Sunday, November 26, 2017

Mark Your Calendars


  • Nov. 29: 8th Grade Concert at 7pm
  • Nov. 30: 8th Grade Field Trip to UMass
  • Dec. 5-7: ARMS Library’s Book Swap and Book Swap-Palooza

View ARPS 2017-18 Calendar


Books Needed for Book Swap! (Donate before Dec 5)

We’re having a BOOK SWAP in the ARMS Library, and BOOKS ARE NEEDED NOW!

What is a book swap? Donate books you no longer want and select free books that you can keep. Every student will get to take home at least 1 FREE book from the used books that are donated!

Kindly drop off donations in your English Class or the Library before December 5th. This is a great opportunity to recycle your gently-used books (appropriate for middle school readers, please).


7th Grade Parent/Guardian/Teacher Conference Sign-ups


From Principal Bode:

Dear Parents/Guardians of Seventh Grade Students,

We are pleased to invite you to participate in a conference with your student’s teacher to discuss their school experiences and how we may collaborate for ongoing success. Every year, after spending time getting to know our 7th grade students, we schedule parent/guardian conferences with all ARMS 7th grade families. Our goals are to share what we have learned and plan together how to maximize each student's success for the remainder of 7th grade and into the 8th grade year.


8th Grade Concert, This Wednesday, Nov. 29

8th Grade concert this week, on Wednesday, Nov 29 at 7:00 pm featuring all three ensembles: Band, Chorus, Orchestra! Please join us!


8th Grade Field Trip Reminder, Nov. 30

We are WALKING to the UMass Fine Arts Center on Thursday, Nov 30th to see the Underwater Bubble Show!
  1. Please wear outdoor attire that is appropriate for the 20-25 minute walk to UMass! 
  2. If you haven’t done so already, please send in your child’s permission slip on Monday, November 27.
About the Underwater Bubble Show
Plunge into a glistening blend of laser technology, snow cannons, soap-bubble tornadoes, and optical illusions as the effervescent Mr. B is transported to Bubblelandia, a blissful ocean utopia where colors explode and dreams take flight. Inspired by the artistry of Cirque du Soleil, this lavish Latvian production uses drama, mime, dance, puppetry, juggling, sand art, and theatrical magic to whisk families to an imaginary bubble world bursting with possibilities.

For more information, visit: UMass Fine Arts Center



Community Grants Program, Please Vote for ARPS


Each year, Florence Bank donates $100,000 to community non-profits through its Community Choice grants program. Each Florence Bank account holder is eligible to vote once for the community organization of their choice. All non-profits that get 50 or more votes receive a grant.

In 2016, the ARPS PGO received 52 votes and a donation of $947.00 which was used for classroom support, special projects, and more. This year, the PGOs of the ARPS PGO (CF, WW, ARMS, & ARHS) are campaigning jointly again to maximize our votes.

Some non-profits get up to $5,000 through the program.

The ARPS PGO is urging people to vote (at least consider voting for) for the "Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO," the name of our joint non-profit. 

There are 2 easy ways that people can vote:
  • Online - Visit https://www.florencebank.com/vote to view the online voting site & can cast a vote online for the "Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO." 
  • Paper Ballot - Templates attached. Ballots are also available at Florence Bank location. 
Voting is open until December 31st. 

For more information, visit: http://www.florencebank.com/vote

Teen Painting & Drawing Class

There are still a couple of spaces in the upcoming Teen Painting and Drawing class, starting this Thursday, November 30th!  It’s a great opportunity for teens to get involved in an enriching after school activity where they can engage in self expression in a supportive environment. The studio is right on North Pleasant, walking distance from the Amherst schools.  Spaces are limited -- register soon to ensure a spot in the class!

Detailed class descriptions and registration: https://www.joyartspace.com/classes-and-workshops

More information about Joy Art Space, visit: https://www.joyartspace.com



Not a school-sponsored program

Monday, November 20, 2017

Mark Your Calendars

November 22-24: Thanksgiving Break (no school)

School is closed for 3 full days for the Thanksgiving break: all day Wednesday, Nov 22; Thursday, Nov 23; Friday, Nov 24.

