Fort River PGO Information

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Monday, February 26, 2018

Amherst Center Recreation Working Group Public Forum on February 28 at 7pm


town announcement ...
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Town Room
4 Boltwood Avenue
7:00 PM

The Amherst Center Recreation Working Group welcomes your participation in a public meeting to discuss the current condition and possible future improvements to our core recreational fields and facilities.

The Town has hired the firm of Weston and Sampson to complete a Master Plan to help guide capital planning. Weston and Sampson will share their assessment of the fields used for football, baseball, ultimate, field hockey, softball, lacrosse, and other sports. The plan will address the War Memorial pool and playground area too. This work will also include an analysis of demand and use of fields and outline general standards and design considerations when updating recreation facilities.

The meeting is the first in a series of public discussions as we gather data and community input on these important recreational assets. The Master Plan for fields and facilities at Community Field, Amherst Regional High School, Middle School and Wildwood School to be discussed.

We encourage students, parents, coaches and representatives of Amherst sports teams and leagues to join us for this meeting.

Early Release on February 28 at 1:20 pm


This Wednesday, February 28, is an Early Release Day for all ARPS students. Faculty and staff will spend the time in professional development activities. This is a makeup session due to a snow day earlier this month.

Elementary students will be dismissed at 1:20pm. 

DATE CHANGE! 5th Grade Hillside Fundraiser Pickup now on March 1



Due to the Early Release this Wednesday, the pizza and cookie dough pickup for the 5th Grade Hillside Pizza Fundraiser has been changed. 

The new pickup date and time is Thursday, March 1 from 3:30 to 6:00 pm at Fort River.

Diane Chamberlain Named Fort River Principal



After a national search with many talented applicants, Dr. Morris named Diane Chamberlain as the permanent Principal at Fort River School. 

Congratulations Ms. Chamberlain! Click here for coverage from the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

A Window into ARPS featuring Ms. Chamberlain!




In a recent episode of A Window into ARPS, Superintendent Michael Morris speaks with two beloved ARPS educators, Fort River Principal Diane Chamberlain and Crocker Farm Principal Derek Shea, about the culture of teaching at their elementary schools. Don't miss it! Both principals share several anecdotes highlighting the exciting work and play that our youngest learners experience each day. 


In A Window into ARPS, Amherst Regional Public School Superintendent Mike Morris introduces the new and veteran educators within the ARPS system. Episodes are archived at Amherst Media.

AEF Celebrates Champions for our Schools on March 17


an invitation from AEF ...



AEF Celebrates Champions for our Schools
March 17, 2018
6 - 9PM
UMass Student Union Ballroom

Join Amherst Education Foundation on Saturday, March 17, 2018 as we honor the nine principals of our school districts: Mark Jackson, David Slovin, Patty Bode, Diane Chamberlain, Nick Yaffe, Derek Shea, Lisa Desjarlais, Margot Lacey, and Jackie Mendonsa!

All of our principals will be in attendance. Come celebrate the incredible leaders of our high schools, middle school, and elementary schools along with our generous community champion Florence Bank.

Proceeds from the event will help fund the grants we provide to educators. The more money we raise, the more grants we can support! Click here to read more about AEF grants, including two current grants written by Fort River educators Ruth Killough-Hill and Amy Chang. 

Please tell your friends, neighbors, and colleagues about this fun event; the more the merrier! We have moved our celebration to the UMass Student Union Ballroom to allow more friends to attend. Last year’s party was a sellout!

We hope to see you on the 17th! Tickets available here: http://bit.ly/2DZZkra 
Can't make it? You can send Ms. Chamberlain a special note of thanks which we will include in the event program. Click here for details: http://bit.ly/2DZZkra 

The mission of the Amherst Educational Foundation (AEF) is to support Amherst area public schools in providing a challenging and enriching educational experience that maximizes the learning potential of every student and prepares them to succeed in the 21st century. Please follow AEF on Facebook and Twitter where we spread the word about the amazing work happening in our schools. 


2018 MCAS Schedule


Note from our administrators:

MCAS Update

This year, per DESE, all students in grades 4, 5, 6 will take computer based tests.  We have opted to allow our third graders to continue on paper for one last year, but the state is mandating all computer based administration by 2019.

MCAS dates for 2018 are: 

Grade 3 & 5 - ELA April  3, 5, 6  and Math May 8,10,11
Grade 4 & 6 - ELA April 30, May 1 & 2 and Math May 15, 16,17 
Grade 5 also takes Science  on May 22 & 23.

