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Welcome to the June 13th edition of the 2024/25 ARHS PGO Newsletter!
Please email us here if you have news to share! You can read archived posts anytime on the PGO website, or our ARHS PGO Facebook page.
WOW! Athletes on both Girls and Boys Track Teams and the Ultimate GX Team have earned their way to compete in their respective NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS! And, these teams are SO CLOSE to earning the funds they need to make sure every athlete can participate!
How can you help?!
If you can, please support our teams in reaching their fundraising goals and covering the considerable costs involved in competing in their respective national competitions. Any amount counts!
Donate Today:
ARHS Ultimate GX Team Go Fund Me
Show your favorite teacher or staff member in the Amherst-Pelham School District your gratitude by making a contribution to Amherst Education Foundation in their honor!
Gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated and will go towards helping the Amherst Education Foundation continue to provide grants toward amazing educational programs developed by ARPS teachers and staff.
Say ‘Thank You!’ to a teacher, principal, coach, aide or other staff member by making a donation, and we will send them a note letting them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Go to amhersteducationfoundation.org/stars by June 15 to make your gift. Or, if you prefer, just complete and mail this form and your donation to AEF.
All money raised will go directly toward providing grants to teachers and staff for marvelous projects and programs kids experience in the Amherst-area public schools.
Want to support AEF directly? Make a donation to AEF’s Spring Campaign.
Amherst Recreation is seeking enthusiastic individuals for our 7-week, full-time (M-F, 8:15 AM – 4:15 PM) Summer Camp!
Passionate about working with children? Apply today!
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Welcome to the June 3rd edition of the 2024/25 ARHS PGO Newsletter!
Please email us here if you have news to share! You can read archived posts anytime on the PGO website, or our ARHS PGO Facebook page.
Hooray! We EXCEEDED our $2,750 goal and will be able to provide a special luncheon in collaboration with Wheelhouse Farms catering for our marvelous ARHS Staff. Thank you to everyone who donated and spread the word!
Now, all we need is a few more volunteers to help set up and take down/clean up the luncheon during the day on Friday, June 20th. If you can give your time to make this lovely lunch smooth sailing, volunteer to help at this link.
AR[T]HS 2025, the 17th annual juried exhibition of outstanding student artwork produced at ARHS this year, will run from June 5th – June 10th at The Hampshire College Art Gallery.
The Gallery is open from 10am-6pm daily with a special opening reception on Thursday June 5th from 5:00pm-8:00pm.
The exhibit showcases the very best works of art made from all of the Art Department’s areas of study: Foundations of Art, Ceramics, Drawing, Fiber Arts, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
Visiting the Gallery:
The Hampshire Art Gallery is at 25 Kendall Drive, Amherst, MA.
There is ample parking available behind the Harold F. Johnson Library Building in the visitor/staff parking lot. Enter through the front door of the Harold F. Johnson Library Center. You will see the gallery down the stairs to your right. An accessible entrance is available on the right side of the library building.
Show your favorite teacher or staff member in the Amherst-Pelham School District your gratitude by making a contribution to Amherst Education Foundation in their honor!
Gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated and will go towards helping the Amherst Education Foundation continue to provide grants toward amazing educational programs developed by ARPS teachers and staff.
Say ‘Thank You!’ to a teacher, principal, coach, aide or other staff member by making a donation, and we will send them a note letting them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Go to amhersteducationfoundation.org/stars by June 15 to make your gift. Or, if you prefer, just complete and mail this form and your donation to AEF.
All money raised will go directly toward providing grants to teachers and staff for marvelous projects and programs kids experience in the Amherst-area public schools.
Want to support AEF directly? Make a donation to AEF’s Spring Campaign.
Amherst Recreation is seeking enthusiastic individuals for our 7-week, full-time (M-F, 8:15 AM – 4:15 PM) Summer Camp!
Passionate about working with children? Apply today!
Amherst Recreation is thrilled to partner with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to offer a FREE Biz Camp to Amherst residents and ARPS students currently in Grades 7-11.
Participants will:
Program Details:
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to build valuable skills and connect with your community!
Ready to innovate? Apply today! forms.office.com/r/yg2Y0WEjsU
Come join the Friends of Puffer’s Pond for all-you-can-eat coffee and pancakes at the annual Pancake Breakfast for Puffer’s Pond, this Saturday, June 7th from 8:30-11am at the Mill River Recreation Area.
