PGO grants awarded so far this year

Thanks to the support of our wonderful community, the Amherst Regional Middle School PGO raised $2,200.00 so far this year. Through fundraising projects including parent support, a bake sale, a tag sale and the generous support of the entire community on Valley Gives Day, the PGO is able to award mini-grants to our wonderful teachers and support staff. These grants enrich both the wonderful programs already in place and new initiatives at our middle school.

Here’s a look at the PGO grants awarded so far this year:

•  Supplementary lessons and music books for the ARMS Orchestra.
•  Comfy beanbag chairs for the ELA Intervention Reading Zone.
•  Therapeutic exercise ball chairs for the special education department classroom.
•  Healthy snacks to provide kids in the Guidance Center. Sometimes all it takes is a snack to help a child get back on track
• $1,000 toward the Shakespeare & Company’s performance of Hamlet for the entire 8^th grade class. Shakespeare is meant to be seen. This performance is timed perfectly with the 8^th grade study of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

These grants wouldn’t happen without the generosity of the ARMS community. Thank you for all you to do!

If you would like more information about the PGO and the work we do please email armspgo@gmail.com.

Dr. Norma Jean Anderson 2015 Recipient

CONGRATULATIONS to ALICIA LOPEZ

ARMS ELL TEACHER

FELICITACIONES a ALICIA LOPEZ
ARMS ELL MAESTRO

Regional School Committee Meeting

Regional School Committee Meeting Postponed Until February 3, 2014 Due to Predicted Winter Storm

Due to the predicted winter storm, the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow night (Tuesday, January 27, 2014) is postponed until next Tuesday, February 3.  The agenda and materials are available here.  

Still time to register for Winter Youth Conditioning Clinic

 Winter Youth Conditioning Clinic 

Hello All - I wanted to share this in case you missed our previous announcements.  The next Youth Conditioning Clinic will begin this Tuesday, 1/27 (weather permitting) at the Saint Brigid's Pastoral Center gym in Amherst.

If you are interested, please bring the attached registration to the first session.  Feel free to tell a friend.

Wishing you all a safe and happy 2015!

Thanks,

Patrick Schilling
1to1wellness@comcast.net
413.687.7713

Working with Patrick Schilling, experienced Health Fitness Instructor and Exercise Physiologist, develop strength, power and flexibility between your sport seasons. Each week will focus on exercises to keep you fit and get you ready for the next season. Every 60 minute class will feature exercises that are challenging, creative, and fun! 

with Patrick Schilling, ACSM HFI, Certified Wellness Coach 

For ages 8 - 15 

Participant Registration 

DATES & TIME: 10 clinic sessions, Tuesdays January 27 – April 7, 2015 (no class February 10th) 

8-10 years old – 5:30-6:30pm 

11-15 years old – 6:30-7:30pm 

PLACE: Saint Brigid’s Church Msgr. Lane Pastoral Center Gymnasium 

43 North Prospect Street, Amherst 

Directions to Gymnasium: The Lane Pastoral Center is located behind St. Brigid's Church in the center of Amherst, across the street from the post office and Ren's Mobile station. Parking is available on Cowles Lane, North Prospect Street, or in the CVS parking lot. Enter the building from the main entrance on North Prospect. 

COST: 10, 60-minute sessions, $150 

REGISTER with payment in full by January 23rd by completing information below 

(cash or check payable to Patrick Schilling, 299 Alpine Drive, Amherst 01002) 

A full description of the clinic and weekly class schedule will be sent via email upon receipt of registration, along with the required liability waiver to bring to the first session. 

EQUIPMENT: Each participant should bring a jump-rope, water bottle, and wear cross trainers or running shoes and comfortable work-out clothing. 

Class size is limited – register today! Participant1 Name:	Age:
Participant2 Name:	Age:
Participant3 Name:	Age:
Parent/or Legal Guardian Name(s):
Address:
Street	City, State Zip
Email:	Phone:
Emergency Contact Name:	Emergency Contact Phone:
Participant’s Primary Physician:	Physician Phone:
Participant1:	Participant2:	Participant3:
Medications:
Food/Drug Allergies:
Special Medical Conditions or Disabilities:

Host family is needed immediately for a 9th Grade ABC House Scholar

A host family is needed immediately for a 9th Grade ABC House Scholar. Please consider this unique opportunity  and contact Wendy Kohler for details. Wendy can be reached at wendykohler@comcast.net

A Better Chance (ABC) House HOST FAMILY PROGRAM

The families who provide each ABC student with his own home experience are families who reside in the Amherst area. The Host Family Program establishes a link between ABC and community members. Students are provided with an alternative place to relax, socialize and study. They are also given the opportunity to forge positive personal relationships with members of the community they might not have met otherwise. Reciprocally, host families derive the satisfaction of interacting with talented young men who have both a lot to offer and to learn from in these broadened social contacts.

