ARHS PGO Parent News

Let’s send the Class of 2021 some love and support as they prepare to say their final goodbye to our schools! Signs are just $10 each and can be ordered here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNYr4tb_vKkxAop0fqIXFYXQ-XM8Fil2N6Fw6nRl1_YGbRaA/viewform?usp=sf_link . 

This past year has been without so many of the traditional events that celebrate and recognize our soon to be graduates, and a year of online learning has made it especially challenging for them to feel connected to their friends and school.

Let our seniors know their communities are proud of their achievements! All proceeds will support signs for seniors.

Additionally, fundraising efforts are also underway to fund a several non-school sponsored activities for the Class of 2021. We have around $2000 left to raise! To learn more about the plans and how you can help support them, please visit:  https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/arhsclassof2021/arps-pgos or https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i7Hz247USxQzKNrkrSDC19kyS8oRCQlIf1GMoFX7hcI/edit?usp=sharing.

Current 10th and 11th grade students interested in pursuing full-time Dual Enrollment, meaning taking all of their classes at Greenfield or Holyoke Community College and earning ARHS and community college credits simultaneously, must contact their caseload counselor to discuss next steps soon. The process is relatively simple but takes a few weeks and the deadline to complete the FULL process is May 31st. Therefore, if you are interested, discuss this with parents or guardians first since families need to pay for the classes and provide their own transportation. If this sounds like the right fit for you, contact your counselor soon. 

Interested in taking one free class at HCC in the fall 2021?  Holyoke Community College is offering a free course to students taking their first ever class at HCC. Discuss this at home and then with your counselor during your individual counselor registration meeting in May. Counselors will contact you when it is your scheduled time to meet, but please be assured that every 9-11 grade student already has a designated time put aside for them to review any class registration questions for next year. You will be notified the day of your meeting so stay tuned!

There is a change for students who are signed up for the AP Statistics Exam.  The change is the date and type of exam. The AP Statistics Exam has been changed to an in person (paper/pencil) exam to be taken at ARHS on Tuesday, May 25, 2021.  The exam will begin at 12 noon.  The exam date has been moved because the original digital/at home exam was scheduled for June 10 from 12-4 p.m.  This is the same day as the ARHS Graduation.  Please make a note regarding the date change and be prepared to take the exam here at ARHS on that day.  More information will come about the logistics of the exam day prior to the exam.  If you have any questions, email Judi DellaMarco at dellamarcoj@arps.org

Please read THIS LETTER from the Amherst Regional High School regarding the MCAS testing schedule this spring.

The ARHS Biliteracy Club is happy to announce an exciting opportunity—Korean and Japanese 2021 Summer Courses!

This summer, Professor Chanyoung Park and Professor Yuki Yoshimura of the East Asian Languages & Cultures program at UMass Amherst, are both offering online language courses in Korean and Japanese.


Enrollment, Registration and Tuition Information:
The East Asian Languages & Cultures Program at UMass Amherst is excited to offer online courses in Korean and Japanese language for Summer 2021 through the University Without Walls! 

Parents & Guardians – please view relevant enrollment information here: https://www.umass.edu/uww/resources/who-can-enroll

UWW’s general registration process: https://www.umass.edu/uww/resources/how-to-enroll-as-a-new-student Visit University Without Walls for registration and tuition information, and for course details! (link https://www.umass.edu/uww/classes/explore)

If you have additional questions please contact:
The East Asian Languages & Cultures Program at UMass Amherst
Phone: (413) 545-0886   Fax: (413) 545-3178   Email: office@asianlan.umass.edu

