After learning of shortages in the staff supply closet, the ARMS FSP voted to allocate $500 from the Mini Grant fund to purchase school supplies for each team. We would like to make that donation even larger! Help us ensure that teachers have all necessary materials by sending in a donation today! All funds will be evenly distributed to teams. Donations can be sent to the main office attention the ARMS FSP.
We are the Parent/ Guardian Organization for the Amherst Regional Middle School. We strive to create a supportive and welcoming community for students, their families, teachers and administration by hosting events, organizing programs that foster a productive and positive environment; be a resource for information and engagement; and funding academic and ARMS community initiatives. Contact the PGO at armspgo@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Mentoring Program for First Generation in Family to Attend College
The ARPS Family Center is offering “College Power” a free pilot mentoring program for income-eligible students who want to be the first generation in their family to attend college. Trained mentors help students expand their vision of the world and its opportunities, develop their own story, connect school performance
to success in life, and negotiate the complex procedure of applying to college. Parent or guardian support is an important part of this process. The program is currently open to students in grades 7-11 and requires completing a simple application. The application is available at the main/guidance offices of the Amherst Regional Middle and High School. The application is due Thursday, April 17, 2014 to the main or guidance office at each school.
If you have any questions please contact Mildred Martinez at 413 362-1871 or email martinezm2@arps.org.
ARMS Leo Club Needs Your Help with Friend of the Jones Library Project
The Friends of the Jones Library are collecting your favorite recipes for inclusion in the community cookbook "The Well-Read Cook" to benefit the Jones Library. Submit your recipes through the form or send an email to cookbook@friendsofthejones.
PLEASE NOTE: Your recipes can come from any source! Your favorite cookbook, a newspaper clipping, your great-grandfather... It does not have to be a recipe that you created.
Any questions? Email us at cookbook@friendsofthejones.
web: http://www.joneslibrary.
Facebook: https://www.
blog: http://www.
Kimberly Stender
Community, Partnerships & Volunteers
Office of the Superintendent
Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Yearbook Sponsors
Many thanks to the families, friends and local businesses who are sponsoring the’ 13-‘14 ARMS Yearbook.
Your donations are greatly appreciated and go towards gift books for students who could not otherwise afford a yearbook.
There is still time to contribute. Please use the form attached to this newsletter if you would like to be an ARMS Yearbook Sponsor.
Your donations are greatly appreciated and go towards gift books for students who could not otherwise afford a yearbook.
There is still time to contribute. Please use the form attached to this newsletter if you would like to be an ARMS Yearbook Sponsor.
Summer School ELL Classes
Summer School ELL classes are usually offered. Specific information about summer school for a later newsletter will be available at a later date
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, contact.
Alicia López 362-1921 lopeza@arps.org
Marirene Reyes 362-1942 reyesm@arps.org
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, contact.
Alicia López 362-1921 lopeza@arps.org
Marirene Reyes 362-1942 reyesm@arps.org
DON’T MISS THE 3rd ANNUAL “NIGHT ON BROADWAY” SHOW - 3/28
This Broadway Review will include:
Solos
Skits
Dancing
Chorus Numbers
To reserve tickets contact:
David Ranen
362-1961 or ranend@arps.org
Tickets will be held at the door
Solos
Skits
Dancing
Chorus Numbers
PRESENTED BY THE ARMS GRADE 8 CHORUS
FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH 7:00 PM ARMS AUDITORIUM
Adults: $8.00
Students: $5.00
Under Five: Free
To reserve tickets contact:
David Ranen
362-1961 or ranend@arps.org
Tickets will be held at the door
8th Grade Parent/Teacher Conferences
As part of the high school registration process, 8th Grade Team teachers will be holding parent conferences during the school day on the following dates:
Please call or email Sue Battistoni (battistonis@arps.org or 362-1800) in the main office at the middle school to set up a time for your conference. Thank you!
Team Evergreen – March 17, March 18, March 21, March 24
Team Frost – March 17, March 18, March 19, March 21
Team Greylock – March 18, March 19, March 21, March 24
Please call or email Sue Battistoni (battistonis@arps.org or 362-1800) in the main office at the middle school to set up a time for your conference. Thank you!
Team Evergreen – March 17, March 18, March 21, March 24
Team Frost – March 17, March 18, March 19, March 21
Team Greylock – March 18, March 19, March 21, March 24
A Message From Our Principal
Spring is around the corner. We are excited about the prospect of longer days and warmer weather. Spring is full of many important events. Our 8th graders are beginning the process of learning about the high school and registering for classes. Our 7th graders are beginning to think about next year’s class selection and their role as the leaders of this school. The Spring sports seasons are just around the corner and MCAS is here. We are looking forward to the excitement of a new season and the final third of our school year.
