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.

Black Scholars Rising 2018 Flyer

Black Scholars Rising 2018 Flyer – Spanish

Black Scholars Rising 2018 Flyer – Portuguese

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!  

Flyer in Spanish

Flyer in English

ARPS Warm Winter Coat and Clothing Share

To help everyone stay warm this winter, the Amherst school parent & guardian organizations (PGOs) are collecting winter coats & other outerwear for students (preK through 12th grade) & families.

We are seeking donations of clean, gently-used winter outerwear in ALL sizes (especially student sizes)

* coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats
* jackets * gloves/mittens *scarves * snowsuits

AMHERST REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (ARHS) 21 Mattoon Street, 413-362-1700
Collection: Now through December 1st in the lobby
Distribution: Through the ARPS Family Center, November 20th into December

CROCKER FARM ELEMENTARY 280 West Street, 413-362-1600
Collection: Now until November 13th, in the lobby & at the preschool entrance
Distribution: November 14th, November 15th, November 16th

FORT RIVER ELEMENTARY 70 South East Street, 413-362-1200
Collection: Now until November 16th, in the lobby
Distribution: November 17th through November 29th (school days only)

WILDWOOD ELEMENTARY 71 Strong Street, 413-362-1400
Collection: Now until November 17th in the lobby
Distribution: November 20th through December 15th (school days only)

AMHERST REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL (ARMS) 170 Chestnut Street, 413-362-1800
Collection: November 6th through December 1st in the lobby & near the auditorium
Distribution: Through the ARPS Family Center, November 20th into December (as supplies last)

MANY THANKS for your donations. Thank you too to the businesses and community partners who are helping with this effort. Any winter clothing that is not given out at the schools will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center.

BASIC RIGHTS In Special Education Workshop on November 9

You are invited . . .BASIC RIGHTS In Special Education

Thursday, November 9, 2017.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

ARHS Library

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

This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities under:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Massachusetts Special Education Law
SEPAC: Basic Rights in Special Education

ARPS Autism Specialists Present Parent Training Series

Autism Specialists from Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools have put together an upcoming Parent Training Series that is not to be missed. Please have a look at the attached flyers (English and Spanish) for information on this informative five-part series. The first in the series is on October 18. 

Please RSVP one week prior to each event date: BloomenthalW@arps.org or (413) 362-1834

Click for flyer in English: ASD Parent Training Series English

Click for flyer in Spanish: ASD Parent Training Series Flyer Spanish

Community Dialogue Co-Sponsored by EmbraceRace and ARPS on September 18

Charlottesville and the threatened end of DACA are only the most recent in a

seemingly endless series of potentially traumatizing racialized developments. Come hear from--and share insights, observations, and concerns with--other caregivers

working to support children in trying times.

Date: Monday, September 18, 2017

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Library, Amherst Regional High School

If you plan to attend the September 18th parent/guardian event co-sponsored by ARPS and the organization Embrace Race and will need childcare, please remember to contact Debbie Westmoreland at 362-1823 or westmorelandd@arps.org no later than Wednesday, September 13.

Click here for a printable flyer: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-2bHm-1AjRfSGJmY2s1bWYxNUE

Community Dialogue Co-Sponsored by EmbraceRace and ARPS on September 18

All are invited to an important community dialogue co-sponsored by ARPS and the local organization Embrace Race. The event will focus on providing a space for conversation and connection concerning the role parents/guardians play in supporting their children's responses to, and experiences of, recent national events such as that which recently occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Please mark your calendars for Monday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. and join us in the High School Library for this important conversation. If you want to come but will need childcare, please contact Debbie Westmoreland at 362-1823 or westmorelandd@arps.org no later than Wednesday, September 13. 

Learn more about Embrace Race through these resources:
10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids about Race (Spanish)
10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids about Race (English)

11th Annual Latino Achievement Night (LAN) Friday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m at ARMS Auditorium

Under the direction of Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Michael Morris and Director of Family and Student Engagement, Dr. Marta Guevara and in keeping with the Social Justice Commitment of the Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools, the 11th Annual Latino Achievement Night aspires toward equity in opportunity, inclusion, respect and community-building in and out of the classroom. All families, friends, staff and community members are invited to attend.

