Night on Broadway Postponed

Due to the impending storm,the ARMS Night on Broadway show is postponed until next Friday, April 7th at 7 PM.  Tickets are still available in the middle school office for the show- Students: $5; Adults: $8; Under 5- Free

Amherst School Building Project Update

March 30, 2017

To:       The Amherst Public School District staff and administration and the Amherst community,

From:  Phoebe Hazzard, Amherst School Committee Vice-Chair and Dr. Michael Morris, Interim Superintendent

While the proposed new schools building project failed to achieve a two-thirds majority in Tuesday's referendum vote, our district will continue to move forward and plan for ways to ensure that our schools remain the best teaching and learning environments possible for our students and staff. There is no question that there was a wide range of opinions and feelings about the project in our small community. But the rigorous and passionate debate leading up to the vote reinforced how deeply our community cares about our elementary schools. And, the activity around the referendum has sparked an upswell in civic involvement, with many district parents now engaging as elected participants in our local democratic system.

Though provocative, the conversation around the proposed building project has also made our community increasingly aware of persistent issues that educators, administrators, and school committees have been grappling with for years, particularly the challenging physical environment of the Fort River and Wildwood buildings, uneven socio-economic distribution of our families, lack of affordable preschool, and fiscal challenges. Our educators work every day to provide our children with outstanding educational experiences despite a challenging teaching environment. These problems remain unresolved, and as we move forward we must be committed to continuing to consider how to address them in the most fiscally responsible and timely manner possible.

The Amherst School Committee will hold its next public meeting on April 25th at 6:00 p.m., at which we will likely discuss next steps. Interim Superintendent Dr. Morris will move forward with requests for the town to fund the outstanding capital repairs needed at Fort River and Wildwood, beginning with $500,000 to replace the Wildwood boiler. The district will also request $115,000 to conduct a site and building assessment at the Fort River School to inform discussion about the future potential of that site.

As we begin this next chapter, we’d like to express a sincere thank you to the members of the School Building Committee for their hundreds of hours of work on the proposed school buildings project.

ARPS SEPAC Autism Awareness Event

Autism Awareness Night

When: April 13, 2017
6:00 pm-7:30pm

Where: ARHS Library

RSVP needed*

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee) and the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools have teamed up to host an Autism Awareness Night.

Current middle/high school students and post-graduate panelists will be in small groups, talking about their experience with Autism, its strengths and challenges, what helps/what doesn’t, and other interesting discussion topics, such as Autism as a disability versus difference.

We will also feature an art installation of Autism Awareness posters and a literature table.

*Please RSVP by April 10th to Nancy Stewart at sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255. Event is free and open to the public.

Learn About Threats to the Safety Net

LEARN ABOUT THREATS TO THE SAFETY NET: A Community Conversation in collaboration with the Amherst League of Women Voters

Wednesday, April 5

6:30pm-8pm

at the Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road, North Amherst on the #33 bus

Presenters:

Michael Knapik, Director of Governor Baker’s Western MA Regional Office

Keith Barnicle, Regional Manager for Congressman Jim McGovern

Michelle Geoffroy, Advocacy, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

Daffodil Fun Run- Early Bird Registration Ends 4/1

The Daffodil Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run

Sunday, April 30, 2017

10:00 AM

Kendrick Park, Amherst

Registration costs before April 1st:

5K Run Adult: $25,  Student: $18,  Child (under 12): $8

Join the fun in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County! The Daffodil Run is a community event for all ages and abilities.  Run or walk, enjoy entertainment, food and more.  Register before April 1st for early bird rates and an event t-shirt.  Registration is live on RaceWire.com. Visit our web site for more details or call 413-259-3345.

Visit www.chd.or/DaffodilRun

ACLU Summer Advocacy Seminar- Apply by April 7

Know any young civil liberties superstars in high school? Encourage them to apply to the ACLU’s Summer Advocacy Institute!

The ACLU is now accepting applications for a week long advocacy training and leadership development seminar at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from July 29 – August 5, 2017. The ACLU Summer Advocacy Institute will bring together a diverse group of high school juniors and seniors from across the United States to participate in an advanced, firsthand learning experience for the next generation of social justice advocates. Through an intensive eight-day program, students will learn directly from lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and other experts working to defend the civil rights and liberties critical to a free and open society.

