April Break was scheduled for next week.  ARPS will be changing the dates for this break based on feedback they have received.  It will be shortened to include only Monday, April 20 through Wednesday, April 22. Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24, will be Distance Learning days.  As a result, the last day of school will now be Thursday, June 18 for all ARPS students.

On March 16, Governor Baker ordered that schools in Massachusetts would close and would “reopen no sooner than May 4,” which is the language we have been using as a District.  I am hearing increasing levels of concern and stress from students, families, and staff about the May 4 date included in the Governor’s order, especially since the statewide Stay Home order has been extended until that date and guidance from scientists and the medical community indicates that a gradual return to prior activities and structures will be required when the threat of COVID-19 spread has reduced.  In addition, recent modeling and information from the local experts at Baystate Medical Center has indicated that the peak of COVID-19 cases in Western Massachusetts is likely to occur in May or June, considerably later than projections for the Boston area.  

Given these factors, I am changing my statement about when schools will reopen. As of today, Wednesday, April 8, school buildings are now closed until I receive adequate guidance from state and local health officials that makes me confident that it is safe for students and staff to return to school. I am not putting a specific date on the potential return, but it is clear that it will not be May 4.  I also want to clearly state that a return to school during the 2019-2020 school year looks increasingly unlikely given the guidance I have received to date. I know that the uncertainty of this situation is a major challenge, which is why I felt it was important to share this updated information with families and staff. The district will continue to endeavor to provide candid updates to the ARPS community as the situation evolves.

– Superintendent Morris

Please Note: We sent the below message a couple of weeks ago through a bulk email, but were since told some students and parents did not receive this because it landed in SPAM boxes. In case you did not receive, we are sending this now through Naviance and we welcome all students to join our ARHS Counseling Google classroom for both academic and social emotional information and resources. Unfortunately, due to our technology, only students and staff with ARPS emails are able to access this Google classroom so parents/guardians will need to view through their child’s account. 

Hello ARHS Students and Families,

We have been thinking a lot about our school community and are hoping you all are doing well in this most unusual time.  The counselors have been working hard these last few days putting together an ARHS Counseling Resources, Supports, and Information  Google Classroom to stay connected with you.  It will include important information around course registration, ALP applications, at-home activities, ideas around how to structure your days, and valuable self-care and social-emotional resources and supports. Please remember to check it regularly since we will be updating this Google Classroom with new information weekly. 

The classroom code is:  bdd2ljr

Students: Please remember to be responsible, respectful, and safe as we navigate these new online spaces. Make sure your comments are respectful of other people’s opinions and thoughts as you are responsible for your actions online.  Together we can build a respectful, safe space for all to participate.

To the Parents and Guardians,

Please remind your students to be responsible, respectful, and safe online.  This includes being respectful of other students’ opinions and thoughts. We will be reaching out to families directly if we need additional support.  If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to one of the counselors.

**Note: Although parents are not able to directly access this Google classroom page, only students with arps emails can do so due to our technology, we are including you in hopes you can encourage your child to check the site weekly and you are of course welcome to view it with them through their own link. 

We look forward to connecting with all of you!

Please stay safe.

Sincerely,

Lisa Zephyr, Sherry Balzano, Kelly Larcheveque, Alessandra Mucci-Ramos, and Deidre Cuffee-Gray

ARHS School Counselors

As the College Board responds to the impact of the coronavirus, our top priorities are the health and safety of students.

Right now, public health officials have made it clear it’s not safe to gather students in one place. Many states have closed their schools for the rest of the academic year, and globally there are widespread school closures across 192 countries. As such, we won’t be able to administer the SAT^® and SAT Subject Tests™ as planned on June 6, 2020.

We’ll ensure that students have opportunities to take the SAT to make up for this spring’s lost administrations. If it’s safe from a public health standpoint, we’ll provide weekend SAT administrations every month through the end of the calendar year, beginning in August. This includes a new administration in September, in addition to the previously scheduled tests.

You’ll be notified by email in May when registration opens for the summer and fall administrations. Eligible students will be able to take the exam with a fee waiver.

For each administration, we’re preparing to significantly expand our capacity for students to take the SAT as soon as schools reopen. We’re calling on our member schools and colleges, as well as local communities, to open their doors and provide additional test center capacity so every student who wants to can take the SAT.

In the unlikely event that schools don’t reopen this fall, the College Board will provide a digital SAT for home use, much as we’re delivering digital exams for three million Advanced Placement^® students this spring. As we’re doing with at-home AP^® Exams, we would ensure that at-home SAT testing is simple; secure and fair; accessible to all; and valid for use in college admissions.

We’re committed to giving students as many chances as we can to show their strengths to admissions officers. As we navigate this evolving situation, we’re working closely with our partners in higher education to ensure students have what they need as they continue on the path to college.

We’ll regularly update our website with new information. Thank you for your understanding. Our thoughts are with you during this unprecedented time.

Sincerely,

College Board

The CollegeBoard is allowing students to wait until the actual day of the AP exam(s) they are signed up for to decide if they want to take it or not. Students DO NOT have to notify anyone about their intentions. On the assigned test day, students can either logon and take the test, or not. Refunds for the students who don’t take the test will be issued once we’re back in school.

To view the AP Test Schedule, click here.

“Teens, Tweens & Quarantines” is a presentation for parents and caregivers, focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on our children. In a dynamic fashion, this talk will address:

• the teen/tween brain
• explain why this pandemic is so difficult for this age group
• survey the process of loss
• discuss issues related to independence, autonomy, and privacy
• offer perspectives and suggestions that parents and caregivers can implement immediately

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get concrete answers for practical steps they can take in real time—who has time to wait?

Join Us Live On Zoom 

Tuesday, April 21 @ 7pm-8pm EDT

Meet Your Presenter: Jon Mattleman,

Minding Your Mind New England Clinical Director

Jon’s workshops and presentations are geared to give participants tools they can implement immediately, strategies that work with children and youth, and approaches which have proven to be critical to building healthy relationships. Jon frequently consults with schools, parent groups, mental health organizations, and in workplace settings regarding the issues of anxiety, stress, depression, suicide, parenting, and the emotional consequences of technology. Jon has appeared on numerous radio and television shows lending his expertise on anxiety, depression, suicide, teens, and parenting.

