The Amherst Health Department has notified the District that the total active cases of Covid-19 have increased from 35 to 51 since we notified you yesterday that the Phase 1 return to in-person learning would be delayed. The updated daily count exceeds the Districts’ metrics from the tentative agreement with the Amherst-Pelham Education Association for returning to in-person learning, which include:
fewer than 28 new cases per week per 100,000 (using a 7-day rolling average) in Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, with a weighting of .8 for Hampshire County, .1 for Franklin County, and .1 for Hampden County
Given these metrics, the District will implement a minimum two-week delay in the Phase 1 return to in-person learning, with an anticipated in-person learning start date of October 15, 2020. This change will also push the Phase 2 and Phase 3 return to in-person learning back by two weeks. The updated start dates are included in the chart below:
Phase 1:Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade, Special Populations
October 15, 2020
Elementary: 5 days per week (9:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.)
Phase 2:Second Grade, Third Grade
November 2, 2020
5 days per week (9:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.)
Phase 3:All ARPS Students
November 30, 2020
Grades 4-6: either 2 days per week or 5 days per week*(9:50 am – 3:10 pm) Grades 7-12: 1 day per week (expanded to two days in February) (9:00 am – 2:20 pm)
*Depending on transportation and space; to be determined once binding family surveys are sent and results are analyzed (October)
As our community deals with the current uptick in Covid-19 cases, we will keep you informed of any impacts on the Amherst Regional Public Schools.
ARHS after school opportunities for students will be virtual this year. Attached is the links to our after school activities fair. It will take place on Wednesday October 7, from 12:20-12:50 PM
We are writing to inform you that a staff member in the Fort River School community has tested positive for COVID-19. Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe, so we have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process. The areas frequented by the staff member who tested positive have been sanitized and/or closed off for deep cleaning, and the district is supporting the affected staff member as they navigate this stressful experience. Since students have not returned to in-person learning, no students were in close contact with the staff member.
Our staff have been closely adhering to the safety protocols when in the buildings, including mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of additional transmission. Though we cannot provide specific information about the staff member who tested positive, those who were in close contact with the staff member have already been notified privately and will self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of test result. We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing.
We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families and staff. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Jill Conselino at conselinoj@arps.org. If there is additional transmission as a result of this case or a separate case, we will send out another message immediately. Thank you for your continued support.
State public health officials announced that influenza immunization will be required for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12, and colleges and universities. The new vaccine requirement is an important step to reduce flu-related illness and the overall impact of respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students will be expected to have received a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020 for the 2020-2021 influenza season, unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided.
There is als a new meningococcal vaccine requirement for students attending 11th grade and who are 16 years of age. The reference to MDPH is here.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/new-meningococcal-conjugate-vaccine-menacwy-requirement-for-school-entry-1/downloadWe would like to ask families to remember to provide documentation to the school nurse when their child receives these vaccines. Documentation can be faxed to us at 413-549-9753, mailed to us at school or scanned and emailed to Robbin Suprenant, RN at suprenantr@arps.org or Mary O’Brien, RN at obrienm@arps.org. We can be reached by email or at 413-362-1743 or 413-362-1744 if there are questions.
Class of 2021 and 2022 “Half the Game is Showing Up!”
List colleges you are even remotely interested in in Naviance, and attend admissions rep visits. It makes a difference as they get to know you, and you demonstrate your interest in their institution. Juniors and Seniors are invited to attend. Up to three excused absences for admissions rep visits.
You MUST register in Naviance and communicate with your teacher beforehand in order to be considered for an excused absence.
REMEMBER TO SHARE THE MIC DURING THESE SESSIONS…
Next Week’s College Admissions Rep Visits – Sign Up in Naviance
Friday, October 2
8:30am Claremont McKenna College
9:30am Suffolk University
10am University of Vermont
10am Ursinus College
11am University of Vermont
2pm Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Monday, October 5
8:30 AM Earlham College
9:30 AM Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science
9:30 AM Simmons University
12:30 pmRingling College of Art and Design
1:30 PM Smith College
Tuesday, October 6
9:30am St Olaf College
10am Oberlin College
2pm Marist College
Wednesday, October 7
8am Clark University
8:30am Lasell University
9:30am Sarah Lawrence College
9:30am Syracuse University
10am Springfield College
11am Becker College
12pm SUNY College at Oswego
Thursday, October 8
8am Hamilton College
8am University of East Anglia (UEA)
9:30am Russell Sage College
9:30am Springfield Technical Community College
10am Plymouth State University
10am University of Saint Joseph
11am Colby College
11am Curry College
11:30am Landmark College
11:30am Salve Regina University
12pm United States Naval Academy
12:30pm Dickinson College
2pm University of New Haven
2pm Utica College
2:30pm Emmanuel College – Boston
Friday, October 9
10am Ohio Wesleyan University
10am University at Albany, SUNY
Resources from some of this week’s Admissions Reps…
If you missed a visit from this past week, be sure to reach out via email. You can ask Ms. Garrity for an admisisons rep’s email.
Bridgewater State University
I wanted to share the following BSU resources for any interested students.
You are be able to schedule your fall “Life After ARHS” meetings.
Schedule your “Life After ARHS” Meetings with me!
These are 45 minute meetings. A portion of the meeting will be “student led,” meaning I’ll provide you with 3-4 prompts for you to talk about what your hopes, dreams, and plans are. Own your future. This is a time to discuss your plans for the future, we’ll look at your college list, consider careers, interests, explore certificate programs, GAP Year, employment opportunities, and military. Whatever floats your boat…
Life After ARHS Meetings with Ms. Cuffee-Gray sign up- link
IMPORTANT!Some things you’ll be required to complete PRIOR to meeting:
1. Update or complete your “Life After ARHS” survey in Naviance (54 Questions for 4 Year colleges, or 22 for 2 year and options other than 4 year colleges – if you have questions, check with your school counselor, Ms. Garrity or me.)
2. If you are applying to a program that requires a transcript and/or recommendations, you must complete the LIME GREEN form (seniors under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign as well).The Lime Green Form is attached to this email. It is a fillable .pdf and goes to Ms. Garrity (garrityc@arps.org).Completion of this form is the only way your transcripts and recommendations will be sent out!
