ARHS PGO Parent News

Oct 30 – School Picture Make-Up Day
Nov 2 – Fall Social
Nov 3 – Senior District Auditions; SATs Administered at ARHS
Nov 6 – Curriculum Day- No School. State and Local Elections
Nov 8 – PGO Coffee with College Counselor Myra Ross 7PM
Nov 12 – Veterans Day (Observed) (No School)
Nov 14 – Winter Sports Information Night – 6:30 p.m. – ARHS Gymnasium
Nov 15- 17 – Theater Company Performance Briefs
Nov 16 – Deadline for winter sports registration
Nov 21-23 – Thanksgiving Break
Nov 26 – Winter sports begin
Dec 24-Jan 1 – Winter Break

Dear ARHS Community,

I am writing to let you know that after 26 years in public education, the last 15 in Amherst, I have made the decision to retire as of November 1, 2018.

Although the timing may seem less than ideal, I believe that, with the district about to undertake several major initiatives, among them Strategic Planning, this is actually an appropriate time for me to step down.

A school of ARHS’s caliber requires someone with the vision to shape a strong agenda for the future. At retirement age, I feel responsible to make room for new leadership.

As a school and district, our collective commitment to improve the life chances of all children has made my time in Amherst something of which I am only proud. I wish you all only the best as you continue this work.

Lastly, the community will hear shortly from the Superintendent about the leadership transition for the high school.

Thank you,
Mark Jackson

Estimada comunidad de ARHS,

Le escribo para informarle que después de 26 años en la educación pública, y los últimos 15 en Amherst, tomé la decisión de jubilarme a partir del 1 de noviembre de 2018.

Aunque el momento puede parecer menos que ideal, creo que, con el distrito a punto de emprender varias iniciativas importantes, entre ellas la Planificación Estratégica, este es realmente el momento adecuado para que me retire.

Una escuela del calibre de ARHS requiere de alguien con la visión de dar forma a una fuerte agenda para el futuro. En la edad de jubilación, me siento responsable de dejar espacio para un nuevo liderazgo.

Como escuela y distrito, nuestro compromiso colectivo para mejorar las oportunidades de vida de todos los niños ha hecho que mi tiempo en Amherst sea algo de lo cual estoy más que orgulloso. Les deseo a todos lo mejor a medida que continúen este trabajo.

Finalmente, la comunidad escuchará en breve al Superintendente sobre la transición de liderazgo para la escuela superior.

Gracias,
Mark Jackson

The senior group photo will be retaken this Friday October 19^th at 7:45 by Mr. Larcheveque. This one will be outside, behind the school on the Lacrosse field. All seniors please report directly there this Friday morning before 7:45. All teachers please be aware that the seniors in your A period classes will be arriving a little late that day. If any of them show up on time, please remind them about the senior group picture on the Lacrosse field. Thanks a lot to the seniors who requested the retake, Mr. Larcheveque, and everyone else for helping make this happen.

Following is a message from Principal Mark Jackson:

This fall, the Superintendent and the Regional School Committee have initiated a strategic planning process, which will last for most of this school year.

The purpose of this process is to position the high school and middle school communities to establish improvement priorities for the next three to five years and develop plans to realize them.

Below are links to documents that describe the process in more detail. The specific dates and times for the Strategic Planning Committee meetings are listed in the FAQ document. The Planning Team Roster document also lists the various constituencies that will be represented on the Strategic Planning Committee.

Please see the attached documents for more information.

_ARPS Strategic Planning Team Roster.b
_FAQs_ Strategic Planning in Amherst.b
Proposed Timeline_ Communicating about strategic planning.b

In efforts to boost interest and awareness of STEM education, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito have announced that October 22nd-26th will be declared statewide STEM Week. In our efforts to promote STEM education here at GCC we are engaging in the week initiative through a series of events and activities. Please see the attached flyer for the list of major events and look for our social media presence (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) through the hashtags #GCCSTEMweek #MASSSTEMweek #MASSSTEMweek18.

Kicking off STEM week, NASA Astronaut, Polymer Chemist, and GCC Board of Trustee member Cady Coleman will be joining us for a community presentation “How to Be a STEAM Player: Lessons from Space for GCC”. Please join us in the dining commons at 3:30pm for light refreshments and a time to mingle with Cady Coleman, followed by her presentation at 4pm.

GCCSTEMWeek18CadyColeman10.22

>>This is a free community event — all GCC educators, students and surrounding community residents are welcome to attend. Please feel free to forward this email and flyer to your contacts.
>>

On the Common Application, use 229 for the size of the senior class. 

Several weeks ago we sent you a transcript worksheet at home.  Please look at it to be sure it is correct.  If there are errors, please see your counselor immediately.  If your counselor does not hear from you by this Friday, we will assume it is correct and will send your transcript as is to your colleges.  If you completed your English AP portfolio as a junior, your worksheet should show AP Portfolio complete under your English classes.  I am aware that this designation has been missing for some of you who earned it and have been reporting it as I notice it.  Please make a point of checking your own worksheet for accuracy.

Later this week, we will send letters to those of you whose MCAS scores may qualify you to receive a Massachusetts tuition discount via the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery.  Those of you who receive the letter will need to present an application and additional qualifying materials to Mrs. Tracy by late April.  25% of you will also receive a John and Abigail Adams scholarship letter.  This scholarship is an automatic tuition waiver.  If you do not get an Adams, but do get the Koplik letter, you will need to present additional evidence of Mastery in order to get a tuition waiver.  Read the Koplik letter carefully so you will know what to do.

FAFSA Night is next Thursday, October 25.  Come for less than two hours and leave with your FAFSA completed!  Look at previous Tidbits for the list of materials to bring.  Register in advance at fafsaday.org.  Also, get your FSAID (electronic signature) at fsaid.ed.gov before you come.  Tell your parent(s) to get one too!

Think about going to the Majors Fair at UMass, in the Mullins Center Concourse, on Wednesday, October 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  You will learn about different areas of study available at UMass.  Many of these majors are available at other colleges too. UMass is a good place to find out about different fields.

