Stalight Youth Theater Sall Show Dates

Starlight Youth Theater is holding their Fall Shows for all ages in the coming weeks.   All shows will be held at Maple Ridge Community Center- Free and Open to all (except Machinal which deals with a sensitive subject and is not suitable for audiences younger than 7th grade)

• Too Much Noise - Saturday Nov. 5th 9:15am  presented by our K-2nd grade students
• The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe - Saturday Nov. 5th 2:00pm presented by our 3rd-5th grade students
• The Secret Garden - Friday Dec. 2nd - 7:00pm presented by our 6th-8th grade students
• Machinal - Saturday Dec. 3rd - 7:00pm presented by our 9th-12th grade students

The Puzzle of Parenting- Community Resources Fair

Dates: 11.12.16
Time: 11:00am-1:00 pm
Location: Jones Library   - 43 Amity Street, Amherst

We will share information on existing community resources, which are of great support to families with children. It is also a great opportunity to meet other families. 

All families are welcome.

Please note: the fair providers are bilingual (Spanish and English)

This Event is free and open to public and does not require prior registration.

If you wish you can register by phone: 413.570.3061. Tell us who will be coming and the age of any child needing childcare.

E-MAIL: earlychildhood@collaborative.org  ONLINE: collaborative.org/programs/early-childhood/parents
We have free childcare and will be available throughout the entire event. 



Fecha: Sábado 12 de Noviembre, 2016 Hora: 11:00am-1:00 pm Lugar: Biblioteca Jones               43 Amity Street, Amherst Vamos a Compartir información sobre los recursos existentes en la comunidad y que son de gran apoyo a las familias con hijos.  También es una gran oportunidad para conocer a otras familias.  

Todas las familias son bienvenidas. 

Tenga en cuenta que los proveedores de la feria son bilingües (Español e Inglés).  

Este Evento es gratuito y abierto al público y no es necesario registrarse previamente 

Si lo deseas puedes registrarte al Teléfono: 413.570.3061. 

Dinos quienes vendrán y la edad de cualquier niño que necesite cuidado de niños.  

O al correo electrónico: earlychildhood@collaborative.org O en línea: Collaborative.org/programs/early-childhood/parents
Tenemos cuidado de niños gratuito y estará disponible durante todo el evento. 

Dr. Ruth Potee Presentation at ARHS Now Online

Last month, Dr Ruth Potee, Chair of the Healthcare Solutions Committee of the Franklin County/North Quabbin Opioid Task Force, spoke to the ARHS Community about Adolescents and Addiction and Rising Opioid / Marijuana Use.  The powerful presentation sparked ARHS Community dialogue about how we as a school and broader community think about teenage use and abuse of marijuana, pain pills and other drugs.  

To view the presentation, click here.

The event was jointly sponsored by the ARHS PGO, SPIFFY[The Strategic Planning Initiative for Families and Youth] and the Town of Amherst.



Dr Potee Substance Abuse Presentation

Halloween at ARMS

 Halloween is on Monday October 31st. Students are allowed to wear costumes to school. We have some guidelines:

•  The regular clothing rules apply with the exception that hats may be worn. 
• No masks are allowed to be worn in school, as they prevent identification.
• Minimal face paint is allowed - again, we need to be able to identify each other.
• Reminder - accessories such as toy weapons or other dangerous "toy" objects are not allowed.
• If something is distracting in the classroom an ARMS staff member can ask the student to remove the item or put the accessory away.

• ARMS got ready for a door decorating contest today. Students are voting tomorrow! Advisories and some classes did the decorating.
  
  
  We look forward to a creative, fun and safe Halloween.

Winter Sports Registration Ending Soon

Next Tuesday, November 1st as the last day to sign up for winter registration.  Amherst Regional Middle School is happy to offer the following sports for the Winter 2016-2017 season:

• Girls JV Basketball (ARHS) (8th Grade)

• Boys - Alpine Skiing ARHS - (7th & 8th Grade)

• Marching Band

To register online, click here.  Or visit: https://www.familyid.com/organizations/amherst-pelham-regional-schools

Winter Season begins Monday, November 28th, 2016 and ends February 27, 2017.

The Athletic Department will hold a Winter Sports Information Night for Parents/Guardians & Athletes  on November 9th  at 6:30 p.m. in ARHS Cafe.

ARMS Walk-a-Thon for Syrian Refuges

On Monday, Nov 7th  ARMS will host a Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser to support Syrian Refugees.  Ms Carey and Mr Osorio are facilitating this school wide effort.  

