For a pdf version of the ARPS Update, please click here.

Para obtener una versión de la actualización de ARPS en español, haga clic aquí.

Para uma versão do ARPS Update em português, clique aqui.

I have a few important updates to share with ARPS families and staff this week.  At their meeting on Tuesday, the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee voted to accept Amherst sixth grade students at Amherst Regional Middle School.  This was the final step necessary to begin planning for the transition of Amherst sixth graders from the elementary schools to ARMS starting with the 2023-2024 school year.  Between now and fall 2023, there will be extensive planning, both educationally and operationally, to ensure a smooth, positive change for our students.  We look forward to working with all stakeholders as this important change is implemented.

In order to provide a smoother transition between semesters, there has been a change in the calendar for the current 2021-2022 school year.  The change is in January to the High School exam dates (which are half-days at ARMS and ARHS) and the teacher curriculum/work day (which is a full day off for students at all grade levels).  The new dates are January 19 & 20 for high school exams and January 21 for the teacher curriculum/work day.  The updated calendar is included below.

There is also a letter below from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding the COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11.  While there are still a number of steps necessary before the vaccine is fully approved for this age group, we hope to see the same high level of interest in vaccines for these children as our community has shown for vaccines for children ages 12+. The high vaccination rate in our school community has had a significant, positive impact on the health and safety of students and staff members, so we will share more information on this critical topic as it becomes available.