Giving Tuesday is November 28 - So Many Ways to Give

#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. Millions of people come together to support and champion the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live.

Random acts of kindness are a great way to teach young children about giving and supporting each other. Helping a neighbor with yard work or donating clothes and books are easy ways to get kids involved. The Fort River Student Council is currently organizing a toy and necessities drive for victims of Hurricane Maria. The Amherst Survival Center and local religious groups have ongoing opportunities to donate or volunteer locally. The Amherst Education Foundation provides grants to ARPS teachers allowing students to tangibly see their families' donations at work.

The Fort River PGO also depends on generous giving from our community so that we can continue to support the work of our incredible teachers and staff. The Annual Fund needs to cover about 30% of the annual budget. Please consider joining the Fort River community on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 by including the PGO in your end-of-year giving. If you are able to help, please click here to donate using PayPal or send a check into the Main Office made out to "Fort River PGO." Thanks!

Around the World at Fort River: Save the Date and Request for Committee Volunteers

Fort River Elementary has a rainbow of cultures and people that we like to celebrate at our Around the World at Fort River event. This year's celebration is February 15 from 6 - 8 pm.

The PGO is looking for several volunteers to help organize the evening including arranging performances, decorations, and promoting with posters, flyers and announcements.  If you would like to help organize the celebration, contact Deborah_christakos@yahoo.com, (413) 320-7700

Welcome Back! Time to Bundle Up!

We hope you enjoyed your homework free break and managed to get lots of rest! 

It's cold outside so please send your students to school with appropriate gear. Contact the school if you need assistance obtaining warm clothing; there are lots of wonderful items available in the Winter Clothing Share.

Jones Library Film and Discussion Series: 13TH

Message from Coming Together and the Jones Library:

Join us on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the Woodbury Room for the next event in this ongoing film and discussion series that may educate, touch your heart, and inspire you to action to help dismantle racism.

This month’s screening of 13TH is a powerful documentary which explores the history of race and the criminal justice system in the United States by Ava DuVernay, the director of the feature film Selma. The final half of the film will be screened, as the first half was screened and discussed at the October meeting. After the discussion, work will continue in small working groups to advance anti-racism action projects that have been undertaken.

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

This film series is co-sponsored by the Jones Library and Coming Together.  More information about Coming Together can be found at http://www.coming-together.org/.

ARHS Women’s Rights Club Feminine Hygiene Products Drive

Important message from the ARHS Women’s Rights Club:

The ARHS Women’s Rights Club is running a TAMPON AND PAD drive all month! All donations will benefit the Amherst Survival Center so that hygiene products can be available to all that need it!

Look for the signs and boxes located at the school to donate what you can.

Donations should be in sealed boxes or packages. Drive will be up until the end of the month. Donations are also accepted year round at the Amherst Survival Center. We hope that this drive will bring more awareness to a natural part of human experience as well as an important public health need.

Volunteers Needed for Videotaping Fort River School Building Committee Meetings

Volunteers are needed to videotape the Fort River School Building Committee meetings. Amherst Media will provide training and the necessary equipment, and will broadcast the meetings for the community.

The first meeting is Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 4 to 6 pm at the ARMS Professional Development Center and there will likely be one or two meetings per month. Several people willing and able to take turns doing the filming would be ideal to ensure coverage of these important meetings.

Please contact ftriver@gmail.com if you or someone you know can help.

Thank you!

PGO Meeting on November 16 at 9 am

General PGO Meeting

Thursday, November 16

9 - 10 am

Please join the PGO Board for our monthly meeting. All current Fort River parents and guardians are welcome! Budget, fundraising plans, and volunteer needs will be discussed. Small children are always welcome!