Winter Activities Packet

Click Here for Information on Winter Programs

Not a school-sponsored event

AEF Stars in Our Schools

Are you looking for ways to celebrate your child’s favorite teachers during this season?

At the Amherst Education Foundation, we are excited to announce the return of Stars in Our Schools!

Make a donation in an educator’s name, and they will receive a card indicating that you supported AEF in their honor.  Stars in Our Schools is a great way to give a gift that contributes to the schools and that is in compliance with the law that forbids public employees from receiving gifts valued at more than $50.00. Visit the "Stars" tab on our website for details and to order! If you prefer to order by mail, please enclose a check made out to “Amherst Education Foundation, Inc.” and complete the order form below. Please allow adequate time for mailing. Orders must be received by December 18 to allow adequate time for processing before the break. Thanks!

Not a school-sponsored event

Amherst Community Band Free Concert

Not a school-sponsored event

AmazonSmile

The ARMS PGO relies on a variety of funding sources to raise money to support Classroom and Club Grants, the annual ARMS Educator Award and many other activities.

One helpful source of funds is the AmazonSmile program.  If you make online purchase through Amazon, it is very easy to direct Amazon to donate a portion of your purchase dollars to the PGO.  

Simply start all of your Amazon purchases at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-4510327 instead of amazon.com.  Bookmark the link to make it easy!

This Saturday - Crocker Farm Book Fair at Barnes & Noble

Not a school-sponsored event

Ski & Winter Gear Sale

Pre-Season Consignment Event for the Amherst Historical Society’s Third Annual 2-Day Ski & Winter Gear Sale

Selling gently used ski equipment at the historical society’s two-day sale has grown so popular, we are hosting a special Pre-Season Consignment Event to accommodate everyone wanting to sell their gently used ski and winter gear. The Pre-Season Consignment Event is on Thursday, December 13, 2018, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, at the Amherst History Museum, 67 Amity Street, Amherst.

Not a school-sponsored event

Thanks for supporting ARMS PGO on #GivingTuesday!

THANK YOU!!

Thank you to all who participated in this year's #GivingTuesday.   Your donation helps the ARMS PGO continue to offer programs such as our teacher appreciation luncheon, funding for mini-grants for programs and materials that help provide additional enrichment experiences for ARMS students, as well as funding the ARMS Educator Award.

There is still time to contribute and support our students and staff.  Click here to donate before December 1st!

Department of Education seeks public input on PVCIC expansion

The Department of Education is seeking public input on the proposed expansion of the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley. The proposal would increase the maximum allowed enrollment to 952 students.  Input can be sent to the Commissioner and Board of Education at charterschools@doe.mass.edu on or before Monday December 3rd, 2018.

Not a school-sponsored event

Pack the Sack, Saturday Dec. 1 - Buy Local

Not a school sponsored-event

Stone Soup Holiday Bazaar and Café

Not a school-sponsored event.

Inaugural Swearing in of First Amherst Town Council - December 2, 2018

Not a school sponsored event.

Puerto Rican Heritage Day Celebration Nov. 19

Note: The location for the event has been moved to in front of Amherst Town Hall

Jones Library Book Sale

Not a school sponsored event.

ARMS Online eStore FINAL DAY

The ARMS online store tonight Tuesday, November 20th at midnight! Great time to purchase holiday gifts and to show off your Amherst spirit! $5 from every item purchased goes back to the ARMS PGO to support students and families! Order online at https://amherstregionalmiddleschool.itemorder.com/sale

We’ve got all the favorites this season, from t-shirts and sweatshirts to scarves and caps - something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.  

Items will be available for for distribution to ARMS students or pick up at ARMS in the second week of December – in time for Hanukkah and Christmas.  If you have any questions about the store or merchandise, please contact us at armspgo@gmail.com.