You have the right to decide which, if any, SAT/ACT scores you want to put on your college applications.  Remember that some colleges do not require scores at all.  Colleges that do require scores may accept self-reported scores or they may need official copies of all scores before making decisions about you.  Be sure you know which colleges will require official scores.  If all of your test results will not be available before you submit your application, be sure to list the dates of the tests you would like them to consider.  They will wait to make judgments about your candidacy until they have all scores you have told them to expect.

On the Common Application, you must complete the Education section, complete the FERPA waiver, and put at least one college onto your college list before you can go into Naviance (Colleges I’m Applying To) to set up the match with the CA.   You will need to enter your CA e-mail address into Naviance.  When this is successfully completed, your documents will be able to transfer correctly from Naviance to your Common Application colleges.  If you do not match on the first try, check to see that your last name and date of birth match exactly in these two programs.  Be careful with spaces and hyphens.  See a Guidance secretary if you cannot achieve the match.

Some colleges will only accept one recommendation.  You must learn if this is the case at any of your colleges.  If you can only send one, you must indicate which one in Naviance under recommendations.  If you already told Naviance to send all recommendations to all colleges, you will need to change it ASAP.  See Mrs. Tracy in 309 or Miss Garrity in Guidance if you need help with this.

If you hope to invite a third, outside, recommender (someone who does not work at ARHS), through the Common Application, be aware that some colleges will allow that; some will not!  You can provide addressed, stamped envelopes for any college that will not accept the recommendation electronically.  Please DO NOT request any ARHS Arts teachers through the Common Application.

You should NOT wait until deadlines to try to submit your applications. Remember the first four letters of the word DEADline!  Assume that you might possibly have submission problems and be pleased if you don’t.  The Common App website and Naviance both have had problems on extreme high volume days!

Be sure to look at your essays after pasting them into the Common Application.  Formatting is sometimes lost.  If this happens in your case, you will need to make some repairs before submitting.

Essay day will be Thursday, November 8, during school hours.  If you would like some help with your essay, sign up with Miss Garrity.  Take advantage of this opportunity to get feedback from a trained Amherst College student.

If you want help completing your FAFSA on Sunday, November 4, you can attend a FAFSA Day workshop at either Holyoke Community College or Turners Falls HS.  At 1:00 p.m.  Register in advance at fafsaday.org.

If I have not met with you this year, please complete the Senior Questionnaire and make your appointments to meet with me.

ARHS runs one major fundraiser a year through the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards program. The program kicks off next week and it is a super easy way to raise money – at no cost to you! Last year ARHS earned over $12,000 from this free fundraising program that the PGO used to support many innovative and diverse school projects. All you need to do is register your Stop & Shop Card – online or by phone – and select ARHS as your school of choice.

ALL funds raised are used to support exciting projects proposed by our students and teachers.

If you have not done so, please take a moment to register your card. Note: you DO NOT need to re-register your card if your school selection(s) remains the same as last year.

Signing up to support ARHS is easy to do! Just follow these quick steps:

1. Grab your STOP & SHOP CARD and locate the 13-digit number found on the back of the card. (Yes, many of us use our phone numbers at the store, but you need your account number to register online).

2. Visit www.stopandshop.com and click REGISTER to create your online account. If you already have an account, click on SIGN IN (top right).

3. Once you have logged in, click on My Account / Manage Your Account / Rewards and Savings, and then select ARHS (ID 05167) for A+ Rewards

OR….You can call Consumer Affairs at 1-877-366-2668 and select Option #1. If you can’t find your card or got your card under a different name, they can help you locate your card number.

Once you register your card, we earn CASH from your purchases at all Stop & Shop stores. Have relatives in New York or New England? Ask them to register and support ARHS, too!

On October 25, 2018, enjoy a fun evening that includes costumes, raffle prizes, refreshments, an audience trivia game, and prizes.

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 PM

Admission is FREE but we encourage donations benefiting Amherst Education Foundation and our public schools.

THE YOUTH ROUND!
It’s back! We will have a youth-only Trivia Round before the main competition. Teams of players 14 years of age and younger will answer age-appropriate questions. Starts at 6 pm.

SPONSORSHIPS
We are looking for businesses to sponsor our teams. Many businesses send their own teams, but we can also match your business with a team. Youth and Adult team sponsorships are $300, sponsoring a round is $600 and Event Underwriter is $1200.

TEAMS
If you’d like to play and don’t have a sponsor, we can help you out. We can match your team to a sponsor and we can even build a team for you to compete with. Our teams have a lot of fun! Contact Ken and Meg below.

WHO SHOULD COME?
Everyone! Even if you’re not competing, it’s a lot of fun to come and watch and you can participate in the fun audience round! The Youth Round is a great way to start off the night! We hope to see you there!

Ken LeBlond, kenleblond7@gmail.com
Meg Rosa, megrosa78@gmail.com
Trivia Bee Co-Chairs

The Jones Library marks the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day with a special program presented by Libby and Ed Klekowski on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 2:30 pm as they share their experiences in exploring some of the battlefields from World War I.

This Veterans Day marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Originally called Armistice Day, this November holiday was created to mark the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. It became a federal holiday in 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Libby and Ed Klekowski have been researching World War I for over ten years and have spent many hours walking through the battlefields of Verdun, the Meuse Argonne, and St Mihiel. Their work has resulted in three books and they have produced two WWI documentaries for public television. This special lecture will take the audience for a walk “on the wild side”, where the dross of war still litters the woods.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Free and open to the public.  For more information about this event, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

Following is a message from Principal Mark Jackson:

This fall, the Superintendent and the Regional School Committee have initiated a strategic planning process, which will last for most of this school year.

The purpose of this process is to position the high school and middle school communities to establish improvement priorities for the next three to five years and develop plans to realize them.

Below are links to documents that describe the process in more detail. The specific dates and times for the Strategic Planning Committee meetings are listed in the FAQ document. The Planning Team Roster document also lists the various constituencies that will be represented on the Strategic Planning Committee.

FAQ                      Letter of Introduction                      Planning Team Roster

[Each document contains both and English and Spanish version]

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Strategic Planning Committee, please contact me at jacksonmk@arps.org.

El Proceso de Planificación Estratégica para las Escuelas Regionales

Este otoño, el Superintendente y el Comité Escolar Regional han iniciado un proceso de planificación estratégica, que durará la mayor parte de este año escolar.

