher’s name and they will get the gift that keeps on giving: money that comes back to the schools in the form of excellence grants. The teacher will receive a card from AEF indicating that you supported AEF in their honor. Click here Thanking a Teacher through our Stars in Our Schools; or go to www.amhersteducationfoundation.org and click on “Stars in Our Schools”.

How is AEF helping the elementary schools? AEF grants are funding the following programs: 

• Math coaches are receiving training to help underperforming kids in grades 3-6! 

• Students with special needs district-wide have much-needed laptop computers! 

• Music teachers are bringing visiting artists to the schools!

Thank you and happy holidays,

The Board of Amherst Education Foundation

Ethan Clotfelter, Becky Michaels, Clare Bertrand, Meg Robertson, Isabella Dell’olio, Rick Hood, Michael Hutton-Woodland, Sue Kelly, Ken Leblond, Sovann-Malis Loeung, Amanda Rivera Lopez, Susan Kennedy Marx, Jennifer Mendelsohn, Adelia Pope, Megan Rosa, Amanda Seaman, Sudha Setty, Jen Veshia

Jones Library Programs for Kids and Teens

 

Laser Tag at the Jones???

Follow the Jones Library to stay informed about awesome programs for kids and teens! Yesterday they had an impromptu Lego Club in the afternoon. Regular programs include preschool story hours, kid yoga classes, after school book clubs, art and crafts events, and feature films. They recently added a teen Laser Tag party!

Some programs require preregistration. Visit the Jones Kids and Teens page by clicking here. Click on photos to expand.

Early Release on Wednesday, December 14

This Wednesday, December 14, is an Early Release Day for all ARPS students. Faculty and staff will spend the time in professional development activities. 

Elementary students will be dismissed at 1:20pm. 

Comprehensive ARPS Water Update

A comprehensive update on the district-wide water testing and repairs was presented to the Regional School Committee on November 29, 2016.  Video of the meeting will be posted on the Amherst Media website, and the Powerpoint presentation is available here.

No Homework over Winter Break

Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Morris sent a letter home to families last week announcing that there will be NO HOMEWORK over Winter Break. You can read the letter here.

PGO Coffee with the Principal on Friday, December 9 - Mental Health Supports and Resources

Please join your friends on Friday, December 9 at 9am for coffee, donuts, and informative conversation! 

The Coffee will feature Principal Diane Chamberlain and Fort River Mental Health Team. The timely topic is Children's Mental Health with a focus on "tier 1" supports, the social thinking curriculum, zones of regulation, and mindfulness practices. There will be ample time for questions. 

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. There will usually be a presentation for families and specifics will be available beforehand.

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!

Book Fair FUNdraising Wrap-Up and Thank You!

Our Barnes & Noble Book Fair was held last Saturday and was incredibly successful and fun! We wrapped many gifts for eager shoppers and received $60 in donations at our volunteer wrap station. Several shoppers purchased books for the classrooms from wish lists that our teachers had created. We will also receive more than $500 from Barnes & Noble as a portion of sales - mentioning "Fort River" at checkout prompted the cashiers to credit that shopper's sale towards our fundraiser!

Our online Book Fair ID is 11990926. If you missed our community event on Saturday it's not too late to help Fort River with your book purchases from Barnes & Noble. Simply choose your items online at bn.com/bookfairs and on the payment page enter the our Book Fair ID 11990926 under the "Memberships, Gift Cards & Coupons" section (bottom left) - valid through 12/8. There is NO ADDED COST; Barnes & Noble simply credits Fort River every time this Book Fair ID is used. It's free money for our school! Feel free to share with out of town relatives and friends!

Volunteers really made our day successful for Fort River teachers and students!  Thank you to everyone who volunteered including Mona, Amadee, Liz, Michele, Korinna, Kathleen, Sahar, Diane, Anna, Christiane, Beth, Anna, Allison, Rebecca. Thanks to everyone who came to shop or get gifts wrapped and to anyone we failed to mention!

Giving Tuesday a Huge Success! Thank You!

Wow! Thanks so much to all of our generous donors who contributed to the PGO Annual Fund on #GivingTuesday! We received $1425 in a single day!

The PGO took part in a community event for non-profits on Facebook. In honor of #GivingTuesday, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Facebook contributed $1 million to fundraisers on Facebook. The Gates Foundation matched $500,000 in donations to fundraisers (up to $1000 per non-profit). In addition Facebook waived up to $500,000 in administrative fees on the fundraising pages set up for the event (through December 31st). The PGO had 19 individual contributions totaling $1000 on Facebook. A considerable portion of this will be matched; we don't know the exact amount yet but anticipate at least a $600 additional matching grant from the Gates Foundation! Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen!

In addition to donations on Facebook we received charitable contributions via cash, check, and through our PayPal portal (link on top right of the blog homepage - "Donate" button) - contributions can be made at any time and all donations to the PGO are tax-deductible. Envelopes came home with students before Thanksgiving, but feel free to use a different one if it's been misplaced.

Every donation made to the Annual Fund goes directly into the current year PGO operating budget to fund many teacher requests intended to enhance student experiences, e.g., classroom equipment or special furnishings, special curriculum materials, recess equipment, special guest authors, poets, musicians, and other performers, and field trips funds. 

Thanks again! We are all blessed to be part of such a generous and caring community!