La tienda electrónica de la escuela ARMS cerrará la próxima semana, el martes 20 de Noviembre.   Que gran oportunidad para comprar regalos Navideños, mostrando al mismo tiempo su espíritu de Amherst!  $5 de cada compra se destina a la escuela ARMS PGO para apoyar estudiantes y familias!  Ordene en línea:https://amherstregionalmiddleschool.itemorder.com/sale

English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) Meet & Greet

Jones Library Veterans Day Program

Veterans Day Program:

Remains of a War: Exploring WWI Battlefields

Saturday, November 10

2:30 in the Woodbury Room, Jones Library

The Jones Library marks the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day with a special program presented by Libby and Ed Klekowski on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 2:30 pm as they share their experiences in exploring some of the battlefields from World War I.

Libby and Ed Klekowski have been researching World War I for over ten years and have spent many hours walking through the battlefields of Verdun, the Meuse Argonne, and St Mihiel. Their work has resulted in three books and they have produced two WWI documentaries for public television. This special lecture will take the audience for a walk "on the wild side", where the dross of war still litters the woods.

  Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Free and open to the public.  For more information about this event, please contact Janet Ryan at 413-259-3223.  

Not a school-sponsored event

Amherst Schools Dual Language Community Forums

Amherst Halloween Fest

https://www.facebook.com/events/451857531968736/

Not a school-sponsored event. 

ARMS PGO Meeting October 24 6:30pm

The ARMS PGO (Parent Guardian Organization) invites you to our next meeting on Wednesday, October 24, 6:30pm in the ARMS Library.

• September minutes
• Treasurer’s report 
• Communications – Blog/Newsletter/Facebook 
• Picnic recap 
• Meeting with principals 
• Grants program 
• Coat Drive 
• Team Parent introductions 
• Winter Beach Party 
• Fundraising and budgeting 
• Volunteers 
• Other activities

The ARMS PGO's planned activities require the help of many volunteers.  Please consider getting involved by attending next Wednesday's meeting, or getting in touch with us at armspgo@gmail.com.

24th Annual AEF Trivia Bee

Enjoy a fun evening that includes ZANY costumes, AMAZING raffle prizes, TASTY refreshments, a HILARIOUS audience trivia game, and terrific prizes.

Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) is hosting its 24rd annual Trivia Bee on October 25 in the Middle School auditorium.  State Representative Solomon Goldstein-Rose will emcee the event, and we will have local community leaders act as judges for the prizes. 

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 PM

Not a school-sponsored event.

Mark Your Calendars

• Tue. November 6: Teacher Curriculum/Work Day - no school. 

• Mon. November 12: Veteran's Day - no school. 

• November 21-23: Thanksgiving Break 

View ARPS 2018-19 Calendar

Mark Your Calendars (Last Day & Moving On Ceremonies)

June 21: Last Day of School (7:45am - 12:00pm)

June 21: 8th Grade Moving On Ceremonies. 8th grade families – please join us at the Moving On ceremony on Thursday,  June 21, from 9:15-11:00 am, where we will honor our outgoing 8th graders and send them on their way to high school.

View ARPS 2017-18 Calendar

Thank you from the ARMS PGO

Thanks for a great school year from the ARMS PGO – and a special thank you to all of the parents and friends who volunteered this year and helped make all of our PGO events such a great success. Have a wonderful summer!

ARMS Interim Principal Finalists Meet and Greet Tuesday, June 19

This Tuesday, June 19, ARMS faculty, staff and families will have the opportunity to meet the three Interim Principal finalists who were chosen to move forward by the ARMS Interim Principal Search Committee.

We hope you are able to meet the finalists and offer your feedback about each candidate.

