ARHS PGO Parent News

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ARHS will be administering MCAS on Tuesday, March 28th and Wednesday, March 29th for all 10th graders.  This means that 9th, 11th and 12th grade students will have a 2.5 hour delay on those days. The first period class will begin at 11:30am on both days.  

Students who have tenth-grade English this term will have access to an MCAS review in your current English class. For 10th graders who are NOT in English this semester, here is an MCAS PREP FOR 2023/ELA slide show that includes a summary of what’s on the test, a description of the kinds of essays (Narrative, Argumentative, Informative) on the test, a PRACTICE TEST,and student essay samples (see slide show to access these).

It will help students a lot to click on the practice test link and look at the first two articles to get a feel for what the test looks like BEFORE looking at the sample essays written by real students in MA a few years ago (and based on information they get from reading those articles earlier in the test). 

The ARHS PGO is pleased to announce that Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant in Amherst is sponsoring Dine to Donate on Tuesday, April 11. Dine at Garcia’s (or order takeout) and present this flyer, and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to the ARHS PGO. The PGO uses this money to fund community-building and enhancement activities in the school all year long. Support your students and our teachers and staff, and enjoy a night off from cooking!

Amherst Regional High School is hosting an evening meeting for families of rising 9th graders to learn about course registration on Thursday, March 30th.  Here is the letter that went to all families on Wednesday, March 8th:Course Registration Letter for Incoming 9th Grade (English, Spanish) to the 8th grade families

The Sene-Gambian Scholars Program is forming a new cohort of scholars, currently in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, who will travel to Senegal and The Gambia in the winter of 2024 and host their peers from those countries in the spring of that year. The program is accepting preliminary applications to become a part of that cohort and engage in the preparation work that will occur during the spring of this school year and the fall of 2023. We are seeking eight motivated students to join those who are already part of the program. The application is available online at https://tinyurl.com/SGS-app. For more information, e-mail pennimanb@arps.org.

ARHS Orchestra at Wesley United Church
Friday, March 24th
Call at 5:30 pm, Concert at 7pmWesley United Methodist Church, Hadley

ARPS Grades 7-12 Rescheduled Spring Choir Concert
Tuesday, March 28th
Call at 6pm, Concert at 7pmARHS Auditorium

For the downloadable calendar of student performances in 2022-2023 from the Friends of Performing Arts and maps, please click http://amherstfpa.org/events/.

If you would like to help with any Spring events as a volunteer parent or guardian, please feel free use our signup genius form at https://bit.ly/3mrCiRm.

On April 1st, ARHS will host the Local Vocal Chord Bowl, an acapella singing showcase. It is a fundraiser for the Amherst and Northampton music programs. It will be hosted by the Green Street Brew, which is directed by AHS’s choral teacher Todd Fruth and features high school teachers Geoff Friedman and Lee Larcheveque in the bass section. Click here for a flyer with all the details.

March 24: ARHS Orchestra concert
March 28, 29: MCAS for 10th graders
March 28: ARPS Spring Choir concert
March 30: Registration info night for rising 9th graders
April 1: Local Vocal Chord Bowl
April 11: Dine to Donate at Garcia’s

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ARHS will be administering MCAS on Tuesday, March 28th and Wednesday, March 29th for all 10th graders.  This means that 9th, 11th and 12th grade students will have a 2.5 hour delay on those days. The first period class will begin at 11:30am on both days.  

Thank-you Thursdays are a way to show the staff of ARHS how much we appreciate their work with our students. Sign up here volunteer to bring in treats (homemade or store-bought) on every other Thursday.

The League of Women Voters of Amherst Women’s Right to Vote Scholarship values students who have participated in community service both at school and in the greater community. It is open to all genders. Applicants should complete a short essay detailing the service projects in which they have been involved, including what they advocated for and what specifically was accomplished as a result of their efforts. Applications are available in Guidance! The deadline is April 3rd.

There is also a correction to the listing for the The Engineering Center Education Trust Scholarship. The Scholarship book has the wrong link! If you are a Massachusetts high school senior who plans to major in engineering or land surveying, this scholarship is for you and you can apply here by April 28th: https://www.engineers.org/about/annual-scholarship 

Amherst Regional High School is hosting an evening meeting for families of rising 9th graders to learn about course registration on Thursday, March 30th.  Here is the letter that went to all families on Wednesday, March 8th:Course Registration Letter for Incoming 9th Grade (English, Spanish) to the 8th grade families

Parents and guardians of juniors have recently received email from Career and College Adviser Deidre Cuffee-Gray. This email contains valuable information about how to support your junior as they begin to think about their post-ARHS plans. You have also been invited to sign up for a free account with SCOIR, a tool that helps students who are planning to go to college. Parents with older children may remember Naviance; SCOIR replaces Naviance for the college search and application process.

On Tuesday, March 21 from 7-8 pm Tony McAleer and Robert Orell will talk about how extremist groups recruit youth, and how to help prevent it and intervene. Both Tony and Robert were themselves recruited into violent ideologies as youth, and have since devoted themselves to creating pathways out of hate for others. This event is part of the BRAVE Schools project and will be held both over Zoom (register/join at karunacenter.org/events) and at the Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School Library (170 Chestnut St, Amherst – 2nd Floor).

Thirteen members of the Amherst College football team have been volunteering their time on Fridays at the high school. Their focus has been to assist students in math, but they are also mentoring and talking to students about their college experience.
A special thanks to Coach Mills and assistant coach Alex Balogh for coordinating all of the logistics that helped make this a successful partnership.

The UMass Turing Summer Program is a free three-week summer program for High School students interested in or would like to learn about Computer Science and its use to address challenges in healthcare, energy, and many others. The program requires a full-day commitment from students, and their ability to commute daily to the UMass Amherst campus is a must. Lunch is complimentary throughout the program. The program runs from July 10-28th, 2023, every weekday from 9:30 am to 4 pm, with one lab and two classroom sessions. Click here for a flyer with more details.

March 20: Spring Sports Registration deadline
March 21: Presentation on online hate
March 22: Early release
March 28, 29: MCAS for 10th graders
March 30: Registration info night for rising 9th graders

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The PGO apologizes for including in last week’s newsletter an item from the student government about the current contract process between the school committee and the teachers’ union. The PGO does not have any role in this process or any collective stance on the outcomes. In fact, we, as parents of ARHS students, are grateful both to the teachers and staff who work with our children every day and to the members of our community who volunteer their time and talents to serve on the School Committee.

We thank you for your support. 

Amherst Regional High School is hosting an evening meeting for families of rising 9th graders to learn about course registration on Thursday, March 30th.  Here is the letter that went to all families on Wednesday, March 8th:

Course Registration Letter for Incoming 9th Grade (English, Spanish) to the 8th-grade families.

The Holyoke Community College Foundation offers more than $250,000 in life-changing scholarships each year to new, current, and transferring students. This is money that our students never have to pay back. Scholarship awards can be spent on tuition, and it can also be used for books and other resources depending on the award and award amount.

For more information, and to apply, click HERE.

Tuesday, March 21, 7:00-8:00pm in-person (ARMS Library) and live stream. 

Tony McAleer and Robert Orell will talk about how extremist groups recruit youth, and how to help prevent it and intervene. Both Tony and Robert were themselves recruited into violent ideologies as youth, and have since devoted themselves to creating pathways out of hate for others. This event is part of the BRAVE Schools project and will be held both over Zoom (register/join at karunacenter.org/events) and at the Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School Library (170 Chestnut St, Amherst – 2nd Floor).

Please use this link to view more information and to register. Once registered more information will be sent out by the coach at a later date. The coaches’ directory and more information can be found on the athletic webpage.

To learn more about spring sports join us during our spring sports night on 3/15/23 at 6PM in the high school gymnasium.

March 9-11: Amelie – musical
March 22: Early release
March 30: Spring Sports Registration deadline

The Jones Library is holding its eleventh On the Same Page community reading program, this year featuring the novel Olga Dies Dreaming by author Xochitl Gonzalez.  A variety of programs is being offered to enrich the reading experience of this title and to encourage dialog about the themes the book presents.  According to NPR, “This debut book is a gossipy, funny NYC novel with a multigenerational queer and straight cast of characters you feel like you know, layered on top of a Puerto Rican political and historical thriller [with] secrets, ethics, power, identity, activism, love, guilt, and healing.”

The following series of programs will be held during March at the Jones Library, and are inspired by topics and themes from the book.  The author event will be held at the Amherst Regional Middle School on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 pm. For complete program descriptions, visit the program’s webpage at http://www.joneslibrary.org/onthesamepage.

Schedule of Events:

Saturday, March 11 at 3:00 pm – Woodbury Room
Documentary Screening:  Landfall– Join us for a documentary that chronicles the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the fraught relationship between the US and Puerto Rico.

