ARHS PGO Parent News

On Thursday, June 21, ARHS parents and guardians will thank the enitre staff for their work with a scrumptous luncheon catered by Wheelhouse Farm. Here are several ways you can show your appreciation for our amazing staff and help with the luncheon:

• Bring a dessert for 8-10 people;
• Make a monetary donation to cover the cost of a meal;
• Volunteer to help set up, serve and clean up.

To sign up, go to https://signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49a9a92aa2f85-arhs

Any questions, contact Jen at jnbus@comcast.net

PLEASE NOTE:  Students not participating in MCAS testing will have late arrival on all MCAS testing days, and should report to school as follows:

June 12th at 3:15 PM
Location: The Works, downtown Amherst
Agenda
Introductions
Individual School Updates
Taxes and State Filings
Group Fundraisers
-UMACC (United Way)
-Valley Gives
-Florence Bank
-Amazon Smile
Other Business not anticipated by the chair
Adjourn

This is to share some information concerning seniors and graduation week. Hopefully, it will help to make this happy occasion a little less stressful for everyone. As you know, the graduation ceremony will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Mullins Center on the University of Massachusetts Campus.

Before Graduation Day: Caps, gown and tickets will be given out on Friday, June 1 st , during all lunch periods, at the High School in room 161. If seniors cannot pick up their caps and gowns that day, please call the main office to make arrangements.

Each senior will receive 10 graduation tickets with their cap and gown. If additional tickets are needed, please request them in writing, from Terry Ominsky in the main office before May 30th, so they will be included in the pick up on June 1st . There is no charge for tickets.

PLEASE NOTE – Caps and Gowns are kept by each graduate, so pictures can be taken at your leisure. Seniors are strongly encouraged to settle all fines for overdue or lost books, college transcripts, or any other fee owed to ARHS, BEFORE PICKING UP CAPS AND GOWNS.

On Graduation Day: Graduation rehearsal will be held at 8 a.m. on June 8th at the Mullins Center. All graduating seniors must attend this rehearsal, which will last approximately two hours. Please enter the Mullins Center via the ground level doors on the west side of the building (facing the town of Hadley) for rehearsal. Lot 67 is available for rehearsal parking.

Note – University parking regulations are in effect if you park in another lot. Students have been issued tickets in the past.

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. for the ceremony. Handicapped parking is provided in the metered lot on the N/E corner of the building.

Balloons of any kind are prohibited in the building. This includes mylar and helium ones as they interfere with lighting and equipment.

New This Year – The Mullins Center has installed metal detectors for the safety of its users. Mullins staff will be available to assist you at all entrances. In order to preserve the dignity and ceremony of the occasion, we ask that parents and guests remain in the seating area during the ceremony, and not climb down onto the floor of the stadium. After the ceremony, the barriers will be removed so families can reunite.

Since the Mullins Center staff must break down the facility set-up that evening, we ask that you not loiter on the floor.

After Graduation Day: Due to a policy change senior folders (including academic, health, and guidance) must be held at ARHS for 3 years after graduation. Therefore, we are unable to release these records to graduates as we have in the past. Class of 2018 folders can be picked up by the graduate starting in July 2021 and will be destroyed in July 2023.

Computer Accounts: As graduation nears, some of you may wish to take your Google data with you. The following links will help guide you in transferring or archiving your data.

https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3024190?source=gsearch&hl=en https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6386856

Please note that accounts will be turned off at some point this summer, so please don’t wait to archive or transfer your data.

Click here to download a pdf of this info: GraduationInfo-2018

Don’t let bugs keep you inside! Take a few simple steps and have a fun and healthy season. 

Click here to download the flyer: Tick info – MDPH

June 1 – Fall Sports Registration Opens Online
June 6 – MCAS Sci/ Tech Testing; 2 Hr. Delay for Non- Test Takers
June 7 – MCAS Sci/ Tech Testing; 2 Hr. Delay for Non- Test Takers
June 7 – Symphony Band and Philharmonia Combined Concert 7PM
June 15-20 – Final Exams
June 21 – Current Projected Last Day of School (5 snow days)
June 21 – Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

Please consider joining in the 35 year-old tradition of throwing a SAFE Party for the Graduating Seniors and their invited guests. We need volunteers at the event to help with registration, security, monitoring games, shuttle, set-up and clean-up, first aid, etc. The party happens after Graduation on Friday June 8th and runs from 10:30 pm to 3:00 am. we need volunteers for all sorts of time slots. This year the party will be at Hampshire Athletic Club on Gatehouse Road in Amherst.

