PGO Meeting on June 11 at 9 am

General PGO Meeting

Monday, June 11
9 - 10 am

Please join the PGO Board for our monthly meeting. All current Fort River parents and guardians are welcome! Parents of registered Kindergarteners or other newly enrolled students may also attend. Sign in at the Main Office to get directions to our meeting location.

New officers will be elected for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year (agenda item deferred from May). Please come if you'd like to be more involved in your child's school. Co-Officers can be appointed to a single position so that responsibilities are able to be shared. Budget, fundraising, grant proposals, and volunteer needs will also be discussed. The current Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications person (blog + social media + emails) are stepping down due to student graduations.

Small children are always welcome! We REALLY need more volunteers and help! Thanks for considering! 

Save the Date! Art Night for Families on April 26

Art Night for Families! A very special evening for families on April 26th!

Art teacher Nicole Singer and Sara Perez Battles, her fantastic student-teacher intern, team up to lead a bilingual (Spanish/English) workshop for families to help adults provide their children with awesome art making opportunities and support at home and beyond.

Funded by a grant from the Crayola company, the evening will include:

• pizza
• childcare
• an introduction from Museums 10 representatives on what they offer (especially family programming)
• affordable ideas to encourage art making in the home
• resources for children with special needs
• an art making activity

Help us figure out how much pizza to buy. Please sign up using this form: https://goo.gl/forms/zLR3XZTr0v2kwodA2

Autism Awareness Night on April 12

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)  and the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools have teamed up to host an Autism Awareness Night.

Thursday, April 12

5:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Amherst Regional High School

Current high school and post-graduate panelists will be in small groups, talking about their experience with Autism, its strengths and challenges, what helps/what doesn’t, and other interesting discussion topics, such as Autism as a disability versus difference. 

We will also feature an art exhibit showcasing artists with Autism, a display of Autism Awareness posters, and a literature table. 

*Please RSVP by April 9th to Nancy Stewart at sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.  Event is free and open to the public.

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.

Autism Parent Training on March 7

The Autism: Parent Training Series has been re-scheduled.  Please see below for the revised event information.

Moving Through School: How to Adjust to New Schools and New Expectations

Date: Wednesday March 7

Time:  6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location:  Amherst Regional Middle School, PD Center

Childcare is available for in-district families.  
Please RSVP to AnnearTL@arps.org prior to Monday March 5, 2018.

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

Upcoming SEPAC Events: All are Invited

Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools and our fantastic Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) are pleased to invite you to kick off our 2017-2018 SEPAC hosted events.

Monday October 16, 2017: Join at the ARHS library at 6:00 PM for an informal gathering. This is a great opportunity to meet school staff who support your child on their IEP or 504; learn more about SEPAC and the vital role that SEPAC provides in supporting our students and families; share results of the special education survey completed in last spring; meet other families from across our district(s).

Thursday November 9, 2017: Basic Rights in Special Education – A Workshop for Parents and Professionals. This informative workshop is 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the ARHS library. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts Special Education Law.  RSVP today to ensure your spot in this popular workshop.

Please see the attached flyers (English and Spanish) for additional information. RSVP to attend Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) events by email sepac@arps.org or call 413-687-4255.

English flyer

Spanish flyer

SEPAC Meeting - Dinner and Candidate Event TONIGHT, March 20 at 6pm

Please consider attending an informal meeting to connect with others. A light dinner will be provided, so an RSVP would be helpful!

When:  Monday, March 20th 6:00pm-7:00pm

Where:  Amherst Regional Middle School, Professional Development Room

From 6:00 pm-6:30 pm:  We will have an opportunity to connect with some candidates running for school committee.

From 6:30 pm-7:00 pm:  We will continue to explore ways we can support each other in the community.  Dr. Brady and SEPAC board will also be in attendance.

Again, please RSVP if possible to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.

____________________________

Invitación de la Junta Consultiva de Padres de Educación Especial

Por favor, considere asistir a una reunión informal para conectar con los demás. Se ofrecerá una cena ligera, por lo que una confirmación de su asistencia sería de gran ayuda!

Cuándo: Lunes, 20 de marzo 6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Dónde: Amherst Regional Middle School, Salón de Desarrollo Profesional

De 6:00 pm -6:30 pm: Tendremos la oportunidad de conectar con algunos candidatos que corren para el Comité Escolar.

De 6:30 pm-7:00 pm: Continuaremos explorando maneras en que podemos apoyarnos mutuamente en la comunidad. El Dr. Brady y la junta de SEPAC también estarán presentes.