Remote Office Hours – Mon-Fri, 8 to 4PM

Apr 30: 9th Grade Students Return to In-Person (AM Only); New Student Tours

May 3: Return to In-Person Instruction at ARHS

May 7: NEW Anti-racist art project submission deadline

May 11: AP Spanish Exam Administered

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 17: ELA MCAS Administered

May 18: AP English Lit & Comp Exam Administered

May 19: ELA MCAS Administered

May 20: AP World History Exam Administered

May 21: AP Latin, AP Chinese and AP French Exams Administered

May 25: AP Statistics Exam Administered

May 26: AP Comp Scince Exam Administered

May 27: AP Bio Exam Administered

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 1 : Math MCAS Administered

June 1-3: Senior Exam Period

June 2 : Math MCAS Administered

June 4: Last Day for Seniors; Ice Cream Social for Seniors

June 8: Senior Car Parade 4PM

June 9: AP BC Calc; AP AB Calc and AP Physics Exams Administered

June 10: Graduation @ Look Park

June 14: Graduation Raindate #1

June 15: Graduation Raindate #2

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 21-23- Final Exam Period

June 25: Last day of school

Saturday, May 1 at Noon

Enjoy a free concert concert at Sweetser Park by the UMass Wind Ensemble with Conductor Matt Westgate. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy! Music by William Grant Still, Hoagy Carmichael, Scott Joplin, Kathryn Salfelder, Alberto Ginastera, Carolyn Bremer, & including special performances of Kim Archer’s Fanfare Politeia, written for Kamala Harris’ inauguration, and John Williams’ Star Wars Trilogy.

The Baker-Polito Administration has announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30th. The local Town of Amherst Emergency Order of the Board of Health for the Mandatory Wearing of Masks or Face Coverings in Part of the Town of Amherst remains in effect.  This item will be discussed at the next Board of Health Meeting on May 13th at 5:00pm via zoom.

Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking. This includes events such as commencements, farmers markets, crowded outdoor events like live performances and parades. Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.

For more information: https://www.amherstma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2881

This message is to let you know that books and supplies for the 4th Quarter will be distributed on Monday (4/26) & Tuesday (4/27) in the high school auditorium. You will be able to pick up supplies until 5:00pm on those days. If any of your classes are asynchronous on those days, please come in during those asynchronous class times, if you can. Please call 413-362-1700 or email arhsoffice@arps.org if you need to make other arrangements to get 4th quarter supplies.

This message is for 9th graders, students who are new to the district this year, and their families. Next Friday (4/30) there will be an opportunity for those students to take a tour of the high school. You will see where your classes are and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If you are interested in taking the tour, please fill out this Google Form by Monday (4/26). This is the link to a Virtual Tour of ARHS for any of you to take at any time.

This message is for all of the students and their families who are returning to school for in-person learning starting on May 3rd. There will be a StreamYard information session on Wednesday (4/28) at 6:30pm. We will share information about our health & safety protocols, expectations about mask wearing, general information about a typical school day, and answer questions. We will send out the link on Monday. I hope you will be able to join us.

Dear Middle School and High School Parents/Guardians:

The bus routes that will be in place for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year have been finalized and are now available at  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rDQsR2YSe3V3jnWt_5ME09lC_2bxs6Ss/view.  There are some very important changes to note about the routes:

• Some stops have changed and will now require students to walk a little further to the bus stop than they have in the past.
• Capacity on each bus is greatly reduced because all students have been assigned a seat with appropriate social distancing from students outside their immediate family.
• Students who requested transportation were assigned to a bus for their primary residence only due to the complexity of developing the routes within a very limited time frame.
• Since seats are assigned, students who did not sign up for transportation on the family survey will not be allowed to board.
• Students will not be allowed to ride any bus other than their regularly assigned bus, either to or from school.

For families who did not request transportation but now need it for their student, or who need pick-up or drop off for more than one residence, the middle and high schools are each creating a waiting list.  Once in-person school has started and any general issues have been resolved, our transportation department will assess each request to determine if it can be accommodated. This is likely to be done during the first or second week of May. Please call the principal’s office at your child’s school to add them to the transportation waiting list (for ARMS call 362-1847 or 362-1850. For ARHS and Summit Academy call 362-1700.).

Let’s send the Class of 2021 some love and support as they prepare to say their final goodbye to our schools! Signs are just $10 each and can be ordered here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNYr4tb_vKkxAop0fqIXFYXQ-XM8Fil2N6Fw6nRl1_YGbRaA/viewform?usp=sf_link . 

