ALSCT Presents Shrek!

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek..." Join ALSCT for a fabulous night of fun with all the characters you know and love--plus a live orchestra, spectacular sets, and a host of talented folks bringing it all to life! Nine performances at Bowker Auditorium at UMass--get your tickets now!

Thursday, January 12 at 7:30 pm (general admission)
Friday, January 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 14 at 1:00 pm (matinee)
Sunday, January 15 at 1:00 pm (matinee)
Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 pm
Friday, January 20 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, January 21 at 1:00 pm (matinee)
Saturday, January 21 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 22 at 1:00 pm (matinee)

Overdue Books Amnesty at the Jones

It’s a Great Time to Return Overdue Library Materials!

The Jones Library and branches will be offering an amnesty period from January 9 – 31, 2017 for library patrons who return overdue library materials.  Library patrons are encouraged to bring a non-perishable, non-expired food donation for the Amherst Survival Center when they return overdue library materials during this time.

“This is a great opportunity for patrons with long-overdue library materials to get those items back to the library without having to pay the fines that are accumulating,” says Amy Anaya, Head of Borrower Services at the Jones Library.  It’s important to note that the amnesty applies only to items that are being returned during this time.  It will not be possible to forgive existing overdue fines on items that have already been returned, or for billed or lost items.

The food collected will support the work of the Amherst Survival Center, a local service agency that assists many in our community in meeting their basic needs.

For further information about returning overdue items, please contact Amy Anaya at 413/259-3132.

ARPS Wellness Committee Seeks New Members

The Wellness Committee is seeking new members.  The committee will next meet in February.  The committee focuses on nutrition/food and physical activity.

The committee ensures that all schools are in compliance with federal and state requirements, and with the requirements set forth by this policy. The Committee shall be comprised of the Director of Student Services, a School Nurse, a Principal, and at least three community members or parent/guardians. The Committee shall meet at least twice during the school year. The Wellness Committee will review the Districts’ wellness guidelines every two years and make recommendations for any changes to the Superintendent.

A mid-year Wellness report addressing each element of the Wellness Policy shall be submitted to the Superintendent and the School Committee by January of each year.
For further information, contact Dr. Faye Brady at 362-1834.

From ARPS: ARMS Interim Principal Search

Dear Amherst Regional Middle School Community:

It is typical at this time of year that we post and advertise our administrative vacancies in anticipation of the next school year.  I know you are aware that Patty Bode is presently serving as Interim Principal at Amherst Regional Middle School, and I am writing to update you about how I am planning to fill administrative leadership positions for next year

The ARMS principal-ship is one of two principal roles in the district with interim leadership, the other being Fort River Elementary School.  In addition to these two administrative positions, the districts are also in the process of seeking a new Superintendent of Schools who is expected to begin working in the district in July 2017.  Since selecting building-based leadership is one of a Superintendent’s most important roles, I have determined that the new district leader should conduct these two permanent principal searches during the 2017-2018 year and select the individuals who will permanently lead these two community schools as of July 2018.  

This week, we will post the position of Interim Principal of Amherst Regional Middle School for the 2017-2018 school year.  Ms. Bode is fully aware and supportive of the this decision and has been encouraged to apply.  As Interim Superintendent, I am deeply appreciative of Ms. Bode for stepping up and serving the ARMS community as the Interim Principal this school year.  As the posting is released and applications are received, I will keep you updated on the process for screening and selecting the Interim Principal for Amherst Regional Middle School.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Morris

Interim Superintendent of Schools

Conversation (and Coffee) with the Principal

The ARMS PGO invites you to the next Conversation with the Principal, with our own Patty Bode. The next event will be Wednesday morning, January 11, from 8-9 am in the PD Center at ARMS.

Patty will be speaking about ongoing diversity education efforts at ARMS and also on the topic of Friendships and Relationships among Middle Schoolers – as well as any other issue or concerns that people would like to discuss.

Please join us for coffee, bagels and conversation. 

Attention Families of ARMS Athletes: Hurricane Boosters Meeting

The Amherst Hurricane Boosters is an independent group of parents, coaches and other supporters of Middle and High School sports in Amherst. We raise funds to: ensure the continued existence of sports programs, increase participation in athletics, ensure a positive experience for participants, and promote achievement in sports. We work closely with the Athletic Department, and with coaches and teams. 
  
You are invited to attend a informational meeting on Thursday, January 12th @ 6 p.m. in the ARHS Cafe. 

Please register to attend through FamilyID. https://www.familyid.com/ programs/arhs-arms-hurricane- booster-meeting  or by clicking here.
  
 Light refreshments will be served.

Four Town Meeting including Amherst Select Board, Finance Committee & School Committee

The annual Four Town Meeting will be held this Saturday.

Date: January 7, 2017

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Amherst Regional Middle School Library

Address: 170 Chestnut Street, Amherst, MA 01002

 

LIST OF TOPICS: a. Welcome and Introductions – 10 min; b. Legislative Report and Discussion – 20 min; c. FY18 Budget Projection – 15 min; d. FY18 Assessment Projection -15 min; e. Capital Plan Review – 10 min; f. Working Group Reports – 10 min; g. Guidance from Member Towns – 20 min; h. Calendars – 5 min; i. Other Post Employment Benefits Report – Daniel Sherman; j. Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate 48 hrs before the meeting; and k. Adjournment.