The Latino Achievement Night was envisioned over 12 years ago by the members of the Latino Student Achievement Initiative. This group, comprised of district students, staff and community members, came together to explore ways to increase the academic achievement of students of Latino heritage. A series of recommendations was formulated to address this critical issue and strengthen the district’s’ efforts to support at-promise students. A resulting step was the creation of a community event celebrating the achievements of Latino Students paralleling the customs of Latin American countries.

All students of Latino heritage will be celebrated in this event and those in transition

years (K, 6, 8 and 12) will be highlighted for their academic achievement, leadership,

community spirit, progress and/or effort. The evening’s program will include spoken

word, music and dance presentations by students and staff of the Amherst/Pelham

Elementary Schools and the Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle/High School. In

addition, ARHS Seniors will be presented with a traditional graduation stole to be worn

over their robes at the graduation ceremony in June.

The evening’s featured speaker will be Dr. Carmen Cosme. Dr. Cosme obtained her PhD

in Hispanic Languages and Linguistics from the Dept. of Languages, Literatures and

Cultures at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently the VELA

after-school program coordinator in our Middle School.

Please contact Mildred Martinez at 413 362-1871 with any questions or concerns.

First Day Celebration is Tuesday, August 30, at 5pm on the Town Common

Save the Date!

The Amherst Regional Public Schools (ARPS) First Day Celebration is on Tuesday, August 30, on the Amherst Town Common (rain location ARHS Cafeteria) from 5 - 6:30 p.m.

For more info, contact:

Carol Ross, Amherst Together

rossc@arps.org

www.amhersttogether.org

Nominations Sought for 2016-2017 ARPS Community-Building Award

The annual ARPS Community-Building Award honors two Amherst, Pelham or Amherst-Pelham Regional School District employees who "have helped to foster a sense of belonging among students and have helped to build bridges of understanding and acceptance among them."  

Awardees for the 2015-2016 school year were George Graiff, Pelham Custodian, and Kimberly Stender, Community Liaison.  

Nominations for 2016-2017 will be accepted at any time until June 30, 2016.  More information about the award criteria is available here and nomination forms are available here.

5th Annual ARPS Latino Achievement Night

The 5th Annual Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools Latino Achievement Night will be celebrated on May 20, 2011 at Amherst Regional Middle School, 170 Chestnut Street. The event will begin at 6:30pm and all families, friends, staff and community members are invited to attend.

Under the direction of Superintendent of Schools, Maria Geryk and Director of Interventions & ELE, Dr. Marta Guevara, and in keeping with the Social Justice Commitment of the Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools, the 5th Annual ARPS Latino Achievement Night aspires toward equity of opportunity, inclusion, respect and community-building in and out of the classroom.

“Latino Achievement Night was envisioned 6 years ago with the establishment of the Latino Initiative. Data revealed that Latinos were performing at lower levels than other students in the districts,” states Dr. Marta Guevara. “A series of recommendations was formulated to address this critical issue and close the achievement gap. A resulting step was the creation of a community event celebrating the achievements of Latino students paralleling the customs of Latin American countries.”

Latino students in grades K, 6, 8 and 12 are recognized for academic achievement, community spirit, effort, leadership and progress and receive Certificates of Excellence.

In addition, Amherst Police Department Sergeant Jesus Arocho will be honored for his achievements and commitment to the community. Many dignitaries and special guests will be on hand to join in the celebration which will feature music and dance performances by elementary, middle and high school students. Refreshments will also be served.

Superintendent of Schools, Maria Geryk states, “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our Latino students in such a wonderful way – with family and friends and the greater Amherst community.”


Please contact Mildred Martinez www.martinezm2@arps.org or call 362-1871 with any questions or concerns.

