ARHS PGO Parent News

Amherst Regional Middle School Pool

2017 Fall Open Swim Schedule

Saturday & Sundays, September 24-November 18
Adult Lap Swim: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Open Swim: 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. * If space allows a lap lane will be put in during the open swim hours

Location: Amherst Regional Middle School is located at 170 Chestnut Street in Amherst. Please enter through the far north end doors. The pool and locker rooms are located upstairs.

Daily Admission Fees:
Amherst Residents                                       Nonresidents
Adult                 $3                                         Adults               $4
Youth/Seniors   $2                                         Youth/Seniors   $3

LSSE would like to thank the Amherst Regional School District for their support of this important collaboration!

Thursday, October 19, 2017 – 3:15pm – at The Works, Amherst

The Amherst Regional Public Schools Parent Guardian Organization (ARPS PGO) is a Registered 501c3 Massachusetts Charity encompassing the individual PGOs of the Amherst Regional High and Middle Schools, Crocker Farm and Wildwood Elementary.

Our mission is to support the education of children within our schools through fundraising, supplemental programming and volunteer efforts.  We help build community by fostering relationships among the schools, parents, teachers and staff. 

Agenda:

• Introductions
• Voting on Officers for the 2017-2018 School Year
• Individual School Updates
• Taxes and State Filings
• Group Fundraisers
• Snack Pantry
• UMACC (United Way)
• Giving Tuesday
• Florence Bank
• Amazon Smile
• Other Business not anticipated by the chair
• Adjourn

1.  UMASS says that scores from the November 4 Sat will not arrive in time for early action.  If you are planning to apply and will not have an SAT or ACT score that you believe will be your best, you might want to wait to apply until Regular Decision.  This also applies for Commonwealth Honors College.
2.  Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile for 2018-19 went live on Sunday, October 1.

• Know your financial aid deadlines!
• The FAFSA entitles students to federal Pell grants, work study,  Direct Stafford loans and the Mass Grant for low-income Pell grant recipients.  It also is required for eligibility for merit scholarships at some colleges.

• File a FAFSA this year if you know you need aid, if you know that you will need aid at some point in your undergraduate education, if there will be more than one undergraduate student in college from your family next year or if you are applying to colleges that offer merit scholarships.
• Before beginning a FAFSA, students and a parent must get an FSAID, which is like an electronic fingerprint and signature.  Get FSAIDs at fafsa.ed.gov.  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE HOW-TO STEPS: HowToCreateFSA-ID
  It can take a day or two.
• If you filed your 2016 taxes online, you can use the IRS data retrieval tool, which will populate much of your FAFSA.
• The CSS Profile is required by about 250 colleges, mostly private.  Find it at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.

3.  We are hosting a FAFSA-completion event on Thursday, November 2 at 7:00 sharp, in the cafeteria.  In order to ensure that we have enough professional financial aid staff covering the event, please sign up ASAP at fafsaday.org.  Click on Register.  Ours is the first event listed.  The process takes about one minute.
4. There are two important evening programs coming up soon.  Put them in your calendar:

• College Admission Night: Thursday, October 12, 7:00 p.m., ARHS cafeteria – This event will focus on important information about completing the Common Application, essay writing, the Coalition application, things you need to know about UMass and things you need to know about transferring from community colleges.
• Financial Aid Night: Wednesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m., ARHS cafeteria – This is a comprehensive, informational program about applying for financial aid and understanding where it comes from.  Bring your general questions.

5.  Next Thursday, in Advisory, you will receive a 9-page packet of precise instructions, with screen shots, detailing what you need to do in Naviance and on the Common application so that everything works right.  In Advisory, you should begin working on the parts that you have not completed on your own.  You can complete the remainder of the tasks at school or at home.  Please address your logistical questions to Mrs. Cappelli or Mrs. Tracy in room 309.

When you eat at Bertucci’s on October 17, 2017 (All Day),
15% of your bill will go to support
the Performing Arts trip to DC!

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.  Thanks so much!

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

The Sene-Gambian Exchange Program is seeking community and business sponsors to help students in financial need participate in the exchange. See attachment for details and contribute at https://tinyurl.com/SGSsponsors.

Amherst Regional High School has partnered with schools in Senegal and The Gambia since 2011 to provide a life-changing cultural exchange experience for high school students, promoting understanding and respect across racial, ethnic, and religious differences. To date, ARHS has sent two groups of students to West Africa and received two from Senegal.

Learn more here: SGS Sponsorship Information

Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools and our fantastic Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) are pleased to invite you to kick off our 2017-2018 SEPAC hosted events.

Monday October 16, 2017:  Join us at the ARHS library at 6:00 PM for an informal gathering.  This is a great opportunity to meet school staff who support your child on their IEP or 504; learn more about SEPAC and the vital role that SEPAC provides in supporting our students and families;  share results of the special education survey completed in last spring; meet other families from across our district(s).

Thursday November 9, 2017: Basic Rights in Special Education – A Workshop for Parents and Professionals.  This informative workshop is 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the ARHS library.  Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts Special Education Law.  RSVP today to ensure your spot in this popular workshop.

Please see the attached flyers (English and Spanish) for additional information and RSVP contact information.

Upcoming SEPAC Events

Upcoming SEPAC Events_Spanish

October​ ​11​– PSATs​​ ​Administered at ARHS; Performing Arts Gala 6:30-9PM
October 12 – ARHS College Admission Night; 7:00–8:30 p.m.; ARHS Cafeteria
October 16 – SEPAC event; ARHS library at 6:00 PM
October 17 – BERTUCCI’S Night to Support Performing Arts (All Day/Night)
October 18 – ARHS Financial Aid Night; 7:00-8:30 p.m. ARHS Cafeteria
October 19 – Chorale Lasagna Dinner 5-8 PM
October​ ​23 – Picture Make-up Day
October 26 – Winds and Orchestra Spooky Concert 7-8:30 PM
November 2 – FASFA Completion Event 7-8:30 PM
November 2 – 4 – Theater Company presents Briefs!
November 9 – SEPACBasic Rights in Special Education – A Workshop for Parents and Professionals; ARHS library at 6:00 PM
November 16 – Bomba and Jazz Workshop, 7-9pm

Saturday, November 4, 2017, 5:00-9:00 PM
at the Montague Retreat Center

Girls Try Hockey for Free Day: Sun., October 8, 11am-1:20pm

Try Hockey Free for Boys & Girls: Sat., November 4, 1-3pm

Learn more here: AHA Student Flyer (2017)

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/arhs/episodes/2017-09-27T10_16_55-07_00

The PSAT will be given here at ARHS on Wednesday, October 11, at 8:00 a.m.  To register, sign up in the Guidance Office.  Deadline to register is today.  The fee is $17 (cash or check payable to Amherst Regional high school), and fee waivers are available to income eligible 11th grade students only.  Payment is required at the time of registration.

We strongly urge juniors to take the test.  It’s a great practice for the SAT which most of you will take in the spring.  Sophomores may take the PSAT if they wish (however, there are no fee waivers available to 10th grade students).

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, 121 North Pleasant St. will hold a tag sale on Saturday, September 30th, 9 am-3 pm.  There will be treasures from households all over the Valley, including collectables, vintage and antique items, small appliances, household and kitchen items, art objects/prints, books, small furniture pieces, office supplies, toys/games, holiday decorations/items and so much more!

Proceeds benefit social justice, environmental and other UUSA ministries.

An informational session about the rights of immigrants will be presented at the Jones Library on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 7:00 pm in the Woodbury Room.

Are you an immigrant or an ally who is concerned about your status? The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project will be conducting a “Know Your Rights” presentation at the Jones Library.

Come to learn more about your rights when interacting with immigration officials, understanding your legal status and the immigration court process, where to find trusted legal resources, and what programs might be available to you.

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

Cheer on our teams this HOMECOMING 2017

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD

Events for Friday, September 22nd

• South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Varsity Soccer – 5:30 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Junior Varsity Soccer – 4:00 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• BOYS & GIRLS ARMS CROSS COUNTRY – 4:00 pm

Location: Goddard Park

• Minnechaug Reg. High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Boys Fall Varsity Soccer – 7:00 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

Events for Saturday, September 23rd

• Amherst-Pelham Reg High School VS TBD – Boys Fall Varsity Cross Country – 10:00 am

Location: Hampshire College

• Amherst-Pelham Reg High School VS TBD – Boys Fall Varsity Cross Country – 10:00 am

Location: Hampshire College

• ARHS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY – 10:00 am

Location: University of Mass. Amherst

• RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEW GYMNASIUM – 2:00 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Varsity Field Hockey – 3:00 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Junior Varsity Field Hockey- 4:30 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• Pittsfield High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Junior Varsity Volleyball – 4:30 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• Pittsfield High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Varsity Volleyball – 5:30 pm

Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• Ludlow High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Boys Fall Varsity Football – 7:00 pm

Location: Community Field

Spirit Week begins Monday Sept. 25th and ends Friday, September 29th.

The Themes for each day are:

Monday – Pajama Day – dress like the weekend ! – wear pj’s or sweats.

Tuesday – (Inter) National Day – wear clothing reflecting your culture or 2 colors of your nations flag!

Wednesday- Inside/Out Day – wear your clothing inside out !

Thursday – Clash Day – colors that don’t match, outrageous socks, Red Sox and Yankees gear !

Friday – School Pride Day – wear maroon and/or something with ARHS /ARMS
 

Don’t forget to stop by the FBLA table during your lunch to be counted.  You may also bring in a non perishable item for the Amherst Survival Center or $1.00 for Hurricane Relief for an extra point.

As always – you must adhere to our policy regarding appropriate dress.

• You need your 13-digit STOP & SHOP CARD number found on the back of the card
• Visit www.stopandshop.com click on SIGN IN (top right) to log on to your online account or click REGISTER to create your on-line account.
• Once you are logged in to your account, you can select a school for A+ Rewards (ARHS’s ID is 05167).
  OR

• You can call Consumer Affairs at 1-877-366-2668 and select Option #1.

• If you have a STOP & SHOP CARD but do not know your 13-digit STOP & SHOP CARD number, call the STOP & SHOP CARD HOTLINE at 1-877-366-2668 and select Option #1. The representatives will be able to provide you your STOP & SHOP CARD number and register your chosen school (ARHS’s ID is 05167).

All facets of the event went terrifically – students got meaningful time with a nationally-recognized and award-winning playwright (Mr. Burns was one of the country’s top 10 most-produced plays a couple of years ago, and her star continues to rise), the public got to come into the school to her a talk with her, and the school has been able to extend its exciting run of hosting high-caliber playwrights in these past 3 years, with the promise of more visits to come.

As a parent/ guardian of an ARHS student, you are automatically part of the ARHS PGO.  We invite you to join us for the first meeting of the school year on September 28th from 6-7 PM in the ARHS Library.  Come meet the Executive Board and help us plan for the year ahead.

Principal Mark Jackson will host his first Coffee and Conversation with the Principal at 7PM.  He will be updating the ARHS Community on his thoughts and priorities about the year ahead.

Light refreshments will be served.

Beatlemania comes to the Jones Library on Tuesday, October 3 when professional Beatles scholar Aaron Krerowicz will present The Beatles: Band of the Sixties. This event will be held at 7 pm in the Woodbury Room

Krerowicz graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor’s of Music in 2008, then earned a Master’s of Music from Boston University in 2010, and a Graduate Artist Diploma from the University of Hartford in 2012. While still a student in Connecticut, he won a research grant through the University to study The Beatles. Since then, he has made a full-time career of presenting his research and analysis of the band’s music and their place in history, having presented his findings more than 350 times throughout the US and England.

Krerowicz has authored six Beatles books, most recently the two-volume encyclopedia of analysisBEATLESTUDY. All of his books are available for purchase on Amazon.

When not writing, Krerowicz maintains a busy travel schedule in order to present his findings. In 2015, he visited 14 states, delivering 86 presentations. Additionally, he made his first English lecture tour in July 2015, during which he spoke twice in London and thrice in Liverpool, the band’s hometown. In 2016, he visited 24 states, delivering 151 presentations. In 2016, he also launched a series of videos on YouTube titled THE BEATLES MINUTE, which showcase his Beatles analyses.

For more information – including his complete upcoming schedule, and to register for his free monthly email newsletter – visit his website: http://www.AaronKrerowicz.com.

This event is generously funded by the Friends of the Jones Libraries and the Woodbury Fund.

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

Hello Seniors,

We are coming up to a very busy period for college admissions activities.

Reminder:  You can check the list of colleges representatives that will be visiting the  ARHS Guidance Office this fall.  You can see the link on the ARHS website under Academics, Guidance Office, click on College and Career Planning, scroll down to upcoming college visits or click here.

Reminder: There will be a college fair at Belchertown High School on Wednesday evening, October 4 from 6:00-8:00.

1. Sign up this week for the October 28 ACT.
2. Look at the calendar page of the handbook to remind yourself of more upcoming dates and deadlines.
3. Complete your Senior Questionnaire in Naviance (under About me/Surveys to Take).
4. After completing it, see Mrs. Cappelli for an appointment with me (including your parents/guardians).
5. Make an appointment to meet with your counselor about your recommendation. Remember, you must give her three weeks notice before a deadline.
6. If you are using the Coalition Application, 1) in Naviance, under “Colleges I’m Applying to,” when you choose your colleges you must choose the option that says “Direct to institution.” 2) In the Coalition Application, check the box that says “I will be sending in my Grades separately, and acknowledge it is my responsibility to ensure it is received…”

That’s enough for now.

Myra Ross

College Advisor

Calling all future Katie Ledeckys and Caeleb Dressels!!!

We are preparing for the upcoming winter season and looking for new swimmers ages 5-18! The Amherst Tritons Swim Team (ATST) is an non profit, competitive swim team dedicated to building the love of the sport or swimming while gaining fitness and confidence. We offer tiered, ability based practices after school in our fall/winter season (September-January) and a spring/summer season (April-July). Our coaches are certified through US swimming and have provided a terrific atmosphere for youth swimming since 1972. Interested families must pre-register by visiting http://www.atst.org and selecting the “contact us” button on the webpage. We hope to see you at the pool!

Click for flyer:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-2bHm-1AjRfMFdKd2lTWWRlYWs

message from Family Outreach of Amherst …

You won’t want to miss the party of the year!

Join us as we transform the tent at The Lord Jeffery Inn into a strolling culinary extravaganza! Enjoy delicious small bites, sips and tastes from an eclectic mix of local food vendors. Years past have included local restaurants such as 30 Boltwood, Food 101, Blue Heron, Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar, The Pub, Osteria Vespa, Johnny’s Tavern, Penyew Catering, Sutter Meats, Black Sheep Deli, Banh Mi Spot, Ginger Garden, and many more! We will have live music, special tastings, and more!

If you have any questions or are interested in partaking as a food vendor/contributing as a sponsor, please contact Rachel Condry at (413) 548-1272 or rcondry@chd.org.

Date and time: Thursday, October 19, 5:30 – 8:30pm

Location: The Lord Jeffery Inn (30 Boltwood Ave, Amherst)

Event URL: http://chd.org/child-adolescent-and-family-services/educational-developmental-support-services/family-outreach-amherst/family-outreach-events/

Please join us for the 46th annual Amherst A Better Chance Fall Foliage 5k Walk/Run on Saturday, October 14th. The Amherst Town Common will be full of fun, family activities as walkers and runners finish the race. The course is a beautiful loop through scenic countryside during peak foliage! All levels of participation are encouraged. Bring the whole family!

Anyone who pre-registers by October 7th will be guaranteed an event t-shirt. All registrants will receive a free meal post-race and there will be lots of great prizes.

We have special rates for children, families and teams! Go to (https://www.amherstabetterchance.org/fallfoliagewalkrun/ for more details and to register. Or, contact Kursten Holabird, kurstenh@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Hope to see you there!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
AEF Trivia Bee!
Thursday, October 26, 2017, 6:00-9:00pm
ARMS Auditorium

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30pm

for a fun evening that includes over 100 players in costumes, raffle prizes plus refreshments, an audience trivia game and prizes.

NEW FOR 2017!

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 on the way to becoming our first-ever Youth Trivia Bee Champions!

Admission is free with donations benefiting Amherst Education Foundation and Amherst public schools.

More information to come…

This is just a reminder – Photo Day is Monday, September 18th!  All students and staff will need to have their picture taken on this day for their I.D.  The students will be given more information on picture day.

Events for Friday, September 22^nd

• EVENT UPDATE — South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Varsity Soccer – 5:30 am
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• EVENT UPDATE — South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Junior Varsity Soccer – 4:00 pm
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• BOYS & GIRLS ARMS CROSS COUNTRY – 4:00 pm
  Location: Goddard Park

• EVENT UPDATE — Minnechaug Reg. High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Boys Fall Varsity Soccer – 7:00 pm
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

Events for Saturday, September 23^rd

• Amherst-Pelham Reg High School VS TBD – Boys Fall Varsity Cross Country – 10:00 am
  Location: Hampshire College

• Amherst-Pelham Reg High School VS TBD – Boys Fall Varsity Cross Country – 10:00 am
  Location: Hampshire College

• ARHS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY – 10:00 am
  Location: University of Mass. Amherst

• South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Junior Varsity Field Hockey- 1:30 pm
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEW GYMNASIUM – 2:00 pm
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• South Hadley High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Varsity Field Hockey – 3:00 pm
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• Pittsfield High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Junior Varsity Volleyball – 4:30 pm
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• Pittsfield High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Girls Fall Varsity Volleyball – 5:30 pm
  Location: Amherst-Pelham Reg High School

• Ludlow High School @ Amherst-Pelham Reg High School – Boys Fall Varsity Football – 7:00 pm
  Location: Community Field

September 18 Boston Performing & Visual Arts College Fair; Emmanuel College (410 The Fenway); 6:30-8:30 p.m.
September 18 Early applicants should have completed questionnaire and made appointments w/ college advisor for planning, and guidance counselor re. required recommendation
September 18 Smith College essay-writing presentation; Campus Center Carroll Room; 7-9 pm; all welcome
September 19 Workshop for Early Decision/Action Candidates and Parents/Guardians; 2:30– 3:30 p.m.; ARHS Choral Room
September 22 Registration deadline for Oct 28 ACT w/ no late fee (Oct 6 w/late fee, even with fee waiver)
October 1 2018-19 FAFSA and CSS Profile available for completion; Use 2016 Federal income tax return; complete fin aid forms ASAP. Meet fin aid deadlines
October 2 Signed lime green release forms due in Guidance
October 4 Hampshire County College Fair; 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Belchertown High School
October 5 Registration deadline for November 4 SAT w/ no late fee (Oct 17 w/ fee waiver or late fee)
October 7 SAT; ARHS; registration deadline Sept. 8 w/ no late fee (Sept. 19 w/ fee waiver or late fee)
October 11 Requests for school portion of applications (transcript, recommendations) must be in Naviance for November 1st college deadlines. Make recommendation appointment with counselor
October 12 ARHS College Admission Night; important professional panel presentation for Seniors and Parents/Guardians; 7:00– 8:30 p.m.; ARHS Cafeteria
October 13 Advisory Naviance and college applications; required presentation; Advisory period; auditorium
October 18 ARHS Financial Aid Night MEFA presentation by fin. Aid professionals 7:00-8:30 p.m. ARHS Cafeteria
October 23 Teacher recommendations due in Naviance for students w/ November 1 deadlines
October 26 Request for school portion of application (transcripts, recommendations) must be in Naviance for November 15th college deadlines
October 28 ACT; registration deadline Sept 22 w/ no late fee; Oct 6 w/ late fee, even with fee waiver

MORE DATES HERE: Important Dates for Seniors 2017-18

The PSAT will be given at ARHS on Wednesday, October 11, at 8:00 a.m.  To register, sign up in the Guidance Office.  Deadline to register is Friday, September 29th.  The fee is $17 (cash or check payable to Amherst Regional high school), and fee waivers are available to income eligible 11th grade students only.  Payment is required at the time of registration.

We strongly urge juniors to take this test.  It’s a great practice for the SAT which most of them will take in the spring.  Sophomores may take the PSAT if they wish (however, there are no fee waivers available to 10th grade students).

You can check the list of colleges representatives that will be visiting the  ARHS Guidance Office this fall.

September​ ​18​​ – Picture​ ​Day​.​ ​​The​ ​make​ ​up​ ​day​ ​is​ ​October​ ​23.

​September​ ​20 – Early Release.; ​Dismissal at 12​ ​pm.​ ​​ ​Lunch​ ​will​ ​be provided.

September​ ​18-22​​ – ​​Spirit​​ ​​Week

September 22 & 23 – Homecoming

September 28 – Coffee with Principal Jackson; 7 PM Library (note date change)

​September​ ​29 ​​-​  ​Community​ ​Kick-Off​ ​Day

September 29 – PSAT Registration Deadline

October​ ​5​ – ​​Open​ ​House​ ​@​ ​7​ ​pm

October​ ​11​ -​ ​​PSATs​​ ​Administered at ARHS

October 12 – ARHS College Admission Night; 7:00– 8:30 p.m.; ARHS Cafeteria

October 18 – ARHS Financial Aid Night; 7:00-8:30 p.m. ARHS Cafeteria

October​ ​23 – Picture Make-up Day

You won’t want to miss the party of the year! Join us as we transform the tent at The Lord Jeffery Inn into a strolling culinary extravaganza! Enjoy delicious small bites, sips and tastes from an eclectic mix of local food vendors. Years past have included local restaurants such as 30Boltwood, Food 101, Blue Heron, Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar, The Pub, Osteria Vespa, Johnny’s Tavern, Penyew Catering, Sutter Meats, Black Sheep Deli, Banh Mi Spot, Ginger Garden, and many more! We will have live music, special tastings, and more!

If you have any questions or are interested in partaking as a food vendor/contributing as a sponsor, please contact Rachel Condry at (413) 548-1272 or rcondry@chd.org.

Date and time: Thursday, October 19, 5:30 – 8:30pm

Location: The Lord Jeffery Inn (30 Boltwood Ave, Amherst)

Event URL: http://chd.org/child-adolescent-and-family-services/educational-developmental-support-services/family-outreach-amherst/family-outreach-events/

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 School Committee voted at their September 6th meeting to consider the appointment of Interim Superintendent Michael Morris to the post of permanent Superintendent of Schools.

“At the end of the summer, the chairs learned that Interim Superintendent Morris had reconsidered his interest in being a candidate to be permanent superintendent,” said Eric Nakajima, Chair of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee.  “Given his strong track record as Interim superintendent, the committees felt it worth exploring his appointment through a process that offers extensive opportunities for public discussion and input.”

“Many community members, educators and staff have approached us in recent months to express their interest in our discussion of this topic, and to express their support for Dr. Morris’s work this past year,” said Anastasia Ordonez, Chair of the Union 26 School Committee. “He’s worked hard for our district and shown an ability to deftly manage district budgets, community needs, and student achievement. We’re looking forward to formally considering his candidacy.”

The committees have scheduled a discussion to officially consider the appointment at the September 26th joint Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 meeting with a vote anticipated at either that meeting or on October 10th. The Committees expressed a strong interest in robust public engagement and input into the decision prior to taking that vote. Interim Superintendent Michael Morris will make a presentation at the September 26th meeting that will respond, in part, to questions submitted by the public and the school committees.

The Committees plan extended public comment periods at the beginning of both the September 12th and September 26th school committee meetings to be held at the Amherst Regional High School Library beginning at 6:30 PM.

Please provide the School Committee feedback on the potential appointment of Dr. Morris as permanent Superintendent. We welcome your questions or topics that may be included in a future presentation by Dr. Morris on September 26. The deadline for submissions is September 19. Please email schoolcommittee@arps.org.

Comité de la Escuela Regional de Amherst-Pelham y Unión 26 Declaración del Comité sobre la Consideración de la Nombramiento Permanente del Superintendente Interino Dr. Michael Morris El Comité Escolar Regional de Amherst-Pelham y el Comité Escolar de la Unión 26 votaron en su reunión del 6 de septiembre para considerar el nombramiento del Superintendente Interino Michael Morris al puesto de Superintendente de Escuelas Permanente.

“Al final del verano, los presidentes de comités escolares se enteraron que el superintendente interino Morris había cambiado de opinión y estaba interesado en ser candidato superintendente permanente”, dijo Eric Nakajima, Presidente del Comité Escolar Regional de Amherst-Pelham. “Dado su sólido historial como Superintendente Interino, los comités consideraron que valía la pena explorar su nombramiento a través de un proceso que ofrece amplias oportunidades para la discusión pública y el aporte”.

“Muchos miembros de la comunidad, educadores y el personal se han acercado a nosotros en los últimos meses para expresar su interés en nuestra discusión de este tema, y para expresar su apoyo a la obra del Dr. Morris el año pasado”, dijo Anastasia Ordonez, Presidenta del Comité Escolar de la Unión 26. “Ha trabajado duro para nuestro distrito y ha demostrado su habilidad para manejar hábilmente los presupuestos del distrito, las necesidades de la comunidad y el logro de los estudiantes, y estamos deseando considerar formalmente su candidatura”.

Los comités han programado una discusión para considerar oficialmente el nombramiento en conjunto el Comité Escolar Regional Amherst-Pelham y la Unión 26 en la reunión del 26 de septiembre con una votación anticipada ya sea en esa reunión o en la del 10 de octubre. Los Comités expresaron un gran interés en una participación pública sólida y contribución en la decisión antes de tomar esa votación. El superintendente interino Michael Morris hará una presentación en la reunión del 26 de septiembre que responderá, en parte, a las preguntas presentadas por el público y los comités escolares.

Los comités planifican extender los periodos de comentarios públicos al comienzo de las reuniones de comité escolar los días 12 de septiembre y 26 de septiembre, que se llevarán a cabo en la Biblioteca de la Escuela Regional de Amherst comenzando a las 6:30 PM. Proporcione al Comité Escolar comentarios sobre la posible designación del Dr. Morris como Superintendente Permanente. Damos la bienvenida a sus preguntas o temas que pueden ser incluidos en una presentación futura por el Dr. Morris el 26 de septiembre. La fecha límite para las presentaciones es el 19 de septiembre. Por favor envíe un correo electrónico a schoolcommittee@arps.org.

If DACA ends, here is what the program recipients need to know:

If DACA Ends, Here’s What The Program’s Recipients Need To Know About Their Rights

Following is a statement from Dr. Michael Morris, the Interim Superintendent of Schools:

September 5, 2017
Dear ARPS Community: With news of the President’s decision today to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Policy (DACA), which provides assistance and support for undocumented immigrants who came to our country as children, I am reaffirming our district’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, families, and staff members in the ARPS family.

Over the past year, measures taken by the districts to support our undocumented community included our School Committees’ development and passage of Policy JII: Protection of Undocumented Students. This policy provides clear guidance to ensure that our district provides full support for the safety of students and their records in our schools. All staff members received information and training on this policy before the school year started and are dedicated to supporting all families and students.

Resources on the implications of today’s decision for undocumented families, and on their rights that are currently in place, can be found here in English and here in Spanish. If your child expresses concerns about the decision to rescind DACA, for themselves or others, please be in touch with your child’s counselor at their school. Families may also contact Dr. Marta Guevara, Director of Student and Family Engagement, at 413-362-1871, if they need support or assistance.

The Amherst Regional Public School District will continue to be a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. Every student who walks through ours doors will receive our support, nurturance, and a high-quality education.
Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Morris
Interim Superintendent

The Hurricane Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the UMass Campus Center.

The Hurricane Boosters and the ARHS Athletic Department are proud to announce that we will be inducting the 1991-1993 Amherst Girls Basketball Team into the Hurricane Hall of Fame.  We are hosting a brunch induction ceremony which will be held on Saturday, September 23rd, Homecoming Weekend, at 10 a.m. at the UMass Marriott Center at the top of the Campus Center.  Tickets are available in the AD’s Office and at Jones Real Estate.  Tickets are $45 – cash or checks (payable to ARHS Hurricane Boosters). You can mail your check, with a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope), to the high school at 21 Mattoon Street, and tickets will be mailed to you.  Get your Hall of Fame Induction tickets today!

Please join us for the 46th annual Amherst A Better Chance Fall Foliage 5k Walk/Run on Saturday, October 14th.  The Amherst Town Common will be full of fun, family activities as walkers and runners finish the race.   The course is a beautiful loop through scenic countryside during peak foliage!  All levels of participation are encouraged. Bring the whole family!

Anyone who pre-registers by October 7th will be guaranteed an event t-shirt. All registrants will receive a free meal post-race and there will be lots of great prizes.

We have special rates for children, families and teams!   Go to (https://www.amherstabetterchance.org/fallfoliagewalkrun/ for more details and to register.  Or, contact Kursten Holabird, kurstenh@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Hope to see you there!

9th Grade Chromebook Orientation sessions for parents/guardians who have not yet attended one will be offered  today, Friday, September 1 at 10 AM and 1 PM in Rm 161.

An evening session will be offered before and after the 9th Grade/New Family Night  on September 11th , 6:30 PM and  8:00 PM. These sessions will be in the HS Library.

The registration deadline for the October 7th SAT with no late fee is Friday, September 8th.  Please register at collegeboard.org.  Get a fee waiver from Mrs. Cappelli if you are registered for the free/reduced price meals program.

 The ARHS runs one major fundraiser a year through the Stop&Shop A+ Rewards program.  The program is beginning soon and it is super easy to helping us raise the funds necessary to support an array of innovative and diverse projects at ARHS- simply register your Stop & Shop Card and designate ARHS as the school you wish to support.

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 that You DO NOT need to re-register your card if your school selection(s) remains the same as last year. 

The process of signing up is quick and simple:

1. Click here (or visit https://stopandshop.com/aplus/register-card/)
2. Enter the first three letters of your last name and your 13-digit Stop & Shop card number, and click the “Look Up” button.
3. On the next page where it says “school 1,” enter “05167” (ARHS’s ID), then click “Register.”
4. And finally, on the next page, click “confirm my registration.”

Once your card is registered, purchases made from all Stop & Shop stores will benefit ARHS, including purchases from stores in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island! So please encourage your family members and friends, near and far, to support our school by registering their cards!

Local author Cammie McGovern recently wrote for the NY Times about her son’s transition from high school to the real world, and about the yearly struggle to articulate a vision for our children with disabilities.

To read the aricle, click here.

Class Elections will be held during Advisory on Sept. 14th.  Those who are planning on running for office must  attend a meeting with Ms. Haygood on Tuesday September 5th, 2017 at 3 P.M.

The Amherst A Better Chance Program is welcoming four new Scholars this year – three 9th graders and one 10th grader. ABC is looking for host families for these young men. Host families open their homes and their hearts to the Scholars who live with their host families during the first weekend of every month of the school year. All members of the Amherst community are encouraged to consider this opportunity to gain as much as you give.

A description of the host family program and contact information can be found on the Amherst ABC website: https://www.amherstabetterchance.org/volunteer/host-family-program/ . Interested families can also contact Wendy Kohler, President of the ABC Board of Directors at wendykohler@comcast.net