Attention families of Amherst Elementary schools.
I would like to gather a group of families from all the elementary schools in Amherst to voice concerns and ideas about strengthening our schools and coming together as a community to find solutions for the best education for our children.
The goal of the group is to establish a community voice with a vision for what we want to see in our schools and how we can work together to implement alternative solutions. Some topics to discuss will be ways for saving money, raising money, what visions we have for our schools, what changes we would like to see and new ways to creatively problem solve these issues.
Please join me in a meeting at Marks Meadow auditorium on Thursday March 12th at 6:30 to an open discussion.
If you have any questions please contact Ana Paranhos at 413-230-3690 or at AnaCaroP@gmail.com
I hope to see you all there to support our schools and community.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Coffee Orders Due Wednesday 3/4
It's warm, delicious, caffeinated & even organic... What could it be, you ask? Why, it's CROCKER JAVA of course! Orders are due next Wednesday March 3. Download your form & send it in right away!
A Little Music in the Afternoon...
Take a late lunch if you can & join your kids on Friday Feb. 27 at 1:30 for the Zumbyes a cappella group performance! The PGO is hosting this amazing singing group from Amherst College for an all school show at Crocker Farm.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Regional School Committee Meeting Tuesday
If you are interested in the budget process for the Middle & High Schools then please attend the School Committee Meeting TONIGHT at 7:00 PM at ARHS. There will be discussion of the possible cuts to next year's programs, including cuts to the language program... read on!
Dear Friends,
We have just learned that next year’s proposed Regional School Budget is cutting Foreign Language from 7th Grade.
We are very concerned by this plan, and are asking for your support.
The Superintendents will be presenting their budget proposal to the Regional School Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m., currently scheduled for the High School library.
We would appreciate a turnout of students, parents and concerned community members. There will be a period of public comment when you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts, but even if you don’t want to speak, we would value your presence there in support of our program.
Please feel free to contact me with any ideas or questions. This community has always valued and supported the rich and varied language offerings in the Middle School and High School. Thanks for your support in the past. We need it now more than ever!
Sincerely,
Sean Smith Foreign Language Department Head smiths1@arps.org
Dear Friends,
We have just learned that next year’s proposed Regional School Budget is cutting Foreign Language from 7th Grade.
We are very concerned by this plan, and are asking for your support.
The Superintendents will be presenting their budget proposal to the Regional School Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m., currently scheduled for the High School library.
We would appreciate a turnout of students, parents and concerned community members. There will be a period of public comment when you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts, but even if you don’t want to speak, we would value your presence there in support of our program.
Please feel free to contact me with any ideas or questions. This community has always valued and supported the rich and varied language offerings in the Middle School and High School. Thanks for your support in the past. We need it now more than ever!
Sincerely,
Sean Smith Foreign Language Department Head smiths1@arps.org
Box Tops for Education
Do you have any of those little Box Tops for Education rectangles hanging around? Well, if you do, then please send them in to school this week! FYI, in December CF received a Box Tops check for $120.00! Proof that even the littlest things add up to a whole lot of good for our school.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Parents concerned about keeping instrumental music in our schools
A growing group of parents is very concerned about possibly losing the instrumental music program in the elementary schools. Right now the school committee is considering proposals to eliminate both string and orchestra programs. If you would like to voice your concern, parents have created an online petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/viCCu5ro/petition.html
Sincerely,
Sara Eddy and Jessica Payne
Crocker Farm Parents
http://www.petitiononline.com/viCCu5ro/petition.html
Sincerely,
Sara Eddy and Jessica Payne
Crocker Farm Parents
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Few Dates For Your Calendar
Monday Feb. 23 (7:00 PM): Superintendent Candidate Dr. Alberto Rodriguez: Come to the High School Library to participate in this public forum. Free childcare will be provided.