El propósito de este proceso es posicionar a las comunidades de Superior e Intercambio para establecer prioridades de mejora para los próximos tres a cinco años y desarrollar planes para realizarlas.

A continuación, hay enlaces a documentos que describen el proceso con más detalle. Las fechas y horas específicas para las reuniones del Comité de Planificación Estratégica se enumeran en el documento de Preguntas Frecuentes. El documento de la lista del equipo de planificación también enumera los diversos grupos que estarán representados en el Comité de Planificación Estratégica.

Preguntas frecuentes       Carta de introducción        Lista del Equipo de Planificación

[Cada documento contiene ambas versiones en inglés y español]

Si está interesado en ser miembro del Comité de Planificación Estratégica, hágamelo saber. Puede enviarme un correo electrónico a jacksonmk@arps.org.

We are excited to share that a number of ARHS students have been recognized by the National Merit Society this year. Amanda Dee has been recognized as a semifinalist, and Adira Cohen, Timothy F. Demling, Giselle T. Hajir, Ethan O. Lebowitz, Emilio W. Levins Page, Yelena Y. Maher, Alana L. Sacks, Pearl E. Tulay, and Itai M. Zilbertstein have been named commended scholars.

Three students, Edith Oldham Barca, Susana Feldman, and Emilio Levins Page have also been named scholars in the 2019 National Hispanic Recognition Program.  Congratulations to all! You can read the press release here.

Screen time for teens is a fact of life these days. According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, teen cell phone access is at an all time high with 95% of teens reporting they own or can access a smartphone.

Banning technology won’t help prepare your children for their future. Instead, we recommend giving them limited access to screens, monitoring their activity, and having regular digital safety discussions together. Following is a free blog post from Smart Social.com.

How to Limit Screen Time Without Conflict

We asked parents and educators what they were struggling with most when it comes to digital safety and an overwhelming number told us that it’s difficult to set screen time limits with their students. It’s important to help students build healthy screen time habits, but for many parents and educators that’s easier said than done.

Listen to this whole episode on our podcast:

Subscribe to our podcast on: iTunes – Google Play – Stitcher Radio – Spotify – Web Player

So, we asked 5 experts to share their best tips parents can use to limit screen time. In this post, learn how you can create a daily routine for your family, how to encourage your students to earn screen time, how to model positive behaviors, how to take a social media break, and more.

1. Build a daily routine for your family

Elizabeth Malson, President of Amslee Institute
Parents have a lot to manage and it’s easy for kids to get several hours of screen time a day. Depending on the age of the child, it may be challenging to switch from screens to activities. Don’t underestimate the power of a bored child, without a screen children usually find something to do, especially if they have a bin of toys, a set of legos, books, bikes, and other age appropriate activities. It may take a few weeks for the child to realize they need to find something else to do with their time. Reducing screen time can help children develop life skills, like how to self-regulate their use of media and have more time to advance academically.

To develop personal responsibility, accountability, and the importance of helping family members, introduce children to household management chores and teach them cooking, how to fold laundry, and cleaning. If the children are too young, instead of screen time, have them work on puzzles, builds lego sets using an instruction book, read out loud, complete supplemental workbook pages in an education binder, spell words, make up a song, or turn on the music and dance. When dinner, dishes, and other chores are done, go on a neighborhood walk or bike ride each night. During this time, talk about space, the stars, the forest, and stop to look at bugs and collect rocks. Following these steps can help build learning into your daily routine.

2. Challenge your student to take a one-week vacation/detox from social media

Josh Ochs, Founder of SmartSocial 
Teach students that social media can (and should) be utilized as a tool for good but that it is important to take breaks from time to time. Challenge your student to consider deleting their Instagram and/or Snapchat from their phone for one week (and take a social media detox/vacation). Before taking their “low tech vacation,” students can announce to their friends that they are focusing on school and that they can be reached by text directly. Then, help your student delete their Snapchat, Instagram, and any other time consuming apps from their phone for one week.

If your student doesn’t want to delete their apps, consider having them unfollow 100 people on Snapchat and/or Instagram. This will free them up to only follow people they are close with (and has been shown to reduce social media anxiety).

3. Kids should earn time on the internet instead of it just being given to them

Brittany Jean-Louis, LPC, A Freeman’s Place Counseling
Part of earning screen time is through creating a behavior modification system in which kids are required to do something (do chores, have a good behavior day at school, complete homework, etc.) to earn something (sleeping over a friend’s house, playing video games, getting on the internet, etc.). The behavior modification can be a chart created by parents and kids together. The chart can include at least 3 target behaviors (for example, complete wake up routine, attend school with no behavioral issues, come home and complete a chore, etc.). When those target behaviors are met the kid can earn screen time. Creating the target behaviors and even the amount of screen time that can be earned should be discussed as a family; kids will feel apart of this process which increases self-esteem and cooperation with something they have collaborated on. Parents should also use strength based language in discussing limits. For instance instead of saying “too much screen time is bad” a parent can say “we know how important it is for a kid your age to have access to the internet but we want to ensure that you are well rounded as a person. Therefore, we want to see you doing homework first and foremost, participating in an extracurricular activities and then having screen time.

4. Set hours and schedule social media blackout days to limit screen time

Justin Lavelle, Chief Communications Officer for BeenVerified
Not setting limits on technology usage is a big mistake. Many parents believe if kids are participating in age appropriate technology everything is fine. Studies show that some kids may have a propensity to become tech addicts. Kids who partake in too much tech time tend to be anxious, have a hard time making and keeping friends, and can develop low self-esteem. It is essential to set hours and schedule blackout days to keep kids involved in real life activities and relationships.

Listen to this whole episode on our podcast:

Subscribe to our podcast on: iTunes – Google Play – Stitcher Radio – Spotify – Web Player

Senior News from Myra Ross, ARHS COllege Advisor:

Below are links to the slides from last Tuesday’s MEFA Financial Aid presentation and to webinars they have posted that should help you with your financial aid applications.

College Financing presentation slides: MEFA College Financing presentation slides.

Recorded webinars regarding financial aid. There are other recorded webinars on the Events page of mefa.org that are not listed.