The direct link to the volunteer sign up is: https://bit.ly/2L3jVdm.  For more information please contact: Tracy Farnham, 413 531 7641, tqfarnham@gmail.com

June 1 – Last day of school for seniors
June 8 – Graduation

For Juniors:

June 2 – SAT @ ARHS  (Register by 5/3)
June 9 – ACT
July 14 – ACT
August 25 – SAT and Subject Tests @ ARHS

Western Massachusetts Writing Project Summer Youth Writing Programs:
Write. Find your voice. Change the world.

E452 South College, University of Massachusetts Amherst For more information, e-mail wmwp@english.umass.edu or call (413) 545-5466 To register or apply for a scholarship, visit the WMWP website, http://www.umass.edu/wmwp/

Click here to download the flyer: WMWP Summer Youth Writing Programs

This is not a school-sponsored program.

The U.S. Attorney General’s Office will host a presentation: Keeping Children Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Families on May 29, 2018, from
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at ARHS.

The presentation will include: being safe and secure online; Social Media 101; Digital Footprint; Gaming; Sexting and Cyberbullying; Sextortion; and Internet Predators

Amherst Regional High School will spar this week on As Schools Match Wits, airing on WGBY public television on Saturday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m. The team has clinched a semifinals spot and will face the winner of the quarterfinal match Saturday, May 26 at 7 p.m. between Longmeadow High School and Lenox Memorial High School.

The team includes Louis Triggs, Tessa Levenstein, Kabir Narayanan, and Jonas Kaplan-Bucciarelli.

As Schools Match Wits (ASMW) pits teams of western New England high schoolers against each other in a fun, but competitive game of academic performance. The competition is open to both public and private high schools throughout western New England.

ASMW was originally created by Leonard J. Collamore for WWLP-TV 22 in 1961 to showcase local students from familiar schools in an engaging format. Twelve years ago, WWLP handed production of the show over to local PBS and public television station WGBY and Westfield State University (WSU).

 Today, ASMW is one of the longest-running shows of its kind in the nation. It is hosted by award-winning local TV journalist Beth Ward

 “As Schools Match Wits showcases the best and brightest students that western New England has to offer, allowing them to shine in a venue that celebrates learning,” says the show’s Producer Tony Dunne.

Each season, up to 50 schools go head-to-head in qualifying matches to see which team can earn the greatest number of points. The eight highest-scoring teams of the season then compete in playoff matches to determine the season’s champion, which is then awarded the coveted Collamore Cup, named for the show’s creator.

 Broadcast weekly during the school year on WGBY, questions for As Schools Match Wits are written by longtime ASMW writer and judge Dr. Todd Rovelli along with WSU faculty and students in accordance with Massachusetts and Connecticut state high school curriculum guidelines. WSU’s Mark St. Jean of the Department of Communication serves as its Executive Producer.

 The 2015 ASMW Championship Match was nominated for a New England Emmy Award in the category of “Outstanding Education/Schools Program.” It is the third New England Emmy Nomination for the show in five years (the others being in 2010 and 2011 for the same category).

Watch the show online here: Quarter Finals and root on the team! (As School Match Wits is a club at ARHS, so if your student is interested, encourage them to ask for more info at school.)

Hurricane Sport Fans, most of you aren’t 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.

Wednesday, August 22nd is Fall Sports Information Night for athletes and their parents/guardian.  Time:  6:30 p.m. in the High School Gymansium.  Meet the coaches, get schedules, find out about practice schedules, etc.  Hope to see you there!

The Athletic Office has emailed Spring Student-Athletes and their Parents/Guardians a feedback form for you to fill out.  This allows the Athletic Office to get a sense of what your experience has been this spring sport season and lets us know where improvements can be made.  Please be sure to take a moment to fill out this brief survey.  The survey is confidential and beneficial to our program.  Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.

Good Morning, I am happy to announce that Talib Sadiq has accepted my offer to fill the ARHS Assistant Principal position. The superintendent has also confirmed Talib’s appointment.