This past year has been without so many of the traditional events that celebrate and recognize our soon to be graduates, and a year of online learning has made it especially challenging for them to feel connected to their friends and school.

Let our seniors know their communities are proud of their achievements! All proceeds will support signs for seniors.

We have reached our fundraising goal for planned non-school sponsored activities. On behalf of our Seniors, we wish to thank the community for their generous support.

Recently, ARHS Administration and the Senior Class Advisors held an online discussion on plans for the Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony. The recording of the event can be found at: https://youtu.be/JMwRum5jqJ8

For information on supplemental, non-school sponsored events to celebrate the Senior Class, please read: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19qcn7EHH4GqXAOPv8a4LWjurc42zuaQqdDeO5hTnxV4/edit?usp=sharing

This week on As Schools Match Wits, our ARHS ASMW Club faces off against the team from Minnechaug. Catch the match this Saturday (4/24) at 7:30pm, only on WGBY. https://wgby.org/asmw

Apr 24: Q4 Begins

Apr 26: 4th Quarter Books and Supplies Pick Up

Apr 26: Spring Sports Season Begins

Apr 27: 4th Quarter Books and Supplies Pick Up

Apr 28: Info Session for Students Returning to In-Person 6:30 PM

Apr 30: 9th Grade Students Return to In-Person (AM Only); New Student Tours

May 3: Return to In-Person Instruction at ARHS

May 11: AP Spanish Exam Administered

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 18: AP English Lit & Comp Exam Administered

May 20: AP World History Exam Administered

May 21: AP Latin, AP Chinese and AP French Exams Administered

May 26: AP Comp Scince Exam Administered

May 27: AP Bio Exam Administered

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 1-3: Senior Exam Period

June 4: Last Day for Seniors

June 9: AP BC Calc; AP AB Calc and AP Physics Exams Administered

June 10: AP Statistics Exam Administered

June 10: Graduation @ Look Park

June 14: Graduation Raindate #1

June 15: Graduation Raindate #2

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 21-23- Final Exam Period

June 25: Last day of school

Rain or shine, or snow, DRUG TAKE BACK is Saturday, April 24, 10 am- 2pm. Bring your unwanted drugs to 16 locations in Hampshire and Franklin counties for safe disposal and help keep them out of the wrong hands!

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

*Not School Sponsored*

With April break quickly approaching, many staff members and families have reached out to find out more about the current travel regulations in Massachusetts.  As of March 22, the travel order in the state was changed to a travel advisory for domestic travel; it is available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-advisory. The advisory for international travel is more stringent and can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-advisory#international-travel-.

Additionally, we want to remind our community that good practices, such as avoiding crowded indoor spaces and consistent masking outside the home, are critically important to the public health in our community, as well as to maintaining the safety of in-person instruction in our schools. 

All 9-11th grade students need to register for classes by 3PM on Friday, April 16th. To register, have your student(s) go into Powerschool and click on “Course Registration” to select their courses. The Program of Studies for course descriptions can be found through this link:https://sites.google.com/arps.org/arhs-program-of-studies-21-22/home

If they have questions, School counselors will be available Friday from from 12-1 pm through the following meet link: arhsregistration. Counselors will also be having individual meetings with their students after April vacation about the classes they have selected.

Fundraising efforts are now underway to help give the Class of 2021 the extra love and support they need as they say their final goodbye to our schools. This past year has been hard on so many of us, and a year of online learning has made it especially challenging for our graduating seniors to feel connected to their friends and school community. 

Parent volunteers are seeing to raise $7000 to fund a Parade, Ice Cream Social, Signs and Downtown Banners/ Flags and Swag bags for each of the 229 students. To learn more about the plans, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i7Hz247USxQzKNrkrSDC19kyS8oRCQlIf1GMoFX7hcI/edit?usp=sharing

To donate online, https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/arhsclassof2021/arps-pgos

To donate offline,  mail checks to:

Ellen Lindsey 
ARHS PGO Treasurer
288 Shays Street, Amherst, MA 01002

or with Venmo (@Ellen-Lindsey ) or Cash App ($elleninamherst)

And thank you all for your love and support!