Una vez más, por favor confirme su asistencia si es posible sepac@arps.org o 413-687-4255.

Special Free Family Screening of "Screenagers: Growing up in the Digital Age,” February 8

Mark your calendars for this free family event, sponsored by the ARMS PGO and the Principal’s office.  We will be hosting a screening of the film "Screenagers: Growing up int he Digital Age" on Wednesday, February 8, from 6:30-8:30 pm in the ARMS auditorium. 

Admission is free and open to all ARMS families.  We will also be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a Screen-free Family Fun basket.  We strongly encourage you to attend with your children.  To learn more about the film and watch a trailer, please visit screenagersmovie.com.

Our Amazing Mental Health Team with Holiday Tips for Families

The PGO hosted Interim Principal Diane Chamberlain and the Fort River Mental Health Team last Friday at our regular PGO Coffee. The presentation was FABULOUS and covered many topics of use to every family. We will share notes and slides from this wonderful session in the near future but in the meantime are reposting the holiday tips that they shared in the November FR Principal Newsletter.

FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH TEAM

The holidays can be a stressful time for not only adults, but for children as well. While one child may experience joy and excitement during this time, another may struggle with anxiety or overwhelming feelings related to meeting new people (guests), seeing new decorations in the house or constantly changing routines. Most adults can manage and adjust to these changes successfully but many children can’t. For these children new people, things and environment can bring confusion, shyness and even fear.

To avoid this inevitable overwhelming time for some children during these holidays, it is important for parents to talk to children about future guests who may visit the house, food that will be cooked or ordered, and any new surroundings. These conversations will help children to learn what is coming in advance, and help them to prepare mentally and physically to upcoming changes. Parents should also remember that children learn and develop in the context of a relationship. They can pick up on parents’ impatience and anxiety. So, becoming aware of your own feelings is important. Offering choices, empowering and providing positive support are essential tools in the parent’s pocket to use while spending time with kids during holidays.

Mental Health Team:   Dr. Patricia Schumm, Jessica Rudnick, Melanie Collins, Ana Encarnacion, Miguel Aquino, Ruth Killough-Hill

PGO Coffee with the Principal on Friday, December 9 - Mental Health Supports and Resources

Please join your friends on Friday, December 9 at 9am for coffee, donuts, and informative conversation! 

The Coffee will feature Principal Diane Chamberlain and Fort River Mental Health Team. The timely topic is Children's Mental Health with a focus on "tier 1" supports, the social thinking curriculum, zones of regulation, and mindfulness practices. There will be ample time for questions. 

PGO coffees with the Principal take place every month or two. The dates can be found on the PGO calendar which is on the right side of the blog home page. Some coffees may take place in the evening, depending upon community feedback. There will usually be a presentation for families and specifics will be available beforehand.

Your infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are always welcome at PGO Coffees! Families with future Amherst Elementary school children are also welcome and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!

SEPAC: Supporting Teens With Executive Functioning Challenges on November 14th

Does your child struggle to keep track of and complete assignments?  Are needed materials often lost or left at school?  Is homework completed, only to be lost before your child can turn it in?  These are all challenges associated with executive functioning challenges.  Come learn about the brain-based source of these challenges, as well as interventions and strategies that can help students plan and organize their academic work. There will be a presentation along with an opportunity to ask questions!

Guest Speakers:

Raloon Bialek, ARHS Special Education Teacher

and Denise Green, ARHS School Psychologist

Date:  Monday November, 14th

Time:  5:30pm-7:00pm

Location: Amherst Regional High School Library- 21 Mattoon Street, Amherst

RSVP: Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Nancy Stewart (sepac@arps.org) or 413-687-4255

Childcare can be provided if given notice one week ahead of time.

FREE Puzzle of Parenting Workshops for Parents and Community Resources Fair on November 12 at the Jones Library

The Jones Library will host a Community Resources Fair on November 12 from 11 am to 1 pm. They will share information on existing community resources, which are of great support to families with children. It is also a great opportunity to meet other families. All families are welcome. Please note: the fair providers are bilingual (Spanish and English).

The event does not require prior registration. If you wish you can register by phone: 413-570-3061. Tell us who will be coming and the age of any child needing childcare. 

EMAIL: earlychildhood@collaborative.org 

ONLINE: collaborative.org/programs/early-childhood/parents. We have free childcare and will be available throughout the entire event.

FREE Puzzle of Parenting workshops for parents are offered throughout the Pioneer Valley. Locations include Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton, Granby, Hatfield, Monson, Palmer, Pelham, South Hadley, Southampton, Ware and Westhampton.  The workshops are funded by a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant from the MA Department of Early Education and Care, administered by Collaborative for Educational Services.

