Apple Harvest Crafts Fair and Children's Festival, Saturday September 25, 10 am to 4 pm, Amherst Town Common. Children’s games, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, baby scarecrow making, live entertainment, crafters’ booths. Sponsored by the Amherst Family Center, 256-1145
Randa Nachbar, coordinator
Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.
Fort River PGO, Fort River School, Amherst, Massachusetts. Your source for Fort River news and events. Sponsored by the Fort River Parent Guardian Organization. All Fort River families are automatically members of the PGO.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thanks to Local Businesses for Their Generous Donations
Fort River would like to thank our local businesses - Hadley Garden Center and Andrew's Greenhouse for donating fall mums and planting soil to help make our building entrance welcoming and beautiful for the first day of school. Hadley Garden Center donated 5 bags of composted soil and Andrew's donated the 8" mums planted in each of the five barrels out front.
The PGO would also like to thank Ruthie and Michael Ireland for soliciting the donations, cleaning up the front of the building, and planting mums in the half-barrel planters out front!
The PGO would also like to thank Ruthie and Michael Ireland for soliciting the donations, cleaning up the front of the building, and planting mums in the half-barrel planters out front!
Classroom Parents Still Needed
Please consider volunteering for this important PGO role! Classroom parents can assist their classroom teachers in many ways. They check in with the teacher monthly to see what the needs are in the classroom, e.g. snacks, tissues, hand sanitizer, project materials, field trip volunteers, etc. Class parents may utilize the online teacher wish lists to solicit help from classroom families in fulfilling these needs. Class parents also plan a class pot-luck in the fall for families, and they may organize a class gift at the end of the school year. Green notes indicate teachers still in need of a class parent! Please contact Michele Spirko if you are available to serve as a classroom parent, michele.fortriver@gmail.com.
Ann Shea K Ali Wicks-Lim (wickslim@yahoo.com)
Deborah Felix K CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kim Prince 1 Kathryn Mahony (kjmahony@gmail.com)
& Jenn Green (peachy-green@comcast.net)
Laurie Hickson 1 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Krista Rondeau 1 Cathryn Brubaker & Mark Dooley
(srchworks@aol.com or zenster1@aol.com)
Irene Eigner 2 Tammy Rahhal-Schulkind(trahhal@psych.umass.edu)
Lott 2 Carmela Gravante (carmela_ann@hotmail.com)
Linda Castronovo 2 Kim Salditt-Poulin (ksalditt@comcast.net)
& Steve Poulin (poulins@gcc.mass.edu)
Kristine Griswold 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Rachel Sautter/
Monica Bhomik 3 Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net)
Mary Fournier 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
John Keins 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Amy Jackendoff 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Linda Yeh 4 Becky Michaels (beckymichaels@hotmail.com)
Jose Cantillo 5 Eileen Marasco (e.marasco@comcast.net)
Judah Hughes 5 Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
Maurisa Davis 5 Nancy Stewart (basilstew@comcast.net)
Roger Wallace 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Peter Lamdin 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Jen Pablico 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kai Simon 6 Chris Felton (cmfelton@comcol.umass.edu)
Ann Shea K Ali Wicks-Lim (wickslim@yahoo.com)
Deborah Felix K CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kim Prince 1 Kathryn Mahony (kjmahony@gmail.com)
& Jenn Green (peachy-green@comcast.net)
Laurie Hickson 1 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Krista Rondeau 1 Cathryn Brubaker & Mark Dooley
(srchworks@aol.com or zenster1@aol.com)
Irene Eigner 2 Tammy Rahhal-Schulkind(trahhal@psych.umass.edu)
Lott 2 Carmela Gravante (carmela_ann@hotmail.com)
Linda Castronovo 2 Kim Salditt-Poulin (ksalditt@comcast.net)
& Steve Poulin (poulins@gcc.mass.edu)
Kristine Griswold 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Rachel Sautter/
Monica Bhomik 3 Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net)
Mary Fournier 3 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
John Keins 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Amy Jackendoff 4 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Linda Yeh 4 Becky Michaels (beckymichaels@hotmail.com)
Jose Cantillo 5 Eileen Marasco (e.marasco@comcast.net)
Judah Hughes 5 Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
Maurisa Davis 5 Nancy Stewart (basilstew@comcast.net)
Roger Wallace 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Peter Lamdin 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Jen Pablico 6 CLASSROOM PARENT STILL NEEDED!
