ARHS PGO Parent News

Presione AQUI para ver los artículos del boletín en Español

We are looking for parent volunteers to help us monitor the bathrooms and hallways. Volunteers will be stationed outside of our bathrooms and would be responsible for signing students in and out and reporting any misuse of the bathrooms to the ARHS administration. Anyone who is interested would need to have a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check done through our Human Resources Department. Once that’s complete, we would provide you with training and detailed instructions about what you would be doing. Please email me (sadiqt@arps.org) directly if you are interested or have additional questions. Thank you for considering this!

Winter practices started! Please see the practice schedule on the athletic webpage! 

Congratulations to all the fall student-athletes! Check out some of the highlights below

We are getting ready for a big year for Canes Girls Basketball! This year for the first time, the Varsity team has been invited to play in a tournament in December against some of the more competitive team in New England.

To fund the trip, we need your help! With support of the Amherst Hurricanes Athletic Boosters (a 501c3), we are raffling off 2 Celtics tickets (Loge level, Mar 8 vs. Portland Trail Blazers), and a $150 Visa gift card. Just $20 per raffle ticket. Venmo @Kyla-Hastie with your name and contact info, or email kyla_hastie@yahoo.com for more info.

Open to families of English learners, former English learners, and all ARPS families who speak languages other than English

WEDNESDAY DEC 7th, 7-8 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86755755662

Please RSVP/request an interpreter at this link:
https://tinyurl.com/rvy8m3c6

Production dates:

Thursday, December 1
Friday, December 2
Saturday, December 3

All shows begin at 7:30pm.

10 Out of 12 is an imaginative 2015 play about a NYC theater company going through a tech rehearsal.  However, as the audience takes in all the natural weirdness that comes with theater tech rehearsals, they also find that they can hear conversations over backstage headsets, private chats between actors, and the efforts of the production team all around them (quite literally) to hold it all together.  Written by the brilliant playwright Anne Washburn, with all of her obvious love for the surreal world of creating theater.  I think you’ll feel the same way after checking this out.

Tickets are $5 for ARHS students/staff; $10 for adults; $2 free/reduced lunch – all tickets sold at the door (cash preferred, checks ok).  If you want to get free/reduced lunch tickets in advance, just email the director, John Bechtold, at bechtolj@arps.org prior the show night you’re attending.

Thanks to your contributions, this year we raised $2,265. A little short from last year…

Dec. 7: MPAC (Multilingual Parent Advisory Council) meeting:

Click HERE to access the Life After ARHS Newsletter. 

Application and FAFSA support is available.

Check for current scholarships!

This is a great opportunity regardless of your college pathway! 

In collaboration with MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority), Greenfield Community College and the Office of Financial Aid is hosting a virtual financial aid presentation for high school students and families, adult learners and everyone in between.  

This online webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process.

Please join us, and bring a friend!  

Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 at 5pm

Click HERE to register for this virtual (online) event.

Family Outreach of Amherst, in collaboration with the Town of Amherst, has been allocated $150,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to help Amherst residents with overdue rent, mortgage, or utility bills.

Click HERE for more information and to access the application.

Presione AQUI para ver los artículos del boletín en Español

We have $2400 to go to make our goal. Money raised through this fundraiser goes to support grants in the school–for instance, last year the PGO helped students buy supplies for a new mural in the school.

Please consider making a donation to the ARHS PGO on Giving Tuesday, November 29th.

The Venmo account link: Venmo@ARHS-PGO. Another way to donate is to write a check to ARHS PGO and drop it off at the school office or mail it to

ARHS PGO
℅ Nancy Johnson, PGO Fundraiser
430 Long Plain Road
Leverett MA 01054

Apply to be a part of the 23rd annual ASPIRE program in the Polymer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst! ASPIRE runs for five consecutive Saturday mornings (9 am-12 pm) starting January 7th, 2023. The event dates are January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and February 4th, with a snow date on February 11th. We are looking for students in 10-12th grade interested in science, technology, and engineering. In this free (with breakfast provided) program, graduate students will guide you through the experience of research in a science and engineering lab. As a part of ASPIRE, you will:

● Get hands-on experience in chemistry and engineering labs
● Do experiments in polymer chemistry, physics, and engineering
● Learn about 3D printers, polymer synthesis, and more
● Run your own one-day independent science project!

Apply online at https://forms.gle/3eJwS5jEH4KB3EB77

For more information, check out our outreach page:
Contact: aspire.umass@gmail.com

So much to choose from! HERE is the December Amherst events calendar

Click HERE for more activities…

The Amherst Survival Center is a community center that provides resources that help people to meet their basic needs. We provide free meals (community meals) and free groceries (food pantry, mobile programs, and fresh food distribution) and a free health clinic, as well as a resource center. 

