Fort River PGO Information

Monday, April 30, 2018

Carissa Ackroyd named 2018 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award Winner




Congratulations to Fort River 5th Grade teacher Carissa Ackroyd on her selection as a 2018 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award winner! A banquet was held on April 26 at The Log Cabin in Holyoke to honor this year's winners from across Western Massachusetts. Other ARPS winners include:

Kelly Carlisle, Pelham
Rich Eckart, ARHS
Tiffany Thibodeau, ARMS
Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you for your dedication to our students! (photo courtesy Dr. Michael Morris)

"Keeping Children Safe and Secure Online" Presentation for Adults on May 29

The ARPS district, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is hosting a Project Safe Childhood Presentation on Keeping Children Safe and Secure Online. On May 29, there will be presentations at each of the schools for the Fifth and Sixth Graders only.
In the evening of the 29th, there will be a similar presentation for families at the Amherst Regional Middle School (170 Chestnut St.), from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All adults are welcome!

On the Same Page – Amherst Author Event Rescheduled for May 6

It is with great pleasure that the Jones Library announces the rescheduling of the final author event in the On the Same Page – Amherst series, featuring Jill Lepore, author of the best-selling title The Secret History of Wonder Woman, this year’s selected title.
This author event will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 3:00 PM at the Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium.  It will be preceded by a reception at 2:00 PM in the Middle School Library, hosted by the Friends of the Jones Libraries. There is general admission seating for this free author event, and doors will open at 2:30 pm.
If you have not yet had the chance to read this year’s selected title, there are copies available for sign out at the Jones Library and branches.
For further information about On the Same Page – Amherst or this author event, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Annual Black Scholars Rising Showcase on May 18


The Annual Black Scholars Rising event will be held on Friday, May 18th from 6:00 to 7:30 in the Middle School Auditorium with a reception to follow in the Middle School Cafeteria. Would you mind including that on your calendars and share it with staff & families?
This year, the BSR Committee is working closely with students and the evening will be a showcase of their skills and talents, as well as presenting stoles to the graduating seniors.

Amherst Hurricanes Shirts now on Sale at ARHS




Hurricane Sports Fans!!!  

Great News!!!  Our Nike shirts are on sale in the ARHS school store and are reduced to $15 now. These are terrific quality shirts! They make great gifts and are a must at school events. Show your Amherst pride and grab a shirt while supplies last.

Support Amherst Athletics during Valley Gives on May 1

Dear Families of Amherst High School and Middle School Athletes,
The Amherst Hurricane Boosters are a group of parents, staff and community members who are dedicated to supporting Amherst student athletics. This group finances major projects such as playing field lighting, sports sounds systems, and scoreboards as well as smaller items for individual teams.
For the first time, the Amherst Hurricane Boosters (under the name Amherst High School Athletics) will be participating in Valley Gives Day – a 24-hour period of online philanthropy across the Valley on Tuesday, May 1.
What makes Valley Gives Day so special is that we are eligible to receive cash prizes throughout the day that can amplify your donation and help us raise thousands of extra dollars to benefit Amherst school sports. The emphasis is on the NUMBER of donors, not the AMOUNT of each donation, so donations of any size can help us win extra prize money.
We will be updating the Boosters community about our fundraising totals throughout the day on Tuesday, May 1, via email, but primarily on the Booster’s Facebook page.
Please help us by taking these four simple actions;
  1. Like, follow, and turn notifications ON for the Amherst Hurricane Boosters’ Facebook page
  2. Invite your friends to like and follow the Amherst Hurricane Boosters’ Facebook page
  3. Share this email with your family, friends, kids’ teammates, and ARHS alums.
Here are some tips to help the Boosters reach — and even surpass — our fundraising goal:
MOST INDIVIDUAL DONORS:
$500, $1,000, and $1,500 prizes will be awarded to organizations that have the most “unique donors” contributing. A unique donor is identified by the name/address/email address of each individual. This means that if you and your partner have your own individual email addresses, please consider dividing the amount your family plans to give to the Boosters and each give separately, as you will each be counted as an individual donor. All donations need to be made on a person’s own credit card.
MILLENNIALS ROCK!
If we get donors who are aged 18 or 19, 20-29, AND 30-39 we are eligible to be randomly selected for an extra $4,000 prize. We can also win $1,000+ if we have the most donors under 40 years old. Remember, everyone needs to use their own credit card. 
GOLDEN and POWER HOUR TICKETS:
Throughout the day, 20 organizations will be randomly selected to receive a $500 Golden Ticket or $1000 Power Hour Tickets. To learn more about prizes, please click here.
We hope that you, your family, and your friends will give as generously as you are able to support the Hurricanes Boosters on Valley Gives Day!
Gratefully,
Rich Ferro and Karen Stiles Dunn
Amherst Hurricane Boosters