The student/host family relationship is intended to be as informal as possible. Host families should not feel obligated to constantly shower the student with gifts, entertainment, or out-of-the-ordinary privileges. On most occasions, it is sufficient to have the students participate in normal family activities. A quiet evening at home is often a welcome change from everyday life in the ABC house. ABC students have varying needs just as host families have varying interest; therefore, the key is to work out a mutually rewarding, amiable relationship. The host family weekend offers an opportunity to share everything from a quiet evening at home, to attendance at concerts, movies, and other activities that may interest students and families.

The Board has established a schedule of monthly host family weekends. These begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday (usually the first Friday of each month except September and June). Students are expected to return between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Students must return no later than 9:00 p.m. Also, host family weekends are a must, because they offer the students an alternative community experience, and because they also offer the Resident Directors a much-needed break.

All rules ordinarily governing ABC students are applicable while the students are with their host families. Specifically, this applies to curfew and as well as the prohibition toward the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled drugs, as well as the prohibition against operating any motor vehicles. It is expected that students will comply with the wishes of their host families in matters generally related to their behavior. It is also part of the host families' responsibility to be sure an adult is present during the student's visit.

Host families are not limited to the designated weekend for contact with students and are encouraged, with the approval of the Resident Directors, to make other arrangements depending on the desires and needs of the students and the host family. A successful host family program is a necessary and enriching component of the total ABC program. Lasting friendships have been established through this program, and it is our wish that such a proven benefit will continue to be an integral part of the Amherst ABC program.

Reminder about ARHS Math Review Wed. Jan. 21

Dear ARMS Families,

You are receiving this message as the parent/guardian of a student in grades 6-8. Please read below concerning the ongoing Math Curriculum Review at ARHS.

ARHS Math Review Update

The evening meeting originally planned for January 14^th has been moved to January 21^st.

The meeting will be Wednesday (1/21) 6:30 – 7:45 pm in the ARHS Library. 

The purpose of the meeting is for parents/guardians to see the recommended math course sequence and curriculum for grades 9 – 12.

Previous meetings: On Monday, December 8, a meeting was held to guide parents/guardians through the math curricula currently under review for adoption at ARHS. The meeting started with a brief presentation of the review process to this point. The majority of meeting was dedicated to a guided exploration of the curricula.

On Wednesday, December 17, parents/guardians had an opportunity to see potential math course sequences (Integrated or Traditional) and course names for grades 9 to 12. Parents/guardians were asked to provide comments for the ARHS math department.

To see past presentations, information about the ARHS Math review, and answers to frequently asked questions please visit:http://www.arps.org/academics/teaching_and_learning/current_curriculum_work

If you have questions please contact Dr. Ian Stith at stithi@arps.org or Jane Mudie, ARHS Math Department Head, at mudiej@arps.org.

SEPAC at School Committee meeting Tues. Jan.13, 2015

Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting (SEPAC)Representing: Pelham Elementary, Amherst Elementary, and Amherst Regional Schools (PAARS) as well as students out of district.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Amherst Regional High School Library
7:10pm (approximate time of presentation based upon agenda)

Just want to inform community that SEPAC is making a brief presentation to the school committee. Meeting is open to all in the community!

Superintendent Geryk and ARPS administrators to speak at Jones Library

The Amherst League of Women Voters welcomes Superintendent Maria Geryk and ARPS administrators to participate in the popular series "How a Small Town Makes Big Things Happen".  Topics to be discussed are curriculum, equity and support programs for families.  The community is encouraged to attend this free event on Thursday, January 15 at 7-8:30pm in the Woodbury Room at the Jones Library.

La reunión de la tarde originalmente prevista para 14 de enero se ha trasladado al 21 de enero.

Comentario sobre la Revisión de Matemáticas de ARHS

La reunión de la tarde originalmente prevista para 14 de enero se ha trasladado al 21 de enero.

La reunión será el miércoles (21/01) 6:30-7:45 pm en la Biblioteca ARHS.

El propósito de la reunión es que los padres / tutores puedan ver la secuencia de cursos de matemáticas recomendado y currículo para los grados 9-12.

Reuniones previas: El lunes 8 de diciembre, se dio a cabo una reunión para orientar a los padres / tutores sobre los planes de estudio de matemáticas actualmente en revisión para aprobación en ARHS. La reunión comenzó con una breve presentación del proceso de revisión a este punto. La mayor parte de la reunión se dedicó a una exploración guiada de los planes de estudio.

