Wednesday, December 23rd

Please note that dismissal tomorrow is at 1:20 PM (regular Wednesday times). School resumes on January 4th. Have a wonderful and safe vacation!

Have a good break!

We wish you all a warm and wonderful vacation. The final day of school is Wednesday the 24th and we'll see you all again on Monday January 4th. Until then, stay safe.

Happy holidays!

Eric Carle Museum pass available at the Munson Library

The Munson Memorial Library in South Amherst has just acquired one pass to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. This pass is good for four days and is for two adults and two children. You can stop on by the Munson and check it out yourself or you can call 259.3095 to have a hold put on it (although the library cannot reserve it for specific days).

Check out the Eric Carle Museum online to discover what you can see and do there!
www.picturebookart.org

HOMESTAY FAMILY WEEKEND OPPORTUNITY

Institute for Training & Development, Amherst, MA (ITD)
Western Hemisphere Winter Institute - 413 256.1925 www.itd-amherst.org
Contact: Kaye Dougan, Office Manager

ITD, once again will host the program “Study of the U.S. Institutes for Western Hemisphere Student Leaders” in January/February 2010, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

An important component of the ITD Winter institute is spending a weekend with a local family. The homestay weekend is scheduled for January 29-30 or January 30-31. Students enjoy immensely their interaction with local families. They particularly enjoy sharing their culture with American families and discussing the differences and similarities between the two. Meeting their homestay family is usually one of the highlights of their time here in the US.

This winter’s group will be comprised of students from Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. The students are all English speakers. They are highly motivated university students who have gone through a competitive application process to be selected to be a part of this U.S. State Department sponsored Winter Institute. The students’ fields of study include Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, Education, Law, Communication Studies, Accounting, and Social Work. Many are very active in community projects and social justice activities outside the university and are eager to practice their English.

The overall purpose of the six week exchange program is to provide undergraduate student leaders from Latin America with a deeper understanding of the U.S., while at the same time enhancing their leadership and collective problem-solving skills. The Winter Institute consists of a challenging academic component (led by Prof. Javier Corrales, Political Science, Amherst College), a leadership skills component, community service activities, and a 1½ -week study tour to Tucson, AZ and Washington, D.C.

Please consider hosting one or two student leaders for an overnight. Past experience has shown the weekend exchange to be mutually rewarding for both students and families. In many cases students have stayed in touch with their U.S. host families long after returning to their home countries. If you would like more information about hosting a student or the Winter Institute, please call Kaye Dougan at 413.256.1925 or email at: kaye@itd-amherst.org.
This is an excellent opportunity to experience a cross-cultural exchange with great student leaders from Latin America.

Holiday Gift Ideas that support our schools!

Thinking about holiday gifts? Here are two great ideas.

AMHERSTOPOLY: The Elementary School PGO's have sent order forms home to all the Amherst Schools. Please order your Amherstopoly Game by December 18th to receive your copy before school lets out. See attached order form. Or email Tracy Hightower at tracy@waterfieldfarms.net.

AMHERST EDUCATION FOUNDATION: Three Cheers

You can honor a teacher or staff member AND strengthen our schools with a gift to Amherst Education Foundation (AEF). We will deliver a personalized Thank You card to the person you wish to honor during the last week of school in December, and your contribution will be used for grants to schools next year.

Gifts must be received by December 18 to guarantee delivery on December 21. Your gift to AEF will convey an important message of support to our teachers and staff members.

See attached Three Cheers Contribution Form
Thanks to our many generous donors AEF Amherst Education Foundation, Inc.
granted almost $40,000 for projects supporting students this year in areas like:
* Restoring after school clubs at ARHS
* Professional development at ARMS, Crocker Farm and Wildwood
* Library books for Pelham Elementary School
* Support for a new enrichment program at Fort River
* Math and reading materials at Marks Meadow

Calling all bakers....

Bus Driver Appreciation Day is this Wednesday! We need lots of bakers to donate everything from muffins to desserts to share the love with those faithful drivers who get so many kids to school safely every day. All baked goods should be delivered to school by the end of school on Tuesday. If you have any questions, please contact Lucy at 253-9331. Thanks!

Redistricting Informational Meeting Tonight

A REDISTRICTING MEETING WILL BE HELD TONIGHT TO DISCUSS NEXT STEPS AND SHARE THE DISTRICT PLAN TO SUPPORT STUDENTS/ FAMILIES AND ANSWER QUESTIONS

WHERE? CF CAFETERIA

TIME? ALL MEETINGS WILL BE FROM 7:00-8:30 p.m. CHILDCARE WILL BE PROVIDED.

Bus Driver Appreciation Day is Wednesday, December 16th!

The PGO is looking for baked goods and other treats to show a little love to all the fantastic people who get our kids to school safely every day. If you are interested in contributing something for the goody bags, please leave it in the office by the end of the school day on Tuesday, December 15th so that the bags can be assembled in time for distribution that Wednesday morning. If you are available to help hand out bags Wednesday morning or have any questions, please call Lucy at 253-9331 or Becky at 230-3306. Thanks!

H1N1 Clinic Saturday 12/12 at Wildwood

Walk-in H1N1 Flu Clinic
Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wildwood Elementary School 71 Strong Street, Amherst
Open to ages 6 months – 65 while supplies last
Children under 10 who came to the Nov. 11 clinic at Amherst
Regional Middle School can get a second dose now!
Three steps to save time:
• Download the registration form and vaccine
information from http://amherstma.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2840
• Photocopy both sides of your insurance card
• Bring the completed form, your insurance card and
card copies to the clinic
Forms and information also available at the door
No cost to you for vaccination

Snow Day!

