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 am so thankful for the outstanding educators we are privileged to have in the Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts!  I am also thankful for the opportunity that Teacher [Educator] Appreciation Week gives us to acknowledge them–and educators in general–for the critical role they have in the lives of all children.  There are few other professionals who impact so many lives, so profoundly, over the course of their career.  Teaching is truly the profession that makes all other professions possible.  Thank you to our families, students, and all of our amazing PGOs for the many ways in which you made our educators (and other staff members) feel so special this week.  And thank you to our ARPS educators for the many ways in which you enrich the lives of your students and colleagues everyday!

While we honor educators this week, I want to acknowledge that May is also a month in which three other very important things are recognized and honored.  May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month.  We will be highlighting each of these in newsletters throughout May.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that, although masking remains optional in ARPS, the district strongly recommends that individuals wear a high-quality face covering (such as a KN-95 or surgical mask, which are still available at no cost to staff and students) following known exposure to COVID.  This is especially true if that exposure comes from a household member with whom you have ongoing contact. Please contact the school nurse (contact information is below) if a member of your household tests positive for COVID.  The nurses can provide health information and guidance regarding attendance at school.  In addition, there is now a state telehealth site where you can determine if you can benefit from taking the COVID treatment Paxlovid and, if so, can obtain it for free through your local pharmacy or overnight mail.  We appreciate everyone’s help in keeping our COVID cases as low as possible. ARHS nurses: Robbin Suprenant (362-1743) and Mary O’Brien (362-1744).