Please be sure your students are rested and on time on testing dates so that the sessions can go as smoothly as possible.  Thanks so much.


Family Math & Pi Night on March 13 (Note date)

SAVE THE DATE!

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

 Family Math & Pi Night - Math is everywhere!
Tuesday, March 13, 2017
6:00 -7:30 pm

 Math Games! Pi Recitation! Lesson insights.
Pie silent auction to benefit 5th grade Boston trip.
Please click here to sign up to help with the pie auction. 

2018 Talent Showcase on March 23 at 6:30 PM



The 2018 Talent Showcase will take place Friday, March 23, at 6:30 PM in the Fort River gymnasium. 

Proceeds benefit the 5th and 6th Grade Classes. All money raised will stay at Fort River. Donations for adult admission to the show will be accepted at the door and all kids will attend for free! No one will be turned away. 

There is a MANDATORY Dress Rehearsal immediately after school on Thursday, March 22. A few parent volunteers are needed to assist with acts and help keep students focused. Contact Shilpa if you are able to help: shilparph@mac.com.

Click here to donate baked goods or volunteer during the show on Friday. 

 Click here for Showcase Announcement, Act Requirements, Entry Form, and Permission Slip. Please read all documents carefully. Thank you for your assistance!

SEPAC presents "Basic Rights in Special Education" on March 12 at 5 pm

Basic Rights in Special Education, presented by SEPAC.  

Please mark your calendars and join us for this informative workshop for parents and professionals.  

 Monday March 12, 2018 @ 5:00 PM
ARHS Library.  

RSVP to SEPAC@ARPS.org or call (413) 687-4255.

 Basic Rights in Special Education - English
Basic Rights in Special Education - Spanish 

PGO Meeting on March 5 at 7pm



General PGO Meeting
Monday, March 5
7 - 8 pm

EVENING MEETING! If you have trouble attending daytime meetings please consider joining us for this gathering after dinner on March 5.
We will discuss upcoming fundraisers and events, current finances, and plans for the future. We have many opportunities to get involved now and will need to fill several leadership vacancies next year. Participating on the PGO Board is a great way to contribute to our school community and get to know our amazing staff. Several current Board members have 6th grade students and will not be here next year. Thanks for considering! We hope to see you there!

No School on March 9 and March 30

Mark your calendars. There is NO SCHOOL on:

March 9 - Professional Development Day
March 30 - Good Friday

Registration Events for the Amherst Regional Public Schools



Please join us for information sessions for the Elementary and Secondary levels. Come meet our principals, the superintendent, and receive information about our schools and how to register!  These events are for both ARPS families with students transitioning to Kindergarten, 7th grade, and 9th grade, and families with children who currently do not attend ARPS (regardless of grade level).
For rising Kindergartners & prospective K-6: Crocker Farm Elementary School Library on March 1st at 6:00 pm
For rising 9th Graders: Amherst Regional High School Library on March 6th at 7:00 pm.  There will be a session at 6:15 for parents/guardians whose children have IEPs
For rising 7th Graders: Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium Lobby on February 27th at 6:30 pm.  There will be a session at 6 PM for parents/guardians whose children have IEPs or ELL needs.
Please see the attached flyer for Information/Registration events at all school levels in ARPS. Please feel free to share widely!  

Spring 2018 Amherst Youth Lacrosse - Grades K-6


Teams forming now, register today!
Competitive, fun, new players welcome.
Deadline - This week!

Register today - www.amherstyouthlacrosse.org

Questions? - Contact AYL president Andy MacDougall at president@amherstyouthlacrosse.org

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

ARPS Registration on March 1


The Amherst and Pelham Elementary Schools are having a registration event for families of young children on Thursday, March 1. 

All families are welcome to attend to hear from all the elementary school principals, superintendent and special education director. During this event, parents and guardians will learn more information regarding the registration process (including for potential school choice students) from our elementary school registrar. They will also learn about the before and after-school programs from the out-of-school time coordinator.



February Early Release Date Changed to February 28


The February Early Release Day has been rescheduled.  It is now on Wednesday, February 28. Elementary students will be dismissed at 1:20pm.

What To Know About Kids And Screen Time


ARHS Principal Mark Jackson shared the following information about screen time:

What To Know About Kids And Screen Time

Almost as soon as they can focus past the end of their noses, babies today are waving at Grandpa on video chat and swiping the screens on all kinds of devices. There’s a lot of panic, anxiety, guilt and shame out there about kids and screens.

