Sunday, June 3, 2018

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

Sunday, May 13, 2018

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

Sunday, May 6, 2018

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