To the position, Talib brings a long commitment to the students of Amherst and the Region. He has held many roles – in and out of school – that reflect his commitment to the community and demonstrate his long-experience as an educator. His seven years as the Residence Director of the Amherst ABC House and the last 11 at ARMS as a guidance counselor, school climate coordinator, and, most recently, as the Dean of Students reflect his abiding interest in the development of healthy, well-prepared youth. That he will be with us strengthens us. Our multi-step interview process was designed to provide the search committee with a variety of perspectives on the candidates and their capacities. That the candidates were well-vetted enabled the committee to arrive at a recommendation about which they felt confident. The committee believes that, in Talib, they have found someone who will provide a steady hand day to day and make important contributions to the overall leadership of our school. This summer, Talib will begin at ARHS by working with Ericka and Andrea as they build next year’s master schedule. He will start full-time in the middle of August. Please join me in welcoming Talib to ARHS. I’m happy he will be with us.

Thank you.

Mark Jackson Principal

Sadiq.May 2018

Underclass people can pick up their yearbooks on Friday, May 25 (Thursday, May 24 for Seniors) after school in room 193. A few extra yearbooks are available starting Tuesday after school only to seniors for $50. After June 1, if there are any extra books left, juniors may purchase them. However, we expect all extra books to sell out quickly. The time to reserve a book was last fall.

It’s time for the 33rd Annual Student-Written Play Festival!  Featuring 10 and 1-minute works by nearly 20 ARHS playwrights and staged by a cast of nearly 50(!) actors, this is the Theater Company’s last stage show of the year.  Tickets are $5 for students/staff; shows are this Thursday-Saturday, starting at 7:30. Show up early for a good seat!

Do you know of someone (student, parent, staff, community member, etc.) who you would like to recognize for their dedication, creativity, patience, and determination in helping students who receive special education to experience success?

The Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools SEPAC encourages you to nominate such excellence in our learning community so that we may all publicly thank these individuals for the important way they influence our students.  Honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony: Cookies, Cupcakes, and Kudos on June 15th (more details are forthcoming).

Please email the completed Nomination Form (attached here in English and Spanish) and Nomination Statement to: SEPAC@ARPS.ORG

or mail to: ARPS, Student Services Office, 170 Chestnut Street, Amherst, MA 01002

All nomination information must be received by May 18, 2018

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D81UbgP_fsY3LNTAQHiGVhMzZAivuWZVWWUwAPrxiZ0/viewform?ts=5acf6aa0&edit_requested=true

Please consider joining in the 35 year-old tradition of throwing a SAFE Party for the Graduating Seniors and their invited guests. The party happens after graduation on June 8th and goes all night! We need volunteers at the event and to help us with the planning ahead of time.

EVENT PLANNING MEETING

Date: Monday, May 21st
Time: 6-8 PM (please come at the time that works well for you)
Place: ARHS Room 114
Who: Parents and Guardians of all grade levels

For more information please cntact:

Tracy Farnham
413 531 7641
tqfarnham@gmail.com

Amherst Regional High School students recently gathered in the school’s auditorium to meet the now Len Gardner, ARHS Class of 1938 and Pearl Harbor survivor.  The 96-year-old Gardner offered insights into both the attack and his later military experience during World War II.  ARHS student Eva Katsoulakis, presented portrait of ARHS that she drew to Mr. Gardner

To read more about it:  http://www.gazettenet.com/Pearl-Harbor-veteran-shares-wisdom-at-Amherst-Regional-High-School-17412271

This event was made possible by:

Adult leaders: Simon Leutz and John Bechtold

Emcees: Isabella Shepherd, Kabir Narayanan, and Justin Xiong

For Seniors:

Looking for the latest information about graduation? Click here for more information about tickets, upcoming dates, caps, gowns, and more!

Yearbook pickup for seniors is on Thursday, May 24 after school in room 193. 

May 10 – May 24- Prom Tickets on Sale

May 29 – June 1- Senior Exams

June 1 – Last day of school for seniors

June 8 – Graduation

For Juniors:
June 2 – SAT @ ARHS (Register by 5/3)
June 9 – ACT
July 14 – ACT
August 25 – SAT and Subject Tests @ ARHS

Join us for another exciting summer of Ultimate Frisbee. This league is geared for people who want to enjoy the thrill and excitement of ultimate Frisbee, regardless of experience level. All levels of ability will be welcomed to join. All players will be assigned their own team in this fun and competitive league!