#AmherstStrong #SupportLocal 

Here is a most up to date list of essential small businesses that are working hard to keep us fed, healthy, safe and sane! Please note that the AACC/ Amherst BID is working every day to touch base with all of the businesses and have compiled this list knowing that ever day brings new challenges, restrictions and changes. Both the @amherstareacc and the BID have a live document on our websites that we invite you to update if you are aware of something we missed or a business that has closed. These are incomprehensibly difficult times for small businesses across America and the world at large. We are here to support our businesses, their owners, and their staff today and ever more so when we can return to some sense of normalcy.

Please Contact the Business as Options Change Daily

List of Open Amherst Area Businesses

Other ways to help:

AMHERST VIRTUAL TIP JAR  Tip Your Local! 

BISTRO 63 SHIFT MEAL FUND: GOFUNDME PAGE

FEED THE FRONTLINES Initiative 
TAKE OUT, CURBSIDE PICKUP & DELIVERY OPTIONS

In collaboration with all of the other ARPS school PGOs, we launched a fundraiser on April 3 to provide wifi routers and data plans to families in the ARPS district who did not have home internet service. With the community’s support we reached our goal of $25,000 in just 4 days – wow!  We thank everyone who has contributed so generously to our campaign at such a critical time.

However, we now understand that the need for home wifi access for students will extend well beyond this school year, especially for middle school and high school students. After speaking with the ARPS school district, we have extended our campaign goal to $45,000 to help fund this longer-term need. This goal is based on expected costs for next school year.

We know there are many local families struggling right now, as well as other critical needs in our community and are grateful for all donations. We appreciate your helping us close the digital divide and your support for more equitable access to learning at home.  Thank you again!

If you are able to contribute, here’s how you can help (all donations are tax deductible):

*  Sponsor a student by funding a mobile hotspot for at-home distance learning ($110)

* Fund one month of wifi access ($40)

*  Make a monthly, recurring donation to provide ongoing wifi access ($40/month)

*  Make a general donation

Thank you for helping provide all ARPS students with equal access for distance learning.

The ARPS PGOs

Donations can be made online https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/arps-pgo.  

Dear ARPS Families:

Distance Learning 2.0

This week you received Distance Learning 2.0 plans from your principals for whichever school or schools your child(ren) attend.  These plans, which were developed with the Districts’ commitment to academic excellence, educational equity, and social emotional learning in mind, are provided for the extended school building closure and support distance learning consistent with guidance provided by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  All of the Distance Learning 2.0 and supporting documents are available on the District website.

Instructional practices for distance learning cannot be equivalent to the traditional classroom setting. In very short order, parents and guardians have had to increase the amount of time spent supporting their children’s learning at home while juggling other personal, familial and/or professional responsibilities. Additionally, our educators, while balancing the same challenges as our families, have had to acquire new skills, expertise, and ways of working and collaborating to support the learners we care so deeply for. As a result, we recognize that our instructional practices must be more sensitive than ever to the range of social emotional and academic needs our students and families are experiencing due to the world-wide health crisis.  

While distance learning in the ARPS public schools involves much more than “online learning,” technology obviously plays a key role in facilitating learning and connection wherever possible. Responsible use of technology by students is part of our curriculum at all grade levels. Please read the Digital Use Statement for Distance Learning 2.0 for important information about the expectations for use of technology in distance learning.  Students or their guardians should contact their teacher or school administration if they have questions about how to practice these principles or to report a violation or abuse. 

April Break Dates

Based on feedback I have received, we will be changing the dates for April Break this year.  It will be shortened to include only Monday, April 20 through Wednesday, April 22.  Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24, will be Distance Learning days. As a result, the last day of school will now be Thursday, June 18 for all ARPS students.

Potential Reopening for 2019-2020 School Year

On March 16, Governor Baker ordered that schools in Massachusetts would close and would “reopen no sooner than May 4,” which is the language we have been using as a District.  I am hearing increasing levels of concern and stress from students, families, and staff about the May 4 date included in the Governor’s order, especially since the statewide Stay Home order has been extended until that date and guidance from scientists and the medical community indicates that a gradual return to prior activities and structures will be required when the threat of COVID-19 spread has reduced.  In addition, recent modeling and information from the local experts at Baystate Medical Center has indicated that the peak of COVID-19 cases in Western Massachusetts is likely to occur in May or June, considerably later than projections for the Boston area.  

Given these factors, I am changing my statement about when schools will reopen. As of today, Wednesday, April 8, school buildings are now closed until I receive adequate guidance from state and local health officials that makes me confident that it is safe for students and staff to return to school. I am not putting a specific date on the potential return, but it is clear that it will not be May 4.  I also want to clearly state that a return to school during the 2019-2020 school year looks increasingly unlikely given the guidance I have received to date. I know that the uncertainty of this situation is a major challenge, which is why I felt it was important to share this updated information with families and staff. The district will continue to endeavor to provide candid updates to the ARPS community as the situation evolves.

Sincerely,

Michael Morris, Superintendent

Queridas Familias de ARPS:

Aprendizaje a Distancia 2.0

Esta semana recibieron los planes de Aprendizaje a Distancia 2.0 de sus Directores de acuerdo a la escuela o escuelas a las que asistan sus hijos.  Estos planes, que fueron desarrollados con el compromiso de los Distritos a la excelencia académica, la equidad educativa, y el aprendizaje socio-emocional en mente, son proporcionados para el cierre extendido del edificio escolar y apoyan el aprendizaje a distancia consistente con las directrices proporcionadas por el Departamento de Educación Primaria y Secundaria de MA.  Todos los documentos de Aprendizaje a Distancia 2.0 y de apoyo están disponibles en la página de Internet del Distrito.

Las prácticas de instrucción para el aprendizaje a distancia no pueden ser equivalentes al entorno tradicional de un salón de clases. En muy poco tiempo, los padres y tutores han tenido que aumentar la cantidad de tiempo que dedican a apoyar el aprendizaje de sus hijos en casa mientras hacen maniobras para cumplir con otras responsabilidades personales, familiares y/o profesionales. Además, nuestros educadores, a la vez que se enfrentan a los mismos retos que nuestras familias, han tenido que adquirir nuevas habilidades, conocimientos y formas de trabajar y colaborar para apoyar a los alumnos que tanto nos importan. Como resultado, reconocemos que nuestras prácticas de instrucción deben ser más sensibles que nunca a la gran cantidad de necesidades sociales, emocionales y académicas que nuestros estudiantes y familias están experimentando debido a la crisis de salud mundial.  