3. Applying to college? List the schools you’ll be applying to in Naviance (even the schools you are REMOTELY interested in). Note that Fridays are First Generation Fridays – Priority will be given to First Generation and underrepresented students on Fridays. Optional and Strongly Encouraged: College Planning Howlers! Rather than the Senior College Planning Handbook, there will be a series of “Howlers” (ala Harry Potter) on topics related to planning for Life After ARHS. Read them and get smarter about the process. Howlers will be located in my virtual office. & complete the “Senior Review of College Knowledge 2021” to clarify your knowledge of the college planning process.
The district has been eagerly planning for in-person schooling to start tomorrow for many months. However, I was informed this morning by the Amherst Health Department that a total of 14 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in the town of Amherst in the last 24 hours, which brings the total to 30 new cases since last Friday. Based on this significant increase in case count, the Amherst Regional Public Schools will postpone Phase 1 students’ return to in-person learning scheduled for tomorrow. We understand that this change will present challenges for some of our ARPS Phase 1 families and share in their disappointment at this delay. As always, the health and safety of our students and staff are our top priority in determining when to bring them back into the physical classroom. More information about a potential new Phase 1 return date will be shared by this Friday, October 2 once public health authorities have clearer metrics and information.
I am sorry for the unfortunate timing of this change of plans, but given the new public health information received this morning, and in consultation with the Amherst Health Department, I determined that this decision was in the best interest of our students, staff, and families.
The Town of Amherst and the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund announce the availability of Round Two for short-term emergency rental assistance available for Amherst renters experiencing a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19. Rental assistance is available for up to 3 months.
Eligible households:
Must be renters living in Amherst and be an eligible household
Must have a documented loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19
Households do not have to be currently behind in their rent or have a late notice.
Household annual gross income may not exceed 80% Area Median Income.
Assistance is available on a first-come, first serve basis.
Households living in subsidized housing are eligible for assistance with rent arrears only.
Households cannot be entirely comprised of full-time college students (some exceptions apply).
Households must demonstrate a need for assistance. Households with sufficient income and/or savings to pay their monthly rent will not be eligible. Some savings is allowable.
CIUDAD DE AMHERST COVID-19 PROGRAMA DE EMERGENCIA DE ASISTENCIA DE ALQUILER
La ciudad de Amherst y el Fondo Fiduciario de Vivienda Asequible anuncian la segunda ronda de asistencia de emergencia a corto plazo con renta; disponible para los residentes de Amherst que están experimentando pérdida o reducción de ingresos económicos a causa del COVID-19. La asistencia será disponible hasta por 3 meses.
Hogares Elegibles:
Deben ser inquilinos que vivan en Amherst y ser una familia elegible.
Deben tener documentación de pérdida o reducción de ingresos debido al COVID-19.
No necesita estar atrasado con el pago de la renta, o tener una nota de pago atrasado.
El ingreso económico anual del hogar no debe exceder el 80% del Ingreso Medio del Área
La asistencia se dará por orden de aplicante “primero en llegar, primero servido”.
Las familias que viven en viviendas subsidiadas únicamente podrán obtener asistencia con renta atrasada.
Las familias no pueden estar compuestas únicamente por estudiantes universitarios a tiempo completo (aplican algunas excepciones).
Las familias deben demostrar su necesidad de asistencia. Hogares con suficientes ingresos económicos y/o ahorros para cubrir la renta no serán elegibles. Algunos ahorros son permitidos.
Los aplicantes serán contados después de completar su pre-aplicación en línea, para completar la aplicación final, y entregar la documentación requerida. Ver el sitio de web de Community Action para más información.
Para preguntas, o para obtener una aplicación de papel, por favor contacte a Community Action Pioneer Valley at 413-475-1570.
Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Know some German and want a fun space to practice? Join our German Comic Buchclub! A collaboration with the UMass German Department, this weekly meeting is a fun way to learn more about German language and culture. You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions, and all levels are welcome!
The counselors at ARHS have been working on ways to be more accessible and interactive with students and families. We are excited to present our Google website: Guidance Virtual Office. Through this website, students and families can make appointments with us and find a whole range of resources and links both on the cover page with Crystal Garrity, the counseling secretary, and by entering each counseling office.
Lisa Zephyr, ARHS School Counselor and Department Head
*To make an appointment with Lisa, please use this link and include the topic of the meeting, thanks! Link: calendly.com/zephyrl
ARPS Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting (SEPAC), Representing: Pelham Elementary, Amherst Elementary, and Amherst Regional Schools as well as students out of district. Executive Board Meeting.
1. Approve Minutes
2. Updates from Dr. Brady, Director of Student Services/Special Education
Election of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Officers
Annual Taxes and State Filings Update
Group Fundraisers: Wi-Fi Hotspots wrap up; UMACC (United Way), Giving Tuesday, Florence Bank, Amazon Smile; Flyer in Superintendent’s newsletter for small fundraisers that we all all do
Other Business not anticipated by the chair
The Amherst Regional Public Schools Parent Guardian Organization (ARPS PGO) is a Registered 501(c)3 Massachusetts Charity encompassing the individual PGOs of the Amherst Regional High and Middle Schools, Crocker Farm and Wildwood Elementary.
Our mission is to support the education of children within our schools through fundraising, supplemental programming and volunteer efforts. We help build community by fostering relationships among the schools, parents, teachers and staff.
If so, every time you shop at any Stop & Shop using your rewards card or phone # you will earn A+ Points. These become cash for our school — at no cost to you! There are two easy ways to participate:* Sign in or create an account at stopandshop.com* Go to My Account* Select Rewards and Programs* You may choose two schools – or just pick ARHS 😊
Or call 877-366-2668 option #1 and sign up to support ARHS by using your phone number – no need to find your S&S rewards card! If you signed up in the past you don’t need to renew but may want to confirm your selections. Questions? Contact Ellen Lindsey, PGO Treasurer, at ellenlindsey@gmail.com.
If your high school student did not take an AP exam in Spring 2020 and you are entitled to a refund, email Judi DellaMarco in the ARHS office with the following information.
Please be sure to answer all questions.