Wednesday Feb. 25: Wednesday Clubs Begin! Look for your children's club assignments in their backpacks this Friday. And please remember that there were 94 children who signed up and not everyone was able to be placed in their first choice club. But we're sure that ALL of the clubs will be exciting and fun.
Friday Feb. 27 (1:30): Zumbyes a cappella group performance: The PGO is hosting this amazing singing group from Amherst College for an all school show at Crocker Farm. Family members are welcome to attend as well.
Monday Mar. 2: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Crocker Farm teachers are organizing a Seuss Day Celebration. They would like help on Friday Feb. 27 with set up and on Monday Mar. 2 with the celebration. There will be guest readers every half hour from 9:00 till 3:00. During each half hour there may be up to 3 classes listening to a story and then choosing from a variety of activities (crossword puzzles, word finds, pin the eyebrows on the principal, color pages...the list of exciting activities just goes on and on...) Parents could volunteer for the day, or any part of the day at 1/2 hour intervals, and help engage kids in activities, read, circulate, keep the peace.... it really is an exceptionally fun day). Contact our Librarian, Dr. Poirier if you can help out.
Wednesday Feb. 25: Wednesday Clubs Begin! Look for your children's club assignments in their backpacks this Friday. And please remember that there were 94 children who signed up and not everyone was able to be placed in their first choice club. But we're sure that ALL of the clubs will be exciting and fun.
Friday Feb. 27 (1:30): Zumbyes a cappella group performance: The PGO is hosting this amazing singing group from Amherst College for an all school show at Crocker Farm. Family members are welcome to attend as well.
Monday Mar. 2: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Crocker Farm teachers are organizing a Seuss Day Celebration. They would like help on Friday Feb. 27 with set up and on Monday Mar. 2 with the celebration. There will be guest readers every half hour from 9:00 till 3:00. During each half hour there may be up to 3 classes listening to a story and then choosing from a variety of activities (crossword puzzles, word finds, pin the eyebrows on the principal, color pages...the list of exciting activities just goes on and on...) Parents could volunteer for the day, or any part of the day at 1/2 hour intervals, and help engage kids in activities, read, circulate, keep the peace.... it really is an exceptionally fun day). Contact our Librarian, Dr. Poirier if you can help out.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Winterfest Winners Once Again!
Crocker Farm's entry in the "Kardboard Klassic" sled race at Saturday's Winterfest won for "Best Box" once again this year! We had some tough competition (cardboard sleds in the shape of a horse-drawn chariot, a mouse, a police paddy wagon & more). Here's a look at our "Love Bus":
So we didn't go very fast down the hill, but we sure looked great! The trophy will be on display at school if you want to see it in person.
So we didn't go very fast down the hill, but we sure looked great! The trophy will be on display at school if you want to see it in person.
This Week's CF Events & District Meetings
Mon. Feb. 9 (7:00pm): Superintendent Candidate forum, HS Library
Tues. Feb. 10 (8:00am): Superintendent Candidate breakfast, MS Cafeteria
Tues. Feb. 10 (7:00pm): School Committee Meeting, Marks Meadow Auditorium
Wed. Feb. 11 (7:00pm): Superintendent Candidate forum, HS Library
Thurs. Feb. 12 (8:00am): Superintendent Candidate breakfast, MS Cafeteria
Thurs. Feb. 12 (1:45pm): Crocker Farm Band & Orchestra Concert
Thurs. Feb. 12 (6:30 - 7:30pm): Crocker Farm PGO Meeting
& don't forget: Feb. 16 - 20: Vacation Week!
Tues. Feb. 10 (8:00am): Superintendent Candidate breakfast, MS Cafeteria
Tues. Feb. 10 (7:00pm): School Committee Meeting, Marks Meadow Auditorium
Wed. Feb. 11 (7:00pm): Superintendent Candidate forum, HS Library
Thurs. Feb. 12 (8:00am): Superintendent Candidate breakfast, MS Cafeteria
Thurs. Feb. 12 (1:45pm): Crocker Farm Band & Orchestra Concert
Thurs. Feb. 12 (6:30 - 7:30pm): Crocker Farm PGO Meeting
& don't forget: Feb. 16 - 20: Vacation Week!