Students will be immersed in the real world of political and legal decision-making in Washington, D.C., as they explore the complex nature of defending and advancing civil liberties in our current society. Students will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials and community organizers as well as participate in classroom sessions, lectures, daily debates, and workshops with civil rights pioneers and other current youth activists.

If you know of any young civil liberties activists that might be interested in the Institute, please encourage them to apply!

Applications are due by Friday, April 7, and scholarships are available!

For any questions or to request a code to waive the application fee, please contactsummerinstitute@aclu.org. Thank you for spreading the word and helping us find the next generation of civil liberties advocates!

Amherst Charter Commission - April Workshops

Amherst residents will have an opportunity to respond to the specific proposals for changing Amherst government that the Amherst Charter Commission has developed in response to input from many residents, Amherst town staff, elected officials and committees, as well as perspectives and beliefs of the individual commissioners.

The first round of “listening workshops” sought broad input on any and all topics of concern and passion to participants.  Few feedback sessions have been scheduled for the spring. During these sessions, we will describe the elements of the draft charter, and seek your input on the potential organization of the legislative and executive branches, along with the citizen participation mechanisms we have added into the draft charter.All sessions will be in the Jones Library's Woodbury Room.

All workshops will be held in the Jones Library Woodbury Room (basement of the Jones library).  They are scheduled for different times of day in hopes there will be a time that is convenient for most people.  Modest refreshments will be served.
·           April 5, 10:00 – 12:00
·           April 11, Tuesday 7:00 – 9:00

You can also provide feedback in other ways:

• Send an email to the entire Charter Commission by emailing charter@amherstma.gov.
• Complete the Feedback Session Comment Form (print out and email back to us, or drop off at the Town Manager's Office; there will be an online form of similar content available soon)
• Complete the Public Input Form, by clicking here.

Statement from School Committee Chairs Regarding Superintendent Search

On Tuesday, March 21, the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and the Union 26 Committee, meeting jointly, unanimously decided to postpone the search for a permanent superintendent of schools until fall 2017.  The committees will name an interim superintendent to serve for the 2017-2018 academic year, with a permanent superintendent to start on July 1, 2018.  Dr. Michael Morris has served as interim superintendent during the current academic year.

The committees deliberated about how best to proceed with the search for a new district superintendent following the news last week that the search firm hired to conduct the process on behalf of the district had inappropriately requested criminal background information from applicants. The committees had a thorough and deliberate discussion in which members balanced multiple issues, including the desire for a new educational leader, confidence in the current search firm, resources expended to date, the timing of the search, and the strong need to have a permanent superintendent who has the full confidence of the community and the committees.

The committees strongly believe that postponing the search until fall 2017, which would follow the typical calendar for superintendent searches, gives our district the best opportunity to ensure a better pool of qualified and diverse candidates than if we restarted the search immediately.  The committees also intend to work closely with the district’s human resources staff and Ray & Associates, the search firm, to ensure that a new search would adhere to all Massachusetts employment and discrimination laws, as well as achieve a standard of excellence that we expect for a search of this importance.  We are committed to bringing regular updates to the committees and the public as we restart the search process during the next few months.

Our committees have expressed how deeply they value input from the community in matters related to the governance of our school district, and continue to be interested in the full participation of the community. We hope that the volunteers who stepped forward to help with the screening of candidates and the broader search will continue to be interested in participating when we pick up this process again in the fall.

We are grateful to interim superintendent Dr. Morris and the district leadership team for their support during this search process. The committees will continue to work with our interim superintendent and other district leaders to ensure that we have a stable, robust educational plan in place for the next school year. We also will continue to work closely with our talented and dedicated educators, principals and other staff to ensure the continued success of our students and schools.

———–

El martes, 21 de marzo, el Comité Escolar Regional de Amherst-Pelham y el Comité de la Unión 26, reunidos conjuntamente, decidieron por unanimidad aplazar la búsqueda de un superintendente permanente de escuelas hasta el otoño de 2017. Los comités nombrarán a un superintendente interino para servir en el año académico 2017 -2018, con un superintendente permanente para comenzar el 1 de julio de 2018. El Dr. Michael Morris ha servido como superintendente interino durante el año académico actual.

