Fort River PGO

Fort River Jumpathon - A Great Success!

A note from Dianna Spaulding, Physical Education Teacher:

"Our Jumpathon was a huge success thanks to all the hard work the Fort River students did to raise money for the American Heart Association. We raised $8,331.00 dollars! That is outstanding! Our school will receive a gift certificate for $400.00 for physical education equipment as part of the prize package. Prizes have been ordered but will take almost 4 weeks before they will be delivered. Many thanks to the parent volunteers that helped count money or jumped with their child. Thanks to all who helped donate to this heart-healthy event!"

PGO Volunteer Opportunities

The Fort River PGO depends on all members of our community to step up and take turns volunteering. There are many opportunities available right now and the PGO needs all community members to get involved! Remember, every Fort River family is automatically a PGO member and our mission is to enrich and enhance ALL our children's education while supporting our teachers. We hope you want to be a part of this effort.

The Fort River PGO is only as strong as its volunteers! Get involved, stay involved!

*International Fair Coordinator NEEDED (this year!)

This annual May event celebrates Fort River and the many cultures that make up our community. In the past it has featured a fabulously diverse potluck buffet and live performances from many cultures. In order for this tradition continue, we need a new coordinator(s) to step up! Better yet, grab a friend and do it together! You will be totally supported and guided. If you have any interest, please email pam.fortriver@gmail.com or call 256-2605.

*New Leadership for PGO NEEDED (for next school year)

Chair & Vice Chair--work with FR Staff and Principal to set calendar of events for the year; recruit volunteers to chair events and committees; monitor event planning and general communications; set PGO meeting agendas; serve as the main contacts for PGO business.

Secretary--takes minutes at PGO meetings

If you are interested or have questions, please email pam.fortriver@gmail.com or call 256-2605. OR attend the Coffee with the Principal on Friday March 2 to learn more.

*Yearbook Coordinator NEEDED (for next school year)

Kathy Niedzielski, one of our fabulous long time Yearbook Coordinators will be "graduating" and we need a replacement for her. Please contact Kathy (stonyhill4@verizon.net) or Joy Sullivan (joyrrs@comcast.net) if you are interested or would like to find out more.

*IT Help with our Student Directory NEEDED (for next school year)

This is a job concentrated in early fall and can be done from the comfort of your home. After many years on this job, Dror Schmerling is also "graduating" from Fort River. He worked with office staff to download data from the school database and format for our student directory. If we get someone to step forward soon, Dror is willing to help train them in this task. And if you are familiar with this kind of work you can also take it on and create your own system. If you have any interest, please email pam.fortriver@gmail.com or call 256-2605.

Save the Date - Family Literacy Night

The PGO is excited to announce Family Literacy Night happening on Wednesday, April 4. At 6:00pm we will have pizza and a brief PGO meeting in the cafeteria. At 6:30, adults will gather in the Library with Literacy Coach Linda Castronovo for a presentation on the Language Arts curriculum while kids will stay in the cafeteria for interactive literacy activities led by Mt. Holyoke College students. Details and sign up information will follow.

Fort River Book Swap - We need your books!

We need your BOOKS for the Fort River Book Swap!! The Book Swap will take place during the week of April 9. Every student will choose books to bring home without spending a dime! The number of books they receive depends on your donations. Please donate your gently used books for ages K-6. Donate as many books as you like and keep in mind that we always have a shortage of books for 5th and 6th grade. Adult level books are often great for the older kids, but please be sure they are appropriate. Reference books, dictionaries, thesauruses are also welcome.

Collection boxes with be near the Library entrances and outside the Main Office. We will collect books through the last week of March, but the sooner we have your books the better!

THANK YOU! Volunteers are needed for sorting, setting up, and working the Swap. Contact Libby Stanforth: bstanforth@comcast.net. This is a fun event and many hands make light work!

Let's Talk Series - Internet Safety and Bullying

The Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools in partnership with the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office invite you to the second session of the “Let’s Talk” series. INTERNET SAFETY and CYBERBULLYING: What Every Parent/Guardian Must Know to Keep Children Safe. March 13, 2012 7-8:30pm in the ARMS Library. Information: Mildred Martinez martinezm2@arps.org or 362-1871.

Come to the Summer Camps Fair

LSSE is sponsoring a Summer Camps Fair this Saturday, March 3 from 11 am - 3 pm at Wildwood School. For more information, visit http://www.lsse.org/ or call LSSE at 259-3065.

This event is not sponsored by the FR PGO.

Family Outreach of Amherst -10th Annual Salute to Families Lecture Series

Please join Family Outreach of Amherst for the 10th Annual Salute to Families Lecture Series on Sunday, March 4th, 2012 from 3-5 pm in Converse Hall at Amherst College. This year's event Heroes in Our Midst features a panel discussion with the wonderfuly talented Dan Slott, head writer for Marvel's Amazing Spider-Man comic book series, Sarah Kinney, co-author of the Nancy Drew and other Papercutz graphic novels and freelance comic artist, Jack Purcell, whose works with Disney, Marvel and DC comics including Batman, Spider-Man and Batgirl. Pulitzer prize winning journalist and UMass professor Madeleine Blais will moderate the discussion. A reception and book signing will follow the program.

Tickets: $25 benefactor/$10 general admission/$5 seniors and students. Tickets can be reserved in advanced by emailing Rachel Barker or calling 413.549.5999. Tickets will also be sold at the door. For more information visit www.chd.org/familyoutreach.