Students will walk a course on school property during their D period class. Students are responsible for getting permission from their classroom teacher and collecting donations. Permission is at teacher's discretion based on the student's academic performance in that D period class. 

Donations are anywhere from $1.00 to $10.00. Sponsor sheets are available from advisors. (Team Wolf students may count their walk to their field trip that day as a walk-a-thon, and they may collect donations to participate in the fundraiser!)

AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. 

To sign up either:

Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-4510327 for your Amazon shopping and ARMS will earn 0.5% of your purchases.

or

Go to https://smile.amazon.com.  Scroll down to “Select a charity to start shopping” Search for Amherst Regional Public Schools.  Click select.

Already use AmazonSmile and want to change your AmazonSmile charity to benefit our school?  Simply go to Charity button. Search for “Amherst Regional Public Schools Parent Guardian Organization” -> Click Select.

SEPAC Workshop: Supporting Teens with Executive Functioning Challenges

Does your child struggle to keep track of and complete assignments?  Are needed materials often lost or left at school?  Is homework completed, only to be lost before your child can turn it in?  These are all challenges associated with executive functioning challenges.  Come learn about the brain-based source of these challenges, as well as interventions and strategies that can help students plan and organize their academic work. There will be a presentation along with an opportunity to ask questions!

Guest Speakers:

Raloon Bialek, ARHS Special Education Teacher

and Denise Green, ARHS School Psychologist

Date:  Monday November, 14th
Time:  5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Amherst Regional High School Library- 21 Mattoon Street, Amherst

RSVP: Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Nancy Stewart (sepac@arps.org) or 413-687-4255

Childcare can be provided if given notice one week ahead of time.

To view the flyer:  sepac-flyers-for-11-14-16

ARMS Fall Ask

The ARMS PGO is a nonprofit organization whose membership includes all parents, guardians and staff at ARMS>  Our mission is to create a supportive and welcoming community for all students, families, teachers and staff.  The pgo is run by a small, but dedicated, group of parent volunteers.  While we organize fundraising events during the year, we also rely heavily on the support of ARMS families.  Please  click here to see how you can help.

Mark Your Calendars

Oct 24th: SMILES Dentist At ARMS
Oct 25th: Community Conversation with Principal Bode
Nov. 1st: Picture Retake Day
Nov 7th: Quarter 2 Classes Begin; ARMS Walk-a-Thon to Support Syrian Refugees
Nov 8th: All Teacher Curriculum Day- No School
Nov 11th: Veteran's Day- No School
Nov 23^rd – Nov 25^th:  Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Nov 29th: GivingTuesday
Dec 2nd: Merry Maple

ARPS Survey of Military Families

from ARPS regarding Survey of Military Families:

Dear Guardian,

Amherst Regional Public Schools is conducting a survey to determine which members of the Amherst community are children of a military family according to the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3). Your participation in the survey is voluntary and is being conducted in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. If you currently have a student attending Amherst Regional Public Schools, please take a moment to complete this online survey at the following address:

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

For more information on how this information is used to support children of military families, please visit MIC3 at http://www.mic3.net.

Thank you for your support,
Amherst Regional Public Schools

Amherst LSSE Youth Basketball League

Amherst LSSE offers a youth basketball league for all Grades k – 12.

First Event: Jamboree on Saturday, December 10, 2016
Games Start: Saturday, January 7 2017

Game Schedules: http://www.quickscores.com/amherstmaades 9-12
Please check your emails and http://www.quickscores.com/amherstma for additional updates.


For more information, please click here or see the flyers below:

aybl-16-17-flyer-spanish
aybl-16-17-flyer

Shutesbury Community Visioning Workshops

All Shutesbury residents are invited to participate in Community Visioning Workshops hosted by the Master Plan Working Group.

Thursday, Nov. 3rd and Monday, Dec. 5th, 7 pm at Shutesbury Elementary School

Attendance at both workshops is encouraged but not required!

What’s YOUR vision for the future?

The Town of Shutesbury is seeking community input to develop a 10-year vision for the Town. This process will work to better understand what matters to the community to identify a shared vision which will guide town priorities and provide a foundation for future planning.

Questions? Want to volunteer? email: mpwg@shutesbury.org

More information is available here, http://www.shutesbury.org/master_plan_working_group

Amherst Splash Next Weekend

Amherst Splash is happening this November 5th!  Registration ends Nov 1st!

Splash is a one–day event at Amherst College, where middle and high school students learn anything from Masks of the World to How People Make Money to Harry Potter: A Chamber of Secrets to Instant Chinese to Beat–boxing, all taught by college students!

