Friday, March 31, 2017

Letter to the Community Regarding the Amherst Elementary School Building Project

March 30, 2017

To:       The Amherst Public School District staff and administration and the Amherst community,

From:  Phoebe Hazzard, Amherst School Committee Vice-Chair and Dr. Michael Morris, Interim Superintendent

While the proposed new schools building project failed to achieve a two-thirds majority in Tuesday's referendum vote, our district will continue to move forward and plan for ways to ensure that our schools remain the best teaching and learning environments possible for our students and staff. There is no question that there was a wide range of opinions and feelings about the project in our small community. But the rigorous and passionate debate leading up to the vote reinforced how deeply our community cares about our elementary schools. And, the activity around the referendum has sparked an upswell in civic involvement, with many district parents now engaging as elected participants in our local democratic system.

Though provocative, the conversation around the proposed building project has also made our community increasingly aware of persistent issues that educators, administrators, and school committees have been grappling with for years, particularly the challenging physical environment of the Fort River and Wildwood buildings, uneven socio-economic distribution of our families, lack of affordable preschool, and fiscal challenges. Our educators work every day to provide our children with outstanding educational experiences despite a challenging teaching environment. These problems remain unresolved, and as we move forward we must be committed to continuing to consider how to address them in the most fiscally responsible and timely manner possible.

The Amherst School Committee will hold its next public meeting on April 25th at 6:00 p.m., at which we will likely discuss next steps. Interim Superintendent Dr. Morris will move forward with requests for the town to fund the outstanding capital repairs needed at Fort River and Wildwood, beginning with $500,000 to replace the Wildwood boiler. The district will also request $115,000 to conduct a site and building assessment at the Fort River School to inform discussion about the future potential of that site.


As we begin this next chapter, we’d like to express a sincere thank you to the members of the School Building Committee for their hundreds of hours of work on the proposed school buildings project.

Autism Awareness Night April 13th at 6pm

Amherst Pelham Regional Schools and SEPAC invite you to participate in Autism Awareness Night, Thursday, April 13th, 2017.  


In honor of Autism Awareness Month, SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)  and the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools have teamed up to host an Autism Awareness Night.

Current middle/high school students and post-graduate panelists will be in small groups, talking about their experience with Autism, its strengths and challenges, what helps/what doesn’t, and other interesting discussion topics, such as Autism as a disability versus difference. 

We will also feature an art installation of Autism Awareness posters and a literature table. 

*Please RSVP by April 10th to Nancy Stewart at sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.  Event is free and open to the public.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
En honor del Mes de Concientización sobre el Autismo, SEPAC (Comité Consultivo de Padres de Educación Especial) y las Escuelas Regionales de Amherst-Pelham se han unido para acoger una Noche de Concientización sobre Autismo.

Los estudiantes actuales de la escuela intermedia y superior y los panelistas de posgrado estarán en pequeños grupos, hablando de su experiencia con el Autismo, sus fortalezas y desafíos, qué ayuda o qué no, y otros temas de discusión interesantes, como El Autismo Como Una Discapacidad Versus Una Diferencia.

También presentaremos una instalación artística de carteles de Concientización del Autismos y una tabla de literatura.

* Por favor RSVP antes del 10 de abril a Nancy Stewart en sepac@arps.org o 413-687-4255. El evento es gratis y abierto al público.

Please see the attached flyers (English and Spanish) for additional information.


Monday, March 20, 2017

Family Math & Pi Night - THANK YOU!

Thanks so much to all who attended Family Math & Pi Night tonight - what a great turnout! Families bid on a chance to have their student smash a pie in Mr. A's face - he was a great sport! The winning bid was $60! 💰💰

The Pi recitation competition was fierce! Our 5th grade winner came in 2nd place reciting 379 digits (she learned an additional 117 digits in the afternoon after a practice run of 262 digits earlier that day during school 😳)

Our 6th grade champ can claim back to back 2016/2017 victories, and this year recited an ASTOUNDING 531 digits! Unbelievable! 🏆  Both students are winners in our book! Congrats to all who participated in the competition! 🎉🎉🎉
Thank you so much to our volunteers and generous pie donors. 🍰🍕🍪 Yum! Dessert was fabulous! 😉

2017-2018 ARPS School Calendar

The 2017-2018 School Calendar has been approved by the School Committee (view online)  The first day for students is Wednesday, August 30, 2017.