Sincerely, 

Doreen Cunningham

Director of Diversity, Equity and Human Resources

Mark Your Calendars

• June 11: Chromebook Returns - Mr. Levy and Ms. Tedder-Hughes

• June 12: Chromebook Returns - Ms. Sullivan-Flynn, Ms. Magee, Mr. Rousseau

• June 13: Band 7 and 8 - Pops Concert @ 7:00pm

• June 14: Chromebook Returns - Ms. Jensen

• June 14: 8th Grade EOY Field Trip to Mill River (9am - 2:10pm)

• June 15: 8th Grade Social @ 7:00-9:00pm (HS Cafeteria)

• June 21: Last Day of School (ARMS has had five snow days in 2017-2018 counting March 13th. The last day of school is currently June 21.)

• June 21: 8th Grade Moving On Ceremonies (schedule TBD)

View ARPS 2017-18 Calendar

ARPS PGO Spring Public Meeting, June 12

ARPS PGO Spring Public Meeting
June 12th at 3:15 PM
Location: The Works, downtown Amherst

Agenda

Introductions

Individual School Updates

Taxes and State Filings

Group Fundraisers
-UMACC (United Way)
-Valley Gives
-Florence Bank
-Amazon Smile

Other Business not anticipated by the chair

Adjourn

Mark Your Calendars

June 6: Don't miss the Art Show here at ARMS on Wednesday, June 6 (prior to the final Chorus Concert) from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the Connecticut River Valley Mural Dedication at 6 p.m.

June 21: Last Day of School (ARMS has had five snow days in 2017-2018 counting March 13th. The last day of school is currently June 21.)

View ARPS 2017-18 Calendar

ARPS PGO Spring Public Meeting, June 12

ARPS PGO Spring Public Meeting
June 12th at 3:15 PM
Location: The Works, downtown Amherst

Agenda

Introductions

Individual School Updates

Taxes and State Filings

Group Fundraisers

-UMACC (United Way)

-Valley Gives

-Florence Bank

-Amazon Smile

Other Business not anticipated by the chair

Adjourn

ARMS Interim Principal Search

Dear ARMS Community:

We are in the process of filling the Amherst Regional Middle School Interim Principal position.  The position has been posted with a closing date of June 4, 2018 for applicants. The next step in the process is to form a search committee, which will review applications, identify and interview candidates, and make a recommendation of finalists for consideration by the Superintendent.

The search committee will include two (2) teachers, two (2) paraeducators, two (2) parents/guardians, the Curriculum Coordinator, a representative from SEPAC and/or the Director of Student Services, the Director of Student and Family Engagement, one (1) secondary administrator, and one (1) School Committee Member.  Some search committee members may have more than one role in the district.

Those selected to serve on the search committee must be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the three day period of  Wednesday, June 13 through Friday June 15, 2018. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please email me, Doreen Cunningham, Assistant Superintendent of Diversity, Equity and Human Resources at cunninghamd@arps.org no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 8, 2018.  Please include the following:

• Your name
• Your role(s)
• Two to three sentences about why you want to serve on the Search committee.  Members will be selected by a lottery, with consideration given to ensuring diverse and equitable representation.

As always, input from the ARMS community is essential. We anticipate hosting opportunities for the staff and community to meet the finalists during the week of June 18, with plans to announce the appointment the week of June 25.  Please watch for additional information as details are finalized.

A tentative timeline for the process is listed below:

Position posted and applications accepted	May 14 to June 4
Applications to join screening committee will be accepted	May 31 to June 8
Screening committee participants selected and work begins	After June 8
Interviews of candidates & names forwarded to the Superintendent	June 13-15, 2018
ARMS community forums with finalists	Week of June 18, 2018
Announcement of appointment	Week of June 25, 2018

Estimada comunidad de ARMS:

Estamos en el proceso de llenar el puesto de Principal Interina de la Escuela Intermedia Regional de Amherst. El puesto se ha publicado con una fecha de cierre del 4 de junio de 2018 para los solicitantes. El siguiente paso en el proceso es formar un comité de búsqueda, que revisará las solicitudes, identificará y entrevistará a los candidatos, y hará una recomendación de los finalistas para su consideración por parte del Superintendente.