• College Financing (English): MEFA College Financing webinar
• College Financing (Spanish): MEFA College Financing (Spanish) webinar
• CSS Profile: MEFA CSS Profile webinar
• Understanding the FAFSA: MEFA Understanding the FAFSA webinar

The Amherst Survival Center will hold a job fair on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. at the center, 138 Sunderland Road, North Amherst.  There will be no lunch, food pantry, food distribution or store on this day.

Dear ARHS Parents and Guardians,

In January, we convened a meeting to update the community on the math department’s progress with implementing the IMP (Interactive Mathematics Program) curriculum and to solicit feedback from parents and guardians about their concerns. As a result of this meeting, we committed to surveying ARHS students about their IMP experience. Our interest was to move beyond anecdotal accounts and, instead, capture more systematically ARHS students’ IMP experience.

The survey was developed in conjunction with a UMass researcher and administered in all math classes in June. Over the summer, we analyzed the results.

The survey was not intended as a referendum on IMP. We continue to believe that IMP, as a curriculum, strikes the right balance between offering students the opportunity to learn important math content while, at the same time, ensuring that students develop the problem solving habits and dispositions that the professional math community has identified as essential for the 21st century.

The nationally-developed Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice capture this interest in problem-solving. If you haven’t yet, I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with these standards.

At the same time, we realize that taking the community’s feedback is important to ensure our implementation of IMP is Amherst-specific. There is no pure form of curricular implementation. We, like all districts, are obliged to listen carefully and make adjustments that address community concerns. My hope is that, as a result of the meeting and the survey results, we find ourselves in this position.

Both the survey and the results are attached to this email.. The results, along with students’ comments, revealed several important concerns which I’ve itemized below. Also included is a brief statement of how, this year, we we are responding to each concern.

1. A cornerstone of the IMP framework is to position students to develop a deep conceptual understanding of math concepts. This requires students to engage in a process of inquiry to uncover not just that a particular math concept is true, but, also, why. While students acknowledge the value of this inquiry, they also report that it can be a source of frustration. They sometimes find themselves in need of greater teacher direction.

Response: As part of its on-going professional development work, the math department has prioritized continuing to develop teachers’ capacity to support the inquiry process by providing students with greater structure and direction. This also includes providing more direct instruction when appropriate.

2. The survey results indicate that, for many students, the problems of the week POWs are a source of frustration. That the POWs are intentionally not aligned with the unit currently under study seems the issue.

Context: POWs are an essential feature of the IMP framework. They are an important way that IMP helps students develop their problem-solving skills. This is accomplished by limiting the problem’s familiarity to students. In class, teachers introduce and explain the POW so that students get some initial traction. This is followed by students engaging with the problem, individually and collaboratively, applying prior knowledge, working with the uncertainty, and developing and implementing problem-solving strategies.

Response: In all classes, the ARHS math teachers will thoroughly explain the purpose of POWs, emphasizing their importance and the role they play in developing problem-solving skills. It is also important to note that, given the unfamiliarity of the POW’s, they count only for 15 % of student’s grade.

3. Students indicate that the IMP textbooks lack both explanations of math concepts and opportunities for practice.

Response: ARHS math teachers are writing and implementing additional practice problems to supplement the textbook work students are already doing. Teachers will continue to provide students with end-of-unit reviews, including the central concepts and skills of each unit and practice problems. In addition, teachers will continue to provide notes and note templates for important concepts and skills as they are developed throughout each unit. All of these materials will all be available on the teachers’ Google Classroom sites.

4. Students expressed a desire for more direct preparation for standardized tests.

Response: The ARHS math department is having students regularly work with PSAT, SAT and MCAS questions as either classwork or homework. Teachers will highlight this content as it exists within the IMP curriculum as well as assign other supplementary problems. These problems will be analyzed and discussed in class. Though the approach may vary from teacher to teacher, the central commitment is to ensure students are prepared to take standardized tests.

I know there is plenty here to talk about. But, for now, with your feedback, the survey results and our responses, I hope we have moved the larger math discussion in a productive direction. On Thursday, at Open House, the math teachers will have the task of introducing their courses to ARHS parents and guardians. As part of this, they will reiterate the points made here. If there are larger, IMP-related questions, please let me know.

Thank you.

Mark Jackson

Principal

Math Survey 2018 Results

ARHS will administer the PSAT during the school day on Wednesday, October 10th. We will test over 300 students.

The daily schedule has been adjusted slightly, with 5 minutes added to both B and C periods and 5 minutes taken away from E and G periods. The adjusted schedule will be posted in classrooms.  D period lunch that day will begin at 11:00.

On Wednesday morning, students taking the PSAT must check the board in the main lobby for their testing room and then, after going to their locker, report directly to their testing room. Coats and backpacks are not permitted in the testing room.

Please get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast before the test.  Remember to bring the following with you:

• Two number 2 pencils

• A four function or scientific calculator

• Your ID

• Snacks

We will have pencils, but not calculators to loan for the test.  The College Board prohibits the use of phone-based calculators.

If students have been approved for extended time, please note that they will miss the lunch period.  Students should bring food to eat during the testing breaks and/or after testing is complete. There will be bag lunches available for students who have Free and Reduced Lunch.

If there any questions, please contact Mr. Talib Sadiq, ARHS Assistant Principal, at 362-1714 or sadiqt@arps.org.

Thank you,

Administración del PSAT

Miércoles 10 de octubre de 2018

La Escuela Superior Regional de Amherst (ARHS) administrará el PSAT durante el día y horario escolar el miércoles 10 de octubre. Vamos a administrar la prueba a más de 300 estudiantes.

El programa diario se ha ajustado ligeramente, con 5 minutos agregados a los períodos B y C, y 5 minutos quitados a los períodos E y G. El horario ajustado será publicado en los salones de clase. El almuerzo del periodo D ese día comenzará a las 11:00.

El miércoles por la mañana, los estudiantes que toman el PSAT deben revisar la pizarra en el vestíbulo principal para ver el aula donde tomarán la pruebas y luego, después de ir a su casillero, reportarse directamente a su salón de pruebas. No se permiten abrigos y/o mochilas en el salón de pruebas.