Los comités deliberaron sobre la mejor manera de proceder con la búsqueda de un nuevo superintendente de distrito tras la noticia de la semana pasada que la firma de búsqueda contratada, para llevar a cabo el proceso en nombre del distrito, había solicitado de manera inapropiada información de antecedentes penales de los solicitantes. Los comités tuvieron una discusión minuciosa y deliberada en la que los miembros han equilibrado múltiples cuestiones, entre ellas el deseo de un nuevo líder educativo, la confianza en la empresa de búsqueda actual, los recursos gastados hasta la fecha, el momento de la búsqueda y la fuerte necesidad de tener un Superintendente que tenga la plena confianza de la comunidad y de los comités.

Los comités creen firmemente que posponer la búsqueda hasta el otoño de 2017, que seguiría el calendario típico de las búsquedas de superintendentes, da a nuestro distrito la mejor oportunidad de asegurar una mejor reserva de candidatos calificados y diversos, que si volvemos a iniciar la búsqueda inmediatamente. Los comités también tienen la intención de trabajar en estrecha colaboración con el personal de Recursos Humanos del Distrito y Ray & Associates, la firma de búsqueda, para asegurar que la nueva búsqueda se adhiera a todas las leyes de empleo y discriminación de Massachusetts, así como lograr el nivel de excelencia que esperamos para una búsqueda de esta importancia. Estamos comprometidos a llevar actualizaciones periódicas a los comités y al público mientras reiniciamos el proceso de búsqueda durante los próximos meses.

Nuestros comités han expresado lo mucho que valoran el aporte de la comunidad en los asuntos relacionados con la gobernanza de nuestro distrito escolar, y siguen interesados en la plena participación de la comunidad. Esperamos que los voluntarios que se ofrecieron para ayudar con la selección de los candidatos y la búsqueda más amplia sigan interesados en participar cuando retomemos este proceso de nuevo en el otoño.

Estamos agradecidos al superintendente interino Dr. Morris y al equipo de liderazgo del distrito por su apoyo durante este proceso de búsqueda. Los comités continuarán trabajando con nuestro superintendente interino y otros líderes del distrito para asegurar que tengamos un plan educacional estable y robusto establecido para el próximo año escolar. También continuaremos trabajando estrechamente con nuestros talentosos y dedicados educadores, directores y demás personal para asegurar el éxito continuo de nuestros estudiantes y nuestras escuelas.

Staff Appreciation Luncheon Next Week

Our annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon will take place next Wednesday, March 29 (an early release day) in the ARMS cafeteria.  

This is a really fun event, where we show ARMS teachers and staff our appreciation with a delicious buffet lunch, raffle prizes, thank you notes from the students and more. 

The event is an annual favorite and depends heavily on volunteers and contributions from ARMS families.  

Please visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054ca9a72ba57-arms to sign up to help out with this great event.

Keep Calm and Carry On: Helping Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety

On Thursday, March 30, the PGO is sponsoring a program with Mary Kate Oakley, M.A. From the Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences at UMASS about how to help kids manage stress and anxiety. 

 Topics will include how to tell the difference between normal stress and anxiety, how teens might respond to different situations, and concrete strategies that parents can use to help teens navigate these issues. 

The program will take place at 7:00 p.m. In the ARMS library.  Please join us for this interesting and timely event – just in time to help your kids manage the stress of MCAS testing, which starts the following week.

Got a dirty dog?

Mud season is upon us and that means our canine friends may be in need of a bath.  

If you visit the Amherst Dog Wash (321 Main Street, at the corner of Dickinson) on Sunday  March 19th or Sunday March 26 for a full- or self-service dog wash, or bring your dog in for grooming any day between March 19 and April 1, the ARMS PGO will get 10% of the cost of your visit.  

Please see the flier for more details by clicking here, or call 413-253-WASH(9274).

Call for Nominations: 2016-17 ARMS Educator Award

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016-17 ARMS Educator Award. The annual award honors an educator who embodies the ARMS core values and demonstrates their commitment to supporting their colleagues, their students, and their community.

Although the award recognizes only one individual each year, the process helps raise community awareness of the wonderful ARMS staff and the activities and accomplishments of the middle school community as a whole.

Nominations can be made by parents, by other teachers or staff, and by students.

Click here for more information about the award. For the nomination form, please click here.The deadline for nominations is April 15th, 2017.

SEPAC Training: Youth Mental Health First Aid

FREE Workshop

Date: April 5th and April 12th

Where: Amherst Regional High School Library
Time: 5:00pm-9:00pm
To Register: Nancy Stewart email: sepac@arps.org or call 413-687-4255

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. Identified on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the training helps the public better identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses. Any adult is welcome to attend.

(Must attend both days and pre-register; limited to 25 participants.)