Important School District Meetings
Superintendent Candidate #2: Dr. Isabelina Rodriguez. Mon. Feb. 9, 7:00 pm public forum in the High School Library and Tues. Feb. 10 at 8:00 AM community breakfast in the Middle School Cafeteria..
School Committee Meeting Tues. Feb. 10, 7:00 pm in the Marks Meadow Auditorium (NOTE NEW VENUE)
Superintendent Candidate #3: Dr. David Sklarz. Wed. Feb. 11, 7:00 pm public forum in the High School Library and Thurs. Feb. 12 at 8:00 AM community breakfast in the Middle School Cafeteria.
Superintendent Candidate #1: Dr. Alberto Rodriguez. Mon. Feb. 23, 7:00 pm public forum in the High School Library and Tues. Feb. 24 at 8:00 AM community breakfast in the Middle School Cafeteria. (NOTE NEW DATES)
All members of the community are invited to meet the candidates, ask questions and offer written feedback to the School Committee about the candidates.
The elementary school parent groups are providing free childcare at the Superintendent events for those who need it. Please keep in mind that due to the large number of children anticipated that PGO babysitting is for those who do not have another option.
School Committee Meeting Tues. Feb. 10, 7:00 pm in the Marks Meadow Auditorium (NOTE NEW VENUE)
Superintendent Candidate #3: Dr. David Sklarz. Wed. Feb. 11, 7:00 pm public forum in the High School Library and Thurs. Feb. 12 at 8:00 AM community breakfast in the Middle School Cafeteria.
Superintendent Candidate #1: Dr. Alberto Rodriguez. Mon. Feb. 23, 7:00 pm public forum in the High School Library and Tues. Feb. 24 at 8:00 AM community breakfast in the Middle School Cafeteria. (NOTE NEW DATES)
All members of the community are invited to meet the candidates, ask questions and offer written feedback to the School Committee about the candidates.
The elementary school parent groups are providing free childcare at the Superintendent events for those who need it. Please keep in mind that due to the large number of children anticipated that PGO babysitting is for those who do not have another option.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Winterfest on Saturday
The weather is going to be a balmy 38 degrees & the snow is perfect... so bring your family to Winterfest at the Cherry Hill Golf Course starting at noon on this Saturday! There are loads of wintery activities such as the "Kardboard Klassic" sled race (which, Crocker Farm won an award for last year...), a family ice sculpture contest, xc ski lessons, a chili tasting, sleigh rides and more! Admission is $5 for kids, $8 for adults ($20 max for a family). See you there!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Coffee Orders Due Wednesday
Don't forget to order your caffeine fix! Send in your forms by Wednesday morning or spend the month of February in withdrawal...Order Form
Wow!
Last month 100 Crocker Farm families earned nearly $300.00 doing their grocery shopping at Stop&Shop. Our new total in the A+ BonusBucks program is $792.61! The program runs through April 2 so if you haven't signed up your card (or your aunt's, uncle's parents' and friends' cards) yet then please do it NOW! CF's ID # is 05194.
Big Y reports that 213 people are signed up for CF & we've earned 314,750 points. We'll be able to turn those into new equipment for the school at the end of the year.
Have you tried out buying gift cards for your shopping with our Gift Card Program? You don't pay anything extra, but CF gets a portion of your purchase price back from the company. And the list of companies includes almost everything you can think of... Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, etc. etc. etc.
Big Y reports that 213 people are signed up for CF & we've earned 314,750 points. We'll be able to turn those into new equipment for the school at the end of the year.
Have you tried out buying gift cards for your shopping with our Gift Card Program? You don't pay anything extra, but CF gets a portion of your purchase price back from the company. And the list of companies includes almost everything you can think of... Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, etc. etc. etc.
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