All Amherst Schools are closed today, Wednesday, December 9th. See you on Thursday!

CF PGO Meeting this Thursday at 6:30 PM

Join the PGO this Thursday from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the Community Room for December's meeting. On the agenda are Wednesday Clubs, Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Teacher Gifts, the new playground drive and the all-school MLK Celebration and much, much more. As always, childcare is provided. We hope to see you there!

Attention 6th Grade Families (and those interested in MS issues)

On Tuesday, December 15th from 12pm to 1pm, the ARMS Family School Partnership is hosting a Coffee with Superintendent Dr. Rodriguez. Topics will include goals for the middle school, the evaluation by the MS consultant, the MS principal search and the MS budget. Dr. Rodriguez will also answer questions and take input from parents/guardians. Everyone is welcome. Hope to see you next Tuesday at noon in the Professional Development Center at the Middle School.

UMass Childhood Obesity Survery

The PGO received this request from a student at UMass.

"My name is Kaylene Barschdorf and I am a senior at UMass. I am currently working on a group project to conduct a social campaign. Our group chose the topic of Childhood Obesity and we have created a survey to gather attitudes and information about this significant issue. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated and extremely helpful. This survey is completely confidential and will only be used for the purposes of our study. Thank you very much for your time."

Please go to www.zoomerang.com/Survery/WEB229Y7Y6X6DA and fill out the quick two-minute survery. Thank you!

Crocker Farm and the Odyssey Bookshop Pair Up!

This Saturday, Dec. 5th, from 10-6, the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley will be having an all-day in-store book sale for Crocker Farm Elementary School's library! Everything in the store is part of the fundraiser -- novels, cookbooks, those lovely SIGG water bottles, next year's calendars...you name it. If you present this flyer (just click on it and it should open in another document, ready to print) at the point of sale, 25% of your total purchase will be donated to the school library. That's all you have to do! It's a win-win: you support Crocker Farm and a local independent bookstore, and you get good books to read!

There will also be story time at the Odyssey at 10:30 with Principal Mike Morris and 11:00 with kindergarten teacher Greta Wilcox.

Come join us at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley and help support Crocker Farm's library!

Coffee with the Principal- and Dr. Marta Guevara this Friday!

Please join Mr. Morris and the CF PGO as we host our monthly "Coffee with the Principal" this Friday, December 4th at 8:30 AM. Our special guest this month will be Dr. Marta Guevara, Director of Interventions and ELE. Dr. Guevara is also actively involved in redistricting planning. As always, siblings are welcome!

Redistricting Informational Meetings Scheduled

WHAT? A MEETING ABOUT REDISTRICTING AND NEXT STEPS

ABOUT? TO SHARE OUR PLAN TO SUPPORT STUDENTS/ FAMILIES AND ANSWER QUESTIONS

WHERE? YOUR CHILD’S CURRENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

DATES? December 7, 2009 – Wildwood
December 14, 2009 – Crocker Farm
**December 17, 2009 – Mark’s Meadow
December 21, 2009 – Fort River

TIME? ALL MEETINGS WILL BE FROM 7:00-8:30 p.m.

**Not confirmed!

***********************************************************************************

¿QUE? REUNION PARA DISCUTIR LA REDISTRIBUCION Y LOS
PROXIMOS PASOS A SEGUIR

¿MOTIVO? PARA COMPARTIR NUESTRO PLAN DE APOYO PARA
ESTUDIANTES/FAMILIAS Y CONTESTAR PREGUNTAS

¿DONDE? EN LA ESCUELA A LA QUE ASISTEN SUS NIÑOS ESTE AÑO

¿FECHA? 7 de Diciembre del 2009 – Wildwood
14 de Diciembre del 2009 – Crocker Farm
**17 de Diciembre del 2009 – Mark’s Meadow
21 de Diciembre del 2009 – Fort River

¿HORA? TODAS LAS REUIONES SERAN DE 7-8:30 p.m.

**No confirmada

Happy Thanksgiving!

The PGO wishes you all a very happy Thanksgiving! See you on Monday!

Winter Clothing Drive - Final Week

The PGO has been collecting lots of great winter outerwear & has 2 distibution times scheduled this week. If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by the school Tuesday Nov. 24, 6:00 – 8:00pm or Wednesday Nov. 25, 8:30 – 10:30am.

Donations are still being accepted! We are looking for donations of: * coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats * mittens * gloves * scarves * snowsuits *

Any left over items will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center & other social service orgs. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos (studiozed@comcast.net or 413-559-0224). Thank you for your donation!

Alpaca Holiday Farm Event

Craigieburn Farm Alpacas will again be hosting an Open Farm and Holiday Sale from 10am to 4pm, Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6. Drop by and see this year’s babies and the newly renovated farm store. This is a great family outing, so be sure to bring your camera. The farm is located at 243 W. Pelham Rd. in Shutesbury, one mile south of the school. For more information, go to www.Craigieburnalpacas.com or call 413-253-4485.

Amherstopoly presents $2500 to CF PGO

Amherstopoly presents a check for $2500 to the CF PGO!

This amount represents our school’s portion of the proceeds from sales to date. And there is more to come. Be a part of the exciting (and lucrative) fundraising project for Crocker Farm. Help is needed to continue the sales momentum as we approach the holiday season as well as to plan a 4 school Amherstopoly tournament for January. Contact Becky (beckydemling@yahoo.com) for more details about how you can get involved.