Mental Health First Aid_English

Mental Health First Aid_Spanish

PGO Pancake Breakfast at the VFW this Saturday

The Amherst Regional Public Schools PGOs representing  Crocker Farm - Fort River - Wildwood- Amherst Regional Middle School and Amherst Regional High School

Invite YOU to our Pancake Breakfast at the the Earl J Sanders VFW Post 754 487 Main St, Amherst, MA 

Date: Saturday, March 25th from 8am - 11am 

Tickets: Adults $8 - Seniors $5 - Kids 2-12 $4 - 
Families $20   *under 2 years old free

Enjoy: Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage, Fruit, Baked Goods, Juice, Milk, & Coffee

The proceeds will be benefit snack programs at each school. 

Mark Your Calendars

March 25- PGO/ VFW Pancake Breakfast; CF Indoor Tag Sale
March 29- Early Release Day 
March 30 - Keep Calm and Carry On: Teens and Anxiety Speaker
March 31- Night on Broadway Show
April 4- MCAS ELA 7-8th grade (tentative)
April 6- MCAS ELA 7-8th grade (tentative) 
April 7- Trimester 2 Report Cards Distributed
April 10- Quarter 4 Begins 
April 11- MCAS ELA 7-8th grade (tentative)  
April 14- Good Friday- No School
April 15- Deadline to Nominate an ARMS Educator for PGO Educator Award
April 17 - 21: Spring Break- No School 
April 24- SMILES Dentist at ARMS
April 25- MCAS Math
April 27- MCAS Math  

First Annual Civics Fest

The First Annual Civics Fest celebrating government and politics on Friday, March 24, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium. 

This event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Amherst, will include food, music, theater and competition. The theme for the 2017 event will be “American Institutions”. State Representative Solomon Goldstein-Rose will preside as Master of Ceremonies.

Crocker Farm Tag Sale this Saturday

The Crocker Farm PGO will host an indoor tag sale on

Saturday, May 25th from 

9 AM - 1 PM  (no early birds, please)

Crocker Farm School, 280 West Street, Amherst

All proceeds will benefit CF 6th grade graduation.

Register Now: Daffodil Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run

The Daffodil Run 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run

Sunday, April 30, 2017

10:00 AM

Kendrick Park, Amherst

Registration costs before April 1st:

5K Run Adult: $25,  Student: $18,  Child (under 12): $8

Join the fun in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County! The Daffodil Run is a community event for all ages and abilities.  Run or walk, enjoy entertainment, food and more.  Register before April 1st for early bird rates and an event t-shirt.  Registration is live on RaceWire.com. Visit our web site for more details or call 413-259-3345.

Visit www.chd.or/DaffodilRun

The Valley’s Got Talent - A Benefit for Amherst Senior Center

The Pioneer Valley is home to many gifted and creative people of all ages who will showcase their talent at the First Annual "The Valley's Got Talent" Competition.  

There will be a panel of six judges who decide the top three winners along with your help- audience participation.  

All proceeds will benefit the Amherst Seniors.    


1st Prize $1000, 2nd Prize $500, 3rd Prize $250!

 Sunday, March 26th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm 

Buckley Recital Hall- Amherst College.  

Tickets are available at the Amherst Senior Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst.  Adults- $15; Students and Children- $7.   

For more information:  Contact: 413-813-7041 or the Amherst Senior Center at 413-259-3860 valleysgottalentcompetition@gmail.com

Election Day Food Drive

You can donate food to your neighbors when you vote at the Amherst townwide election on Tuesday, March 28th. 

At polling places throughout the town of Amherst from 7am to 8pm, look for the Amherst Survival Center food drive barrels for this ELECTION DAY FOOD DRIVE.  Participate in local democracy *and* help our neighbors in need, everyone wins! Thank you!

https://www.facebook.com/events/283732728724309/

ACLU Summer Advocacy Seminar

Know any young civil liberties superstars in high school? Encourage them to apply to the ACLU’s Summer Advocacy Institute!

The ACLU is now accepting applications for a week long advocacy training and leadership development seminar at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from July 29 – August 5, 2017. The ACLU Summer Advocacy Institute will bring together a diverse group of high school juniors and seniors from across the United States to participate in an advanced, firsthand learning experience for the next generation of social justice advocates. Through an intensive eight-day program, students will learn directly from lawyers, lobbyists, community activists, and other experts working to defend the civil rights and liberties critical to a free and open society.