Si bien el aprendizaje a distancia en las escuelas públicas de la ARPS implica mucho más que el “aprendizaje por Internet”, la tecnología obviamente desempeña un papel clave para facilitar el aprendizaje y la conexión siempre que sea posible. El uso responsable de la tecnología por parte de los estudiantes forma parte de nuestro plan de estudios en todos los grados. Por favor, lea la Declaración de Uso Digital para el Aprendizaje a Distancia 2.0 para obtener información importante sobre las expectativas de uso de la tecnología en el aprendizaje a distancia.  Los estudiantes o sus tutores deben ponerse en contacto con su maestro o con la administración de la escuela si tienen preguntas sobre cómo practicar estos principios o para informar de una violación o abuso. 

Fechas de Vacaciones de Abril

Basándonos en la información que he recibido, cambiaremos las fechas de las vacaciones de abril de este año.  Se acortará para incluir sólo del lunes, 20 de abril hasta el miércoles, 22 de abril. El jueves y el viernes, 23 y 24 de abril, serán días de aprendizaje a distancia.  Como resultado, el último día de clases será el jueves, 18 de junio para todos los estudiantes de ARPS.

Posible Reapertura para el Año Escolar 2019-2020

El 16 de marzo, el Gobernador Baker ordenó que las escuelas de Massachusetts cerrarán y abrirán de nuevo “no antes del 4 de mayo”, que es el lenguaje que hemos estado usando como Distrito.  Estoy escuchando un creciente nivel de preocupación y estrés por parte de los estudiantes, las familias y el personal sobre la fecha del 4 de mayo incluida en la orden del Gobernador, especialmente porque la orden estatal ” Quédate en casa” se ha extendido hasta esa fecha y la asesoría de los científicos y la comunidad médica indica que se necesitará un regreso gradual a las actividades y estructuras anteriores cuando la amenaza de la propagación de COVID-19 se haya reducido.  Además, los modelos recientes y la información de los expertos locales del Centro Médico de Baystate han indicado que es probable que el mayor número de casos de COVID-19 en el oeste de Massachusetts se produzca en mayo o junio, considerablemente más tarde que las proyecciones para el área de Boston.  

Dados estos factores, estoy cambiando mi enunciado sobre cuándo se reabrirán las escuelas. A partir de hoy, miércoles 8 de abril, los edificios escolares estarán cerrados hasta que reciba la asesoría adecuada de los funcionarios de salud estatales y locales que me permita confiar que es seguro que los estudiantes y el personal regresen a la escuela. No estoy poniendo una fecha específica para el posible regreso, pero está claro que no será el 4 de mayo.  También quiero dejar claro que el regreso a la escuela durante el año escolar 2019-2020 parece cada vez más improbable dada la información que he recibido hasta la fecha. Sé que la incertidumbre de esta situación es un gran desafío, por lo que consideré importante compartir esta información actualizada con las familias y el personal. El distrito continuará esforzándose por proporcionar información actualizada a la comunidad de ARPS en la medida en que la situación evolucione.

Sinceramente,

Michael Morris, Superintendente

Pronto se proporcionará una traducción al español del siguiente correo electrónico y del documento adjunto.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope that during this unprecedented time in our world that everyone in your family is safe and healthy. There have been numerous communications that have come from Dr. Morris, our Superintendent, related to the Coronavirus Covid19 Pandemic. The faculty and staff at Amherst Regional High School have been working to ensure that your child receives the most up to date level of enrichment instruction. We have received guidance from DESE and we will move from enrichment to a model of remote learning. This means continuing with new learning material which will be known in ARPS as Distance Learning 2.0.

In addition, Commissioner of Education Riley has strongly recommended that all academic content in credit bearing courses be assessed as credit/no credit; no grades will be given in ARPS Distance Learning 2.0. However, grades earned in Semester 1 will be counted in this year’s students’ grade point averages. Transcripts will reflect credits earned but the designation of Credit/No Credit will not be calculated into the overall GPA. Department Heads are working with their departments to determine what is required to earn credit in each course. Special Education and ELL teachers, along with related service providers will be providing support and services to students at this time. Families will receive outreach from these staff members in the coming days.

Seniors who were not meeting graduation requirements as of March 13, 2020, will be contacted by their counselor to discuss an individual plan for graduation within the context of ARPS Distance Learning 2.0.

The accompanying document (attached) explains some of the overall delivery of instruction that will entail the implementation of Distance Learning 2.0. Our teachers will reach out to your child through several electronic mediums most notably student email and Google Classroom. We are fully aware that this approach is not the most optimal form of delivery of instruction but we will do all that we can to help your child succeed. If internet access is a barrier for your child to access distance learning, please call 413-351-7853.

Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers, counselor, or any administrator through email anytime you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Gene T. Jones, Jr., Principal

_ARHS Distance Learning 2.0 (final).pdf

Hello Juniors,

I hope you are taking good care of yourselves and those you care about. This is not easy stuff. This is not business as usual, so be kind to yourself and others.

We are seeing colleges and universities making significant changes in their admissions procedures due to COVID 19. I would suggest that you fill in online admissions interest forms, and bookmarking the admissions websites for the schools that you are interested in so that you can quickly gain access to that information. Many schools are creating virtual tours, and information session, and revising their standardized testing requirements to name a few of the kinds of changes already in effect.

Because many schools are aware that the end of your junior year will not look the same for juniors all over the world, please ensure that you are doing all that you can to remain an active presence in your Distance Learning classes here at ARHS.

We’re working on the teacher recommendation process for the Class of 2021. Stay tuned for details.

Additionally, I am hearing from admissions officers that how you use your time during the quarantine will be of interest to them during the admissions process. Are you learning something new, programming a new game, sewing masks for the local hospice, raising money for the food shelter through GoFundMe, continuing an internship remotely, working as a delivery person to help pay family bills, studying about Corona virus, learning how to drive, creating art for elder in a nearby assisted living facility, facing your fears by doing something that scares you, taking photos of “life under quarantine” in your neighborhood? It is up you, but be ready for the question, “What did you learn about yourself during the COVID 19 crisis?”