Amherstopoly is a collaboration of the Parent Groups of Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood Schools to raise funds for student enrichment programs. Copies of the game are available for purchase. Games are $25 each, cash or check (payable to “Amherstopoly”). If you have any questions, please contact Becky (beckydemling@yahoo.com).

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the money raised through school sales of the game will go directly to benefit the students. CF portion of sales will be allocated towards the playground fund.

CF Day at Interskate 91!

This Sunday is CF Day at Interskate 91! Join us from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM as we host our first CF PGO Skating Party. Your free admission ticket will be coming home this Thursday in your child(ren)'s folder. Please remember to bring it when you come or you will be charged admission. Don't have skates or blades? Don't worry- they can be rented for $4.50. This is sure to be a fun afternoon and feel free to show your CF spirit! Questions? Please call Becky at 230-3306.

Snacks needed for this Friday!

Calling all bakers and fruit cutters: The PGO is looking for individuals who would be able to bake a little something for Friday to serve as snack to our teachers during the work day. The teachers will be invited to the cafeteria for a little snack at 1:30 PM so all items must be there by then. If you have any questions or would like to sign up to bake, please contact Becky at 230-3306 or beckydemling@yahoo.com. Thanks for your support!

Maintaining excellent schools meeting

Please attend an organizational meeting to harness parent energy in addressing the current Amherst/Amherst Regional budget crisis.

When: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 7 p.m.

Where: At MJ Viederman's home, 150 Blackberry Lane, Amherst. Long driveway at the end of the street -- park at the circle and walk into the long driveway, or drive in and park along the left side of the roadway.

Who: Everyone interested in maintaining excellent schools in our community.

Why: The budget situation this year has the potential of making all of our schools unrecognizable. If we work together to utilize the wealth of skill, creativity, and knowledge as a community, then we can build a cooperative plan for all students to continue to excel.

Bring: A smile, your calendar, and all of your ideas.

Enthusiastically supported by the ARMS FSP
Amherst Regional Middle School Family School Partnership

Coming Up at CF

There's a whole lot on the calendar in the next couple of weeks! Here's what's on tap for the rest of November:

9 - 19 - Winter Clothing Drive drop off in the CF Lobby
17 - Picture Retake Day
19 - CF Talent Show 1:30pm, CF Cafetorium
20 - Teacher Work Day - No School
20 - Movie Night (now showing: Up!) 6:00pm, CF Cafetorium
22 - CF Day at Interskate 91! Join us for a free afternoon of skating from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
24 - Winter Clothing pick up time 6:00 - 8:00pm, CF Lobby
24 - School Committee Meeting 7:00, High School Library
24 - Winter Clothing pick up time 8:30 - 10:30am, CF Lobby
25 - Early Dismissal - Thanksgiving Recess
26 - 27 - Thanksgiving Recess

Brrrr! It's Winter Clothing Drive Time

In an effort to ensure that all Crocker Farm children are toasty this winter season the PGO is collecting warm winter outerwear again this year. Please take a look in your closets for any gently used items (ALL sizes, children and adults are needed).

We are looking for donations of: * coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats * mittens * gloves * scarves * snowsuits *

Drop off: During school, November 9 – 19 in the school lobby.

Pick up: If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by the school Tuesday November 24, 6:00 – 8:00pm or Wednesday November 25, 8:30 – 10:30am.

Any left over items will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center & other social service orgs. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos (studiozed@comcast.net or 413-559-0224). Thank you for your donation!

Volunteers needed for a Budget Advisory Review Committee

The Amherst School Committee and the Amherst Regional School Committee is looking for volunteers to be part of a Budget Advisory Review Committee. This committee will work with the Budget Sub-Committee as they review budget data for the upcoming fiscal year so as to help formulate a presentation that will address common questions related to the budget and will effectively communicate the school budgets to the larger community. After the committee is formed it will serve from that time until mid January of 2010. Please submit all inquires and indication of interest to Westmorelandd@ arps.org.

PGO Meeting TONIGHT!

The CF PGO will meet TONIGHT from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the Community Room. We will be voting on teacher mini grant applications and be updating the community on the new playground, redistricting and so much more! Please join us! As always, free childcare is provided.

H1N1 Vaccines Available

The town of Amherst announced that there will be H1N1 vaccinations offered at the Middle School on Wednesday 11/11 from 9am-1pm for children under age 17 or pregnant woman or those caring for infants under 6 months.

go to the Town website for more info, http://amherstma.gov/ -- it's right on the front page.

Bear in mind that there are only 2000 doses available, and we have more kids than that preK-12 in the Amherst Regional schools, so they could run out before 1:00 pm.

Also remember to bring stuff for kiddos to do while waiting.

Amherstopoly - Great For Giving!

There are still a few Amherstopoly games available for sale through the PGO. Don't have one yet? Want to give one as a gift this winter? Send an email to the PGO at crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com & we'll make sure you get a copy! Just $25.00 (& every penny supports the Amherst elementary schools).

Forum For Senatorial Candidates Nov. 8

A forum for candidates running for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Edward M. Kennedy will be held at the UMass Amherst on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Bowker Auditorium. The forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and public radio stations WFCR and WNNZ. It is free and open to the public.

