Annual Fund Update #feelingthankful

Thanks again to our generous donors who have already contributed to the PGO Annual Fund!

The PGO's Facebook platform for Annual Fund donations closed on Monday with a total of $1050 raised from 20 donors! The PGO participated in this fundraising option because of matching grants made available. In honor of #GivingTuesday, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Facebook contributed $1 million to fundraisers on Facebook. The Gates Foundation matched $500,000 in donations to fundraisers (up to $1000 per non-profit). In addition Facebook waived up to $500,000 in administrative fees on the fundraising pages set up for the event (through December 31st). 

In addition to donations on Facebook we received charitable contributions via cash, check, and through our PayPal portal (link on top right of the blog homepage - "Donate" button) - contributions can be made at any time and all donations to the PGO are tax-deductible. Envelopes came home with students before Thanksgiving, but feel free to use a different one if it's been misplaced. Donations are accepted throughout the year.

Every donation made to the Annual Fund goes directly into the current year PGO operating budget to fund many teacher requests intended to enhance student experiences, e.g., classroom equipment or special furnishings, special curriculum materials, recess equipment, special guest authors, poets, musicians, and other performers, and field trips funds. 

Thanks again! We are all blessed to be part of such a generous and caring community!

Our Amazing Mental Health Team with Holiday Tips for Families

The PGO hosted Interim Principal Diane Chamberlain and the Fort River Mental Health Team last Friday at our regular PGO Coffee. The presentation was FABULOUS and covered many topics of use to every family. We will share notes and slides from this wonderful session in the near future but in the meantime are reposting the holiday tips that they shared in the November FR Principal Newsletter.

FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH TEAM

The holidays can be a stressful time for not only adults, but for children as well. While one child may experience joy and excitement during this time, another may struggle with anxiety or overwhelming feelings related to meeting new people (guests), seeing new decorations in the house or constantly changing routines. Most adults can manage and adjust to these changes successfully but many children can’t. For these children new people, things and environment can bring confusion, shyness and even fear.

To avoid this inevitable overwhelming time for some children during these holidays, it is important for parents to talk to children about future guests who may visit the house, food that will be cooked or ordered, and any new surroundings. These conversations will help children to learn what is coming in advance, and help them to prepare mentally and physically to upcoming changes. Parents should also remember that children learn and develop in the context of a relationship. They can pick up on parents’ impatience and anxiety. So, becoming aware of your own feelings is important. Offering choices, empowering and providing positive support are essential tools in the parent’s pocket to use while spending time with kids during holidays.

Mental Health Team:   Dr. Patricia Schumm, Jessica Rudnick, Melanie Collins, Ana Encarnacion, Miguel Aquino, Ruth Killough-Hill

Gift Ideas from the Amherst Education Foundation

Are you trying to figure out how to thank your children’s teachers for their wonderful work this holiday season? Here’s a great way to give a gift that teachers appreciate and is an easy way to remain in compliance with the law that forbids public employees from receiving gifts valued at more than $50. AEF’S THANK A TEACHER/STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS!

Contribute to the Amherst Education Foundation in a teacher’s name and they will get the gift that keeps on giving: money that comes back to the schools in the form of excellence grants. The teacher will receive a card from AEF indicating that you supported AEF in their honor. Click here Thanking a Teacher through our Stars in Our Schools; or go to www.amhersteducationfoundation.org and click on “Stars in Our Schools”.

How is AEF helping the elementary schools? AEF grants are funding the following programs: 

• Math coaches are receiving training to help underperforming kids in grades 3-6! 

• Students with special needs district-wide have much-needed laptop computers! 

• Music teachers are bringing visiting artists to the schools!

Thank you and happy holidays,

The Board of Amherst Education Foundation

Ethan Clotfelter, Becky Michaels, Clare Bertrand, Meg Robertson, Isabella Dell’olio, Rick Hood, Michael Hutton-Woodland, Sue Kelly, Ken Leblond, Sovann-Malis Loeung, Amanda Rivera Lopez, Susan Kennedy Marx, Jennifer Mendelsohn, Adelia Pope, Megan Rosa, Amanda Seaman, Sudha Setty, Jen Veshia

Jones Library Programs for Kids and Teens

 

Laser Tag at the Jones???

Follow the Jones Library to stay informed about awesome programs for kids and teens! Yesterday they had an impromptu Lego Club in the afternoon. Regular programs include preschool story hours, kid yoga classes, after school book clubs, art and crafts events, and feature films. They recently added a teen Laser Tag party!

Some programs require preregistration. Visit the Jones Kids and Teens page by clicking here. Click on photos to expand.

Early Release on Wednesday, December 14

This Wednesday, December 14, is an Early Release Day for all ARPS students. Faculty and staff will spend the time in professional development activities. 

Elementary students will be dismissed at 1:20pm. 

Comprehensive ARPS Water Update

A comprehensive update on the district-wide water testing and repairs was presented to the Regional School Committee on November 29, 2016.  Video of the meeting will be posted on the Amherst Media website, and the Powerpoint presentation is available here.

No Homework over Winter Break

Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Morris sent a letter home to families last week announcing that there will be NO HOMEWORK over Winter Break. You can read the letter here.