Chorale Lasagna Dinner 1/31/19

The Chorale Group will hold a lasagna dinner on 1/31/19 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. at ARHS.

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Spring Sports Information

Wednesday, March 13th, is Spring Sports Information Night for high school and middle school athletes and their parents/guardian.  Time:  6:30 p.m. in the High School gymnasium.  Come meet the coaches and hear about the sports program you child is interested in. 
 
Hope to see you there!
 
Dates to Remember
  • February 1st – Spring Sports Registration opens up online
  • March 13th – Spring Sports Night @ 6:30 p.m.
  • March 14th – Deadline for sports registration & payments
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AEF Spring Gala Celebrates 25 Years On 3/16

image1 (1)AEF is planning its annual spring gala on March 16, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. at UMass in the Amherst Room of the Campus Center.

Join us for our annual spring gala as we celebrate YOU, the incredible donors who have supported public education in Amherst for 25 years! What a milestone!

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Alternative Plans for ARHS Half-Day/Exams in Case of Winter Storm Delay or Cancellation

With the potential for a winter storm this Friday, January 18, we have developed alternative plans to deal with the ARMS and ARHS half-day schedules and ARHS exams in case of a delayed start or cancellation.  If school is delayed by two hours on Friday, the high school will administer the G period exam only.  The A period exam will be administered when students return to school for a full day on Wednesday, January 23.

If school is canceled on Friday, both ARMS and ARHS will have the half-day exam schedule on Wednesday, January 23 with both the A and G period exams being administered at the high school.

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No School Monday and Tuesday

Just a friendly reminder that there is no school for all Amherst Regional Students on Monday, January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr Day and again on Tuesday, January 22 for a Teacher Curriculum Day.

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The Latest Graphic is now Available

The newest issue of The Graphic–ARHS’s school newspaper–is out! Check it out on thegraphic.arps.org to read lots of interesting articles on faculty hair, Laramie, Summit Academy, Stan Lee, online discrimination, politics, LGBTQ news, the Literary Club, applying to college, rappers, streetwear, and much much more! Plus Hall Talk.

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Canes Compete on As Schools Match Wits this Saturday

asschoolsThis week on As Schools Match Wits, Amherst Regional Public Schools High faces off against West Springfield Public Schools High. Catch the match this Saturday (1/19) at 7pm, only on WGBYhttps://to.wgby.org/2swnpxz

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Volunteer for Career Day 2019

You are invited to participate in our 4th annual Career Day advisory on Thursday, February 28th and to share your career path story with our 10th and 11th grade students.  This annual event, which has involved multiple parents/guardians and community members, has been very popular with our students.

Participating in our Career Day Advisory requires only a 1 hour commitment, from 10:10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.  During your visit, you will be stationed in a classroom with another speaker and will be asked to speak for 10-15 minutes to a group of students who have signed up in advance to hear your presentation. They will then have time to ask questions.

We have received many responses to our request for parents to help us with Career Day on February 28 between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.  .  Sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to attend career presentations.  We’d like them to have a wide variety of choices.  Thus far, we have heard from no one in health or information technology careers.  If you work in those (or any other) fields and have not yet had a chance to respond to our previous request, please contact Andrea Dustin (dustina@arps.org) or call her at 362-1714.  Thank you.

 

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Pre-Order Your Yearbook Today!

Yearbooks are now available for pre-order online! This year they will cost $45 and can be ordered online at arps.picaboo.com. On the pre-order page, you can also submit your own photos for consideration for the yearbook! We’re looking for candid photos from all grades, photos from events such as dances, celebrations, sporting events, performances, and fundraisers. The yearbook is for all, and we want contributions from the whole community!

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2019 Coaches vs Cancer Free Throw Challenge

There is still time to donate!  The Boys’ Basketball teams are proud to be participating in the 2019 Coaches vs Cancer Free Throw Challenge to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Please help the coaches, and our student-athletes beat cancer on the court by making a contribution to their campaign. Together, our support will help the American Cancer Society save more lives.