Save the Date: PGO Pancake Breakfast at the VFW THIS SATURDAY March 25

The PGOs Invite YOU to our Pancake Breakfast at the Earl J Sanders VFW Post 754 487 Main St, Amherst, MA

Date: Saturday, March 25th from 8am - 11am
Tickets: 
Adults $8 
Seniors $5 
Kids 2-12 $4 
Families $20
*under 2 years old free

Enjoy: Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage, Fruit, Baked Goods, Juice, Milk, & Coffee

The proceeds will be benefit snack programs at each school.


SAVE THE DATE: Fort River Spring Chorus Concert on May 31

The Fort River Spring chorus concert will be held on Wednesday, May 31st at 7 pm at the Amherst Middle School auditorium.  The chorus will include the 4th, 5th and 6th grades!

Sanctuary Meeting followed by NAACP and Coming Together co-sponsored School Committee Candidate Forum March 20


 non-PGO event ... invitation from Coming Together Amherst

"On Monday, March 20th there are two events in Amherst for those who care about issues of racial justice.  Please come to one, or both, if you can. If you are interested in both events, please come to the Amherst Sanctuary Pre-Meeting at 5:30 and/or the Select Board meeting at 6:30pm and then go to the Bangs Center when it's time for the School Committee Forum. 

The Amherst Select Board will be deciding whether or not to recommend the Amherst Sanctuary Community Bylaw to Town Meeting

Select Board Meeting - Town Hall
Monday, March 20,  6:30PM

We will be meeting ahead of time for an
Art Build and pre-meeting at
5:30PM at First Congregational Church
165 Main St

Please RSVP and let us know you will be attending at
bit.ly/March20AmherstSanctuary

Please also go to the Facebook page for this event at

For more information email: amherstsanctuary@gmail.com

School Committee candidates to answer questions about equity and social justice...

NAACP and Coming Together are sponsoring a special forum for School Committee candidates to be questioned by the community

Monday, March 20, 2017, 7-9 pm The Bangs Center, large activity room
For more information, please contact Alyssa Melnick / alyssa@mmelnick.com

Many of us have long believed that candidates for the Amherst School Committee should share their views about issues of race and social justice with the public prior to election day.  This is the first time for this event and a sizable audience will help show everyone that these issues are important in our community.



SEPAC Meeting - Dinner and Candidate Event TONIGHT, March 20 at 6pm

Please consider attending an informal meeting to connect with others. A light dinner will be provided, so an RSVP would be helpful!

When:  Monday, March 20th 6:00pm-7:00pm
Where:  Amherst Regional Middle School, Professional Development Room

From 6:00 pm-6:30 pm:  We will have an opportunity to connect with some candidates running for school committee.

From 6:30 pm-7:00 pm:  We will continue to explore ways we can support each other in the community.  Dr. Brady and SEPAC board will also be in attendance.

Again, please RSVP if possible to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.
____________________________

Invitación de la Junta Consultiva de Padres de Educación Especial

Por favor, considere asistir a una reunión informal para conectar con los demás. Se ofrecerá una cena ligera, por lo que una confirmación de su asistencia sería de gran ayuda!

Cuándo: Lunes, 20 de marzo 6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Dónde: Amherst Regional Middle School, Salón de Desarrollo Profesional

De 6:00 pm -6:30 pm: Tendremos la oportunidad de conectar con algunos candidatos que corren para el Comité Escolar.

De 6:30 pm-7:00 pm: Continuaremos explorando maneras en que podemos apoyarnos mutuamente en la comunidad. El Dr. Brady y la junta de SEPAC también estarán presentes.

Una vez más, por favor confirme su asistencia si es posible sepac@arps.org o 413-687-4255.




Election Day Food Drive on March 28




You can donate food to your neighbors when you vote at the Amherst townwide election on Tuesday, March 28th. At polling places throughout the town of Amherst from 7am to 8pm, look for the Amherst Survival Center food drive barrels for this ELECTION DAY FOOD DRIVE.  Participate in local democracy *and* help our neighbors in need, everyone wins! Thank you!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @AmherstSurvival

Please join us on March 20, 2017 at EMPTY BOWLS at The Pub in Amherst! 
Buy tickets here.

Register Now: Daffodil Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run

The Daffodil Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run

Sunday, April 30, 2017

10:00 AM

Kendrick Park, Amherst

Registration costs before April 1st:

5K Run Adult: $25, Student: $18, Child (under 12): $8

Join the fun in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County! The Daffodil Run is a community event for all ages and abilities.  Run or walk, enjoy entertainment, food and more.  Register before April 1st for early bird rates and an event t-shirt.  Registration is live on RaceWire.com. Visit our web site for more details or call 413-259-3345.