What is the Student’s Name:
What subject(s) is/are the AP exam(s) not taken (If the student missed more than one exam, you can enter multiple subjects):
Whom should the check be made payable:
What is the mailing address to forward the check:
What phone number can we use to contact you if we have a question:
This request will be verified and submitted for payment.
Hello Seniors! Your LAST First Week of High School – Whoo Hooo!
I hope you had a solid first week of school (well almost first week). You know what you are in for anyways…
Here’s what I have for you this week:
Maintaining Your Sanity As You Plan for the Future
As you get underway with your classes, and suddenly realize that you have one more year of high school, work on taking care of yourselves. Here’s some wonderful advice from my fav, The College Essay Guy – https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/coronavirus-self-care
The SAT is Dead, Long Live the SAT!
At this point the vast majority of colleges and universities are test-optional (www.fairtest.org – here’s the link!). Some of you watched siblings, and older students agonize and/or celebrate their performance on this 2 hour and 45 minute test. This rite of passage is not an issue for the Class of 2021. This is a hard truth for some of you; but it is time to let the SAT/ACT go (some of you actually might be doing cartwheels!). ARHS will not be offering the SAT during the month of September or October. As you read this, admissions reps are working to create evaluations that are not test score driven, and they are looking more closely at your academic GPA, courseload, activities and recommendations. It is possible that “demonstrated interest” is going to be more of a factor, so make sure you visit virtually and take on opportunities to interview when they exist. College admissions officers are evaluating you in the context of a pandemic, so they know the internship at the hospital is not available – activities are going to look different as well. Please don’t travel across state lines just to take the SAT or ACT or Subject Tests. Know that this is true for seniors all over the world!
College Admissions Rep Visits Begin September 28th
Be sure to list the schools that you are interested in on your Naviance account (even remotely interested!), and you will receive notifications when they schedule.
BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR MESSAGES ON A REGULAR BASIS!
Steps:
1. Log in to Naviance
2. Click the “Colleges” tab at the top and go to “Research Colleges.”
3. Select “College Visits” from the menu that appears.
4. Scroll through the list to find the college visits you want to attend. Click “details” for more info, or “Register” to register for the meeting.
5. Alert your teacher if you will be missing class at that time.
Senior Life After ARHS Meetings – Scheduling Begins September 28th
Time to meet with your Friendly Neighborhood College and Career Advisor. Talk about your Life After ARHS plans. A parent or guardian is required to join you for this meeting, so plan accordingly. Regardless of your post-graduation plans, I want to meet with you so that I can support you, and give you the resources you need to make a wise decision for yourself. Stay Tuned – Instructions for Signing Coming Soon
Teacher Recommendations
If you requested your teacher recommendations during your junior year, great. Make sure that you have listed the teachers in Naviance. If you have not requested your recommendations from your junior year teachers, all is not lost. It is important to reach out to the teachers and have a Plan B, and Plan C, in the event that they aren’t available. If you are applying regular decision, consider making a great impression during the first months of school and asking a teacher from your senior year!
If you need support, reach out to your school counselor, me, or Ms. Garrity
October 1st Begins the FAFSA Season
October 1st marks the first day that seniors can submit the FAFSA. This is the form required to apply for financial aid, and merit based scholarships by colleges. Your parents or guardians can use taxes from the “prior prior year” – two tax seasons back. Both you and your parents/guardians should EACH create your FSA ID (link) as an important first step (if you have siblings who attended college, your parent/guardian doesn’t have to create a new one). Here’s a great video explaining: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ihhGk8mCY. We’ll be offering FAFSA support in October with MEFA (https://www.mefa.org/blog/the-fafsa-step-by-step), stay tuned.
Financial Aid Focus
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship – October 30th (Need Based) The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/
The Amherst Regional High School Parent/Guardian Organization (ARHS PGO) welcomes you to the2020-2021 Academic Year. We are a volunteer group of parents and guardians, and invite you to join us!
The mission of the ARHS PGO is to:
promote communication and understanding among families, staff and the Amherst area community;
foster a spirit of collaboration by providing a forum for participation and the exchange of information and ideas; and
provide financial assistance where needed to enrich all students’ academic and overall experience
Evening Coffees with Principal Sadiq and Others
The ARHS PGO regularly invites the principal and other guest speakers to present on a wide variety of relevant topics. Q&As are a scheduled as part of these sessions. Our first coffee will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
PGO Weekly Newsletter
Our weekly Friday AM email newsletter will inform you about upcoming events, deadlines, news and more. We welcome the submission of information that is helpful to the ARHS community. All families who register students at ARHS prior to August 22 are automatically subscribed. You can sign up to receive the newsletter via email at arhspgonews@gmail.com. The newsletter can also be accessed from the front page of the ARHS website or atwww.arhsparentcenter.org.
Volunteer!
The PGO is a volunteer organization and we need your help for just a few hours a month. Please consider being a blog editor (2 hours /month), Grants Committee (twice a year for 4-6 hours over a semester) or PGO secretary (2 hours/month). Interested? Email us at arhspgoboard@gmail.com.
Please also consider making an online donation to the PGOby going to www.arhsparentcenter.organd clicking on the donation tab.
The ARHS Theater Company’s Fall Season is Here! Pandemic or no, there are still ways to safely make theater at ARHS, and we are looking forward to welcoming new and returning students alike into our three-show season this fall. Interested students should attend our next meeting, this Friday, September 18 at 3:30pm via Zoom.
Please join the Theater Company meeting at this link: bit.ly/becharhs (password is “bech”).
We’ll share info about the fall season, including our first on-site meeting and audition days on Monday, 9/21 and Tuesday, 9/22. No experience is needed and we welcome students from all backgrounds to make a home with this wonderful group. Contact Mr. Bechtold with questions at bechtolj@arps.org.
All students who still need to pick up their ChromeBook, Textbook, or other school materials for their 1st Semester or 1st Quarter classes, someone will be at the school for you to do that between 3:00pm-5:00pm, Monday (9/21) – Friday (9/25).
ALSO, if you picked up supplies for a class you no longer have because you just changed your schedule, please return those materials sometime between 3:00pm-5:00pm, Monday (9/21) – Friday (9/25). If you have any questions please send them to arhsoffice@arps.org or call 413-362-1700. This message has been sent directly to students as well. Thanks and take care.