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Welcome to the May 26th edition of the 2024/25 ARHS PGO Newsletter!
Please email us here if you have news to share! You can read archived posts anytime on the PGO website, or our ARHS PGO Facebook page.
We are almost there! Only 10% of the way to the $2,750 we need to provide this year’s luncheon!
Every year, the ARHS PGO puts on a special Staff Appreciation Luncheon at the end of the year. To make this luncheon reflect how much we value our teachers and staff, we need the support of families from across the ARHS community. After many generous donations we are 90% of the way to the our goal. Let’s close the gap!
Donate whatever you can to help us provide delicious food (catered by Wheelhouse), supplies, decorations and more. We want this luncheon to express the gratitude we all feel for all that our teachers and staff do for our students!
Donate at this link.
Volunteer to bring a dessert or help set up/clean up at the June 20th luncheon at this link.
An exhibit created by Cambodian students at ARHS and people from the Amherst community will be held at the Massachusetts State House. The exhibit will run for two weeks on weekdays, starting on May 27th, with a special reception on May 30th. See the flyer below for ways to celebrate this impactful exhibit and the history of the Khmer Community.
The Amherst Regional Public Schools, School Equity Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 at 6 o’ clock in the evening in the ARHS Library.
We encourage parents and guardians to attend to have a voice in the discussion about the discipline and academic disparities. SEAC’s work has included building a relationship with Superintendent Dr. Xi and Regional School Committee members to address these disparities. We hope to see you then!
Refreshments will be served.
The tennis team store is open. It is a permanent store. Free T-shirt for anyone during the first 14 days starting today! Order your gear and get that FREE T today at the ARHS Tennis Team Store. Go ‘Canes!
Sig up today to join Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) on Saturday, May 31, for the 5th Annual Mini-Golf Fundraiser Event!
Come play anytime between 10am-1pm. This day of family fun brings the community together to support our public schools!
Your donation of $50 secures your group of 4-5 people. Visit the AEF MiniGolf Event Site to sign up and/or enter the raffle full of gift certificates to local area restaurants and businesses, including Big Y, Bueno Y Sano, Western MA Golf Center, The Healing Zone, Collective Copies, Pineapple Dance, Amherst Area Gift Card, and much more!
All money raised will go directly toward providing grants to teachers and staff for marvelous projects and programs kids experience in the Amherst-area public schools.
Register a team or buy raffle tickets today!
Want to support AEF, but can’t participate in Mini-Golf? Make a donation to AEF’s Spring Campaign. Or, celebrate a great ARPS Teacher through the Stars in Our Schools Program.
Every year the ARHS PGO puts on a special Staff Appreciation Luncheon at the end of the year. To make this luncheon reflect how much we value our teachers and staff, we need the support of families from across the ARHS community. After many generous donations we are 2/3 of the way to the $2,750 we need for this year’s luncheon. Let’s close the gap!
Donate whatever you can to help us provide delicious food (catered by Wheelhouse!), supplies, decorations and more. We want this luncheon to express the gratitude we all feel for all that our teachers and staff do for our students!
Donate at this link.
Volunteer to bring a dessert or help set up/clean up at the June 20th luncheon at this link.
Next Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 pm in the ARHS Auditorium, the Spring Combined Concert will feature all three choirs along with the band and orchestra ensembles. Come celebrate all of our musicians and cheer for final performances for the members of the Class of 2025!
ARHS Students: Do you love being outside, taking care of plants, and giving back to your community? If so, you might be interested in being a School Garden Steward this summer! Garden Stewards receive training in garden care, commit 2 hours per week to take care of the gardens at our elementary schools, and receive a stipend as a token of appreciation. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. For more info, see your guidance counselor, look for the Summer Garden Steward posters around the school, or email Jen Reese at reesej@arps.org.
Join Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) on Saturday, May 31, for the 5th Annual Mini-Golf Fundraiser Event!
Come play anytime between 10am-1pm. This day of family fun brings the community together to support our public schools!
Your donation of $50 secures your group of 4-5 people. Visit the AEF MiniGolf Event Site to sign up and/or enter the raffle full of gift certificates to local area restaurants and businesses, including Big Y, Bueno Y Sano, Western MA Golf Center, The Healing Zone, Collective Copies, Pineapple Dance, Amherst Area Gift Card, and much more!