Thursday, March 16 at 7:00 pm – Woodbury Room
Book Discussion of Olga Dies Dreaming – Join us for an in-depth discussion of our selected title, led by Jones Library librarian, Linda Wentworth.

Saturday, March 18 at 3:00 pm – Woodbury Room
Puerto Ricans Making the Valley Home – In this talk, Maria Cartagena addresses the migration of Puerto Ricans to Holyoke and throughout the Valley. She will answer questions like why Holyoke? Why the Valley? She will speak to the deep activist history of Puerto Ricans in the Valley, the desegregation of schools, the shift in the political climate, and making the Valley home.

Saturday, March 25 at 3:00 pm – Woodbury Room
Puerto Rico’s Past, Present, and Possible Futures – This brief presentation by Paul Schroeder Rodriguez will begin with an overview of Puerto Rico’s anticolonial movements under Spain and the United States, proceed with a summary of today’s political and cultural landscape, and conclude by considering how community-based organizations are testing and advancing decolonial futures for Puerto Ricans on the island and in the diaspora. 

Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00 pm – Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium
On the Same Page …with Xochitl Gonzalez – Join us for this in-person author appearance as Xochitl Gonzalez speaks about her best-selling debut novel.  Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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As of this past Monday, our teachers are going to Work to Rule in response to a contract negotiation crisis that has put them at financial risk. This means that they will no longer work voluntarily beyond their required obligations and will enter and leave our classrooms at exactly their contracted hours. 

We are asking you as parents to take five minutes out of your day to consider any time a teacher has gone above and beyond their job description to help your kid and write a note voicing your support for our educators. 

Let’s support them for all they do for us.

Submit your note HERE

Sign the PETITION

Dear Parent/Guardian from the Class of 2024,

The ARHS college and career advising team is pleased to announce that we are introducing a new system called Scoir to help you and your student navigate the career, college selection, and application process with us.

Students today received access to Scoir. We have sent you an email invitation so that you can link to their account. As a parent or guardian, you will be able to view their profiles, see their college list, conduct your own college searches, and suggest colleges for your student to consider. Scoir also provides parents with financial tools so that you can get a better sense of the cost of attendance at various colleges during the selection process.

Before you get started, please take a few moments to read the documents below and/or watch this brief video to help you become familiar with how to use Scoir.

Scoir Parent Guardian Handout
Scoir Parent Guardian Getting Started Guide

Schedule Individual Meetings with Ms. Cuffee-Gray and the Life After ARHS Team
Life After ARHS Appointment – M-F
First Gen Fridayz (Are you a First Generation College Student? Fridays are for you!!!)

Sincerely,
Deidre Cuffee-Gray
ARHS College and Career Advisor

Featuring over 100 students as performers, designers, and crew on this buoyant show, we look forward to sharing this delightful stage version of the beloved 2001 film of the same name.  In an idealized version of Paris in 1997, Amélie Poulin is stuck working at a cafe with little but her overactive imagination going for her.  Then, one day, she finds a hidden treasure in her apartment that changes the course of her life.  From the student-driven set design and build to the outstanding cast and pit, we’re thrilled to bring you this contemporary fairy tale of a show. 

 Evening Shows on March 9th and March 10th and March 11th starting at 7:30 PM

1 Matinee Show on Saturday, March 11th starting at 2:00 PM

Tickets $5 – $20 online at Eventbrite bit.ly/arhsamelietix

With over 10% of the student body involved, odds are you know someone to cheer on!

Marcia Gomes and the Middle School Chorus take to the stage at the Drake in downtown Amherst with special friends Evelyn Harris and Jonah Daniell. Beverages are available for purchase. Free Pizza!

Doors Open at 5:30PM Show starts at 6 PM.  Sliding Scale Donation at the door $10-$50.

https://www.thedrakeamherst.org/events/marcia-gomes-chorus-fundraiser

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The Community Foundation of Western MA Scholarship Application is due on 2/28. This is a great opportunity for Western MA students as this is basically a clearinghouse for a number of local scholarships (even aspiring local air pilots…)! Don’t sell yourselves short there is a range of criteria for these scholarships!

The application requires your SAR (Student Aid Report), a high school transcript, and an essay (650 words or less) regarding your intended major (or about why you are undecided).

https://communityfoundation.org/students/scholarships/

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

The next MPAC meeting is on Feb. 28th, 2023, at 7:00 pm.

• Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84240050169
• Let us know if you need an interpreter for the meeting: https://tinyurl.com/5n7ydrry  

We hope everyone who attended our last meeting will invite a multilingual family to join us.!

José Lugo
MPAC secretary

Enjoy break. The link for the Junior Life After ARHS Small Group meetings is in this document.

Know that we are getting the new program to help you think about colleges and careers up and running. You can set up the small group meeting through the week after break. There are a ton of resources in the Class of 2024 Google Classroom – so sign up! Here’s the link again – https://classroom.google.com/c/NTYyNDEwMjI2ODU1?cjc=6augadj

Enjoy Winter Break – there is no need to get whipped up in a frenzy about this stuff. Take care of yourselves and your people around Life After ARHS. We got you. It’s early. 

If you are at all interested – visit college admissions websites, schedule local tours, or just walk around one the Five Colleges with a group of friends…

Take it slow – refresh and renew this Winter Break.

With Great Care,

Ms. Cuffee-Gray

Please use this link to view more information and to register. Once registered more information will be sent out by the coach at a later date. The coaches’ directory and more information can be found on the athletic webpage. In addition, to learn more about spring sports join us during our spring sports night on 3/15/23 at 6PM in the high school gymnasium.

Feb. 20-24: Winter Break
Feb. 28: Multilingual Parent Advisory Council meeting

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Hello Families & Friends of ARHS,

I hope this message finds you all in good health and spirits, and that all of you are able to enjoy the winter break. But, if for any reason you need assistance with a mental health urgent/crisis during the break, some services and supports are listed below. Our School Counselors and other members of our Mental Health team will also be on a well-deserved break. And you will most likely not be able to reach any of them for support next week. Please use the resources listed below if you or a loved one is struggling. 

Community Support Options (CSO) 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 413-586-5555
(Franklin, Hampshire County)
https://www.csoinc.org/emergency-crisis-stabilization-services

Your local Pediatrician’s Office
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA’s) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Tel: 800-662-4357.

National Parenting Helpline: 1-855-427-2736
National Alliance on Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-273-8255

Take care

Talib Sadiq
Principal

Please use this link to view more information and to register. Once registered more information will be sent out by the coach at a later date. The coaches’ directory and more information can be found on the athletic webpage. In addition, to learn more about spring sports join us during our spring sports night on 3/15/23 at 6PM in the high school gymnasium.

Hello, all!

Midyear transcripts have been submitted for all students who have applied to college already. If you are still finishing up applications, your transcripts are ready to be sent after you get your green form signed and after you request your transcripts in Naviance. 

Best,
Miss Garrity

From Miss Garrity:

As promised, here is the Scholarship Book! It has 52 local, regional, and state scholarships open to ARHS students. These are generous gifts offered by sponsors that value YOUR education! This year, the book is even color-coded (to the best of my ability) to help you all scan the document more easily!

We strongly encourage everyone to apply to as many scholarships as you are eligible for. The more you apply, the higher your chances are of receiving FREE MONEY!

For more information, and to access the ARHS Scholarship Application, click HERE.

Click HERE to access information to assist with course selections/registrations, prepared by Ms. Samantha Camera, Assistant Principal.

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

The next MPAC meeting is on Feb. 28th, 2023, at 7:00 pm.

• Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84240050169
• Let us know if you need an interpreter for the meeting: https://tinyurl.com/5n7ydrry  

We hope everyone who attended our last meeting will invite a multilingual family to join us.!

José Lugo
MPAC secretary

Feb. 20-24: Winter Break
Feb. 23: I AM HOME Art Exhibit at the Jones Library
Feb. 28: Multilingual Parent Advisory Council meeting

You can learn to speak, read, and write English at the Jones Library. You can also get help with a U.S. citizenship application or prepare for the test. 

This winter has been an active one for our Civil Air Patrol cadets. 

They flew multiple sorties in our Cessna 172 and 182 aircraft. They participated in Cyber Patriot, a National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. They built and launched a fleet of model rockets (all the while studying the math and science of trajectory and altitude). Some of our team went to Gettysburg to study leadership and decision-making in disruptive times, but every week we all meet to practice hands-on leader development, aerospace education, character development, and physical fitness.

What our team is missing is other like-minded area students who enjoy aviation-related activities and a chance to develop as a leader. 

Interested?  Take a look at gocivilairpatrol.com, or send us a note:  Pierce.CAP-Recruiting@mawg.cap.gov.

Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM education resources.