Looking ahead to next year, we have the transition processes well underway. Seventh grade students received their course registration information for 8th grade. Please review this information and return the forms to your child’s advisor. Thank you for working with your child to get those important forms back in time. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about courses or the process.
Eighth grade students are learning about the high school. The high school guidance counselors and 8th grade teachers have spent time with our students discussing course selection and the registration process. Next come student/teacher/parents/guardian conferences that begin March 17 and run through March 24. These conferences will help 8th grade students register for 9th grade. If you have an 8th grade student and have not yet scheduled your student/parent/teacher conference, please contact the main office at 362-1850 or email Sue Battistoni at battistonis@arps.org.
Spring also brings assessment season! MCAS testing begins on March 18th with the ELA Composition test for seventh graders. In addition, seventh and eighth graders will take two ELA comprehension tests on March 20th and March 25th. MCAS is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have worked so hard to gain. Please help your child do his/her best on the MCAS by helping them get to bed early and making sure they have a good breakfast. As always, breakfast will be available in our cafeteria. Math MCAS assessments are scheduled for mid-May. In late May and early June students in two randomly selected English sections will assist in the piloting process of the new national PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of College & Career Readiness) assessment. If your child was selected to be part of this group we will be sending home additional information in the next week.
During this time of transition and excitement as well as longer days with more activities, taking time to talk about successes and challenges with students is so very important. As always, please do not hesitate to call or email us as we work together to help students do their very best in the weeks ahead.
Betsy Dinger
(Copied from In the News at ARMS, 4(8), March, 2014)
Looking ahead to next year, we have the transition processes well underway. Seventh grade students received their course registration information for 8th grade. Please review this information and return the forms to your child’s advisor. Thank you for working with your child to get those important forms back in time. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about courses or the process.
Eighth grade students are learning about the high school. The high school guidance counselors and 8th grade teachers have spent time with our students discussing course selection and the registration process. Next come student/teacher/parents/guardian conferences that begin March 17 and run through March 24. These conferences will help 8th grade students register for 9th grade. If you have an 8th grade student and have not yet scheduled your student/parent/teacher conference, please contact the main office at 362-1850 or email Sue Battistoni at battistonis@arps.org.
Spring also brings assessment season! MCAS testing begins on March 18th with the ELA Composition test for seventh graders. In addition, seventh and eighth graders will take two ELA comprehension tests on March 20th and March 25th. MCAS is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have worked so hard to gain. Please help your child do his/her best on the MCAS by helping them get to bed early and making sure they have a good breakfast. As always, breakfast will be available in our cafeteria. Math MCAS assessments are scheduled for mid-May. In late May and early June students in two randomly selected English sections will assist in the piloting process of the new national PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of College & Career Readiness) assessment. If your child was selected to be part of this group we will be sending home additional information in the next week.
During this time of transition and excitement as well as longer days with more activities, taking time to talk about successes and challenges with students is so very important. As always, please do not hesitate to call or email us as we work together to help students do their very best in the weeks ahead.
Betsy Dinger
(Copied from In the News at ARMS, 4(8), March, 2014)
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Your opinion matters! Make your voice heard!
Each year the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) surveys parents in select school districts to determine how well your child’s school is communicating with you and promoting your engagement in your child’s education. It’s your district’s turn this year.
- The web-based survey will be open in January 13, 2014.
- You can complete the survey online athttp://maparentcohort2.com
- Ask your child’s school principal if you need help in accessing and completing the survey.
Your participation in this survey is important in helping both the ESE and your local school district in improving educational programs for all students and in enhancing your participation in your child’s education.
¡Su opinión es importante! ¡Haga que su voz se escuche!
Cada año, el Departamento de Educación Primaria y Secundaria (ESE, por sus siglas en inglés) de Massachusetts encuesta a los padres de familia en ciertos distritos escolares para determinar cuánto se comunica con usted y cuánto promueve su participación la escuela de su hijo en la educación de éste. Este año es el turno de su distrito.
- La encuesta se abrirá en Internet el 13 de enero de 2014.
- Puede completar la encuesta en línea enhttp://maparentcohort2.com
- Si necesita ayuda para tener acceso a la encuesta y completarla, pídasela al director de la escuela.
Su participación en esta encuesta es importante para ayudar, tanto al ESE como a su distrito escolar local, a mejorar los programas educativos y su participación en la educación de su hijo.