First Day→ Monday September 21st 3:15-4:15pm (MS)Second Day→ Tuesday September 22nd 3:15-4:30pm (MS)
Coach will communicate practice times via email
Field Hockey
First Day→ Monday September 21st3:15pm-4:40pmSecond Day→ Tuesday September 22nd 3:15pm-4:40pm
Coach will communicate practice times via email
Football
First Day→ Friday September 18th4:30pm-5:50pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 4:30pm-5:50pm
Girls Soccer
First Day→ Monday September 21st 3:15pm-4:35pmSecond Day→ Tuesday September 22nd 3:15pm-4:35pmThird Day→ Wednesday September 23rd(MS) 3:15pm-4:40pm
Coach will communicate practice times via email
Boys Soccer
First Day→ Friday September 18th2:30-2:45pm 11th/12th Grade Player registration 2:45-4:05pm 11th/12th Grade Try-Out 4:30-4:45pm 9th/10th Grade Player registration4:45-6:05pm 9th/10th Grade Try-Out Second Day→ Saturday September 19th3:15-4:35pm Group 1 (Groups to be communicated by coaches)4:50-6:05pm Group 2 (Groups to be communicated by coaches)Third Day→ Monday September 21st(MS) 3:15-4:35pm Group 1 (Groups to be communicated by coaches)4:50-6:05pm Group 2 (Groups to be communicated by coaches)
Coach will communicate practice times via email
High School VolleyballNote: Volleyball field is outdoors behind the high school
First Day→ Friday September 18thEvery weekday at 3:15pm
Coach will communicate practice times via email
Middle School VolleyballNote: Volleyball field is outdoors behind the high school
First Day→ Friday September 18thEvery weekday at 3:15pm
If so, every time you shop at any Stop & Shop using your rewards card or phone # you will earn A+ Points. These become cash for our school — at no cost to you! There are two easy ways to participate:* Sign in or create an account at stopandshop.com* Go to My Account* Select Rewards and Programs* You may choose two schools – or just pick ARHS 😊
Or call 877-366-2668 option #1 and sign up to support ARHS by using your phone number – no need to find your S&S rewards card! If you signed up in the past you don’t need to renew but may want to confirm your selections. Questions? Contact Ellen Lindsey, PGO Treasurer, at ellenlindsey@gmail.com.
ARPS is continuing to provide breakfast and lunch for pick up at various locations throught town. All meals are free for anyone 18 and younger through 12/31/2020.
Deliveries will be made 9/16-9/30 on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays and continue to provide meals seven days a week. We are combining two sites The Brook and Mill Valley will be at Mill Valley and The Boulders and Southpoint will be at Southpoint.
For families in the district with students on an IEP or 504
The event is hosted by the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and is open to all in the community. Dr. Faye Brady, Director of Student Services, and JoAnn Smith, Student Services Administrator, will be in attendance along with others who support students. Not only will this be an opportunity for us to meet informally but also will allow SEPAC to share some of what we have planned for this school year. We welcome your thoughts and ideas!
RSVP if possible to sepac@arps.org or Facebook ARPS SEPAC-org
As part of the distance learning model, ARPS will offer educational opportunities via a virtual platform such as Google Hangouts/Meets. Many of these platforms have the capability to capture video and sound within range of your child’s computer camera and/or microphone. Prior to engaging in virtual learning, ARPS wishes to clarify expectations around appropriate use of virtual technology for educational purposes as follows:
Participation and access to virtual meetings and classes is limited solely to students who are enrolled in the class unless otherwise allowed by the teacher. Students and/or their parents/guardians shall not share links or other access information with anyone who is not enrolled in the class.
Students should make every effort to engage in virtual meetings and classes in a quiet, private area in order to minimize background noise and distractions.
ARPS strictly prohibits students and families to take screenshots, pictures, audio/video recording and distribution of any virtual meeting or class in order to protect student privacy, proactively prevent potential cyberbullying, prevent the distribution of copyrighted materials and comply with Massachusetts law, which makes it illegal to audio record another person without his/her knowledge.
Students are required to adhere to all ARPS policies while participating in virtual meetings and classes including, but not limited to, its Acceptable Network Use Policy (Policy IJNDB), Anti-Bullying Policy (Policy JICFB) and Student-to-Student Harassment Policy (Policy JICF), with the stated consequences to be administered for noncompliance with those policies.
The Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools and its employees will be held harmless, for any video, audio and digital/online content used for instructional and enrichment activities (“Distance Learning”) that is in any way altered, manipulated, reposted, or reused by a student, a parent/guardian, or someone with whom a student or parent/guardian shared said content with after its original posting on a District approved platform for Distance Learning, from any and all claims or actions, in any way related to said Distance Learning. Your child’s participation in Distance Learning activities indicates your acceptance of the above terms.
We are offering a Real World Math Class for middle school and high school age students.
Class Description:
Basics of everyday real world math.. Learn the basics of starting and running a profitable business with fun real world class exercises and projects. Areas to cover will include business investment, profitability, break-even point, business budgets.
Other topics include banks functions and purpose, interest (simple and compound), measurements including metric system using real work cooking examples. We will talk about budgeting; why it is important and how to live easily within budgets by incorporating real world projects. We will also discuss the topic of taxes, why they are deducted from paychecks, where do taxes go and what they are used for. Additional topics may be covered based on interests of the groups
The Jones Library is offering contactless outdoor pickup of library materials 6 days a week while our buildings remain closed.
To borrow library materials, first place holds through the online catalog by visiting Joneslibrary.org and logging into your account. You may also call our Reference Staff at 413-259-3096 for assistance placing holds.
If you are unsure what you’d like to read, let us know and we’d be happy to select some things for you.
When your items arrive and are ready for you to pick up, we will email you instructions for how and when to pick them up. Currently, all materials will be outside in front of the library under a tent.
If you are an Amherst resident and cannot get to the library for any reason, please let me know and we can arrange a delivery for you.
The Munson Library in South Amherst is also offering outdoor pickup on Tuesday and Friday afternoons.