Students will be immersed in the real world of political and legal decision-making in Washington, D.C., as they explore the complex nature of defending and advancing civil liberties in our current society. Students will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials and community organizers as well as participate in classroom sessions, lectures, daily debates, and workshops with civil rights pioneers and other current youth activists.

If you know of any young civil liberties activists that might be interested in the Institute, please encourage them to apply!

Applications are due by Friday, April 7, and scholarships are available!

For any questions or to request a code to waive the application fee, please contactsummerinstitute@aclu.org. Thank you for spreading the word and helping us find the next generation of civil liberties advocates!

Amherst College Splash Registration Now Open

It’s that time of the year again! Registration for Splash! Spring 2017 is now open.

Amherst Splash is a one day event where middle and high school students take classes taught by Amherst College students. This year, Splash! will be held on Saturday, April 15th from 9am to 4pm.

 

We are thrilled to debut an awesome course catalog. This year features old favorites like How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube, as well as exciting new options like Introduction to Sailing and Minimal Logic. View the full list of classes here: https://amherstsplash.learningu.org/learn/Splash/2017_Spring/catalog Each student will register for 5 hour-long classes (one of which must be lunch), which are filled on a first come, first serve basis! There is a $10 registration fee that will cover all five courses, materials, and lunch. Scholarships available on request.

Register for Splash! here: https://amherstsplash.learningu.org/learn/register.html

Registration will be closing on Monday, April 10th at midnight! If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at amherstsplash@gmail.com.

Amherst Charter Commission - Upcoming Workshops

Amherst residents will have an opportunity to respond to the specific proposals for changing Amherst government that the Amherst Charter Commission has developed in response to input from many residents, Amherst town staff, elected officials and committees, as well as perspectives and beliefs of the individual commissioners.

The first round of “listening workshops” sought broad input on any and all topics of concern and passion to participants.  Few feedback sessions have been scheduled for the spring. During these sessions, we will describe the elements of the draft charter, and seek your input on the potential organization of the legislative and executive branches, along with the citizen participation mechanisms we have added into the draft charter.All sessions will be in the Jones Library's Woodbury Room.

All workshops will be held in the Jones Library Woodbury Room (basement of the Jones library).  They are scheduled for different times of day in hopes there will be a time that is convenient for most people.  Modest refreshments will be served.
·           March 30, Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00
·           April 5, 10:00 – 12:00
·           April 11, Tuesday 7:00 – 9:00

You can also provide feedback in other ways:

• Send an email to the entire Charter Commission by emailing charter@amherstma.gov.
• Complete the Feedback Session Comment Form (print out and email back to us, or drop off at the Town Manager's Office; there will be an online form of similar content available soon)
• Complete the Public Input Form, by clicking here.

Benefit for Whole Children at Barnes & Noble with Cammie McGovern

ARHS parent and acclaimed author Cammie McGovern will be part of a benefit fundraiser for Whole Children on April 1 at Barnes and Noble in Hadley.

Cammie will read from her latest book, Chester and Gus, at 12:00 pm. Other events including performances by the Milestones theater troupe and the Joyful Chorus will also take place during the day.

If you shop at Barnes and Noble in person on April 1, or online at BN.com between April 1-5, use code 12106027 and Whole Children will receive part of the proceeds.

Thanks for your support of this wonderful local organization that  benefits so many of our families!

Bicycle Camp for Individuals with Disabilities Now Accepting Applications

iCan Shine is a non-profit organization that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through it’s iCan Bike program.  This five-day camp, requiring riders to attend only one 75-minute session per day, is taking place August 13th – 18th, 2017 at the Cambridge War Memorial.

iCan Shine is a non-profit organization that collaborates with local organizations to host camps in their communities.  This camp is being hosted by local high school students Nina Katz-Christy and Zaida Block in collaboration with the Cambridge Recreation Department.

iCan Shine uses adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteers. With 75 minutes of instruction over five days, over 80% of riders learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently by the end of camp.

To be eligible to enroll, riders must be at least eight years old, have a disability and be able to walk without an assistive device such as a walker or cane.  Riders must be able to side-step quickly to both sides.  Riders must have a minimum inseam measurement of 20 inches and weigh no more than 220 pounds.

Cost of the camp is $250. Rider Registration and Volunteer Registration forms can be found at: http://icanshine.org/ican-bike-cambridge-ma/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: icanbikecambridgema@gmail.com