An opportunity to register to vote will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Bowker Auditorium. Parking for the forum is available in the Campus Center Parking Garage, which is adjacent to Bowker Auditorium, located in Stockbridge Hall.

For more information call 617-523-2999.

AEF Thanks You For Trivia Bee Support!

The Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium was "abuzz" with contestants and spectators at the Amherst Education Foundation's 15th Annual Trivia Bee on Thursday, October 29. 120 contestants, many in costumes, competed for bragging rights to the title of Amherst area trivia champion. Hosted by AEF President (& CF mom) Katie Allan Zobel and emceed by State Representative Ellen Story, the evening of challenge, wit and fun netted a record $6,150.00 for the benefit of Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury schools.

While area schools are the big winners from the event, bragging rights belong to the team of bee champion Jones Group Realtors, comprised of Doug Albertson, Tim McGee, Maureen Porter and Micki Sanderson, who won an exciting sudden death playoff against competitors New England Finishing and the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement. Winning prizes for best costume were the teams from Atkinson Family Practice (Slum"doc" Millionaires), Attorney David Noonan (the Harry Potters) and Minuteman Pest Control (the H1N1 Swine Patrol.) Awards for best team spirit went to the Amherst Club, New England Greenscape and the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement. The audience contest, themed Amherst 250th, offered a unique glimpse into Amherst's past and was won by Jackie Churchill.

The trivia bee marks AEF's first fundraising event since the organization completed its strategic plan last year, and launches what promises to be a new era in AEF history. AEF's mission is to provide significant and consistent support for area teachers and students by awarding grants, funding district-wide projects, and encouraging teacher innovation and academic excellence.

The event was underwritten by Northampton Cooperative Bank and made possible by the local businesses who provided sponsorships for the teams, donated prizes and/or helped with publicity. The Amherst Education Foundation is profoundly grateful to these businesses for their support, and is already looking forward to another successful Trivia Bee in 2010. For more information, or to make a tax-deductible gift to the schools via AEF, please visit our website at www.amhersteducationfoundation.org.

Coffe with the Principal- featuring Irv!

School Committee member Irv Rhodes will attend the Coffee with the Principal tomorrow morning- shouldn't you? The coffee starts at 8:30 AM in the Community Room. There will be coffee and breakfast treats to compliment the discussion. We hope to see you there!

IT'S SO EASY To Support Crocker Farm

There are many ways to support CF without spending an extra dime! Just take a minute to register, recycle or vote and Crocker Farm could earn hundreds of dollars for student activities! PLEASE help out by signing up for these programs TODAY. The more families that sign up the more money the school earns - it's that simple. Thanks!

* Simplified Scrip is a fantastic new fundraiser for Crocker Farm. It's easy, earns money for student enrichment & it costs you nothing more than the face value of the card! Choose from 100s of stores including Stop&Shop, Old Navy, WalMart, Target, Whole Foods, etc. You buy gift cards & the stores give Crocker Farm up to 10% of the value. You're shopping anyways, so why not support your school at the same time?? Here are the ways to start: Order online at www.simplifiedscrip.com or call in your order 1-800-514-1891
Contact Becky Demling (230-3306 / crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com) w/any questions.

Do you have a Target REDCard? Here is the link that gets you to the site where you can designate a percentage of your Target expenditures towards Crocker Farm. Go to Target!

Big Y's Education Express is back. This program earns the school "points" that can be converted into sports equipment, computers, etc. at the end of the year. Last year we earned great instruments and a new cd player for the Music Room!

Stop&Shop's A+BonusBucks program sends a check to Mr. Morris at the end of the year. Last year 60 households earned Crocker Farm over $1000! They donate 3% of your grocery purchase to Crocker Farm! How great is that? Crocker Farm's "Designation Number" is 05194.

Atkins Farm Card. When you show your Atkins Farm Shopping Card they donate a percentage of your purchase right back to us. This generous programs earns Crocker Farm $400 each year!

Collect Box Tops for Education & send them in. The drop box is in the lobby. These really add up!

Recycle your printer's ink jet cartridges at the school. Just send them in your child's backpack & we'll get $1 for each one we recycle!

The next time you clean out your child's closet check the Teacher Wish List. Chances are, someone's looking for what you're trying to get rid of!

Fresh Eggs from Crocker Parent's Chickens!

Need some eggs? Michelle has too many to handle. She has fresh, free range eggs. She has 10 dozen in the fridge right now, and the girls are laying almost 2 dozen a day. She is asking $3 a dozen, and can deliver by arrangement if she is out and about.
Call or e-mail: 256-5412
The email for the farm is blessedacre@yahoo.com.

Social-Emotional Talk

The Counselors at Amherst Regional Middle School will be presenting an educational talk/discussion session for the benefit of parents of middle schoolers. The topic of the first talk will be on the social-emotional development in early adolescence and will be given on *Thursday, November 19 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Middle School Library*. The material for discussion will include social skills, parenting, keeping students safe in cyberspace, typical development, etc. This is a great way to understand the metamorphosis taking place in your adolescent child and how to deal with it. If you would like specific items to be discussed, please send your request to the Family School Partnership Co-Chair, Rama Janaswamy (doctor_jey2000@yahoo.com), and he will make sure to pass them on to the Counselors ahead of the talk. *All parents and families, including those of prospective middle-schoolers, are welcome.*

Coffee Coffee Coffee and Hot Chocolate Too!

The next orders for Crocker Java are due on Wednesday November 4th. Don't forget to pick up some delicious coffee and hot cocoa for these chilly fall days!

