#artcontinues Painting Party on June 20

from former Art Teacher Teri Magner:

It’s almost summer!  This Wednesday, June 20, just might be the perfect opportunity to grab your friends and come paint and party together at our #artcontinues Wine & Painting Event at AmherstWorks!  These BYOB events offer everyone, of every ability, the chance to paint a masterpiece!  

While it’s still spring, the featured painting is Monet’s Le Printemps!  Paint a canvas, tote bag or apron (while they last)!  Think “fun” “friends” “a work of art for yourself”, or “a gift for someone special”!  

ARMS Interim Principal Finalists Visit on June 19

On Tuesday, June 19, ARMS faculty, staff and families will have the opportunity to meet the three Interim Principal finalists who were chosen to move forward by the ARMS Interim Principal Search Committee. The community is invited to meet with the candidates at the following times:

Community Meetings: 

Joseph Smith 5:00-5:45 p.m. ARMS Library 

Rebecca Sweetman 5:45-6:30 p.m. ARMS Library 

Roberto Soto 6:30-7:15 p.m. ARMS Library

Attached you will find the schedule for Tuesday's meet and greet of all three finalists, as well as each of their resumes.

ARMS Interim Principal Finalists Meet and Greet Schedule.pdf

Interim Principal Finalist Resumes.pdf
Joseph Smith Resume.pdf (inadvertently omitted from above PDF packet)

GRADUATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We still need help with decorating both the gym and the cafeteria!

PLEASE NOTE: due to the Meet & Greet schedule for the ARMS interim principal candidates, we will be decorating the gym on TUESDAY, beginning right after school. We should be done in time to attend the candidate meetings.

Decorating of the cafeteria will be on Wednesday morning, from 10:00-12:00. You can also drop off food for the reception. Don’t forget to label any dishes or serving items you wish to get back.

There is a 6th Grade Graduation tab on the blog where you can access all the sign up information, or feel free to just show up! Thanks!

https://ftriver.blogspot.com/p/6th-grade-graduation.html

DECORATIONS:
Tuesday/Gym: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/6r1pElwbAQs
Wednesday/Cafeteria: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/6r1pElwbAQs

FOOD:
Almodovar: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/mq4XT7fI+A8
Austin: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/2ih4SiBqJko
Sawicki: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/Sf9jn4HKQUc

Congratulations to the newly elected PGO Board!

The Fort River PGO held its annual board elections on Monday June 11th. The officers for the 2018-19 school year are:

Co-Presidents: Stacey Beganny & Rebecca Kennedy
Treasurer: Deb Leonard
Secretary: Elizabeth Fortin
Volunteer Coordinator: Meri Clark
Communications Coordinator: Krisztina Filep

The PGO could not function without all our fabulous volunteers, so thank you to each and every one of you. Whether you donated money, your time or in other ways, our Fort River community was strengthened by your contribution. We also want to say thank you to Liz Larson, Michele Spirko and Deb Christakos for their many years of service to the PGO. They are moving on to the Middle School and they will be missed!

We still have openings for Vice President and an Events Coordinator. If you'd like more information on either position, please email Stacey Beganny at stacey.fortriver@gmail.com.

Have a great summer everyone!

The Fort River Garden needs your help this summer!

We are looking for support from families to help the school gardens have a healthy summer growing season. Families are invited to join Leila for an on-site garden volunteer training at Fort River during the weekend of 6/23-24.

In the session (under 45 minutes) you'll  become familiar with the garden space, learn about the plants we're growing, and learn how to access and use the garden tools. The summer volunteer "work" is fun and kid-friendly! Families who help care for the gardens are also welcome to harvest from the gardens as certain crops become ready.

Sign ups for summer weeks will take place after the orientation sessions. Volunteers will also be asked to sign a liability waiver, per district protocol.

If you are interested in caring for the garden this summer, please complete this short form. Questions can be sent to Jennifer Reese at reesej@arps.org.

DATE CHANGE: Bus/Van Driver & Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast on Tuesday JUNE 19 at 9 am

Please join the families of Fort River for an appreciation breakfast to say thank you for all that our transportation professionals do to get our kids to and from school safely.

Tuesday JUNE 19, 9:00am (NOTE DATE CHANGE)
THE FORT RIVER CAFETERIA

We need many food items for the breakfast including eggs, sausage, bagels, juice, fruit, etc. Click here to donate! Thank you!

Happy Field Day!

It's finally here! 

Today is Field Day! Field Day is a school wide event that allows the entire school to get outside for sun and fun. In the morning, students will participate in field day activities together in multi-aged groups to build school unity across grades. Groups will rotate through a variety of outdoor and indoor activity stations on the fields, on the playground, and in the gym. This year, the afternoon will also be filled with community building games and activities.