When:
Saturday, November 5th 2016, 9am–3pm at Converse Hall, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002
A $10 fee includes course supplies and lunch. Scholarships are available.
CLICK HERE to sign up for your Splash! courses.
See Fall 2016 course descriptions
Download MANDATORY Liability Waiver Form

Here's the registration link to get you started:
https://amherstsplash.learningu.org/learn/index.html

Please invite all your friends and pass the information along to anyone interested! Additionally, we are now on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/splashamherst) so give us a like and get a chance to see updates and what happens behind the scenes with us :)


Cheers,
The Amherst Splash! Team

Vote Early!

Vote Early!  For the first time in Mass. Voters will be able to cast their ballots before Election Day.  You may cast your vote early at any early voting location.  Please go to the following web site for more information www.sec.state.ma.us .  Select your town and the locations and dates are listed.  The dates are Oct. 24^th – Nov. 4^th, 2016. – Once you enter your town, there is a grid that indicates date, time, location and address of your choice.
In Amherst, Early Voting is going on now until November 4, 2016 at Town Hall.  Hours for Early Voting will be 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (including Thursdays when the Town Clerk’s office is normally closed to the public).
Early Voting will also be held on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the following locations:

• North Fire Station, 603 East Pleasant St
• Munson Memorial Library, 1046 S East St

Voters registered in Amherst can vote at any of these locations .
Are you interested in voting early? Please check your voting status prior to voting, whether at your precinct polling place on Election Day, or at an Early Voting location. If your voting registration is in Inactive Status, or you are required to show ID at the polls, please call the Town Clerk’s office at 413-259-3035 for assistance.

Holiday Happenings in Amherst – DEC. 3rd!

Not one, but TWO fun holiday shopping events benefitting community churches PLUS 20% discounts at many local stores and restaurants! (Visit http://www.amherstdowntown.com)

St. Nicholas Bazaar – Grace Episcopal Church (on the Common) 9am-3pm 14 Boltwood Ave.
Marketplace – Antiques and Collectibles, White Elephant, Toys and Games, Holiday Decorations,Baked Goods, Fresh Wreaths, Books, CDs & DVDs, Textiles, Framed Art, and Handmade gifts.
Lunch – Chili and fixings with beverage and brownie.
For more information go to http://www.gracechurchamherst.org or contact jobrien82@gmail.com

Stone Soup Bazaar & Cafe – Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst 10am-4pm 121 N. Pleasant Street
Arts and Crafts Fair – pottery, fabrics, wood, jewelry, mixed-media prints, greeting cards, photography, artisan soaps, honey, gourmet brownies and more. Parents, grandparents and people of all ages are sure to find that special something for the people on their list.
Raffles – themed gift baskets and congregation made queen-size quilt. Food – homemade soups and breads.
For more information go to http://www.uusocietyamherst.org or contact sandysladen@gmail.com
MAKE A DAY OF IT!

First "Conversation with the Principal" – Wednesday, October 26

This year, the PGO will be sponsoring quarterly Conversations with the Principal, to allow families to spend some time with our new principal, Patty Bode, and discuss topics of interest to middle school students and families.  Our first Conversation will take place on Wednesday, October 26, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the ARMS library.  Come for a chance to meet our new principal, ask questions, and discuss topics that are on your mind. Principal Bode will lead a discussion on Technology Rights and Responsibilities for teens in a digital age.  Refreshments will be served and child care will be available during the meeting.

Primera "Conversación con el  Director- Miércoles, 26 de Octubre de 2016

Este año, el PGO será el patrocinador de conversaciones trimestrales con el director, para permitir que las familias pasen algún tiempo con nuestra nueva Directora, Patty Bode, y traten temas de interés para los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria y familias. Nuestra primera conversación se llevará a cabo el miércoles 26 de Octubre de 18:30-19:30 en la biblioteca de ARMS. Vamos a comentar sobre  los Derechos y Responsabilidades de Tecnología para los adolescentes en la era digital, así como cualquier otro tema que pueda estar en su mente. Se servirán refrescos y el cuidado de niños estará disponible durante la reunión.  

ARMS PGO Pie Fundraiser - Orders are Due on Wed. Oct. 26

Thanksgiving is just a month away...and a perfect time of the year for pies. If your students didn't receive the PGO pie fundraiser flyer or it's buried in their backpack, you can download a copy here.

The pies are $15 each and handmade with fruit from Small Ones Farm (owned by an ARMS family). 20% of the cost of each pie will benefit the ARMS PGO Grant program. Orders are due on Wednesday, October 26.

The Advisory that sells the most pies will win a pie and ice cream party!