Dear Special Education Advocates and Families,

Please join us this Friday, April 16, at 10:00am when we will present and discuss the results of SEPAC’s reissued COVID Impacts Survey.

Join with Google Meet using the link: https://meet.google.com/dhy-wywm-rwd or or by phone: 617-675-4444 PIN: ‪909 286 087 0262#

Reminder also that tonight, at 6pm, Sarah Weirich will be giving a presentation about creating sensory spaces. See this flyer for additional information.

Thank you!

Heather Sheldon, SEPAC Co-President

Last Friday, ARPS Michael Morris announced that Talib Sadiq has been hired as the permanent Principal of ARHS after his highly successful service in the interim role during the 2020-2021 school year.  Before taking the role of Interim Principal, Mr. Sadiq was an Assistant Principal at ARHS from 2018 to 2020.  Prior to that time, he served first as a counselor and then as Dean of Students at Amherst Regional Middle School beginning in 2006.  During his tenure with the School District, Mr. Sadiq also served as the House Parent for the Amherst A Better Chance (ABC) Program from 2009 to 2016.  

In a survey of students, families and ARHS faculty and staff, the vast majority of respondents expressed support for keeping the current leadership team in place. Support for Mr. Sadiq included comments such as “I have been impressed with Mr. Sadiq’s leadership. He is a good communicator, open-minded, approachable, and knows the school well. I would very much like him to stay on as Principal,” and “This is my 29th year at the high school. Talib is the best leader I have experienced.”

“I am thrilled that Mr. Sadiq has accepted the permanent position as Principal of ARHS,” said Superintendent Michael Morris.  “The District is fortunate to have a proven leader with such expertise, who knows the ARHS community so well and has already dedicated many years to supporting our students and families.” 

You may enjoy listening to or reading the news, but have you read what ARHS reporters have to say? Check out our amazing school newspaper, The Graphic--produced by students in Journalistic Writing class–to learn about stopping Asian Hate, our permanent principal Mr. Sadiq; student voices on mental health, vaccines, virtual school, MCAS, sports recruiting, and working during a pandemic, and tons of other features and club news. You can find The Graphic at thegraphic.arps.org and it’s also permanently housed under the “ABOUT” tab on the ARHS website.

Sports for the spring season is now open! 

Please continue to check the athletic webpage, as I do my best to update it frequently. 

Apr 16: Q3 Ends

Apr 19-23: Spring Break 

Apr 24: Q4 Begins

Apr 26: Spring Sports Season Begins

Apr 30: 9th Grade Students Return to In-Person (AM Only)

May 3: Return to In-Person Instruction at ARHS

May 11: AP Spanish Exam Administered

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 18: AP English Lit & Comp Exam Administered

May 20: AP World History Exam Administered

May 21: AP Latin, AP Chinese and AP French Exams Administered

May 26: AP Comp Scince Exam Administered

May 27: AP Bio Exam Administered

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 1-3: Senior Exam Period

June 3: Last Day for Seniors

June 9: AP BC Calc; AP AB Calc and AP Physics Exams Administered

June 10: AP Statistics Exam Administered

June 10: Graduation @ Look Park

June 14: Graduation Raindate #1

June 15: Graduation Raindate #2

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 21-23- Final Exam Period

June 24: Last day of school

The Amherst Town Clerk’s office would like to remind dog owners that it’s time to obtain your 2021 dog tag and license. The licensing year starts April 1st and ends March 31st of each year, so all 2020 tags have now expired. State law requires all dogs six months of age or older to be licensed and wearing a tag (MGL c. 140, s. 137).

You may obtain a license through the mail, online at: www.amherstma.gov/payments (renewals only), or by calling our Animal Control Officer at 413-478-7084.