Please help them reach our campaign goal of $1,000 by pledging now. You can pledge for every Free Throw our team makes during the season (we’ve made 20 through 2 games), or make a one-time flat donation to help the American Cancer Society lead the fight for a world without cancer.

Here is the team page where you can can pledge: https://pledgeit.org/cvc19-amherst-pelham-regional-high-school-ma

 

Every shot counts. Every life counts. Make your contribution today! We truly appreciate your support!

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Girls on the Run- Coaches Needed

Looking for coaches for a new program – Girls on the Run.  They need high school athletes, from any sport,  for coaching.  The Fort River principal is hoping to get this off the ground this Spring.  You can contact Ms. Greenfield, the principal, directly if you are interested.  greenfieldr@arps.org
Here’s the information about Girls on the Run – ideally, we’d like to field two teams (GOTR – grades 3-5; Heart and Sole – grade 6).
We need coaches, assistant coaches, and junior coaches. ARHS students would be perfect for junior coaches. These are volunteer coaching positions, with quality coaches’ training, and provide an awesome experience. Plus, we can provide documentation of volunteer hours.
General information about GOTR.
Coaching information here.
Time committment: approximately 3 hours/ week; 10-week program; plus, one coaches’ training
Practices (tentatively): Tuesday/Thursday – 330-500 pm
Please let me know if you have interested girls and I am happy to speak with them about this terrific opportunity/program.
Best,
Ms. Greenfield
Fort River Principal
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MA LWV Climate Change Challenge

climate change challenge.banner finalMassachusetts High School Students:

Two important reports on climate change were recently released: the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report and the US National Climate Assessment.

Together, these reports sound the loudest alarm yet that devastating climate change is happening now and will continue to worsen without immediate, large-scale action.

The League of Women Voters has fought hard for climate action since the 1960s, and we continue the fight now.

To help us keep climate action at the top of the agenda, WE NEED YOU to create 30-second videos that highlight one aspect of climate change and suggest a solution.

We will use your videos to help educate the public and elected officials about the dire threat of climate change. And you could win a cash prize!

For more info, visit:  http://review.wizehive.com/contests/climate-change-challenge

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Mini Golf Classic presented by Friends of the Jones Library

jonesminigolfSaturday, February 2, 2019 from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm 

The first annual mini golf fundraiser is organized by the Friends of the Jones Library and sponsored by the UMassFive College Federal Credit Union. Players will putt their way around the iconic Jones Library while enjoying decorations and obstacles added by local, enterprising sponsors. All ages are welcome.

The Friends are volunteers who advocate for the library and work to enhance library services. The event is open to the entire community and will benefit important programs for both children and adults at the Jones Library.

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Fall Semester Exam Schedule 2018-2019

Cycle Day 1: Tuesday, January 15, 2019

B-Period Exam 7:45-9:45 (120 minutes)
C-Period Review 9:50-10:45 (55 minutes)
E-Period Review Lunch 1: 10:50-11:20

Lunch 2: 11:20-11:50

Lunch 3: 11:50-12:20

(30 minute lunch, 60 minute class)

F-Period Review 12:25-1:20 (55 minutes)
G-Period Review 1:25-2:20 (55 minutes)

Cycle Day 2: Wednesday, January 16, 2019

C-Period Exam 7:45-9:45 (120 minutes)
A-Period Review 9:50-10:40 (50 minutes)
         

D-Period Review

Lunch 1: 10:45-11:15

Lunch 2: 11:15-11:45

Lunch 3: 11:45-12:15

(30 minute lunch, 60 minute class)

E-Period Exam 12:20-2:20 (120 minutes)

Cycle Day 3: Thursday, January 17, 2019

D-Period Exam 7:45-9:45 (120 minutes)
F-Period Exam 9:55-11:55 (120 minutes)

Cycle Day 4: Friday, January 18, 2019

A-Period Exam 7:45-9:45 (120 minutes)
G-Period Exam 9:55-11:55 (120 minutes)
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2019 Coaches vs Cancer Free-Throw Challenge