El miércoles, 17 de diciembre de los padres / tutores tuvieron la oportunidad de ver secuencias potenciales de cursos de matemáticas (integrados o tradicional) y los nombres de los cursos para los grados 9 a 12. Los padres / tutores se les pidió proporcionar comentarios para el departamento de matemáticas de ARHS.

Para ver las presentaciones anteriores, más información sobre la revisión de Matemáticas en ARHS, y respuestas a las preguntas frecuentes por favor visite:

http://www.arps.org/academics/teaching_and_learning/current_curriculum_work

Si tiene alguna pregunta por favor póngase en contacto con el Dr. Ian Stith en stithi@arps.org o Jane Mudie,  Jefe del Departamento de Matemáticas en ARHS, en mudiej@arps.org .

ARHS Math Review date changed to January 21, 2015

Dear ARMS Families,

You are receiving this message as the parent/guardian of a student in grades 6-8. Please read below concerning the ongoing Math Curriculum Review at ARHS.

ARHS Math Review Update

The evening meeting originally planned for January 14^th has been moved to January 21^st.

The meeting will be Wednesday (1/21) 6:30 – 7:45 pm in the ARHS Library. 

The purpose of the meeting is for parents/guardians to see the recommended math course sequence and curriculum for grades 9 – 12.

Previous meetings: On Monday, December 8, a meeting was held to guide parents/guardians through the math curricula currently under review for adoption at ARHS. The meeting started with a brief presentation of the review process to this point. The majority of meeting was dedicated to a guided exploration of the curricula.

On Wednesday, December 17, parents/guardians had an opportunity to see potential math course sequences (Integrated or Traditional) and course names for grades 9 to 12. Parents/guardians were asked to provide comments for the ARHS math department.

To see past presentations, information about the ARHS Math review, and answers to frequently asked questions please visit:http://www.arps.org/academics/teaching_and_learning/current_curriculum_work

If you have questions please contact Dr. Ian Stith at stithi@arps.org or Jane Mudie, ARHS Math Department Head, at mudiej@arps.org.

Calvin Terrell, fundador y facilitador principal de "Social Centric" regresa a Amherst el domingo, 11 de enero.

Buenas Noches, Padres y Encargados: 

Calvin Terrell, fundador y facilitador principal de "Social Centric" regresa a Amherst el domingo, 11 de enero.  El proposito de su visita es re-crear la presentacion que hizo a los estudiantes de los grados 7 y 8 y 9 en octubre.  Todos  los padres y encargados estan invitados a esta presentacion gratuita que se llevara a cabo a partir de las 5 pm en el auditorio de la escuela intermedia (Calle Chestnut #170). Esta presentación es para los padres y tutores; por favor se abstengan de llevar a los alumnos a este evento. Si tiene alguna pregunta, favor de llamar a Kimberly Stender al 413-362-1825 o escribiendo a stenderk@arps.org. 

Coffee with Principal Mendonsa ARMS 2015-2016 Proposed Schedule Change

ARMS 2015-2016 Proposed Schedule Change 

This topic will also be discussed on Friday, January 9^th during the PGO Coffee with Principal Mendonsa beginning at 7:45 a.m. in the MS Professional Development Room.  Please review the links on the MS Webpage for more information:  http://arms.arps.org

The meeting begins at 7:45 a.m. and will end by 9 a.m.  If you cannot make the entire meeting, we hope that you can join us for a portion of the time. 

El jueves, 8 de enero habrá una reunión con los padres / guardianes para discutir el cambio de horario propuesto para el año escolar 2015-2016. Esta reunión tendrá lugar en la Biblioteca de ARMS de 7-8pm. En esta reunión, vamos a compartir el cambio de horario propuesto, así como responder a cualquier pregunta. Si usted no puede asistir a esta reunión, tendrá otra oportunidad el viernes, 9 de enero, durante el Café del Principal a partir de las 7:45am en la Sala de Desarrollo Profesional de la Escuela Intermedia, donde tocare el tema nuevamente.

Calvin Terrell, founder and lead facilitator of Social Centric, will return to Amherst on Sunday, January 11.

Good Evening Parents/Guardians: 

Calvin Terrell, founder and lead facilitator of Social Centric, will return to Amherst on Sunday, January 11. The purpose of this visit will be to re-create the presentation experienced by 7^th, 8^th and 9^th  grade students in October. All parents and guardians are invited to attend this free presentation, which is scheduled to begin at 5pm in the ARMS Auditorium (170 Chestnut Street). This presentation is meant for parents and guardians; please refrain from bringing students to this event. If you have questions, please contact Kimberly Stender at 413-362-1825 or stenderk@arps.org. 