Here are a couple of interesting things that students your age did (I’ll admit – it’s a bit over the top!):

The High Schooler Who Became a COVID-19 Watchdog

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/03/30/the-high-schooler-who-became-a-covid-19-watchdog

NHS senior uses 3D printer to aid hospital workers

https://www.gazettenet.com/NHS-student-3D-prints-face-shields-33550568

You can schedule your spring college/career planning meeting with me. Note that you do have to complete your Naviance “Life After ARHS” Meeting for juniors. Complete the Naviance based 54 Questions if you know you are applying to a four year school, and the 22 questions if you plan to attend a community college, seek employment, take a GAP year, or enlist. She is ready to work with you and your families to begin planning for the future. https://calendly.com/cuffee-grayd/junior-college-planning-meeting

If the survey feels like a barrier to scheduling the meeting, please communicate with me so that I can help resolve this issue.

College Essay workshop for Juniors – April 15th at 2:00 pm. Take this opportunity to get going on your college essay. Writing Center Coordinator and Ms. Cuffee-Gray are offering a college essay workshop: “You Have Time on Your Hands! College Essay” – Use this link to log in – https://calendly.com/cuffee-grayd/you-have-time-on-your-hands-college-essay-workshop

I’m here to support, reach out to me so that I can be of assistance.

Ms. Cuffee-Gray

April 23- Hurricane Boosters Virtual Meeting

June 18th- Last Day of School

June 27- MIAA Spring Sports Season Ends

All other school events are canceled

ARPS is very excited to announce that they are able to provide meals for students on the weekends starting this Friday!!  On Fridays each student can take three breakfasts and three lunches. The totes will be marked with the day of the week so that they won’t get the same meal for all three days .

“We know food insecurity creates additional stress and worry for our families and we are very happy we can make this happen.”

To sign up to receive meals, please contact Marta Guevara at  guevaram@arps.org or 413-362-1871

To view the schedule and locations, click here.

Hello, students and families!

In this difficult time, the yearbook crew is still hard at work, making sure this year is documented! We have some announcements for you.

1. The yearbook pre-order deadline has been extended to April 10th! After the pre-order deadline, you will still be able to order a yearbook directly to your home, but there will be shipping fees.
2. The deadline to submit parent “ads” has been extended to April 1st. Ads are quarter-page only. Every parent ad purchased helps to provide yearbooks for students on free/reduced lunch.
3. We need more photos of YOU! Submit photos of your classes, clubs, or group of friends at school. We are also accepting submissions of photos taken during this time of social distancing- we will have one page of the yearbook reflecting on this unprecedented event in time. Show us what you are up to!

You can purchase the yearbook, create a parent ad, or submit photos at arps.picaboo.com.

—– 

Hola, estudiantes y familias!

En estos momentos de dificultad, el club del anuario continua trabajando muy fuertemente, para que este año sea documentado! Tenemos un poco de información para ustedes!

El tiempo para ordenar el anuario ha sido extendido hasta 10 de abril. Luego del periodo de extensión usted podrá ordenar el anuario directamente a su casa, con un cargo de envío.

El periodo para someter los anuncios pagados por los padres fue extendido hasta el 1 abril. Los anuncios serán de un cuarto de página. Cada anuncio pagados por padres ayudará a proveer anuarios a estudiantes que participan en el programa de almuerzo gratis/reducido.

Necesitamos mas fotos de USTEDES! Pueden someter fotos de sus clases, clubs o grupos de amigos de escuela. También estaremos aceptando fotos durante este tiempo de distanciamiento social- tendremos una página dedicada a la refleccion de este momento sin precedente. Enseñenos los que están haciendo! 

Para la compra del anuario, crear anuncios de padres o someter fotos vaya a ahrs.picaboo.com  

Additionally, Distance Learning 2.0 information specific to students within each school (including ARHS) will be forthcoming in the next week.

Dear ARPS Community:

Please see the attached documents that include a letter from Commissioner of Education Jeffrey Riley and a letter from me regarding remote learning opportunities and guidance.

Best,

Mike Morris, Superintendent

Remote Learning Opportunities Notification and Guidelines.pdf 

DESE Letter to Families_COVID19 3.30.20 (3).pdf 

DESE Spanish Letter to Families_COVID19 3.30.20.pdf 

Querida comunidad de ARPS:

Por favor, vea los documentos adjuntos que incluyen una carta del Comisionado de Educación Jeffrey Riley y una carta mía sobre oportunidades de aprendizaje a distancia y orientación.

Sinceramente,

Mike Morris, Superintendente

The MIAA Board of Directors met on March 30th to determine that the Spring season will begin no earlier than May 4th and will be completed by June 27th, with consideration of June 28th for weather and/or facility needs.

For additional pertinent information regarding the spring sports please see the highlights HERE

The Board put forth a request to the TMC to submit a tournament structure recommendation(s) to the Board by April 9, 2020.  The Board will meet at a later date, not yet determined, to review.

This week we’ll debut Quarantine Cuisine, an opportunity for teens to try out some new recipes, experiment in the kitchen, and share their successes (and failures!) with their peers.The first cookbook we’ll be using is Japanese Cooking with Manga, available from Hoopla with a free BPL eCard.Teens ages 11-17 are encouraged to borrow the book, choose a recipe, try it out, take photos, and then join us for a virtual meetup Thursday evening to share stories. Or if you’re not available to make the virtual meetup but want to follow along and participate, you can upload photos of your cooking creations on Instagram and tag @joneslibteens (or email us your photos and we’ll share them). Buen provecho!

Virtual meetup: Thursday, April 9th from 7:00-7:30 pm

Email us at teens@joneslibrary.org for the video chat link!

For more information:

email teens@joneslibrary.org or visit https://www.joneslibrary.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=10082

As of March 29, 2020 the Amherst Town Parks and Common are open for use with the following modifications:

Dear ARPS Community:

On Thursday, Governor Charlie Baker announced that all schools in Massachusetts will remain closed until at least May 4, 2020.  This is a substantial extension over the closure that was previously announced, based on the concern about the increasing spread of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth.

