Buy Your Gift Cards from Fort River - DUE November 8

The PGO is once again selling gift cards that you can use for your normal weekly purchases at the grocery store or for Holiday shopping. This is money that you would already be spending, but if you use our gift cards, you will be earning money for Fort River! You pay full face value, but the PGO buys the gift cards at a discount (from 2-16% depending on the retailer.)

Use the cards for:

• Purchases that you already make on a regular basis like groceries (eg. Stop & Shop, Whole Foods)
• Holiday shopping (eg. L.L. Bean, Old Navy)
• To give as gifts to teachers, mail carriers and bus drivers (eg. Starbucks, Panera)

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. 

Please make checks payable to: Fort River PGO. Use this form to order as many gift cards as you wish, attach your check and return to your child’s teacher or to the PGO wall box in the office.

Gift card orders are due by WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th. We aim to deliver the cards before Thanksgiving so that you can have them in hand for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Since gift cards are essentially cash, we will not be sending them home in backpacks. Parents MUST pick them up in person in the Fort River lobby the week of November 20th -- exact times to be determined, but there will be a before and after school option.

Questions? Please email Stacey Beganny at stacey.fortriver@gmail.com. Click here for the order form: http://bit.ly/2xzO7Xl

Feed the Spirit: A Celebration for the Amherst Survival Center on November 4

Saturday, November 4, 2017, 5:00-9:00 PM at the Montague Retreat Center

Tickets are now on sale for Feed the Spirit, the Amherst Survival Center’s fall celebration benefiting our basic needs programs!

Why attend Feed the Spirit?

With a spectacular aerial and acrobatic performance by the Vermont-based troupe, Nimble Arts, delicious food, and a Fund-A-Need auction, Feed the Spirit is sure to be a fun night! 

Join us and help raise critical funding for our programs that will help 200 of your neighbors tomorrow and over 6,000 in the course of a year.

Looking forward to seeing you on November 4th. Get your tickets here.

https://amherstsurvival.org/feedthespirit-register/

Family Portrait Sessions on November 4 - Sign Up Now

Local photographer Lexi Monesson-Olson will offer family portrait sessions to the Fort River community on Saturday, November 4 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at Fort River Elementary School. Sessions will run for 15 minutes per family and will cost $25. Lexi has generously agreed to donate $10 from each session to the Fort River PGO! 

Every family will receive one high resolution digital image and have the opportunity to purchase more for $12.99 each. Family photos make great gifts! Lexi specializes in child and family portraiture making this an incredibly affordable way to get professional photos that you will cherish. She also offers a variety of scheduling options on her website if November 4th doesn't work for you or you'd like to book a longer session. 

Please check out Lexi’s portfolio and client testimonials on her website: http://www.mophotography.us/  

Please sign up here: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/SO6sRHcTz1I

Thank you Lexi for this amazing opportunity!

Halloween Festivities at Fort River on October 31

important message from Ms. Chamberlain:

Dear Fort River Families,

The Fort River community is buzzing with excitement about Halloween! While we want to afford students with opportunities to have fun, wear costumes, and celebrate the season, safety and equity is our top priority.  On Tuesday, October 31, students may bring costumes to school and wear them during classroom celebrations only. On this day, students may enjoy nut-free treats, read Halloween and Fall-themed stories, admire costumes, and some grades (K, 1, 2 & 3) participate in a school based parade. While a few special activities are planned for this day, students are still expected to engage in all academic subjects.

We recognize that not all families participate in Halloween. Please know that students will be offered alternate fun activities if necessary. Please talk to your child’s teacher if you would prefer your child not participate in the Halloween activities.

There are a few guidelines for the day:

• Individual teachers have decided upon the times for classroom parties. Teachers will be mindful of and limit students’ “junk food” intake.
• Students may bring their costumes to school and wear them during designated celebration/ parade times. Kindergarten and 1st grade will parade at 10:00, second grade at 10:15, and third grade at 1:45.
• Toys and costume accessories, including, but not limited to fake weapons, lasers, lightsabers, sticks, gloves, lights, etc. are not allowed.
• Masks, face paint, or other facial coverings are also prohibited.  

