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Reminder: There is no school for students on Friday, January 29

The yearbook now has an Instagram! We’ll be using it to keep you updated, as well as to collect photos! Follow arhs_goldbug_yearbook for more!

Senior photos are due January 22nd! Please email your photos to Miss Garrity at garrityc@arps.org. Photos must be school appropriate.

We need more photos! Please submit photos for any of the following categories/themes to garrityc@arps.org, to arps.picaboo.com, or to our Instagram!:
-The Black Lives Matter marches/movement
-Distance Learning Experiences
-Pet Selfies
-Club Photos
-Full-class Screenshots
-Joy or “Silver Linings” (please include a caption about what has brought you joy/ what has been your “silver lining” of this school year)
-Face Mask Fashion
-Socially Distanced/ COVID Pod hangoutsRemember to pre-order your yearbook at arps.picaboo.com!

If you would like a Professional School Picture to go into the Yearbook and/or a Student ID, please:  

• Follow the instructions in the Picture Form Flyer 
• Contact Ms. Garrity garrityc@arps.org  and Mr. Sadiq sadiqt@arps.org 
  • They will need to schedule the time you will come into the school on Friday, January 29th to have your picture taken 
  • The Deadline to sign up for a professional picture is Monday, January 18th. 
    • The photographers will be spread out, have air-purifiers, and hand sanitizer next to their stations
• If you Do Not want a Professional School Picture taken for the Yearbook
  • Please fill out the Google Form 
    • After you have filled out the Google Form, you will be contacted and told how you can submit your picture

Students can start dropping off books and materials from Semester 1, starting Monday, January 25th, and start picking up books and materials for Semester 2 a day or two after. Please email arhsoffice@arps.org or call 413-362-1700 with any questions. Thanks and take care.

Talib Sadiq

School Photo Flyer 

Monday, January 25, 2021 at 9 AM EST – 10AM EST Online: youtube.com

OR

Monday, January 25, 2021 at 6:30 PM EST Online: youtube.com

NOTE: These are two identical Family Town Hall events on Monday, January 25th to learn more about the later start time discussion. To participate in either event, please visit the appropriate link to listen to the options and to ask questions using the chat feature. You need only to visit the link during the event time to participate.

Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools will start using a product called Remind which is a classroom communication tool that helps teachers communicate with parents/guardians. Remind helps send messages on any device—even text messages to phones.   Remind is not fully rolled out or ready to use yet, however.

As part of the rollout, accounts will be created for all classroom teachers and parents/guardians at Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools. On 1/22/2021, you’ll receive an email and/or text message from Remind. All you need to do is follow the steps in the message to finish setting up your account.  Participation in Remind is NOT required but by opting-out you may miss out on important messages.  If you’d like to opt-out, please follow these directions: Opt out of messagesHere is our documentation geared towards Parents/Guardians Parents/Guardians: Getting Started.  For more information here is the official Remind documentation:  https://www.remind.com/resources/.  If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school.

The School Equity Task Force would like to hear from families in our ARPS community about their experiences with remote learning. We want to hear about what is going well, but also, about the things you might need to support your student(s) and family. The responses will be shared with the school committee and administration, with the goal of finding ways to support students during this pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Heather/Hala A. Lord at 413-825-9927 or lordh@arps.org. The deadline for the survey is 1/17/2020.

The survey is here: https://forms.gle/ r3T4WAeNzUbgRFZS6 

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, 

The School Equity Task Force

The Class of 2022 is asking for your support in our fundraising efforts which have been impacted by COVID-19. The money we raise will go towards offsetting expenses associated with prom and class projects. Your support of our ARHS merchandise store would be greatly appreciated! If you would rather support the class with a donation instead of making a purchase, you can do that by:  Making the check payable to the Class of 2022 and mail it to ARHS, 21 Matoon Street, Amherst MA 01002, Attn: Class of 2022 – Class Advisor

Here is the website to view designs and place orders:  https://sites.google.com/arps.org/arhsclassof2022/crewnecks?authuser=0

Thank you for your support! The Class of 2022!

• Seniors – if you have not done so yet, please order your cap & gown ASAP.  The deadline has been extended to January 31, and as of now there are still many of you who have not ordered.  Go to www.buildagrad.com to submit your information and place your order.  Balfour is the company we work with, and they need sufficient lead time to make sure they have enough supplies for everyone.  Please don’t delay.

PROM – The Class of 2021 prom is scheduled for the Log Cabin from 6-11 pm on Sunday May 30, 2021.

GRADUATION – Graduation is scheduled for the Mullins Center beginning at 6 PM on Friday June 11, 2021.  Graduation Rehearsal would be that morning at 8.A.M.

• Seniors: check out these great scholarships with upcoming deadlines:
  • Berkshire Bank NeXt Gen Scholarship (Deadline- Jan. 31st): NeXt Gen scholars embody academic excellence, while also sharing Berkshire Bank’s commitment to community service and volunteerism. They have overcome obstacles and are the doers of good deeds. Recipients share our values: Belonging, Focusing, Inclusion, Respect, Service and Teamwork and at their core possess an unsurpassed passion to improve the lives of those around them. Requires a history of volunteerism and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Apply at berkshirebank.com/About/Community/Community-Support/Scholarships
  •  Big Y Scholarship (Deadline- Feb. 1st): Honoring the academic achievements of students residing in MA and CT. Requires an unofficial transcript and 2 letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source). Fill out the scholarship transcript request in Naviance and list Miss Garrity as the person to upload materials to the portal. Apply at https://www.bigy.com/Community/Scholarships  

Red Pine Scholarship (Deadline- Feb. 15th): Red Pine supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Massachusetts who have demonstrated academic excellence and are planning to attend competitive colleges as freshmen. If accepted into the program, students receive a four-year scholarship of up to $20,000 annually, plus individual mentoring and funding for enrichment opportunities. Requires a transcript and 2 letters of recommendation. Request these in Naviance. Apply at https://www.tpi.org/scholarship/red-pine-scholars-program

Admissions and Scholarship Essay Help – Mondays

Join Ms. Lewis and Ms. Cuffee-Gray – 3:00-3:30pm – https://meet.google.com/wcw-iezj-nyw

Humble Bragging: Watch the snappy map light up with positive admissions decisions for the Class of 2021!  It’s a humble brag, your name will not be associated with the admit that is listed.  Use this link to let us know where you got in! https://forms.gle/czVJAhAk3BNi4GYs8

Also – please list all of your decisions in Naviance as they come in. The good, the bad and the ugly. Knowing helps us and the Class of 2022.

GAP Year – Let Us Help You Plan!!! link

Thinking about a GAP Year? We’re here to help. Sign up for a weekly GAP Year planning session with Mr. Lubin. Set some goals and make a plan. Fill in this form (link) and we’ll include you in the group.

FAFSA Day – From MEFA – Get Help With Your FAFSA!

Our upcoming FAFSA Day MA events, all virtual, offer a brief presentation on the FAFSA and leave plenty of time for live Q&A. Encourage your students to register for an upcoming event.

o   Sunday, February 7^th @ 2:00 p.m. en Espanol

o   Thursday, February 11^th @ 7:00 p.m. in English

FAFSA Challenge – Can ARHS WIN?!!! – MEFA is offering $1,000 FAFSA Day Challenge Scholarships this spring to help encourage FAFSA completion. Click the Link for more details.

If you are applying for financial aid, merit aid, or using the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship for tuition, you must complete your FAFSA.  Don’t miss the deadlines!  

Scholarships and Grants

Here’s some suggestions for scholarships!

Big Y – Due February 1st https://www.bigy.com/Community/Scholarships

Community Foundation of Western MA – Due March 31st – https://communityfoundation.org/students/scholarships/

MEFA January Deadlines – https://www.mefa.org/blog/scholarships-with-january-deadlines2

MEFA February Deadlines – https://www.mefa.org/blog/scholarships-with-february-deadlines

It’s that time! You’ve started applying for schools, now you need to find a way to cut costs! Check out Naviance for scholarships for now, and keep an eye out for an email in February with our local scholarship book! Check out this video if you need help: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-jkqewKCJL4WNemXweSIMzIJHeM7fbiM/view

MCAC – Massachusetts College Application Celebration February 2nd & 4th

We are hosting a great opportunity for those of you who are moving a little slowly in the process and interested in four and two year MA public colleges. It is also really a great way to gain admission to some great and affordable schools here in MA. On February 2nd and 4th we’ll help with applications and have admissions officers present for the amazing MA Public colleges that are still accepting applications.

Stay tuned!!!

Cost of Attendance

Compare Award Letters – https://www.mefa.org/blog/comparing-financial-aid-offers-with-mefa

My College Cost Calculator – https://www.mefa.org/college-cost-calculator

Edmit.me is an incredible resource for weaving affordability into your decision making process. If you create an account, you have access to courses on financial aid and affordability.

Jan 22: Last Day to Submit Senior Photos for Yearbook

Jan 25- Material Drop of and Pick Up for S2 Begins

Jan 27 & 28: MS/HS Early Dismissal (HS Exams) 

Jan 29: ARHS School Photo Day; All Teacher Curriculum/Work Day (No School) 

Feb 1: Semester 2 (Q3) Begins

Feb 7: MEFA FASFA Day en Espanol at 2PM

Feb 11: MEFA FASFA Day at 7:00 p.m

Feb 15-19: Winter Break 

Feb 24: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Mar 10: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Mar 17: All Teachers Curriculum/Work Day (No School) 

Mar 24: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Apr 2: Good Friday (No School—Budgetary Reasons) 

Apr 14: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Apr 19-23: Spring Break 

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 24: Last day of school (no snow days are included; all inclement weather days will be distance learning)

You are invited! We want you to join us. Everyone is Welcome! Pay What You Can!

FUNDA FEST 23: A Celebration of Black Storytelling is going VIRTUAL from Jan 23-31, 2021.

FUNDA means “To Learn” in Zulu.

The Rhode Island Black Storytellers is excited to present over 25 artists, in 12 shows over 9 days, online. RIBS is also offering several virtual options for schools, libraries, churches and community groups. We can come to you via live zoom, or as a pre-recorded program.  Programming is for all ages over two weekends, including a FREE Family FUN Day with Youth Performances on January 30, and a new twist on the ever-popular Liar’s Contest on January 29. New this year, a virtual potluck with performances and a chance to share your own stories around a virtual table on Thursday, January 28. Don’t miss the RISING STARS International Stage with tellers from the African Diaspora, and  Sacred Storytelling on Sunday Jan 31.

Join us for the whole festival, some events, or just one.  

Check out our website (www.fundafest23.com)  to learn more about the performers. RIBS is proud to present local, regional, national and international artists from the Diaspora including Lebo Mashili,an award-winning poet living  in South Africa who was born in Rhode Island when her parents were in exile from South Africa, Fred Johnson, an improvisational jazz artist who sings his stories,  Master Storyteller, Charlotte Blake Alston who has been delighting international audiences for decades (www.charlotteblakealston.com) and  Noel Quiñones,  a Puerto Rican writer, performer, and community organizer from the Bronx. Everyone is invited to PAY WHAT YOU CAN!  Even “0” is an option.  But you must fill out the ticket form to get the links.
To see all of the performers and events and to register/get your tix: $80 Suggested Festival Pass – Jan. 23rd -31st – Funda Fest 23

Is your student interested in gaining Job-Readiness Skills? There is a free School to Career Ready-To-Work Program available to them. This is a 5 week program that will run from January 26 2021 to February 25, 2021. These will be online meetings on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3pm-4:30pm. Students will earn a $100 gift card when completed. It is open to high school students in Franklin, Hampshire County, and North Quabbin.  Apply using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/R2Wprogram.  There are limited Spots available so your student should apply ASAP if you are interested. Contact Matt Allen, matt…@masshirefhwb.org, for any questions.

Do you have an interest in working in one of the following fields or want to learn more: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Social Assistance, Education & Childcare? Then check out the Youth Career and Job Expo happening soon! You will need to attend an orientation and kick off on either 2/10 or 2/24 from 3pm-4:30pm. Then you will hear from professionals in the field you choose (all sessions will be 3-4:30) There will also be a job fair at the end with employers ready to hire! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

MANUFACTURING 3/3/2021

HEALTHCARE 3/17/2021

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE 3/31/2021

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE 4/14/2021

CAREER SKILLS WORKSHOPS 4/28/2021

JOB FAIR 5/5/2021 (TIME TBD)

The ARHS Theater Company is excited to present She Kills Monsters this coming Friday, 1/15 and Saturday 1/16 at 8pm.  A Zoom-based adaptation of his own original work, Qui Nguyen’s award-winning play was one of the 10 most produced plays in America in 2019.  Complete with costume, prop, set, light and sound design from the Theater Company, the show also features an original score by fellow student Manar Hashmi, additional music from Rafi Ash, and visual art from nearly a dozen ARHS students, we promise that this will not an ordinary Zoom call whatsoever. Tickets for our live-streamed performances on Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16 are available at: https://arhsskm.bpt.me. See you there!

Athletics started this week and it’s off to a great start! Please continue to check-in with coaches as practice and game schedules can change!

The yearbook now has an Instagram! We’ll be using it to keep you updated, as well as to collect photos! Follow arhs_goldbug_yearbook for more!

Senior photos are due January 22nd! Please email your photos to Miss Garrity at garrityc@arps.org. Photos must be school appropriate.

We need more photos! Please submit photos for any of the following categories/themes to garrityc@arps.org, to arps.picaboo.com, or to our Instagram!:
-The Black Lives Matter marches/movement
-Distance Learning Experiences
-Pet Selfies
-Club Photos
-Full-class Screenshots
-Joy or “Silver Linings” (please include a caption about what has brought you joy/ what has been your “silver lining” of this school year)
-Face Mask Fashion
-Socially Distanced/ COVID Pod hangoutsRemember to pre-order your yearbook at arps.picaboo.com!

The Class of 2022 is asking for your support in our fundraising efforts which have been impacted by COVID-19. The money we raise will go towards offsetting expenses associated with prom and class projects. Your support of our ARHS merchandise store would be greatly appreciated! If you would rather support the class with a donation instead of making a purchase, you can do that by:  Making the check payable to the Class of 2022 and mail it to ARHS, 21 Matoon Street, Amherst MA 01002, Attn: Class of 2022 – Class Advisor

Here is the website to view designs and place orders:  https://sites.google.com/arps.org/arhsclassof2022/crewnecks?authuser=0

Thank you for your support! The Class of 2022!

The School Equity Task Force would like to hear from families in our ARPS community about their experiences with remote learning. We want to hear about what is going well, but also, about the things you might need to support your student(s) and family. The responses will be shared with the school committee and administration, with the goal of finding ways to support students during this pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Heather/Hala A. Lord at 413-825-9927 or lordh@arps.org. The deadline for the survey is 1/17/2020.

The survey is here: https://forms.gle/ r3T4WAeNzUbgRFZS6 

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, 

The School Equity Task Force

• The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts students who demonstrate academic promise and aspirations for higher education, but whose socio-economic backgrounds and environmental conditions may inhibit their ability to persevere and attain their educational goals.  

To apply, you must be a Junior or Sophomore with a 2.5 GPA or higher who demonstrates difficult personal circumstances, high financial need, and strong academic promise.

The scholarship requires an essay, financial statements, a letter of nomination, and two letters of recommendation. The deadline is February 7th, 2021. To start the process, please reach out to your guidance counselor for nomination.

If you would like a Professional School Picture to go into the Yearbook and/or a Student ID, please:  

• Follow the instructions in the Picture Form Flyer 
• Contact Ms. Garrity garrityc@arps.org  and Mr. Sadiq sadiqt@arps.org 
  • They will need to schedule the time you will come into the school on Friday, January 29th to have your picture taken 
  • The Deadline to sign up for a professional picture is Monday, January 18th. 
    • The photographers will be spread out, have air-purifiers, and hand sanitizer next to their stations
• If you Do Not want a Professional School Picture taken for the Yearbook
  • Please fill out the Google Form 
    • After you have filled out the Google Form, you will be contacted and told how you can submit your picture

Students can start dropping off books and materials from Semester 1, starting Monday, January 25th, and start picking up books and materials for Semester 2 a day or two after. A detailed schedule of all the days and times the drop-off and pick-ups are happening will be sent out next week. Please email arhsoffice@arps.org or call 413-362-1700 with any questions. Thanks and take care.

Talib Sadiq

School Photo Flyer 

At their meeting last week, the School Committees endorsed entering into an intensive, two-month community engagement process regarding the possibility of permanently moving to a later start time for the secondary schools (the possibility of having a later start time was studied extensively by the district several years ago). This decision was based largely on the feedback the District has received from families noting the positive impact the 9:00 a.m. start has had on their middle and high school students’ wellness during remote learning.  The engagement process will be used to inform the District about the feasibility and advisability of making a permanent change to the secondary start time, which would also impact the start time at the elementary schools.  In the coming weeks, please watch for notices about forums and surveys on the topic of later start times and take time to share your thoughts and opinions.

The presentation can be viewed here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t-DO3mNwtxs9Clgm3adRi0HzYglSdEiF/view?usp=sharing

The Environmental Action Club has partnered with an organization called Tree-Plenish to plant trees in the Amherst community! Our goal is 230 trees, which will offset the school’s yearly paper consumption. If you’d like to request a tree, go to https://www.tree-plenishevents.org/amherst. You can also volunteer for our planting event on April 24th. Trees are only $5, and we’re offering red oak, red maple, or river birch saplings.

Thank you to all of the families, students and staff members who shared their feedback through the surveys regarding whether snow days should be called during this period of remote learning.  A significant percentage of both ARPS families and staff shared that they regularly lose power and internet access during large storms.  After discussing the feedback at their meeting this week, the School Committees agreed that it will be in the best interest of students if snow days are called for significant storms that have the strong potential to result in loss of power.  For mild or moderate storms, the District will hold school remotely as usual.  The decision about whether to call a snow day for any storm will be made by the evening before it is predicted to start so families and staff will know whether to plan for virtual school the next day.  The decision will be shared through the usual media outlets, including the district snow line, which is 362-1898.

It’s time to order your cap and gown for the June 11^th graduation ceremony! The ordering process has gone on-line this year.  Orders will be delivered to the school sometime in May. Here is the link:  https://www.buildagrad.com/amherstregionalhs

Class of 2021! You have twenty one, that is 21, weeks to go. Let’s see this as auspicious! Please buckle up and move forward on whatever needs to be done. This is just an incredibly packed time (do we have to keep saying that?!!). Don’t give up, ask for support, find ways to take care of yourself, celebrate the small stuff (longer days are what I’m celebrating – I can see it!).

We are at the next big college admissions deadline. We are still hosting essay workshops, the College Planning Squad is still in effect if you need support, FAFSA needs completion, Scholarships are more than just a notion, GAP Year? We have something for you, thinking about working in the fall, make a plan! Work to do more than falling into whatever happens happens. We are here to support you being planful.

January Deadlines

January 15th is the next big deadline. If this is your first deadline, please be sure to request transcripts and recommendations in a timely manner. Teachers needs at least two weeks to write your recommendations. 

Know that if Naviance indicates that recommendations or transcripts and school materials are “processing,”’ Ms. Garrity sends closer to your deadline. If you have request at least two weeks before your deadline, you can politely reach out your teachers writing recommendations and Ms. Garrity.

Generally, colleges and universities give schools a little more leeway with school materials, but we work to rarely have to take advantage of that option.

Missing Materials for Admissions Offices (CG)

So you’ve applied to college, and you’re working hard in your classes, when suddenly you get an email from your top school saying your application is incomplete! But how? You’ve done everything right, and Miss Garrity sent your transcripts weeks ago!  Colleges are going to begin sending emails asking for your “first term grades” or “first marking period grades” or “mid-year report.” They’re gonna make it seem like you screwed up, or that Miss Garrity did. However, our first semester will not end until late January, and then it will take a few weeks for grades to be finalized, stored in our system, and updated on transcripts.

Semester One Grades and Mid-Year Reports

We expect to start sending mid-year reports sometime in mid-February. Colleges are aware of this, and know that many schools started later than usual this year. They will have your progress report grades and will be able to review your application with this information.

If you receive an email from a college and the piece missing is NOT the mid-year report but a different item, please email Miss Garrity.

FAFSA – Super Important to Complete

If you are applying for financial aid, merit aid, or using the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship for tuition, you must complete your FAFSA.

Here’s some great support – don’t miss deadlines (you can Google [“college name” & “financial aid deadline”]

Items you need to complete the FAFSA – https://www.mefa.org/blog/items-youll-need-to-complete-the-fafsa

Making Changes on Your FAFSA – https://www.mefa.org/blog/making-changes-to-your-fafsa

Hey families! Did you know you can get FAFSA assistance for free? @FAFSADayMA is hosting events to help answer your questions about this financial aid application. Do yourself a favor and register for one to learn & ask questions at masfaa.org/fafsaday #FAFSAComplete

From MEFA – 

Our upcoming FAFSA Day MA events, all virtual, offer a brief presentation on the FAFSA and leave plenty of time for live Q&A. Encourage your students to register for an upcoming event. To a student randomly chosen who attended a FAFSA Day event and completed a follow-up survey this is a $1,000 scholarship.

o   Sunday, February 7^th @ 2:00 p.m. en Espanol

o   Thursday, February 11^th @ 7:00 p.m. in English

FAFSA Challenge – Can ARHS WIN?!!! – Link

We’re offering 3 $1,000 FAFSA Day Challenge Scholarships this spring to help encourage FAFSA completion. These scholarships will be awarded – To the high school with 250 or above seniors with the highest overall FAFSA completion percentage rate through 5/1/21 (the high school will award the scholarship to one student)

Scholarship Season (CG)

It’s that time! You’ve started applying for schools, now you need to find a way to cut costs! Check out Naviance for scholarships for now, and keep an eye out for an email in February with our local scholarship book!

To request a transcript, letter of recommendation, or anything else for a scholarship, you’ll need to request it in Naviance. 

Go to the Colleges tab, then “Apply to College,” then “Manage Transcripts.” Then click on the red + button to request an “Other Transcript.” Fill in the form, noting where the transcript should be sent and any other materials needed.

Check out this video if you need help: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-jkqewKCJL4WNemXweSIMzIJHeM7fbiM/view

 Here’s some suggestions for scholarships!

Big Y – Due February 1st https://www.bigy.com/Community/Scholarships

Community Foundation of Western MA – Due March 31st – https://communityfoundation.org/students/scholarships/

MEFA January Deadlines – https://www.mefa.org/blog/scholarships-with-january-deadlines2

MEFA February Deadlines – https://www.mefa.org/blog/scholarships-with-february-deadlines

Scholarship search 

First check the Financial Aid pages on the schools you are applying toFastweb – https://www.fastweb.com/Going Merry – https://www.goingmerry.com/Unigo – https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships

MCAC – Massachusetts College Application Celebration February 2nd & 4th

We are hosting a great opportunity for those of you who are moving a little slowly in the process and interested in four and two year MA public colleges. On February 2nd and 4th we’ll help with applications and have admissions officers present for the amazing MA Public colleges that are still accepting applications.

Stay tuned!!!

Cost of Attendance – Comparing Packages

MEFA recently began their Paying the College Bill seminar series. At these seminars, families from around the region can bring their financial aid offers and learn all about financial aid, the college bill, and different options to pay for college. This time can be an emotional roller coaster for families. They are proud of their students’ acceptance letters but anxious about how they are going to pay for college. They’re often confused about the financial aid that they’ve received from schools, with each school’s offer looking different than the last. It’s not always clear what a family received in aid and what they will ultimately owe to each college.

My College Cost Calculator – https://www.mefa.org/college-cost-calculator

Admissions Interviews

Do you have to sit for an interview? This might be true for a college admissions process or a scholarship. Prepare for it! We can help you practice too (set a time with Ms. Cuffee-Gray)

College Interview: Tips and Strategies – link

90 Second Interview Guide – link

GAP Year Workshop – link

Thinking about a GAP Year? We’re here to help. Sign up for a weekly GAP Year planning session with Mr. Lubin. Set some goals and make a plan. Fill in the form below and we’ll include you in the group.

ASVAB for Military Enlistment – 2/11 Information Session @ 5:30 – (not ARHS sponsored)

Are you interested in enlisting in the military? The ASVAB is the exam that all military branches use for the process of determining your eligibility. Reach out to Ms. Cuffee-Gray if you would like to have support in preparing for the ASVAB.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86962680598?pwd=bTlZS2czc3kyKzBOSGo1eldtSjNhdz09

Zoom Meeting ID: 869 6268 0598 Passcode: asvabparen

Work Ready Workshop (see attached)

Ready to get ready to work? Sign up for the amazing School to Career Work Ready Workshop. Prepare to have a job in the spring or summer. Talk to Ms. Cuffee-Gray – this is a great opportunity.Apply using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/R2Wprogram

As you are accepted into colleges, remember to mark it in Naviance and to also fill out this form: https://forms.gle/czVJAhAk3BNi4GYs8

Jan 15 and Jan 16: ARHS Theater Company presents She Kills Monsters 8PM

Jan 17: SETF Survey Deadline

Jan 18: MLK Holiday (No School)

Jan 22: Last Day to Submit Senior Photos for Yearbook

Jan 25- Material Drop of and Pick Up for S2 Begins

Jan 27 & 28: MS/HS Early Dismissal (HS Exams) 

Jan 29: ARHS School Photo Day; All Teacher Curriculum/Work Day (No School) 

Feb 1: Semester 2 (Q3) Begins

Feb 7: MEFA FASFA Day en Espanol at 2PM

Feb 11: MEFA FASFA Day at 7:00 p.m

Feb 15-19: Winter Break 

Feb 24: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Mar 10: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Mar 17: All Teachers Curriculum/Work Day (No School) 

Mar 24: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Apr 2: Good Friday (No School—Budgetary Reasons) 

Apr 14: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Apr 19-23: Spring Break 

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 24: Last day of school (no snow days are included; all inclement weather days will be distance learning)

This message comes from the MLK Committee of Amherst (1984 – present). It is set with prayerful hopes for a year of moving forward to serve our community with renewed spirits and clarity of purpose. That said, due to overwhelming challenges that have wreaked havoc in our lives and in this organization, we find it necessary to declare a hiatus. Our decision to suspend this 36 yr. old community celebration is directly connected to the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Baker’s Covid-19 order #59 (https://www.mass.gov/info…/covid-19-state-of-emergency…).

Given the wide range of our inclusive celebrations – the in-gathering of elementary school singers, middle and high school singers and musicians, local elected leaders, politicians, clergy, educators, business owners and citizens from all walks of life – setting up a reasonably organized virtual celebration proved to be much more than we could manage. Dr. King once said these words, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Moving forward is exactly what we are going to do throughout this hiatus. We will be canvassing in various ways to refresh our partnerships with various organizations and establish new partnerships with others. Inspired by the legacies of our co-founders, Mother Mary Wyatt and Judy Brooks, we will enlist everyone’s help with finding individuals who desire to serve our community. Dr. King offers us wise guidance in this regard. “Everyone can serve………….., you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love”. We need workers who hold this to be true. Again, Dr. King calls our attention in this way, “all labor that lifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence”.The Martin Luther King Jr. Committee knows that we are fortunate to be a part of this community. We wish you and all of your family the resilience to come through whatever storms arise. We pray for those who have had great losses during this past year. We pray for those who are ill, and for their recovery. And we pledge to work through this hiatus in the spirit of our namesake Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In lieu of the Community Breakfast, Amherst Media will be airing selected recordings of landmark MLK Community Breakfasts over the past 36 years, interspersed with commentaries from community members who have been part of this movement over the years on Saturday 16th January 2021. During this broadcast, there will be opportunities to make donations towards the MLK Scholarships which go to deserving high school seniors entering college. “We have come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.” This is our pledge. And with your help, beloved community, we will be undefeated by the challenges that lie ahead.

Is your student interested in gaining Job-Readiness Skills? There is a free School to Career Ready-To-Work Program available to them. This is a 5 week program that will run from January 26 2021 to February 25, 2021. These will be online meetings on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3pm-4:30pm. Students will earn a $100 gift card when completed. It is open to high school students in Franklin, Hampshire County, and North Quabbin.  Apply using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/R2Wprogram.  There are limited Spots available so your student should apply ASAP if you are interested. Contact Matt Allen, matt…@masshirefhwb.org, for any questions.

The Amherst Hurricanes Athletic Boosters and Amherst Recreation are teaming up to provide a free “Recess Van,” for student K-6 during the lunch/recess break between the times of 11:30-12:15 from 1/11/2021-1/29/21.  It is voluntary, free and doesn’t require any registration, other than the children’s names, grade and school. It’s geared towards students K-6, who are remote learning, or not otherwise expected to be in class at that time. There is not any transportation provided. This is a structured, outdoor play activity led by staff and volunteers for the purpose of in-person, social engagement and fun. It is expected that children will only attend if they are in good health, not under quarantine due to Covid health guidelines, and will wear a mask at all times. For more details, you may see the Amherst Recreation website: https://www.amherstma.gov/3564/Recreation-Department or The Amherst Hurricanes Boosters website: https://hurricaneboosters.com and/or email Mary Klaes, President of the Boosters: mgklaes@comcast.net  or Nick Walas, Sports Director, at Amherst Recreation: walasn@amherstma.gov

Looking for ways to make a delicious dinner without last minute trips to the market, especially these days?  Join us for Feasting from Your Winter Pantry: Soul Warming Recipes from Your Pantry, a webinar to be presented by Chef Liz Barbour, owner of The Creative Feast, and hosted by the Jones Library via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 7:00 pm. 

Whether you are a seasoned cook or complete novice, creating a meal from what you’ve got on hand is always a challenge. Liz will share her pantry basics and inspire you to be creative with what you’ve got. Following her discussion, Liz will demonstrate 2 pantry recipes anyone can cook at home. 

To attend this event, please register advance for this webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4grqs8-XQRiSjkGUktOSHw 

The Town of Amherst, MA Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Amherst Regional Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Morris released a joint statement this evening condemning the violence today in Washington D.C. and assuring all in our community that we are being vigilant here on the local level. Full statement can be read here:www.amherstma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2801

Hello Students and Families,

If you would like a School Picture from Grynn & Barrett to go into the yearbook and used for a Student ID, Grynn & Barrett will be at ARHS on January 29th to offer their traditional school picture packages. Please see the Picture Form below for instructions.please:  

To schedule a time, please contact Ms. Garrity: garrityc@arps.org or Mr. Sadiq: sadiqt@arps.org 

They will need to schedule the time you will come into the school on Friday, January 29th, and have your picture taken 

The photographers will be spread out, have air-purifiers, and hand sanitizer next to their stations.

If you Do Not want a G&B School Picture but want a picture in the Yearbook, please fill out this Google Form 

After you have filled out the Google Form, you will be contacted and told how you can submit your picture

Friday, January 29th is also one of the days students can drop-off books and materials from Semester 1 and pick-up books and materials for Semester 2. A schedule of all the days and times the drop-off and pick-ups are happening will be sent out next week. Please email arhsoffice@arps.org or call 413-362-1700 with any questions. Thanks and take care.

Talib Sadiq

The yearbook now has an Instagram! We’ll be using it to keep you updated, as well as to collect photos! Follow arhs_goldbug_yearbook for more!

Senior photos are due January 22nd! Please email your photos to Miss Garrity at garrityc@arps.org. Photos must be school appropriate.

We need more photos! Please submit photos for any of the following categories/themes to garrityc@arps.org, to arps.picaboo.com, or to our Instagram!:
-The Black Lives Matter marches/movement
-Distance Learning Experiences
-Pet Selfies
-Club Photos
-Full-class Screenshots
-Joy or “Silver Linings” (please include a caption about what has brought you joy/ what has been your “silver lining” of this school year)
-Face Mask Fashion
-Socially Distanced/ COVID Pod hangouts

Remember to pre-order your yearbook at arps.picaboo.com!

Follow this link to join SEPAC for our monthly board meeting Friday (Jan 8), 9am-10:30am. Please note we are back, at least for now, to our previous regular meeting time.

At this meeting we will discuss our plans to reissue the COVID Impacts Survey of IEP families and the implications of the removal of in-home supports for students who were receiving them during school closures. Additionally, we will have our standing items of public comment, updates from the school committee and school administration, and continue our event planning for the remainder of the school year. Please click here to see the full agenda.

Please consider sending us a note at sepac@arps.org to be read as public comment at Thursday’s meeting if you can’t join us.  We’re especially interested to hear if you were impacted by the recent cessation of in-home support services.

Our event this month, on January 19th at 7pm, will be a guest talk from a representative from the Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA).  We will distribute a flyer when the details are finalized.

Sincerely,

Heather Sheldon, SEPAC Co-President

ARHS’s first-ever Virtual Cabaret will premiere at 7 pm this Saturday, January 9th on the ARHS Choirs YouTube channel. Students will be performing solos and duets of popular songs and musical theater numbers. The show is a testament to students’ commitment to making music against all odds–you won’t want to miss it! If you’re not able to watch the premiere, you can watch it at your leisure on the YouTube page afterward.

Seniors: It’s time to order your cap and gown for the June 11^th graduation ceremony! The ordering process has gone on-line this year.  Orders will be delivered to the school sometime in May.  Here is the link:  https://www.buildagrad.com/amherstregionalhs

The School Committee voted on 1/5/21 to reduce fees for the condensed winter sports season.  Please see the new fees here. 

Winter 20-21 Practice/Try-Out Schedule is subject to change.  Please check back regularly.

The Environmental Action Club has partnered with an organization called Tree-Plenish to plant trees in the Amherst community! Our goal is 230 trees, which will offset the school’s yearly paper consumption. If you’d like to request a tree, go to https://www.tree-plenishevents.org/amherst. You can also volunteer for our planting event on April 24th. Trees are only $5, and we’re offering red oak, red maple, or river birch saplings. 