Coming Together Presents Feature Film "Imperial Dreams" at the Jones on May 15

The following is an announcement from the racial justice organization Coming Together. If you are unable to attend this event, the highly rated feature film is also available on Netflix.

Everyone interested in advancing racial justice is warmly invited...

 Our video/film series continues!
 

Tuesday, May 15,  2018
at The Jones Library at 7:00PM

 

"Imperial Dreams"

new feature film - received the
Sundance Festival Audience Award

A young father and reformed gangster returns home from jail eager to care for his son, Daytona, and become a writer.  Crime, poverty and a flawed system threaten his plans, in this fictional, but realistic drama film. Released in 2017, this film was rated 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Some African American young men in Amherst recommended it to us for the Coming Together series.  Please join us!
We will have a brief discussion of the film following the showing.
* * *
    This is part of our new format - showing feature length films and having our working groups meet at other times.  This will give us all better opportunities to feel deeply and be moved by powerful stories and works of art.
www.coming-together.org

Ultimate Frisbee - 27th Amherst Invitational on May 12-13


Come watch 32 Ultimate teams from the East Coast compete in this prestigious tournament! 

Games will be held at Amherst Regional High School and Amherst Regional Middle School beginning at 9 a.m.  The event is free but there will be food for purchase.  Come cheer on your local players!  

Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/amherstinvitational

"Hummingbirds of the World" at the Jones on May 10

An opportunity to learn about hummingbirds near and far comes to the Jones Library in a presentation by local naturalist John Root.  Please join us in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library at 7 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

This presentation is a visual one that features spectacular images of hummingbirds from around the world. Topics discussed include myths and legends about hummingbirds in different cultures, special adaptations for flight, co-evolution of hummingbirds and the flowers that they visit, courtship and nesting behavior, and migration. Information about attracting hummingbirds with feeders and hummingbird gardens is also presented. Comments and questions are welcome throughout the program.

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Amherst Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

Valley ADHD Parent Support Group Monthly Meeting on May 7



next meeting:

1st Monday of Every Month
Northampton Area Pediatrics, LLP
Conference Room

          Join other area parents and caregivers to...
-         Receive ADHD information and support
-         Be heard without being judged
-         Hear how others cope with similar issues and challenges
-         Learn about local resources for families
-         Hear from area specialists on pertinent topics
-         Learn new strategies to try at home
-         Leave feeling empowered and hopeful

Light refreshments will be available.

Questions?  Please contact:

SPRING FUNDRAISER - Dutch Mill Bulbs - DUE MAY 1st


Dear Fort River Families & Staff,

Just in time for MOTHER’S DAY! These spring bulbs and plants are a great way to beautify our community while helping the PGO fund curriculum mini-grants, Field Day and the Yearbook!

  • Each bulb package option is conveniently priced at $10. We keep 50%!
  • Checks should be made out to "Fort River PGO.” Cash is also accepted!
  • Order forms and payment should be returned to your classroom teacher or the Main Office by Tuesday May 1st.
  • Our custom Fort River online fundraising link is available for supporters outside of the local area: https://groups.dutchmillbulbs.com/shop/?affiliates=fortriverpgo

Be sure to let out-of-town friends and relatives know that they can also participate in our flower bulb fundraiser by using our custom link above. You can also use this link to send orders directly to your someone special for Mother’s Day! Online orders are shipped directly to the customer based on the appropriate planting time for the state in which they live. A minimal shipping fee may apply (no shipments to Alaska or Hawaii.) Online orders will be accepted through Tuesday May 8th.