If you choose to send a treat to school please assure that goodies do not contain nuts. Also, we cannot allow home baked treats due to the risk of contamination with nuts. Packaged goods must come with the ingredients on the package. We, of course, encourage healthy treats like fruit and veggies!

Thank you for your cooperation in making this a fun and safe day for students!

Sincerely,

Diane Chamberlain, Principal

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Estimadas familias de Fort River

La comunidad de Fort River está repleta de emoción acerca de Halloween! Si bien queremos dar a los estudiantes oportunidades para divertirse, usar disfraces y celebrar la temporada, la seguridad y la equidad es nuestra máxima prioridad. El Martes, 31 de octubre los estudiantes pueden traer disfraces a la escuela y los usan solamente durante las celebraciones de la clase. En este día, los estudiantes pueden disfrutar de golosinas sin nueces, leer historias de Halloween y de temática de otoño, admirar los trajes, y los grados (K, 1, 2 y 3) participaran en un desfile en la escuela. Si bien se han previsto algunas actividades especiales para el día de hoy, todavía se espera que los estudiantes participen en todas las materias académicas.

Somos conscientes de que no todas las familias participan Halloween. Por favor, sepan que a los estudiantes se les ofrecerán actividades divertidas alternativas si es necesario. Por favor hable con el maestro de su hijo si usted prefiere que su hijo no participe en las actividades de Halloween.

Hay algunas instrucciones para el día:

• Los maestros individuales decidirán los tiempos para fiestas en el salón. Los maestros serán conscientes de limitar el consumo de los estudiantes de "comida chatarra".
• Los estudiantes pueden traer sus trajes a la escuela y se vestirán durante los tiempos de celebración / desfile designados. El Kindergarten y el 1er grado tendrán el desfile a las 10:00, el 2do grado a las 10:15, y el 3er grado a las 1:45.
• Juguetes y accesorios de vestuario, incluyendo, pero no limitado a fingir armas, láser, sables de luz, palos, guantes, luces, etc., no están permitidos.
• También se prohíbe máscaras, pintura de la cara, u otras cubiertas faciales.

Si decide enviar una merienda a la escuela por favor asegurar que las meriendas no contengan nueces. Además, no podemos permitir horneados del hogar, debido al riesgo de contaminación con nueces. Los productos envasados ​​deben venir con los ingredientes en el paquete. Nosotros, por supuesto, animamos a que las meriendas sean saludables como frutas y verduras!

Gracias por su cooperación para hacer de este un día divertido y seguro para los estudiantes!

Sinceramente,

Diane Chamberlain, Principal

ARPS Food Services has New Director and New Website

The PGO would like to thank Mr. Ryan Harb for presenting at the Coffee on Friday, October 27th. Mr. Harb, the new Director of Food Services for Amherst Regional Public Schools, spoke about the district’s new in-house food services and answered multiple questions from parents. The switch to an in-house program provides much more flexibility and there are many exciting changes in the works. Students at ARHS and ARMS have been enjoying weekly visits from Chef Sam including samples of future menu items. Chef Sam will be visiting some elementary schools soon.

Mr. Harb has established a new website dedicated to the food served in the schools and even blogs about the latest develpments. Read about the science initiatives that led to Garden Soup Day here. Get the latest menus, pay for My School Bucks, stay up to date, or simply admire the beautiful food photography at http://www.amherstfood.com/.

Elementary Homework Policy

The PGO would like to thank Superintendent Michael Morris for visiting last Friday to solicit feedback from parents and guardians on the newly proposed elementary district wide homework policy. Many parents were able to provide specific commentary and share their personal experiences. The policy can be found here:

English https://goo.gl/wLkxfW 

Spanish https://goo.gl/aHWca3

The Fort River teachers who participated on the Homework Inquiry Group include Ann Shea, Carissa Ackroyd, and Omar Almodovar. A review of the research that informed the work of the group can be found here. Finalization and implementation of the policy is scheduled for early 2018. 

ARHS Sene-Gambian Exchange Program Seeking Community and Business Sponsors

The Sene-Gambian Exchange Program is seeking community and business sponsors to help students in financial need participate in the exchange. See attachment for details and contribute at https://tinyurl.com/SGSsponsors.