Por favor, descanse bien y desayune antes de la prueba. Recuerde traer lo siguiente con usted:

–      Dos lápices número 2;

–      Una calculadora científica o de cuatro funciones;

–      Su Identificación (ID);

–      Bocadillo/refrigerio.

Tendremos lápices para prestar para la prueba, pero no calculadoras. El College Board prohíbe el uso de calculadoras basadas y/o que son aplicaciones en el teléfono.

Si los estudiantes han sido aprobados para un tiempo de tomar la prueba prolongado, tenga en cuenta que se perderán el período de almuerzo. Los estudiantes deben traer comida para comer durante los descansos de prueba y/o después de completar la prueba. Habrá almuerzos en bolsa disponibles para los estudiantes que tienen almuerzo gratis o reducido.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con el Sr. Talib Sadiq, Asistente del Director de ARHS, al 362-1714 o sadiqt@arps.org.

Gracias,

Dear families,

Each year, Florence Bank gives away $100,000 to community non-profits through its Community Choice grants program. Florence Bank customers vote for the non-profit of their choice & all non-profits getting at least 50 votes receive a grant.  The non-profits receiving the most votes get up to $5,000(!) through this program.

Last year (2017), the ARPS PGO received  almost 100 votes & $1,413. Yay!  The grant money went towards classroom support, special projects, field trips & more.

This year, the PGOs of the ARPS PGO (Crocker Farm, Wildwood, Amherst Middle School, & Amherst High School) are campaigning jointly again to maximize our votes.

** Each Florence Bank account holder is eligible to vote once for the community organization of their choice. **
** The ARPS PGO is urging people to vote (at least please consider voting for) for the “Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO”, the name of our joint non-profit. **

There are 2 easy ways that people can vote:
(1) Online – Visit https://www.florencebank.com/vote to view the online voting site & can cast a vote online for the “Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO”.
(2) Paper Ballot. Ballot for printing attached. Ballots are also available at any Florence Bank location.  Ballots should be submitted at the bank or turned into your PGO.

Voting is open until December 31st.
Thank you for your support!

Come cheer along the volleyball team on Tuesday, October 16th.  Doors open at 4:45 p.m. – JV game is at 5 p.m., Varsity game is at 6:30 p.m. This is the annual Spike it for Life match up vs. Belchertown!  All for a great cause!  There will be raffles, a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle.  Proceeds benefit Integrated Cancer Services at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital.  Let’s fill the gym!!!!!

Your are invited to the Basic Rights Workshop hosted by the APRS SEPAC on Monday, October 22nd from 6-8 PM in the ARHS Library.

Student Parking Permit Applications are now available in the Deans Office, room 168. Seniors have first priority. Juniors who are school choice, have work study, internships or college courses during the school day may also apply.  You must submit a completed application with your parent/guardian signature, a check for $75 made out to ARHS and bring in your license and registration for verification. Student Parking Spaces are in the rear of the main parking lot, denoted by white lines. Students may not park in Staff Parking which are in the front of the main parking lot with yellow lines.

*All vehicles parked on school grounds must have current parking permits or risk being towed.*

College Visits to ARHS are ongoing. All visits take place in the Guidance Office, Room 101, at the High School. Please sign up for visits in Naviance.  The schedule of visits can be found at: here.

Oct 9 – ARHS College Admissions Night 7PM
Oct 10 – Deadline to request for school transcripts, etc. Naviance for 11/1 college deadlines
Oct 22 – Teacher recommendations due in Naviance for students w/ November 1 deadlines
Oct 25 – ARHS FAFSA Completion Event
Oct 27 – ACT; registration deadline Sept 21 w/ no late fee; Oct 5 w/ late fee, even with fee waiver
Oct 29 -Deadline to request for school transcripts, etc. Naviance for 11/15 college deadlines
Nov 1 – UMass early action deadline; all supporting documents due Nov 20.
Nov 1 – All 4-year college applicants should have appointments w/ college advisor for planning, and guidance counselor regarding required recommendation
Nov 3 – SAT; ARHS; registration deadline Oct 5 w/ no late fee (Oct 24 w/ fee waiver or late fee)
Nov 8 – College Advisor presentation to ARHS PGO; 6:45 p.m. ARHS
Nov 9? – Essay Day; Amherst College students assist seniors w/ college essays; 30-minute conferences; sign up in advance
Nov 13 – Deadline to request for school transcripts, etc. Naviance for 12/1 college deadlines
Nov 27 – Deadline to request for school transcripts, etc. Naviance for 12/15 college deadlines
Dec 1 – SAT; ARHS; registration deadline Nov. 2 w/no late fee (Nov. 20 w/fee waiver or late fee)

The last day to register to vote in the general election on November 6th is Wednesday, Oct 17.

REQUIRED EARLY VOTING SITE

Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave – October 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, November 1 & 2 from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

ADDITIONAL EARLY VOTING SITES and DATES

UMass Amherst Student Union Building – October 24, 25 and 26 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Munson Memorial Library, 1046 South East St – Saturday* October 27, 2018 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

North Fire Station, 603 East Pleasant St –Saturday* October 27, 2018 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION IS WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 17TH BY 8:00 PM IN PERSON OR BEFORE MIDNIGHT ONLINE

Amherst Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall 1st Floor will be open until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 17th to assist with registrations.

Registration, updates and information verification can also be completed online by visiting: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/

Questions? Contact the Town Clerk’s Office

Phone: (413) 259-3035

E-mail: townclerk@amherstma.gov

In Person: M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable slideshow as Peter Christoph shares his experiences looking for wildlife, by land and by boat, at the beautiful and pristine Quabbin Reservoir.  The photographic presentation will take place at 2:30 pm at the Jones Library in Amherst on Saturday, October 13, 2018.

A rich diversity of birds call the Quabbin their home, the main attraction being the common loon and bald eagle families that nest here. Several winters ago, Peter built a rustic cabin along a river in an area known as the North Quabbin Woods. It was from this base camp that Peter discovered the Magic of the Quabbin and became intimately familiar with its intricate network of channels, coves and islands. He will also discuss the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir, including a glimpse into the lost towns which gave way to this unlikely wilderness area.

