Volunteers Needed for Assistant Principal Interview Team

Attention Families! 

If you would like to participate on the interview team for the Assistant Principal search, please email ftriver@gmail.com. Provide your name, the age(s)/grade(s) of your student(s), and a brief explanation about why you would like to serve on the Search Committee. You must be available for the FULL DAY on March 23 from 8 am - 4:30 pm (no exceptions) and possibly also on March 26.

There will be opportunities for the entire community to provide feedback on finalist candidates at forums and in writing in late March. Questions about process should be directed to Ms. Chamberlain. Click here to read her letter to the Fort River community. Thank you! 

Diane Chamberlain Named Fort River Principal

After a national search with many talented applicants, Dr. Morris named Diane Chamberlain as the permanent Principal at Fort River School. 

Congratulations Ms. Chamberlain! Click here for coverage from the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

A Window into ARPS featuring Ms. Chamberlain!

In a recent episode of A Window into ARPS, Superintendent Michael Morris speaks with two beloved ARPS educators, Fort River Principal Diane Chamberlain and Crocker Farm Principal Derek Shea, about the culture of teaching at their elementary schools. Don't miss it! Both principals share several anecdotes highlighting the exciting work and play that our youngest learners experience each day. 

In A Window into ARPS, Amherst Regional Public School Superintendent Mike Morris introduces the new and veteran educators within the ARPS system. Episodes are archived at Amherst Media.

Peanut and Tree Nut Policy

For the safety of all students and staff please review this important allergy aware policy.

Allergy Aware Policy

New School Safety Signs!

Have you seen the new School Zone signs along East Street near Fort River?

The PGO would like to thank to all parents who voiced concern over this important issue. This was a team effort and many thanks go to Principal Chamberlain for her leadership, Town Manager Paul Bockelman for his efficient plan of action, the Select Board for their approval, and the staff at the DPW for their hard work. 

As a reminder to all who travel through this busy area of town, the speed limit is 20 mph during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Thank you for keeping our community safe!

Principal Finocchio Announces Departure from Fort River

Last Friday Principal Finocchio announced that she would be leaving Fort River on June 30th of this year. We are extremely sad to see her go and wish her the best! We will share any details about the search for her replacement as they become available. 
Announcement from Principal Finocchio:
April 1, 2016
Dear Families, 
I write this letter to inform you that as of June 30, 2016, I will be leaving the position of principal of Fort River Elementary School.  At this time, I need to relocate back to Eastern Massachusetts to be with my family.  
It is not without sadness that I leave Fort River. Fort River School and the Amherst community will always be special to me.  I feel fortunate and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve as principal for the last two years. It has been an honor to experience strong partnerships with the students, staff, and families in the community.  Although I am leaving Amherst, the fond memories and learning experiences I have had here will stay with me always. 
I am very proud of the achievements and growth our students have made and I know the good work will continue. I am eager to hear about the continued success of our students. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your children and this outstanding community. To say the very least, I will miss the Fort River School!  
Sincerely, 
Bobbie Finocchio
Principal  

__________________________________
1 de abril del 2016
Queridas familias,
Escribo esta carta para comunicarles que el 30 de junio del 2016, estaré dejando mi cargo de Principal de la Escuela Elemental de Fort River. En este momento, necesito reubicarme de nuevo al este de Massachusetts para estar con mi familia.
No es sin tristeza que dejo la Escuela de Fort River. La Escuela de Fort River y la comunidad de Amherst, siempre serán especiales para mí. Me siento afortunada y privilegiada de haber tenido la oportunidad de servir como principal durante los últimos dos años. Ha sido un honor experimentar alianzas firmes con los estudiantes, el personal y las familias de la comunidad. A pesar de que estoy dejando a Amherst, los recuerdos y las experiencias de aprendizaje, que he tenido aquí permanecerán conmigo siempre.
Estoy muy orgullosa de los logros y el crecimiento que nuestros estudiantes han alcanzado y sé que el buen trabajo continuará. Estaré ansiosa por escuchar sobre el éxito continúo de nuestros estudiantes. Gracias por la oportunidad de servirles a ustedes, sus hijos y esta comunidad excepcional.  ¡Lo mínimo que les puedo decir es que extrañare La Escuela de Fort River!
Sinceramente,
Bobbie Finocchio