The Pelham Free Public Library is open for contact-free materials pick-up
Check the online catalog for materials availability (see Notes below) and call (413.253.0657) or email (library.pelham@gmail.com) to make your request. You will be contacted to confirm and arrange a pick-up time. Some items, such as soft toys, will not be available for check-out.
Pickup hours are a reduced version of our regular hours, to allow for set-up and take-down, and will be rescheduled in case of rain.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 2:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Notes:
Very limited ILL services are available at this time.
Please wear a mask and practice social distancing when picking up your materials. Staff will have sanitized their hands and will wear masks when processing your materials. All returns will be quarantined before being checked in.
Leverett Library
Curbside pickup hours:
Saturdays 10am-1pm Tuesdays 3pm-6pm
Wednesdays 10am-12pm
Thursdays 3pm-6pm
Limited inter library ( CWMARS) delivery service resumes 7/20/20. Statewide delivery has not yet resumed.
You may place holds in the catalog again. Curbside hours still in place.
Give us a call at 413-548-9220, or email leverett@cwmars.org to arrange a pick up day.
Please see COVID-19 Updates for more information about our curbside service and current operations.
Shutesbury Library
CURBSIDE PICKUP
The Library is pleased to provide curbside pickup of Library materials.
General Information for Back to School at ARHS 20-21
Hello ARHS community. We want to provide you with more information about the week leading up to the opening of school. We know there is not consensus in our community about the “right thing” to do regarding how school will be done this year. We recognize there are different ways to effectively address the numerous needs of our students, their families, and all of the adults working in our school. Please know that we are committed to doing everything we can to make this year as meaningful as possible. Part of that process will include reflection on our teaching practices, and listening to your feedback. That may mean that our plan will evolve over the course of the year.
The official first day of school is Wednesday, September 16th. All classes will begin in a remote environment. All students should check their ARPS email for Google Classroom links to their classes which will be conducted via Google Meet. There will be a help desk at the high school on September 14th and 15th or families can email ARHS Librarian Ella Stocker stockere@arps.org for support with their email accounts.
We have reserved September 14th & 15thfor schedule, Chromebook and materials distribution. Please see the following link to view the distribution schedule. It is arranged alphabetically, by students last name.
Schedule, Chromebook and Materials Distribution Schedule:
Please contact Terry Ominsky ominskyt@arps.org with questions about materials distribution. If you are unable to pick up materials at your scheduled time, there will be people available for distribution from 5:00 – 7:00PM on the 15th. Please bring a backpack or another bag to carry all your books and materials in.
Teaching and Learning
Schedules:
The Block Schedule was designed to ensure students had access to their core academic classes with most students having scheduled at least two 45-day elective courses during the 20-21 school year. For students who needed additional courses to stay on track for graduation, a “D Block” class may have been added.
Questions or concerns about student schedules should be directed to the student’s guidance counselor using these forms. The counselor assignments are located on the student schedule.
Schedule change priority will be given to students who have errors with their first semester classes.
Some courses were modified to be taught in a 3×3 Block Schedule. A list of these courses and the course description can be found here: New Course Description.
Attendance:
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period: A-period begins at 9:00AM, B-period begins at 10:30AM, and C-period begins at 1:00PM.
Three tardies to class will equal one absence
If a student exceeds the absence limit total of 9 per semester in any given course, there will be an Attendance Meeting to determine if the student will receive credit in that course or not.
Families will be expected to call the absence line 413-362-1718 if their child will be missing class. Questions about attendance should be directed to Wilnelia Melendez melendezw@arps.org.
ARHS faculty and staff will be connecting with families before a student reaches 9 absences in any given class. Families should also reach out to us as soon as they notice any issues with their child’s attendance.
Student Engagement:
Students will need to check their ARPS email multiple times per day for teacher updates.
It is strongly recommended that all students remain visible during the synchronous portions of class. Students who can not have their cameras on should communicate directly with their teacher or talk to their guidance counselor.
Backgrounds are ok, as long as they do not interfere with the ability of the teacher to see you when you speak.
Students will be asked to mute themselves when not speaking.
Please observe good Google Meet etiquette during class time.
Join early – up to 5 minutes before the meeting start time
Have your video on unless you are experiencing connection issues, or have spoken with your teacher about having your video off during class
Find a quiet space without interruptions / background noise, if possible
Have a plain background – avoid backlight from bright windows
Have good lighting on your face so you can be seen clearly
Adjust your camera to be at around eye level if possible – especially take note of the angle of your laptop screen if using the built-in camera.
Mute your microphone when not talking
Try to avoid talking over / at the same time as other participants
Be aware you are on camera and try to avoid doing other tasks, checking emails, looking at your phone etc
Grading:
Students will receive letter grades for their courses
Teachers will provide more details about their grading procedures in their course expectations
Fall classes will count towards a student’s Grade Point Average, the same way they did before the spring of 2020
Extra Curricular Activities
Clubs:
Clubs will be meeting virtually this year. Liz Haygood, Student Activities Coordinator will be sharing the menu of club offerings and meeting times with students during our virtual club fair in late September/early October. Questions about clubs and activities can be addressed
Cross Country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball will be held outdoors this fall. Some try-outs and practices will begin September 18th. Football will have practices only. All practices and try-outs will be held between 3:15pm-6:05pm. Practice and game schedules will be shared by coaches. Questions about sports can be addressed by Victoria Stewart, Athletic Director stewartv@arps.org
Important Links to Stay Connected
Do you have questions about technology? Take a look at our Google Site which is full of distance learning resources and tutorials for students and families. Please note that this site is a work in progress and will continue to be added to throughout the coming weeks
If you have not already subscribed, please subscribe to the ARHS PGO Newsletter https://arhsparentcenter.org/ that features upcoming events and information about ARHS.
Fall sports registration is now open! Please click on links below to register. Please note, some sports and or levels (JV and middle school) competition is limited, if no competition is available practices and inter-school competition will occur. It’s also important to note, a current physical is required to participate.
Welcome Back! We wanted to give you some information about the technology platforms the Amherst Regional School district will be using this year and upcoming trainings on them.
We will be using Google Meet as our communication platform for all grades PreK – 12. Here is a video in English and one in Spanish with more information on Google Meet that you can watch with your child(ren).