The Boys’ Basketball teams are proud to be participating in the 2019 Coaches vs Cancer Free Throw Challenge to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Please help the coaches, and our student-athletes beat cancer on the court by making a contribution to their campaign. Together, our support will help the American Cancer Society save more lives.
Please help them reach our campaign goal of $1,000 by pledging now. You can pledge for every Free Throw our team makes during the season (we’ve made 20 through 2 games), or make a one-time flat donation to help the American Cancer Society lead the fight for a world without cancer.
Here is the team page where you can can pledge: https://pledgeit.org/cvc19-amherst-pelham-regional-high-school-ma
Every shot counts. Every life counts. Make your contribution today! We truly appreciate your support!
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Pancake Breakfast to Benefit ARHS Swimming & Diving

When: Saturday January 12, 2019 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: North Hadley Sugar Shack 181 River Drive Hadley MA 01035
Tickets: $10 Adults (choice of 1 waffle or 2 pancakes and 2 bacon or 2 sausage plus assorted beverages)
$7 children (Choice of half a waffle or 1 pancake and 1 sausage or 1 bacon plus assorted beverages)
Tickets can be purchased in advance from a member of the team. Limited tickets sold at door.
For Tickets or Inquiries, email: amherst-high-school-swimming-anddiving-2018-2019@googlegroups.com

See flyer here: arhs pancake breakfast ad

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Yearbooks Now Available for Online Pre-order!

Yearbooks are now available for pre-order online! This year they will cost $45 and can be ordered online at arps.picaboo.com. On the pre-order page, you can also submit your own photos for consideration for the yearbook! We’re looking for candid photos from all grades, photos from events such as dances, celebrations, sporting events, performances, and fundraisers. The yearbook is for all, and we want contributions from the whole community!

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Volunteer For Career Day 2019

You are invited to participate in our 4th annual Career Day advisory on Thursday, February 28th and to share your career path story with our 10th and 11th grade students.  This annual event, which has involved multiple parents/guardians and community members, has been very popular with our students.

Participating in our Career Day Advisory requires only a 1 hour commitment, from 10:10 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.  During your visit, you will be stationed in a classroom with another speaker and will be asked to speak for 10-15 minutes to a group of students who have signed up in advance to hear your presentation.

They will then have time to ask questions.

To confirm your participation in our Career Day Advisory, please contact Assistant Principal Talib Sadiq or his assistant, Andrea Dustin,  or call 362-1714 by Friday, January 25th. Please include your name, job title/profession, place of employment, and contact information.

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Mark Your Calendars

Jan 15 – B period Exam

Jan 16- C and E period Exams

Jan 17 – D and F period Exams; Early Dismissal

Jan 18 – A and G period Exams; Early Dismissal

Jan 21 – No School- MLK Jr Day

Jan 22 – No School- Teacher Curriculum Day

Jan 23 – Semester 2 Begins

Jan 24 – PGO Coffee with the ARHS Administration- 7 PM in the Library

Jan 31 – Chorale Lasagna Dinner

Feb 11 – Semester 1 Grades Distributed

Feb 13 – Orchestra Chamber Concerts

Feb 18 – 22- Winter Break

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Amherst Media Offers Window Into ARPS

In the latest edition of A Window into ARPS, Superintendent Michael Morris interviews Interim Amherst Regional High School principal and Assistant Principals Dr. Micki Gromacki and Talib Sadiq about all things high school.

The PGO will be hosting a evening with ARHS Administration on Thursday, January 24th at 7PM in the ARHS Library.  All are invited to attend.

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ASD Workshops for 2019

Autism Specialists present the following workshops for 2019:

1/10/19 – Behavior 101: What is Reinforcement and Why Does it Work? A conversation about the mechanics of reinforcement and small group work to discuss ways reinforcement can be used in individual family’s homes. Will include time to sketch out reinforcement systems with the autism specialists.  Intended for families that are not currently using reinforcement systems. Presented by Jen McIntire and Kris Serwecki.

2/7/19 – Facilitating Independence: Increasing Self-Sufficiency in the Home Through Visual Schedules and Functional Communication – A conversation sharing strategies to help your child with ASD increase their independence at home. Will highlight how to use visual schedules, functional communication strategies. Participants will work in small groups with autism specialists. Presented by Kate Westafer and Jennifer Dann.