El comité de búsqueda incluirá dos (2) maestros, dos (2) paraeducadores, dos (2) padres / tutores, el Coordinador de Currículo, un representante de SEPAC y / o la Directora de Servicios Estudiantiles, la Directora de Participación Estudiantil y Familiar, un (1) administrador de secundaria y un (1) miembro del comité escolar. Algunos miembros del comité de búsqueda pueden tener más de un rol en el distrito.

Los seleccionados para servir en el comité de búsqueda deben estar disponibles de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. para el período de tres días del miércoles, 13 de junio al viernes, 15 de junio de 2018. Si está interesado en formar parte de este comité, envíe un correo electrónico a Doreen Cunningham, Superintendente Asistente de Diversidad, Equidad y Recursos Humanos a cunninghamd@arps.org no después de las 4:00 p.m. el 8 de junio de 2018. Incluye lo siguiente:

• Tu nombre
• Tu papel (s)
• De dos a tres oraciones sobre por qué quiere servir Los miembros del comité de búsqueda serán seleccionados por una lotería de voluntarios, con la consideración de garantizar una representación diversa y equitativa.

La información de la comunidad ARMS es esencial a lo largo de este proceso. Anticipamos oportunidades de alojamiento para que el personal y la comunidad se reúnan con los finalistas durante la semana del 18 de junio, con planes para anunciar la cita la semana del 25 de junio. Por favor, tenga cuidado con la información adicional cuando los detalles estén finalizados.

A continuación, se detalla un cronograma tentativo para el proceso:

Posición publicado y solicitudes aceptadas	14 de mayo a 4 de junio
Se aceptarán solicitudes para unirse al comité de selección / entrevista	31 de mayo a 8 de junio
Los participantes del comité de selección elegidos y el trabajo comienza	después del 8 de junio
Entrevistas de candidatos y nombres enviados al Superintendente	13-15 de junio de 2018
Foros de la comunidad ARMS con finalistas	Semana del 18 de junio
Anuncio del nombramiento	Semana del 25 de junio

ARPS Collection Bins: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

Support the ARPS PGOs

Feels good to clean out your closets, feels good to support the ARPS Community, feels good to have a positive impact on the environment!!!

Youth Writing Programs @UMASS

The Western Massachusetts Writing Project (WMWP), a National Writing Project site, is pleased to offer three writing programs this summer for young writers. Each program is facilitated by a WMWP Teacher-­Consultant and includes visits from guest writers.

Program hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cost per session: $300/week, plus a $25 Registration fee. Lunch is included. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Poetry Slam
Grades: 6-­12
Dates: June 25-­29, 2018

Your words can empower you ­­and motivate others to think and act differently. Are you a middle school or high school student interested in writing and/or performing poetry? Whether your notebooks are full of ideas, rhymes, or free verse, or you just have ideas that you’d like to explore in a supportive environment, then the Poetry Slam is for you. This program focuses on the writing and performance of spoken word poetry. We will read, watch and discuss published and performed poetry, talk about craft, explore writing exercises, and learn to perform our own work with the help of slam coaches. Come to be inspired to question and challenge the world around you through the spoken word.

Young Journalists
Grades: 3-­5
Dates: July 9­-13, 2018

This workshop is for young writers entering grades 3-­5 who are eager to question, explore and respond to the world around them. We will develop a big question based on group interest and get to visit and interview experts on the UMass campus. There will be opportunities for inquiry, research, lively discussions, and written reflection. All participants, including emerging writers, will find the power of their unique writing voice, hone their skills, and make new friends.

Creative Writing 

Grades: 6­-12

Dates: July 23-­27, 2018

This summer, start that novel you’ve always wanted to write, or finish the one you’ve been working on forever. Try your hand at poetry, personal essay, and persuasion. We will use creative prompts to start new pieces and feedback circles to get responses to our work. Special attention will be payed to writing for social justice purposes—to examine our identities and create social change. Opportunities for publishing will be explored and encouraged.

