ARHS PGO Parent News

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.

Opening Reception: Thursday, February 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Join us in the Jones Library Woodbury Room on Thursday evening for the opening reception of this art exhibit. I AM HOME is a creative project in honor of Black History Month featuring artwork by youth reflecting on the concepts of “home” and “freedom”. The influence of the Black Church is the inspiration for this community presentation.  

If you are interested in submitting art for this exhibit, please visit: joneslibrary.org/blackhistoryteens

There will also be an art-making session on 2/23 from 3-5pm in the Jones Library Amherst Room just prior to the opening reception. 

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Click HERE to access the message from Mr. Talib Sadiq.

Choice Block: Click HERE to access the list of the activities students can pick from.

The article describing the importance of parents and other caregivers taking care of their mental health, given the high rates of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found HERE.

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.

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Purchase and Design your congratulatory Parent Ad!

Deadline is March 1st. 

Have you taken any yearbook-worthy photos this year?

Upload them here for a chance to be included in the yearbook.

Sports, performing arts, dances, events, etc. all welcome!

Link to Yearbook Order & Parent Ad: https://store.shopyearbook.com/arps

Do you have time to bring in a batch of baked goods (either homemade or purchased) or some fresh fruit for ARHS staff? Please visit the volunteer sign-up at this link to sign up for just one upcoming date:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA4AF2AABF94-thank

This is a simple way for us to support the staff at ARHS, but we do need volunteers for the remainder of the year, starting with February 9. Details on are the signup.

HERE is the 2/6 Class of 2024 Newsletter

This is the MONEY ISSUE!

Be sure that your FAFSA is fully completed – don’t ignore request for FAFSA verification from colleges. This is an important requirement.

Check your email and admissions portals regularly!

Thinking about a GAP year? Want to get a job after you graduate? Want to apply to community college, but not sure how? See the newsletter to sign up for a new GAP Year Etc. Planning group starting soon!

Scholar Athlete? Look in the Daily Announcements for an opportunity to meet with members of the UMASS Football team to discuss sports/academic balance next week on 2/16 during A Block! You have to sign up ahead of time.

Deidre Cuffee–Gray, ARHS’s college and career counselor.

Nice article featured at the UMass College of Education.

A big thank you to Deidre Cuffee-Gray, the ARHS College and Career Counselor, for hosting a virtual coffee for families on February 1. For those of you who couldn’t make it, you can view a recording of the session HERE.

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! 

FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE SERVED!
TO BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE: https://donorbox.org/events/410965

If you would like to help with this event, please sign up! VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP FOR VALENTINE’S DANCE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45AEAA28A3FAC43-valentines

Hello Parents/Guardians!

Please see the attached flyer, if you are interested in making a Candy or Carnation Grams purchase for your student, please scan or click on the link below:

*Google Form can be filled out here 

*Or you can scan the QR code below. 

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. 

Feb. 14: ARPS All-Ages Valentine’s Day Dance

Feb. 15: Early release day K-12
Feb. 20-24: Winter Break