3/7/19 – Access to Outside Services – This station based workshop and networking will include opportunities to talk to different providers of services outside of school.  Presenters will include community based partners. Presented by Brittany Samberg, Jennifer Dann and Jennifer McIntire.

4/4/19 – Social Skills: How to Optimize Social Moments at Home – A discussion about expectations for social activities at home.  Will include practical information on how to set them up and what skills to work on. Will include time to work together in small groups. The target audience is families of students with ASD who are able to use basic communication skills. Presented by Jennifer Dann and Brittany Samberg.

5/9/19 – Moving Through School: How to Adjust to New Schools and New Expectations – A facilitated discussion regarding opportunities and challenges when children move up from one grade to the next.  Will highlight big transitions such as preschool to elementary, elementary to middle school, etc. Presenters will provide examples as well as samples of materials that families may find useful when approaching these moves. Presented by Kris Serwecki and Denise Paquin.

All workshops will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Amherst Regional Middle School Professional Development Center.

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Florence Bank Community Choice Awards-Vote Before 12/31

fbccaDo you or someone you know bank at Florence Bank? If so, you can help support the Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO – which the ARHS PGO is a member of, through their Customers’ Choice Community Grants program. Last year we were awarded over $1,400 – not bad for our second year! Voting ends soon, so click here to vote.

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Seniors- Baby Pictures Due Soon

Seniors!: Baby pictures for the yearbook are due on January 4th! Digital copies can be sent to garrityc@arps.org. Physical copies can be dropped off in guidance in an envelope with your name on it. They will be scanned and returned to you at a later date.

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Winter Conditioning Program

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!
AMHERST-PELHAM REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL is happy to offer a Conditioning  Program  for the Winter 2018-19 season.
This is open to both ARMS & ARHS students.
Where? ARHS Weight Room
When? Monday & Wednesday 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. or Tuesday & Thursday 3:15 pm – 4:30 p.m.
Dates – January 7, 2019 – March 7, 2019
Two Day Cost –     Full Fee $58        Reduced Lunch Fee $32           Free Lunch Fee $27
Four Day Cost  –   Full Fee $116       Reduced Lunch Fee $64           Free Lunch Fee $54
The Athletic Department is sponsoring an nine week conditioning program for spring sports, and anyone else who wants to get into shape. This is a good opportunity to get a jump on the competition. If you wait until the season starts it’s too late. The program will focus on the following areas: flexibility, mobility, strength, endurance, speed, and mental preparation. The program will be Monday through Thursday from 3:15 until 4:30. Participants will be given a workout for Friday and Saturday to do on their own.
Families can register for Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday, or all four days.
The program will consist of running, hills, dynamic stretching, static stretching, cardio, and weight lifting.
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Hurricanes Season Tickets & Alerts

amherst hurricanes logoHurricane Sport Fans, did you know you can purchase a season ticket to attend our sporting events?  These make great gifts, or just purchase one for yourself.  Adults – $42 and Seniors/Students – $30.

ALSO: Are you aware of a feature offered through the MIAA? You can set up email alerts for your favorite team(s)!! Go to the MIAA website, look for the light blue bar, select the team(s) you’d like to receive notifications on. In that same area, select the pencil “Schedule Notification Options.” From there, follow the prompts. You can change your selections at any time.

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GREAT DISCOUNTS at 2-Day Ski and Winter Gear Sale!

2-Day Ski & Winter Gear Sale-3The Amherst Historical Society’s Third Annual
2-Day Ski and Winter Gear Sale
Friday, January 4th, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, January 5th 9 am-2pm
in downtown Amherst at the Pacific Lodge, located at 99 Main Street, next door to the police station.

The sale transforms the hall inside of the Pacific Lodge into a ski market stocked with hundreds of new and used skis, skates, and winter sports gear at rock-bottom prices.  Shoppers can choose from new and used downhill and cross-country skis in adult and youth sizes, boots and bindings, hockey and figure skates, snowboards, clothing for adults and children, gloves, ski poles, and snowshoes. Great discounts for the beginner skater to the expert skier. Experts will be on hand to assist with selection and sizing to ensure satisfaction. Credit Cards, Visa Gift Cards, and cash will be accepted. More information at www.amhersthistory.org or questions to info@amhersthistory.org

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Recycling 101

Amherst, MA – Learn the basics of household recycling in the town of Amherst on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 3:00 pm in the Woodbury Room at the Jones Library.