Amherst Regional High School has partnered with schools in Senegal and The Gambia since 2011 to provide a life-changing cultural exchange experience for high school students, promoting understanding and respect across racial, ethnic, and religious differences. To date, ARHS has sent two groups of students to West Africa and received two from Senegal.

Learn more here: SGS Sponsorship Information

Try Hockey for Free Day on November 4

Try Hockey for Free Day for boys and girls is Saturday, Nov. 4, from 1-3 p.m. at the UMass Mullins Center Community Rink. Children ages 4 and up are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment. 

No skating experience required; free skate rentals available. All skaters must have helmets (bicycle or hockey) and gloves (winter gloves are fine). Used equipment sale plus UMass Hockey giveaways. Save time at the door by registering in advance: www.amhersthockey.org

Registration for our Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs for ages 4-8 is open at www.amhersthockey.org, with practices November through mid-March. Learn to Skate practices are Saturdays from 1-2:20 p.m.; the cost is $135.

Learn to Play practices are Saturdays from 2:30-3:50 with cross-ice games on Sundays beginning in December; the cost is $340. There is an additional $48 USA Hockey registration for ages 6 and up; skaters age 6-8 who attend the November 4 Try Hockey for Free receive a free USA Hockey registration.

The Girls’ House Team for ages 8-18 begins in November and is geared toward newer skaters with practices through mid-March. The focus is on fun with games and skill building. Cost: $340 plus a $48 USA Hockey registration.

The Amherst Hockey Association is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization serving over 300 Hampshire valley families. For more information, visit www.amhersthockey.org or contact Dan Feldman at mbedan@comcast.net. The Amherst Hockey Association also fields coed and all-girls travel teams available to all ages of children. 

Be an Informal Conversation Partner at The Jones

Conversation Partners meet with advanced-level students to help them improve their oral conversation skills and become more confident about speaking English. These students are generally well-educated, and are familiar with "textbook" English, but may not be accustomed to hearing less formal English (spoken at a rapid pace). They want to be able to express themselves better and often have questions about American culture or "how things work" in the US.

NOTE: We are currently looking for conversation partners who will be able to meet regularly with a student through the spring semester (May 1, 2018).

There is no training required, but you must be able to speak English fluently and clearly, and have an interest in learning about other cultures. Conversation partners meet once or twice a week for an hour or more. We ask for a minimum six-month, full-semester, or full-summer commitment. For more information about what Conversation Partners do, see the Conversation Partner Job Description (PDF) and the Conversation Partner Guide (PDF).

How do I apply?

You can either submit a Conversation Partner Application online or visit the Jones Library and complete an application in person.

Please call our ESL Center at 413-259-3093 for more information.

Conversation Partner placements are made at the ESL Coordinator's discretion. Completing the application form does not guarantee that you will be placed with a student.

Chess Club on First Saturdays at the Jones Library

Chess Club is back! Kids ages 7 and up are invited to come exercise your chess skills with Andy Morris-Friedman on the first Saturday of the month, November-April. 

Saturday, November 4 from 3:30 - 5 pm

Reserve your seat by calling the same day at 413-259-3091 or stop by the Kids Room!

Multi-Arts Presents "Time traveling Stories: Amherst Secrets, a Woman Revealed" on November 2

Multi-Arts Presents "Time traveling Stories: Amherst Secrets, a Woman Revealed" as part of Amherst Arts Plus.

Thursday November 2, 6:30 pm

Strong House, 67 Amity Street in Amherst
Free admission but donations welcome

Synopsis: Winnie is a young artistic teen, who just moved to Amherst from Boston. When she goes to the Amherst Historic Museum to get help with a school project, she’s sent back in time to the 1880’s! There she meets Mabel Loomis Todd, a multi-talented woman with a knack for creativity. Together, the two grow to love their town in ways they couldn’t have imagined. Winnie helps Mabel as a letter deliverer, connecting her with notables all over Amherst—including the legendary Emily Dickinson. Mabel helps Winnie to see she can do anything she sets her mind to, and that, despite her initial dislike of the town, Amherst may just be the most inspirational place of all.