Schedule:
9:00 am - 11:30 am: Grades K – 6 Field Day
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Picnic lunch & recess (bring your own or purchase cafeteria lunch)
1:00 - 3:10 pm: Afternoon elective activities

Thanks to those who are volunteering to help make Field Day 2018 another huge success. There are a couple of vacancies so if you are available please join us! We meet on the basketball courts at 8:30 am.

Here is the “Bring It” sign up sheet (in case you forgot your volunteer shift description): (http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/ZR90d5H2bU8) 

Thank you to Christine St. Laurent (cwstlaurent@gmail.com) and Tom St. Laurent (tomstlaurent.ht@gmail.com) for organizing again!  

Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing you today!

Bus/Van Driver & Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast on June 19 - DONATIONS NEEDED

Please join the families of Fort River for an appreciation breakfast to say thank you for all that our transportation professionals do to get our kids to and from school safely.

Tuesday JUNE 19, 9:00am (DATE CHANGE)
THE FORT RIVER CAFETERIA

We need many food items for the breakfast including eggs, sausage, bagels, juice, fruit, etc. Click here to donate! Thank you!

Cambodian Heritage Mural Celebration on June 15

Join the ARPS Community for a Celebration of Cambodian Heritage on June 15th from 6-8 PM in the ARHS Cafeteria.  The event will feature blessings by a local monk, Music, Dancing and Mural reveal.

Please bring food or drink to share.

To view the flyer, Click here.

Free Lunch for Kids on Summer Tuesdays at the Jones Library

Announcing More Summer Lunch Options for Kids and their Grown-Ups ...

Free summer lunch for kids and teens 18 and under is available on Tuesdays at the Jones Library in the Woodbury Room following the  morning youth programs. Adult meals may be purchased for $3.50.

Valley Bike Share Comes to Amherst

photo credit Town of Amherst

Announced on the Town of Amherst Facebook page: The first of Amherst's ValleyBike bike share stations are being installed on Main Street outside of Town Hall. The 100% electric pedal assist program will be launched on June 28th. Stay tuned! 

FINAL WEEK! Thank Your Teachers with a Donation to AEF by June 15

FINAL Week!

Recognize teachers and staff at the end of the year with a gift in their honor! 

Now is the time to let teachers and staff members know how much your appreciate their hard work, expertise, care, and dedication. 

You can strengthen our schools with a tax-deductible gift to Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) in a teacher’s or staff member’s name. AEF will deliver a personalized recognition card to your honoree/s. 

Please make your gift online or send your gift by mail by June 15 to guarantee delivery to honorees before their last day of the school year. As always, thank you for supporting public education and AEF, and thank you recognizing the Stars in Our Schools!

Click here to complete online gift form
Print PDF for mailing here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here’s what educators say about Stars in Our Schools:

“Receiving a star is one of the most meaningful gifts to get. I love receiving these because I feel truly appreciated as a teacher, and I know that the donation people make is going back to a great organization that really supports our schools.” - ARMS Co-Assistant Principal and ELL Teacher Alicia Lopez

“I was really moved when I received some Stars in Our Schools cards in my mailbox indicating that the parents of some of my students had donated to AEF in my honor. AEF does very important work to support teachers and programs at ARMS, so a monetary gift is like thanking a teacher twice!” - ARMS Science Teacher Jennifer Welborn

“I have had the good fortune to be honored by parents and members of the Amherst community through their 'Stars in our Schools' donations to AEF. When making their donations, parents and relatives have commented specifically that they see their children singing with joy and self-confidence and that they have an appreciation for music of different world cultures. It is deeply satisfying to know that what we do in the schools gets carried out into the community.” - Fort River Elementary School Music Teacher Anne Louise White (retired 6/2017)

Free Meals for Kids this Summer

The UMass BabyBerk food truck will be providing FREE meals at the following locations every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from June 25 to August 10 (excluding the 4th of July). Click here for a printable flyer to post and share.

Rolling Green
10:30 - 10:45 am

Colonial Village
11:00 - 11:20 am

Butternut
11:40 - 11:50 am

South Point
12:10 - 12:35 pm

Village Park
1:00 - 1:30 pm

Olympia Oaks
1:55 - 2:05 pm

North Village
2:20 - 2:45 pm

Mill River recreation area
3:10 - 3:30 pm

Green Monster Pizza is a Home Run

Chef Sam visited on Monday, June 4th offering samples of his new creation, Green Monster Pizza! 

Thanks Chef Sam!!! You knocked it outta the park! The Green Monster Pizza was a home run! ⚾️ #projectbread Thank you to our parent volunteers for collecting data and helping students complete their surveys! Green Monster Pizza is on the menu next Friday, June 15! 

Donations Needed for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Gracias! Thank you to everyone who has generously donated to pay for the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon taking place this Wednesday, June 6, 2018. We need more donations to cover the full cost of the event. Please express your thanks to our amazing staff by making a contribution in their honor.

Checks made out to Fort River PGO can be sent into the Main Office in an envelope or placed in the PGO cash box (ask Suzanne or Karen for location).