Monday, March 13, 2017

Meet the School Committee Candidates before Pi and Math Night on Wednesday, March 15th

The Fort River Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) has invited the four candidates for School Committee to meet and mingle with our families before our annual community Pi and Math Night on March 15th (RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH 14th due to snow).  Families are invited to meet and ask questions of the candidates from 5:30-6:00 and to learn about their goals for our schools.  While there will not be formal presentations, the candidates may bring campaign materials to distribute.

The League of Women Voters is also promoting two additional opportunities to meet candidates. There are many competitive races, especially in Town Meeting.

March 16, 7-9 p.m., Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium
Candidates for town-wide office in Amherst will speak. Hosted by Amherst LVW.

March 18, 10 am to 1:30 pm, Amherst Regional Middle School

Ninety minute sessions Town Meeting Candidates to meet with their neighbors. Hosted by the Town Meeting Coordinating Committee. Facilitated by Amherst LWV moderators.
Precincts 1-5 at 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Precincts 6-10 at 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Family Math & Pi Night Postponed to Wednesday, March 15

Due to the impending snow storm school has been canceled for Tuesday, March 14. The Family Math & Pi Night has been postponed to Wednesday, March 15. Thanks!

Click here to volunteer or donate pies: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/GIFmGhcAWlQ

Fort River Elementary School Presents a Title 1 and PGO sponsored school-wide event

Family Math & Pi Night - Math is everywhere!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (DATE CHANGE!)
6:00 -7:30 pm

Escuela Elemental de Fort River presenta un evento para toda la escuela patrocinado por Título 1 y PGO

Noche Familiar de Matemáticas y  Pi - ¡Matemáticas en todos lados!
Miercoles, 15 de marzo del 2017
6:00 -7:30 pm

Pie silent auction to benefit 5th grade Boston trip
“Play and Take” Math Games

la subasta silenciosa de torta en beneficio del viaje a Boston
del 5º grado Juegos de Matemáticas "jugar y tener" 

Pizza dinner and introduction in the cafeteria: 6:00-6:30
Math games and silent auction throughout school: 6:30-7:15
Grand prize raffle in the main lobby: 7:15-7:30

Cena de pizza y la introducción en la cafetería: 6:00-6:30
Juegos de matemáticas y la subasta silenciosa a través de la escuela: 6:30-7:15
Sorteo del gran premio en el vestíbulo principal: 7:15-7:30

*Buses will pick up Mill Valley @ 5:30, Rolling Green @ 5:40, and Colonial @5:50 and drop off after the event

* Los autobuses recogerán en Mill Valley a las 5:30 p.m., Rolling Green @ 5:40 p.m. y Colonial @ 5:50 p.m. y los regresará después del evento


Click here to volunteer or donate pies:

http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/GIFmGhcAWlQ

Flyer: https://drive.google.com/open?id=16CuNoDaIHRQJ2R5doz2G70uzVmQ7dPbEsMru5QfsnIEhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=16CuNoDaIHRQJ2R5doz2G70uzVmQ7dPbEsMru5QfsnIE

AYSA Spring Soccer Registration Available Now


Registration for spring soccer in Amherst is now open. Please register at https://amherstsoccer.org/If you have any questions, please contact Moe Mooney at aysamgr@gmail.com


Reminder! Meet Your Town Meeting Candidates on March 18




Meet Your Precinct Town Meeting Candidates on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Amherst Regional Middle School. The meeting will give Amherst residents the opportunity to meet Town Meeting Candidates and learn their views on issues facing Amherst.

Here is a link to the Precinct map: https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1145

Precincts 1-5 candidates will be present from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Precincts 6-10 candidates will be present from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.


The event is sponsored by the Town Meeting Coordinating Committee and moderated by the League of Women Voters of Amherst.

Hillside Pizza Fundraiser a Tremendous Success for 5th Grade


Thanks to everyone who participated in the 5th Grade Hillside Pizza fundraiser. The 5th grade made $987 in profits AND received an additional $454 in donations. Incredible! 

The generosity of this community allows the 5th Grade trip to Boston to be accessible to all students. Thanks also to Hillside Pizza for being an outstanding community partner who prioritizes non-profit fundraising activities AND delivers a delicious, locally sourced product! 

Sing This Summer Camp Registration Now Available

Sing This Summer offers exceptional week-long programs for young musicians in grades 2-12 on the beautiful Amherst College campus, in Amherst, MA. This summer we’ll be welcoming returning and new campers to our vocal and string programs from June 25-30. We would love to have your students join us! Students can now register online at www.singthissummer.com.

SING! (grades 7-12) offers daily classes in musical theater, choir, individual and group voice lessons, musicianship, movement and collegiate-style a cappella with recreational activities interspersed throughout the day for a balance of intensive music and fun.