Are you confused about what you can and cannot recycle? Why are there suddenly so many more recycling rules? What is recycling “contamination”? How can we all create less waste? Mimi Kaplan, the Waste Reduction Enforcement Coordinator in Amherst, has answers to all these questions and more. Feel free to bring any items about which you have questions or need clarification!

Free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

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Pellet Bag Recycling Day

On Saturday January 5, 12, 19, and 26 of 2019 the Amherst Department of Public Works is holding free, pellet bag drop-off events. Between the hours of 8am and 2pm, residents of Amherst, Pelham and Shutesbury will be allowed to bring used wood pellet bags to the Amherst Transfer Station at 740 Belchertown Road. Residents will not need to display a Transfer Station Sticker to participate.

Bags must be: Wood Pellet bags only– No other form of bag will be accepted.

                        Empty– Shake all pellets out of the bags or cut the bottoms out.

                        Dry– Wet bags will not be accepted.

                        Consolidated– Cut the tops off a few bags and stuff them full or stack bags on top of each other and tie with string.

All pellet bags collected at the event will then be transported to Gold Circuit E-Cycling in Palmer MA for recycling.

Amherst’s Recycling and Refuse Management Committee will be holding a similar event at the annual Sustainability Festival in April 2019. Any bags accumulated after the January event may be brought to the RRMC event in April with similar restrictions as above.

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ALSCT Presents Peter Pan

peterpanPeter Pan the Musical is coming to a stage near you! Presented by Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater – ALSCT. Buy tickets today!

https://alsct.org/buy_tickets/index.html

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WinterFest Amherst 2019

winterfestFebruary 2, 2019 @ 8:00 am – February 9, 2019 @ 11:00 pm

Celebrate the season with your fellow Amherst residents! WinterFest Amherst 2019 returns with a week-long schedule of venues and events for the whole family. We’ll kick off the week’s festivities with the Luminaria on the Town Commons, a public display of over 1,500 flickering luminarias, and end the week with our signature Grand Finale including our classic, fan-favorite events such as the Best-in-Snow Dog Show. Make sure to keep an eye on our online calendar since it will be jam-packed with 35+ more events throughout the week including Ice Skating Performances, Hockey Games, Sledding, Live Music Events, Art Classes, and much more! And keep in touch with the WinterFest crew on our Facebook page and other social media!

Produced by Amherst Leisure Services and Friends of Amherst Recreation. Presented by local sponsors.

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Happy Holidays!

We wish you and all of the ARHS community a happy holiday season and a peaceful, well deserved break. School will reopen on Wednesday, January 2nd.

See you next year!

Your Parent News Editors — Becky,  Jennifer and Mare

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Gazette Article About the Hurricane Singers’ Performance in Benefit for Toy Fund

gazetteSingers lift voices in Toy Fund benefit
by Jacquelyn Voghel

What was once a traditional holiday benefit show was renewed on Friday night at Amherst College’s Buckley Recital Hall as over 200 people gathered for a “Hodie” concert supporting the Sidney F. Smith Toy Fund.

The “In Perfect Harmony” concert contributed around $1,500 in donations toward the Toy Fund, said choral singer and concert co-producer Brit Albritton. An additional $167 in donations covered printing and advertising expenses for the show.

Albritton said that while he is involved with various areas of activism, the Toy Fund stood out as a particularly unifying cause for the community to rally behind.

Click here to continue reading.

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USDA Farm-to-School Grant Update

Next Steps for Farm to School

The Farm to School work that the district began at the start of this school year is ready to move into the next phase.  Expanding on our essential relationships with local farmers, strong in-house food services program, and school garden program we are working together towards our vision of “Building a stronger, healthier community through diversity, food access and equity, local farm and food system connections, and joyful learning.”