Peter Christoph is a well-known wildlife advocate, naturalist and award-winning bird photographer based in Lancaster, MA. He has a great respect for wildlife and through his presentations seeks to raise awareness of the need to conserve bird habitat. Peter has presented for a variety of organizations, including the Photographic Society of America (PSA), New England Camera Club Council (NECCC,) and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).  He has been the recipient of many prestigious national and international awards and medals recognizing his photographic talent. Peter is also responsible for publishing three bird photography books, including his latest, The Art of Bird Photography.

Free and open to the public.  For more information about this event, please contact Janet Ryan at 413-259-3223.  This event is made possible with support from the Friends of the Jones Libraries and the Woodbury Fund.

Registration is now open for our 2018 Fall Foliage 5K walk/run taking place on October 20th.

Get some exercise, take in the beautiful western MA scenery, and support a good cause
Click here to register.

About the walk/run
An Amherst tradition, the Fall Foliage Walk/Run brings together hundreds of runners, walkers, leaf peepers and children to admire the diverse colors of the foliage while they walk or run for diversity in the community. The event is our biggest fundraiser, providing living and school expenses for the ABC scholars: young men of color identified by the national ABC program for their leadership potential. They board at the ABC House on North Prospect Street while they attend Amherst Regional High School. The annual operating costs for the program total about $125,000.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018
The Lord Jeffery Inn
30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst

Warm Up the Night! transforms a festive and warm tent at the Lord Jeffery Inn into a strolling culinary extravaganza. Join our guests as they wander the tent enjoying bites, sip and tastes from an eclectic mix of local restaurants and food artisans. Last year’s event raised over $16,000 which helped us help keep over 400 families in our area stable. This year we hope to raise $20,000!
This event has something for everybody, which in the past included:
Fabulous food including a pig roast and raw bar from 30 Boltwood, and tasty bites from Food 101, Blue Heron, Bistro 63, The Pub, Osteria Vespa, Johnny’s Tavern, Pengyew Catering, Sutter Meats, Black Sheep Deli, the Banh Mi Spot, Ginger Garden, and many more.
Wonderful libations for tasting such as rums, single malt scotches, carefully-selected sakes and bourbons, local award-winning cider, craft beers, wines, and array of tequila.
New this year is a fabulous display of beautifully designed pumpkins crafted by local artists.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Nik Krauchi at nkrauchi@chd.org or visit: https://chd.org/child-adolescent-and-family-services/educational-developmental-support-services/family-outreach-amherst/family-outreach-events/warm-up-the-night-2018

Join us on Friday, October 26, 2018, for Feed the Spirit, an evening of community, delicious food, and entertainment to benefit the Amherst Survival Center.

The event will be held at the newly renovated Old Chapel on the UMass campus featuring globally-inspired food catered by award-winning UMass Dining. We’ll enjoy the music of jazz pianist Paul Arslanian during cocktail hour and the free-flowing fusion of jazz, world music, and spoken word by World Rhythm Ensemble following dinner.

Tony Vacca, Derrik Jordan and Jo Sallins, as World Rhythms Ensemble, blend the powerful sound of giant West-African balafons with the dreamy lyricism of electric violin and the funky magic of electric bass for a unique performance.

We are so excited to share this special evening with our supporters to benefit the Center’s important programs.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Friday, October 26, 2018, 5:30pm to 9:00pm.

We’ll begin at 5:30 pm with cocktails and appetizers. Dinner at 6:30 pm, followed by our exciting Fund-A-Need auction and music performance.

Where:  Old Chapel on the campus of UMass Amherst, located at 144 Hicks Way, Amherst Directions here.

Parking and shuttle service will be available.

Tickets: $75.00 per person. Table of 8 for $600.00 (includes 8 tickets and recognition in our event program). Tickets include dinner, music, and a donation to benefit the Center’s programs. A cash bar will be available for beer, wine, and cocktails.

Through a combination of Apple’s Family Sharing feature and Screen Time, parents will be able to take more control over a child’s iOS device(s). Weekly reports are sent to the parent, which he or she can use to regulate how much time is spent by a child in a given app or category, as well as on the device in general.

Using these new tools, parents and guardians can use their own device to check their child’s cell phone Activity Report and manage their app use time. From there, they can allot a custom amount of time per app that kids can’t extend, or create a Downtime to block everything but selected software and phone calls for a set hourly range (say, enforcing digital curfew from 10pm until 7am). You don’t have to fight at night to put it away. It tells them they are out of time.  You can block/limit types of apps like social networking but allow productivity like Google Classroom. A parent or guardian can change the restrictions and see what they are doing remotely.  You can also approve purchases and and increase time remotely.

Parents can also remotely schedule when Downtime is active, essentially locking a child out of all iOS devices during meals or at bedtime. Before you can use Screen Time to control a child’s iOS device, your device and the child’s will need to be on iOS 12.

Click here to read the article from c|net.

The deadline to register for PSATs is Monday, October 1 at 3 PM (or before that if we run out of tests).  Cost is $16, cash or check. The test is offered to juniors and sophomores. The fee is waived for juniors (only juniors, not sophomores) who qualify for free/reduced fees. Even if you qualify for a fee waiver, you are not registered until you indicate your intention to take the test.  Registration is available in the Guidance office, in Rm 207 and Rm 309.

Oct 6 – SAT at ARHS
Oct 8 – Indigenous People’s Day – No school
Oct 10 – PSATS Administered at ARHS;
Oct 10 – Seniors: Requests for transcript, recommendations due for Nov 1st deadlines
Oct 11 – ARHS Open House
Oct 17 – Early Release Day
Oct 18 – Choral Lasagna Dinner
Oct 25 – ARHS FAFSA Completion Event 7PM
Oct 25-27 – Theater Company Performance of The Three Sisters
Oct 30 – School Picture Make-Up Day
Nov 2 – Fall Social
Nov 3 – Senior District Auditions; SATs Administered at ARHS
Nov 6 – Curriculum Day- No School. State and Local Elections
Nov 8 – PGO Coffee with College Counselor Myra Ross
Nov 12 – Veterans Day (Observed) (No School)
Nov 21-23 – Thanksgiving Break
Dec 24-Jan 1 – Winter Break

The Amherst Center Recreation Working Group is excited to announce a Public Forum on Wednesday, October 3rd in the ARHS Library from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Come see the proposed design for the renovation of the Amherst Middle and High School athletic fields and track, Community Field, and War Memorial pool house/basketball courts/playground!!