SING! Jr. (grades 2-6) features all of the same classes and recreational activities as SING! while focusing on helping younger students explore their vocal skills and build musicianship skills.

Strings@Amherst (grades 2-12) offers a variety of instrumental classes such as group technique, chamber music, orchestra, fiddling, and musicianship with a focus on building orchestral, solo, and chamber music technique. Students participate in recreational activities alongside SING! participants.

ACLU Summer Advocacy Seminar

Know any young civil liberties superstars in high school? Encourage them to apply to the ACLU’s Summer Advocacy Institute!

The ACLU is now accepting applications for a week long advocacy training and leadership development seminar at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from July 29 – August 5, 2017. The ACLU Summer Advocacy Institute will bring together a diverse group of high school juniors and seniors from across the United States to participate in an advanced, firsthand learning experience for the next generation of social justice advocates. Through an intensive eight-day program, students will learn directly from lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and other experts working to defend the civil rights and liberties critical to a free and open society.

Students will be immersed in the real world of political and legal decision-making in Washington, D.C., as they explore the complex nature of defending and advancing civil liberties in our current society. Students will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials and community organizers as well as participate in classroom sessions, lectures, daily debates, and workshops with civil rights pioneers and other current youth activists.

If you know of any young civil liberties activists that might be interested in the Institute, please encourage them to apply!

Applications are due by Friday, April 7, and scholarships are available!
For any questions or to request a code to waive the application fee, please contact summerinstitute@aclu.orgThank you for spreading the word and helping us find the next generation of civil liberties advocates!

LWV Amherst Civics Fest Coming March 24 - Call for Teams

Plan now to attend the First AnnualCivics Fest celebrating government and politics on Friday, March 24, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium. This event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Amherst, will include food, music, theater and competition. The theme for the 2017 event will be “American Institutions”. State Representative Solomon Goldstein-Rose will preside as Master of Ceremonies.

Teams are invited to register for one of the two competitions:

  • High schoolers in teams of 3-4 will compete in a round of debates. Each team (in pairs) will be given a topic and position they have to argue, and get about 10 minutes to prepare an argument. The two teams will then argue opposite sides of the issue.
  • Adults in teams of 4 will compete in one of two separate rounds of trivia, with a series of 10-15 questions in each round, writing answers on whiteboards and adding up points.


No preparation necessary! Register your team today! For more information, contact Cynthia Brubaker at 253-6679.

ARMS PGO presents Keep Calm and Carry On: Helping Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety

On Thursday, March 30, the ARMS PGO is sponsoring a program with Mary Kate Oakley, M.A. from the Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences at UMASS about how to help kids manage stress and anxiety.

Topics will include how to tell the difference between normal stress and anxiety, how teens might respond to different situations, and concrete strategies that parents can use to help teens navigate these issues.


The program will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the ARMS library.  Please join us for this interesting and timely event – just in time to help your kids manage the stress of MCAS testing.

Superintendent Search Screening Committee

The Superintendent Search Screening Committee has been finalized. The membership list is available online: www.arps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=926815&pageId=8754089

Leapfrog – after school program for K-4

Join the Snowy Owls, a weekly after school program for K-4, and plunge into a wild world of nature exploration, crafting and feasting! Explore the woods, streams and trails while learning awareness, naturalist and survival skills!

This program meets once a week, participants picking a Tuesday or Thursday clan, from 3:45 to 5:30 at Amethyst Brook Conservation Land, Amherst. Begins Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Snowy Owls is offered by Leapfrog Programs. Leap frog Programs cultivates nature connection and education for humans of all ages in Western Massachusetts, offering during and after school programs and weekend workshops. We work to empower participants with meaningful and practical life-long relationships between each other, and the living land.

To sign up or to find out more visit us at: leapfrogprograms.weebly.com
With gratitude from The Compost Collective,
Margaret and Sara

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Science and Nature: Local Resources for Families

Amherst College's Beneski Museum of Natural History

from Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Morris, published in the ARPS March 10 newsletter:

"... we are fortunate to live in an area that offers many resources that can be used to support science learning. To help elementary families make the most of these opportunities, we offer you "Science for Families," a print and digital resource which features natural areas, museums, education centers, libraries, and more. 

Soon, elementary students will bring home a copy of the guide; it is included in this newsletter and you can also access it at https://goo.gl/sbzom3. We hope this resource connects you and your children with many joyful learning experiences in and around Amherst.

SEPAC Meet the Candidates Event on March 20 at 6pm

Invite from Special Education Parent Advisory Board

Please consider attending an informal meeting to connect with others. A light dinner will be provided, so an RSVP would be helpful! 