To apply for a scholarship or to register for a program, visit: www.umass.edu/wmwp/youth-writing-programs


Not a school sponsored event

Mark Your Calendars

• May 28: Memorial Day
• June 21: Last Day of School (ARMS has had five snow days in 2017-2018 counting March 13th. The last day of school is currently June 21.

View ARPS 2017-18 Calendar

Our Immigration Stories photo-text exhibit at ARMS Tuesday, May 15

Please join us for our reception of Our Immigration Stories photo-text exhibit at ARMS Tuesday, May 15 from 5:30-7:00! Student presentations, artwork, writing, refreshments and a gathering of the extended "ARMS Family!" In the Cafeteria, Library and Main Lobby-Gallery! Supported by a grant from the Amherst Education Foundation.

LSSE Summer Sports Camps

SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO SIGN UP FOR OUR 2018 SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS. THIS YEAR WE WILL BE OFFERING A WIDE VARIETY OF SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS WITH AMAZING INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF!

• BASEBALL
• BASKETBALL
• DENNIS JACKSON’S BASKETBALL CAMPS (FOOTLOCKER & BLUECHIP)
• COMPLETE PLAYER
• COED BASKETBALL
• ULTIMATE
• TENNIS
• FLAG FOOTBALL
• VOLLEYBALL
• LACROSSE (BOYS CAMP AND GIRLS CAMP)
• FIELD HOCKEY
• GOLF
• SOCCER

Sign up and register today at www.LSSE.org or (413)259-3065

For more information please reach out to our SPORTS DIRECTOR: Chris Johnson (413)259-3144 or johnsonc@amherstma.gov

Summer Ultimate League of Amherst

Join us for another exciting summer of Ultimate Frisbee. This league is geared for people who want to enjoy the thrill and excitement of ultimate Frisbee, regardless of experience level. All levels of ability will be welcomed to join. All players will be assigned their own team in this fun and competitive league!

Time and Location: All Sessions start at 6:00 PM at Plum Brook Recreational Area

835301 Junior SULA Price: $39

TUESDAYS, June 26th—August 7th

• Session A, Activities for Kids (Ages 7-8)
• Session B, Elementary Division (Ages 9-11)
• Session C, Middle School Division (Ages 12-14)

835300 Adult SULA Price: $45

Session A

• Recreational Co-Ed (Ages 14+)
• Thursdays, June 21st—August 9th

Session B

• Competitive Co-Ed (Ages 15+)
• Wednesdays, June 20th—August 8th

Session C

• Women Only (Ages 13+)
• Mondays, June 18th—August 6th

2018 Sugarloaf Youth Track League

Ages: 6-14
Dates: Thursday 5/24, 5/31, 6/7 and Friday 6/15, 6/22, 6/29
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Amherst Regional High School Track
Price: $49

Description: Boys and girls of all abilities will be placed on a team and can compete in both relay and individual events. Family and friends of all ages are invited to cheer on athletes! Non-team member children who are present are invited to compete in a 100 meter dash each night. There is an organizational meeting to group teams, meet coaches, and run an informal series of practice races on May 24th. Entries may be closed before this date if maximum number of participants is reached, so sign up ASAP!

For more info please visit our website

Contact Sydney Henthorn, Sugarloaf Track League Director at shenthorn20@gmail.com or Chris Johnson, Sports Director at LSSE, (413) 259-3144 johnsonc@amherstma.gov




Not a school sponsored event

Planning meeting for 8th grade picnic and social, Wed, May 9, 6:30 pm

We will be having a planning meeting for the 8th grade end of the year picnic (all day, Thursday June 14) and social (Friday evening, June 15) this Wednesday, May 9, at 6:30 pm at the middle school (probably in the library – there will be signs!). These are great traditions at the middle school and an important part of sending our kids off to high school. But they only work with lots of parent input and support. Please try and join us if you can – I promise it won’t be very long!