Remember that this is a fundraiser for Crocker Farm and everyone gets something great - you get a yummy, organic, Fair Trade product for a very competitive price and the PGO receives $3.00 for each bag we sell. Pretty great!

Click HERE to download an order form.

Washing Machine Wish List

The custodial staff is looking for a used but working washing machine for the school. Please contact the PGO at crockerfarmpgo@gmail if you have one you would be willing to donate.

Original Works Order Forms due Tuesday!

All Original Works orders should be in by Tuesday, November 3rd. Please contact Jeanne Tuthill at 413-256-8777 if you have any questions.

Coffee with the Principal This Friday!

Please join us this Friday,November 6th for Coffee with the Principal at 8:30 AM in the Community Room. Our special guest this month will be School Committee member Irv Rhodes.

TONIGHT! AEF Trivia Bee

The AEF 15th Annual Trivia Bee - The “not to miss” event of the year!

TONIGHT: Thursday October 29th at 7:00 p.m., Amherst Middle School Auditorium

Join us for trivia, laughs, costumes, refreshments and raffles.
Admission is free with donations to AEF welcome.
All proceeds benefit the public schools of Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury

See our website for details: http://amhersteducationfoundation.org/

Important Redisticting Presentation

Last night, the Redistricting Sub-Committee presented a series of maps to the School Committee and public. There are 6 maps being considered for adoption. The final map will be selected and voted on at the next School Committee meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00 PM in the ARHS Cafeteria. Parents are encouraged to review each map and provide feedback to the School Committee (schoolcommittee@arps.org). The presentation can be found at http://www.arps.org/files/Redistricting%20presentation10-22-2009_0.pdf.

ARMS Community Educational Event for Parents of Early Adolescence

The Counselors at ARMS will be presenting an educational talk/discussion session for the benefit of parents of middle school. The topic of the first talk will be on the social-emotional development in early adolescence and will be given on Thursday, November 19 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Middle School Library. The material for discussion will include social skills, parenting, keeping students safe in cyberspace, typical development, etc. This is a great way to understand the metamorphosis taking place in your adolescent child and how to deal with it. If you would like specific items to be discussed, please send your request to the FSP Co-Chair, Rama Janaswamy (email doctor_jey2000@yahoo.com), and he will make sure to pass them on to the Counselors ahead of the talk. All parents and families, including those of prospective middle-schoolers, are welcome.

Read-a-Thon Results: Congrats Second Graders!

The Crocker Farm Summer Read-a-thon Committee is pleased to announce that 35 students participated in this summer's reading fundraiser. These dedicated readers collected a total of $996, which will be divided up between teachers to use in the classroom. The trophy for most participants goes to the students currently in Second Grade. Great job reading Second Graders!!!

Please join us in congratulating the following Crocker Farm students:

First Name	Last Name	Current Grade
Amelia	Beigel	1
Hunter	Coy	1
Sam	Kleinman-Eddy	1
Garret	Warren	1
Rosie	Dinsmore	2
Fiona	McHale	2
Dylan	Peltier	2
Isabela	Shepard	2
Lucas	Morales-Fernandez	2
Lucy	Anderson	2
Derek	Sherwood	2
Eli	Slovin	2
Christina	Wehrli	2
Oliver	Noble	3
Jayden	Nambu	3
Ethan	Yu	3
Sadie	Blumenfeld	4
Jack	Dinsmore	4
Alberto	Morales-Fernandez	4
Bradley	Sherwood	4
Mitchell	Turner	4
Rebecca Tuthill		4
Julia	Jemsek	4
Mia	Rogers	4
Grace	Bertrand	5
Trentt	Coy	5
Maria	Wehrli	5
Abigail	Kleinman-Eddy	5
Delia	McHale	5
Andre	Shepard	5
Julia	Warren	5
Noah	Zobel	5
Emma Jo	Anderson	6
Zofia	Noble	6
Christine	Sherwood	6

Thanks go to the parents, teachers, school administrators, and generous donors who have made this fundraiser such a success. A special thanks goes to Bart’s Homemade Ice Cream of Amherst, for their generous donation of free ice cream coupons for participants.

Important Reminders from Crocker Farm

Two Quick Reminders

Tomorrow (Thursday, October 22) and next Tuesday (October 27) are early release days to support parent-teacher conferences. Students will be dismissed at 1:20 PM on both days. Thank you for your cooperation on these dates.

There will be an important meeting of the Amherst School Committee on Thursday, October 22 at 7 pm in the High School Library. The agenda pertains strictly to the matter of redistricting our elementary attendance zones. The Redistricting Committee will be giving a presentation showing the variety of redistricting maps and how the Committee has responded to the concerns of the community after the two recent public forums. There will be an opportunity for public comment.


Dos Recordatorios Importantes

Mañana, jueves 22 y el próximo martes 27 de octubre estaremos llevando acabo las conferencias de padres y maestros. Durantes estas conferencias los estudiantes saldrán de la escuela a la 1:20 pm. Le agradecemos su cooperación con estos cambios de horarios.

También queremos informarles que el jueves 22 de octubre a las 7:00p.m en la biblioteca de la High School se llevará acabo una reunión muy importante sobre la redistribución de los estudiantes de las escuelas elementales. El comité de redistribución estará presentando los diferentes mapas que muestran los cambios y como el comité estará respondiendo a las preocupaciones de la comunidad.

AEF TRIVIA BEE

The AEF 15th Annual Trivia Bee

The Amherst “not to miss” event of the year!

