Fort River PGO, Fort River School, Amherst, Massachusetts. Your source for Fort River news and events. Sponsored by the Fort River Parent Guardian Organization. All Fort River families are automatically members of the PGO.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Box Tops for Education
Traditional Box Tops clips are being
phased out of production, but may continue to be found on many products
that you buy regularly. Please look through your cabinets! You can still clip and send them to school.Every valid Box Tops clip is worth 10¢ for Fort River. Make sure each one has a clearly visible product acronym and expiration date.
Please send them in an envelope to the Fort River PGO.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Amherst Leisure Services Strategic Plan
Amherst Leisure Services & Supplemental Education (LSSE) is working
on a new strategic plan! The plan will be based on a shared community
vision that sets priorities and prepares us for the future.
If you live in or around Amherst, we want to hear from you about which community recreation and education programs you value most, and how we can better meet you and your family's needs. This survey is for anybody in the greater Amherst area who is interested in athletics, fitness or education programs. It doesn't matter if you've participated in programs or activities offered by LSSE in the past.
The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, and is completely anonymous. Please fill it out for yourself and your household, including any children under the age of 18. Youth ages 18 and up are encouraged to fill out their own survey.
If you live in or around Amherst, we want to hear from you about which community recreation and education programs you value most, and how we can better meet you and your family's needs. This survey is for anybody in the greater Amherst area who is interested in athletics, fitness or education programs. It doesn't matter if you've participated in programs or activities offered by LSSE in the past.
The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, and is completely anonymous. Please fill it out for yourself and your household, including any children under the age of 18. Youth ages 18 and up are encouraged to fill out their own survey.
AEF Stars in Our Schools
At the Amherst Education Foundation, we are excited to announce the return of Stars in Our Schools!
Make a donation in an educator’s name, and they will receive a card from AEF indicating that you supported AEF in their honor. Stars in Our Schools is a great way to give a gift that contributes to the schools and that is in compliance with the law that forbids public employees from receiving gifts valued at more than $50.00.
Click here to make your gift! You can honor multiple teachers at once—each one will receive a personalized card!
Please make your gift by December 18 to ensure pre-holiday delivery. As always, thank you for supporting public education and the work of the Amherst Education Foundation. Click here if you prefer to print out a paper copy of the form. Completed forms can be mailed with a check made out to "Amherst Education Foundation, Inc." and sent to PO Box 1363, Amherst, MA 01004-1363.
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Amherst Winter Hat Sale!
Crocker Farm's 6th grade is selling Amherst winter hats to help fund their end of 6th grade field trip & help make it affordable for all (these are the same hats that the Crocker Farm 6th grade sold four years ago, back now by popular demand).
The hats are warm, one size fits most (adults & kids) & for $10/each, you can't beat the price.
They make great gifts, or buy one (or more) for yourself.
Orders are due by next Wed, Dec 4th, for delivery before the December break. Orders from families outside of Crocker Farm happily accepted. To order, please email Tracy (Crocker Farm parent) at tmz23@zafian.com.
A 21st Century Nutcracker
Join The Center Dance (including many dancers from Fort River!) in Amherst on Sunday, December 15th for an exciting spin on a wintertime classic! It’s A 21st Century Nutcracker – dance styles from across the globe (and right next door!) set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
Curtains will rise in the Amherst Regional High School auditorium at 1PM and 5PM.
Tickets are available online or, beginning 11/25, at The Center Dance Studio. (general admission is $15, seniors/students/children 12 and under are $10). Tickets may be purchased at ARHS on the day of the show; cash or check only.
Winter clothing drive - Distribution
Distribution
is this week - Wednesday, December 4 through Friday, December 6 - in
Room 11 during normal school hours, so please come by and select items
that your
kids need to stay warm this winter! You don’t have to have brought
anything to participate.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school: 413-362-1200, or the Fort River PGO: ftriver@gmail.com.
============================
La
colección de ropa de invierno terminó el 26 de noviembre, y pudimos
recoger una variedad de artículos diferentes en varios tamaños. ¡Gracias
a todos los que
pudieron compartir!
La
distribución es esta semana, del miércoles 4 al viernes 6 de diciembre,
en el salón 11 durante el horario escolar normal, ¡así que venga y
seleccione los artículos
que sus hijos necesitan para abrigarse este invierno! No tienes que
haber traído nada para participar.