Even if you are a 7th grade parent, this is a great opportunity to get involved at the end of the year. We’ve traditionally relied heavily on 7th grade parents for planning and chaperoning these activities – plus it’s good practice for next year.

If you have any questions – or would like to be involved in planning, but can’t make the meeting, please email us at armspgo@gmail.com.

Thank you,

The ARMS PGO

Mark Your Calendars

• May 28: Memorial Day
• June 21: Last Day of School (ARMS has had five snow days in 2017-2018 counting March 13th. The last day of school is currently June 21.

View ARPS 2017-18 Calendar

ARMS PGO Online Store is OPEN! Order by May 20

Just in time for spring, we will be re-opening our popular online Amherst merchandise store for three weeks only. The store will open on Monday, April 30 and close on Sunday, May 20.  We’ve got lots of summery items, including t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, caps, and more, plus the wintertime favorites  of sweatshirts, scarves and jackets.  Act now to get all the latest Amherst merchandise for your student (or yourself!). The items make great graduation gifts for 8th graders moving on to high school. 

View flyer for more information: ARMS PGO Store Flyer
To place your order, visit: https://amherstregionalmiddleschool.itemorder.com

SPONSOR the 2017-2018 ARMS YEARBOOK

Many thanks to the families, friends and local businesses who are sponsoring the’ 17-‘18 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. If you have any questions or comments, please let Amy know at amysweeting@yahoo.com

Click to view/print sponsorship form


…   Give a gift of memories  …

The ARMS Yearbook staff is once again hard at work organizing fund-raisers and soliciting donations for the 2017-2018 ARMS Yearbook.

We ask the members of our community for donations of any amount, to help offset yearbook costs (both partially and completely) for students whose families have financial hardships.

Each year our goal is to provide a yearbook for every student who wants one, regardless of their economic status.  We need your help to succeed!

Please consider becoming a Yearbook Sponsor by completing the form below and returning it to the Middle School Main Office with your donation.

Sponsors are acknowledged with a special dedication in the yearbook. You may also use the form to buy a yearbook as a gift for a specific student.  Yearbook gifts cost $20.

With many thanks for your generosity and support!

Transition planning process for Youth with IEPs (one session remains)

Three part series of informational evening seminars. These presentations will provide students, families and school staff with valuable information for future planning and will assist in transitioning students from school to adult life.

All presentations will begin at 6:30pm and will be held at Amherst Regional High School. All are welcome to attend these free information sessions. Please RSVP to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.

Session 1: April 25th, 2018 Wednesday: Intro to the Transition Planning Process
An overview of the transition planning process for youth with disabilities ages 14-22 on IEPs. Will also include some tools for creating a vision for after high school. Presented by Leslie Leslie from the Federation of Children with Special Needs. Held in ARHS library.

Session 2: May 2nd, 2018 Wednesday: ABCs of Adult Agencies
An opportunity to hear from and to meet with representatives of some of the adult agencies in our state, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and others. Come find out what kinds of services and supports are available after high school and what you and your student need to do to apply for them. Held in ARHS cafeteria.

Session 3: May 9th, 2018 Wednesday: Family to Family
Families with a range of experiences and perspectives will share details of their students’ journeys into adulthood and discuss how and why they and their children made the choices that they did. There will be plenty of time to meet with panelists and ask questions. Be prepared to laugh a little and learn a lot! Held in ARHS library.

Sessions offered by: Amherst Regional Public Schools, Federation for Children with Special Needs and Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).

Nominations Open for Human Rights Youth Heroism Awards, Due May 18

Dear Teachers and Staff of Amherst Schools and Amherst Community Members: 

The Amherst Human Rights Commission has as its prime purpose to promote a community of mutual respect and to honor our diversity. We strive to promote attitudes of compassion and concern for all of our neighbors. To encourage these values, we offer the Human Rights Youth Heroism Awards, an annual celebration of Amherst-area youth. 2018 represents the 13th year of these awards!