This extension raises questions about how distance learning will evolve given the longer period of closure.  Jeffrey Riley, Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, stated that he will be sending guidelines on this topic to districts tomorrow, and he has also scheduled a conference call with Superintendents on Friday, March 27th, where he will discuss the statewide plan for this extended closure period. I will continue to share more information as it becomes available.

I appreciate everyone’s patience as the district navigates this unprecedented situation.

Sincerely,

Michael Morris, Superintendent

Following is information concerning Covid-19:

Local – Covid-19 resources for the ARPS community:

http://www.arps.org/district/news/covid-19-communication-resources.

State – Order from Gov. Baker concerning essential services:

https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-essential-services/download

A note from Deidre Cuffee-Gray:

Hello Members of the Class of 2021,

I hope you are taking care of yourselves and those you care about in these unusual and difficult times. I’m thinking about you.

Know that colleges & universities are working hard to determine ways to ensure you, as prospective students, are going to be able to research and take a closer look at the schools they are considering. As you know, the SAT & ACT has been postponed at least through May.

Know that juniors all over the world are experiencing the disruptions that you are, so it is the new reality. We will be be available to figure things out as we get new information.

For juniors who have not meet with me  for Junior College Planning/Life After ARHS meeting, please find this link to schedule a time. You must complete your 54 Q survey if you are applying to a four year school, or the 22 Q survey if you intend to apply to a 2 year school, Americorps, employment, or the military. Currently, I have a limited amount of time through April 3rd. If it is necessary, I will expand the times I make available.

Here is the link for Junior Meetings – it is a bit of an experiment – please be patient – https://calendly.com/cuffee-grayd/junior-college-planning-meeting

ACT, SAT, Khan Academy, Method Prep (on Naviance) and Kaplan have made online test prep available. If you are so inclined use this time for some practice tests and prep.

Amanda Lewis from the Writing Center and I are brainstorming some college essay webinars for the week after next. Stay tuned. That will be an opportunity to cross one thing off your list. Here’s something from the “College Essay Guy” to work on your own – https://www.collegeessayguy.com/get-the-free-guide-to-writing-the-personal-statement

All in all, take care of yourselves,  the one known is the unknown, we don’t have answers for some of this stuff, but you have support for when the time comes to figure it out.

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update

Multi-Arts is excited to announce plans to produce a play inspired by Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot”. This  production is set to premiere Summer 2020, and will have elements of live music, narration, and of course, fantastical sets & props!

We invite child under 18 to watch this video, reflect on Sagan’s words, and create art/poetry/writing inspired by it. At the heart of this production will be a story about taking care of our planet, and inspiring change so that we may all preserve this beautiful pale blue dot.

The deadline for submissions is April 7th, and winners will have their ideas incorporated into the final script. Prizes also include up to $300 for applicants 13-18 years old, and a free day at Multi-Arts for ages 4-12.

Final script will be written by Maia Kinney-Petrucha, a children’s playwright and theater educator specializing in immersive and devised entertainment for all ages. Her background in cognitive science drives her love of theatrical research, and using the power of play to heal and foster empathy through storytelling.

Renowned composer Luna Pearl Woolf will breathe life into the story with stirring, original compositions. Woolf has created commissioned works for the likes of Carnegie Hall and the Washington National Opera.

Multi-Arts’ art teacher, Julio Neijens, will lend his expertise in set & prop building, and artistic direction. He has worked as head carpenter and painter in theater productions throughout Chicago. Julio has also worked with the Lincoln Park Zoo, making play items for the animals to help keep them healthy and active!

Reply to this email or send submissions to info@multi-arts.org.

ARPS is pleased to share that they are delivering meals, once a day, to 13 different locations in Amherst for families who access our federal nutrition program. We are attaching the flier with the locations and times we will be delivering lunch and breakfast during weekdays.

Please note volunteers will be at each of these locations to help with the distribution. We ask that people come, pick up their meal bag and promptly return home. We must follow the state guidance of not having large groups of people congregating in one place.

We are all working hard to make this possible and we may need to make changes as we go along. Please let us know if you have any questions by calling 413-362-1871 or emailing martinezm2@arps.org.

See Scheduled Here

The MIAA Board of Directors has voted to delay to the start of the 2020 Spring season to April 27th.  Respecting the fluidity of this situation, this decision will be revisited in the near future.

For FAQs from the MIAA on this decision, pease visit:

Click to access MIAA_FAQ_Spring2020_Season.pdf

The Town Council and School Committee will hold joint meetings to fill a School Committee vacancy on April 14 at 6:00 pm and April 16 at 6:00 pm in the Town Room, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue.

Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 6:00 pm, at a special joint meeting of the Amherst Town Council and the School Committee. If necessary, the remaining interviews will be conducted on Thursday, April 16, 2020, 6:00 pm at a special joint meeting of the Amherst Town Council and the School Committee. The candidate will be selected at a special joint meeting of the Town Council and the School Committee at a meeting on April 16, 2020. Candidate Statement of Interest due by Tuesday, March 31, 4:00 PM.

Interviews to fill the vacancy on the Amherst School Committee will be conducted on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 6:00 pm, at a special joint meeting of the Amherst Town Council and the remaining members of the Amherst School Committee. If necessary, the remaining interviews will be conducted on Thursday, April 16, 2020, 6:00 pm at a special joint meeting of the Amherst Town Council and the School Committee. The candidate will be selected at a special joint meeting of the Town Council and the School Committee at a meeting on April 16, 2020. Both special joint meeting will take place at 6:00 pm in the second floor Town Room, Amherst Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Avenue. Amherst Media will broadcast the meeting live on channel 17. Public comment will not be part of this special meeting.

Amherst Home Rule Charter, Section 4.1.c, and MGL Chapter 41 Section 11 govern vacancies in elected Town-wide office other than the Town Council. Law requires a roll call vote of both bodies, and the winning candidate must receive a majority of votes of the remaining filled seats on both boards. Under the law, absences and abstentions do not affect that requirement, so at least nine positive votes must be made for the selected individual, regardless of how many members of the Town Council and Amherst School Committee are present.

The selected individual shall be sworn in by the Town Clerk at Amherst Town Hall during business hours as soon as possible and will serve until newly elected members of the Amherst School Committee are sworn in on Monday, January 3, 2022. If the selected individual also wishes to be on the November 2, 2021 ballot for a two-year term, s/he must follow the same process as any other candidate for Town-wide office. Per the Amherst Home Rule Charter, the individual will not be listed on the ballot as “a candidate for re-election”.