Thursday October 29th at 7:00 p.m.
Amherst Middle School Auditorium

Join us for trivia, laughs, costumes, refreshments and raffles.
Admission is free with donations to AEF welcome.

See our website for details: http://amhersteducationfoundation.org/
or contact Mary Donoghue at 253-7016 Aj.donoghue@verizon.net.
All proceeds benefit the public schools of Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury

Underwriting generously provided by Northampton Cooperative Bank

Host Families for Japanese Exchange Students Needed

Host a Student from JAPAN for a weekend
Nov. 6th – 9th

Sixty elementary school students from Seibu Bunri School in Japan will arrive in the Northampton area Friday evening, 11/6. After a brief reception, they will spend Saturday and Sunday with their host families.
On Monday, they will travel to Boston.
The students need friendly folks to stay with! Can you help?
($30 / night stipend is provided to help with expenses!)
Students will be double-placed (two per home)

For more information, call Sheri Hall-Smith at 584-7294(413-695-0978-cell) or
Hallshs@aol.com

Early Release Days

Please note that there are 2 upcoming early release days due to Parent/Teacher Conferences. On Thursday, October 22nd and Tuesday, October 27 students will be released at 1:20 PM.

WEDNESDAY CLUBS NEEDS CLUB LEADERS!

The PGO is in the process of planning a Fall session of Wednesday Clubs! We know that there are lots of kids who are interested, but to make the program a success we need YOU! We're looking at a 4 week schedule (1:20 - 2:50 PM on Wednesday afternoons: Nov. 18, Dec. 2, 9, 16).

MORE CLUBS = MORE KIDS! Right now we only have 3 clubs scheduled… Knitting, Spanish Superheros and Fun with Food. That means we can only have about 30 children in clubs…Could you teach a club? Sure! How about Legos, Chess, Jump Rope, Exploring Nature, Writing or Book Club? The PGO will pay a stipend ($15/hour) for your time and even a little bit of money for supplies if you need them. And if you teach your child is guaranteed a spot in a club.

HOW DO I SIGN UP? Please let me know if you're interested & available ASAP so that we can finalize our plans! Contact Erika Zekos (CF PGO club coordinator) studiozed@comcast.net / 413.559.0224. Thanks!

IMPORTANT REDISTRICTING NEWS

Please be advised that an emergency meeting of the Redistricting Subcommittee was conducted at 1 pm on Friday, October 16 in order to review and consider comments made by the public and district staff at the Public Forum held at Crocker Farm School on Wednesday, October 14. The Subcommittee will make a presentation to the Amherst School Committee at a Special Meeting to be scheduled for Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m in the Amherst Regional High School library. The purpose of the meeting is for the Redistricting Subcommittee to review the redistricting process and maps with the Amherst School Committee. After the full School Committee has time for deliberation and discussion of the recommendation, there will be an opportunity for public comments. The School Committee will not take any action on the subcommittee's recommendation at this meeting. The vote is scheduled for the regular Amherst School Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 27th.

Mt. Holyoke College Parenting Study

MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE
Department of Psychology

A STUDY ON PARENTING AND FAMILY LIFE

My professor, Francine M. Deutsch (Department of Psychology), is studying how parents balance housework and childcare. We are particularly interested in finding families where fathers share the load of the household chores and parenting tasks. Participating couples will each take part in a 15-minute phone interview with a student research assistant.


We are looking for families in which:

• Both spouses work at least 20 hours a week for pay
• Both are native speakers
• Both agree to participate in the interviews.

All the information from this study will be treated as strictly confidential, and your name will be kept separate from your data.

If you are interested in our study, please fill out the attached sign-up sheet. If you have any questions or would like to sign up later, please feel free to contact me at Fong Ta: ta20p@mtholyoke.edu or 413-230-6793.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration!

Fall Wednesday Clubs

The PGO is in the process of planning a Fall session of Wednesday Clubs! We know that there are lots of kids who are interested, but to make the program a success WE NEED CLUB LEADERS! We're looking at a 4 or 5 week schedule (1:20 - 2:50 PM on Wednesday afternoons in November and December. There is a small stipend for your time and even a little bit of money for supplies if you need them.

Last spring we had parents and community members teaching clubs focusing on Knitting, Chess, Science, Food, Spanish, Dancing and Art… What do you have to offer this time??? How about Legos, Jump Rope, Exploring Nature, Writing, Book Club?

If you are interested, but not available this fall, we are planning more sessions in winter & spring so don’t hesitate to get in touch. Please let me know if you're interested & available ASAP so that we can finalize our plans!

Thanks! Erika Zekos (CF PGO club coordinator) studiozed@comcast.net / 413.559.0224

Kindergarten Open House

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES! Kindergarten Open House will be tonight from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the CF Cafeteria. Childcare will be provided.

Redistricting Community Forum Wednesday

The ARPS Redistricting Committee will host the final public information sessions for all members of the community this WEDNESDAY. This is an important opportunity to learn about the plans for reorganizing the elementary schools within the Town of Amherst. The forum will be on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 pm at Crocker Farm. Come ask questions and offer your voice in this very important decision for our school district. Translators and babysitting will be provided.