Cualquier pregunta o duda, por favor comuníquese con la escuela: 413-362-1200, o con la PGO de Fort River: ftriver@gmail.com.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Around the World - THANK YOU!
The Around the World was held last Thursday - what a WONDERFUL evening! We had the best potluck in the world with lots of culture/project booths, and a variety of amazing
performances! We are so glad so MANY families and teachers attended this event and a big thank you to EVERYONE who brought the most diverse and delicious gathering Fort River has ever seen!
Thanks so much to our fabulous committee: Yoosun Park, Jumee Lee and Sylvia Fisher. So many folks gave a helping hand to set up, clean up and coordinate this event. THANK YOU!!
Please provide any feedback about the event to Yoosun Park (yoosun82@gmail.com).
Friday, November 15, 2019
Girls on the Run - Coach(es) Needed!
We are looking for volunteer coaches to support this team. Coaches do not need to be runners.
Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a unique 10 week (twice weekly) after-school program led by trained coaches who lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-5th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. Each season culminates with a Girls on the Run 5K event. This
celebratory, non-competitive event provides girls with a sense of accomplishment and instills the
value of goal setting at a young age.
More information will be coming about the program. Registration will open in January, partial and full financial aid will be available.
Interested in coaching? Looking for more information? Please contact Molly Hoyt, GOTR Program Director, molly.hoyt@girlsontherun.org or Abby Mahoney, Community Outreach Coordinator, abby.mahoney@girlsontherun.org.
Jones Library Volunteer Opportunity
Sharon Sharry, Library Director
The Jones Library, 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA 01002
sharrys@joneslibrary.org
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Starlight Youth Theater
STARLIGHT’S YOUTH THEATRE MUSICAL THEATER REGISTRATION NOW
OPEN
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND
THE BEAST JR. students Grades 2-6
Registration now open: https://www.starlights-youth-
Come join the fun November 16, 2019 for a Registration
Workshop 9:00-9:40am at Mapleridge Community Center, 659 Amherst Road,
Sunderland. Singing, dancing and pick up materials. Regular class
begins January 11, 2020. Show in early April 2020. Limited Space! Sign up
today.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
JR. Students Grades 7-12
Registration open now: https://www.starlights-youth-
Auditions will be held November 16, 2019 9:45-11:00 am at Mapleridge Community Center,
659 Amherst Road, Sunderland. Please prepare 34 bars of music. Please select a song from the show or another
musical that will show not only your vocal ability but your personality. You do not have to audition to sign up for
the class as there are many characters that do not have solos. Class/Rehearsal
begins January 18, 2020. Show date to be announced May 2020.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Experience Indian Culture at Amherst Ballet
Amherst Ballet is hosting a free Indian Dance Workshop led by Ms. Monica Bhowmik as the first of its World Dance Workshop series. The workshop will start with a short lecture on Indian culture and dance by Prof. Ranjanaa Devi, the former director of the Asian Arts and Culture Program of Fine Arts Center, UMass. At the end of the workshop, participants will be treated to a reception featuring Indian cuisine.
Date and Time: Saturday, November 16 2:00-4:00 pm
Location: Amherst Ballet (29 Strong Street, Amherst)
For more information, visit www.amherstballet.org, email info@amherstballet.org, or call (413) 549-1555
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Try Hockey for Free day!
The Amherst Hockey Association will also be having a used gear sale (skates of all sizes and used hockey gear), as well as new helmets. More information can be found at http://www.amhersthockey.org
Friday, November 1, 2019
Gift Cards on sale now!
Buy Gift Cards from the Fort River PGO!
The PGO will be 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.)
Look for an order form in your child's backpack! Orders are due on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14th! Checks made payable to Fort River PGO.
Click here for an order form
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Box Tops for Education - Send them by Thursday, Oct 31!
Please take a look through your cupboards and send clip any Box Tops for education. Some common items that you may have: Annie's crackers, Pillsbury dough, Nestle water, Cheerios and other General Mills cereals, Nature Valley granola bars, Lysol/Scott/Hefty/Ziploc products, and many more. The full list of products can be found here: http://www.boxtops4education.com/Participating-Products-Page.Every valid Box Top earns Fort River $0.10! The first submission deadline for the year is this Thursday, October 31.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Amherst Leisure Services Community Meetings
Amherst Leisure Services has
partnered with the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute to
carry
out a recreational programming needs assessment and comprehensive
strategic plan. The final plan will provide the department with a
vision, mission and strategic direction for the next three to five
years. Information gathered from the community will be a
vital part of this process. Participation via surveys and
community-wide input gathering/visioning sessions is crucial. Join a Community Meeting on either Tuesday, 10/29 at 6:30 PM at Crocker
Farm Elementary School Cafeteria or Thursday, 11/21
at 5:30 PM at Wildwood Elementary School Cafeteria.
