Upcoming Events

Diversity and Social Justice Committee Meeting - Wednesday, March 26th, 8:45, library. Dean's Beans/Fort River Roasters Orders Due. Friday, April 4th. Coffee With A Principal – Friday, April 11th, 8:30 to 9:15 am, cafeteria. Book Fair - Week of April 14th to 18th. Spring Recess. Week of April 21st. Parent Council Meeting – Wednesday, April 30th, 8:30 to 9:30 am, cafeteria.

LAST Chance to Order a Brick for the Playground

As many of you know, as part of last year’s fundraising for the new playground, families could order bricks to be etched with a special name or saying. The bricks are now being etched, and will be installed this spring, but a few new families have asked if a brick could be purchased. We are therefore extending the date for ONE MORE week in case there are last brick orders to be placed. Please click here for a form: Buy-a-Brick Form. Please return forms (and checks) to the Parent Council box in the main office (or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive, Amherst), by Monday, March 31st. ALSO, please save the date of Thursday, May 22nd to join Fort River families, teachers and staff for a fun potluck picnic when we unveil our new brick walkway and plaque!

Volunteers Needed for the Book Fair

The Book Fair will be held the week of April 12th to 16th (a good time to pick up some new books to enjoy over spring break!), and we need volunteers to help children find books, answer questions, and just be there to help out. Volunteers are needed to sign up for 2-3 hour slots from 9 am to noon Monday, 4/13 through Thursday, 4/17 AND Thursday, 4-17 from 3 to 7 pm. We could also use a few volunteers to pack up the book fair on Thursday evening. Information on when classes sign up (and the information forms about the books being sold) will go home on March 28th if you want to coordinate with your child’s class. Please contact our Diane Caraker (253-4191; dianec711@comcast.net) to volunteer.

Beach Party Volunteers

Many thanks to ALL the Beach Party volunteers for helping to make it a success: John Foster, Amy Rose, Morgan Lord, Pat Onabakuu, Maya Rege-Colt, Yeonhwa Park, Colleen Champ, Lynn Hayes, Chris Felton, Stacy Simonson, Stephanie Oates, Marla Soloman, Amy Bush, Kira Cairn, Liz Larson, and Sheri Schmidt. We also want to give a big thank you to Baku’s African Restaurant, Mom's House and Sibie’s Pizza for helping to supply the delicious food! Additional thanks to Fort River staff members Stuart Kinsman and Paul Chmura who were on duty that night, as well as the entire Fort River Administration for their support. This event was free to all families thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Fort River Parent Council!

Book Swap Volunteers

Thanks to Pam Rietkerk for organizing the fabulous Fort River Book Swap, and to the many dedicated volunteers, including Lynn Hayes, Libby Stanforth, Joanne Swanson, Liz Larson, Jen Ditkoff, Rebecca Fricke, Elly Hosea, Carla Carpenter, Holly Marshall, Gloria McCann, Eileen Marasco, and especially Carrie Turkot!!!

Annual Family Donation Fund Update

Thanks to all the families who have already contributed to our Annual Family Donation Fund, which supports all Parent Council activities (field trips, cultural events, library books, scholarships for children in need, etc.)! We have now raised $5,893 from 154 of our 359 families (43% of families), and are still hoping for contributions from all families (and even a $1.00 donation helps increase our goal of 100% family participation)! Although we suggest $20 a child, contributions of any size are welcome ­ and all contributions are tax deductible (and anonymous). Checks (to Fort River Parent Council) or cash can be sent to the Parent Council mailbox in the main office or to Catherine Sanderson, 23 Alyssum Drive.

MCAS Schedule

The MCAS Schedule is as follows: Grade 3 March 24, 25, and 26 Grade 4 March 25, 26, 27, and 28 Grade 5 March 31, April 1 and 2 Grade 6 April 2, 3, and 4. All tests begin at 9am, so please make sure your kids get to school on time. Also remember to make sure your kids are well rested and have had a good breakfast on those days!