Volunteers still needed for Ski and Skate Sale

Please email us: crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com ASAP - and THANK YOU for helping our kids and our school!!!

Volunteers still needed for the - SKI AND SKATE SALE- email us: crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com

SKI AND SKATE SALE 2013

Supportive voices in our area... resources from the District

Some staff and parents may also have additional questions or concerns about how to manage the news of this traumatic experience.  We are fortunate that the UMass Psychological Services Center personnel have offered to provide a short discussion with opportunities for Q & A in the next couple of days.  Below is the information:

Parent presentation and Q&A with UMass personnel- optional:

Wed., 12/19, and Thursday, 12/20, from 8:45 am- 9:15 am in the PD Center at the Middle School.

Staff presentation and Q&A with UMass personnel- optional:

Wed., 12/19, 4:15-4:45 pm

Thursday, 12/20, 3:15-3:45 pm

In addition, several district leadership personnel we will be taping an Amherst Media segment later this week along with our Town Manager, Police, and Fire Department personnel regarding safety and security practices. 

Once again, we value our continued work together and are available to hear and respond to your questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Maria Geryk

Meet the Reading & Math Specialists!

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade Winter Concert

Reminder -

Kindergarten, First Grade and Second grade concert is the 19th - Wednesday evening at 6:30pm in the cafeteria. We welcome all donations for the savory/sweet table. Hope to see you there -- it is a terrific community celebration of music and art.

Many thanks to Ms. Travis and Ms. Z for pulling together their talents for this special evening.

Message from Superintendent of Schools

Dear Families and Staff,

On Monday morning all staff will be having faculty meetings before school to prepare for the coming days in the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut this past Friday. Counselors, school psychologists, and other key staff members have been provided with developmentally appropriate information on how to handle questions or concerns that may be raised in any of the schools. There will not be any teacher initiated conversation in the elementary and middle school classrooms; guidance appointments will be available throughout the day for students who may be having trouble processing information they may have learned over the weekend. The high school will have a moment of silence at the beginning of the school day and will directly inform students of school resources available to them.

Schools will have flags at half mast as directed by President Obama. We have also been in regular contact with our local police department and they will be on hand to ensure all feel safe and secure tomorrow morning. The district safety team will be meeting again on Monday and will be reviewing our established safety procedures.

Together, as a community, we plan to support each other during this time and we will continue to work to ensure our schools are safe environments for all.  

Do not hesitate to contact your school personnel or other administrators if you have questions or concerns.

 

Sincerely,

 

Maria Geryk

Superintendent of Schools  

Amherst Youth Lacrosse - Sign up now for Spring 2013

Hello!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!!

 We are excited to begin another season of lacrosse this spring. We would like to get as many of our players to sign-up before January 19^th as possible. This will allow us to prepare for teams sizes that maximize player fun and skill development. Please visit the website, www.amherstyouthlacrosse.org to download the AYL and US Lacrosse registration forms, fill them out and send them in to:

Amherst Youth Lacrosse

P.O. Box 3632

Amherst, MA 01004

For all registrations received by January 19th, those names will be entered in a raffle for two tickets to a UMass Men's Lacrosse game held at Garber Field. Winners will be notified after the drawing.

2013 Amherst Youth Lacrosse Fee Schedule for Boys and Girls teams

Single player family:     $145.00

Multi-player family:       $260.00 for two children

                                  $100.00 for each additional family member

                             $25.00 US Lacrosse fee per player included

Reduced Fee Structure: based on free or reduced lunch

Single player family:       $85.00 (US Lacrosse fee included)

Multi-player family:       $150.00

                                    $40.00 for each additional family member

                             $25.00 US Lacrosse fee per player included

There will be fundraising events scheduled during the season. ALL members of Amherst Youth Lacrosse will be expected to participate. Proceeds from our fundraising efforts will be used to offset operating costs, purchasing new uniforms and replacing old and worn equipment.

There is a $15.00 late fee per player for registrations received after January 19^th, 2013

Clean musical shirts ... la la la la la la la ... la la

Hello wonderful Crocker Farm families -- Ms. Z is looking for a few volunteers to stop by her music room and take home a bag of gently worn usher t-shirts.  These shirts need to be washed, dried, folded and returned to Ms. Z.  If you are a person with a generous heart, we would appreciate your help.  Stop by the music room and Ms. Z will direct you to the shirts.  Thanks, in advance, on behalf of our entire community, for your generous act of kindness.

School resources for talking with your children about the tragic CT incidents

Taken directly from the www.arps.org website:

We have received a number of calls and inquiries from families and community members following today's tragic event at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  For information on how to talk with children about this and similar incidents, please link to Parent Information  (vist www.arps.org for the workable link to resources).  Our thoughts and condolences are extended to the students, families, faculty and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary and to the community.

Your expertise would be appreciated!

Superintendent of Schools, Maria Geryk, and the Office of Student Services has formed a Wellness Committee composed of staff, parents/guardians, and community members.  This working group meets monthly and discusses issues of fitness, nutrition, and food-related allergies in our schools. If you have interest in participating on the Wellness Committee or sharing insights, please contact Kimberly Stender at stenderk@arps.org or 413-362-1825.

Wednesday December 12 is Valley Gives Day!

Valley Gives is a 24 hour day of online generosity for the Pioneer Valley.  Please consider supporting Amherst Education Foundation with a gift at http://valleygives.razoo.com/story/Amherstedfound and help us win some amazing cash prizes (up to $15,000!) from the Valley Gives organizers!

Last year AEF gave $44,000 in grants to support students across the ARPS district - these included a professional development grant for Crocker Farm teachers and money for science/technology books for the Crocker Library. Help us do it again this spring.  Thank you for your support of GREAT public education in Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury!

Ski and Snowboarding for our kids! Starts in January...

Canned food drive - still going on ALL WEEK!!!

Attention Kindergarten, First and Second Grade Families

Try GoodShop for online purchases -- Save $ and earn $ for Crocker Farm

Online shopping for the holidays or any other time?  Go to your favorite online retailers through the GoodShop portal web site and the Crocker Farm PGO will earn a little money with each of your purchases at NO cost to you.   

PLUS GoodShop has great coupons that can help you save money. 

Here is the web link to GoodShop: http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx

 

Choose "Crocker Farm Elementary School PGO" as your cause and a percentage of the value of each purchase (typically 1-5%) will go to the school. Over 2,500 retailers are listed at GoodShop, including many of the stores that families use frequently.

Vote for Crocker Farm Elementary School!

Please take a minute to vote for Crocker Farm Elementary School at the Florence Savings Bank's Customer's Choice Community Grants.  All you need to do is write in "Crocker Farm Elementary School" for your favorite non-profit.  Vote for Crocker Farm Elementary School by Dec. 31st!

Only rules are: (1) you have to be a Florence Savings Bank customer and (2) you can only vote once.

Coffee Canceled!

Just in case you were planning on enjoying your morning cup of joe with the principals this Friday, scratch that off your list.  We'll be skipping the regularly scheduled November Coffee with the Principals.

But we WILL be having our December 21st 8:45 a.m. Coffee with the Principals.  The talk will be lively, the muffins will be tasty, and small children will be welcomed.

And?  There will even be eggnog to pour in your coffee!  Mark that down on your calendars.

"Original Works" UPDATE

It's not too late to submit your "original works" order for 2012!
1.) Sit your child down and open up the green plastic bag that came home in their backpack a few weeks ago.
2.) Let the child design something unique and special on the enclosed 8.5" x 11" white paper -- bright colors are best (I recommend markers)!  Let their imaginations run wild.  Some favorites from previous years:  a funny family crest, some 21st century woodland fairies, treacherous dragons of the deep caverns of yore, and a galaxy full of football shaped planets (I'm sure your kid(s) will come up with some memorable creations of their own).
3.) put your child's name on the back of their creation and put a "T" on the back to mark the top of the creation
4.) fill out the order form and attach a check or cash to cover the cost of the items you are ordering
5.) return the green bag with the artwork, payment and order form in your child's backpack so that it can be deposited in the wicker basket in the front office by WEDNESDAY -- NO LATER than WEDNESDAY PLEASE!!!!!
6.) Your child's artwork will be reproduced on a wide array of gift items including iPhone covers, ceramic mugs, stainless steel water bottles or whatever you choose to give as a holiday gift to friends, family members or your child's teacher(s)

7.) Thank you, in advance, for your generous support -- all proceeds benefit our kids, our teachers, and our school!  Gift items will arrive just in time for the holidays - pick up on the 19th of December at Crocker Farm Elementary school.
?'s call Angela 413-219-6344

Volunteers Needed for Winter Clothing Share

The PGO seeks volunteers to help with the winter clothing share distribution scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving. 

Volunteers are still needed:

Tuesday (set up) 11/27, from 3-5

Wednesday, 11/28, from 1-2

Thursday, 11/29, from 11-5
Friday, 11/30, from 12 -3

  

Can you sign up for a 1 - 3 hour shift?  If you're available to help, please email Tracy Zafian, tmz23@zafian.com, and let her know your preferred days/times. 

Many thanks!

Happy THANKSGIVING!

Thanks for coming out tonight to listen to some fun music, make large self-portraits and share some artistic hours -- it was fun! Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!!! The PGO

Please remember - your original works orders are due by 11/26/2012 in the front office -- there is a pretty basket (decorated by our one and only Ms. Aldrich) on the counter where you should put your orders.

Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Basketball through LSSE

Art night - come relax and create

Girls lacrosse anyone? Plan ahead for the spring...

Come support Mr. Shea and his college soccer team players!

Mr. Shea's team is STILL PLAYING SOCCER -- so PLEASE come support them
Please join us to cheer on the undefeated, #2 ranked Amherst College Men's Soccer Team (16-0-2)
in the Third Round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament! 
vs. Swarthmore College

Saturday, November 17, 2012
1:30 p.m. 

Hitchcock Field
Amherst College
(game will also be webcast)
check out www.amherst.edu/athletics for more details!  Good luck Mr. Shea!  Go Jeffs!

NO PGO MEETING TONIGHT !!!!!!!

I know it is last minute - but tonight's PGO meeting is POSTPONED until later in December -- we'll get the word out in backpacks and via facebook and the blog -- so STAY TUNED!

Volunteers Needed for Winter Clothing Share Distribution Days

The PGO seeks volunteers to help with the winter clothing share distribution scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving. The distribution will occur in the Crocker Farm lobby. 

The distribution hours are:

Wednesday, 11/28, from 8 am to 2 pm

Thursday, 11/29, from 8 am to 8 pm
Friday, 11/30, from 8 am to noon

  

Volunteers are needed for the above times, and to help with setup and cleanup. 

Setup:  Tuesday, 11/27, 3 to 6 pm;  Cleanup: Friday, 11/30, noon to 3 pm.

Ideally volunteers should be able to sign up for a two to three hour shift or shifts. 

If you're available to help, please email Tracy Zafian, tmz23@zafian.com, and let her know your preferred days/times. 

Many thanks!    

Public Service Announcements regarding our Winter Clothing Drive

  English version

 Spanish version

Music with Miss Leticia --

School Committee members at CF coffee Friday!

Friday morning from 9a.m.-10a.m. come chat about regionalization with School Committee members Katherine Appy (Amherst) and Elaine Puelo (Shutesbury).  We'll be in the Community Room with tasty treats and hot coffee.

Join us!

The School Governance Council Needs YOU!

Crocker Farm is looking to recruit one or two more parents for our School Governance Council. The intent is to meet up to four times this school year, working to review and update the School Improvement Plan. Meetings will likely take place after school, hopefully in the 3:45pm-4:45pm range. A further option is 8:00am-9:00am. Interested?  Please email Cathy Aldrich (AldrichCA@arps.org).

Thanks!

Track meet RESCHEDULED!

Track meet for OUR KIDS TODAY - 11/7

Wed. 11/7 is a track meet open to elementary schoolers from 3-5 at Amherst Regional HIgh School from 3-5.  Suggested donation is $3 per runner.  The events are: Long jump, shot put, 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 1600M, 4X100M, 4X400.  

On 11/28, there is a x-country run, also starting at the ARHS.

3:30: K-2  1K (.62 mile)

3:50: 3-4   1.5K (.96 mile)

4:10: 5-5 2K (1.25mile)

Election Day THANK YOU!!!!

SUPER BONANZA thanks to all of the bake sale bakers and volunteer workers! It was a pleasure working with you and watching people smile as they waited patiently in line to vote yesterday. We couldn't have done it without you and your generous support!

Your help is needed and appreciated!

We are still looking for some volunteers to bake goodies for two election day bake sales (one at Crocker and the other at the Munson Library - south Amherst). ALSO - we need people to staff the bake sale tables from 1pm - 4pm on Tuesday. If you can do either please email us: crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com.
Thanks and don't forget to VOTE on TUESDAY!
All monies go towards helping our kids, our teachers, and our school.  We are raising funds for big projects - the spring school musical, field trips, and books.... we are also raising funds for smaller projects like the community garden, non-fiction magazine subscriptions and on-going art displays.
PLEASE help us out if you can!

Coat Drive is Happening!

To ensure all Crocker Farm children are warm and toasty this winter season, we are once again collecting winter outerwear. Why not take a few minutes this weekend to look in your closets for any gently used items for those in need?

We are looking for donations of clean, gently used winter clothing
(ALL sizes, children and adults are needed):

* coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats *
* mittens * gloves * scarves * snowsuits *

Drop off: Anytime during school hours, now through Nov. 26 in the CF 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:

• Wednesday Nov. 28, 8am - 2pm
• Thursday Nov. 29, 8am - 8pm
• Friday Nov. 30, 8am - noon.

