Superintendent Search

Our school district is now in the process of searching for a new Superintendent of Schools to begin work in July 2011. Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates has been hired to assist the School Committees in this search process. Consultants Al Argenziano and John Connolly of HYA will begin their work by helping the community define the qualities, skills and experience that the public is looking for in a Superintendent. The work to develop this leadership profile will occur on October 27 and October 28, during which time a variety of meetings will occur with school, parent, and community groups. In addition, public forums will be held on Wednesday, October 27 at 2:00 pm in the Wildwood School library and at 7:00 pm in the ARHS Auditorium. The list of groups scheduled to meet with the consultants will be announced in the next few days.

In addition to holding public forums, we are now posting an online survey to seek your input in the process of hiring a new superintendent. This survey is designed to gather your perception on the importance of various characteristics commonly found in effective superintendents. The information will be used by the School Committees to determine the "Desired Characteristics" of our next superintendent. Select the survey link below that best represents your relationship to the School District.

SURVEY LINK

Please continue to check this site for updates as the search process occurs. We deeply appreciate your participation in this important endeavor.

Rick Hood, Chair- Regional School Committee

Irv Rhodes, Chair- Amherst School Committee

Debbie Gould, Chair- Pelham School Committee

Math Survey from the Superintendent's Office

Families of current students are invited to fill out a brief Math Survey as part of the comprehensive K-12 Math Review. Participants are asked to complete the survey by Wednesday, October 27. Click on the link to take the survey, or go to the ARPS.org website to find the link.

Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Fire Department SAFE Program

The Amherst Fire Department will hold a pancake breakfast to raise funds for the SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program. The SAFE program teaches fire safety to all fourth graders in the Amherst School system. The cost of the breakfast is $6.00/adults and $4.00/children. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, juice/milk and coffee/tea. Live entertainment by the Horse Mountain Jazz band.

Learn more about SAFE by visiting the program's website.


*Please note: this event is not sponsored by the Fort River PGO.

2010 Amherst Biennial: Painting Amherst with Art

The Amherst Public Art Commission is running an exhibit of over 40 artists' work here in Amherst through Dec. 5th. The exhibit is entitled Amherst 

Biennial: Art in Unexpected Places. Artworks are displayed at a wide array of venues around town including businesses, galleries, farms and Kendrick Park. The exhibition will end of Dec 5th with a projection by artist Erica Zekos on the East Street School building. 

Here's a list of where and when to see the art on display. 

-Amherst Town Hall 4 Boltwood Ave M-W 8am-7pm, Th noon-7pm, F 8am-4:30pm 

-Hope & Feather Gallery & Framing 319 Main St. Weekdays 10am-7pm,  Sat. 10am-5pm 

-ETTA Gallery 534 Main St. Sat & Sun 1-4 pm 

-Nacul Center 592 Main St. Weekdays 9am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-4 pm 

-East Street School 31 South East St. Weekdays 1-4 pm

-Thistlebrook Farm 784 Southeast St  

-Swartz Family Farm 11 Meadow St  

-Kendrick Park 

-AJ Hastings 

-J. Austin Antiques 

-Bank of America 

-Zanna 

-Chopping Block

Please note: this is not a PGO-sponsored event.

Boy Scout Open House

The Boy Scouts of America is now 100 years old. Come join Boy Scout Troop 500 Amherst to see how Scouting is evolving as it enters its 2nd century. We are having an Open House for prospective scouts and their families Tuesday, October 26 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the South Congregational Church, 1066 Southeast Street, Amherst.  Troop 500 has a 50+ year history in Amherst working with school-age boys (grades 5-12).  Troop activities are organized and run by the boys, including weekly meetings, monthly campouts, and projects in the community.  Our Scouts learn practical outdoor skills and develop leadership skills while having a lot of fun.  For more information, contact Scoutmaster Peter Crowley at (413) 253-0964.

Not sponsored by the FRPGO.

PGO October Meeting Agenda

Our next PGO meeting will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 8:45am in the Fort River cafeteria.


PGO Meeting Agenda/October 20, 2010

Annual Fund Update

Discussions of Upcoming Events/Fundraisers:

- Original Works
- Fall Festival
- Election Day PGO bake sale
- Dean’s Bean’s coffee sale
- Book Fair
- Community Marketplace/Chili Supper

Discussions of Other New and Continuining Initiatives:

- Directory
- Cultural Enrichment Program
- Teacher Outreach
- Time and Talent Survey

New Business

Potluck for Peter Lamdin's Class

Peter Landin's class will have a potluck dinner Thursday October 22 at 6:00 pm at FR Cafeteria.