Over the past 18 months, the Recreation Working Group has assessed and reviewed the current and projected demand on our athletic fields and recreation areas, in terms of organized school and town athletic teams, events, and use by the general public.  The assessment considered options for reuse and reorganization of the fields/facilities, for current and future programs and activities, and to address the changing demographics of the community and school-aged population.

This informational forum will go over the Recreation Working Group’s preferred schematic design plan for the focus area and serve as a reference document for capital planning purposes.  The landscape architects from Weston & Sampson, who developed the design in conjunction with the Rec Working Group, will be in attendance to go over the plan and answer questions.

Come out and help us get this project up and running!!

Wednesday, October 17, 2018
The Lord Jeffery Inn
30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst

Warm Up the Night! transforms a festive and warm tent at the Lord Jeffery Inn into a strolling culinary extravaganza. Join our guests as they wander the tent enjoying bites, sip and tastes from an eclectic mix of local restaurants and food artisans. Last year’s event raised over $16,000 which helped us help keep over 400 families in our area stable. This year we hope to raise $20,000!

This event has something for everybody, which in the past included:
Fabulous food including a pig roast and raw bar from 30 Boltwood, and tasty bites from Food 101, Blue Heron, Bistro 63, The Pub, Osteria Vespa, Johnny’s Tavern, Pengyew Catering, Sutter Meats, Black Sheep Deli, the Banh Mi Spot, Ginger Garden, and many more.
Wonderful libations for tasting such as rums, single malt scotches, carefully-selected sakes and bourbons, local award-winning cider, craft beers, wines, and array of tequila.
New this year is a fabulous display of beautifully designed pumpkins crafted by local artists.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Nik Krauchi at nkrauchi@chd.org or visit: https://chd.org/child-adolescent-and-family-services/educational-developmental-support-services/family-outreach-amherst/family-outreach-events/warm-up-the-night-2018/

Starting next week, all 10^th grade students will be asked to complete hearing, vision and BMI (height and weight) screenings with the school nurses.  If you have any questions about these screenings, please feel free to contact the nurses at 413-362-1743 or 413-362-1744.

AHRS is happy to offer a Conditioning Program for the Fall 2018 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 – October 1st – November 21st, 2018

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 eight week conditioning program for indoor track, basketball, skiing, 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.

Registration is open now.

Register here:  https://www.familyid.com/organizations/search?query=amherst

Pay here:    https://unipaygold.unibank.com/Default.aspx?customerid=1211

You’ll need to set up an account with FamilyID, if you don’t already have an account.  Any technical questions with this program please call the 888# at the top of the FamilyID screen.  They are very helpful.

AMHERST-PELHAM REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL se complace en ofrecer un programa de acondicionamiento para la temporada de otoño de 2018. Esto está abierto para los estudiantes de ARMS y ARHS.

¿Dónde? Sala de pesas ARHS

¿Cuando? Lunes y miércoles 3:15 p.m.-4: 30 p.m. o martes y jueves 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fechas: 1 de octubre al 21 de noviembre de 2018

Costo de dos días – tarifa completa $58 tarifa de almuerzo reducido $32 tarifa de almuerzo gratis $ 27

Costo de cuatro días – tarifa completa $116 tarifa de almuerzo reducido $64 tarifa de almuerzo gratis $54

El Departamento de Deportes está patrocinando un programa de acondicionamiento de ocho semanas para pista cubierta, baloncesto, esquí y cualquier otra persona que quiera ponerse en forma. Esta es una buena oportunidad para dar un salto en la competencia. Si esperas hasta que comience la temporada, es demasiado tarde. El programa se enfocará en las siguientes áreas: flexibilidad, movilidad, fuerza, resistencia, velocidad y preparación mental. El programa será de lunes a jueves de 3:15 a 4:30. Los participantes recibirán un entrenamiento para el viernes y sábado a hacer por su cuenta.

Las familias pueden registrarse los lunes y miércoles o martes y jueves, o los cuatro días.

El programa consistirá en correr, colinas, estiramientos dinámicos, estiramientos estáticos, cardio y levantamiento de pesas.

Matrícula está abierta.

Presione aquí para matriclarse:  https://www.familyid.com/organizations/search?query=amherst

Presione aquí para pagar:    https://unipaygold.unibank.com/Default.aspx?customerid=1211

Tendrá que configurar una cuenta con FamilyID, si todavía no tiene una cuenta. Para cualquier pregunta técnica con este programa, llame al 888 # en la parte superior de la pantalla FamilyID. Ellos son muy útiles.

See attached PDF from Myra Ross.

fall 2018 important dates for seniors-crystal edits

Treat yourself to an unforgettable slideshow as Peter Christoph shares his experiences looking for wildlife, by land and by boat, at the beautiful and pristine Quabbin Reservoir.  The photographic presentation will take place at 2:30 pm at the Jones Library in Amherst on Saturday, October 13, 2018.

A rich diversity of birds call the Quabbin their home, the main attraction being the common loon and bald eagle families that nest here. Several winters ago, Peter built a rustic cabin along a river in an area known as the North Quabbin Woods. It was from this base camp that Peter discovered the Magic of the Quabbin and became intimately familiar with its intricate network of channels, coves and islands. He will also discuss the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir, including a glimpse into the lost towns which gave way to this unlikely wilderness area.

Peter Christoph is a well-known wildlife advocate, naturalist and award-winning bird photographer based in Lancaster, MA. He has a great respect for wildlife and through his presentations seeks to raise awareness of the need to conserve bird habitat. Peter has presented for a variety of organizations, including the Photographic Society of America (PSA), New England Camera Club Council (NECCC,) and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).  He has been the recipient of many prestigious national and international awards and medals recognizing his photographic talent. Peter is also responsible for publishing three bird photography books, including his latest, The Art of Bird Photography.

Free and open to the public.  For more information about this event, please contact Janet Ryan at 413-259-3223.  This event is made possible with support from the Friends of the Jones Libraries and the Woodbury Fund.