Overview:

Aspen Heights Amherst is a brand-new, 88 unit rental apartment community located in Amherst on 408 Northampton Road. There will be 11 affordable apartments ready for occupancy starting in Summer of 2021. All affordable apartments will be rented to households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income through this application process. Apartments feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and residents will have access to amazing amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a clubroom, and a computer lounge with private meeting spaces. Aspen Heights is conveniently located on Route 8 near University Drive, steps away from shopping and minutes from Amherst Central District.

Key Dates:

• May 5, 2021: Information Session: 6:00pm via YouTube at https://youtu.be/-bSrAXtyvtY (or just search for SEB Housing) and via Conference Call – (425) 436-6200. Code: 862627
• June 2, 2021: Application Deadline: 100% complete applications must be received by 2:00pm – See below for full information packet and application form. 
• June 14, 2021: Lottery: 6:00pm via YouTube at https://youtu.be/4Vwu6lni8VQ (or just search SEB Housing) and conference call — (425) 436-6200. Code: 862627

Documents: 

• Information Packet
• Application

Questions? 

• For Affordable Unit Information call (617) 782-6900 ex. 1 
• For TTY Dial 711
• Free Translation Available. Traducción gratuita disponible

Click here for full info, application & more…

Do you want to spend family night with some music? The ARHS Band is hosting a virtual Musical Trivia Night on April 14th at 6:30PM! Join as a family or pod and answer trivia questions covering a variety of fun musical topics. No expertise necessary! A $50 prize goes to the winning team, and all profits will be donated to Alternatives for Community and Environment, a BIPOC-led environmental justice nonprofit in MA. The entry fee is $10 per team. Register your team at https://forms.gle/dwTTUwGdZ1ZUyfVw5. If you can’t make it but would like to make a donation, you can do so here: https://donorbox.org/band-trivia-night. Contact nyek@arps.org with questions. We hope to see you!

To view the flyer visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZjpNBbyrhAYruKx9SSTIiwvxB64FL-pG/view?usp=sharing

Fundraising efforts are now underway to help give the Class of 2021 the extra love and support they need as they say their final goodbye to our schools. This past year has been hard on so many of us, and a year of online learning has made it especially challenging for our graduating seniors to feel connected to their friends and school community. 

Final concerts and games; award and achievement nights; the prom; decorating graduation caps with family and friends – all traditional hallmarks of Senior Spring! Students look forward to the traditions that make senior year special, and unfortunately the Class of 2021 have missed out on most of the moments that make their final high school year so memorable.

So let’s do our best to make some happy memories! Our goal is to raise $7,000- only $30 per student to fund signs, senior “swag bags,” recognition events and class activities to help our graduates celebrate this important milestone. If you are able, please consider sponsoring a student or two – or ten! Any amount is welcome.  : )

To donate online, https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/arhsclassof2021/arps-pgos

To donate offline,  mail checks to:

Ellen Lindsey 
ARHS PGO Treasurer
288 Shays Street, Amherst, MA 01002

or with Venmo (@Ellen-Lindsey ) or Cash App ($elleninamherst)

And thank you all for your love and support!

If you still need to send pictures, please have them in by Friday, 4/9 at noon!

If you are a senior on free/reduced lunch and need a yearbook still, email Miss Garrity (garrityc@arps.org) by Friday at noon!

Parent ads have been extended until Friday!

Pre-orders are over but you can STILL order your yearbook at arps.picaboo.com!!

ARPS will be serving Universal Free Meals until September 30, 2021.

Breakfast and lunch will continue to be available 5 days a week.  To-go meals will continue to be available for pick up for children 18 and under at the high school meal site, 21 Mattoon Street (side interest by the library) on M/W/F from 11:15 – 1:00 PM

The ARPS Special Education Parent Advisory Council will hold their next meeting on Friday, April16, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

To join, use the link: https://meet.google.com/dhy-wywm-rwd or by phone: 617-675-4444? PIN: ?909 286 087 0262?#

Attached is information with a link for the electronic consent form about the Binax COVID antigen testing that is available in our district at this time.  The availability of this rapid test is the result of a partnership between DESE and DPH to help public schools promote the safety and wellbeing for students and staff in-person during this pandemic.