The program is seeking community volunteers to help create a comprehensive plan to attain its vision.  Volunteers are needed for the following teams:

1. Cafeteria Team– focusing on local procurement, reducing waste, increasing program revenue, maximizing operational efficiencies, and informal education leading to a sustainable business model.

2.  Curriculum Team– focusing on experiential classroom, garden and farm-based learning.

3.  Community Team– focusing on creating a stronger link among ARPS, the larger community and local food.   A few examples include:  Identifying regional producers that can supply more local and culturally appropriate foods for menus; recipe development; expanding the current catering offerings;  and community dinner menus reflective of the diversity of community.

These volunteers will be required to attend one meeting/month throughout the school year (approximately 2 hours/month) at the ARPS Central Offices.   Additionally, the program is looking for team members who have some expertise and skills/knowledge related to the content of the team they are interested in.

If you are interested in serving on one of the Farm to School teams, or if you would like to contribute to this work in other ways, please complete this form by January 18th, 2019.

Please email Vicki Van Zee,  USDA Grant Coordinator, vanzeev@arps.org, if you have questions.

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Hurricanes Season Tickets & Alerts

amherst hurricanes logoHurricane Sport Fans, did you know you can purchase a season ticket to attend our sporting events?  These make great gifts, or just purchase one for yourself.  Adults – $42 and Seniors/Students – $30.

ALSO: Are you aware of a feature offered through the MIAA? You can set up email alerts for your favorite team(s)!! Go to the MIAA website, look for the light blue bar, select the team(s) you’d like to receive notifications on. In that same area, select the pencil “Schedule Notification Options.” From there, follow the prompts. You can change your selections at any time.

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Mark Your Calendars

Dec 24-Jan 1 – Winter Break

Jan 4-6 – Cabaret

Jan 14 – 18Exams

Jan 17 Early Dismissal

Jan 18Early Dismissal

Jan 21No School- MLK Jr Day

Jan 22No School- Teacher Curriculum Day

Jan 24PGO Coffee with the ARHS Administration

Jan 31Chorale Lasagna Dinner

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GREAT DISCOUNTS at 2-Day Ski and Winter Gear Sale!

2-Day Ski & Winter Gear Sale-3The Amherst Historical Society’s Third Annual
2-Day Ski and Winter Gear Sale
Friday, January 4th, 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, January 5th 9 am-2pm
in downtown Amherst at the Pacific Lodge, located at 99 Main Street, next door to the police station.

The sale transforms the hall inside of the Pacific Lodge into a ski market stocked with hundreds of new and used skis, skates, and winter sports gear at rock-bottom prices.  Shoppers can choose from new and used downhill and cross-country skis in adult and youth sizes, boots and bindings, hockey and figure skates, snowboards, clothing for adults and children, gloves, ski poles, and snowshoes. Great discounts for the beginner skater to the expert skier. Experts will be on hand to assist with selection and sizing to ensure satisfaction. Credit Cards, Visa Gift Cards, and cash will be accepted. More information at www.amhersthistory.org or questions to info@amhersthistory.org

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New Principal Information; Final Day for Survey

In January 2019, we will begin the search for a principal to lead the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School. The position will be advertised over the next few weeks in local, regional and national newspapers and journals. A Committee is being formed, which will include students, staff and parents/guardians, to interview and suggest finalists. Dr. Miki Gromacki, ARHS Interim Principal, Dr. Marta Guevara, Director of Student and Family Engagement, Dr. Faye Brady, Director of Student Services, and Tim Sheehan, Curriculum Coordinator, will also serve on the Committee.  As Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity and Human Resources for the district, Doreen Cunningham will lead this Committee.

If you are interested in participating, please email Sasha Figueroa at FigueroaS@arps.org no later than Tuesday, January 15, 2019 to inform us of your interest.

In addition, the district would like your thoughts about the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and the qualities and characteristics you would like to see in a new leader. Please take a few moments to complete the following survey. Responses are due no later than FridayDecember 14, 2018 to allow time for review prior to the beginning of the search.