And now there’s a book from one of NPR’s Ed team members. Anya Kamenetz’s latest, The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media And Real Life, set out to answer the question: What’s the best approach to take to tech? She says she feels it— all of it — as a mother. And as a reporter she has been interested in the intersection of children and technology for many years.

Take the Screen Time quiz
Check out our previous coverage on young children and small screens
View a round up of some of the latest research on screen timeAs always, send tips, responses or story ideas to npred@npr.org.

As always, send tips, responses or story ideas to npred@npr.org.

Auditions for King Arthur's Quest on March 5



Amherst Leisure Services and the Missoula Children’s Theatre will hold auditions for King Arthur’s Quest on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 4:15 pm in the Amherst Regional Middle School Cafeteria.  The musical experience is open to students in K-12.

King Arthur’s Quest will be staged on March 10, 2018 at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm.   Tickets are $5 and $8.

For further information, see http://www.alsct.org.

Youth Lacrosse Spring Registration through February 28



Registration for Boys and Girls Bantams and Juniors is open.
If you are a returning player, welcome back! If you are a new player, welcome to a wonderful sport! Equipment is available to rent for a modest fee so that costs are not a barrier for participation.

Registration for the Girls and Boys lacrosse teams are capped when a limit is reached. Please register early in order to ensure that your son/daughter has a spot on the team.

AYL prides itself with making the sport accessible for families. Please consider applying for the Jamie Mullins scholarship if the fees are too burdensome or contact AYL directly if you need some flexibility in this area.

REGISTRATION FEES for the Boys and Girls Programs:
$185 – Base registration
$170 – Registration if you don’t need a jersey
$160 – Registration if you don’t need jersey or shorts
$90 – Free and reduced lunch rate (includes full uniform)
$70 – MiniMites (8U) (includes reversible jersey)

All registrations include a 1 year US Lacrosse membership
Sign up now through Feb. 28 at Amherstyouthlacrosse.org.


Crocker Farm PGO Hosts "Meet Your School Committee Candidates" on February 15 at 6pm


Missed the PGO Coffee last week? Come spend an hour getting to know this year’s School Committee candidates in the Crocker Farm cafeteria on Thursday, February 15 from 6 - 7pm. This event is open to the community. Special thanks to the Crocker Farm PGO for hosting this inclusive event.

Click for flyer in Spanish
Click for flyer in English

KidsBestFest 2018, a Film Festival for Kids and their Adults: February 19 – 23


Winter School Break Free Film Festival: February 19 - 23

When?
Doors Open at 1:00PM
Showtime at 1:30 PM 

Where?
Academy of Music Theatre
274 Main Street Northampton
MA 01060

What?
A film festival for kids and their adults during winter school break, part of the Four Sundays in February winter arts series presented by the Northampton Arts Council and the Academy of Music Theatre.

How Much?
FREE, donations encouraged.


Monday, February 12, 2018

Autism Parent Training on March 7


The Autism: Parent Training Series has been re-scheduled.  Please see below for the revised event information.

Moving Through School: How to Adjust to New Schools and New Expectations
Date: Wednesday March 7
Time:  6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location:  Amherst Regional Middle School, PD Center

Childcare is available for in-district families.  
Please RSVP to AnnearTL@arps.org prior to Monday March 5, 2018.

Teen Painting and Drawing classes beginning March 2

Joy Art Space presents Teen Painting and Drawing classes with Lily Joy Friedling beginning Friday, March 2!  This is a great opportunity for teens to get involved in an enriching after school activity where they can engage in self expression in a supportive environment. The studio is right on North Pleasant Street, walking distance from the Amherst schools. Spaces are limited and fill quickly -- register soon to ensure a spot in the class!
Drawing and Painting (Ages 12 - 17)
In this class, students will find their unique artistic voice while developing drawing and painting skills. In a warm supportive environment, we will explore the process of taking our ideas and turning them into works of art that are meaningful to us. Together, we will explore skills and techniques for drawing and painting with a variety of materials.

Section 1 (Ages 12 - 14) Fridays 5:00 - 6:15pm
Section 2 (Ages 14 - 17) Fridays 6:30 - 7:45pm
March 2 - April 27  (6 Sessions) $240
March 2 - June 17  (12 Sessions) $440 ($40 discount)
No classes March 16, March 30, April 20, and June 8 due to School Breaks and Holidays

To register for this class click here.

More information about Joy Art Space classes and private lessons for children, teens, and adults: www.joyartspace.com