Click here for donation form in English
Click here for donation form in Spanish

More Field Day Volunteers Needed

Field Day is a school wide event that allows the entire school to get outside for sun and fun. In the morning, students will participate in field day activities together in multi-aged groups to build school unity across grades. Groups will rotate through a variety of outdoor and indoor activity stations on the fields, on the playground, and in the gym. This year, the afternoon will also be filled with community building games and activities.

Schedule:
9:00 am - 11:30 am: Grades K – 6 Field Day
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Picnic lunch & recess (bring your own or purchase cafeteria lunch)
1:00 - 3:10 pm: Afternoon elective activities

Field Day is an exciting day for students, and they have made many wonderful memories in previous years. Please consider volunteering to help make Field Day 2018 another huge success.

We will need lots of parent volunteers to fill a number of important roles. Parents can volunteer as an activity station worker or a group leader; parents can help set up or clean up.

Volunteers can sign up on the “Bring It” section of the Ft. River blog: (http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/ZR90d5H2bU8) or

by filling out the form below and leaving it in the PGO mailbox, or

by emailing the coordinators, Christine St. Laurent (cwstlaurent@gmail.com) or Tom St. Laurent (tomstlaurent.ht@gmail.com). 

Thank you and we are looking forward to seeing you on June 13th!

Field Day 2018 Spanish
Field Day 2018 English

AEF Stars in our Schools - Perfect Teacher/Staff Gift!

Recognize teachers and staff at the end of the year with a gift in their honor! 

Now is the time to let teachers and staff members know how much your appreciate their hard work, expertise, care, and dedication. 

You can strengthen our schools with a tax-deductible gift to Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) in a teacher’s or staff member’s name. AEF will deliver a personalized recognition card to your honoree/s. 

Please make your gift online or send your gift by mail by June 15 to guarantee delivery to honorees before their last day of the school year. As always, thank you for supporting public education and AEF, and thank you recognizing the Stars in Our Schools!

Click here to complete online gift form
Print PDF for mailing here

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here’s what educators say about Stars in Our Schools:

“Receiving a star is one of the most meaningful gifts to get. I love receiving these because I feel truly appreciated as a teacher, and I know that the donation people make is going back to a great organization that really supports our schools.” - ARMS Co-Assistant Principal and ELL Teacher Alicia Lopez

“I was really moved when I received some Stars in Our Schools cards in my mailbox indicating that the parents of some of my students had donated to AEF in my honor. AEF does very important work to support teachers and programs at ARMS, so a monetary gift is like thanking a teacher twice!” - ARMS Science Teacher Jennifer Welborn

“I have had the good fortune to be honored by parents and members of the Amherst community through their 'Stars in our Schools' donations to AEF. When making their donations, parents and relatives have commented specifically that they see their children singing with joy and self-confidence and that they have an appreciation for music of different world cultures. It is deeply satisfying to know that what we do in the schools gets carried out into the community.” - Fort River Elementary School Music Teacher Anne Louise White (retired 6/2017)

PGO Meeting on June 11 at 9 am

General PGO Meeting

Monday, June 11
9 - 10 am

Please join the PGO Board for our monthly meeting. All current Fort River parents and guardians are welcome! Parents of registered Kindergarteners or other newly enrolled students may also attend. Sign in at the Main Office to get directions to our meeting location.

New officers will be elected for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year (agenda item deferred from May). Please come if you'd like to be more involved in your child's school. Co-Officers can be appointed to a single position so that responsibilities are able to be shared. Budget, fundraising, grant proposals, and volunteer needs will also be discussed. The current Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications person (blog + social media + emails) are stepping down due to student graduations.

Small children are always welcome! We REALLY need more volunteers and help! Thanks for considering! 

Fort River Spring Orchestra and Band Concert on June 5 at 6:30 pm

The Fort River Winter Orchestra and Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, June 5, from 6:30 - 8 pm. Please refer to detailed instructions from our instrumental music teachers about expected arrival time (6 pm) and proper concert dress (black bottoms, white tops). All are welcome! Students: don't forget to practice!

Summer Garden Volunteers Needed - Orientation June 9

We are looking for support from families to help the school gardens have a healthy summer growing season!

Families are invited to join Leila and Jen for an on-site garden volunteer training at your school on Saturday, June 9.

Wildwood @ 9 am

Fort River @ 10:15 am

Crocker Farm @ 11:30 am

In the session (under an hour) you’ll become familiar with the garden space, learn about the plants we’re growing, and learn how to access and use the garden tools. The summer volunteer “work” is fun and kid-friendly! Families who help care for the gardens are also welcome to harvest from the gardens as certain crops become ready.

Sign-ups for summer weeks will take place at the orientation sessions. Volunteers will also be asked to sign a liability waiver, per district protocol. If you are interested in caring for the garden this summer, please complete this short form. Questions can be sent to Jennifer Reese at reesej@arps.org.