Final Day to Order, Online Store Closes Today Nov. 20

The ARMS PGO online Amherst merchandise store closes today, Monday, Nov. 20.

But act fast, because the store will be closing at midnight (so we can process the orders in time for the holidays). We’ve got lots of great Amherst merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, athletic tops, shorts, sweatpants (new!), hats, scarves, caps, bags, socks, and headbands. Something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Items will be available for distribution to ARMS students (or pickup in the ARMS office if you prefer) on December 8.


$5 from every item purchased goes directly to the ARMS PGO to help us fund programs and activities for ARMS students and families. If you have any questions about the store or merchandise, please contact us at armspgo@gmail.com.

Samples of some of the items will be on display in the ARMS office through November 20.


Community Grants Program, Please Vote for ARPS

Each year, Florence Bank donates $100,000 to community non-profits through its Community Choice grants program. Each Florence Bank account holder is eligible to vote once for the community organization of their choice. All non-profits that get 50 or more votes receive a grant. 

In 2016, the ARPS PGO received 52 votes and a donation of $947.00 which was used for classroom support, special projects, and more. This year, the PGOs of the ARPS PGO (CF, WW, ARMS, & ARHS) are campaigning jointly again to maximize our votes.

Some non-profits get up to $5,000 through the program.

The ARPS PGO is urging people to vote (at least consider voting for) for the "Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO," the name of our joint non-profit. 

There are 2 easy ways that people can vote:
  1. Online - Visit https://www.florencebank.com/vote to view the online voting site & can cast a vote online for the "Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO". 
  2. Paper Ballot - Ballots are also available at Florence Bank location. 
Voting is open until December 31st.

For more information, visit: http://www.florencebank.com/vote

Rainbow @ ARMS [PHOTO]

A rainbow arced over our school last Thursday!




Outdoor Attire, please dress accordingly


OUTDOOR ATTIRE: We go outdoors everyday after lunch. Please send students to school with adequate outdoor attire according to the weather. For more information about Warm Winter Clothing swap (see below):



ARMS BOOK SWAP, 12/5-7

ARMS BOOK SWAP!
  • Everybody who is able donates books you no longer want or need.
  • After all books are donated, choose a book from the donations.
  • You get to keep the book you select!
  • Every student gets to take home at least ONE FREE BOOK from the books that are donated (even if you are unable to donate to the book swap)!
  • If you have books that you no longer want AND that you think your middle school classmates would enjoy, PLEASE donate them to the book swap!
  • Drop off your donations before December 5th in the designated boxes in your English class or in the Library.
  • The Book Swap takes place in the ARMS Library December 5-7
  • Each Guided Study will be assigned a date and time to visit the book swap.
  • Every student will be encouraged to select one book to keep -- for FREE!

Classes @ Joy Art Space

At Joy Art Space students experience the joy of creating art while developing new skills and finding their unique artistic voice! Joy Art Space offers private art lessons and small group classes for children, teens, and adults in painting, drawing, sculpture, fashion design, and more! Students learn art techniques in a warm, supportive environment. 

Classes for all experience levels, beginner to advanced! Art teacher Lily Joy Friedling has taught privately and in schools for 10 years, and has an M.A. in Art Education from Columbia University. Located right in downtown Amherst on N. Pleasant Street. 

Visit www.joyartspace.com or contact lily.joyartspace@gmail.com 413-345-2747 to learn more!


LSSE Amherst Youth Basketball League

Jamboree on Dec 9th 2017
Games Begin on Jan 6th 2018

FEES
  • Grades k-2 (coed): $95
  • Grades 2-8 Division: $125
  • Grades 9-12 Boys: $135
  • Grades 8-12 Girls: $135
Fee increase $20 After Nov 17th!

Go to LSSE.org to register for a division or call the LSSE Office at 413-259-3144!
For more information about the league email Chris Johnson at JohnsonC@amherstma.gov


Sunday, November 12, 2017

Mark Your Calendars


  • November 22-24: Thanksgiving Break (no school)

Next PGO Meeting – November 15

Please join us on Wednesday, November 15, at noon at The Works in downtown Amherst to learn how you can get involved!