Time and Location: All Sessions start at 6:00 PM at Plum Brook Recreational Area

Registration is now open for the Summer Ultimate League of Amherst (SULA), youth division. The season runs from June 26 through August 7. This is open to all area residents and beginners are welcome. All players will be assigned to a team. With volunteer coaches from championship Amherst teams this is the oldest youth Ultimate League in the country, entering its 19th season. There are 3 divisions: Frisbee Activities for Kids (Ages 7-8), Elementary, Ages 9-11, and Middle School, Ages 12 – 13. To sign up, go to http://www.suladisc.org and follow link to lsse.org or call LSSE at 413-259-3065.

The fee is $39 for the season with an early-bird discount of $5 up to May 25 and a late fee of $10 after June 17.

Registration is now open for the 22nd season of Summer Ultimate League of Amherst (SULA). Games are at Plum Brook Field in Amherst and begin at 6:00 PM. There are 3 divisions, Women, on Mondays from June 18 through August 6, Recreational, on Thursdays from June 21 through August 9, and Competitive, on Wednesdays from June 20 through August 8. This is open to all area residents and beginners are welcome. All players will be assigned to a team.

To sign up, go to http://www.suladisc.org and follow link to lsse.org or call LSSE at 413-259-3065. For more information, contact Nathan Salwen or Sue Morrello at 413-256-6463 (salwen.1@gmail.com) or, for the competitive division, Evan Johnson (413)210-5584 (af.evan.johnson@gmail.com). The fee of $45/division also covers participation in the end of season tournament. There is an early-bird discount of $10 up to May 25.

Whole Children’s Wild Goose Chase is an annual 5K, kids’ carnival, and family fun races for all ages and abilities. Race events include a chip-timed 5K race and 1 mile run/walk/roll, as well as a slew of kids’ races. The carnival is hoppin’ with wagon rides, face painting, live music, games, and more.

The fourth annual Wild Goose Chase takes place on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Look Park in Florence, MA!

For more information, visit: https://www.wholechildren.org/wild-goose-chase/

All boys who are interested in playing soccer this summer are invited to register for the Amherst Summer Soccer

The basics for the high school summer soccer league are pretty straightforward:

– play begins around Wednesday, June 13;
– there are 11 games, plus playoffs;
– often two games per week, usually on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays;
– there is an expanded roster to accommodate for summer vacation plans;
– the cost, including jersey, is $80 per player; or $65 without a jersey
– the summer league website is http://www.pvssl.net.

If your son is interested in playing, I need the following:

1. completed the attached waiver form, signed by the player AND a parent;
2. a small 1″ by 1″ heat shot shot of the player; and
3. a check payable to me, Todd Felton, for $80.00 (the fee covers league registration, referee fees, field rental and numbered jersey). If your son already has a jersey and doesn’t need another, you can pay $65.00.

I’ve attached the waiver forms. If the player is under 18, then both the player and parent must sign the form. This form is required for participation in the league.

Players can hand the waivers and checks to either Liam Felton, Itai Zilberstein, or Sam Brannin at the high school. You can also mail them to me at 37 Wildflower Drive, Amherst 01002.

Please spread the word to anyone you know who is or may be interested in playing high school soccer this upcoming year. We also need coaches for both teams. The boys do most of the coaching and subbing themselves, so no soccer knowledge required.

Please make an appointment for your college meeting soon.  If you procrastinate until June, there may not be any appointment times left!

If you are planning to take either the July 14 ACT, or the August 25 SAT, you might want to sign up very soon.  There are not that many sites that will offer these tests and they will fill up quickly.

It seems that the closest sites for the July ACT are at Becker College in Worcester or the University of Hartford in Connecticut.  They will fill very fast.

The August SAT will be offered at ARHS, but there are not a lot of other sites for that date either.

If you are eligible for a fee waiver, see Mrs. Cappelli, very soon!

Amherst Regional High School students recently won a number of awards from the New England Scholastic Press Association (NESPA), housed at Boston University’s School of Communication.