The new Amherst School Committee member also serves on the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee. Check the schools’ website http://arps.org/district/other-helpful-links/school-committee for already scheduled meetings of the Amherst School Committee and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee. Depending on schedules and interest, the new Amherst School Committee member may also serve as a member on either the Town of Amherst Joint Capital Planning Committee (JCPC) and/or the Town of Amherst Budget Coordinating Group (BCG).

Candidate Statements of Interest are due by 4:00 pm EST, March 31, 2020. This deadline cannot be extended. A Statement of Interest must be submitted in order to be considered at the meeting of April 14, 2020 or, if necessary, April 16, 2020. Candidates must be physically present at the meeting in the Town Room in order to be considered.

Statements of Interest shall not exceed one single side 8.5 x 11 page (12-point font) and shall include candidate contact information, including name, address of voter registration, email, and at least one telephone number, reasons the candidate wishes to serve on the Amherst School Committee, and the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Resumes and attachments will not be accepted. A description of the Amherst School Committee responsibilities and expectations is also available on the Town Website. This should inform candidates Statements of Interest.

Statements of Interest will be available to the public on the Town web site and as part of the Town Council and School Committee meeting packet materials for the special April 14, 2020 and April 16, 2020 meetings.

On the Wednesday prior to the meeting, the Town Council President will send an email providing all candidates, all members of the Amherst School Committee, and all Town Council members with the process adopted by the Town Council so all are aware of the how the vacancy will be filled. The email will also include the candidates’ Statements of Interest; a description of the Amherst School Committee’s responsibilities and expectations; and questions for the candidate. This material will also be available in the Town Council’s meeting packet materials for the April 14, 2020 and the April 16, 2020 meetings.

Email (preferred) or hard copy Statements of Interest must be made to Clerk of the Town Council Athena O’Keeffe at Amherst Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave, Amherst MA 01002. All submissions must include the candidate’s name, address of voter registration, email, and at least one telephone number. A Candidate’s eligibility will be determined within three days of submitting their Statement of Interest

Contact: Athena O’Keeffe: (okeeffea@amherstma.gov), Clerk of the Town Council | Phone (413) 259-3209

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020 all Town of Amherst municipal buildings, including the Town Hall, Senior Center, Jones library and branches will be closed to the public, with a tentative reopening date of April 3, 2020. This does not include the Amherst Police Department building. Town Manager, Paul Bockelman, declared a state of emergency on Monday, March 16, 2020. 

Town of Amherst COVID-19 Webpage

Following is a message from Michael Morris, ARPS Superintendent:

Dear ARPS Community:

As noted in my last communication regarding COVID-19, the District has moved to the preparedness phase of dealing with this pandemic.  As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this phase includes the use of social distancing to help mitigate the spread of the virus.  Social distancing is a tool designed to protect the community as a whole by flattening the curve of the number of infections.  While our local and state Departments of Health are not currently recommending preemptive school closures, we are implementing social distancing protocols wherever possible. This includes measures such as:

• Meeting with parents/guardians of individual students only (rather than having groups of parents/guardians come into the school);
• Eliminating all-school assemblies;
• Canceling non-essential activities that are not part of the core daily operations of the schools, such as external groups who had planned to use our schools.;
• Eliminating cross school travel by staff between buildings for professional development, including holding leadership meetings by conference call; and
• Being extra vigilant in contacting a parent/guardian to pick up any student who shows signs of illness while at school.

In addition to social distancing, we can help protect the broader community and its most vulnerable members by practicing good personal health care.  That includes:

• Staying home if you have a fever of 100.4 or higher, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and until those symptoms have been gone for 24 hours. Fever-free means without the use of fever-reducing medication;
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds;
• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow and immediately washing your hands; and
• Making decisions about whether to travel based upon the current situation in the areas in which you will be traveling.  You can check travel advisories on the CDC website.

Since this situation is so rapidly evolving, the District is also actively planning for scenarios that may arise, including potential school closure.  While no closure is currently being recommended for ARPS, we are aware that one may be recommended and implemented in the future.  Staff needs time to prepare for such a possibility and the ways in which we will continue to serve students.  Next Monday, March 16, we will have an early dismissal at all Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools, with the secondary schools dismissing at 12:00 p.m. and the elementary schools dismissing at 1:20 p.m.  The afternoon will be a time for school-based planning for instruction in the event of an extended-duration school closure. Collaboration between personnel who work in different buildings will be done electronically. More information on the development of a continuity of learning plan will be shared before Monday afternoon’s meetings.  This planning will continue at the regularly-scheduled staff/department meetings next Wednesday, March 18.  The early dismissal will also allow our facilities staff extra time for cleaning buildings without students present.

Thank you to all of our ARPS families, faculty and staff for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate this difficult situation.  We are committed to doing everything necessary to continue providing support for our students while taking recommended steps to protect the health and safety of our overall community.  For those who have specific questions related to COVID-19, the state has set up a Coronavirus Hotline staffed by RNs and physicians that is open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.  The hotline number is 617-724-7000.

Sincerely,

Michael Morris, Superintendent

Estimada comunidad de ARPS:

Como se señaló en mi última comunicación sobre COVID-19, el Distrito ha pasado a la fase de preparación para enfrentar esta pandemia. Según lo recomendado por los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades (CDC) y la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), esta fase incluye el uso de distanciamiento social para ayudar a mitigar la propagación del virus. El distanciamiento social es una herramienta diseñada para proteger a la comunidad en su conjunto al aplanar la curva del número de infecciones. Si bien nuestros Departamentos de Salud locales y estatales no recomiendan actualmente el cierre preventivo de escuelas, estamos implementando protocolos de distanciamiento social siempre que sea posible. Esto incluye medidas como:

• Reunirse solo con los padres / tutores de estudiantes individuales (en lugar de hacer que grupos de padres / tutores entren a la escuela);
• Eliminar las asambleas de toda la escuela;
• Cancelar actividades no esenciales que no son parte de las operaciones diarias centrales de las escuelas, como grupos externos que habían planeado usar nuestras instalaciones escolares;
• Eliminar los viajes escolares cruzados por el personal entre edificios para el desarrollo profesional, incluida la celebración de reuniones de liderazgo por conferencia telefónica; y Cancelar el uso de nuestros edificios por grupos externos.
• Estar más atentos al contactar a un padre/tutor para recoger a cualquier estudiante que muestre signos de enfermedad mientras está en la escuela.