Online Store Now Open, One Week Left to Place Orders

The ARMS PGO online Amherst merchandise store is now open. But act fast, because the store will be closing at midnight on Monday, November 20. We’ve got lots of great Amherst merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, athletic tops, shorts, sweatpants (new!), hats, scarves, caps, bags, socks, and headbands. Something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Items will be available for distribution to ARMS students (or pickup in the ARMS office if you prefer) on December 8.

Check out the items on the flier. 

$5 from every item purchased goes directly to the ARMS PGO to help us fund programs and activities for ARMS students and families. If you have any questions about the store or merchandise, please contact us at armspgo@gmail.com.

Samples of some of the items will be on display in the ARMS office through November 20.

ARMS All-School Sing [VIDEO CLIP]

From the ARMS Facebook page

Click to view: facebook.com/ARMS-Amherst-Pelham-Regional-Middle-School-135339037082403/


Warm Winter Clothing Drive

To help everyone stay warm this winter, the Amherst school parent & guardian organizations (PGOs) are collecting winter coats & other outerwear for students (preK through 12th grade) & families. 

We are seeking donations of clean, gently-used winter outerwear: in ALL sizes (especially student sizes), including coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats, jackets, gloves/mittens, scarves, and snowsuits. 

Items will be collected at ARMS from November 6 through December 1, both in the lobby and outside the auditorium. Distribution for ARMS students will be through the ARPS Family Center (located in the middle school building) from November 20 into December (as supplies last). Any items not given out at the schools will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center.



LSSE Amherst Youth Basketball League


Jamboree on Dec 9th 2017
Games Begin on Jan 6th 2018

FEES
  • Grades k-2 (coed): $95
  • Grades 2-8 Division: $125
  • Grades 9-12 Boys: $135
  • Grades 8-12 Girls: $135
  • Fee increase $20 After Nov 17th!
Go to LSSE.org to register for a division or call the LSSE Office at 413-259-3144 TODAY! For more information about the league email Chris Johnson at JohnsonC@amherstma.gov


Sunday, November 5, 2017

Mark Your Calendars

  • November 7: PGO Dessert & Movie Night at 5:30pm
  • November 9: Smiles Dentists at ARMS
  • November 10: Veteran's Day Observed (no school)
  • November 22-24: Thanksgiving Break (no school)

Movie Night and Dessert Potluck – Tuesday, 11/7!!

Please join us Tuesday, November 7, for the first ARMS PGO Dessert Potluck and Movie Night. We’ll start at 5:30 in the cafeteria with a delicious community dessert potluck and then head down the hall to the auditorium to watch WONDER WOMAN – the big winner in a school-wide vote. 

Please sign up here to bring dessert and/or volunteer to help at the event: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054ca9a72ba57-dessert

Online Store Now Open – Great gifts for the holidays!

The ARMS PGO online Amherst merchandise store is now open. But act fast, because the store will be closing at midnight on Monday, November 20. We’ve got lots of great Amherst merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, athletic tops, shorts, sweatpants (new!), hats, scarves, caps, bags, socks, and headbands. Something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Items will be available for distribution to ARMS students (or pickup in the ARMS office if you prefer) on December 8.

Check out the items on the flier. 

$5 from every item purchased goes directly to the ARMS PGO to help us fund programs and activities for ARMS students and families. If you have any questions about the store or merchandise, please contact us at armspgo@gmail.com.

Samples of some of the items will be on display in the ARMS office through November 20.

Warm Winter Clothing Drive

To help everyone stay warm this winter, the Amherst school parent & guardian organizations (PGOs) are collecting winter coats & other outerwear for students (preK through 12th grade) & families. 

We are seeking donations of clean, gently-used winter outerwear: in ALL sizes (especially student sizes), including coats, snow pants, snow boots, hats, jackets, gloves/mittens, scarves, and snowsuits. 

Items will be collected at ARMS from November 6 through December 1, both in the lobby and outside the auditorium. Distribution for ARMS students will be through the ARPS Family Center (located in the middle school building) from November 20 into December (as supplies last). Any items not given out at the schools will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center.




Next PGO Meeting – November 15

Please join us on Wednesday, November 15, at noon at The Works in downtown Amherst to learn how you can get involved!