Thousands of students and hundreds of newspapers from all over New England enter their annual journalism competition. This year, The Graphic won a Superior Achievement Award.

The following students won Special Achievement Awards:

• Piper Lacy for a “personality profile” on retiring custodian Stu Kinsman
• Luca LaRaja for his “review” of Lili’s Restaurant in Amherst
• Sam Brainin for a “sports story” on a Brazilian soccer duo who play for ARHS
• Lauren Phillips-Jackson for feature writing about Austism Awareness Night/programming last spring.

Students may come to see Ms. Barber-Just to pick up their awards.

The 27th Annual Amherst Invitational will be held this weekend- May 12-13. Come watch 32 Ultimate teams from the east coast compete in this prestigious tournament! Games will be held at Amherst Regional High School and Amherst Regional Middle School beginning at 9 a.m. The event is free but there will be food for purchase. Come cheer on your ARHS players! Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amherstinvitational

For Seniors:

May 10 – May 24- Prom Tickets on Sale

Prom Permission Slips are available before and after school in guidance, the main office and room 155.  Please know that everyone  who plans on attending the prom must have one completed at the time of ticket purchase.

June 1 – Last day of school for seniors

June 8 – Graduation

For Juniors:

June 2 – SAT @ ARHS  (Register by 5/3)

June 9 – ACT

July 14 – ACT

August 25 – SAT and Subject Tests @ ARHS

May 11 – Talent Show, Latino Achievement Night; DTE Performance

May 12 – 13- Amherst Invitational

May 17 – 19- Student Written Play Festival

May 18 – Black Scholars Rising Showcase 6PM

May 22 – Regional School Committee Meeting 6:30 PM

May 23 – MCAS Math Testing; 3 Hr. Delay for Non- Test Takers

May 23 – Combined Concert (Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Choir, Hurricane Singers and Chorale) 7 PM

May 24 – MCAS Math Testing; 3 Hr. Delay for Non- Test Takers

May 28 – Memorial Day (No School)

May 29 – June 1- Senior Exams

May 31- Jazz Ensemble Concert

June 6 – MCAS Sci/ Tech Testing; 2 Hr. Delay for Non- Test Takers

June 7 – MCAS Sci/ Tech Testing; 2 Hr. Delay for Non- Test Takers

June 21 – Current Projected Last Day of School (5 snow days)

Starlight Express is a rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar). In the story, a child’s train set magically comes to life, and the various engines compete to become the “Fastest Engine in the World!” The underdog, Rusty the steam train, has little chance until he is inspired by the legend of the Starlight Express.

Starlight’s Youth Theatre is a non-profit theatre group dedicated to providing quality education and production of children’s theatre. Starlight’s priority is the development of the child, using theatre as a tool to build self-esteem, communication and confidence. Every year hundreds of children and teens from across western Massachusetts are involved with the many aspects of creating a production, including set design and building, acting, costume and makeup design, choreography and singing. Older teens function as mentors and guides for younger participants. With a focus on the process, Starlight’s Youth Theatre invites children to enter, enjoy and expand their imagination in the world of theatre. This spring’s family-friendly production will be a show not to miss – with spectacular lighting, costumes, makeup, video projection and roller skating on the Academy of Music stage! Please come experience “Starlight’s Magic” as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary with this entertaining production.

Shows are Friday, May 11 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, May 12 at 2:00 PM and Saturday, May 12 at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.aomtheatre.com/ or at the Academy of Music Box Office Tuesday-Friday, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM and one hour prior to each ticketed performance. Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for students, children and seniors.

Please join the Amherst Center Recreation Working Group at their 2nd public forum on Tuesday, May 8th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Town Room, Town Hall. The Landscape Architecture Firm of Weston & Sampson will be presenting their concept plans for the community fields project.  Public comment is welcome!

You helped our scholars travel to West Africa. Now help us bring students from The Gambia here. Our partners need financial support for travel. Please order TAKE-OUT MEALS from the ARHS SENE-GAMBIAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM.

Hot meals (in microwavable containers) will be available for pick-up on Friday, May 18, at Amherst Regional High School. Pick-up will be at the side entrance, by the athletic fields, 3-5 p.m.