Estimado personal y padres / tutores de la Escuela Superior Regional Amherst-Pelham:

En enero de 2019, comenzaremos la búsqueda de un director para dirigir la Escuela Superior Regional Amherst-Pelham. El puesto se publicará en las próximas semanas en periódicos y revistas locales, regionales y nacionales. Se está formando un comité, que incluirá estudiantes, personal y padres / tutores, para entrevistar y sugerir finalistas. La Dra. Miki Gromacki, Directora Interina de ARHS, la Dra. Marta Guevara, Directora de Participación Estudiantil y Familiar, la Dra. Faye Brady, Directora de Servicios Estudiantiles, y Tim Sheehan, Coordinador de Currículo, también formarán parte del Comité. Mientras que la Superintendente Asistente de Diversidad, Equidad y Recursos Humanos para el distrito, Doreen Cunningham dirigirá este Comité.

Si está interesado en participar, envíe un correo electrónico a Sasha Figueroa a FigueroaS@arps.org a más tardar el martes 15 de enero de 2019 para informarnos de su interés.

Además, al distrito le gustaría conocer su opinión sobre la Escuela Superior Regional Amherst-Pelham y las cualidades y características que le gustaría ver en un nuevo líder. Por favor, tómese unos minutos para completar la siguiente encuesta. Las respuestas deben presentarse a más tardar el viernes14 de diciembre de 2018 para que haya tiempo de revisión antes del inicio de la búsqueda.

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Florence Bank Community Choice Awards-Vote Before 12/31

fbccaDo you or someone you know bank at Florence Bank? If so, you can help support the Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO – which the ARHS PGO is a member of, through their Customers’ Choice Community Grants program. Last year we were awarded over $1,400 – not bad for our second year! Voting ends soon, so click here to vote.

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Tidbits for Seniors from Ms. Ross

  1. The deadline for listing colleges with January 15 deadlines is December 14. Please don’t miss these deadlines. If you need to add a college after these dates, you can, but please tell a Guidance secretary so we can be sure we know about it.
  2. The UMass regular decision deadline is Tuesday, January 15. Deadline for all credentials (including official test scores) is Friday, February 1. Most of you should apply.
  3.  It’s not too early to take action regarding financial aid. The FAFSA and CSS Profile (required by many private colleges) are online. Talk to your parents about completing the required forms by your first financial aid deadline. Remember, it is not necessarily the same date as a college’s application deadline. Some FAFSA deadlines are in January. Many are on February 1. UMass’s deadline is March 1. All financial aid forms must be completed by the colleges’ deadlines. Late filings often mean less or even no financial aid.
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ACC Offers Housing Assistance

Amherst Community Connections offers housing assistance to residents of the Pioneer Valley. The agency is located at 236 Pleasant Street in Amherst.

Amherst Community Connections (ACC) provides information/ referrals, case management, outreach and advocacy services to vulnerable individuals and families in the Pioneer Valley community. We help them secure immediate relief as they plan for and achieve long-term stability. We walk alongside, support and guide people to improve their quality of life by helping them access basic resources: housing, food, income, healthcare.

They also offer advocacy. Areas of advocacy include housing move-in costs, food stamp/fuel assistance applications, debt/credit issues, mediation with a landlord or utility company, and many other topics of interest.

The agency offers a one stop resource center at the Jones Library every Tuesday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

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The Laramie Project This Weekend

The latest ARHS Theater Production is The Laramie Project- a full-scale immersive adaptation of the award-winning play.  Performed in theaters all over the world – and many high schools in America – the show focuses on the residents of Laramie, Wyoming in the months following Matthew Shepard’s killing in 1998.

The Theater Company and SAGA invite you to our original, site-specific staging around the rooms and halls of ARHS as you meet the residents of Laramie – and piece together the story of the town.  Shows start at 7:30 this Thursday  -Saturday. Tickets are $5 for all students and are available online at by clicking here or at the door

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Seniors: Submit Baby Pictures for Yearbook

Seniors!: Your voice has been heard, we will include baby pictures in the yearbook this year! Baby pictures are due on January 4th! Digital copies can be sent to garrityc@arps.org. Physical copies can be dropped off in guidance in an envelope with your name on it. They will be scanned and returned to you at a later date.