Winter clothing drive
The
Fort River PGO’s Annual Winter Coat & Outdoor Clothing Exchange
will run from Monday, October 28 through Tuesday, November 26. Bring in
items you no longer need to share with others - the donation box is in
the lobby.
Items will be available for you to choose from in Room 11 from December 4 to December 6. You do not have to bring in items to
take anything home. The items that you or your child choose are yours to
keep.
If
you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school: 413-362-1200, or
the Fort River PGO: ftriver@gmail.com.
---
La PGO de Fort River tendrá su intercambio
anual de abrigos de invierno y ropa exterior entre lunes, el 28 de octubre, y martes, el 26 de noviembre.
Traigan artículos que ya no necesitan para compartir
con otros - la caja de donativos estará en el vestíbulo.
Pueden elijar artículos para mantenerse bien abrigado
este invierno en Sala 11 entre
el 4–6 de diciembre. No es necesario traer artículos para llevárselos
a casa. Los artículos que usted o su hijo escoge son suyos para guardar.
Cualquier pregunta o duda, por favor comuníquese
con la escuela: 413-362-1200, o con la PGO de Fort River: ftriver@gmail.com.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Election Day Bake Sale
Sign up here to bake or work!
Please contact Lisa if you have any questions: lasolowiej@gmail.com
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Amherst Nordic - meet an Olympian!
Thursday, November 7 @ 7pm
Amherst Regional High School Library
Amherst Regional High School Library
John Morton is a two-time Olympic biathlete (’72 and ’76) and has been USA Team Leader and Chief of Course at other Olympic Winter Games. A native of Walpole, NH, he skied for Middlebury and, after a tour in the Army and an Olympic / World Cup racing career, was Head Coach of the Dartmouth Men’s Ski Team for 11 years. Since 1989 he has established himself as one of the pre-eminent trail designers in the world and has worked for ski areas and schools such as Trapp Family Lodge, Rikert, Jackson (NH) and Dartmouth. John will share his experiences as an elite-level biathlete and coach, offer his thoughts on the different aspects of Nordic skiing from touring to racing and illustrate state-of-the-art trail design principles and projects. Young, old, novice, and expert skiers alike will glean insights from his talk. Come with questions; he looks forward to engaging with the audience.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Contact: Sanjay Arwade srarwade@gmail.com
PGO Pizza Meeting - School Committee Candidate Meet & Greet
Monday, October 21st in the Fort River Cafeteria
6-6:45 Meet & Greet
6:45-7:30 PGO Meeting
Click here to RSVP
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Open House
The PGO will also have a table - and t-shirts will be available for sale!
Bus transportation is available. Pick up times and locations are:
5:30 Mill Valley office, 5:40 Center of Colonial Village, 5:50 Rolling green office.
The bus will depart Fort River at 7:00 for the return trip.
Around the World celebration
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria
Around the World is back in 2019! Come and enjoy the cultural diversity.
If you can share some poster displays, photos, artifacts, games, crafts, costumes, performances, or you want to set up a table/booth dedicated to your culture, please contact Yoosun Park (yoosun82@gmail.com). We welcome any genre, from music and dances to martial arts, crafts, etc. at any skill levels.
We also welcome volunteers who want to help with anything!
We need lots of international food to have a fun and successful event!
Please sign up: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/PJys7XGIA4A
Please help us make this event interesting, educational, and most importantly, FUN!
Friday, October 4, 2019
Picture Day
Fort River Picture Day is Tuesday, October 15!
In addition to providing
keepsakes of your children for family and friends, Grynn & Barrett
donates a percentage of sales to Fort River School.
All students will be photographed for the yearbook and will receive a class picture free of charge.
CLASS PICTURES: Group photos of your child’s class will be taken on Picture Day. These will be provided FREE to all families.
ORDERING A PICTURE PACKAGE: Please read the order form carefully, fill out completely and return with payment to your child’s teacher by Friday, October 11. If you do not wish to order a package, please write your child's name and "No Package" on the form and return it.