There are two choices: Vegetable Thiou (vegan), a chunky vegetable stew in a savory tomato sauce, served with jasmine rice; and Chicken Yassa, chicken legs cooked with onions, and olives, served with jasmine rice and vegetables. The cost is $10 per meal or 4 for $35, which includes a donation.

Proceeds will help the Sene-Gambian Scholars bring three students and one teacher to the U.S. next year. This will be the first time Gambians are able to travel here as part of our exchange program. Please complete the attached order form or order online by May 15 at www.tinyurl.com/WestAfricanMeals. Questions? Call or text advisor Bruce Penniman at 413-687-0910.

Having completed its third exchange trip to Senegal and The Gambia this year, the Sene-Gambian Scholars Program is now seeking new members to join in the next round of activities. In the 2018-19 school year, these will include learning about Africa and a field trip to West African cultural sites in New York, as well as hosting students from Senegal and The Gambia in the spring. The following year, members will prepare for and then make a three-week exchange trip to West Africa. Throughout both years, the group will do a variety of fundraisers.

There will be an informational meeting about the program after school next Monday, May 7, in Room 225 (Mr. Kropf). All are welcome, but students currently in grades 9 and 10 are especially encouraged to attend. Anyone with questions may e-mail kropfa@arps.org.

Do you know of someone (student, parent, staff, community member, etc.) who you would like to recognize for their dedication, creativity, patience, and determination in helping students who receive special education to experience success?

The Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools SEPAC encourages you to nominate such excellence in our learning community so that we may all publicly thank these individuals for the important way they influence our students.  Honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony: Cookies, Cupcakes, and Kudos on June 15th (more details are forthcoming).

Please email the completed Nomination Form (attached here in English and Spanish) and Nomination Statement to: SEPAC@ARPS.ORG

or mail to: ARPS, Student Services Office, 170 Chestnut Street, Amherst, MA 01002

All nomination information must be received by May 18, 2018

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D81UbgP_fsY3LNTAQHiGVhMzZAivuWZVWWUwAPrxiZ0/viewform?ts=5acf6aa0&edit_requested=true

Join us on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:00 pm for a screening of this 2017 film entitled Imperial Dreams. A young father and reformed gangster returns home from jail eager to care for his son, Daytona, and become a writer. Crime, poverty, and a flawed system threaten his plans in this fictional but realistic drama. There will be a brief discussion of the film following the screening.  The film will be screened in the Woodbury Room.

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

This film series is co-sponsored by the Jones Library and Coming Together.  More information about Coming Together can be found at http://www.coming-together.org/.

An opportunity to learn about hummingbirds near and far comes to the Jones Library in a presentation by local naturalist John Root.  Please join us in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

This presentation is a visual one that features spectacular images of hummingbirds from around the world. Topics discussed include myths and legends about hummingbirds in different cultures, special adaptations for flight, co-evolution of hummingbirds and the flowers that they visit, courtship and nesting behavior, and migration. Information about attracting hummingbirds with feeders and hummingbird gardens is also presented. Comments and questions are welcome throughout the program.

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Amherst Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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

April 17, 2018

Dear ARHS & Summit Academy Parents and Guardians,

As many of you already know, Summit Academy, the district’s public day school, will relocate to the ARHS building for SY 18-19. Summit Academy will maintain its public day school status, and run as a separate school and on a separate schedule.

The purpose of this letter is to apprise the entire community of the move and overview the work that has occurred, to date, to ensure the re-location’s success.

We have chosen to co-author this letter as a larger statement to the community of our confidence in this project. We have been colleagues and friends for 14 years, working closely on a range of issues. That our schools are now in a position to co-occupy a single site does little to slow us down. In fact, the collaborative possibilities make us only optimistic about the future.

At the same time, we want to be thoughtful about the relocation. Melding two distinct cultures and sets of routines in the same building is not something to be casual about.

The central design challenge is to maintain Summit Academy’s identity as a school separate and apart from ARHS and, at the same time, take full advantage of the collaborative possibilities.

To date, we have taken several important steps to ensure that the transition is a smooth one. Here’s a quick recap:

• Summit Academy students have visited and toured the ARHS site and met with the ARHS administrators.

• Several Summit Academy families have also toured the site.

• An entire ARHS faculty meeting was devoted to bringing both faculties together to discuss the move and plan for next year.

• We have established a working group, comprised of faculty from both schools, that is charged with thinking through the range of logistic and programmatic challenges and opportunities that the relocation brings.

A remaining step in the transition plan is to have ARHS and Summit Academy students meet before the end of the current school year.

Lastly, we want to acknowledge the hard reality that forced this move upon us: a budget deficit of more than $1 million dollars for the upcoming fiscal year. Summit Academy was not the impetus for any cuts at ARHS. Instead, cuts to the high school’s elective program opened the door to consideration of the Summit Academy move.

We trust that both of our communities will approach the transition thoughtfully and work to develop a common culture, one defined by respect and appreciation.

Please feel free to contact either of us if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

David Slovin, Principal                           Mark Jackson, Principal

Summit Academy                                   Amherst Regional High School

cc: Dr. Faye Brady, Director, Student Support Services

ARHS PGO is participating in Valley Gives on Tuesday, May 1st in support of our PGO Presenters Fund!   We would like to raise $500 to be able to bring speakers to ARHS to address parents about issues surrounding Teen Use of Vaping during the Fall of 2018.

• Youth and Addiction
• Interview skills
• Poetry
• Homophobia
• Dance
• Refugees in distress
• Music

Hurricane Sports Fans!!!  Great News!!!  Our Nike shirts are on sale in the school store and are reduced to $15 now.  Buy a shirt and get a free snack or drink with your purchase!!!!

Hello Juniors,

Attached is the packet of materials you will need to read and complete before asking for recommendations during the week of May 7. This will also be distributed to you tomorrow morning in Advisory. It doesn’t matter which day that week you approach teachers because they will not be agreeing to write recommendations for anyone during the “asking week.” They will get back to you by May 18.

It’s important for you to know that before some teachers will agree to write for you, they will require a written statement or a completed questionnaire that they will give you when you approach them about a recommendation. Teachers will all be posting their recommendation-request procedures. It’s very important for you to follow their instructions.

When you think about which teachers you would like to ask, think about primarily junior year teachers who know you well and who can write positively about your attitude, work ethic, contributions to class, and/or the quality of your work. Please remember that it is wise to have a back-up plan in case one of the teachers you ask is unable to write for you.

In the packet are confidentiality forms which you must have a parent sign, an information form for you to complete and a Q&A that should answer any of your questions. Feel free to see me or your counselor about recommendations or any other topic related to college admission.

The observant among you will notice that there are a few errors regarding dates in the printed Advisory packet, such as in the initial heading and the deadline dates for teachers to upload your recommendations next fall. The dates in this electronic copy are correct.

student teacher recommendation packet 18

Myra Ross

College Advisor

Dear Families of Amherst High School and Middle School Athletes,

The Amherst Hurricane Boosters are a group of parents, staff and community members who are dedicated to supporting Amherst student athletics. This group finances major projects such as playing field lighting, sports sounds systems, and scoreboards as well as smaller items for individual teams.

For the first time, the Amherst Hurricane Boosters (under the name Amherst High School Athletics) will be participating in Valley Gives Day – a 24-hour period of online philanthropy across the Valley on Tuesday, May 1.

What makes Valley Gives Day so special is that we are eligible to receive cash prizes throughout the day that can amplify your donation and help us raise thousands of extra dollars to benefit Amherst school sports. The emphasis is on the NUMBER of donors, not the AMOUNT of each donation, so donations of any size can help us win extra prize money.

We will be updating the Boosters community about our fundraising totals throughout the day on Tuesday, May 1, via email, but primarily on the Booster’s Facebook page.

Please help us by taking these four simple actions;

1. Set reminder for Valley Gives Day

2. Like, follow, and turn notifications ON for the Amherst Hurricane Boosters’ Facebook page

3. Invite your friends to like and follow the Amherst Hurricane Boosters’ Facebook page

4. Share this email with your family, friends, kids’ teammates, and ARHS alums.

Here are some tips to help the Boosters reach — and even surpass — our fundraising goal:

MOST INDIVIDUAL DONORS:

$500, $1,000, and $1,500 prizes will be awarded to organizations that have the most “unique donors” contributing. A unique donor is identified by the name/address/email address of each individual. This means that if you and your partner have your own individual email addresses, please consider dividing the amount your family plans to give to the Boosters and each give separately, as you will each be counted as an individual donor. All donations need to be made on a person’s own credit card.

MILLENNIALS ROCK!

If we get donors who are aged 18 or 19, 20-29, AND 30-39 we are eligible to be randomly selected for an extra $4,000 prize. We can also win $1,000+ if we have the most donors under 40 years old. Remember, everyone needs to use their own credit card.

GOLDEN and POWER HOUR TICKETS:

Throughout the day, 20 organizations will be randomly selected to receive a $500 Golden Ticket or $1000 Power Hour Tickets. To learn more about prizes, please click here.

We hope that you, your family, and your friends will give as generously as you are able to support the Hurricanes Boosters on Valley Gives Day!

Gratefully,

Rich Ferro and Karen Stiles Dunn

Amherst Hurricane Boosters

Hello Juniors,

1. Remember, the College Admissions panel presentation by ARHS seniors is scheduled for next Thursday evening, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.  Come to hear your peers tell it like it was for them.  This is always a valuable and entertaining event.

2. Thinking about free test preparation?  You should be!  Remember there is Khan Academy (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/khan-academy or linked from your PSAT score e-mail) and now the Act Academy (academy.act.org).  If you are wondering if there is any reason to also use Method Test Prep for the SAT now that there is the Khan Academy program, there apparently is!  Tom Ehlers from MTP told me there are things they cover that Khan Academy does not.

3. Don’t forget to sign up for the SAT/ACT.  The registration deadline for the June 2 SAT with no late fee is May 3.  The registration deadlines for the June 9 ACT is May 4.

4. Please make your appointments to meet with me soon, before this year is out.  We can actually see the end of the year coming.  Don’t wait until June to make your appointment.  All of the other procrastinators will be doing that, and we can run out of appointment times!  It happens almost every year!

Myra Ross

College Advisor

The Annual Black Scholars Rising event will be held on Friday, May 18th from 6:00 to 7:30 in the Middle School Auditorium with a reception to follow in the Middle School Cafeteria. Would you mind including that on your calendars and share it with staff & families?

This year, the BSR Committee is working closely with students and the evening will be a showcase of their skills and talents, as well as presenting stoles to the graduating seniors.

Black Scholars Rising 2018 Flyer

Black Scholars Rising 2018 Flyer – Spanish

Black Scholars Rising 2018 Flyer – Portuguese

Please join the SEPAC for a three part series of informational evening seminars. These presentations will provide students, families and school staff with valuable
information for future planning and will assist in transitioning students from
school to adult life.

All presentations will begin at 6:30 pm and will be held at Amherst Regional High
School. All are welcome to attend these free information sessions.
Please RSVP to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.

Session 2: May 2nd, 2018 Wednesday: ABCs of Adult Agencies
An opportunity to hear from and to meet with representatives of some of the adult agencies in our state, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and others. Come find out what kinds of services and supports are available after high school and what you and your student need to do to apply for them. Held in ARHS cafeteria.

Session 3: May 9th, 2018 Wednesday: Family to Family
Families with a range of experiences and perspectives will share details of their students’journeys into adulthood and discuss how and why they and their children made the choices that they did. There will be plenty of time to meet with panelists and ask questions. Be prepared to laugh a little and learn a lot! Held in ARHS library.

Sessions offered by: Amherst Regional Public Schools, Federation for Children with Special Needs and Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).

This is TransitionENG.pdf
This is Transition (SPA).pdf

27th Amherst Invitational, May 12-13.  Come watch 32 Ultimate teams from the east coast compete in this prestigious tournament! Games will be held at Amherst Regional High School and Amherst Regional Middle School beginning at 9 a.m.  The event is free but there will be food for purchase.  Come cheer on your ARHS players!  Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/amherstinvitational

April 29th, 2018 marks the 8th annual Daffodil Run in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County!

This family friendly community event held at Kendrick Park in downtown Amherst offers participants a 5k walk/run or 10k run option. Race past many of the 50,000 daffodils planted in celebration of the Town of Amherst’s 250th anniversary. Festivities include a pre-race warm up, music, bounce house, games, barbecue and more!

Join us to help make a difference in the lives of Hampshire County children facing challenges. Celebrate spring with us at the Daffodil Run!

Register at RaceWire.com: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=8654