Massachusetts 2014
Encuesta de compromiso familiar
Del 13 de enero al 21 de marzo de 2014
Encuesta de compromiso familiar
Del 13 de enero al 21 de marzo de 2014
Si tiene preguntas sobre la encuesta, comuníquese
Whitsons Food Services 2014 Customer Survey
Whitsons is conducting a brief survey to receive feedback on our school nutrition program and how we can improve our services. We need your input regarding the current program and any changes you would like to see implemented. We will use this information to develop new options and services. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Whitsons está llevando a cabo una breve encuesta para recibir información sobre nuestro programa de nutrición escolar y de cómo podemos mejorar nuestros servicios. Necesitamos su opinión respecto al programa actual y los cambios que le gustaría ver implementados. Usaremos esta información para desarrollar nuevas opciones y servicios. Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para compartir sus pensamientos con nosotros!
Whitsons está llevando a cabo una breve encuesta para recibir información sobre nuestro programa de nutrición escolar y de cómo podemos mejorar nuestros servicios. Necesitamos su opinión respecto al programa actual y los cambios que le gustaría ver implementados. Usaremos esta información para desarrollar nuevas opciones y servicios. Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para compartir sus pensamientos con nosotros!
Kimberly Stender
Community, Partnerships & Volunteers
Office of the Superintendent
Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(copied from email)
Two Finalists for the Principal Position at Amherst Regional Middle School
The ARPS Human Resources office is pleased to announce that the Selection Committee has selected two finalists for the Principal position at Amherst Regional Middle School. The finalists’ names and bios will be released later this week. Since community feedback is an essential part of the hiring process, families and community members are invited to a public forum to meet the finalists. The two sessions will be at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. on Monday, March 24th in the Amherst Regional Middle School library.
In addition, the Selection Committee has selected three finalists for the Principal position at Fort River Elementary School. The finalists’ names and bios will be released later this week. The community is invited to a public forum to meet the finalists. The three sessions will be at 6:15, 7:00 and 7:45 p.m. on Monday, March 17th in the Fort River library. Please mark your calendars for this important event!
Kimberly Stender
Community, Partnerships & Volunteers
Office of the Superintendent
Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(Copied from email.)
A Letter from Superintendent Maria Geryk - Learning in ARPS Blog
Dear Families,
I am writing to inform you that a district blog,Learning in ARPS, was developed for families at the suggestion of a community member. The purpose of the blog is to share important initiatives and to answer questions posed by the community about the Amherst, Pelham and Regional Public Schools. I encourage parents, guardians, students and community members to visit the blog to learn more about the schools and to submit your own questions. or suggestions. These can be submitted directly to the blog or emailed to Kimberly Stender, Community Partnerships and Volunteer Coordinator, atstenderk@arps.orgI look forward to a meaningful and informative dialogue about our schools.
Sincerely,
Maria Geryk
Reader to Reader and ARPS Book Drive
Reader to Reader and Amherst Regional Public Schools are pleased to be partnering to support literacy worldwide through the Buck in a Book Drive.
Here’s how it works: Collect gently used or new books of any subject, any genre, for any age, baby to senior citizen. Please make sure that the books are in very good condition with no mold, mildew or musty smells. Bring your books and bucks to your school.
Books will be picked up by Reader to Reader and sent out to schools, libraries, shelters, and senior centers across the country. If you’d like to support Reader to Reader with a donation, your gift will be put to good use getting library starter kits and classroom sets into schools and supporting domestic and international literacy projects.
Please encourage other groups such as local schools, churches, and community groups to run this drive to support Reader to Reader! Every book and every dollar makes a big difference to under-resourced communities across the world.
*Please note that Reader to Reader cannot accept encyclopedias, magazines, or textbooks. Medical/health books must be less than 5 years old. Books should be in very good to new condition, with no highlighting or underlining.
Names or dedications on inside covers are acceptable.
Email Kat Libby: klibby@readertoreader.org
Here’s how it works: Collect gently used or new books of any subject, any genre, for any age, baby to senior citizen. Please make sure that the books are in very good condition with no mold, mildew or musty smells. Bring your books and bucks to your school.
Books will be picked up by Reader to Reader and sent out to schools, libraries, shelters, and senior centers across the country. If you’d like to support Reader to Reader with a donation, your gift will be put to good use getting library starter kits and classroom sets into schools and supporting domestic and international literacy projects.
Please encourage other groups such as local schools, churches, and community groups to run this drive to support Reader to Reader! Every book and every dollar makes a big difference to under-resourced communities across the world.
*Please note that Reader to Reader cannot accept encyclopedias, magazines, or textbooks. Medical/health books must be less than 5 years old. Books should be in very good to new condition, with no highlighting or underlining.
Names or dedications on inside covers are acceptable.
Contact Information
Reader to Reader, Inc.
Cadigan Center
38 Woodside Avenue
Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: 413-256-8595
www.readertoreader.org
Email Kat Libby: klibby@readertoreader.org
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