The mission of the Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools is to create a dynamic learning community where students and staff work together and where all students are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential in their intellectual, creative, social and civic endeavors. With parent and community participation, staff and students strive to ensure a safe environment and to promote respect and appreciation for the diversity of individuals, cultures and learning styles.

Amherst Math Action Plan

The long awaited math plan is now available and posted on the ARPS website at http://www.arps.org/node/2819.

This plan was discussed at both the Regional and Amherst meetings last week (which you can watch on ACTV) and there is a brief article in this week's Bulletin about the Regional SC's discussion of the plan: http://amherstbulletin.com/story/id/200871/.

Second, there will be a public forum on elementary math on Tuesday, March 22nd, at 7 pm in Town Hall.

This is your chance to share your thoughts about the math action plan with the SC and superintendent. All those who care about math in Amherst should read the report and come with their thoughts and questions!

Math Night

Members of the community are invited to Math Night, a presentation by consultant Dr. Andrew Chen, at 6:30 pm on Monday, November 1st in the ARMS auditorium. Dr. Chen will present preliminary findings from the K12 Math Review.

Public Forums on Redistricting and the School Budget

Public forums have been scheduled to discuss the budget problems facing the Amherst public schools. Representatives from the Superintendent's Office and the School Committee will be holding forums to discuss the potential impact of two possible scenarios for upcoming school years. These scenarios are: reducing the number of elementary schools to three by closing Marks Meadow School (and redistricting the remaining schools) or keeping the current four schools. The possible impact of each option on the budget will be discussed. Please plan on attending one of the the forums. The same information will be provided at each. From the ARPS website:

Public Forums Set Regarding Potential Redistricting of Amherst Public Schools Home

At their March 17th meeting, the Amherst School Committee made a motion to close Marks Meadow Elementary School at the end of the 2009-2010 school year and redistrict to create three elementary schools with proportionate numbers of children on free/reduced lunch for the start of the 2010-2011 school year. The following public meetings are scheduled to provide the community with opportunities to hear more about the educational and budgetary impact of redistricting, as well as to ask questions and provide feedback:

• Wednesday, April 29th at 12:00 Noon: Wildwood PGO/Wildwood Community (WW location TBA)
• Wednesday, April 29th at 5:00 p.m.: Fort River PGO/FR Community (FR location TBA)
• Thursday, April 30th at 5:00 p.m.: Crocker Farm PGO/CF Community (CF library)
• NOTE: The Marks Meadow PGO/MM Community date is still being finalized. It will be posted ASAP.
• Tuesday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m.: Community-Wide Forum (Middle School auditorium)

The Amherst School Committee plans to take a vote on the redistricting motion at their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19th. Redistricting is not an agenda topic for their regular meeting next Tuesday, April 14th.

What To Read When: A Evening with Author Pam Allyn

The Amherst Public School District is pleased to announce that Pam Allyn, distinguished author, will be visiting the district on Monday, May 4th at 5:30 P.M. at Crocker Farm Elementary School. Childcare will be available WHAT TO READ WHEN mirrors the cycle of childhood—the occasions big and small that offer opportunities for parents to bond most with their children. Allyn's advice is essential because she helps us to take into account a child's age, attention ability, gender, and interests as we choose among the hundreds of wonderful books to read. Pam celebrates the capacity of children's literature to enlighten, entertain, and inform. Her goal is to make it easier for children to have transforming moments with books by helping parents and educators find and read with them just the right books at just the right times. WHAT TO READ WHEN is a must-have guidebook for creating and sustaining a lifelong love of reading. About the Author: Pam Allyn is the Executive Director of LitLife, a national organization specializing in innovative literacy education programs for schools and families. Pam is also the Founding Director of LitWorld, which brings the power of stories to the world's most vulnerable children. Pam is the author of The Complete 4 for Literacy, a guide for educators, and coauthor of the six-book series The Complete Year in Reading and Writing. She is the recipient of several awards for her commitment to childhood literacy. Pam is widely known as a motivational speaker on the subject of raising lifelong readers and writers.