To view the map, please visit: http://www.arps.org/files/Redistrict10_02_2009.pdf

The map was developed with the following parameters:

* no child is on a bus more than 30 to 35 minutes
* language clustering will not occur
* the % of low income kids is 32.3% at WW, 34.8% at CF, and 35.2% at FR
* the size of the schools is within 100 kids at each (359 at CF, 454 at FR, 440 at WW)
* class sizes are still low (average of 19.9 at CF, 19.7 at FR, and 20 at WW)
* the plan follows natural borders (e.g., main roads, railroad tracks), with the exception of two apartment complexes off of East Hadley Road (one will move to FR, one to WW)
* kids at all schools are moving (100% at MM, 40% at CF, 20% at FR, 38% at WW).
at 4:34 PM

National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

The Crocker Farm Community Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month will be this Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the CF Cafeteria.

Come and enjoy a night of Hispanic Hispanic food, culture, music and entertainment! Bring a potluck meal to share!

If you have any questions, please contact Xiomara Hernandez (413-256-1397) or Kaye Dougan (413-253-8166).

Lend a Hand!

Don't forget to donate to our 2009-10 Lend a Hand campaign!

Every dollar you donate to the PGO goes directly to our school to help fund field trips, supplies for every classroom, Wednesday clubs, Community events, Crocker shows, Crocker press, and more...

Send a check made out to Crocker Farm PGO or go the Amherst Education Foundation website to make a tax deductible contribution.

It is Movie Night!!

Bring your sleeping bags or lawn chairs and join us in the cafeteria tonight for the PGO's first Movie Night of the Year! Admission is free and there will be cheap popcorn and drinks! We will be watching Trumpet of the Swan! Doors open at 6PM. The movie begins at 6:30 PM.

Movie Night is back!

Please join us Friday night in the cafeteria for the 1st Movie Night of the School Year! We will be concluding our One Book, One School initiative by showing Trumpet of the Swan. Movie night refreshments for sale include popcorn (graciously donated by Cinemark Theaters in Hadley) as well as juice boxes and water. We also have great new speakers sure to reach the far end of the cafeteria! Doors open at 6:00 PM, movie starts at 6:30 PM. Please call Becky at 230-3306 if you have any questions.

PGO Meeting TONIGHT

You are cordially invited to the 2nd PGO meeting of the year tonight- Oct 8th from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the Community Room. Find out what the exciting happenings at CF and meet other parents. As always childcare and snacks are provided!

Redistricting Community Forums Begin Tomorrow

The ARPS Redistricting Committee will begin their series of public information sessions for all members of the community this week. This is an important opportunity to learn about the plans for reorganizing the elementary schools within the Town of Amherst. The first forum will be on Thursday, October 8 at 7 pm at Marks Meadow. The second will be on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 pm at Crocker Farm. Come ask questions and offer your voice in this very important decision for our school district. Translators and babysitting will be provided at each session.

To view the map, please visit: http://www.arps.org/files/Redistrict10_02_2009.pdf

The map was developed with the following parameters:

* no child is on a bus more than 30 to 35 minutes
* language clustering will not occur
* the % of low income kids is 32.3% at WW, 34.8% at CF, and 35.2% at FR
* the size of the schools is within 100 kids at each (359 at CF, 454 at FR, 440 at WW)
* class sizes are still low (average of 19.9 at CF, 19.7 at FR, and 20 at WW)
* the plan follows natural borders (e.g., main roads, railroad tracks), with the exception of two apartment complexes off of East Hadley Road (one will move to FR, one to WW)
* kids at all schools are moving (100% at MM, 40% at CF, 20% at FR, 38% at WW).

Know a great babysitter?

The PGO is looking for a few great babysitters for the October 14th Redistricting Meeting at Crocker Farm. If you have a name or two that you could share, the PGO is all ears! Please email names and contact information to crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com. Thanks!

Compost Volunteers Needed!

Our community of Crocker Farm is doing an amazing job of composting and recycling for the last two years. We are about to begin construction for our very own animal proof compost bins outside as well. I am looking for volunteers to guide and assist students during breakfast and lunch. For breakfast, it will be for about 45 minutes or less (around 8:15-9:00). For lunch, we are in desperate need of help during last lunch(12:30- 1:00) on Wednesdays but if you are available on other days, that is appreciated as well. Please contact me at mastroiannir@arps.org so we can talk about your interest and availability. Thank you!

SAVE THE DATE(S)!

Get your date books out- the next couple weeks are jammed pack full of activities and meetings!

Monday, October 5^th – Picture Day! Don’t forget that your order form and payment need to be in by then.

Thursday, October 8^th- PGO Meeting. Join us in the community room from 6:30 – 7:30 PM and stay abreast of CF PGO events. Child Care and refreshments provided.

Thursday, October 8^th- Redistricting Meeting Session 1 at Mark’s Meadow. Visit ARPS.org for more info.

Friday, October 9^th- Movie Night! Celebrate a final One Book, One School event in the CF cafeteria. We will watch Trumpet of the Swan. Doors open at 6PM, Movie at 6:30 PM Drinks and popcorn for sale. Bring a chair or sleeping bag!

Tuesday, October 13^th – CF National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration! 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the CF cafeteria. Come and celebrate night of Hispanic Food, culture, music and entertainment. Questions?Xiomara Hernandez at 256-1397.

Wednesday, October 14^th- Redistricting Community Forum in the CF Cafeteria. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Childcare provided.

Thursday, October 15^th- Kindergarten Open House 6:00 PM

Town of Amherst Farm Festival

Celebrate and support Amherst farms on the Town Common this Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM. There will be Farm Tours, Entertainment, Children's Events, Local Foods and Exhibits. For more information, please visit www.amherstma.gov.

