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

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. 

Around the World at Fort River this Thursday April 27 at 6pm - ALL Welcome!

 

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

6 p.m. Potluck Dinner/Cena compartida “Potluck Dinner”

6-7 p.m. View posters and art/Ver carteles y arte

7:15 p.m. Performances/Actuaciones:

Grupo Folklorico Tradiciones

Cambodian After-School Group/Grupo Camboyano Después de Escuela

Marie Weber on Irish Fiddle/Marie Weber en el violín irlandés

And More!!/¡Y más!!

Please join in by representing your own heritage or choose to explore a culture not your own.  Bring a dish to share and/or use the time over April break to create a poster or art display. (See poster samples above.  Posters can be as simple or complex as you wish.)

Únase a nosotros representando su propia herencia o elija explorar una cultura que no sea la suya. Traiga un plato para compartir y / o usar el tiempo durante el descanso de abril para crear un cartelón o exhibición de arte. Los cartelones pueden ser tan simples o complejos como desee.)

Questions or Ideas?  Need a poster for the project?  E-mail Deborah_christakos@yahoo.com

Preguntas o Ideas? ¿Necesita un cartelón para el proyecto? Correo electrónico Deborah_christakos@yahoo.com

#artcontinues Private Painting Party for Fort River Grown-Ups and Friends on March 9 at 6:30pm

Fun times just for grown ups! Be a kid again at this one-of-a-kind FUNdraiser!

Fort River parents, guardians, extended family, teachers, staff, and friends are welcome at our very own adults only #artcontinues Private Painting Party with retired Fort River art teacher Teri Magner on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30pm. Teri supplies paint, canvas, and everything you need for a successful evening of painting, laughs, and relaxation! The painting is Forest of Beech Trees by Gustav Klimt, original shown.

Attendance is capped at 45 and we expect the evening to sell out. Please purchase your tickets ASAP by completing the order form at the top of the flyer and sending it in to the Main Office with payment. Flyers will go home in backpacks and extra copies are available in the Main Office, or click here to print your own (only print page 2 - order form at top): https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-2bHm-1AjRfNk1SUC1MWkZuZ0E

Checks should be made out to "Fort River PGO". Tickets are $35 per person. Email receipt of your order will confirm purchase and reservation; no paper tickets will be distributed. Check-in at event. No refunds available, however tickets may be transferable with advance notice. Please contact ftriver@gmail.com with questions.

The PGO is so fortunate to be able to co-host this evening with Teri in the beautiful new AmherstWorks space at 11 Amity Street in downtown Amherst. #artcontinues events are BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage); glassware is provided. Light snacks and desserts will be available with donations encouraged. All FUNdraising profit from ticket sales and donations will support curriculum and classroom needs at Fort River. 

______________

#artcontinues is a labor of love that began in 2013, after Teri Magner retired from teaching art in the Amherst schools. Teri promotes art learning for all ages and all skill levels and also offers private painting or drawing events and fundraisers in the Pioneer Valley. You can schedule your own private event NOW! Learn more at http://terimagner.com #artcontinues and AmherstWorks are both members of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Other wine & painting classes may have wine and painting supplies, but what they lack is Teri. Her tried and true teaching methods are simply the best!” - Jane Mellor

Family Math & Pi Night on Tuesday, March 14 from 6:00 -7:30 pm

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

Family Math & Pi Night - Math is everywhere!

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

6:00 -7:30 pm

Escuela Elemental de Fort River presenta un evento para toda la escuela patrocinado por Título 1 y PGO

Noche Familiar de Matemáticas y  Pi - ¡Matemáticas en todos lados!