ARMS PGO Grant Artist In Residence: Samirah Evans

Samirah Evans will be coming to ARMS on Wednesday, October 26th, as the recipient of the first ARMS PGO Artist in Residence Grant.

Artist in Residence Schedule:

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 Day 3 of ARMS Calendar

Two, one hour assemblies:

7th GRADE: 11:40-12:45 (Advisory and E Period)

8th GRADE:     10:30-11:35 (C Period and Advisory)

If possible, please send in with your student (or mail) a donation to ARMS  by Friday, October 21st. We are asking for $1.00-$2.00 as a donation although any amount (larger or smaller) would be greatly appreciated.  If your child is bringing in money, please have him/her give it to Ms. Gomes in Room C-5 or Mr. Ranen in the music department.  

Please make checks payable to ARMS and earmark with the memo “Artist in Residence Donation.”  

Thank you in advance for your generosity in supporting performing arts enrichment at ARMS.      

For more information, click here.

-ARMS Music Department and ARMS English Department

ARMS Fall Ask

The ARMS PGO is a nonprofit organization whose membership includes all parents, guardians and staff at ARMS>  Our mission is to create a supportive and welcoming community for all students, families, teachers and staff.  The pgo is run by a small, but dedicated, group of parent volunteers.  While we organize fundraising events during the year, we also rely heavily on the support of ARMS families.  Please  click here to see how you can help.

ARMS PGO Fall Ask

The ARMS PGO is a nonprofit organization whose membership includes all parents, guardians and staff at ARMS>  Our mission is to create a supportive and welcoming community for all students, families, teachers and staff.  The pgo is run by a small, but dedicated, group of parent volunteers.  While we organize fundraising events during the year, we also rely heavily on the support of ARMS families.  Please  click here to see how you can help.

ARMS Chorus Fundraiser

ARMS Chorus fundraiser through Coffee Sales has launched. We are selling organic, fair trade coffee and hot chocolate from Pierce Bros Coffee Roasters. 

Item include "Fog-Buster coffee" for $13 per bag;  "Hurricane blend De-Caf" for $15 per bag;  Hot Cocoa mix  for $10 per bag. 

See our Chorus Kids or Dave Ranen to place an order ranend@arps.org

ARPS Warm Winter Clothing Share

To help everyone stay warm this winter, the Amherst/ ARPS School Parent and Guardian Organizations are collecting winter clothing for distribution to school and community families. Please take a look in your closets for winter clothing to contribute.

 We are seeking donations of clean, gently used winter clothing in ALL sizes (kids & adults) 

* coats       * snow pants       * snow boots      * hats 

* mittens    * gloves              * scarves           * snowsuits

 

This year ARMS will host a Winter Clothing Drive Collection from November 1st - 17th; details coming soon. 

Winter Sports Registration...Going on Now!

Amherst Regional Middle School is happy to offer the following sports for the Winter 2016-2017 season:

• Girls JV Basketball (ARHS) (8th Grade)

• Boys - Alpine Skiing ARHS - (7th & 8th Grade)

• Marching Band

November 1st as the last day to sign up for winter registration.  To register online, click here.  Or visit: https://www.familyid.com/organizations/amherst-pelham-regional-schools

Winter Season begins Monday, November 28th, 2016 and ends February 27, 2017.

The Athletic Department will hold a Winter Sports Information Night for Parents/Guardians & Athletes  on November 9th  at 6:30 p.m. in ARHS Cafe.

Interim Assistant Principal/ Teacher Alicia Lopez Honored

Alicia Lopez has been named as a Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Local Hero Award recipient! 

RMHC of CT and Western MA recently honored 10 area teachers with the 9th annual RMHC Local Hero Awards. The selected teachers from Connecticut and Western Massachusetts have all exhibited tremendous dedication to their profession and outstanding efforts in servicing their schools and communities.

To read more, click here.

Spirit Day at ARMS

Yesterday was Spirit Day at ARMS.  Many students and staff wore purple as a reminder of anti-bullying to support the LGBTQ community.  