Free Weekend for Amherst residents at the Carle!

The Eric Carle Museum on 116 in South Amherst Celebrates Amherst's 250th!
October 3, 2009, 10:00 - 5:00 pm ----- October 4, 2009, 12:00 - 5:00 pm

Free to Amherst residents (Proof of residency required)
A fun-filled day at The Carle in celebration of Amherst's 250th Anniversary! Browse the galleries, create your own art, enjoy a film or performance in the Auditorium, participate in our 2:00 story time, and refuel in the Museum Café.

Redistricting Meeting Updates

Revised Meeting Time for Redistricting Subcommittee

The Redistricting Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Friday, October 2 will now begin at 9:00 a.m. instead of 10:00 a.m. as originally planned. The meeting time was changed at the request of a subcommittee member due to a scheduling conflict. The meeting will take place in Room C-5A at Amherst Regional Middle School.

Redistricting Public Forums- changed locations

Parents and community members are encouraged to attend one, or both, of two public forums regarding redistricting plans for the Amherst elementary schools. The dates, times and locations are as follows:

Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m.--Marks Meadow Auditorium

Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m.--Crocker Farm Cafeteria

There will be translators and babysitting at each event.

Coffee with the Principal and Superintendent

Please join us this Friday morning from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM in the CF Community Room for an informal coffee with Mr. Morris and Dr. Alberto Rodriguez. Coffee and refreshments provided. Siblings welcome.

Read-A-Thon Pledges Due Friday Oct. 9th

2009 Summer Read-A Thon pledges are due Friday October 9th. The money raised will go to the teachers to purchase materials for our students. And remember the grade with the most participants gets a trophy!!!

If you have any questions, please contact Yaniris M. Fernandez at 413-559-5781 or yfernandez@hampshire.edu. Thanks!

Learning Playground preschool

Home preschool in S. Amherst has openings for children 18mo.-5 years. Aftercare program available. Contact Sarah: 253-0539. Please check out my website for all the info.!
http://www.learningplayground.info

Hampshire Young Peoples Chorus

Bring a Friend to Choir Day
When: Tuesday, October 6, 4:00-5:00 (Junior Choir, grades 2-4)
5:30-7:00 (Concert Choir, grades 5-7)
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant Street, Amherst
Who: Anyone who loves to sing! Come visit and sing with us. Find out what YPC is all about!Questions? Call 253-7346
http://www.hampshireypc.org

National Hispanic Heritage Month

CROCKER FARM COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF
National Hispanic Heritage Month

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
CROCKER FARM CAFETERIA

Come and celebrate a night of Hispanic food, culture, music, and entertainment!
If you have any questions please contact Xiomara Hernández (413-256-1397) or Kaye Dougan (413-253-8166)

LA COMUNIDAD DE CROCKER FARM CELEBRA
EL MES NACÍONAL DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA
EL MARTES, 13 DE OCTUBRE, 2009 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
CAFETERIA DE CROCKER FARM
Venga a celebrar una noche con comida Latina, cultura, música, y entrenemiento!
Si tiene algunas preguntas, por favor llame a Xiomara Hernández (413-256-1397) o Kaye Dougan (413-253-8166)

Fun family 5K Run or Walk for a great cause!

Fun family 5K Run or Walk for a great cause!

Join us at the Fit Together 5K on Sunday, October 4th. This event celebrates each person’s ability to be healthy regardless of fitness level or mental, physical, or intellectual challenges. All proceeds from this family-friendly event will support Fit Together, a unique wellness center in Hadley where people with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities transform their lives through exercise and good nutrition.

Every participant will get a free t-shirt and a $7 gift certificate to Bueno y Sano. Great prizes including restaurant gift certificates, gym memberships and massages will be raffled. The race starts on the Hadley Town Common at 10:00 a.m., rain or shine, with day-of registration beginning at 9:00.

Family rate and scholarships available. For more information, please go to: www.fit-together.org or call 584-1508

Next Week At Crocker Farm

Here's a look at what's coming up. (But don't forget to check the CF Calendar by clicking the link on the right)

Wednesday Sept. 30 - Read-a-Thon Pledges Due!

Friday Oct. 2 - First Friday Coffee w/ Mr. Morris & Dr. Rodriguez 8:45 - 9:30am in the Community Room. This is a regular event (the "first Friday" of every month) & a great opportunity to talk directly with Mr. Morris or Mr. Smith about what's happening at Crocker Farm. This month we'll be joined by our new Superintendent, Dr. Rodriguez. Please join us!

Happy Birthday Amherst!

THERE'S SO MUCH GOING ON THIS WEEKEND TO CELEBRATE THE HERITAGE, CHARACTER & HISTORY OF AMHERST!

Amherst's 250th Celebration Parade will start at 1:00 Sunday, September 27th. Over 100 units will be in the parade, including organizations, businesses, industries, churches, schools, clubs, groups, police and fire, as well as marching units and floats. Volunteers needed! For more information, call committee member, Pat Wagner, at 413-537-5626. www.amherst250.org. or Click on the images below to see them full sized.

March in the Parade. Calling all Amherst Elementary School Students! Be in Amherst's 250th Anniversary Parade and be part of Your Town and Public Libraries’ History!

Apple Harvest Crafts Fair and Children's Festival. Saturday, Sept. 26. 10:00am-5:00pm. Amherst Town Common. Games, crafts, food, petting zoo, pony rides, and entertainment.