It is the Commission’s intent to identify and celebrate local youth who have demonstrated acts of kindness, unselfishness, social courage and/or community service within their families, schools or community. Please help us by nominating a young person you have observed displaying exceptional kindness or consideration in the past year.

Groups of young people may also be nominated to share an award. We strive to recognize children and teens across the spectrum of age groups and schools, including those who do not live in Amherst but who attend any school in town.

Nominations may be submitted through May 18, 2018, to humanrights@amherstma.gov or to the Commission c/o Deborah Radway, Amherst Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave., Amherst MA 01002. 

The Human Rights Commission will celebrate this year’s Heroes at its annual community picnic on Sunday, June 3rd from 10am-1pm at Mill River Recreation Area. We will alert nominators and award recipients prior to the event so they can make plans to attend. We hope you will join us!

Yours truly,

Matthew Charity, Sidonio Ferreira, Emily Boutilier, Elizabeth Cahn, Sovann Malis-Loeung, Sophia Maldonado and Tristan Whalen

The Amherst Human Rights Commission


Not a school sponsored event

Upcoming Events @ Jones Library

Events are free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

Hummingbirds of the World, MAY 10

An opportunity to learn about hummingbirds near and far comes to the Jones Library in a presentation by local naturalist John Root. Please join us in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library at 7 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

This presentation is a visual one that features spectacular images of hummingbirds from around the world. Topics discussed include myths and legends about hummingbirds in different cultures, special adaptations for flight, co-evolution of hummingbirds and the flowers that they visit, courtship and nesting behavior, and migration. Information about attracting hummingbirds with feeders and hummingbird gardens is also presented. Comments and questions are welcome throughout the program.

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Amherst Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Film & Discussion Series: Imperial Dreams, MAY 15

Join us on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:00 pm in the Woodbury Room for the next event in this ongoing film and discussion series that may educate, touch your heart, and inspire you to action to help dismantle racism.

Join us for a screening of this 2017 film entitled Imperial Dreams. A young father and reformed gangster returns home from jail eager to care for his son, Daytona, and become a writer. Crime, poverty, and a flawed system threaten his plans in this fictional but realistic drama. There will be a brief discussion of the film following the screening.

This film series is co-sponsored by the Jones Library and Coming Together. More information about Coming Together can be found at http://www.coming-together.org/.

Not a school sponsored event

Whole Children Wild Goose Chase 5K, May 20

Get ready to run, walk, waddle, and roll! The Whole Children's 4th Annual Wild Goose Chase 5K, Family Fun Runs, & Kids' Carnivalis just a few weeks away! Join this wonderful day of inclusive, family-friendly fun for all ages and abilities, all to support the programs of Whole Children.

Registration that includes a FREE kids t-shirt is now closed. There will be some t-shirts available for purchase the day of the event.

Carnival events include horse-drawn wagon rides by Muddy Brook Drafts, hula hooping with HoopJoy, yo-yoing with A2Z Science & Learning Store, face-painting, games, and much more. Free entry to Look Park is also included for first 100 families to register!

Food provided by the Holyoke Hummus Company, Chill Out, and The Dogfather, plus live music by The Expandable Brass Band. 

Check out the course at viewtherace.com/massachusetts/wild-goose-chase-5k

To register, visit: https://www.runreg.com/wildgoose

To learn more about Whole Children, visit: https://www.wholechildren.org







Not a school sponsored event

Mark Your Calendars

• May 1: MCAS - Math (Grades 7 and 8)
• May 3: MCAS - Math (Grades 7 and 8)
• May 8: MCAS - Science/Technology (Grade 8 only)
• May 9: Early Release Day
• May 10: MCAS - Science/Technology (Grade 8 only)
• May 11: Smiles Dentists at ARMS (view more at ARPS, including appointment form)
• May 28: Memorial Day

• June 21: Last Day of School (ARMS has had five snow days in 2017-2018 counting March 13th. The last day of school is currently June 21.)