All money raised will go directly toward providing grants to teachers and staff for marvelous projects and programs kids experience in the Amherst-area public schools.
Register a team or buy raffle tickets today!
Want to support AEF, but can’t participate in Mini-Golf? Make a donation to AEF’s Spring Campaign. Or, celebrate a great ARPS Teacher through the Stars in Our Schools Program.
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Welcome to the May 5th edition of the 2024/25 ARHS PGO Newsletter!
Please email us here if you have news to share! You can read archived posts anytime on the PGO website, or our ARHS PGO Facebook page.
Every year the ARHS PGO puts on a special Staff Appreciation Luncheon at the end of the year. To make this luncheon reflect how much we value our teachers and staff, we need the support of families from across the ARHS community. After last week’s announcement, we are 25% of the way to the $2,750 we need for this year’s luncheon.
Donate whatever you can to help us provide delicious food (catered by Wheelhouse!), supplies, decorations and more. We want this luncheon to express the gratitude we all feel for all that our teachers and staff do for our students!
Donate at this link.
Volunteer to bring a dessert or help set up/clean up at the June 20th luncheon at this link.
In its 31st year, the Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) is thrilled to announce a total of $29,621 in grants have been awarded in support of programs spread throughout the Amherst-Pelham School District. Please see below for details on our funding of the following projects: Teaching James by Percival Everett, A Wider Lens, Crocker Farm Bike Club, Neurodiversity In Play, and Woven Together.
Thank you to all the individuals, businesses and organizations that have supported us throughout the years, making it possible for us to continue helping teachers and staff in our public schools implement such important projects and programs!
Learn more and support AEF at www.amhersteducationfoundation.org.
TEACHING JAMES BY PERCIVAL EVERETT
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a core text for the junior year English elective American Literature and Nature. Within that course, Chris Herland will be purchasing and teaching the new book James by Percival Everett, and take its students on a field trip to Mark Twain’s house in Hartford, CT. Everett’s book recounts Twain’s narrative from the perspective of Jim, Huck’s enslaved companion who is escaping his bondage. James recently won the National Book Award and it was a finalist for the Pulitzer. The addition of the text to the course will open a number of avenues for student writing, research, discussion and presentation.
A WIDER LENS: AN INTERGENERATIONAL ARTS PARTNERSHIP
This program will bring students enrolled in the High School’s Black & White Photography and/or Water Color Painting courses together with Amherst-area elders for a series of collaborative sessions. Kristen Ripley and Elena Betke-Brunswick have partnered with the Amherst Senior Center for oral history interviews, black & white film photography, and narrative painting. Through this community-based learning experience, students will apply their classroom skills in an authentic and dynamic context. The class will culminate in an art show featuring creative works and accompanying text from the oral history interviews, and a reception for the Amherst-area community. Ultimately, this partnership will expand intergenerational connections among participants, challenge art students to create work based on authentic content, and honor the experiences and perspectives of our community elders.
CROCKER FARM BIKE CLUB
Judah Hughes will be expanding the Bike Club at Crocker Farm so that more students in grades 4th through 6th are able to develop their cycling skills, make friends, build confidence, and have fun. With an emphasis on inclusivity and safety, this free and volunteer-run program, will engage students, educators and families in building community and connections through biking. Students will build and strengthen physical, mental and emotional skills through structured opportunities for movement, problem solving and cooperation.
NEURODIVERSITY IN PLAY: SENSORY IMMERSIVE LEARNING SPACES IN AMHERST EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
Dr. Emily Dannen and Swetha Krishnaswamy will be purchasing sensory based materials to provide an immersive learning space in the Early Education Center. For neurodiverse students, sensory play is a powerful tool that promotes self-regulation and supports cognitive development, language and social skills. The project will diversify, modify and enhance the learning opportunities provided to our community and early learners in the preschool program. Sensory immersive spaces improve regulation, increased attention, improved emotional-social skills, problem solving and learning outcomes.
WOVEN TOGETHER
Laura Evonne Steinman will be purchasing a permanent Saori loom for the art studio at Wildwood. The loom will allow students in grade K-6 to learn Saori weaving, which originated in Japan in the 1960s. This free-form weaving technique fosters creativity, individuality, and self-expression, and allows for collaborative weaving projects. The initiative will cultivate teamwork, dedication, and patience, providing a platform for students of all ages to learn, share and create together.