We are pleased to be able to offer it for students and staff in our schools who are presenting with symptoms.

Please review this information and, if you are willing to have your child participate if needed, complete the online consent.  If you have any questions or need a paper consent form, please contact our Nurse Manager Robbin Suprenant at suprenantr@arps.org.  

Thank you,

Michael Morris, Superintendent

Robbin Suprenant, RN and Nurse Leader

Rapid Covid Testing Consent Letter and Instructions 

Thank you to everyone who supported the Environmental Action club and ordered trees! We were very close to our goal of 230 trees, at 216 trees ordered. But we are in need of volunteers to help us plant these trees on the day of the event, which is Saturday, April 24. Time slots to volunteer are in the morning and afternoon, we’ll finalize the details closer to the date. Feel free to sign up for both! Interested volunteers can sign up at this website: https://www.tree-plenishevents.org/amherst, and the sign-up form closes around April 15. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email Emily at wangef@arps.org, Ally at brauar@arps.org, or Grace at garmangg@arps.org.

The month of April is Linguistic Heritage Month! The Bilingual Parents Advisory Council wants to help our community acknowledge and celebrate this important aspect of our community’s identity and diversity. We have created a list of activities to help highlight our collective linguistic heritage and would be excited for you to share the attached information via your all-staff list and have it included in family newsletters, advisory periods, and/or morning announcements.

Thank you in advance for your support! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.

Alisa Clements

BPAC Facilitator

Linguistic Heritage Month Letter

Apr 14: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) ; Music Trivia Night

Apr 16: Q3 Ends

Apr 19-23: Spring Break 

Apr 24: Q4 Begins

Apr 26: Spring Sports Season Begins

Apr 30: 9th Grade Students Return to In-Person (AM Only)

May 3: Return to In-Person Instruction at ARHS

May 11: AP Spanish Exam Administered

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 18: AP English Lit & Comp Exam Administered

May 20: AP World History Exam Administered

May 21: AP Latin, AP Chinese and AP French Exams Administered

May 26: AP Comp Scince Exam Administered

May 27: AP Bio Exam Administered

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 1-3: Senior Exam Period

June 3: Last Day for Seniors

June 9: AP BC Calc; AP AB Calc and AP Physics Exams Administered

June 10: AP Statistics Exam Administered

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 21-23- Final Exam Period

June 24: Last day of school

Dear Parent,

As this year’s AP® Exams get closer, we want to make sure students and their parents know the best ways to get ready for the exams. Join us for a webinar hosted by Terry Redican, the Vice President of AP Program Delivery, to learn more about steps students need to take before exams as well as free resources available to help them prepare.

In this one-hour webinar, attendees will also hear from Dr. Michelle Kuhl, Professor, History, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and Rachelle Hernandez, Senior Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Student Success, The University of Texas at Austin, who’ll discuss the value of taking AP Exams.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, April 22, at 7 p.m. ET. We’ll send an email with a link to the recording following the webinar.

Register Now for the Webinar

Attendance is limited, so please register early to reserve your spot! We encourage you and your student to attend together. You can also submit questions in advance on the registration page. The most frequently asked questions will be discussed during the webinar and shared after the event.

In the meantime, check out this webpage for more information about AP Exams.
You can also view past College Board parent webinars.

Sincerely,
Advanced Placement Program

Overview:

Aspen Heights Amherst is a brand-new, 88 unit rental apartment community located in Amherst on 408 Northampton Road. There will be 11 affordable apartments ready for occupancy starting in Summer of 2021. All affordable apartments will be rented to households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income through this application process. Apartments feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and residents will have access to amazing amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, a clubroom, and a computer lounge with private meeting spaces. Aspen Heights is conveniently located on Route 8 near University Drive, steps away from shopping and minutes from Amherst Central District.