September 13, 2018

Dear ARHS Parents and Guardians,

The purpose of this letter is to update the ARHS community on our Chromebook distribution effort.

To recap, our school district has provided a Chromebook for all students in grades 9 – 11. This is a significant technology upgrade, one designed to ensure that ARHS students are digitally advantaged. Seniors will also have access to Chromebooks via laptop carts that are available to teachers.

As of today, we have 138 Chromebooks that have not yet been distributed.

At this point, we are ready to conclude that many of the families that have not picked up Chromebooks have done so because they have made other arrangements to provide their child with some other type of laptop.

For us, any laptop will do.

But there is an expectation now that all ARHS students, grade 9 – 11, will have a charged laptop with them every day in every academic class.

If you still want your child to pick up their assigned Chromebook, please have them return a permission form that you have signed to rm. 141 by October 1.  We will then issue them a Chromebook. A copy of the permission form is included.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please address them to Ms. Amanda Lewis. Her email address is lewisa@arps.org. She will compile the questions and we will make sure you receive a response.

Thank you.ARHS Chromebook Agreement Form 18-19 – Google Docs (1) (1)

Mark Jackson

Principal

13 de septiembre de 2018

Estimados padres y tutores de ARHS:

El propósito de esta carta es actualizar a la comunidad ARHS en nuestro esfuerzo de distribución de Chromebook.

Para recapitular, nuestro distrito escolar ha proporcionado una Chromebook para cada uno de los estudiantes de 9^no a 11^mo grado. Esta es una actualización tecnológica significativa, una diseñada para garantizar que los estudiantes de ARHS tengan ventaja digital. Los estudiantes de 12^mo grado también tendrán acceso a Chromebooks a través de carros de computadoras portátiles que están disponibles para los maestros.

Al día de hoy, tenemos 138 Chromebooks que aún no se han distribuido.

En este momento, estamos listos para concluir que muchas de las familias que no han recogido Chromebooks no lo han hecho porque han hecho otros arreglos para proporcionar a su(s) hijo(s) otro tipo de computadora portátil.

Para nosotros, cualquier laptop funcionará.

Pero ahora hay una expectativa de que todos los estudiantes de ARHS, del 9º al 11º grado, tengan un portátil cargado con ellos todos los días en todas las clases académicas.

Si aún desea que su hijo(a) recoja su Chromebook asignada, pídales que devuelvan el formulario de permiso firmado por usted al salón 141 antes del 1 de octubre. Luego le entregaremos una Chromebook. Una copia del formulario de permiso está incluida.

Si tiene preguntas o inquietudes adicionales, envíelas a la Sra. Amanda Lewis. Su dirección de correo electrónico es lewisa@arps.org. Ella compilará las preguntas y nos aseguraremos de que reciba una respuesta.

Gracias.

Mark Jackson

Principal

Every year we ask all families attending schools in Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools to fill out our Military Families Survey.  The survey is required by the state and helps to identify students who may be eligible for scholarships based on the military service of family members. Please take a moment to fill out the survey by clicking on the link below.  Please respond by 9/21/2018.  We will be asking this question again in February and May of this school year in case the information has changed.  Thanks so much!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r /QQTG7RR

College Visits to ARHS All visits take place in the Guidance Office, Room 101, at the High School. Please sign up for visits in Naviance. Additional visits can be found at: here.

September 17th
Stony Brook University, State University of New York
Middlebury College
United States Naval Academy
Champlain College
University of Maine at Machias
Sewanee-The University of the South
Southern New Hampshire University
Roger Williams University
University of Massachusetts Boston
Rochester Institute of Technology

September 18th
8am Oberlin College
8:30am Saint Anselm College
9am Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
9:30am Keene State College
10:30am University of Maine
11:30am Colby-Sawyer College
12pm University of Maine at Fort Kent

September 19th
Dean College
University of New England
College of the Atlantic
Alfred University

September 20th
UMass Dartmouth
Hampden-Sydney College
Bates College
Mass College of Liberal Arts

September 21st
Northwestern University

September 24
Goucher College
Hamilton College
St. John’s College
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Rhode Island
American University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Tulane University
New York University
Vassar College
Northeastern University
Colgate University
Vanderbilt University
Grinnell College
University of Maine – Farmington

September 25
Whitman College
Dickinson College
Wheaton College – Massachusetts
9am Davidson College
Bard College
Colorado College
Occidental College
Barnard College
The University of Chicago
University of Vermont
Assumption College
Colby College
Johns Hopkins University

September 26
Wentworth Institute of Technology
University of Denver
Westfield State University
Sarah Lawrence College
Washington and Lee University
Providence College

September 27
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Saint Michael’s College

September 28
Mount Holyoke College
Endicott
Hartwick College

Amherst, MA – Explore some of the history of voter suppression in this country and take a look at the current state of things at this presentation by Jim Lemkin on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 7 pm in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library.

In 1965, the Voting Rights Act was enacted, marking the beginning of the end of voter suppression and disenfranchisement of blacks and people of color in the United States. However, in 2013, a key provision of the Voting Rights Act was struck down opening the doors to a vast array of new obstacles.

This slide presentation and discussion follows the work of a handful of students, moved by compassion and the call to action for social justice by going to Mississippi to help register black voters during Christmas vacation in 1965. Discussion will also explore the consequences of the 2013 repeal of a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. More than 50 years later, what has changed?

Jim Lemkin was a volunteer photographer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He traveled the rural roads of Mississippi in 1965 documenting the earliest efforts to legally register previously disenfranchised black voters.

Free and open to the public. For more information about this event, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

Once again, Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater (ALSCT) is creating a fabulous, large-scale musical, with lavish sets and costumes, a full live orchestra, and enthusiastic audiences fill the 600-seat UMass Bowker Auditorium for nine performances in January. This year, we’ll be presenting PETER PAN, the beloved Broadway musical that has transfixed audiences for over one hundred years. We’re excited to present a version that is both true to the story and also speaks to contemporary audiences in the Pioneer Valley. Actors, singers, and dancers ages 7-107 are encouraged to audition!

 AUDITIONS: Friday, Sept. 14^th, Saturday, Sept. 15^th, Sunday, Sept. 16^th

Callbacks Monday, September 17^th