View ARPS 2017-18 Calendar

ARMS PGO Online Store is Re-opening for Three Weeks Only!

Just in time for spring, we will be re-opening our popular online Amherst merchandise store for three weeks only. The store will open on Monday, April 30 and close on Sunday, May 20. 

We’ve got lots of summery items, including t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, caps, and more, plus the wintertime favorites of sweatshirts, scarves and jackets. Act now to get all the latest Amherst merchandise for your student (or yourself!). The items make great graduation gifts for 8th graders moving on to high school.

For more information, please see the flyer.

To place your order, visit: https://amherstregionalmiddleschool.itemorder.com

Final Date to Buy a Yearbook is Friday, May 4

FINAL DATE TO PURCHASE A YEARBOOK IS FRIDAY, MAY 4th!!

Two ways to purchase an ARMS 2017-18 Yearbook:

• ONLINE - Please go to Treering.Com, and follow steps to discover “Amherst Regional Middle School, Amherst, MA.” Don’t forget to customize your own personal page! Instructions to Customize Yearbook Pages (English, Spanish)

• PRINT ORDER FORM - Yearbooks may also be purchased through the school by filling out the order form from the school.

PHOTOS WANTED

If you have any photos of concerts, sports or other school events that you would like to share for possible use in the ’17-’18 ARMS Yearbook, please forward to grantl@arps.org. Attachments must be jpeg.

SPONSOR the 2017-2018 ARMS YEARBOOK

Many thanks to the families, friends and local businesses who are sponsoring the 2017-18 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. If you have any questions or comments, please let Amy know at amysweeting@yahoo.com 

… Give a gift of memories …

The ARMS Yearbook staff is once again hard at work organizing fund-raisers and soliciting donations for the 2017-2018 ARMS Yearbook.

We ask the members of our community for donations of any amount, to help offset yearbook costs (both partially and completely) for students whose families have financial hardships. Each year our goal is to provide a yearbook for every student who wants one, regardless of their economic status. We need your help to succeed!

Please consider becoming a Yearbook Sponsor by completing the form below and returning it to the Middle School Main Office with your donation. 

Sponsors are acknowledged with a special dedication in the yearbook. You may also use the form to buy a yearbook as a gift for a specific student. Yearbook gifts cost $20.

With many thanks for your generosity and support!

View Sponsor Form 

Transition Planning Process for Youth with IEPs

Three part series of informational evening seminars. These presentations will provide students, families and school staff with valuable information for future planning and will assist in transitioning students from school to adult life.

All presentations will begin at 6:30pm and will be held at Amherst Regional High School. All are welcome to attend these free information sessions.

Please RSVP to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.

Session 1: April 25th, 2018 Wednesday: Intro to the Transition Planning Process

An overview of the transition planning process for youth with disabilities ages 14-22 on IEPs. Will also include some tools for creating a vision for after high school. Presented by Leslie Leslie from the Federation of Children with Special Needs. Held in ARHS library.

Session 2: May 2nd, 2018 Wednesday: ABCs of Adult Agencies

An opportunity to hear from and to meet with representatives of some of the adult agencies in our state, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and others. Come find out what kinds of services and supports are available after high school and what you and your student need to do to apply for them. Held in ARHS cafeteria.

Session 3: May 9th, 2018 Wednesday: Family to Family

Families with a range of experiences and perspectives will share details of their students’ journeys into adulthood and discuss how and why they and their children made the choices that they did. There will be plenty of time to meet with panelists and ask questions. Be prepared to laugh a little and learn a lot! Held in ARHS library.

Sessions offered by: Amherst Regional Public Schools, Federation for Children with Special Needs and Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).