Además del distanciamiento social, podemos ayudar a proteger a la comunidad en general y a sus miembros más vulnerables mediante la práctica de una buena atención médica personal. Eso incluye:

• Quedarse en casa si tiene fiebre de 100.4 o más, vómitos  y/o diarrea: hasta que esos síntomas hayan desaparecido durante 24 horas,  sin el uso de medicamentos para reducir la fiebre.
• Lavarse las manos con frecuencia con agua y jabón durante 20 segundos.
• Cubriendo su tos o estornudos con un pañuelo desechable o su codo e inmediatamente lavándose las manos.
• Tomar decisiones sobre si viajar en función de la situación actual en las áreas en las que viajará. Puede consultar los avisos de viaje en el sitio web de CDC.

Dado que esta situación está evolucionando tan rápidamente, el Distrito también está planificando activamente los escenarios que pueden surgir, incluido el posible cierre de la escuela. Si bien actualmente no se recomienda ningún cierre para ARPS, somos conscientes de que se puede recomendar e implementar en el futuro. El personal necesita tiempo para prepararse para tal posibilidad y las formas en que continuaremos sirviendo a los estudiantes. El próximo lunes 16 de marzo, tendremos una salida temprana en todas las escuelas regionales de Amherst, Pelham y Amherst-Pelham, y las escuelas secundarias saldrán a las 12:00 p.m. y las escuelas primarias que salen a las 1:20 p.m. La tarde será para tener un momento de planificación escolar para la instrucción en caso de un cierre de la escuela de duración prolongada. La colaboración entre el personal que trabaja en diferentes edificios se realizará electrónicamente. Esta planificación continuará en las reuniones del personal / departamento programadas regularmente el próximo miércoles 18 de marzo. La salida temprana también permitirá que el personal de nuestras instalaciones tenga tiempo adicional para limpiar edificios sin estudiantes presentes.

Gracias a todas nuestras familias, personal docente y personal de ARPS por su continua paciencia y comprensión mientras navegamos por esta difícil situación. Estamos comprometidos a hacer todo lo necesario para continuar brindando apoyo a nuestros estudiantes mientras tomamos los pasos recomendados para proteger la salud y la seguridad de nuestra comunidad en general. Para aquellos que tienen preguntas específicas relacionadas con COVID-19, el estado ha establecido una Línea Directa de Coronavirus con personal de RN y médicos que está abierta todos los días de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m. El número de la línea directa es 617-724-7000.

Sinceramente,

Michael Morris, Superintendente

While the COVID 19 virus continues to wreck havoc, one more kind of damage it will have is on the ARHS musical.  Each year, for well over two decades, ARHS students have come by the droves to give their winters over to creating a massive technical and artistic project together.  Our pride in the quality of our productions, our not-always-traditional approach to our work, the deep investment in student leadership, the spirit of finding room for every last student who shows up, and the massive community it creates each year is unparalleled by any other ARHS student endeavor.  This year, nearly 15% of the student population is involved in the show.

 Spring Awakening was produced with deep intention and the belief that theater can be more than entertainment.  Our students, who have spoken so eloquently throughout this process about the value of normalizing dialogue around questions of sex, teen mental health, abuse, and a host of other challenging topics.  They believe that this show, which asks what happens when the adult community fails to support and believe in its own children as they turn into adults themselves, has a message for both their peers and the adult figures in their lives.  And they do it with skill, depth, and the kind of intensity that is not as readily available to us that have turned into adults. 

 The ARHS musical has never charged participation fees, and promises all students full participation free of concern for the cost of costumes and the like.  We promise a winter full of a massive build and production process that allows students to shine in a host of areas on stage and off. When I see alumni of the musical, regardless of how long ago, we find ourselves recounting their shows with a happy nostalgia and remembering how deep those feelings ran.

With the cancellation of Spring Awakening due to the COVID 19 virus, the ARHS musical is suddenly thrown into jeopardy, with its financial future up in the air.  This is where we could use your help. Between production materials, rentals, royalties, supplies, and staff stipends, the musical costs roughly $20,000 each year to mount.  Ticket sales and program donations typically have us breaking even. But this year, we have bills awaiting payment with no revenue from a show to cover them.

If you believe in the unique power of projects like the ARHS musical to give our students a lasting gift, long-standing friends, and a touchstone for how passionate work in a large community can inspire them to find parts of themselves they didn’t know they had, then we could use your help.  A donation at the level of our General Admission tickets – $20 – will help us recover the losses incurred from this winter. If a large enough community of donors supports us, we can begin to envision the possibility of an ARHS musical in the spring of 2021.  

Make a Donation

To donate online, please visit: https://arpsfpa.org/sos

Make checks payable to “ARPS FPA” and mail to:
ARPS Friends of the Performing Arts
21 Mattoon Street
Amherst, MA 01002

We thank you for your support and generosity – and hope we can show you the good that comes from it soon.

Sincerely,

 John Bechtold

Chair, ARHS Performing Arts Department

ARHS Theater Company Director

Hello Seniors,

Is HCC on your list of schools to apply to? Haven’t gotten around to filling in the application?

HCC is coming to us! Meet with an HCC admissions officer, bring your transcript and fill in an application and be accepted immediately.

We’re here to support you with your FASFA so that you can get the financial aid money that you are eligible for.

Come to the Guidance Office and sign up for a 15 minute time slot during YOUR lunch. 10:20 to 11:20.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

Remember that HCC has $200,000 in scholarships. Come to the Essay Workshop after school on Mondays for support.

Ms. Cuffee-Gray

Hello Juniors,

By now you should be aware that you should be completing your Junior surveys in Naviance (54 or 22 Question in “About Me”). Once you’ve made that happen, please set up a time for you and a parent or gaurdian to meet with me. Just come on in to the Guidance Office and check in with Ms. Garrity to set something up. Now’s the time to set up yourself to get the most out of your junior year and set yourself up to plan well for “Life After ARHS!”

