Monday, February 28, 2011

BoxTops for Education

If you've been collecting BoxTops, please, please, please try to get them to school today or tomorrow. I'll be bundling them up to send out by March 1!

Keep collecting, and keep bringing them in! Even this little effort goes a long way, we've earned more then $200 so far this year!

For more information (including other ways to earn) follow this link

Thanks everybody!

Time to order coffee!

Need more delicious, organic, fair-trade coffee? Order by Wednesday March 2 and it will come home in your child's backpack next week! Each and every bag of coffee helps our PGO fund activities for our kids!

order form click here

Save the date!

Let's Move! Amherst Elementary
Sunday, April 3, 2011
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
at the Amherst College Alumni Gym

The CF PGO is partnering with FR, WW and the Amherst College Swim and Dive Team to plan an Amherst elementary school wide family fitness day in the AC athletic facilities to promote active lifestyle choices.  Our goal is to build healthy families, communities, and schools.  The event will include nutritionist talks about healthy snacks and meal choices, information about sun protection, activities such as zumba, yoga, and jazzercise, a 1-mile walking loop, pick-up games, and other fitness activities such as jump rope.  Healthy snacks will be provided.   Admission is FREE and the event is open to all Amherst Elementary Families.  For more information, please contact Becky at beckydemling@yahoo.com.

Come one Come all to the 1st ever Crocker Farm Elementary School Friday Night Social


  Place: Crocker Farm Elementary School
Date: March 25, 2011
Time: 6:30-8:30
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hey you out there!! Love good food and music? Enjoy playing games and laughing? Tired of being inside the house. Well I have something for you, come enjoy a night of family fun at the first ever “Friday Night Social”. Come enjoy dinner and family fun with fellow Crocker Farm parents and classmates. This promises to be an event that will have you begging for more. Don’t miss out on a once in a life time event. If you have any questions please contact Anastasia Morton to R.S.V.P. by March 11, 2011 since this will be a catered event. This is a FREE EVENT!!! (However donations will be accepted)

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Movie Night!

The next installment of Family Movie Night will be on March 11th.  Grab your sleeping bags or lawn chairs and join us in the cafeteria for Family Movie Night featuring "Toy Story 3."   Doors open at 6:00 PM, movie starts at 6:30 PM.

Art and Music Education in a Time of Budget Cuts: A Forum

The League of Women Voters of Amherst supports Art and Music Education in our local communities and sponsors a public forum on Art and Music Education in a Time of Budget Cuts.  Forum participants include Senator Stan Rosenberg; Alexandra Kennedy - Executive Director, Eric Carle Museum; Moema Furtado - UMASS Fine Arts Center, Director of Education and Engagement; Teri Magner - Artist and Fort River Elementary School Art Teacher; David Ranen – Musician and Amherst Middle School Music Teacher; and Rick Hood - Amherst School Committee.  Co-sponsored by the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.  MONDAY, March 7, 7 p.m., Auditorium, Eric Carle Museum. Free. 253-0633.

Youth Flag Football Clinic

The Town of Amherst Leisure Services in cooperation with Amherst College head coach EJ Mills and the Amherst College coaching staff is introducing an instructional program to teach the game of non-contact flag football to boys and girls of all abilities in grades 1-6. This program is for kids who are interested in learning the sport or want to improve their skills in a fun and interactive environment. Coach Mills has been the head football coach at Amherst College for 14 years. In his time there he has received numerous accolades including the American Football Coaches Association Division III Region 1 Coach of the Year and D3football.com East Region Coach of the Year. The flag football concept allows children to learn and develop the necessary skills and concepts in a safe and fun setting with no equipment necessary (cleats recommended). Each child should bring a water bottle. Every participant will receive an authentic NFL jersey with registration. The coaches will divide kids by similar age and ability.
Who: Boys and Girls currently in 1st through 6th grade
What: 8 Sessions of Instructional Flag Football Clinics
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
April 12th – May 5th
5:00 – 6:30 PM
Where: Groff Park
Mill Lane, Amherst MA
Cost: $69
To register or for more information, call LSSE offices at 259.3065, log onto www.LSSE.org, or contact Mark Miville, Sports and Recreation Director, at mivillem@amherstma.gov.
Not a School Sponsored Event

Friday, February 18, 2011

We Heart Our Teachers Day thank you


We Heart our Teachers Day was Monday, February 14th. On Valentine’s Day, the CF PGO showed our appreciation for our teachers by decorating the teacher’s work room and filling it with sweet treats made by YOU! Thank you so much for all your donations!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Crocker Farm CAREs



Ask your child about these four key parts to being a student at Crocker Farm.