More information (Spanish)
More information (English)

Adolescents and Addiction and Rising Opioid/Marijuana Use Presentation Available Online

from ARHS PGO:

Last month, Dr Ruth Potee, Chair of the Healthcare Solutions Committee of the Franklin County/North Quabbin Opioid Task Force, spoke to the ARHS Community about Adolescents and Addiction and Rising Opioid / Marijuana Use.  The powerful presentation sparked ARHS Community dialogue about how we as a school and broader community think about teenage use and abuse of marijuana, pain pills and other drugs.  The event was jointly sponsored by the ARHS PGO, SPIFFY[The Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth] and the Town of Amherst.

To view the presentation, click here.

Dr Potee Substance Abuse Presentation

To discuss the implications of Dr. Potee’s presentation for ARHS and its students, a second meeting was held on Thursday, October 20. A group of ARHS parents and guardians brainstormed a range of possible initiatives aimed at keeping our students safe. We will keep the ARHS community informed about the direction of this work. If you are interested in becoming more involved, please email Mark Jackson[jacksonmk@arps.org] Thank you.

Open House is This Thursday! We Hope ALL Families Can Attend this Special Evening!

OPEN HOUSE IS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

shared from our Administrative Team:  

We hope all families can attend this special night at Fort River. This is an evening to meet school staff and learn more about our educational programming and available resources.  Below is the schedule for the night - it rotates for each grade level. The three blocks of grade specific times will allow everyone the opportunity to connect with a larger cross section of our school, including: Administration, English Language Learner Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Intervention Teachers, Special Education Service Providers, and Specials Teachers. 

We are looking forward to seeing you very soon!

5:30- 6:00		ELL Parent Orientation in the Library  (translators will be on site)
		Room parent orientation in the Cafeteria  (Diane Preston)
6:00- 6:30	Grades K/1/2:	Classroom Presentations
	Grades 3/4:	Presentation in the cafeteria
	Grades 5/6:	Visit with Specials Teachers (Art, P.E., Technology, Music, Library), Special Education, ELL, intervention, guidance and adjustment counselors.
6:30- 7:00	Grades K/1/2:	Visit with Specials Teachers (Art, P.E., Technology, Music, Library), Special Education, ELL, intervention, guidance and adjustment counselors.
	Grades 3/4:	Classroom Presentations
	Grades 5/6:	Presentation in the cafeteria
7:00- 7:30	Grades K/1/2:	Presentation in the cafeteria
	Grades 3/4:	Visit with Specials Teachers (Art, P.E., Technology, Music, Library), Special Education, ELL, intervention, guidance and adjustment counselors.
	Grades 5/6:	Classroom Presentations

____________________________________________________________________________

* If you would like free childcare, please call to reserve a spot, 413-362-1200

* Click for printable schedule

Meet Special Education Parent Advisory Council and others on October 17 at 5:30pm

SEPAC meetings are open to all community members! Come learn more about the programs and services available to all families!

Date: Monday, 10/17/2016
Location: Wildwood Elementary School, Library 71 Strong Street, Amherst
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
RSVP: Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Nancy Stewart sepac@arps.org 413-687-4255 ARPS

We are fortunate to host this informal gathering and plan to do the following:

• Introduce you to some members of staff that help support your child on an IEP or 504:
• Dr. Faye Brady, Director of Student Services
• JoAnn Smith, Student Services Administrator
• Some members of Wildwood Staff
• Learn more about how the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) supports families on an IEP or 504.
• We will share basic special education information to help you advocate for your child.
• Network with other families in the district!

Childcare can be provided if given notice one week ahead of time.

PGO Coffee on Tuesday, September 15th at 9am featuring "Safety in Our Schools" from the Principals and Vote of the PGO Budget

Please join us and your friends on Tuesday, September 15 at 9 am for coffee, donuts, and informative conversation! 

Our administration will discuss recent ARPS and Fort River specific safety initiatives and take questions. Families are also invited to brainstorm PGO sponsored social and community events. Several fundraising initiatives that are underway will be described, however new ideas and volunteers are always welcome. Finally, the PGO board will present the proposed PGO budget for the current school year. The budget can be accessed via this link:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-2bHm-1AjRfN3hzV1ZqUDg3MUk

Monthly coffees will take place on or about the 15th of each month. The dates can be found on the PGO calendar which is on the right side of the blog home page. Some coffees will take place in the evening. There will usually be a presentation for families and specifics will be available on the blog, FB, and Twitter. Your infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are always welcome!

Please share with your Fort River friends!