If you have met with me, expect a follow up email with suggestions and lots of great resources.

It makes sense to go deeper with the Corsava Card Sort that I assigned for your social studies classes. If you did not get that, here’s a link to set up an account and take some time to be really thoughtful about your path.

Regardless of what you are thinking for after graduation, I want to meet with you to support you and help you plan.

Be sure to use your junior year to plan well, work with your school counselor to choose your classes for next year that will be connected to your future plans!

I’m afterschool on Mondays with Amanda Lewis in the Writing Center – it is not too early to start working on your essay (at least brainstorming). Also, come and join me for College in Caf – I’m there most days one lunch period per day.

Use Naviance to begin listing the colleges you are thinking about, this helps both me and your school counselor support you. Also, when admissions officers come, we can invite you to an admissions visit.

Now is the time to plan your April vacation visits (Consider carpooling with friends who aren’t able to get there during break). Also, if you can’t get away, visit local colleges (Amherst, Springfield and Worcester have a bunch of great colleges and universities). If you need help figuring out how to schedule a visit online, let me know.

I’m here to help!

Ms. Cuffee-Gray

1) Seniors received an email with the details for the ARHS and local scholarships which are due April 1st.

See the following attachment: Poster2020.pdf

2) How to Request Scholarships Via Naviance: Please request scholarships via Naviance (versus sending a request via email to Ms. Garrity, or your counselor).

Here are the instructions:

Step 1: Go to “College I’m Applying To”

Step 2: Click on Manage Transcripts

Step 3: Here you can see the date you requested it, the date it is due and when it was mailed.

REQUESTING OTHER TRANSCRIPTS for Scholarships, Athletics, Ect: STEP

1: From the Manage Transcripts Page:

1. Click the red addition sign:

2. Then click on Other Transcripts.

Attachments: How to Request a Transcript.pdf

For further information, contact Deidre Cuffee-Gray, ARHS College and Career Counselor, phone – 413 362-1720; email – cuffee-grayd@arhs.org

3) Amherst Orchid Society Scholarship. The Amherst Orchid Society, established circa 1983 and of which I am a member, is offering a $500 scholarship for students intending to major in plant sciences, agriculture and/or related earth science disciplines in college.   Awards are made based on the applicants essay addressing their serious intention and passion for the subject.

Any questions may be directed to Maryanne Laukaitis, as well as completed applications.  An award is intended to be announced in mid-May 2020.  Last year we awarded 2 scholarships to Easthampton High School graduating seniors.

Return completed application to Maryanne Laukaitis:  maryanne@research.umass.edu   by April 10, 2020

Use Subject line ‘Amherst Orchid Society Scholarship Application for “your name”

Scholarship recipient will be required to submit proof of completing and passing the first semester at college or university, by submitting grades or other document from the institution’s Registrar’s office.  Award will then be sent by the Amherst Orchid Society’s Treasurer.

For further information, see this attachment: Amh Orchid Soc Scholarship Appl 2020.pdf

March 16 – Early Release

March 25- Early Release

April 10- No School

April 15- Early Release

April 20 – 24- No School; Spring Break

All other school events are canceled

ARHS is proud to present Spring Awakening, March 12-14!  The brilliant Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2007 comes to the ARHS stage, featuring the work of over 120 of our incredible students.  Based on the 1891 play of the same name, Spring Awakening is a cautionary tale about what happens when adults fail to support and educate teenagers in their emerging adulthood.  Featuring a gorgeous production design and thrilling alt-rock score – all run by our students – it will be an electric, memorable show.

Please join SEPAC this Friday, March 6, 2020 for their monthly meeting

LIST OF TOPICS: Executive Board Meeting. Approve minutes. SpEd Survey Working Group, report on progress. Stars to Special Education Planning. SEPAC Leadership Recruitment. Updates from Dr. Brady, Director of Student Services/Special Education. Updates from School Committee Liaisons. Next Meeting Agenda Planning. Public Comment.

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Pelham Elementary School, 45 Amherst Rd, Pelham, MA 01002

Spring Athletics Registration is now open for both the middle and high school. Please visit familyid.com to get your student athlete registered. If you are having difficulties registering, please contact Family ID at 888-800-5583 or contact the athletic office at 413-362-1746.

Spring Sports Night is on March 9, 2020 in the ARHS Gym from 6:00-7:00 PM.  Spring Season starts on Monday March 16, 2020! Go Hurricanes!Spring Athletics Registration is now open for both the middle and high school.

Spring Season starts on Monday March 16, 2020! Go Hurricanes!

Is you student (or you) thinking about summer programs? Summer programs are a great way to learn about careers, pathways, and areas of interest that you have! Some programs have scholarships. If you have questions, have your student(s) see Ms. Cuffee-Gray during lunch or have them ask their guidance counselor where the bin of summer opportunities is.

Juniors- Get a head start on your college essay! Come to the Writing Center on Mondays after school 2:30-3:30. Brainstorm, write, revise, polish. Get one or two essays done before you leave for summer break. Don’t Perseverate on the College Essay. Get ‘er done.

All ARHS seniors are invited to attend Reality Fair, a hands-on, financial literacy workshop. The event is entirely free for our students.

The feedback from the students who participated the last two years was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. They said it was fun and educational and that we should “Ab-so-lutely!” take students again this year.

Information was emailed to all seniors. Thank you to all of you that have filled out the Reality Fair information online, and returned your permission slip. A reminder for those of you who have not done both of those things yet, the deadline is Thursday March 12th. If the online form is not filled out, and the permission slip isn’t returned by the 12th, you will not be able to participate Fair on March 19th. You can get a permission slip in Guidance or Room 207.

Another email was sent to the class of 2020 with the link for the online form. Please let Mr. Sadiq know if you have any questions.

Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth, and provided opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated. Each year, increasing numbers of teens participate in the program, and become a part of our community—young artists and writers, filmmakers and photographers, poets and sculptors, video game artists and science fiction writers—along with countless educators who support and encourage the creative process.

Amherst Regional High School is proud to announce their awardees for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Gold Key award-winning artwork will be exhibited at the Massachusetts Scholastic Art and Writing Awards regional exhibition at Breed Memorial Hall, Tufts University, from March 14 through March 22. The following students were recognized for their exceptional individual works: