ALSCT/Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Peter & Wendy

This year's ALSCT/Missoula Children's Theatre production, Peter & Wendy.  Almost 60 local kids from all of our schools have been cast in this terrific show. 

Performances are Saturday, March 5th, at 1:30 & 4 pm, at Crocker Farm Elementary. Tickets are available at the door, and are $8 for adults, $5 for children and seniors.

ARMS families invited to ARHS Coffee with the Principal on March 23rd

ARMS families (especially those with rising 8th graders) are invited to attend the ARHS PGO Coffee with Mark Jackson on Thursday, March 23th at 7 PM in the ARHS Library. 

The coffee will cover topics related to homework, the switch to semesters, budget and more.

Principal Jackson has recorded a podcast on many of the same topics. You can listen to it here.

Second Annual ARMS Educator Award - Call for nominations

The Amherst Regional Middle School Educator Award was established by the 2014-2015 Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) at the Middle School as a way to recognize the incredible work and dedication of the middle school faculty and staff. For details, see this letter. 

El Premio al Educador de la escuela intermedia Amherst Regional Middle School fue establecido por la Organización de Padres Guardianes (OPG) de 2014-2015 como medio para reconocer la ardua labor de los educadores y miembros de personal de la escuela intermedia.
Para más detalles , vea esta carta.

ARMS Staff Appreciation Luncheon

The ARMS Staff Appreciation Luncheon will occur on Wednesday, March 30th.  If you would like to help with any of the preliminary planning (raffle donations, entertainment, thank you notes from students,) please contact the PGO at armspgo@gmail.com.  You may also sign up to volunteer or donate to the luncheon here:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e49a4ae2faaff2-arms

MCAS Snack Help Needed

The ARMS PGO is happy to provide snacks for all students during the MCAS testing in the month of March.  

 

We will need several volunteers to help package the snacks for each classroom—quick and easy work.  If you are available for 1-2 hours on Monday, March 21st or Wed, March 23rd at 9am, please contact Deborah Christakos, deborah_christakos@yahoo.com or 413 320-7700.

 

Thank you in advance for your help.

ZUMBATHON DATE CHANGE!!!

The Zumbathon will be held Saturday, March 26th at 10 AM in the ARMS gym!!!  Join us for a 90 minutes fun, Fitness Party!  Bring friends and help us raise money for the PGO.

Admission is FREE with a suggested donation of $10 for adults, $5 for children or $15 per family.

Spring Sports Registration Ends Tuesday!

Spring sports registration is coming to an end. The season begins March 21st. Please be sure you register before the March 1st deadline to allow the athletic office and the health room ample time to process all components of your registration. The sports that are offered are listed at here.
Current sport physical forms should be on file with the school nurse before the first day of tryouts. Please call the nurse's office at the high school at 362-1744 or 362-1743.

Online payment is available!! Click here.

VERY IMPORTANT: If you have to write a check clearly write your child's name and sport in the MEMO of the check when you pay. You can drop off your payment or mail to:

ARHS Athletics
Amherst Regional High School
21 Mattoon Street
Amherst, MA 01002
ATTN: Sports Registration

If there is a financial hardship, please contact Rich Ferro, the Athletic Director at ferror@arps.org
March 21st is the first day for spring sports.
Deadline for registration & payment is March 1st.

Mark Tuesday, March 15th @ 6 p.m. on your calendar for a Team Meeting Night at the High School gym.
6:00 p.m. Whole Group Meeting
6:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Individual Team Meetings

Host Family Information for ARMS Kanegasaki Exchange

Host Family Information Application Thursday, March 17th -20th, 2016 Coordinator – Denise Boyd – 362-1838  boydd@arps.org

 

The students from Kanegasaki, Japan have been coming to Amherst Regional Middle School for over 20 years for a cultural exchange program. This program has been the connection for our long standing relationship that has linked our two sister towns. 