Questions? Please email Stacey Beganny: stacey.fortriver@gmail.com

RECAUDACIÓN DE PRIMAVERA - Dutch Mill Bulbs

¡Justo a tiempo para el DÍA DE LAS MADRES! ¡Estos bulbos de primavera y plantas son una excelente manera de embellecer a nuestra comunidad y al mismo tiempo ayudar al PGO a financiar las minibecas de currículo, el día de juegos (Field Day) y el anuario!

  • Cada opción de paquete de bulbos tiene un precio asequible de $10. ¡Conservamos el 50%!
  • Los cheques deben hacerse a "Fort River PGO". ¡También se acepta efectivo!
  • Los formularios de pedido y el pago deben devolverse a la maestra o la oficina principal antes del martes 1 de mayo.
  • El enlace de Fort River para recaudación de fondos en línea está disponible para colaboradores fuera del área local: https://groups.dutchmillbulbs.com/shop/?affiliates=fortriverpgo

Asegúrese de que los amigos y familiares de fuera de la ciudad sepan que también pueden participar en nuestra recaudación de fondos con bulbos de flores utilizando el enlace personalizado anterior. ¡También puede usar este enlace para enviar sus pedidos directamente a aquellas personas especiales para el Día de las Madres! Los pedidos en línea se envían directamente al cliente en función del tiempo de siembra adecuado para el estado en el que viven. Se aplicará una tarifa de envío mínima (sin envíos a Alaska o Hawai). Se aceptarán pedidos en línea hasta el martes 8 de mayo.

¿Preguntas? Por favor envíe un correo electrónico a Stacey Beganny: stacey.fortriver@gmail.com

Friday, April 20, 2018

SEPAC Offers "This is Transition" to Assist Families in Transitioning Students from School to Adult Life

Please join us for a three part series of informational evening seminars. These presentations will provide students, families and school staff with valuable information for future planning and will assist in transitioning students from school to adult life.


All presentations will begin at 6:30pm and will be held at Amherst Regional High School. All are welcome to attend these free information sessions.

Please RSVP to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.

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

Session 1: April 25th, 2018 Wednesday: Intro to the Transition Planning Process

An overview of the transition planning process for youth with disabilities ages 14-22 on IEPs. Will also include some tools for creating a vision for after high school. Presented by Leslie Leslie from the Federation of Children with Special Needs. Held in ARHS library.

Session 2: May 2nd, 2018 Wednesday: ABCs of Adult Agencies

An opportunity to hear from and to meet with representatives of some of the adult agencies in our state, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and others. Come find out what kinds of services and supports are available after high school and what you and your student need to do to apply for them. Held in ARHS cafeteria.

Session 3: May 9th, 2018 Wednesday: Family to Family

Families with a range of experiences and perspectives will share details of their students’ journeys into adulthood and discuss how and why they and their children made the choices that they did. There will be plenty of time to meet with panelists and ask questions. Be prepared to laugh a little and learn a lot! Held in ARHS library.

Sessions offered by: Amherst Regional Public Schools, Federation for Children with Special Needs and Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).

Brookfield Farm Shares Available

Join Us. Share The Harvest.

Brookfield Farm - CSA shares available. We grow delicious produce for all our shareholders – pick up at the farm from early June through November. We’re proud that we’ve been nourishing the community since 1986. And each year writes a new story, as first-time families join our long-time shareholders in making this farm their own. 

Now is the time to purchase a share for the coming season: Visit our website – www.brookfieldfarm.org - to join online or to get more information. If you would like to speak with someone about our CSA shares directly, please call 413-253-7991. We hope you join us for the coming season!

Mass General Hospital Seeking Pediatric Volunteers for Research Study

The Cognitive Neuroscience Group at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston is recruiting children who are (or are soon turning) 8 or 10 years old to participate in a research study funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

This is a longitudinal study that follows children over a period of 3 consecutive years. Our goal is to improve understanding of learning in children. The study consists of 1 in-person visit (about 2.5 hours) per year for 3 years (weekdays/weekends). During this visit, children play several games on the computer and complete several language/memory tasks. The lab visit includes safe and noninvasive EEG recording. The day after the visit, kids complete a quick follow-up task from a home/library computer. Payment is $60 per year. We provide free all day parking at the Navy Yard. 

Please email us at cnglead@mghihp.edu or call us at (617) 643-4821 if you are interested or if you have any questions. More information can be found at: https://clinicaltrials.partners.org/study/feedback_learning

Joy Art Space Offers New Art Class for Kids

Drawing and Painting (Ages 8-11)

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. This class is capped at 6 students for small group atmosphere and individual attention.  


Thursdays 3:30-4:45May 10- June 14 (6 Classes) $240


Human Rights Commission Accepting Nominations for Youth Heroism Awards

Dear Teachers and Staff of Amherst Schools and Amherst Community Members:             
                       
The Amherst Human Rights Commission has as its prime purpose to promote a community of mutual respect and to honor our diversity. We strive to promote attitudes of compassion and concern for all of our neighbors. To encourage these values, we offer the Human Rights Youth Heroism Awards, an annual celebration of Amherst-area youth.  2018 represents the 13th year of these awards!

It is the Commission’s intent to identify and celebrate local youth who have demonstrated acts of kindness, unselfishness, social courage and/or community service within their families, schools or community. Please help us by nominating a young person you have observed displaying exceptional kindness or consideration in the past year.

Groups of young people may also be nominated to share an award. We strive to recognize children and teens across the spectrum of age groups and schools, including those who do not live in Amherst but who attend any school in town. 

Nominations may be submitted through May 18, 2018, to humanrights@amherstma.gov or to the Commission c/o Deborah Radway, Amherst Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave., Amherst MA 01002. The Human Rights Commission will celebrate this year’s Heroes at its annual community picnic on Sunday, June 3rd from 10am-1pm at Mill River Recreation Area. We will alert nominators and award recipients prior to the event so they can make plans to attend. We hope you will join us!
           
Yours truly,

Matthew Charity,  Sidonio Ferreira,  Emily Boutilier, Elizabeth Cahn
Sovann Malis-Loeung, Sophia Maldonado and Tristan Whalen
The Amherst Human Rights Commission

Groff Park Community Forum on April 24 at 7pm


The Town of Amherst Groff Park Committee will host a Groff Park Community Forum on
Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 7:00 PM in the Cafeteria at Crocker Farm Elementary School (280 West Street).

Residents are invited to comment on concept plans and provide ideas for the improvements to Groff Park. Snacks and Childcare will be provided. 
For more information, please contact:
Nate Malloy, Planning Department

Wild Goose Chase on May 20


Whole Children’s Wild Goose Chase is an annual 5K, kids’ carnival, and family fun races for all ages and abilities. Race events include a chip-timed 5K race and 1 mile run/walk/roll, as well as a slew of kids’ races. The carnival is hoppin’ with wagon rides, face painting, live music, games, and more.

The fourth annual Wild Goose Chase takes place on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Look Park in Florence, MA!


Monday, April 9, 2018

6th Grade CAR WASH & BAKE SALE on April 28


6th Grade CAR WASH & BAKE SALE
at Fort River Elementary

SATURDAY, APRIL 28th
9am-noon     

Help the 6th grade fund graduation and end of year field trips!


GET READY FOR SPRING!

WE'LL CLEAN YOUR CAR!

WHILE YOU ENJOY THE 5th Grade TAG SALE & 6th Grade BAKE SALE!

Volunteer Sign up here: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/Rq6Ynz$0VDg