These banners are up around the school. Can you spot all six? Happy hunting!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Winter Vacation Camp

School’s out for winter break and Amherst LSSE has a fun program for youngsters with its Winter Vacation Camp.

“February is the doldrums of winter with limited opportunities but Leisure Services provides four days of indoor and outdoor fun. The kids will have a good time regardless of what’s going on outside,” said Stacey Lecuivre, LSSE Youth Program Director.

“Working parents don’t despair, we’re here,” said Linda Chalfant LSSE Director.

The week includes trips to Interskate 91 for roller skating and bowling in Northampton as well as winter-related arts and crafts. Children will venture outdoors to sled down Wildwood Hill and make snow sculptures.

The camp, open to children ages 5 through 12 from all public and private schools, will be held Feb. 22 to 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Wildwood Elementary School. The staff led by Lecuivre, are all First Aid and CPR certified.

The fee is $199 per week with scholarships available.

For information or to register call 259-3065 or visit: www.lsse.org

Wednesday Clubs - Session 2

Did your kiddo come home with their Wednesday Clubs Session 2 packet on Friday? If not & you need one contact studiozed@comcast.net & we'll email one right out. COMPLETED FORMS ARE DUE THIS THURSDAY FEBRUARY 17.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Fifth Annual Latino Achievement Night

January 25, 2011


Dear families and friends:

The Amherst Pelham Public Schools invite you to our Fifth Annual Latino Achievement Night. The event will be on Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Amherst Middle School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

The program will include recognition of all Latino students in our school district and a talent showcase by our students and community members. Certificates will be given to students at transition grades (K, 6, 8, 12) who have excelled in the following categories:

Academic Achievement – This category recognizes excellence and achievement in academic work in all areas.

Community Spirit – This category recognizes students who are “all-around great kids”; these students are a positive influence on their peers, are thoughtful, respectful, and inclusive in a variety of settings (class room, clubs, sports, playground, etc.)

Effort – This category embodies students who demonstrate hard work, perseverance, determination and a great love of learning.

Leadership – This category embodies students who take initiative in one or more of the following areas: academics, sports, clubs, community service (in and out of school).

Progress- This category recognizes students who have shown great improvement in academic subjects, attendance and/or behavior.

This is an open invitation to all families and friends. We hope you join us to celebrate the achievements of our Latino Students! After the ceremony we will serve refreshments. If you have any questions, please call my assistant, Mildred Martinez, at 362-1871 or e-mail her at martinezm2@arps.org. Thanks for your support!

Cordially,

Dr. Marta Guevara, Director
ELL Program
Student Services Administrator

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Wednesday Clubs - Session 2

FYI, Registration packets for Session 2 of Wednesday Clubs should be coming home this week in your child's backpack. We are SO excited to offer another session of even more fun after school clubs, including Horse Lovers, Lego, Winter Adventure, Computer Animation, Basketball, Knitting, Arts & Crafts and Young Writers. Thank you to all of our amazing club leaders for sharing your time & talents!!

Remember, everyone is welcome to register (even if you already participated), but children who didn't get a spot during session 1 will be prioritized for Session 2. Registration forms are due no later than February 17th so don't delay!

Monday, February 7, 2011

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Auditions

            Auditions will be held for the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) musical production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND Monday, March 7th at the Amherst High School Cafeteria from 4pm to 6pm. All those auditioning should arrive at 3:45 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.
 
            Among the roles to be cast in this song- and dance-filled performance are Alice, the Queen, the King, the Knave, the Ace, the Cards, the Duchess, the Cook, The Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Dormouse, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Humpty Dumpty, the Lobsters, Caterpillars, and Flowers. Students in grade Kindergarten through 12th grade are encouraged to audition. There are 50-60 roles available, with parts for every age group. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals. This is a group audition, and no advance preparation is necessary --though a smile always helps!
 
            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, March 7th – Friday, March 12th. Not everyone will need to be present at every rehearsal.
 
            ALICE IN WONDERLAND will be presented on Saturday, March 12th at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm in the Amherst High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students under 18 and seniors.
 
            For more information, go to “Children’s Theatre” at ALSCT.org, or call Susan at 413-461-6722. ALICE IN WONDERLAND—Join us for an amazing and “Wonder”-ful experience!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Fun Friday Events at CF

After 2 snow days, I am sure everyone needs to get out of the house. Join the CF PGO this Friday for Coffee with the Principal and Family Movie Night.

The Coffee will be in the CF Cafeteria from 8:30 - 9:30 AM with Principal Mike Morris. Have a cup of tea or coffee and hear all that is going on at CF. Siblings welcome!