The Garden Club of Amherst annual plant sale will be on May 17th, from 8:30am to 1:00pm on the Amherst Town Common. All proceeds are donated to local organizations, including the Amherst School Garden Program, which leads garden-based learning in the town’s elementary schools. Come get plants and priceless advice on your gardening!
West African take-out meals are back! The Amherst Regional High School Sene-Gambian Scholars Program is once again partnering with South Congregational Church to offer savory West African meals (in take-out containers), available for pick-up at the church (1066 South East Street, Amherst) on Saturday, May 17, 5-6 p.m. ORDER BY MONDAY MAY 12th!
Meals are $16 each and may be ordered online at tinyurl.com/SGSmeals. The deadline to order is Monday, May 12. Donation are also welcome! Need a way to order in person or by US mail? Click here.
The choices are Vegan Domoda, savory peanut stew, with a generous portion of mixed vegetables, served over jasmine rice (this dish is gluten-free); and Chicken Yassa, chicken legs with a sauce of onions, olives, mustard, and spices, served with jasmine rice and a side of roasted vegetables.
Proceeds will support scholarships for students whose families cannot afford the full cost of the Sene-Gambian Scholars exchange trip to Senegal and The Gambia, as well as the Amherst Survival Center and the Food Bank of Western Mass. Questions about the event can be sent to Mary Custard at custardm@arps.org.
If you’re a volleyball athlete who’s serious about growth, development, and taking your game to the next level, you’re invited to something different this summer. This July, join the Nike Volleyball Camp at Smith College—a camp experience unlike any other in the country.
Led by Greg Walker, Head Coach at Smith College and USA Volleyball Senior National Team Coach, this camp reflects a new era of teaching the game—one that empowers athletes, emphasizes decision-making, and draws from proven success at every level: NCAA Power-5, D1, D2, D3, and the international stage.
Alongside Greg is Connor Martin, Associate Head Coach at Smith and fellow USA Volleyball National Team staff member, bringing NCAA DI experience and cutting-edge training methods.
Whether you’re an attacker looking to expand your scoring options, a setter ready to lead with confidence and creativity, or a defensive specialist working to turn defense into offense—you’ll leave this camp sharper, stronger, and more self-aware.
Spots are limited—and this isn’t just another skills camp. It’s a chance to train with a coaching staff that’s helped athletes become All-Conference, All-State, All-Americans and reach NCAA tournaments, win medals, and earn national and international rankings.
Nike Volleyball Camp at Smith College
Two sessions available in July – all levels welcome
Learn More and Register HERE!
Upcoming Dates to Note:
Find the ARHS School Calendar Here.
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Welcome to the May 1st edition of the 2024/25 ARHS PGO Newsletter!
Please email us here if you have news to share! You can read archived posts anytime on the PGO website, or our ARHS PGO Facebook page.
Every year the ARHS PGO puts on a special Staff Appreciation Luncheon at the end of the year. This year’s will be on Friday, June 20th. To make this luncheon reflect how much we value our teachers and staff, we need the support of families from across the ARHS community.
Please help us raise $2,750 to help provide delicious food (catered by Wheelhouse!), supplies, decorations and more. We want this luncheon to express the gratitude we all feel for all that our teachers and staff do for our students!
Donate at this link.
Volunteer to bring a dessert or help set up/clean up at this link.
Families of the Class of 2025, from today through Sunday, 5/4, every order of graduation cards & gifts placed using the code FUNDRAISEARHS will get you a 20% off discount AND an extra $10 donation to ARHS from Minted – on top of the usual 10% built donation.
Shop Graduation Items at this link.
West African take-out meals are back! The Amherst Regional High School Sene-Gambian Scholars Program is once again partnering with South Congregational Church to offer savory West African meals (in take-out containers), available for pick-up at the church (1066 South East Street, Amherst) on Saturday, May 17, 5-6 p.m.
The choices are Vegan Domoda, savory peanut stew, with a generous portion of mixed vegetables, served over jasmine rice (this dish is gluten-free); and Chicken Yassa, chicken legs with a sauce of onions, olives, mustard, and spices, served with jasmine rice and a side of roasted vegetables.
Meals are $16 each and may be ordered online at tinyurl.com/SGSmeals. The deadline to order is Monday, May 12. Donation are also welcome! Need a way to order in person or by US mail? Click here.
