Free Lunch for Kids on Summer Tuesdays at the Jones Library

Announcing More Summer Lunch Options for Kids and their Grown-Ups ...

Free summer lunch for kids and teens 18 and under is available on Tuesdays at the Jones Library in the Woodbury Room following the  morning youth programs. Adult meals may be purchased for $3.50.

ARPS Food Services has New Director and New Website

The PGO would like to thank Mr. Ryan Harb for presenting at the Coffee on Friday, October 27th. Mr. Harb, the new Director of Food Services for Amherst Regional Public Schools, spoke about the district’s new in-house food services and answered multiple questions from parents. The switch to an in-house program provides much more flexibility and there are many exciting changes in the works. Students at ARHS and ARMS have been enjoying weekly visits from Chef Sam including samples of future menu items. Chef Sam will be visiting some elementary schools soon.

Mr. Harb has established a new website dedicated to the food served in the schools and even blogs about the latest develpments. Read about the science initiatives that led to Garden Soup Day here. Get the latest menus, pay for My School Bucks, stay up to date, or simply admire the beautiful food photography at http://www.amherstfood.com/.

Seeking Summer Garden Volunteers

Our elementary school gardens need your help to have a healthy summer growing season! 

Families are invited to join Leila Tunnell (Brookfield Farm educator) and Jennifer Reese (school garden coordinator) for an on-site garden volunteer training at your school this June. In the session (under an hour) you'll become familiar with the garden space, learn about the plants we're growing, and learn how to access and use the garden tools. As one of the garden caretakers last summer, I (Jennifer) can attest to the fact that the "work" is fun and kid-friendly. My then 4-year-old, 7-year-old, and I did all that we needed to do in 1-2 hours per week. Families who help care for the gardens are also welcome to harvest (conservatively) from the gardens as crops become ready.

Sign ups for summer weeks will take place at the orientation sessions. Volunteers will also be asked to sign a liability waiver, per district protocol.

Please RSVP here if you plan to attend a session so that we can plan accordingly. Thank you!

Orientation sessions: 

Crocker Farm: Saturday, June 3rd, 10-11 am

Fort River: Sunday, June 4th, 10-11 am

Wildwood: Sunday, June 4th, 1-2 pm

​Questions or comments? Please contact Jennifer Reese (reesej@arps.org) or Leila Tunnell (ltunnell18@gmail.com).

Amherst Survival Center Summer BOOST and Pantry Programs

During school vacations many students are without breakfast and lunch. In direct response to this need, the Amherst Survival Center offers the BOOST program to all families who may need additional food throughout school vacation. ARPS is very grateful to the ASC for creating many programs to support all families throughout the year.

Please see the attached documents for details! 

BOOST PROGRAM:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-2bHm-1AjRfcy1rNElNQURIczg/edit?usp=docslist_api

AMHERST SURVIVAL CENTER HOURS:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-2bHm-1AjRfQ29WU3czOHZNZ1k/edit?usp=docslist_api

BUS ROUTES/SCHEDULES TO AMHERST SURVIVAL CENTER:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-2bHm-1AjRfT2EzaHBrWHVfSkk/edit?usp=docslist_api