In PreK – 2nd grades we will be using Seesaw as our Learning Management System. Here is a video in English and one in Spanish with more information on Seesaw that you can watch with your child(ren).
The Learning Management System we will use in 3rd – 12th grades is Google Classroom. Here is a video in English and one in Spanish with more information on Google Classroom that you can watch with your child(ren).
If you need help with your Chromebook, please watch this video in English or Spanish with more information. Students will need their arps.org email address to log into their chromebooks.
This semester, we will have three Distance Learning Support Specialists, Jayshree Krishnan, Ella Stocker, and Molly Millay, to help you with your technology questions.
We will have live trainings this week on:
Friday, September 11 from 11:45 am – 12:45 pm – Use this link to access the training.
We will have more trainings as the semester progresses. We will let you know when these trainings will be. In the meantime you can visit our website ARPS Distance Learning Resources for more information.
We are reaching out to help facilitate a REALLY STRONG collection of: English books, library books, textbooks, art supplies and other borrowed school supplies tokick off the school year.
When school closed on March 13, the English department alone sent almost 2,000 books home with students in grades 9-12, valued at over $30,000. Although some of our students returned those books in June when they came to return Chromebooks, many students did not return them—and we need those books to teach our courses this year!
Our aim is to collect all the English books and other textbooks and materials you left school with AND all the materials you may have accidentally forgotten to return over the last few years at ARHS. Look under your bed, on bookshelves, in the corner of your closet, in your abandoned backpack, and under your sofa! Bring us your stash of books!
When you return to school on September 14 or 15 to pick up your Chrome book and new textbooks, PLEASE BRING ANY AND ALL ENGLISH BOOKS—and all the other subjects too—WITH YOU!
In English, almost every single student in class borrowed at least one book (some two), but many students working on the honors project brought home 2-3 more.
In the gym, there will be long tables labeled by subject where you can leave your books under signs with teacher names. Please write your name inside the book if you haven’t already or put a post-it on or inside the book with name/teacher.
Thank you so much in advance for returning these valuable materials. It is much appreciated!
Thanks to a kind donation, Summit View Learning is able to offer free high quality math instruction to 5-10 motivated ARPS students whose families qualify for free/reduced lunch. Sessions are 1 hour long, take place virtually, and will be scheduled 1-2 times per week with experienced mathematics instructors.
Math instruction grants cover the entire cost of instructional sessions for the Fall 2020 semester with options to extend through the Spring 2021 semester. Grant recipients will be scheduled into individual or small group sessions based on overlap in instructional goals. These goals could include:
Help filling in gaps from previous math classes.
Help working on school assignments.
Acceleration to higher level mathematics.
We aim to build mathematical confidence so that all students believe in themselves and have what they need to learn math at high levels.
To apply for a math instruction grant for your child, please go to www.summitviewlearning.com/instruction-grant-application to fill out an application. A member of our team will reach out to schedule a brief follow-up discussion and grant recipients will be notified on a rolling basis.
Instruction will begin as soon as applications are accepted.
Summit View Learning is a company started by local educators committed to improving the level of math education for all children. For more information about Summit View Learning to see if we are a good fit for your family, visit www.summitviewlearning.com . If you are interested in donating to support other ARPS children, contact Co-Founder Mike Hayes at mhayes.svl@gmail.com.
For those of you who do not already know, my name is Talib Sadiq and I am the Interim Principal at ARHS this year. I am honored and excited to be in this position. We have a great team of adults working hard preparing to welcome back all of your children to this new learning environment. I also want to let you know about some of the changes going on at ARHS. One of the biggest ones is the student and teacher schedules.
I have attached an outline schedule of the new schedule your children will be following this year. We chose to switch from the 7 – Drop 1 schedule we have been using for the past 4 years, to a 3 x 3 + 1 Block schedule. The catalyst for this was the feedback we received from your children and our teachers about how challenging it was to manage six or seven classes for students, and for teachers to teach four or five classes virtually. Another reason for the change is, a high school schedule that includes five or six transitions/cohorts is not feasible from a public health perspective as we are not on a “team” or “cohort” model like the K-8 schools. In addition, this schedule works in a virtual or in-person model. There are many other schools in our area, and across the country that use Block Schedules with success for all stakeholders, Northampton being one of them.
As we continue to improve how we do Distance Learning, all of our teachers will be doing a week of Professional Development (PD) with the Global Online Academy. This is a LINK to a document that summarizes the focus of the PD. In addition to the PD for faculty, Sam Camera, our new Assistant Principal and Ella Stocker our new Distance Learning Coordinator, are leading the creation of a website that will be a hub for online learning support and link to resources for faculty, students and families. As soon as this site is live we will send it to you, as well as listing it on the ARPS website and in each teacher’s Google Classrooms.
Along with that PD, the district is supporting our teachers with ongoing workshops about Dismantling White Supremacist Culture. This is a link to some of the information shared at a recent workshop. This is a link to a Podcast featuring Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, author of the book Cultivating Genuis. We will be incorporating aspects of her educational frameworks into how lesson plans are created and delivered. The goal is to increase our teachers’ ability to effectively educate our diverse population of students in this new environment.
Another goal we have is to distribute student schedules, textbooks, ChromeBooks, and “kits” for some of their classes on Monday September 14th & Tuesday September 15th. Before those dates arrive we will be sending out specific times you can come to the school to get those supplies. We will make individual arrangements with families unable to come to the school at those times.
When your children look at their schedules, they will see some unfamiliar class titles. Some class names and some content had to be changed to work with this new schedule. We did use student requests to make their schedules. So even though the class names and way they will be taught is different, much of the content is what the students, and you, expected it to be.
All of us at ARHS are committed to making the best of this year. We all struggled to just make it through the spring. Since then we’ve been working hard to make the fall more engaging and manageable for everyone. We want to partner with all ARHS families, to make this the best educational experience possible for every student this year. Please let me know if you have any ideas to help support us to do that. Thanks and take care.
At the Regional School Committee Meeting on 9/2/20, ARPS Athletic Director Victoria Stewart make the following presentation outlining the Reintegration of Athletics into school:
Massachusetts is requiring a vote of the School Committee to authorize Fall Sports in instances where classes are being held remotely. That vote will take place at the next school committee meeting to be held on September 8th at 6:30 PM. The meeting can be accessed at: http://161.77.57.225/CablecastPublicSite/watch/2?channel=2 or via Channel 15 in Amherst.
A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a SEPAC. Massachusetts state law assigns both an advisory and participatory function to SEPACs.
SEPAC is open to all parents of children with disabilities and other interested parties.
Dear SEPAC Families,
Welcome to the 2020-21 school year! Through this unusual time, SEPAC is continuing its vital work of advising our district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities. We need your participation now more than ever so we can better understand how the massive upheavals in our schools are affecting the wide range of our diverse families.
Here are some ways you can make SEPAC stronger:
Ask a friend to join our mailing list:
Have them send a note to sepac@arps.org with “subscribe” in the subject line. Parents and/or guardians of children who receive any type of special education services or accommodations in school, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 accommodation or an out-of-district placement, as well as others who would like to deepen their understanding or have an interest in special education are welcome.
Attend a board meeting:
Meetings will be held (most likely–everything is in flux this year!) the first Friday of the month. Dates, times and Google Meet instructions for joining can be found here on our website: arps.org/sepac.
Our first board meeting of the school year will be:
or by phone: 617-675-4444 PIN: 909 286 087 0262#
Send us a note:
Our mailbox (sepac@arps.org) is always open. We take confidentiality of the information you provide very seriously, so we hope folks will feel comfortable sharing stories that will help us advocate for improving systems that will enrich our students’ experiences and make our district stronger. If you would like us to share your story at a board meeting during the public comment period, please write, “public comment” in the subject line. We can read your note with or without your name, just indicate if you would like to remain anonymous.
Over the summer, in addition to planning for the upcoming school year, your SEPAC board has remained in touch with Dr. Faye Brady, director of Student Services, and our school committee liaison, Peter Demling. We have advocated to the school committee that, as per DESE guidance, our district open our schools for in-person instruction to the extent that is feasible given the need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are also advising the district on practices that will make remote learning more accessible. Thank you again for your response to our call for public comment to the School Committee that illustrated the diverse needs of the students in our district as they consider how to redesign our schools to be resilient to the pandemic.
The Childrens Theatre Foundation of America recently named ARHS Performing Arts Director John Bechtold the 2020 Robertson Award Recipient.
The Reba R. Robertson Award for an Outstanding American High School Drama Teacher is presented in memory of Reba R. Robertson, who was a public school teacher of drama, speech, and debate. Her nearly forty-year tenure at Richfield High School in Waco, Texas, was filled with teaching, directing, coaching, mentoring, producing, and administering programs that not only trained students, but also brought the impact of drama and communication into developing community outside the school and encouraging historic preservation. This award honors her memory and teachers who follow enthusiastically in her path.
Senior College Planning Workshops With You Friendly Neighborhood College and Career Counselor
A number of college planning workshops to get you going before the school year picks up. Use the link to register (note that some of these dates and times are subject to change, because of my professional development schedule for ARHS). College essay, Naviance and Building Your List, Common Application, Financial Aid, Diversity and HBCUs, Q&A Session, and Athletes and the College Planning Process. I am offering morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate you. These are student focused, know that sessions for the adults in your lives (bossing you around…) are coming. If they boss you around and tell you sign up for these workshops, I’m pretty much okay with that! Please sign up 24 hours prior to the workshop session time.
College Planning Drop-In Q&A Tuesday, September 8⋅12:00 – 1:00pm
C.) You’re done! Put the date and time in your calendar, and keep an eye on your email with next steps and instructions for the assignments to complete and how to join the live webinar.
The live course sessions will be held on Saturdays and Sundays starting September 12th at 2-3:30pm Pacific Time (5-6:30pm Eastern)
ARPS recently shared an informative website developed for parents/guardians by the District’s Distance Learning Support Specialists.
You will find lots of resources, including information about the distance learning platforms we will be using: Seesaw (grades K-2), Google Classroom (grades 3-12) and Google Meet (all grades).
Please watch your email for details about live information sessions with the Distance Learning Support Specialists coming up next week!
Need More Help? Contact the Distance Learning Support Specialists!
Amherst Regional High School & Summit Academy: Ella Stocker stockere@arps.org
Welcome to the academic year 2020-2021, and the return of the ARHS PGO Parent News! Our newsletter will arrive in your inbox every Friday morning, packed with valuable information about events, deadlines, schedules, sports news, opportunities etc…
Contact us anytime using the link in the right hand column if you have something you would like to submit or a question to ask. We encourage your input.
We have had some volunteer changes this year- the ARHS PGO News wishes to thank Mare for her many years of service to the ARHS Community and we wish her well as she moves on. I also would like to thank Liz L. for stepping up as a new editor. Liz and I are in need of another editor (or two) to help us this year. If you are willing/ able to volunteer, please email us at arhspgonews@gmail.com.
Wondering how to juggle life and learning online? On September 3 at 7:30 p.m., Mt. Holyoke College is offering a free virtual workshop with Lauren Kim with tips, tricks and strategies for a successful transition back to school. Help foster independence in students, cultivate resilience and build a schedule that works. You can register for this workshop here.
About Lauren Kim
Ms. Kim has been working in education for nine years. She holds her Master’s degree in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Presently she is working on another Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership at Mount Holyoke College. She currently teaches in Los Altos, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Ms. Kim has trained and worked alongside leaders in the field of education and positive discipline. As an educator, Ms. Kim centers her practice on helping her students learn to be kind, wise and resilient. As we navigate new approaches to schooling, we could all use support in cultivating these qualities both in ourselves and our children.
ARPS Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting (SEPAC), Representing: Pelham Elementary, Amherst Elementary, and Amherst Regional Schools as well as students out of district. Date: 09/04/2020 Time: 9:00am -10:30am. Meeting is open to all in the community!
Students will be expected to have received a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020 for the 2020-2021 influenza season, unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided. Also exempted are K-12 students who are homeschooled and higher education students who are completely off-campus and engaged in remote learning only. This new flu immunization requirement to enter school in January is in addition to existing vaccine requirements for all those attending child care, preschool, K-12, and colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Elementary and secondary students in districts and schools that are using a remote education model are not exempt.