Martes, 14 de marzo del 2017

6:00 -7:30 pm

Pie silent auction to benefit 5th grade Boston trip

“Play and Take” Math Games

la subasta silenciosa de torta en beneficio del viaje a Boston

del 5º grado Juegos de Matemáticas "jugar y tener" 

Pizza dinner and introduction in the cafeteria: 6:00-6:30

Math games and silent auction throughout school: 6:30-7:15
Grand prize raffle in the main lobby: 7:15-7:30

Cena de pizza y la introducción en la cafetería: 6:00-6:30

Juegos de matemáticas y la subasta silenciosa a través de la escuela: 6:30-7:15

Sorteo del gran premio en el vestíbulo principal: 7:15-7:30

*Buses will pick up Mill Valley @ 5:30, Rolling Green @ 5:40, and Colonial @5:50 and drop off after the event

* Los autobuses recogerán en Mill Valley a las 5:30 p.m., Rolling Green @ 5:40 p.m. y Colonial @ 5:50 p.m. y los regresará después del evento

Click here to volunteer or donate pies: http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/GIFmGhcAWlQ

Flyer: https://drive.google.com/open?id=16CuNoDaIHRQJ2R5doz2G70uzVmQ7dPbEsMru5QfsnIEhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=16CuNoDaIHRQJ2R5doz2G70uzVmQ7dPbEsMru5QfsnIE

ARPS Warm Winter Clothing Share - DONATE NOW

The Amherst school PGOs are joining together again this year to collect winter clothing for distribution to school and community families.  We are seeking donations of clean, gently used items in all sizes (both kids and adults), including:  coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and snowsuits.  

Donations may be dropped off at any school now through Thursday, December 2 (look for the big box in the lobby).

Distribution for Fort River families will take place through December 5 - 8 from 8:30am to 3pm. Please contact sarah.fortriver@gmail.com with questions.

Fort River Library Display Features Books Purchased by PGO

Fort River Librarian Fran Ludington submitted this photo of an Open House display featuring books purchased using PGO donations. Thanks to all in our community who support the PGO so we can enrich the collection for our school library!

T-shirt Orders Due Wednesday, September 14th

Show your school spirit! Back by popular demand, the PGO is selling Fort River T-shirts in child and adult sizes. Order forms will be sent home with students this week. Please look for your form and consider buying a Fort River T-shirt if possible. The low pricing hopefully makes them accessible to all families. They also make great gifts for grandparents and older siblings! Thank you for making this a huge success!  

Save the Date! School-Wide Welcome Back Potluck on September 21

Join families and staff to celebrate the new school year at Fort River! 

Our Welcome Back Potluck will be held on Wednesday, September 21. We will gather in the cafeteria and behind the school from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The rain date is Thursday, September 22. 

Bring the whole family (including alumni!) and socialize with old friends while meeting new families. Sign up information and details to follow soon!

New Gift Card Fundraiser - Perfect for Teacher Gifts and Holiday Shopping - Details Coming Soon

This year the PGO is happy to offer a new fundraiser - Gift Cards! 

How does it work? You purchase Gift Cards for your favorite local and national retailers through the PGO. For every card purchased the PGO gets a contribution (amount varies by retailer). 

More details coming shortly. For now, please hold off on any holiday gift card purchases until you have an opportunity to consider this effortless new fundraiser. Thanks!

PLEASE Send in Winter Clothing for those in Need! Collecting NOW, Distributing on 11/12 and 11/13

The Fort River PGO's annual winter clothing collection is ongoing.  Now is a great time to go through closets and find coats/jackets, snowpants, boots, mittens, scarves, and hats that your family has outgrown or you no longer need. Please drop off clean items in good condition in the collection box in the lobby. All sizes are wanted, including infant/toddler and adult. 

All school and community families will be welcome to take whatever they need. Fort River PGO is working together with other ARPS PGOs and schools to share warm winter clothes among as many students and families as possible, and we also have community partners assisting with the clothing collections.  Distribution dates for Fort River will be on November 12 and 13. Please help if you can! Thank you!

Save the Date! Fort River Reads!

Save the Date! Thursday, December 8

The second annual Fort River Reads evening book fair event will take place on Thursday, December 8. The evening will feature delicious chili made by the new Lumber Yard Restaurant in town, book related crafts, special guest readers, and much more. This is a great community event and gives families a chance to check out the Scholastic Book Fair offerings. Details will follow, be sure to mark your calendars and plan to come!