About the actors:

Haley Parker: Muhlenberg Alum, theater and voice major

Margo Kinney-Petrucha: Student at Hampshire College, studying animation

Gabe Sklan: Student at Hampshire College, studying comedy

Josh Gold: multi arts teacher and mime performer

Eliot Phifer and Sonia Aldrich are Multi-Arts's children.

Amherst Arts Night Plus is a free cultural event held in and around downtown Amherst, MA. Each first Thursday of every month, from 5-8PM, participating venues host gallery openings, concerts, lectures, and other creative events.

Multi-Arts fills a vital need, a void in our community with its well-rounded, age-targeted programming that inspires new generations to explore their creativity, and develop a lifelong love of the arts.

Comment from our last performance: 

"Saw your production. Bravo to you and Maia Kinney Petrucha. Great story, great acting (and singing). I was spellbound by this youthful cast ... “

Amherst High School Alumnae Maia Kinney-Petrucha (2013), Haley Parker (2013), and Margo Kinney-Petrucha (2016) will be part of an exciting Multi-Arts production: “Time Traveling Stories” , about the history of an inspirational Amherst woman, Mabel Loomis Todd.

While at ARHS, all three were involved in the performing arts department. They were part of the Amherst Hurricane Singers, as well as actors and production members in ARHS theater productions.

Catalina Arrubla, Director 
(Fort River alumna parent)
www.multi-arts.org
413-584-7951

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/IYAnLs

Love arts? http://www.razoo.com/story/Multi-Arts

Fort River Family Portrait Sessions on November 4

Local photographer Lexi Monesson-Olson will offer family portrait sessions to the Fort River community on Saturday, November 4 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at Fort River Elementary School. Sessions will run for 15 minutes per family and will cost $25. Lexi has generously agreed to donate $10 from each session to the Fort River PGO! 

Every family will receive one high resolution digital image and have the opportunity to purchase more for $12.99 each. Family photos make great gifts! Lexi specializes in child and family portraiture making this an incredibly affordable way to get professional photos that you will cherish. She also offers a variety of scheduling options on her website if November 4th doesn't work for you or you'd like to book a longer session. 

Please check out Lexi’s portfolio and client testimonials on her website: http://www.mophotography.us/  

Please sign up here: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/SO6sRHcTz1I

Thank you Lexi for this amazing opportunity!

PGO Coffee with the Principal and Special Guests Ryan Harb and Michael Morris on October 27 at 9am

Please join the Fort River PGO and Interim Principal Diane Chamberlain in welcoming Mr. Ryan Harb and Superintendent Michael Morris to the Fort River cafeteria on Friday, October 27th. Mr. Harb, the new Director of Food Services for Amherst Regional Public Schools, will talk about the district’s new in-house food services. Additionally, Dr. Morris is seeking feedback from parents and guardians on the newly proposed district wide homework policy, which can be found here:

English https://goo.gl/wLkxfW 

Spanish https://goo.gl/aHWca3

If possible, please review the proposed policy in advance and bring your questions. 

Friday, October 27^th

9:00-10:00

in the Fort River cafeteria

As always, coffee and snacks will be served and younger children are welcome.

Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) Trivia Bee on October 26 at 6pm

Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) is hosting its 23rd annual Trivia Bee next week! 

Space is still available for youth and adult teams but the deadline to sign up is TODAY (October 23)! Don't miss the opportunity to make history in the first ever Youth Round of the Bee. Your kids will love this family friendly event! To register a team, please email Meg Rosa at megrosa78@gmail.com. If you'd rather not compete then please come out to cheer on your fellow students!

Business sponsorships to fund the teams are a great way to gain visibility with local families. Individuals are also invited to fund a team as well. For sponsorship information, please see the attached form. The sponsorship deadline is also today, October 23.

AEF is a nonprofit organization that gives grants to teachers and administrators in the ARPS district, and the Trivia Bee is one of our most fun and successful events. We hope to see you there!

Trivia Bee Sponsor Letter

Fort River Garden Soup Day on October 26

This Thursday, October 26th, the Fort River cafeteria will be serving vegetable soup made with the veggies that students harvested from our very own Fort River School garden a few weeks ago. All students will have the opportunity to taste the soup, as this is an important part of the learning cycle for them--to eat the produce that they planted, tended, and harvested. Fort River's kitchen staff will prepare small taster cups of soup for students that day. As always, no student is required to try the soup.

