Thursday, March 24, 2016

Family Survey Available - PLEASE COMPLETE!

Dear Families,

The Amherst-Pelham Schools have formed a partnership with UChicago in an effort to provide us with reliable, ongoing data for school improvement. The data will be generated from student, staff, and family survey results. We ask that you participate in the survey. Your participation in this survey is voluntary and you have the right not to participate. However, I hope that you will strongly consider sharing your voice, as the results from this survey will help drive improvement in Fort River.

The 5Essentials Survey provides a comprehensive picture of a school’s organizational culture in an individualized report measuring five “Essentials” critical for school success:

- Effective Leaders

- Collaborative Teachers

- Involved Families

- Supportive Environment

- Ambitious Instruction

The survey will be open between March 23rd and April 15th  and all of the surveys will be completed by the April vacation which will allow us to get the results before the end of the school year. 

If you need access to a computer, the Fort River computer lab will be open M-F from8:00- 8:45am and 3:30- 4:30. Please stop by my office and I can help you. Your participation is important! 

Click on this link to take the survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/amherst/survey/parent/

Sincerely,

Bobbie Finocchio, Principal 

 

Estimadas Familias,

Las Escuelas de Amherst-Pelham han formado una asociación con Impacto de la Universidad de Chicago que nos proporciona datos fiables y constantes para el mejoramiento escolar. Los datos se generan a partir de los resultados de las encuestas de los estudiantes, del personal y de las familias. Les pedimos que participen en la encuesta. Su participación en esta encuesta es voluntaria y usted tiene el derecho de no participar. Sin embargo, espero que usted considere seriamente la posibilidad de compartir su voz, ya que los resultados de este estudio ayudarán a impulsar mejoras en Fort River.

La Encuesta “5Essentials” proporciona una visión global de la cultura organizacional de la escuela en un informe individualizado que mide cinco "Esenciales" críticos para el éxito escolar:

  • Líderes eficaces
  • Profesores colaborativos
  • Familias involucradas
  • Entorno favorable
  • Instrucción ambiciosa

La encuesta estará abierta desde marzo 23 hasta el 15 de abril y todas las encuestas serán completadas en las vacaciones de abril, que nos permitirá obtener los resultados antes del final del año escolar.

Si necesita tener acceso a una computadora, el laboratorio de computadoras de Fort River estará abierto lunes a viernes de 8: 00- 8:45 am y de 3: 30- 04:30 pm. Favor de pasar por mi oficina y yo le puedo ayudar. Su participación es importante!

Haga clic en este enlace para participar en la encuesta:  http://survey.5-essentials.org/amherst/survey/parent/

Sinceramente,

Bobbie Finocchio, Principal 

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Trivia Night at the Jones Library on April 7

The Jones Library invites area trivia buffs to at our monthly Trivia Night, hosted by Mark “Harpo” Power, on the first Thursday of the month, from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm.  The next Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2016 in the Woodbury Room.  All trivia aficionados are invited to join in the fun and support the Jones Library!

Bring friends and family as a team, or form teams on the spot, with a maximum of five per team. There will be two rounds of 15 questions each, and there will be prizes for the top teams.  Doors open at 6 pm, and the event starts promptly at 6:30 pm.  There is a suggested donation of $5-$10 per person to participate.  All proceeds benefit the Jones Library.  Refreshments will be served.

Open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Hitchcock Center Spring Programs for Children and Families


Josia DeChiara, Hitchcock educator

Ages 8-11, Grades 3-5
Alternating Thursdays: March 24April 7, 28, May 12, 26, June 9
3:30pm-5:30pm
Members: $162/Non-members: $190

Get to know nature, and make friends at the same time! This afterschool program is designed to bring girls together in a supportive environment that fosters creativity, nature skills and inquiry. Each afternoon will consist of hands-on projects and free outdoor exploration at the Larch Hill Conservation Area. Through playing games, exploring nearby habitats, and connecting with nature, we will develop our confidence, build friendships and have a lot of fun learning! Families provide their own transportation to the Hitchcock Center. Learn more...

with Dan Ziomek, Local Birder and WRSI's Bird Songs Radio Program

For young people ages 8-13
Saturdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14
7:30am-10am
Individual/Youth: Members $60/Non-members $75
Parent/Child: Members $100/Non-members $120


Spring migration is the most exciting time of year to get out and see birds! Each week new species return from the south wearing their spring colors. Each week we will explore a different local site and meeting locations will vary. Be the next generation of birders! Space is limited, registration required. 