When:  Monday, March 20th 6:00pm-7:00pm

Where:  Amherst Regional Middle School, Professional Development Room

From 6:00pm-6:30pm:  We will have an opportunity to connect with some candidates running for school committee.

From 6:30pm-7:00pm:  We will continue to explore ways we can support each other in the community.  Dr. Brady and SEPAC board will also be in attendance.

Again, please RSVP if possible to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255
____________________________
Invitación de la Junta Consultiva de Padres de Educación Especial
Por favor, considere asistir a una reunión informal para conectar con los demás. Se ofrecerá una cena ligera, por lo que una confirmación de su asistencia sería de gran ayuda!

Cuándo: Lunes, 20 de marzo 6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Dónde: Amherst Regional Middle School, Salón de Desarrollo Profesional

De 6:00 pm -6:30 pm: Tendremos la oportunidad de conectar con algunos candidatos que corren para el Comité Escolar.

De 6:30 pm-7:00 pm: Continuaremos explorando maneras en que podemos apoyarnos mutuamente en la comunidad. El Dr. Brady y la junta de SEPAC también estarán presentes.


Una vez más, por favor confirme su asistencia si es posible sepac@arps.org o 413-687-4255

Monday, March 6, 2017

School Committee Candidates Invited to Fort River on March 14 at 5:30pm

The Fort River Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) has invited the four candidates for School Committee to meet and mingle with our families before our annual community Pi and Math Night on March 14th.  Families are invited to meet and ask questions of the candidates from 5:30-6:00 and to learn about their goals for our schools.  While there will not be formal presentations, the candidates may bring campaign materials to distribute.

The League of Women Voters is also promoting two additional opportunities to meet candidates. There are many competitive races, especially in Town Meeting.

March 16, 7-9 p.m., Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium
Candidates for town-wide office in Amherst will speak. Hosted by Amherst LVW.

March 18, 10 am to 1:30 pm, Amherst Regional Middle School

Ninety minute sessions Town Meeting Candidates to meet with their neighbors. Hosted by the Town Meeting Coordinating Committee. Facilitated by Amherst LWV moderators.
Precincts 1-5 at 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Precincts 6-10 at 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Registration for Multi-Arts' Summer Camp is now OPEN!

Children will have a unique time exploring all the arts with top-notch professional artists every day.  Our superb educational experience will enrich children’s lives now and in their future.

Space is limited, so register NOW!

Check this fantastic video created by children who attended Multi-Arts in the past: Clear message. Fun. Creative. Reflects the power of the arts.

Hope to see you this summer or in our Spring Camp on April 17-21

PS: Check our Counselor in Training program for teens and our Internships for college students.

DONATIONS NEEDED! Family Math & Pi Night - Tuesday, March 14

Click here to volunteer or donate pies: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/GIFmGhcAWlQ

Fort River Elementary School Presents a Title 1 and PGO sponsored school-wide event

Family Math & Pi Night - Math is everywhere!
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
6:00 -7:30 pm

Escuela Elemental de Fort River presenta un evento para toda la escuela patrocinado por Título 1 y PGO

Noche Familiar de Matemáticas y  Pi - ¡Matemáticas en todos lados!
Martes, 14 de marzo del 2017
6:00 -7:30 pm

Pie silent auction to benefit 5th grade Boston trip
“Play and Take” Math Games

la subasta silenciosa de torta en beneficio del viaje a Boston
del 5º grado Juegos de Matemáticas "jugar y tener" 

Pizza dinner and introduction in the cafeteria: 6:00-6:30
Math games and silent auction throughout school: 6:30-7:15
Grand prize raffle in the main lobby: 7:15-7:30

Cena de pizza y la introducción en la cafetería: 6:00-6:30
Juegos de matemáticas y la subasta silenciosa a través de la escuela: 6:30-7:15
Sorteo del gran premio en el vestíbulo principal: 7:15-7:30

*Buses will pick up Mill Valley @ 5:30, Rolling Green @ 5:40, and Colonial @5:50 and drop off after the event

* Los autobuses recogerán en Mill Valley a las 5:30 p.m., Rolling Green @ 5:40 p.m. y Colonial @ 5:50 p.m. y los regresará después del evento

Click here to volunteer or donate pies:

http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/GIFmGhcAWlQ

Flyer: https://drive.google.com/open?id=16CuNoDaIHRQJ2R5doz2G70uzVmQ7dPbEsMru5QfsnIEhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=16CuNoDaIHRQJ2R5doz2G70uzVmQ7dPbEsMru5QfsnIE