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SENIORS: Cap & Gown Measurements

maroon-gownCap & Gown measurements for this year’s graduating class will take place on Thursday and Friday, December 6 & 7 during all lunch periods outside the cafeteria.  Balfour is the company that provides this service and a representative will be here to take orders on these two days only. The cost is $17.50, payable when measured, for a souvenir outfit that includes a cap, gown and tassel which the student keeps.  Balfour will accept cash or checks made payable to “Balfour”. Orders will be delivered in late May. Extra tassels will be available for purchase this week at a cost of $3.00.  Don’t forget to place your order to ensure a properly fitted gown

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Support the ARHS PGO through Amazon Smile

amazon-smilePlan to do any online shopping through Amazon over the holidays? You can earn money for the ARHS PGO through the ARPS PGO with each Amazon purchase.

Here’s how to shop AmazonSmile:

  1. Visit smile.amazon.com
  2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials
  3. Choose a the ARPS PGO to receive donations,
  4. Start shopping!
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Important Dates for Seniors

Don’t forget that Cap & Gown measurements will be taken on 12/6 and 12/7 during all lunches outside the cafeteria. Cost is $17.50 for a complete outfit and it takes only a few minutes!

Dec 8 – ACT; Registration Deadline Nov 2 (with no late fee;  Nov 16 with late fee)

Dec 14 – Teacher Recommendations Due for applications after 12/1

Dec 14- Request for school portion of application must be in Naviance for 1/15 College deadlines

Jan 1 – 15- Regular Decision Deadlines for many 4 yr colleges

Jan  4- Baby Picture Submissions for Yearbook due

Jan 11- Request for school portion of application must be in Naviance for 2/1 College deadlines

Jan 15- UMASS Amherst Regular Decision Application Deadline

Feb 1 or 15- Financial Aid Deadline at most 4yr colleges

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Annual Four Towns Meeting this Saturday

Saturday, December 8th at 9AM – Amherst Regional Middle School Library

Annual “Four Towns” meeting, including the Regional School Committee, at the Middle School library.

This is an annual meeting of the Regional School Committee, the finance and select boards of Leverett, Shutesbury and Pelham, and (now) the Amherst Town Council.

The purpose is to present a financial overview of the Regional School District (comprised of the four towns), in the context of agreeing upon an assessment for the next school year’s budget.

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Ski & Winter Gear Consignment Event

Thursday, December 13 

5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Strong House
67 Amity Street, Amherst

Outgrown your skis or skates? Need to upgrade? Garage packed with winter gear no longer being used? Problem solved! Sell your gently used skis and winter gear on consignment at the Amherst Historical Society’s Third Annual 2-Day Ski & Winter Gear Sale.

Bring your items to this special Pre-Season Consignment Event. The seller sets the price with an expert on hand to provide guidance on sales price history. We retain final say on what is accepted into the sale and reserve the right to refuse equipment. You will receive 40% of the final sale price on all items sold. Pieces accepted on December 13th will be tagged, priced, and stored at the museum until the sale on January 4 and 5, 2019.

We will accept skis, ski boots, poles, helmets, ice skates, cross country gear, and snowshoes in good condition. You will receive a ticket stub for each item put into the sale – you MUST present this stub during pick-up on January 5th, 2pm-3pm to receive your money or unsold equipment. All items and payments not picked up will be considered a donation. Questions? Email Bonnie at info@amhersthistory.org.

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Community Reading of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Logo

The Human Rights Commission encourages you to come out to the North Common under the merry maple on Monday December 10 at 4pm sharp for a community read aloud of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Commission provides candlelight and copies, mother nature provides the conditions, and YOU provide the voice.

North Common Under Merry Maple

Monday, December 10, 2018 at 4:00 PM 

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FREE Holiday Concert: Amherst Community Band

Holiday Concert FREE-2December 15
4pm
Mercy House in Amherst

AmherstDowntown.com

 

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Winter Children’s Activity Packet

Prepared by the Office of the Superintendent, this packet includes Educational Opportunities, ARts and Crafts, Dance, Music Lessons, Sports and More.

Winter Activities Packet

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