The Amherst Hurricanes Athletic Boosters and Amherst Recreation are teaming up to provide a free “Recess Van,” for student K-6 during the lunch/recess break between the times of 11:30-12:15 from 1/11/2021-1/29/21.  It is voluntary, free and doesn’t require any registration, other than the children’s names, grade and school. It’s geared towards students K-6, who are remote learning, or not otherwise expected to be in class at that time. There is not any transportation provided. This is a structured, outdoor play activity led by staff and volunteers for the purpose of in-person, social engagement and fun. It is expected that children will only attend if they are in good health, not under quarantine due to Covid health guidelines, and will wear a mask at all times. For more details, you may see the Amherst Recreation website: https://www.amherstma.gov/3564/Recreation-Department or The Amherst Hurricanes Boosters website: https://hurricaneboosters.com and/or email Mary Klaes, President of the Boosters: mgklaes@comcast.net  or Nick Walas, Sports Director, at Amherst Recreation: walasn@amherstma.gov

Jan 8: SEPAC meeting 9am

Jan 9: ARHS Cabaret livestream

Jan 13: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Jan 18: MLK Holiday (No School)

Jan 22: Last Day to Submit Senior Photos for Yearbook

Jan 27 & 28: MS/HS Early Dismissal (HS Exams) 

Jan 29: School picture day (see above post)

Jan 29: All Teacher Curriculum/Work Day (No School) 

Feb 1: Semester 2 (Q3) Begins

Feb 15-19: Winter Break 

Feb 24: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Mar 10: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Mar 17: All Teachers Curriculum/Work Day (No School) 

Mar 24: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Apr 2: Good Friday (No School—Budgetary Reasons) 

Apr 14: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Apr 19-23: Spring Break 

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 24: Last day of school (no snow days are included; all inclement weather days will be distance learning) 

The Town of Amherst is helping to bridge the digital divide by bringing Soofa Signs and charging cores to Amherst’s downtown. The signs will communicate COVID-19 updates, public health guidelines, Town updates, and local business offerings. The solar-powered charging cores will provide outdoor 24-hour access for people to charge their devices such as cell phones and laptop computers.

Learn more.

Amherst Leisure Services has changed its name to Amherst Recreation, and they will also have a new logo. They are seeking logo submissions from local artists. Submissions will be narrowed down to five or so and the community will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The designer of the logo that is selected will receive a free pool or golf membership, and publicity. Submissions are due by January 8, 2021. They can be sent to Marion Jordan at jordanm@amherstma.gov

Do you work at UMass? Do you want an easy way to make a contribution to the ARHS PGO and help our schools?

The annual UMass-Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) is now underway. The UMACC program lets UMass employees donate to charitable organizations via paycheck, as little as $1 per pay period.

The Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO (ARPS PGO), is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization consisting of the PGOs for Crocker Farm, Wildwood, the Amherst Middle School, & the Amherst High School. The APRS PGO’s UMACC number is 15250.

UMass employees can signup with their UMass NetID at http://www.umass.edu/umacc/login

Please consider signing up today & giving to the ARPS PGO. Every donation to the PGOs makes a big difference in helping our schools.
The UMACC program makes it very easy to give. Here are the top 10 reasons for giving through UMACC: https://www.umass.edu/umacc/why-give

Thank you for your support.

Looking for ways to make a delicious dinner without last minute trips to the market, especially these days?  Join us for Feasting from Your Winter Pantry: Soul Warming Recipes from Your Pantry, a webinar to be presented by Chef Liz Barbour, owner of The Creative Feast, and hosted by the Jones Library via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 7:00 pm. 

Whether you are a seasoned cook or complete novice, creating a meal from what you’ve got on hand is always a challenge. Liz will share her pantry basics and inspire you to be creative with what you’ve got. Following her discussion, Liz will demonstrate 2 pantry recipes anyone can cook at home. 

To attend this event, please register advance for this webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4grqs8-XQRiSjkGUktOSHw 

The Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts students who demonstrate academic promise and aspirations for higher education, but whose socio-economic backgrounds and environmental conditions may inhibit their ability to persevere and attain their educational goals.

To apply, you must be a Junior or Sophomore with a 2.5 GPA or higher who demonstrates difficult personal circumstances, high financial need, and strong academic promise.

The scholarship requires an essay, financial statements, a letter of nomination, and two letters of recommendation. The deadline is February 7th, 2021. To start the process, please reach out to your guidance counselor for nomination.

It is time to sign-up for the  American Mathematics Competition (AMC) that takes place Thursday, February 4^th.   It will be taken on-line at home and a guardian will need to be available to proctor.  This is the first in a series of math contests that can lead to the International Mathematical Olympiad.  It is a 25 question, 75-minute multiple choice test.  There are two levels of math contests, one for 9^th and 10^th grade students with Algebra and Geometry experience, and one for students with experience in Algebra II and beyond (grades 9 through 12).   Go to this link to see the types of questions:   AMC 10/12 Practice Questions.   Have your student sign up on this sheet.  If you have questions, please email Ms. Mudie at mudiej@arps.org.  You will be sent more information once you have signed up. 

Wishing the entire ARHS Community a very Happy New Year. School will resume on Monday, January 4th.

Your Parent News Editors — Becky and Liz

Winter sports registration has been extended until January 6th. Please click to register and dont forget, an up-to-date physical must be on file in order to participate. Any questions please email athletic director, Victoria Stewart at stewartv@arps.org. 

If your child is registered or interested in participating in any Winter Sport, please watch the applicable video below prior to the Winter Sports night meeting on January 4th.

Reminder: The start date for winter sports is January 11th.

Thanks,Victoria Stewart