Tuesday, February 25, 2014

9th Grade Parent/Guardian Night on Wednesday, March 12 from 7-8:30 p.m.

Beginning on March 3, the high school counselors will come to the middle school to give presentations to our 8th graders in preparation for their registration for high school. Eighth grade teams will be holding parent/guardian conferences in Mid-March. The teams will be in contact with parents/guardians to schedule a time to meet. The high school will be holding an 8th to 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Night on Wednesday, March 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the High School.

7th Grade Students to Return 8th Grade Registration Form by Monday, March 10

Students in 7th grade will be given a Program of Studies and a Course Registration Form for 8th grade on Monday, March 3. Please review the Program of Studies with your 7th grade student and return the registration form to their adviser on Monday, March 10. 

News From Our Principal

Dear Families,

Happy February! We are deeply engaged in our school year. Routines are set and the focus is upon
working hard and working smart to build knowledge and skills. At the same time, students are learning
to collaborate and communicate with peers and adults alike, essential skills for the 21st century.

Throughout the school year, the staff is busy designing curriculum, refining instruction, and addressing
the social and behavioral needs of our students. In an effort to continue building the social skills that are
critical for success in school and in the community, the 8th grade class participated in a day long training
called “You Belong.” The staff of Adventure In/Adventure Out led our students and staff through team
building and perspective taking exercises to help each of us understand the ways in which we are unique
and the importance of avoiding assumptions as we try hard to support one another to be our best. I
would like to thank Mike Malone, a host of volunteers and the staff of Adventure In/Adventure Out for
making this significant educational opportunity possible for our school community.

(Excerpt from In the News at ARMS, Vol. 4, No. 7, February 2014)

Solarize Amherst!


The Solarize Mass Amherst program is a cooperative effort between state, local officials, volunteers, residents and small business owners coming together to spread the word on the environmental and economic benefits of solar electricity. It is administered at the state level by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

The Town of Amherst will be working with Northeast Solar as the exclusive installer for the Solarize Mass- Amherst program. You may enroll from now until June 30, 2014 by going to their website: http://northeast-solar.com/amherstIf you missed the Solar 101 presentation, you may click on the link to watch Amherst Media's coverage of it here:Solar 101

Jones Library Community Reading - The Sandcastle Girls


The Jones Library is holding its second On the Same Page community reading program, this year featuring the novel The Sandcastle Girls by bestselling author Chris Bohjalian.  The entire Amherst community is invited to read the book and participate in the upcoming programs and events.  A series of programs will be held during the month of March at the Jones Library, and are based on topics and themes from the novel. 

On the Same Page – Amherst will culminate in an appearance by author Chris Bohjalian to be held at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium.   For complete program descriptions, visit the program’s webpage at http://www.joneslibrary.org/onthesamepage/osp2014.html

From the Washington Post:  The Armenian genocide during World War I is the subject of Chris Bohjalian’s 14th novel, "Sandcastle Girls.” Inspired by his grandparents’ background, the author explores the suffering and atrocities of that time with astounding precision, compassion and grace.

Internet Safety Information Powerpoint


An Internet Safety Information Session was sponsored by ARPS Family Center & the Amherst Police Department. If you missed the presentation, please see the attached Powerpoint presentation and watch the wwlp coverage of the event.

Cyberbullying PresentationNew.pptx_.pdf324.24 KB

Friday, February 7, 2014

Wondering what to do during February Break?

Amherst Cinema invites you to join us for Family Week at Amherst Cinema!
We’re offering $3 matinees for the animated films (Miyazaki Children’s Festival) and a wonderful feature film (THE ZIGZAG KID) that has been a hit with families.

  FEBRUARY SCHOOL VACATION 2014
       Tickets available here: http://amherstcinema.org/node/1357
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bb536ee064e47a55e6db49ef8/images/zigzag_email.jpgThe Zigzag Kid
Opening Feb. 14.
In English, Dutch and French with English subtitles
Show times: amherstcinema.org
Nono longs to be a good detective like his famous police inspector father, but his imagination constantly gets him into trouble. Days before his bar mitzvah, he is sent off to his uncle’s to be disciplined yet again. On the way, Nono discovers one last chance to prove himself. His misadventures lead him to the French Rivera on a life-changing pursuit!

Based on the beloved novel by David Grossman.

MIYAZAKI CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL
$3 Matinees! Dubbed in English for young audiences.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bb536ee064e47a55e6db49ef8/images/kiki_email.jpg

Kiki's Delivery Service

Mon Feb 17  @ 2pm
Wed Feb 19  @ 2pm
Thur Feb 20  @ 2pm 

Kiki is a shy young witch who moves to the big city with her talkative black cat. Kiki’s only skill is flying a broom, but she isn’t perfect. She begins a delivery service for a local bakery where her abilities are soon tested.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bb536ee064e47a55e6db49ef8/images/Porco_Email.jpg

Porco Rosso

Sun Feb 16   @ 2pm
Tues Feb 18  @ 2pm
Fri Feb 21     @ 2pm

Porco Rosso was once a strapping young World War I ace pilot, but after his entire squadron was wiped out, he was mysteriously transformed into an anthropomorphic pig. Now he spends his days clearing the skies of air pirates who prey on trade ships.