Jeff Mazur and Hannah French, Hitchcock educators


Ages 6-8
Tuesdays, 10:00am-2:00pm
9 classes - March 22, 29, April 12, 26, May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7
*No class April 5, 20 or May 3
Members: $375/Non-members: $404


Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's a nature superhero! In Homeschool I this spring we will learn about superheroes of survival in nature. We'll explore super senses, and learn how sight, hearing, and smell are used to capture prey and avoid detection. We'll discover special powers including poisons, prickles, and pollination. Learn more...
Patrick O'Roark, Hitchcock educator


Ages 9-12
Tuesdays, 10:00am-2:00pm
9 classes - March 22, 29, April 12, 26, May 10, 17, 24, 31, June 7
*No class April 5, 20 or May 3
Members: $375/Non-members: $404

Have you ever wondered why animals act the way they do, or what they are thinking? Why do coyotes howl at night? Is the cardinal pecking my window because it's angry? Do the two crayfish you caught like each other? During this spring's Homeschool II class we'll be exploring these and many other questions about the inner lives of the animals around us. We'll practice scientific observation and experimentation, with both the animals that live with us here at the Hitchcock Center and the wildlife that shares our neighborhood. Learn more...
Nature Summer Camp


A few openings are still available for camp sessions this summer for the Young Naturalists, ages 6-7.

There's no better place to discover the wonders of the outdoors! At Hitchcock Nature Summer Camp, children enjoy, play and learn in the natural world. Each day is designed with outdoor adventures, along with cooperative games, art projects, singing, and science experiments. Learn more...


Nature Discovery Preschool: All About Birds


Colleen Kelley, Hitchcock Center Educator

Ages 3-5 (adult required to attend with child)
Fridays, March 25April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 (No class 4/22)
Morning session: 9:30am-11:30 am (wait list only)
Afternoon session: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Members: $205/Non-members: $225

We will head in to spring in full flight! Children and their adult companions will explore the world of birds through movement, songs, crafts and live animal observations. An adult is required to attend with each child. Learn more...
Explore a Vernal Pool


Ted Watt, Hitchcock Center Naturalist
Saturday, April 9, 9:30 am - noon
Members $15 Non-members $18


Vernal pools with their temporary spring accumulations of rain and runoff water provide unique homes for a variety of amazing creatures. How do they survive both in the water and when the pool dries up? We'll find out by observing and wondering about these creatures. Appropriate for adults and young people ages 8 and up accompanied by their adult. Please call to register. Space is limited and registration required. Learn more...
Spring Vacation Camp


Ages 6-10, Grades K-4
Monday through FridayApril 18-22
Members: $60 per day/Non-members: $70 per day

Spend your days off from school learning and playing outside at the Hitchcock Center! We'll explore topics in spring ecology while playing games, making crafts and spending time with our live animals. Sign up for as many days as you wish. Learn more...


About Us
The Hitchcock Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to inspire people to learn about our natural world through innovative, hands-on environmental education programs. We help people to explore the interconnections between the health of humans and ecosystems, reinforcing our innate bonds with our environment, and looking to nature as a model and measure to improve our quality of life.

FINAL DAY to order Coffee Cakes!


Monday, March 21st is the last day to get your coffeecake orders in to the office!  Click here to print the order form


Support Fort River and support the Glazed Doughnut Shop, a sweet local business!

Glazed coffee cake cakes are moist and delicious with just a drizzle of white frosting on top and a swirl of cinnamon and chocolate on the inside. Yum!! 

Perfect for sharing with your family or gifting to your friends. 

All coffee cakes are $12. Regular and gluten free available. 

Turn in your order forms to the Fort River office by Monday, March 21. Please include payment with your order form; checks can be made out to "Fort River PGO"

Cakes can be picked in the Fort River lobby on 
Thursday, March 24th after school until 5 PM or 
Friday, March 25 after school until 6 PM 

Visit the shop on Pleasant Street or at glazedamherst.com

Amherst Splash Spring 2016 registration IS OPEN!

acsplashSplash is a one–day event at Amherst College, where middle and high school students learn anything from Masks of the World to How People Make Money to Harry Potter: A Chamber of Secrets to Instant Chinese to Beat–boxing, all taught by college students!

When: Saturday April 9th 2016, 9am–3pm at Converse Hall, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002

A $10 fee includes course supplies and lunch. Scholarships are available.

Here’s the registration link to get you started:  Register

Quick link to courses offered this semester:  Class Catalog

Please invite all your friends and pass the information along to anyone interested! Additionally, we are now on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/splashamherst) so give us a like and get a chance to see updates and what happens behind the scenes with us :)

Registration is set to close April 6th so sign up soon! Give us an email if you have any questions.

ARPS School Calendar for 2016-2017 School Year


ARPS


    

The School Committee has voted to accept next School year’s calendar. The Full calendar available at this link:  2016-2017 Calendar
The First day of school for the 2016-2017 School Year is Wednesday, August 31st  for students in grades 1-12.

ARHS Ice Hockey Win Sectional Title, State Runners-Up

Reposted from ARHS PGO:

Congratulations to the ARHS Boys Ice Hockey Team and Coach Mike Rousseau! The Hurricanes won the Western Massachusetts Division 3A Tournament championship for the first time in 20 years with a 3-2 overtime win over Chicopee Comp at the Olympia Ice Center on March 10.

The Hurricanes played Nashoba in the State Championship last Thursday at the Mass Mutual Center and lost 5-1. Fort River alum Nathan Masteralexis scored for Amherst in the final seconds of the match. Congratulations to the entire team and their families on a great season!
To read more about their Western Mass Title:
photo credit: Daily Hampshite Gazette