We need volunteers to get the trays of taster cups from the kitchen staff and to walk around the cafeteria, offering/encouraging students to give the soup a try. The volunteers will also be responsible for ensuring that used taster cups make their way to the trash bins.

Click http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/vwwIeUGeTzY to sign up for a shift or email Stacey Beganny at stacey.fortriver@gmail.com if you have any questions! Thanks, and don't forget that you must have CORI certification to volunteer at school.

Job Fair at Amherst Survival Center on October 25

The Amherst Survival Center holds a Job Search Assistance Program on Thursdays from 11:30 am -1:00 pm.  No appointment is needed. Spanish speaking staff are available.

As part of the Jobs Program the Survival Center will be hosting a Jobs Fair on Wednesday, October 25 between 1 pm and 2:30 pm at the Center. The fair will feature 13 local employers who are actively hiring.

The Amherst Survival Center is located at 138 Sunderland Road, North Amherst on the #33 Bus Route.  For further information, contact Tracey Levy at 549-3968 ext. 102
or jobassistanceservice@amherstsurvival.org.

The Job Search Assistance Program offers the following:

• Weekly One-On-One Assistance: Are you a job seeker? We can help you with
  your job search, your resume, review interview skills, complete job applications, find apprenticeships and other support you may need to get a job.
• Job Fairs and Recruitment Events: Come and meet local employers who are hiring! We host events that give you a chance to meet different employers or offer you a time to meet with a placement agency for positions in various industries.
• Youth Job Panel: Are you a teenager looking to work in the summer? We host a panel discussion every spring to help teens with their summer job search, and give tips on how to find a job in the area.
• Public Computers and Technology: Come and use the Center’s computers, copy machine, and fax to help your job search.
• Group Workshops: We run group workshops to help with resume writing, networking, interviewing, social media, navigating the online application process, and following-up after an interview.
• Interview and Work Clothing: Everyone is always welcome to shop in the Center’s Community Store, which includes clothes, linens and household items. Interview, work clothing and shoes are often available. Everything in the Store is free.

ASC-Job-Search-Assistance-Brochure

LSSE Basketball Clinic on October 28

Basketball is just around the corner and LSSE will  be running basketball clinics this weekend.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Cost: $5 per Child (Fee collected at door)

Schedule

WHERE:  ARHS GYM
GIRLS:  K-8 10am-12pm
BOYS:  K-8 1-3pm

Enhance your:

§  Dribbling

§  Shooting

§  Passing

§  Rebounding

§  Defensive footwork/strategies

§  Offensive footwork/strategies

View Girls Clinic Flyer

View Boys Clinic Flyer

Contact Chris Johnson
Sports Director, LSSE
Office – (413)259-3144
Fax – (413)259-2407

Four EASY Ways to Support the Fort River PGO

1. Stop & Shopʼs A+ BonusBucks Program

Use your Stop & Shop card and Fort River earns a percentage of your total purchases every month! Registering your card is easy and you only have to do it once. Call 1-877-366-2668 or visit www.stopandshop.com/aplus

Fort River ID # 05218

2. AmazonSmile

Be sure to designate the Fort River Elementary School Parent Council when doing your Amazon shopping. Visit smile.amazon.com to support the PGO. The Amazon Smile Foundation will donate a percentage of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers.

Fort River ID Fort River Elementary School Parent Council

3. Atkins Farms Country Market

When you shop at Atkins Farms Country Market mention our reward number - #83 - and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Fort River School.  Just let them know when you are checking out.

Fort River ID # 83

4. Box Tops for Education

No need to remember ID numbers or register a card for this one! Just clip Box Tops for Education from the eligible products that you already buy and send them in with your child at the end of every month. If you are interested, you can visit www.boxtops4education.com to enter to win additional prizes for Fort River.

Thank you so much for your support!

Please encourage your friends and relatives to designate Fort River at Stop & Shop and Atkins Market, use our AmazonSmile page, and send in those Box Tops, too!!!!