The students will be arriving Thursday, March 17th at the Amherst Town Hall@ 4:30- 5:30. We will gather there to welcome our guests and have a greeting ceremony. Each family will host two students. We have a curriculum day on Friday, and I have arranged that students who are hosting will be picked up by 8:30 at their homes and be taken to one of the 3 Amherst Elementary schools to visit. Then all students will be picked up by 9:30 and all students will be driven to the Holyoke Mall with Japanese chaperones and myself. Students will then be dropped off at their home with the Japanese students by 2:00. 

On Saturday, March 19thst we will meet at the Northampton Bowling alley from 3-5. I will be arranging this activity, and will pay for the Japanese students. Please feel free to drop the students and host students off, but please be back at the bowling alley at 4PM. 

On Sunday, March 20th, there will be a good bye brunch at Amherst Regional Middle School. Japanese students will be providing entertainment while the Town of Kanegasaki funds the brunch. I will need to know how many people in your family will attend that brunch by March 20thth. 

Japanese students will be leaving, Sunday March 20th from Amherst Regional Middle School @ 12:30 to visit Yankee Candle and Historic Deerfield. All host students, if they would like to, are invited to go on the trip and will return back to Amherst Town Hall by 4:30.

If you have any questions please call me at 362-1838 or e-mail: boydd@arps.org. 

ARPS Family Center Presents: Family Dialog #7- Gun Safety

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is sponsoring an event on Thursday evening, March 10th from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Amherst High School library. Members from Moms Demand Action will be reviewing safe gun storage, encouraging folks to ask about guns in the home at play dates, and reviewing the warning signs of suicide. District Attorney David Sullivan and an officer from the Amherst Police Department will also speak.

Attention 8th Grade Families- ARHS Informational Meetings

On Wednesday, March 9^th, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the High School auditorium, we will hold a meeting for all rising 9^th grade families.  We invite you to learn more about our programs and curriculum and to ask questions about course offerings for next year.

In order to support students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in their transition from the middle school to the high school, we will also hold a one-hour orientation program for families to learn more about special education at ARHS.  This program will take place on Wednesday, March 9^th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the high school library.  We encourage all parents and guardians of students with IEPs to attend.

Mark Your Calendars

March 1- LAST day to register for Spring Sports
March 9- 6-7PM ARHS Informational Meeting for Rising 9th Graders on IEPs
March 9 - 7-8:30 PM ARHS Informational Meeting for ALL Rising 9th Graders

March 13- Daylight Savings- Spring clocks ahead 1 hour!

March 16- Orchestra 8, Band 8 and Chorus 8 Concert

March 17- Early Release

March 18 - No School- Teacher Work Day; Term 2 Grades Close

March 23- Orchestra 7, Band 7 and Chorus 7 Concert

SEPAC Winter Newsletter

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council Winter Newsletter is now available.

2016 SEPAC Winter newsletter

2016 Winter SEPAC Winter newsletter – Spanish

SEPAC Reading Workshops

SEPAC Reading Workshops – Spanish

OEB Science Cafe Presentation

Thursday, March 3rd, 6-7 pm, Nacul Center, 592 Main Street, Amherst

 

Gone with the wind: tracking human impacts on wildlife. Dr. Paul Sievert will talk about why we are witnessing so many plants and animals becoming endangered and how we conserve species both locally and globally. (free, open to the public, pizza will be served)

 

Science Cafe happens the first Thursday of every month.  See the link below for more information.

 http://oebsciencecafe.org/

GCC Spring Offerings at ARMS

Greenfield Community College Workforce Development & Community Education has new offerings for Spring 2016 with classes held at the Amherst Regional Middle School. 
Their workshop offerings and registration form can be viewed here:  GCC_SP 2016 AMHERST WFDCE only2

Second Annual ARMS Educator Award

Amherst Regional Middle School Parent Guardian Organization announces the Second Annual ARMS Educator Award! Please consider nominating an educator who had a positive impact within the ARMS community! Information about the nomination process is available here (LINK) and on the ARMS website. Nominations are due in April. 

Come by the Amherst Winter Market on February 27th to pick up nomination forms and consider making a contribution towards this award! PGO members will be at the market from 10-2 selling awesome ARMS t-shirts and promoting the ARMS Educator Award!

Mark Your Calendars

Feb 24- Smiles Dentist Van at ARMS
March 1- LAST day to register for Spring Sports
March 12- ARMS Zumbathon 

March 13- Daylight Savings- Spring clocks ahead 1 hour!

March 16- Orchestra 8, Band 8 and Chorus 8 Concert

March 17- Early Release

March 18 - No School- Teacher Work Day; Term 2 Grades Close

March 23- Orchestra 7, Band 7 and Chorus 7 Concert

Help us provide MCAS snack for ARMS students!

Dear ARMS Families,

 

Last year, the ARMS PGO began providing snacks to all 7^th and 8^th graders during MCAS testing.  Through generous donations from families and friends of the Middle School, we were able to provide a snack and a drink to each student during each of the MCAS testing dates.  This includes the writing and ELA tests in March and the science and math tests in May.

 

The snacks were a huge hit with both hungry students and teachers, and helped make the testing a little more pleasant for all.  A team of dedicated ARMS PGO volunteers works in the weeks before testing to buy, sort, and deliver the snacks to all classrooms where testing is taking place.

 

But the snacks can be expensive, and we can’t do it without you.  Please consider making a donation to the PGO to help support this valuable service for our kids.

 

Thank you for your donation.  Every little bit helps!!

The ARMS PGO

 

_____$10    _____$25    _____$50    _____$75    _____$100    Other $____

   c  I would like to help assemble and distribute snack packs.

Name_________________________                 Phone/Email ______________________

Student Name __________________                 Grade/Team _____________________

Please return by March 15.  Donations may be dropped off in the ARMS office or sent to:

ARMS PGO, 170 Chestnut Street, Amherst, MA  01002

ARMS PGO Zumbathon

Another ARMS Zumbathon is coming!  Join us Saturday, March 12th—details to follow!

SMILES Dentist at ARMS

SMILES DENTISTS ARE COMING TO ARMS, WEDNESDAY, February 24

The Enrollment Forms were sent home with students last week.

The ARPS Family Center is partnering with The Mobile Dentist to provide dental care to our district families of Amherst. Smile Programs…the mobile dentists are innovative, on-site, school based, dental outreach providers. Their mission is to bring state of the art, dental care to those students in need in the most comfortable and effective way possible.

Many children sadly find themselves without easy and affordable access to necessary dental care. Smile Programs…the mobile dentists utilize locally licensed dentists and hygienists, employing the latest technology in portable equipment, to provide all services directly at your school. Our imaginative program sets up conveniently in school and transforms it into a fully functional “dental office” for the day.

For those students without Medicaid or private insurance and lacking sufficient funds for a subsidized fee, Smile Programs...the mobile dentists provides generous grant-assistance. NO CHILD IS EVER TURNED AWAY for lack of resources.

Please return the Dental Forms to the ARMS Main Office by:  Monday, February 22

2 Easy Steps For Parents For The Dental Program

1. Fill out the form completely. Links to electronic copies of the forms are below.
2. Turn the form back to the main office by:  Monday, February 22

Dental Form (Feb. 2016) - English 

Dental Form (Feb. 2016) - Spanish 

     There are additional forms in the ARMS Main Office.  If you need a form, please contact the main office and we will send one home with your child, or you can stop by the main office and pick one up.

Sports Registartion now through March 1st!

Online spring sports registration opens Monday, February 1st. Ensure a smooth start to the spring season by registering NOW.  The sports that are offered are listed at https://www. familyid.com/amherst-pelham- regional-schools . Current  sport physical forms should be on file with the school nurse before the first day of tryouts. Please  contact the middle school nurse at 362-1974.

Sports offered at ARMS include:

•  Girls Lacrosse  Abigail Bose  abose@umass.edu 
•  Softball - TBD 
• Track and Field  Mulazimuddin Rasool  GidedImgry@aolc.om 
• Ultimate - Jim Pistrang   ultimate @jpcr.com

Online payment is available!!  
https:// unipaygold.unibank.com/ Default.aspx?customerid=1211

VERY IMPORTANT: If you have to write a check clearly write your child's name and sport in the  
MEMO of the check when you pay. You can drop off your payment or mail to:

ARHS Athletics
Amherst Regional High School
21 Mattoon Street
Amherst, MA 01002

ATTN: Sports Registration

If there is a financial hardship, please contact Rich Ferro, 
the Athletic Director at ferror@arps.org

March 21st is the first day for spring sports.

Deadline for registration & payment is March 1st.

Amherst Survival Center Book Program

Do you live in one of the 13 towns our pantry serves (see listing here) and have a school-age child (ages 5-17 years) who depends on a meals benefit during the school year? For many children and their families, school vacations mean that the free and reduced price breakfasts and lunches they rely on are not available.

If so, you’ll want to know about the Amherst Survival Center school vacation program that gives families with school-age children (5-17 years) extra food in months that have a school vacation through its:   Kids School Vacation Boost  program

SIGN UP AT THE FOOD PANTRY:
Amherst Survival Center 138 Sunderland Road in North Amherst Food Pantry

Hours Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 11am-3pm
Thursday: 11am – 7pm
February 20: 9:30am-11:30am

Mark Your Calendars!

Feb 15 - 19- February Vacation Week- No School

Feb 24- Smiles Dentist Van at ARMS
March 1- LAST day to register for Spring Sports 
March 12- ARMS Zumbathon 

March 13- Daylight Savings- Spring clocks ahead 1 hour!

March 16- Orchestra 8, Band 8 and Chorus 8 Concert

March 17- Early Release

March 18 - No School- Teacher Work Day; Term 2 Grades Close

March 23- Orchestra 7, Band 7 and Chorus 7 Concert

Winterfest this Saturday!

The annual Amherst Winterfest will be held on February 13, 2016.  The day begins at 1 p.m. at the Cherry Hill Golf Course Saturday and ends after the 6 p.m. fireworks.

During the day, people can sled, take a ride on the Muddy Brook Farm wagons, or test ride a Fatbike with Hampshire Bicycle. A Fatbike has tires that make a mountain bike tires look anemic and allows riders the ability to ride on snow-covered trails.

There's the annual cardboard classic sled race with prizes for best design, as well as the best in snow dog show.

On the food side, there's the annual chili tasting contest as well as the Atkins Farms cider donut-eating contest.

Admission is $5 for kids, $8 for adults and $20 for a family of three or more.

ALSCT's Peter and Wendy Audition Information

Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater will hold auditions for the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) musical production of PETER & WENDY on Monday, FEBRUARY 29^TH at the Amherst High School Cafeteria from 4:15pm to 6:15pm. All those auditioning should arrive at 4:00 and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of those cast in the show will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions.
Students from Kindergarten to 12^th grade are encouraged to audition. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week, and to take on essential backstage responsibilities. There are 50-60 roles available, with parts in every age group. This is a group audition, and no advance preparation is necessary--though a smile always helps! There is a $55 Registration Fee due at the audition for all those who are cast—additional siblings $30 (waivers available).
The Missoula Children’s Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup. The MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week from 4:00-8:30 Monday, February 29^th – Friday, March 4^th.
PETER & WENDY will be presented on Saturday, March 5^th at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm at Crocker Farm Elementary School. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students under 18 and seniors.
For more information, go to “Children’s Theater” at ALSCT.org, or call Carmela at 413-259-9482. PETER & WENDY—Neverland is calling!

PGO Coffee with Principal Mendonsa is Today, Friday, February 5.

All Parents/Guardians are invited to join the PGO and Principal Mendonsa at 7:45 a.m. for coffee in the MS Cafeteria here at ARMS. 

This is a great opportunity to hear about the middle school and share questions and ideas. 

The meeting begins at 7:45 a.m. and will end by 8:45 a.m.  If you cannot make the entire meeting, we hope that you can join us for a portion of the time.

February PGO Meeting- Date Correction

The next PGO meeting is Wednesday, February 10th at noon at The Works.  We encourage all to attend to discuss, MCAS snack distribution, Staff Appreciation Day (March 30th) and end of the year activities for both grades. 

Amherst Survial Center Kids School Vacation Boost

Do you live in one of the 13 towns our pantry serves (see listing here) and have a school-age child (ages 5-17 years) who depends on a meals benefit during the school year? For many children and their families, school vacations mean that the free and reduced price breakfasts and lunches they rely on are not available.

If so, you’ll want to know about the Amherst Survival Center school vacation program that gives families with school-age children (5-17 years) extra food in months that have a school vacation through its:   Kids School Vacation Boost  program

SIGN UP AT THE FOOD PANTRY:
Amherst Survival Center 138 Sunderland Road in North Amherst Food Pantry

Hours Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 11am-3pm
Thursday: 11am – 7pm
February 20: 9:30am-11:30am

Spring Sports Registration 2016

Online spring sports registration opens Monday, February 1st. Ensure a smooth start to the spring season by registering NOW.  The sports that are offered are listed at https://www. familyid.com/amherst-pelham- regional-schools . Current  sport physical forms should be on file with the school nurse before the first day of tryouts. Please  contact the middle school nurse at 362-1974.

Sports offered at ARMS include:

•  Girls Lacrosse  Abigail Bose  abose@umass.edu 
•  Softball - TBD 
• Track and Field  Mulazimuddin Rasool  GidedImgry@aolc.om 
• Ultimate - Jim Pistrang   ultimate @jpcr.com

Online payment is available!!  https:// unipaygold.unibank.com/ Default.aspx?customerid=1211

VERY IMPORTANT: If you have to write a check clearly write your child's name and sport in the MEMO of the check when you pay. You can drop off your payment or mail to:

ARHS Athletics
Amherst Regional High School
21 Mattoon Street
Amherst, MA 01002

ATTN: Sports Registration

If there is a financial hardship, please contact Rich Ferro, the Athletic Director at ferror@arps.org

March 21st is the first day for spring sports.

Deadline for registration & payment is March 1st.

Winterfest!

The annual Amherst Winterfest will be held on February 13, 2016.  The day begins at 1 p.m. at the Cherry Hill Golf Course Saturday and ends after the 6 p.m. fireworks.

During the day, people can sled, take a ride on the Muddy Brook Farm wagons, or test ride a Fatbike with Hampshire Bicycle. A Fatbike has tires that make a mountain bike tires look anemic and allows riders the ability to ride on snow-covered trails.

There's the annual cardboard classic sled race with prizes for best design, as well as the best in snow dog show.

On the food side, there's the annual chili tasting contest as well as the Atkins Farms cider donut-eating contest.

Admission is $5 for kids, $8 for adults and $20 for a family of three or more.

Mark Your Calendars

Feb 3- Term 2 Progress Reports Available on Parent Portal

Feb 9- PGO Meeting, Noon (at The Works)
Feb 10- Early Release
Feb 15 - 19- February Vacation Week- No School 

Feb 24- Smiles Dentist Van at ARMS

March 13- Daylight Savings- Spring clocks ahead 1 hour!

March 16- Orchestra 8, Band 8 and Chorus 8 Concert

March 17- Early Release

March 18 - No School- Teacher Work Day; Term 2 Grades Close

March 23- Orchestra 7, Band 7 and Chorus 7 Concert