Then, grab your sleeping bags or lawn chairs and join us in the cafeteria for Family Movie Night featuring "Ramona and Beezus." Doors open at 6:00 PM, movie starts at 6:30 PM.

Hope to see you there!

Questions? Email the PGO at crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com.

ETTA Art Studio & ETTA International: (Empowerment Through The Arts) presents:

Ahhhh... February vacation- Feb. 22-25! A full week of fun, art and friendship! YES!

We have an art-filled week planned and you won't want to miss out!

Details: 'Art From the Heart'

Come make art in our cozy warm studio!

Sign Up Now !!!! One Day or all four days-Tues. - Friday

*Home is where the Art Is: Artful Fantasy Mini Environments- choose from our many diverse materials and create a world all from your own imagination! Add in creatures and imagine what their home is like - is it warm all the time? is it cold? Does it have mountains, forests, water? You are the creator! ·

*Story theater and ART: Tell a story and Make Art to go with it- props, a puppet, a mask? An activity for the day or to build on for the 4 day week and perform for friends and family by the end of the week! ·

* Hearts Pumping like a Volcano! : with simple science we'll create volcanoes that work! We can make hearts with all the right tubes that flow out and in just like our own hearts! We'll use a wide range of materials- paper-mache, cloth, balloons, clay, paint and more! ·

* Creative Journal and Book-making : Create your own diary or art journal using an array of materials from paper, card board, cloth, yarn,and stencils. Weave, paint, design your own journal's shape and size. Allow it to express "YOU" since you'll be the one using it! ·

* Your Heart's Desire : What are your Fantasies, Dreams, Stories that can inspire Art and Art that inspires Stories? We'll look at the ways our world can create both what you imagine and how it is often so much greater than we can imagine! ·

* Color Your Heart Art : Who are you? What color are you? Create a Heart that represents you in rainbow colors with Collage, Watercolor, Acrylic and Cardboard- 3 D !! ·

* Clay to your Heart's Content! : a day of clay play! Hand-building and creation with all the clay you can handle! Then paint it when it dries!

Tuesday-Friday -Pick Your Theme- 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (with a half hour lunch break)

3 hour Session for $25 or full day @ $45. Bring a lunch, snack + drink !
Choose more than 2 full days for an additional 10% discount! Full week of classes only: $175.00

Wednesday Clubs - please donate if you can

Hi everyone! The PGO is very proud to be able to offer the Wednesday Clubs program at Crocker Farm and in Session 1 we're providing some exciting activities for 60 students!

It takes a lot of time, teamwork and volunteerism to make things run smoothly. Frankly, it also takes some money. We don't have a lot of costs, but we do provide a small stipend to club leaders and our on-site coordinator and we pay for club materials. So while Wednesday Clubs are available to all children for free, we deeply appreciate donations from participating families who can afford to help cover our costs and keep the program running.

Our suggestion is $25.00 per child (just $5.00 per afternoon of fun), but donations in any size are welcome. If you haven't sent in your donation yet please don't hesitate to do so. Checks can be written to "Crocker Farm PGO". THANKS!!

For those whose children are not participating this time, never fear! The PGO is already hard at work on putting the details together for Session 2 (March 2 - 30). Our goal is to find a spot for everyone who wants to join a club, so kids who didn't participate this time will be prioritized for Session 2.

ETTA Art Gallery at Amherst Art Walk

Come out to ETTA Art Gallery Thursday Feb. 3rd, 5pm-7pm during the Amherst Art Walk.

*ETTA Art Gallery located at 534 Main Street in Amherst is proud to Exhibit our teachers and students of ETTA Art Studio's classes.

Come and delight in the wonderful Art Works that will be on display made by children and teens of all ages. Paintings, mini-environments, collages, drawings, paper-mache and clay sculptures can be viewed during the month of February.

List of Artists-teachers include: Peter Zierlein , Illustrator and paper cuts, Dara Herman-Zierlein, Art Educator and narrative watercolor paintings, Rebecca Migdal, Graphic and Comic Book illustration, Ezzell Floranina, Theater Artist, Masks and Giant puppets (Recipient of Amherst Community Theater's 2011 Contributor to the Art Award ) .

*A special DEMO during this month's Art Walk: GLASS BEAD-MAKING
by artist Katie Richardson
with Live Music with local Teen Band "Who'da Funk It".

*Saturday, Feb. 12th, 2pm-5pm
We'll have a Youth ART SHOW Opening Reception.
For more details, go to our website: www.ETTartstudio.com or call: 413-230-3272

*Come join us for an evening and month of creative spirits of the Pioneer Valley.