Kai Simon 6 Chris Felton (cmfelton@comcol.umass.edu)
Family Fair 2010
Fort River Playground
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010
(Rain Date Thurs. Sept. 16th)
5-7pm
Please join the Fort River Community in celebrating the start of school, featuring foods from around the world, drinks and games. Once again, pizza salad, drinks, casseroles side dishes and baked goods will be on sale. You can bring your own picnic if you prefer. The sixth graders will be working very hard planning fun games for everyone.
The Family Fair is one of the most popular fundraising and social events sponsored by the Parent Guardian Organization. Please come and support the sixth grader while socializing with your friends and meeting new families.
The salads, casseroles, side dishes and baked goods all come from your generous contributions. Each year the selection of wonderful foods gets better. Please support this fun event by donating food for the fair, and consider bringing a dish from your cultural heritage. This make for an exciting and diverse butffet. Of course, all food donations will be enjoyed! You can return the form that went out in the backpacks to the PGO mailbox in the main office or if time runs out, just bring your food to the fair. Thank you for your support.
WE NEED PARENT VOLUNTEERS TO HELP MAKE THIS A SUCCESSFUL EVENT. Please email Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) or Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com) to let us know you you can help.
Faculty/Staff Welcome Back Event Held September 1st - Lovely Brunch for Fort River
Families showed up early and in large numbers on the day before school, bringing delicious food, gorgeous flowers, and helping hands as we prepared for the arrival of our talented teachers and staff. Thanks to all who helped by cooking, shopping, setting-up, arranging flowers, washing dishes, etc. Many hands made light work, and the Fort River families once again treated our teachers and staff to a lovely meal. We sincerely appreciate all of the following volunteers as well as anyone who we may have missed!Tammy Rahhal-Schulkind
Rebecca Fricke
Becky Michaels
Carol Slaughter
Carol Richardson
Matt Mitchell
Dorie Goldman
Laura Wenk
Eileen Marasco
Carmela Gravante
Mike Lynch
Jenn Wellman
Iris Berkman
Suzanne Schilling
Erin Cherewatti
Ellie Skinner
Jenn Green
Kathryn Mahony
Katie Wright
Karen Zilberstein
Hana Rivkin
Nora Martin
Catherine Sanderson
Sue Borden
Chris Felton
The PGO also thanks Michele Spirko for organizing this event!
PGO Activities and Events
The following is a list of PGO activities and events, as well as contact information for coordinator(s).
To volunteer or find out more, contact the coordinator(s) or Pam Rietkerk (pam.fortriver@gmail.com).
Room Parents
Room parents plan a class potluck, check in with the teacher monthly to see what is needed (snacks, class/field trip volunteers, supplies, etc.) and update the online teacher wish-lists accordingly. They may also organize an end of year class gift in June. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact: Michele Spirko at michele.fortriver@gmail.com.
Student Directory
The student directory is an invaluable resource! Volunteers follow up with local businesses who have previously placed ads, compile student data, and arrange for the directory to be copied and distributed at school. Volunteers are particularly needed to help edit the directory corrections in early September and contact our friendly advertisers. Coordinator: Dror Schmerling (dshmerling@yahoo.com) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Savings Makes “Cents”
This program encourages savings habits and goal setting. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria with help from parent volunteers (or directly at the bank). Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited—and after 10 deposits, the Bank will deposit $1.00 into the account. Coordinator: Nat Larson (nc.larson@gmail.com) Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED !
Cultural Enrichment Coordinator
This volunteer notifies teachers of local cultural events (UMASS, Shea Theatre, etc), orders tickets that teachers’ request, and completes (easy) paperwork for grant reimbursement. This is a September/early October job. Coordinator: Dorie Goldman (goldman.dorie@gmail.com)
Family Fair
The Family Fair helps welcome everyone back to school. The 6th graders create and run games, and/or sell food. The 6th grade teachers work the fair into the beginning of the year assignments, and help on the day of the fair (Mr. Wallace is a key contact!). This coordinator arranges for pizza delivery, purchases drinks for sale, requests food from families, and organizes parents at the fair (set up, clean up, helping the kids serve food). One 5th grade parent and one 6th grade parent volunteer are needed. This is a short term, early September job. Coordinators: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) and Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com).
School Pictures
The coordinator works to schedule Picture Day and communicates with teachers, families and parent volunteers. Coordinator: Carol Slaughter (CSlaughter143@aol.com).
Book Fair
This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality books at affordable prices and provides funds for our library. This week-long event takes place in early December. This committee makes arrangements to have the books delivered, staffs the book fair, and handles the final payment to the book companies. This project needs many volunteers! Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net), Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED!
Fall Festival (the “Halloween Party”)
This event, which is usually held the Friday before Halloween, is a fun-filled evening featuring a costume parade, games and crafts, and food. This committee recruits and coordinates volunteers to help plan and run the events, and work on set up and clean up. Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
International Fair
This event is an international potluck/community building event in late May featuring talents of Fort River students. Coordinator: Rebecca Fricke (fricke@crocker.com)
6th Grade Graduation
This committee is in charge of making sure this day is special for all the 6th grade children. The coordinator(s) of this event organize the sixth grade parents to decorate the gym and set up all the other events surrounding graduation (slide show, food for the reception, class gift, etc.)
Coordinators: Lisa Oram and Steve Brown (lo@lisaoram.com)
Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
This is a great way to say “thank you” to all the people who take care of our kids. This committee finds a restaurant and works with the manager to set a date and menu, sends invitations to all staff asking for menu choices, collects RSVPs and gives meal counts to the restaurant, and keeps in contact with the restaurant to make sure that everything is on track! Coordinator: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com) and Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).
To volunteer or find out more, contact the coordinator(s) or Pam Rietkerk (pam.fortriver@gmail.com).
Room Parents
Room parents plan a class potluck, check in with the teacher monthly to see what is needed (snacks, class/field trip volunteers, supplies, etc.) and update the online teacher wish-lists accordingly. They may also organize an end of year class gift in June. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact: Michele Spirko at michele.fortriver@gmail.com.
Student Directory
The student directory is an invaluable resource! Volunteers follow up with local businesses who have previously placed ads, compile student data, and arrange for the directory to be copied and distributed at school. Volunteers are particularly needed to help edit the directory corrections in early September and contact our friendly advertisers. Coordinator: Dror Schmerling (dshmerling@yahoo.com) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Savings Makes “Cents”
This program encourages savings habits and goal setting. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria with help from parent volunteers (or directly at the bank). Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited—and after 10 deposits, the Bank will deposit $1.00 into the account. Coordinator: Nat Larson (nc.larson@gmail.com) Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED !
Cultural Enrichment Coordinator
This volunteer notifies teachers of local cultural events (UMASS, Shea Theatre, etc), orders tickets that teachers’ request, and completes (easy) paperwork for grant reimbursement. This is a September/early October job. Coordinator: Dorie Goldman (goldman.dorie@gmail.com)
Family Fair
The Family Fair helps welcome everyone back to school. The 6th graders create and run games, and/or sell food. The 6th grade teachers work the fair into the beginning of the year assignments, and help on the day of the fair (Mr. Wallace is a key contact!). This coordinator arranges for pizza delivery, purchases drinks for sale, requests food from families, and organizes parents at the fair (set up, clean up, helping the kids serve food). One 5th grade parent and one 6th grade parent volunteer are needed. This is a short term, early September job. Coordinators: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) and Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com).
School Pictures
The coordinator works to schedule Picture Day and communicates with teachers, families and parent volunteers. Coordinator: Carol Slaughter (CSlaughter143@aol.com).
Book Fair
This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality books at affordable prices and provides funds for our library. This week-long event takes place in early December. This committee makes arrangements to have the books delivered, staffs the book fair, and handles the final payment to the book companies. This project needs many volunteers! Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net), Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED!