Units Remaining: 11

Key Dates:

• May 5, 2021: Information Session: 6:00pm via YouTube at https://youtu.be/-bSrAXtyvtY (or just search for SEB Housing) and via Conference Call – (425) 436-6200. Code: 862627
• June 2, 2021: Application Deadline: 100% complete applications must be received by 2:00pm – See below for full information packet and application form. 
• June 14, 2021: Lottery: 6:00pm via YouTube at https://youtu.be/4Vwu6lni8VQ (or just search SEB Housing) and conference call — (425) 436-6200. Code: 862627

Documents: 

• Information Packet
• Application

Questions? 

• For Affordable Unit Information call (617) 782-6900 ex. 1 
• For TTY Dial 711
• Free Translation Available. Traducción gratuita disponible

Click here for full info, application & more…

Next Thursday evening at 6:30 the ARHS administrative team will host a StreamYard event to describe the high school schedule for the 21-22 school year, class offerings, the pre-registration process, and be available for questions. Please join us at this LINK on Thursday, April 8th at 6:30.  

ARPS has an updates website that provides information regarding their school health protocols surrounding Covid-19.

https://sites.google.com/arps.org/school-return-fall2020/nurse-covid-protocols

Family Resources

https://sites.google.com/arps.org/school-return-fall2020/nurse-covid-protocols#h.ba529s9auyyi

Contact Tracing Protocols:

https://sites.google.com/arps.org/school-return-fall2020/nurse-covid-protocols#h.o4l4zoqgwgne

Protocols for Face Coverings and Masks

https://sites.google.com/arps.org/school-return-fall2020/nurse-covid-protocols#h.8y8cramchzor

If you missed the Senior Planning Meeting this past Monday, please check out the Senior Planning Meeting Notes from 3/29/21 Google Doc to catch up on the plans and learn how you can get involved.

Questions? Email Beckydemling@yahoo.com

Seniors, links below for college planning waitist, comparing costs, and FA appeals. Also, my fabulous intern Ed Lubin, can be available for a couple of small group meetings to check in and ask any questions juniors might have in the meantime – some of you have met Mr. Lubin during your meetings and in classroom visits. (Here are the links for next week – Wednesday, March 31st 1:30-2:00pm https://meet.google.com/rtc-kdbi-phm and Thursday, April 1st 11:00am – 11:30am https://meet.google.com/qsx-kxrh-buu ).

To put a finer point on it, this year has been rough for the members of the Class of 2021, and I’m sorry I’m not more present right now. I sure am thinking about you and hoping that spring provides some sunshine and relief for you! Know that we are also planning GAP Year meetings (Registration link – https://forms.gle/ X4JkQShAi3431HY57), and planning better resources for those of you considering employment and job training for after graduation. Stay tuned. 

And, as always, Crystal Garrity, our awesome Guidance Secretary, is available if you have any questions.  With Great Care,Ms. Cuffee-Gray 

Reseach Colleges Without Visiting – https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/how-to-research-colleges-without-visiting-a-campus

Appeal Your Financial Aid Offer https://www.mefa.org/blog/need-financial-aid-learn-appeal-process

Comparing College Costs https://www.mefa.org/college-cost-calculator & https://www.mefa.org/blog/comparing-your-college-options

Waitlist Advice – https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/letter-of-continued-interest

Job/Internship/GAP Year Search – https://www.indeed.com/

Sports for the spring season is now open! 

Please continue to check the athletic webpage, as I do my best to update it frequently. 

If you are a senior on free/reduced lunch and can not afford a yearbook, email Miss Garrity ASAP to reserve one!

Do you have candid photos of you, your friends, your pets, your family? Email them to Miss Garrity by Friday! We desperately need more photos for our collage pages!