Weekly volunteers are needed!

Each November, Native American Heritage Month celebrates the rich histories and diverse cultures of Indigenous people and communities. 

This year’s Native American Heritage Month theme is “Revitalizing Indigenous Connections,” which reflects on how the living bonds of history and culture must be continually honored, maintained, and renewed with each generation.  

Nov. 28: Winter sports start
Nov. 29: Maroon Envelope Fundraiser closes

Haga clic AQUI para ver los artículos del boletín en Español

Hello ARHS parents! The Class of 2024 Student Council is holding the first-ever Hurricanes Volleyball-Soccer Showdown today at 6:00pm! Having just come off a hard-fought season, our Girls Varsity Volleyball team will go head-to-head against the Boys Varsity Soccer team in an exhibition volleyball game.

We invite you and your families to come out and show your support. Help us bring back school spirit!

Sunday 11/13/22 both the boys and girls cross-country teams qualified for states! The girls cross-country team came in 1st and the boys cross country team came in 6th.

The season comes down to All-State Saturday on Nov. 19 over the grounds of Fort Devens in the central Mass town of Ayer.  

As you start to pull out coats for cooler weather, please do not get rid of those gently-used coats that no longer fit your family! The PGO winter coat drive will end on November 21st, 2022. We are looking to collect clean coats in good to excellent condition sizes that would fit high schoolers.

New coats are welcome if you would like to buy and contribute them! Coats can be dropped off at the designated drop boxes in this flyer here. 

Rules and Procedures

1. Pick up and Turn in blue forms with ingredient list and other information to the labeled box in the Main Office by Monday 11/21

2. Bring cakes before A period on Tuesday 11/22 to the Library, if you are in Mr. Gould s Class make sure and take a picture.

3. NO NUTS OR NUT INGREDIENTS

4. Bring cakes on disposable platters.

5. The top three highest-selling cakes will receive prices.

Ryneldi Becenti is the highlighted athlete of the week.

She became the first Native American to play in the WNBA when she played for the Phoenix Mercury in 1997.

As a way of celebrating multilingualism and supporting students to strengthen the languages they speak at home, as well as the new languages that they are learning, ARPS offers a program called the Seal of Biliteracy.

ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85391694073

Interpretation Available: Request HERE

Questions: clementsa@arps.org

There is still time to sign-up. Sign-up here! 

Deadline for registration is November 28, 2022

Our goal is to raise $4,000 by November 29th, which is Giving Tuesday to fund grants for the art, science, and other classroom supplies outside the school budget; yearbooks and field trips for students eligible for free and reduced lunch; visiting speakers; and student-led clubs.

So far, we have reached 25% of the goal; please check out the Venmo account linked below to donate today!

The Venmo account link: Venmo@ARHS-PGO. Another way to donate is to write a check to ARHS PGO and drop it off at the school office or mail it to

ARHS PGO
℅ Nancy Johnson, PGO Fundraiser
430 Long Plain Road
Leverett MA 01054

Nov. 18: Hurricanes Volleyball-Soccer Showdown @ AHRS gym
Nov. 19: Teen poetry workshop @ Jones Library
Nov. 21: Picture retake day
Nov. 21: ARPS Biliteracy Program virtual info session
Nov. 21: Coat Drive ends
Nov. 22: Cake auction
Nov 23-25: Thanksgiving break
Nov. 28: Winter sports start
Nov. 29: Maroon Envelope Fundraiser closes

Words Together — Students from the Amherst College Poetry Club are leading a series of poetry workshops for ages 12 to 18. The next workshop is Saturday, November 19, 4-5pm. Future workshops include Saturday, December 3, and Saturday, December 10 from 4-5pm. The workshops will continue in the spring of 2023 and culminate in a spoken word performance for interested teen poets.

Please email teens@joneslibrary.org for more info and to register.

Haga clic AQUI para ver los artículos del boletín en Español

Dear Friends,

Our family just wanted to say thank you for all the love and support the ARHS and broader ARPS community have shared with our family over the past two months. Anna’s service on Sunday was so deeply meaningful to us and it was all because of the incredible community of friends, family, teachers, coaches, and others that came together to create something beautiful. So many of you have reached out in so many other ways that have helped us immensely – thank you.

With Love,

Sarah, Stephen, and Ian

NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL
Honoring the Military Service of Native Americans

Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony

Veterans Day, November 11, 2022
Join the National Museum of the American Indian in honoring the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The dedication and processional will honor American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans and their families. The procession and dedication will be live-streamed. Click HERE for more information.