Online Smart and Safe - Digital Citizenship and Resources for Families

In October, the Amherst Regional Middle School PGO hosted a productive "Conversation with the Principal" about digital citizenship, cell phones and internet usage. Here is a web site from the American Association of School Librarians that provides many resources for parents/guardians:  http://www.ala.org/aasl/parents/internet

Jones Library Announces Book Selection for On the Same Page – Amherst 2017

The Jones Library is holding its fifth On the Same Page community reading program, this year featuring the book The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Elizabeth Kolbert.  A series of programs will be held in February 2017, based on topics and themes from the book.  On the Same Page – Amherst will culminate in an author appearance to be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium.

The Sixth Extinction was the winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction, a finalist for the PEN Literary Award and the L.A. Times Book Prize, and a New York Times bestseller that was included on many “Best Books” lists in 2014 and 2015.  This book explores five mass extinctions that have occurred over the past half-billion years, when the diversity of life on earth has been severely reduced.  Scientists are now tracking the next mass extinction, of which human beings and their actions may be the direct cause.  Kolbert explains how humans have altered life on the planet and how these actions may become our legacy.

Elizabeth Kolbert has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1999. Previously, she worked at the New York Times, and was also a contributor to the Times Magazine.  She received a Lannan Literary Fellowship in 2006 and a Heinz Award in 2010, and won the 2010 National Magazine Award for Reviews and Criticism. She is the editor of “The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2009” and the author of The Prophet of Love: And Other Tales of Power and Deceit; Field Notes from a Catastrophe, and The Sixth Extinction.

On The Same Page – Amherst is designed to bring the local community together by encouraging residents to read the same book and by offering programming and opportunities for discussion about the book and the themes it contains.   Now an annual event, On the Same Page – Amherst explores a different book each year to include a variety of themes, topics, genres, and writing styles.

For further information about the On the Same Page – Amherst, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

#artcontinues this Wednesday 12/7 at Bread & Butter Cafe

A message from former Fort River Art teacher Teri Magner about #artcontinues ...

Just a reminder that this Wednesday is the last open-to-the-public #artcontinues Wine & Painting event in 2016.  We have some scheduled private parties and we still have a few other open dates in December.  If you would like to host one, with a minimum of 10 guests, email me about price packages and details!  You could host a fantastic holiday party or an amazing gift-making party with our canvas, tote bag, and apron options!  Or plan now for a January party for your book group or other friends.  Book your date now!   

This Wednesday is a choice night, as we are bringing back, by popular demand, 

Georgia O'Keeffe's Red Poppy.  We are also offering her Oriental Poppies as a new option!

This BYOB event is on Wednesday, December 7th, from 6:30pm-9:00pm at Bread & Butter Cafe.

Sign up now at terimagner.com as we are expecting a full house!

If you haven't tried this yet, "nobody does wine & painting like we do".  Everyone winds up with a masterpiece!  Enjoy the pics (and see some friends and their successes) at terimagner.com

EAT.  DRINK.  PAINT.     

Best, 

Teri

#artcontinues

terimagner.com

Multi-Arts Children’s Theater Company presents “The First Connection” on December 9th

The Multi-Arts Children’s Theater Company production of “The First Connection” by Xinef D’Agnos will be performed on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Northampton Community Music Center (NCMC), 139 South St, Northampton, MA at 5pm. Donations accepted to benefit NCMC and the Northampton Patent’s Center. Admission is free to the public. 

“The First Connection” is a hilarious play about aliens trying to take over Earth. It is an entertaining and inspiring play where the unexpected happens. 

Play synopsis: An alien race has searched for a new planet to inhabit for many years, and decide to target Earth. The aliens arrive in the form of a female teenage robot named Emma to study humans in high school in preparation for world domination. Instead, the aliens find friendship, and learn about human emotions.

The playwright, Xinef D'Agnos, an alum of Multi-Arts, is a published author, and writer who has written and directed several plays for Multi-Arts summer camp. Mr. D’Agnos also teaches creative writing workshops to adults for a youth development program, and works with social justice initiatives though the creative arts. He is also a choir director, and acting director of the arts at Hope Community Church of Amherst. 

Sonia Arrubla is the artistic director of the Multi-Arts Children’s Theater Company. A former Colombian theater and television actor, Sonia graduated from New York University’s prestigious Film and Television MFA program in 2001.  She currently works as a theater director and film editor. Her short films have won various international awards.  

Multi-Arts, a non-profit organization, has been offering world-class, innovative performing arts programming for children ages 4 to12 for over 16 years. Its mission is to introduce the arts to all children, regardless of their financial status and/or ethnic background, and to present the children’s work to the larger community. Classes are taught by internationally renowned performers and teachers who work side by side with the children to create original theater productions integrating several arts into a single project. For more information, please visit www.multi-arts.org. 

Contact: Catalina Arrubla

Tel: 413-584-7951

Email: carrubla@gmail.com

Website: multi-arts.org

Barnes & Noble Book Fair THIS SATURDAY, December 3rd

Our Barnes & Noble Book Fair to benefit Fort River is THIS SATURDAY, December 3rd! Since it is the holiday shopping season, we have a fabulous opportunity to raise some much needed money for our school and teachers.  The key is getting the customers at the store to mention Fort River at check out. There is NO COST to shoppers; B&N simply credits Fort River every time our school is mentioned at checkout. It's free money for our school!

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

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.

No School on 11/23, 11/24, and 11/25

There will be No School on Wednesday, November 23, Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25. Enjoy the break!

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