Update on Elementary School Building Project and Related Topics

The PGO would like our school community to stay informed about the progress towards addressing elementary school building issues and making capital improvements. 

The dialogue surrounding the Amherst Elementary School Building Project surfaced multiple enrollment challenges facing the district.  

On June 14, 2017, the Amherst School Committee voted to form the Enrollment Working Group (EWG), which includes community members, families, and staff members, to investigate challenges and develop potential suggestions for consideration of the Superintendent. The EWG decided to form five subgroups: Socio-Economic Balance, Special Education Programs, Declining Enrollment, Preschool Access, and Dual Language Immersion.  

After working summer 2017 through winter 2018, the EWG subgroups each reported their findings to the Superintendent and Amherst School Committee. At the March 14, 2018 Amherst School Committee meeting, Superintendent Morris presented his formal response to the EWG findings. Information regarding the work of the EWG, it’s subgroups’ findings, and the Superintendent’s response can be found here.
The resulting work on exploring Dual Language Programming can be found in the link. Click here for an excellent production by Amherst Media on "Window into ARPS: Dual Language Program Presentation," hosted by Superintendent Michael Morris. 

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.

"A Window Into ARPS" with Superintendent Michael Morris and Amherst Media

Looking for some in depth perspective on what's happening in our schools? "A Window into ARPS" with Dr. Michael Morris is an excellent program on Amherst Media that covers a wide range of interesting topics! Here are recent episodes:

In the premiere episode of A Window into ARPS, Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Morris introduced two new District Office staff members: Doreen Cunningham, Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity, and Human Resources, and Ryan Harb, Food Services Director.

Meet two new ARPS professionals Waleska Santiago-Centeno, Crocker Farm Librarian, and Allison Estes-Browne, 5th grade teacher at Wildwood, in this episode.

Meet two new District Office staff members Tim Sheehan, District Curriculum Coordinator, and Dionne "DW" Walker-McCraven, High School Support & Intervention Specialist, in this September episode.

Meet ARPS Regional Principals Mark Jackson and Dr. Patty Bode in the most recent episode.

Comprehensive ARPS Water Update

A comprehensive update on the district-wide water testing and repairs was presented to the Regional School Committee on November 29, 2016.  Video of the meeting will be posted on the Amherst Media website, and the Powerpoint presentation is available here.