Tuesday 4/6 – Thursday 4/8

Check out our website!  https://sites.google.com/arps.org/menu/home 

College Support Discussion 4/6/21- 12:30-1:30pm   Listen and ask questions of people from a variety of colleges.https://youtu.be/ypr5-bEnHZ0 

Adult Services Discussion  4/7/21-12:30-1:30: Listen and ask questions of people from a variety of services.  https://youtu.be/DXeKScMS0-s 

Student and ARHS Alumni Panel   Thursday, April 8, 2021

4th ANNUAL PANEL  5:00-6:00    https://youtu.be/MPFRWAZno9s 

Current and former students discuss their experiences and thoughts about Autism. Questions from the audience are welcome! Don’t miss this important chance to hear and support us. It’s our 4th annual panel!

After Panel Party 6:00-7:00https://meet.google.com/fic-vrjc-pfy

A celebratory gathering after the panel! ALL WELCOME!  We’ll have breakout rooms for various subtopics, including Leilani live streaming her art!

Autism Awareness Flier 2021

Seniors who are 18 and looking to enter the BioTech field, check out this amazing opportunity! MassBioEd Foundation is introducing an opportunity to apply to receive free training, mentorship, and a paid one-year apprenticeship at a local biotech company through their new Life Sciences Apprenticeship Program.  

Women, people of color, veterans, and people who are unemployed or underemployed are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be High School graduates (or equivalent) who are 18 or older.

Apprenticeship Program highlights include:

·    3-6 months of training, partially-paid

·    the opportunity to be mentored by life sciences industry professionals

·    a paid one-year apprenticeship placement

BioManufacturing Technicians help deliver life changing biological products and therapies to patients. Technicians prepare materials necessary for cellular growth and production, monitor operations, and document workflows.

Stipend and Salary are $1000 a month during the apprenticeship training that’s either 3 months or 4-6 months. Once the training is completed, the paid apprenticeship begins.

To learn more about this apprenticeship   https://files.constantcontact.com/7d4bf2ee001/3fddab40-987d-4920-9ad0-61a65ef041d3.pdfPlease email Crystal Cartwright @cartwrightc@arps.org if you have an interest in applying!

The month of April is Linguistic Heritage Month! The Bilingual Parents Advisory Council wants to help our community acknowledge and celebrate this important aspect of our community’s identity and diversity. We have created a list of activities to help highlight our collective linguistic heritage and would be excited for you to share the attached information via your all-staff list and have it included in family newsletters, advisory periods, and/or morning announcements.

Thank you in advance for your support! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments.

Alisa Clements

BPAC Facilitator

Linguistic Heritage Month Letter

Apr 2: Good Friday (No School—Budgetary Reasons) 

Apr 6: APRS SEPAC Autism Awareness College Support Discussion 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Apr 7: APRS SEPAC Autism Awareness Adult Services Discussion 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Apr 7: Amherst Art for Clean Action Energy Deadline

Apr 8: ARPS SEPAC Student and ARHS Alumni Panel 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Apr 8: ARHS Schedule, Offerings and Registration Process Presentation 6:30 PM

Apr 14: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

Apr 16: Q3 Ends

Apr 19-23: Spring Break 

Apr 24: Q4 Begins

Apr 26: Spring Sports Season Begins

Apr 30: 9th Grade Students Return to In-Person (AM Only)

May 3: Return to In-Person Instruction at ARHS

May 11: AP Spanish Exam Administered

May 12: PreK-12 Early Release (12:00 secondary/1:20 elementary) 

May 18: AP English Lit & Comp Exam Administered

May 20: AP World History Exam Administered

May 21: AP Latin, AP Chinese and AP French Exams Administered

May 26: AP Comp Scince Exam Administered

May 27: AP Bio Exam Administered

May 31: Memorial Day (No School) 

June 1-3: Senior Exam Period

June 3: Last Day for Seniors

June 9: AP BC Calc; AP AB Calc and AP Physics Exams Administered

June 10: AP Statistics Exam Administered

June 19″ Juneteenth Holiday

June 21-23- Final Exam Period

June 24: Last day of school

Good Day ARHS Families, 

We are currently planning for the 2021-2022 year at ARHS. We would like your input to help inform our plans. Please respond to this brief survey. All information is confidential.

Thank you,