We Want YOU!

Volunteering for the PGO is a great way to get to know people in the Fort River community while supporting our kids' education. Please take a moment to review the list of activities, committees, and events planned for the upcoming year. There is a volunteer interest form at the end of the list or you can email any PGO officers with questions.   

There are MANY jobs, both big and small, and they are all important. We hope you can find a way to participate and show your support to the school!

Click here to view the list

 

PGO Activities and Events

The following is a list of PGO activities and events, as well as contact information for coordinator(s).
To volunteer or find out more, contact the coordinator(s) or Pam Rietkerk (pam.fortriver@gmail.com).

Room Parents
Room parents plan a class potluck, check in with the teacher monthly to see what is needed (snacks, class/field trip volunteers, supplies, etc.) and update the online teacher wish-lists accordingly. They may also organize an end of year class gift in June. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact: Michele Spirko at michele.fortriver@gmail.com.

Student Directory
The student directory is an invaluable resource! Volunteers follow up with local businesses who have previously placed ads, compile student data, and arrange for the directory to be copied and distributed at school. Volunteers are particularly needed to help edit the directory corrections in early September and contact our friendly advertisers. Coordinator: Dror Schmerling (dshmerling@yahoo.com) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Savings Makes “Cents”
This program encourages savings habits and goal setting. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria with help from parent volunteers (or directly at the bank). Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited—and after 10 deposits, the Bank will deposit $1.00 into the account. Coordinator: Nat Larson (nc.larson@gmail.com) Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED !

Cultural Enrichment Coordinator
This volunteer notifies teachers of local cultural events (UMASS, Shea Theatre, etc), orders tickets that teachers’ request, and completes (easy) paperwork for grant reimbursement. This is a September/early October job. Coordinator: Dorie Goldman (goldman.dorie@gmail.com)

Family Fair  
The Family Fair helps welcome everyone back to school. The 6th graders create and run games, and/or sell food. The 6th grade teachers work the fair into the beginning of the year assignments, and help on the day of the fair (Mr. Wallace is a key contact!). This coordinator arranges for pizza delivery, purchases drinks for sale, requests food from families, and organizes parents at the fair (set up, clean up, helping the kids serve food). One 5th grade parent and one 6th grade parent volunteer are needed. This is a short term, early September job. Coordinators: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) and Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com).

School Pictures  
The coordinator works to schedule Picture Day and communicates with teachers, families and parent volunteers. Coordinator: Carol Slaughter (CSlaughter143@aol.com).

Book Fair
This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality books at affordable prices and provides funds for our library. This week-long event takes place in early December. This committee makes arrangements to have the books delivered, staffs the book fair, and handles the final payment to the book companies. This project needs many volunteers! Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net), Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED!

Fall Festival (the “Halloween Party”)
This event, which is usually held the Friday before Halloween, is a fun-filled evening featuring a costume parade, games and crafts, and food. This committee recruits and coordinates volunteers to help plan and run the events, and work on set up and clean up. Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)

International Fair
This event is an international potluck/community building event in late May featuring talents of Fort River students.  Coordinator: Rebecca Fricke (fricke@crocker.com)

6th Grade Graduation  
This committee is in charge of making sure this day is special for all the 6th grade children. The coordinator(s) of this event organize the sixth grade parents to decorate the gym and set up all the other events surrounding graduation (slide show, food for the reception, class gift, etc.)
Coordinators: Lisa Oram and Steve Brown (lo@lisaoram.com)

Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon  
This is a great way to say “thank you” to all the people who take care of our kids. This committee finds a restaurant and works with the manager to set a date and menu, sends invitations to all staff asking for menu choices, collects RSVPs and gives meal counts to the restaurant, and keeps in contact with the restaurant to make sure that everything is on track! Coordinator: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com)  and Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).