James Winchester is the highlighted athlete of the week.

Hello ARHS parents! The Class of 2024 Student Council is excited to announce the first-ever Hurricanes Volleyball-Soccer Showdown. Having just come off a hard-fought season, our Girl’s Varsity Volleyball team will go head to head against the Boy’s Varsity Soccer team in an exhibition volleyball game next Friday at 6:00pm in the ARHS gym.

We invite you and your families to come out and show your support. All funds go to the Class of 2024, we hope to see you there!

The payment box is located in the main office. Be sure to include the payment form with your payment. For more information and to access the payment form click HERE

The One Ask, Please Give! MAROON ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER is a month-long initiative to support our Student and Teacher Grant Program.

Our goal is to raise $4,000 by November 29th to fund grants for the art, science, and other classroom supplies outside the school budget; yearbooks and field trips for students eligible for free and reduced lunch; visiting speakers; and student-led clubs.

The Venmo account link: Venmo@ARHS-PGO. Another way to donate is to write a check to ARHS PGO and drop it off at the school office or mail it to:

ARHS PGO
℅ Nancy Johnson, PGO Fundraiser
430 Long Plain Road
Leverett MA 01054

As a way of celebrating multilingualism and supporting students to strengthen the languages they speak at home, as well as new languages that they are learning, ARPS offers a program called the Seal of Biliteracy.

ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85391694073

Interpretation Available: Request HERE

Questions: clementsa@arps.org

Boys soccer lost to Masconomet Regional High School in round 32 of the state tournament. Girls soccer lost to Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in the preliminary round of the state tournament. Volleyball lost in the sweet 16 to Duxbury High School. Both boys and girls cross country are going strong, sectionals are this weekend followed by states the next weekend! 

REMINDER! Next week is Winter Sports Night on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6PM. For more information on winter sports please attend. 

It is that time of year in which we appeal for your help to support some of our students in need during the holiday season.  It is the case that many of our students and their families continue to face harsh realities related to loss of housing,  employment, and physical/mental health issues due to the pandemic and life in general.  We are asking for donations for our McKinney Vento (Homeless Act) students and others experiencing significant challenges.

Click HERE to learn about the various ways you can support our students.

Do you have winter coats in good condition that your family no longer needs? Or are you willing to purchase a new coat and donate it to an ARHS student who needs one? The PGO coat drive provides new and gently-used coats for ARHS students. Click here for a flyer that includes details about the multiple drop-off points in town (including at the high school itself).

The textile bins outside ARHS accept old clothes, shoes, accessories, and linens. You can bring your unwanted items there AND help the PGO since we earn a rebate for every pound collected! Click here for a flyer that details all the items that are accepted–note that your donations need to be bagged. With the upcoming ban on textile disposal in Massachusetts, the recycling bin is a convenient solution!

Nov 16 Winter Sports Nights @ the ARHS gymnasium at 6pm 
Nov 21: Picture retake day
Nov 23-25: Thanksgiving break

Haga clic aquí para ver los artículos del boletín en español

Please join us in a memorial service to celebrate the life of Anna Burns.  Click here for details.

@ the ARHS gymnasium at 6:00 pm

Today jumpstarts the One Ask, Please Give! MAROON ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER, a month-long initiative to support our Student and Teacher Grant Program.

Our goal is to raise $4,000 by #GivingTuesday to fund grants for the art, science, and other classroom supplies outside the school budget; yearbooks and field trips for students eligible for free and reduced lunch; visiting speakers; and student-led clubs.

The Venmo account link: Venmo@ARHS-PGO. Another way to donate is to write a check to ARHS PGO and drop it off at the school office or mail it to:

ARHS PGO
℅ Nancy Johnson, PGO Fundraiser
430 Long Plain Road
Leverett MA 01054

Click HERE to access information on (and to sign-up)

• College Planning Camp
• Work with a UMASS Graduate Student
• FAFSA help available
• College visits

And more!

The MS boys and girls cross country runners, HS girls cross country runners and the HS volleyball team are the 2022 Western Massachusetts Champions! The HS boys cross country team came in close and finished second against Longmeadow. Field hockey and boys’ soccer lost in the first round of the Western MA playoffs. 

Please continue to cheer on the following teams as they continue to compete in the state tournament:- Boys Cross Country (competes again on 11/12/22) – Girl Cross Country (competes again on 11/12/22) – Boys Soccer (Click to view bracket) 

– Girls Soccer (Click to view bracket)

– Volleyball (Click to view bracket)- MS Cross Country (competes again on 11/5/22)