Team Bond Hill -HELP is NEEDED for Festival of Lights

Team Bond Hill Families a friendly reminder

Important Message from Principal Marisa Mendonsa

Dear ARMS Community-

On Thursday, January 8^th, there will be a parent/guardian meeting to discuss the proposed schedule change for the 2015-2016 school year. This meeting will take place in the ARMS Library from 7-8 p.m. At this meeting, we will share the proposed schedule change as well as answer any questions. If you are unable to make this meeting, I will also discuss this on Friday, January 9^th during the Principal’s Coffee beginning at 7:45 a.m. in the MS Professional Development Room.

El jueves, 8 de enero habrá una reunión con los padres / guardianes para discutir el cambio de horario propuesto para el año escolar 2015-2016. Esta reunión tendrá lugar en la Biblioteca de ARMS de 7-8pm. En esta reunión, vamos a compartir el cambio de horario propuesto, así como responder a cualquier pregunta. Si usted no puede asistir a esta reunión, tendrá otra oportunidad el viernes, 9 de enero, durante el Café del Principal a partir de las 7:45am en la Sala de Desarrollo Profesional de la Escuela Intermedia, donde tocare el tema nuevamente.

Best,

Marisa Mendonsa

Dates to Remember / Fechas Importantes

Dates to Remember
Monday, January 5 – School Reopens

Tuesday, January 6 - PGO meeting at 6:30 in ARMS Library

Thursday, January 8 ^- Meeting to discuss the proposed schedule change for the 2015-2016 school year. This meeting will take place in the ARMS Library from 7-8 p.m.

Friday, January 9 – PGO Coffee with Principal Mendonsa - All Parents/Guardians are invited to join the PGO and Principal Mendonsa at 7:45 a.m. for coffee in the Professional Development Room here at ARMS. This is a great opportunity to hear about the middle school and share questions and ideas.

The meeting begins at 7:45 a.m. and will end by 9 a.m. If you cannot make the entire meeting, we hope that you can join us for a portion of the time.

Wednesday, January 14 – Early Release Day - Students are dismissed at 12 noon. Lunches will be served at ARMS.

Thursday, January 15 – School Council Meeting- 2:45-4:15 – MS Conference Room

Monday, January 19 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – School is Closed

Fechas Importantes
Lunes, 5 de enero – La escuela abre sus puertas
Martes 06 de enero - nuestra reunión PGO a las 6:30 PM en la biblioteca de la escuela intermedia ARMS.

El jueves, 8 de enero - Habrá una reunión con los padres / guardianes para discutir el cambio de horario propuesto para el año escolar 2015-2016. Esta reunión tendrá lugar en la Biblioteca de ARMS de 7-8pm.

Viernes, 9 de enero – Café del OPG con el principal Mendonsa – Se invita a todos los padres/guardianes a unirse al OPG y al Principal Mendonsa a las 7:45 a.m. para compartir un café en el Cuarto de Desarrollo Personal aquí en ARMS. Esta es una gran oportunidad para escuchar acerca de la escuela intermedia y compartir preguntas e ideas. La reunión terminara a las 9 a.m. Esperamos que pueda asistir aunque sea a una porción de la reunión.

Miércoles, 14 de enero – Día de salida temprana – Los estudiantes salen a las 12 del mediodía. Se proveerá almuerzo. En ARMS.

Jueves, 15 de enero – Reunión del Consejo Escolar- 2:45-4:15 – Salón de Conferencias de la escuela intermedia

Lunes, 19 de enero –Día de Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – No hay escuela

PGO Meeting is Tuesday January 6

PGO Meeting is Tuesday January 6

Come one, come all to our meeting January PGO meeting at 6:30 PM in the library at ARMS

¡Vengan todos a nuestra reunión del PGO, la organización de padres y familias. Es hoy. Martes 06 de enero a las 6:30 PM en la biblioteca de la escuela intermedia ARMS.

February Girls Lacrosse Camp

 Preseason Girls Lacrosse Camp at Smith College

The Smith College Women’s Lacrosse Team is hosting a women’s lacrosse preseason camp for girls of all skill level and ages 8-18. Whether you are a brand new player or an advanced player this is a great opportunity to shake off the rust from the winter, improve upon existing skills, learn more about the game, and get ready for the upcoming season.

Camp Details:

Directors: Assistant Coach Marcoux and Assistant Coach Wolford of the Smith College women's lacrosse team and Coach Kate Goldstein graduate assistant coach at Georgetown University.

Counselors: Smith College lacrosse players

When: Saturday and Sunday February 21st and 22nd 10am-4pm

Ages: 8-18

Skill Level: All Skill levels

Cost: 1 day 100$, 2 days 175$

~ Proceeds from event go to the women’s lacrosse program at Smith College ~

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girls-preseason-lacrosse-camp-at-smith-college-tickets-15093620425

Or contact Kate Goldstein at Keg75@georgetown.edu