Proceeds will support scholarships for students whose families cannot afford the full cost of the Sene-Gambian Scholars exchange trip to Senegal and The Gambia, as well as the Amherst Survival Center and the Food Bank of Western Mass. Questions about the event can be sent to Mary Custard at custardm@arps.org.
Each May since 1951, The Garden Club of Amherst has held a plant sale on the Amherst Common. At this event, members sell plants from their own gardens and share knowledge (free/priceless!) with the community.
This year’s plant sale will be on May 17th, from 8:30am to 1:00pm on the Amherst Town Common. All proceeds are donated to local organizations, including the Amherst School Garden Program, which leads garden-based learning in the town’s elementary schools.
New Garden Club members are always welcome! The best way to reach the GCA is via their website, which is currently undergoing maintenance. In the meantime, please email GCA President Leslie Lorber at lesliewlorber@comcast.net with questions.
Upcoming Dates to Note:
Find the ARHS School Calendar Here.
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Welcome to the March 31st edition of the 2024/25 ARHS PGO Newsletter!
Please email us here if you have news to share! You can read archived posts anytime on the PGO website, or our ARHS PGO Facebook page.
TONIGHT, March 31st at 6pm in the ARHS Library, the Regional School Committee will hold a meeting at which they will discuss the budget for next year and the assessment method (how the budget is divided up among the four towns).
This meeting will focus on on what’s next for the Regional School Budget, and without proper support from all of the regional towns, our regional schools (ARMS and ARHS) will stand to suffer devastating cuts.
The School Committee has invited members of the Town Council, Finance Committee and town governments from Amherst, Leverett. Shutesbury and Pelham to join as members of the audience. The APEA is sending members. No public comments are welcome, but the presence of invested parents/guardians in the ARHS and ARMS community CAN make an impact.
WHAT CAN WE DO? APEA is rallying its members to be there in the audience, and we need parents and guardians to be there, too. Goin for as little as 30 minutes can make a difference.
We can’t make comments, but we CAN provide silent pressure and reminders of how much our teachers and kids matter, and what the stakes are.
Local Vocal Chord Bowl THIS Saturday!
This Saturday’s Choral Bowl will feature 9 groups, including The Chorale and The Hurricane Singers from ARHS and two groups from Northampton High School, college groups from Umass and Smith College, and local adult groups. It should be a GREAT SHOW!
Come enjoy this annual, fabulous multi-generational night of a capella music that benefits the music/arts programs at ARHS and Northampton High School. THIS Saturday, April 5th at 7pm, right in the ARHS auditorium!
Save the Date, Thursday, March 10h at 7pm at ARHS the Spring Gala featuring all of the ARHS musical ensembles!
Today is the last day to apply for an Amherst Hurricane Athletic Boosters scholarship.
This one-time award is meant to assist student athletes pursuing further education. Scholarships are intended to recognize outstanding graduating athletes of ARHS.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their athletic success, dedication, sportsmanship and leadership, as well as academic effort and character.
Application deadline is TODAY March 31st. Apply online today!
The Anna Burns Memorial Scholarship is now open for applications. This special award is given to an ARHS senior who will attend college or other post-secondary education and who exhibits the kindness, leadership, advocacy and determination shown by Anna Burns.
Deadline to Apply: April 15. Please see the ARHS Scholarship Booklet (released in early March) for details.
The UMass Turing Summer Program is a free, three-week summer program for High School students who are interested in or would like to learn about Computer Science and its application to domains like healthcare, energy, and more. The program requires a full-day commitment from students, and students’ ability to commute daily to the UMass Amherst campus is a must. Lunch is complimentary throughout the program.
Intended Participants: While the program is specifically designed for entering tenth and eleventh graders (i.e. entering sophomores and juniors), rising ninth graders and seniors are welcome to apply. A background in computer programming is not necessary, but a basic mathematics background is assumed for this program.
Program Format/Schedule: The program runs from July 7-25th, 2025, every weekday from 9:30 am to 4 pm, with one lab and two classroom sessions. These sessions expose students to sensing, data analysis, and visualization concepts. We design a hands-on program where students will learn by application, and the program will feature the use of signal processing and machine learning using Python and an intro to health sensing using apps for Android phones.
How to Apply: Online registration is now open and will close in early April. Please visit here, or email us at turing.umass@gmail.com for more.
ARHS PGO Parent News 
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