For more information on this national day, visit: http://www.glaad.org/spiritday

 h

Mark Your Calendars

Oct 24th: SMILES Dentist At ARMS
Oct 25th: Community Conversation with Principal Bode
Nov. 1st: Picture Retake Day
Nov 7th: Quarter 2 Classes Begin
Nov 8th: All Teacher Curriculum Day- No School
Nov 11th: Veteran's Day- No School
Nov 23^rd – Nov 25^th:  Thanksgiving Break (No School)

ARPS PGO Public Meeting

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.  They will hold their Fall 2016 Public Meeting:

ARPS PGO

Fall Public Meeting

Tuesday, OCtober 25, 2016 at 3:30 PM

Crocker Farm Lobby

Agenda

Introductions

Individual School Updates

Taxes and State Filings

Financial Protocols

• Donation intake protocols

• Filing/Record Keeping

Group Fundraisers

• VFW Pancake Breakfast

• UMACC (United Way)

• Giving Tuesday

• Florence Bank

• Amazon Smile

Other Business not anticipated by the chair 48 Hours in advance

AEF Trivia Bee - Next Week!!

On October 27, 2016, for the 22nd year, the Amherst Education Foundation is holding the year’s pre-eminent contest of arcane trivia! AEF has been a supporter of social justice and teacher innovation in our schools for the past 22 years. This year’s Trivia Bee is part of that wonderful tradition, raising money for next year’s grants.

October 27, 2016
Amherst Middle School Auditorium
7pm-9pm
Admission: Free, but donations to AEF are welcomed 

Don’t miss this action-packed, fun, and educational event.
Ellen Story, our State Representative, will once again emcee the evening!
AEF Board members will be cooking up some healthy (and not so healthy) refreshments. You can win prizes during the special “Audience Trivia Game” and also there will be a raffle of donated items.
We hope you will join us on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 7:00pm in the Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium for a fun night of trivia, prizes and refreshments! Be a part of the buzzzzz!
If you have questions about the Bee including being on a team, please contact Meg Rosa, megrosa78@gmail.com or Clare Bertrand, clarebertrand@gmail.com.

Moon Song Success

"Moonsong" was performed by Ms.Bonifaz's students as a collection of starlight for early Autumn. 

Singers, Dancers, Actors, and Musicians illuminated a path to a brighter future with their energy and passion! It was a lovely, inspiring evening on Thursday, October 13th in our library. 

The students set up the whole library and organized the decorations themselves! 

Class Spotlight: French

This week in Madame Stankiewicz's French class, the students have been performing little puppet shows for which they have written their own scripts fully in French. Puppet shows are an inviting strategy for students to get used to getting up in front of the class and speaking a different language. The puppet shows were performed in our library as you can see here. Magnifique!  

Next PGO Meeting

Our next PGO meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18, at 6:30 pm in the ARMS library. Please join us to hear about upcoming events and activities and learn how you can get involved with the PGO.

Early Release Day on Wednesday

Reminder October 19, Wednesday is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 noon, after lunch. Teachers will be focused on their research questions in their inquiry groups that afternoon.

LGBTQ & Friends

For many years at ARMS, we have had a club called LGBTQ & Friends to support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning students and their friends and families. This year we decided to try something different.  Instead of a club, we will have a cafe that will meet during lunchtime and advisory on several Fridays during this school year.  Our first cafe will meet in the library on Friday, October 14.  Interested students will eat lunch and spend advisory time at the cafe.  

At the first meeting, students at the cafe will help plan our school recognition of Spirit Day. Spirit Day began in 2010 as a way to show support for LGBTQ youth and to take a stand against bullying. Spirit Day now occurs every year on the third Thursday in October, during National Bullying Prevention Month.

Join millions of people worldwide on October 20th in wearing purple, a color that symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag.  There will be purple ribbons available on that day for students and staff who do not own purple clothing but would like to take a stand against bullying.

First "Conversation with the Principal" – Wednesday, October 26 **Note Date Change**

This year, the PGO will be sponsoring quarterly Conversations with the Principal, to allow families to spend some time with our new principal, Patty Bode, and discuss topics of interest to middle school students and families.  Our first Conversation will take place on Wednesday, October 26, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the ARMS library.  Come for a chance to meet our new principal, ask questions, and discuss topics that are on your mind. Principal Bode will lead a discussion on Technology Rights and Responsibilities for teens in a digital age.  Refreshments will be served and child care will be available during the meeting.

Primera "Conversación con el  Director- Miércoles, 26 de Octubre de 2016

Este año, el PGO será el patrocinador de conversaciones trimestrales con el director, para permitir que las familias pasen algún tiempo con nuestra nueva Directora, Patty Bode, y traten temas de interés para los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria y familias. Nuestra primera conversación se llevará a cabo el miércoles 26 de Octubre de 18:30-19:30 en la biblioteca de ARMS. Vamos a comentar sobre  los Derechos y Responsabilidades de Tecnología para los adolescentes en la era digital, así como cualquier otro tema que pueda estar en su mente. Se servirán refrescos y el cuidado de niños estará disponible durante la reunión.