All students in K-12 must receive the seasonal influenza vaccine annually by December 31. New students entering between January 1 and March 31 must have received a dose of vaccine for the current flu season before entry.
Depending on the child’s age and flu vaccination history, a second dose of flu vaccine in the same season may be recommended. In these cases, the second dose is not required for school entry.
Welcome back to one of the most unusual senior years on the planet!
I’m here to support you with your college and career planning needs. In other words, Life After ARHS needs.
This fall, I’m excited to offer students the chance to join a one-month college essay and application course delivered by Ethan Sawyer, AKA the College Essay Guy. Some of you took advantage of this opportunity in the spring. Others attended the College Planning Summer Camp with me, I’m here to offer you a number of opportunities to get going on some of your “pieces of the Admissions Pie,” before school gets underway. You can do both and and, but it is not at all necessary. Basically, you have two ways (well, more than two, really!) to move forward on this process on the early side of the school year. Maintaining (reestablishing…) your mental health and well-being is what is most important. Remember seniors all over the world are experiencing similar levels of disruption to their lives. Less stress good people!
Coming Up – Senior College Planning Workshops Prior to the Start of School;
Virtual Sessions with College Vine;
Diversity Fly-Ins for underrepresented students (BIPOC and women in STEM);
Another Word about SAT and ACT (brief);
NACAC COVID 19 College Admissions Database;
College Essay Guy Workshops – Admissions Process Soup to Nuts;
Senior Life After ARHS Meetings.
BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS!!!
Senior College Planning Workshops With You Friendly Neighborhood College and Career Counselor
A number of college planning workshops to get you going before the school year picks up. Use the link to register (note that some of these dates and times are subject to change, because of my professional development schedule for ARHS). College essay, Naviance and Building Your List, Common Application, Financial Aid, Diversity and HBCUs, Q&A Session, and Athletes and the College Planning Process. I am offering morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate you. These are student focused, know that sessions for the adults in your lives (bossing you around…) are coming. If they boss you around and tell you sign up for these workshops, I’m pretty much okay with that! Please sign up 24 hours prior to the workshop session time.
Common Application Workshop Tuesday, September 1 ⋅9:00 – 10:30am
College Essay 101 Tuesday, September 1 ⋅3:30 – 5:00pm
ARHS Athletes and Planning for the Future Wednesday, September 2⋅12:00 – 1:00pm
REGISTER
Naviance! Yay!: Building a List & Researching Schools Thursday, September 3⋅9:00 – 10:30am
College Planning Drop-In Q&A Tuesday, September 8⋅12:00 – 1:00pm
Paying for College & Financial Aid Tuesday, September 8⋅3:30 – 5:00pm
College Essay 101 – Brainstorm and Get Started Wednesday, September 9⋅9:00 – 10:30am
Naviance! Yay!: Building a List & Researching Schools Thursday, September 10⋅3:30 – 5:00pm
REGISTER:
Kamala Harris Went to an HBCU: Diversity on College Campuses Monday, September 14⋅12:00 – 1:00pm
Common Application Workshop Monday, September 14⋅3:30 – 5:00pm
REGISTER
COLLEGE VINE – VIRTUAL SESSIONS
Check these out – great way to explore colleges and universities, and/or get support on pieces of the college planning process.
Students of color and women in STEM have an opportunity to participate in college information sessions (on campus or virtually). A few deadlines are coming up, If you fit the criteria, consider applying for one or two of these weekend sessions.
Do not travel to Alaska to take the SAT!!! Travel to Alaska for hiking or fishing, that is it…
The majority of colleges and universities are TEST OPTIONAL this year, and many colleges that aren’t are adamant that seniors will not be penalized for not having had an opportunity to take one of those exams. This is a bit earth shattering news, but you just have to believe it. Some schools are “test flexible” meaning they may require a graded essay or report in the place of the SAT or ACT. It remains unclear what this reality means for merit scholarships, but the best approach is to contact an admissions office and ask them.
Fair Test is a great listing of schools that are test-optional. Check the admissions pages of the schools you are interested in to verify.
ARHS is not currently offering the SAT – we are in the midst of a pandemic and college admissions offices get that.
ARHS students can join The College Essay Guy’s (you know I looove him!) fall course from September 12th-October 4th at no cost.
Quick info on College Essay Guy:
Ethan wrote the current bestselling book on the personal statement, College Essay Essentials
He’s well-regarded in the college admissions field and is considered one of the go-to resources on college essays
His website has hundreds of free resources for applying to college
He has a cool podcast!
This syllabus maps out what Ethan will cover during the courses.
Can’t make the live course dates? You’ll have access to the courses for a year, and recordings of the sessions will be available to all who sign up.
Here’s how to register for the course:
A.) Go to this registration page.
B.) Enter your name and email.
C.) You’re done! Put the date and time in your calendar, and keep an eye on your email with next steps and instructions for the assignments to complete and how to join the live webinar.
The live course sessions will be held on Saturdays and Sundays starting September 12th at 2-3:30pm Pacific Time (5-6:30pm Eastern)
SENIOR LIFE AFTER ARHS MEETINGS
Coming soon. You will be able to set an appointment for you and the adults in your life to meet and discuss your plans for life after ARHS. Regardless of your plans, I would really like to meet with you to support you in planning for life after ARHS. A parent or guardian will be expected to attend with you. The process will be much like it was this spring, we’ll have an online sign up. I’m hoping you will have done some introspection and research prior to our meeting. You’ll be expected to attend a 30 minute overview session, prior to signing up. We’ll start the meetings the last week in September. If you have burning questions, attend the College Planning Q & A on September 8th. Stay tuned.
Thinking of you all,
Your Friendly Neighborhood College and Career Advisor – Deidre Cuffee-Gray
The projected last day of school is June 24, 2021.
Please note that schools are required to provide 180 days of instruction (no snow days are included; all inclement weather days will be distance learning).
The Town of Amherst and the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund announce the availability of Round Two for short-term emergency rental assistance available for Amherst renters experiencing a loss or reduction of income due to COVID-19. Rental assistance is available for up to 3 months. 
ARHS PGO Parent News 
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