Fall Festival (the “Halloween Party”)
This event, which is usually held the Friday before Halloween, is a fun-filled evening featuring a costume parade, games and crafts, and food. This committee recruits and coordinates volunteers to help plan and run the events, and work on set up and clean up. Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)
International Fair
This event is an international potluck/community building event in late May featuring talents of Fort River students. Coordinator: Rebecca Fricke (fricke@crocker.com)
6th Grade Graduation
This committee is in charge of making sure this day is special for all the 6th grade children. The coordinator(s) of this event organize the sixth grade parents to decorate the gym and set up all the other events surrounding graduation (slide show, food for the reception, class gift, etc.)
Coordinators: Lisa Oram and Steve Brown (lo@lisaoram.com)
Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
This is a great way to say “thank you” to all the people who take care of our kids. This committee finds a restaurant and works with the manager to set a date and menu, sends invitations to all staff asking for menu choices, collects RSVPs and gives meal counts to the restaurant, and keeps in contact with the restaurant to make sure that everything is on track! Coordinator: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com) and Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Letter from the PGO President
Dear Fort River Families,
Welcome to the start of the new year! Our first bit of exciting news is that the Fort River Parent Council has changed its name to the Parent/Guardian Organization or PGO. With so many families changing schools due to redistricting, this new name will bring continuity to the parent organizations of Fort River, Crocker Farm, and Wildwood, who will also use the name PGO.
Our PGO works to help make Fort River a fun, stimulating, and welcoming environment for all children and families. Every parent and guardian is a member of the Fort River PGO.
Here are some of the PGO sponsored events:
*Volunteer your time. There are many opportunities to give the precious gift of your time. Please see the attached list of volunteers needed and choose something that interests you.
*Make a donation to our Annual Fund. 100% participation is our goal!
The PGO Annual Fund: As you can see, the Fort River PGO is very active and supports teachers and students in many ways. This support requires a healthy Annual Fund! We hope every family will contribute, so please donate in ANY amount. We want 100% participation--every dollar helps!
With a successful Annual Fund, our PGO can focus time and energy on teacher support, events, and community building.
Thanks so much for all your support.
Pam Rietkerk, PGO President Liz Larson, PGO Treasurer
Michele Spirko, PGO Vice President Catherine McGraw, PGO Secretary
Welcome to the start of the new year! Our first bit of exciting news is that the Fort River Parent Council has changed its name to the Parent/Guardian Organization or PGO. With so many families changing schools due to redistricting, this new name will bring continuity to the parent organizations of Fort River, Crocker Farm, and Wildwood, who will also use the name PGO.
Our PGO works to help make Fort River a fun, stimulating, and welcoming environment for all children and families. Every parent and guardian is a member of the Fort River PGO.
Here are some of the PGO sponsored events:
- Free Yearbook
- Free Student Directory
- Family Fair
- Science Night
- School Picture Day
- Book Fairs
- Field Day
- International Fair
- Coffee with the Principal
- Special Education Staff needs
- Classroom Support & Enrichment
- Extra Funds for Field Trips
- Library Fund
- Scholarship Fund
- After School Clubs
- Staff Appreciation Luncheon
- Bus Driver Breakfast
- And much more …
*Volunteer your time. There are many opportunities to give the precious gift of your time. Please see the attached list of volunteers needed and choose something that interests you.
*Make a donation to our Annual Fund. 100% participation is our goal!
The PGO Annual Fund: As you can see, the Fort River PGO is very active and supports teachers and students in many ways. This support requires a healthy Annual Fund! We hope every family will contribute, so please donate in ANY amount. We want 100% participation--every dollar helps!
With a successful Annual Fund, our PGO can focus time and energy on teacher support, events, and community building.
Please support the Annual Fund by making an early donation.
You may send cash or check, payable to "Fort River PGO", to the Main Office (mail or send envelope to school)
OR
Thanks so much for all your support.
Pam Rietkerk, PGO President Liz Larson, PGO Treasurer
Michele Spirko, PGO Vice President Catherine McGraw, PGO Secretary
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