Amherst Elementary Reorganization News

From the Feb 10th Amherst School Committee meeting. The budget shortfall for the next year was estimated in the range of $800, 000 to $1.8+ million for the Elementary School Budget. Precise figures for State and Federal funding are not presently available and may not be for months after Amherstʼs budget decisions are made. Interim Superintendent Helen Vivian released data for the following: (1)The present configuration of 4 elementary schools with 3 different tiers of budget cuts, and (2)The costs and savings for 4 proposed reorganization scenarios. Of note: the first tier of budget cuts under the present configuration of 4 elementary schools calls for the elimination of ALL instrumental music (band and orchestra) at the elementary school level as well as other cuts. This data is available online at the ARPS website (www.arps.org/node/713). The School Committee opened the floor to public comment which continued for over 1 hour and focused on closing Marks Meadow and the value of instrumental music. The School Committee then voted to put aside 2 plans: (1) The pairing model: Fort River-Crocker Farm, and Wildwood-Marks Meadow and (2) Wildwood as a 5/6 school These two plans were found to cost more money then is currently spent and would not help solve the budget crisis. The School Committee will instead focus on prioritizing the budget cuts under the current configuration and continuing to evaluate the other reconfiguration plans: (1) Closing Marks Meadow and redistricting the town to three K-6 schools, (2) Closing Marks Meadow, redistricting the town to three K-5 schools and moving the 6th grade to the Middle School. Data on the budget options will be presented by a member of the School Committee to each of the Elementary School communities. Be on the lookout for the Fort River presentation. For other reorganization keep checking this website and School Committee member Catherine Sandersonʼs blog (myschoolcommitteeblog.blogspot. com). Also, check ACTV to view reruns of Tuesdayʼs School Committee meeting.

Teachers Wish Lists: A Work in Progress

Please note that we are working on getting the teacher wish lists in the right-hand column of this website functioning shortly after the February vacation. Please stay tuned!!

Superintendent Search: Update

The third Superintendent candidate, Dr Alberto Rodriguez, is scheduled to visit Amherst on Monday Feb 23 and Tuesday Feb 24th - the first days after February vacation. There will be 3 opportunities to meet him: (1)Public Forum, Mon Feb 23th, 7pm, High School Library, (2) Community Breakfast Feb 24th, 8am, Middle School Cafeteria, (3) Drop-in lunch with Parents/School Councils/PTOʼs, Tuesday Feb 24th 11:30 am, High School cafeteria. Resumes and multicultural statements for all 3 Superintendent candidates are available online at (www.arps.org).

Math Curriculum Night

Thanks to Math Coach Pam Szczesny and Principal Ray Sharick for a great presentation at Math Curriculum Night on Thursday Feb 12th. Special thanks also to Ms. Castronovo, Ms. Bhowmik, Mr. Austin, Mr. Wallace and to all the students who demonstrated their math skills and enthusiasm ! Two math sites recommended by Fort River teachers during curriculum night: Illuminations by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, Utah State University.

Volunteers Needed

T-Shirt Sale T-shirts sweatshirts & totes made with the Fort River logo will be available this Spring. Co-organizer needed. Please contact: Sue Borden (FRPC.sborden@gmail.com) Spring Bookstore Fundraiser Volunteer needed to help coordinate this event &/or call local bookstores. Please contact: Sue Borden at FRPC.sborden@gmail.com Immigration Play (5th Grade) Volunteer help needed with rehearsals leading up to performance in the Spring. Please contact: Anne White at WhiteA@arps.org. Library Fran Ludington is looking for volunteers to shelve/organize books and perform minor book repairs. Training will be provided. Contact Fran Ludington at LudingtF@arps.org.

Fun Programs

Savings Makes Cents This is a really fun, easy way to help our kids learn to save. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria, or directly at the bank. Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited. After 10 deposits, the Bank will contribute $1.00 to the account. Parent Volunteers help students make deposits into their savings accounts Tuesday in the cafeteria from 8:15 am to 8:45 am. Sign up materials are also available at this time. Contact Barbara Morse at bmlmorse@comcast.net. Grade Events Be on the lookout for grade events from February - March. Grade events bring together all kids in a given grade, across classrooms, during an out-of- school time. If you have an idea for a grade event please contact VP for Grade Reps: Navneet Marwaha at marwaha.navneet@gmail.com.