LATE ORDERS: Every student photographed on Picture Day
will be able to order additional pictures, packages and merchandise
through the Grynn & Barrett website.Proceeds from picture orders go to support school field trips throughout the year.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, to help direct students to their photos.
Sign up to help at: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/rz4Ebb8jwIc
Questions? contact ftriver@gmail.com.
This is a very fun volunteer opportunity!
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Girls Hockey Weekend and Gear Sale
Register here: https://forms.gle/
(registration will also be required with USA Hockey - a link will be sent to registered participants and paper copies will be available at the event)
AHA will also be hosting a gear sale at the same time - tons of skates available in all sizes, as well as other hockey gear.
Friday, September 27, 2019
LSSE Programs Fall and Winter
Youth Swim Lessons ages 5-14 on Tuesdays & Thursdays starting 10/22
Amherst Youth Basketball Players Clinic for grades K-8
Saturday, 10/19 with the ARHS Basketball coaching staff.
Girls’ – 10:00am – 12:00pm
Boys’ – 1:00-3:00pm
$5
fee on site, no pre-registration required.
Suburban Basketball League Tryouts –
Wed. 10/23 - Boys grades 5/6 - 5:30-7:00pm, grades 7/8 – 7:00-8:30pmThurs. 10/24 - Girls grades 5/6 - 5:30-7:00pm, grades 7/8 – 7:00-8:30pm
Sat. 10/26 - Girls grades 5/6 - 10:00-11:30am, grades 7/8 – 11:30am-1:00pm
Boys grades 5/6 – 1:00-2:30pm, grades 7/8 – 2:30-4:00pm
Amherst Youth Basketball (AYBL) for girls and boys, grades k-12.
Jamboree on 12/14/19, Games begin 1/4/20
Amherst Ballet
At Amherst Ballet, various dance classes are offered for students of all levels from ages four and up. Classes are taught by notable instructors including Junichi Fukuda (internationally active choreographer), Madeleine Bonn (Jose Mateo principal dancer), Stephanie Shumway (Deerfield
Academy faculty member), and Jennifer Bennett (Co-director of Hatchery, the School for
Contemporary Dance and Thought).
Academy faculty member), and Jennifer Bennett (Co-director of Hatchery, the School for
Contemporary Dance and Thought).
Visit www.amherstballet.org and schedule a free trial class today!
For more information, email info@amherstballet.org
For more information, email info@amherstballet.org
Friday, September 20, 2019
Family Fun Fair
FORT RIVER FUN FAIR
Fort River School Playground
Thursday, September 26, 2019
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Fort River School Playground
Thursday, September 26, 2019
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Please join the Fort River Community in celebrating the start of the new school year! Take a night off from cooking and have the 6th graders entertain your kids! The 6th graders will be selling pizza, drinks & dessert to raise funds for field trips and graduation activities. They will also organize fun games for the younger kids.
Thank you for your support and see you Thursday!
Children's Learning, Language & Development Study Opporunity
The Cognitive Neuroscience Group at the MGH
Institute of Health Professions in Boston is recruiting children between
the ages of 8 and 12 years to participate in research studies funded by
the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National
Institute of Health (NIH).
Study 1. 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. More information can be found at: https://clinicaltrials.
Study 2. The purpose of the study is to evaluate
the learning patterns of children with typical and atypical language
development. The study will involve 2 visits to the lab at the MGH
Institute of Health Professions. 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. A visit will last about 3 hours. A week after the second lab
visit your child will be asked to complete follow
up tasks on a home computer or a mobile device. We are looking for
children who were late to develop language, and who still receive
services for language or learning difficulties. More information can be
found at:
https://rally.partners.org/
Payment is $60 for each in-person visit to the lab. 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.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
ARPS Homecoming and Spirit Week
Amherst Regional Public Schools
Homecoming & Spirit Week
Stay tuned for Spirit Week Activities in next week's newsletter!
Monday, September 23 - dress by the color of your grade:
Fort River School Building Committee
The Fort River School Building Committee will present its final report to the Amherst School Committee and Amherst Town Council on September 17, 2019 at 6pm in the Town Room at Amherst Town Hall.
Please join the designers, TSKP Studio, as they provide information on the variety of options explored for multiple enrollments using a range of new construction versus addition/renovation, and various approaches to sustainable building. Cost information and strategies for complying with the Town of Amherst’s zero net energy bylaw will also be discussed.
The full final report will be available at https://www.amherstma.gov/3379/Fort-River-School-Building-Committee and at the Jones Library after September 17, 2019.