Any leftover clothing will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center.

Thank you to the Lions Club of Amherst for partnering with us again this year. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos (studiozed@comcast.net). Thank you for your donations!

Trip to NYC anyone?

Change of Times for Basketball Clinic on Saturday

FYI:
The Pre-Season Basketball Player’s Clinic (for kids in grades K-8) is scheduled for the Amherst High School Gym this Saturday, Nov. 3^rd. There has been a change in times from what was published in the LSSE brochure and previously emailed.

The BOYS’ Clinic will be from 10am-12pm and the GIRLS’ Clinic will run from 1-3pm. These clinics will provide an excellent opportunity for your child to get ready for the upcoming rec basketball season and/or travel tryouts for grades 5-8 (Nov. 7^th and 10^th for boys and Nov. 8^th and 10^th for girls) and meet members of both varsity boys’ and girls’ teams.

The boys’ clinic will be run by longtime varsity boys’ head coach, Jim Matuszko. ARHS recently named Liz Kay the new varsity girls’ basketball coach. Coach Kay played college basketball at Bates College, teaches at Suffield Academy in CT and most recently served as the varsity girls’ coach at Coventry HS for the past seven seasons and leading them to two state finals appearances. This is a great chance to meet her in person before the season starts up.

This cost of the clinic is $5, payable at the door. All proceeds benefit the ARHS basketball programs.

Want to learn more about your kid's math?

Election Day Bake Sale(S) Sign-up

Please click on the button below to share your talents with our entire community.  We are asking for volunteers to work one hour shifts at Crocker Farm on election day 2012 (11/6/2012) and also the Munson Library (on the South Amherst Common) on 11/6/2012.  If you cannot work a shift - PLEASE consider contributing baked goods or savory goods.  You can drop them off on Monday 11/5/2012 in the front office at Crocker Farm Elementary!  Please help us raise funds for our school, our kids, and our fantastic teachers!

Early dismissal today 10/30/2012

Reminder - today is early dismissal day -- due to teacher conferences! Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

No School Tomorrow

We just checked the link on the arps website -- no school tomorrow, Monday, October 29th

No School on 10/29/2012

Pumpkins, pumpkins....

Several members of our community (who helped with event clean-up) were able to take home a rotund orange friend (pumpkin) after Friday's festivities -- Special thanks go out to Andrew's Greenhouse on South East Street in South Amherst for their generous donation of a dozen bright autumn beauties!!! They will light up the night on Halloween.  Thanks Melinda and Jacqui for being so generous to our community.

HAPPY HARVEST THANK YOU!

A million thanks to all the special individuals who made Friday evening's festivities so much fun for everyone!  We appreciate the creative and organizational efforts of Justyne Ogdahl (garden harvest fest) and Tracy Zafian (fun run).

Heartfelt thanks to Jeff and Alex for donating such a gracious space -- the garden itself!

Also congratulations to our pie contest winner Tim!!!

The music was divine - Miss Leticia and her students, Mr. Silverstone, the Electric dancers, and Ms. Ferro we salute you and thank you for sharing your talents with us.  We all celebrated good friends with good food and admired a splendid sunset!  Thanks to all who helped set-up and clean-up.  Happy Harvest!

Crocker Cares Warm Winter Clothing Drive

To ensure all Crocker Farm children are warm and toasty this winter season, we are once again collecting winter outerwear. Why not take a few minutes this weekend to look in your closets for any gently used items for those in need.

We are looking for donations of clean, gently used winter clothing
(ALL sizes, children and adults are needed):

* coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats *
* mittens * gloves * scarves * snowsuits *

Drop off: Anytime during school hours, now through Nov. 26 in the CF 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:

• Wednesday Nov. 28, 8am - 2pm
• Thursday Nov. 29, 8am - 8pm
• Friday Nov. 30, 8am - noon.

Any leftover clothing will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center.

Thank you to the Lions Club of Amherst for partnering with us again this year. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos (studiozed@comcast.net). Thank you for your donations!

Upcoming events sponsored by LSSE

Compost

GOT LEAVES?

Our compost bins are in need of leaves for the winter

If you are in the process or hope to be raking up your yards in the near future we need mulched/ground leaves.

Instead of raking mow your leaves into a bag and bring them to the Crocker Farm compost or we can pick them up!

Any question please contact the PGO or justyneogdahl@gmail.com

THANK YOU!

A big thank you to all those mug-donors out there!  We have more than enough ceramic mugs to last all of our Coffees with the co-Principals for ages to come!  You all are wonderful.  Thanks.

See you at the Coffee with Rhonda Cohen, Amherst's Director of Teaching and Learning, this Friday!  Maybe you'll see one of your mugs there!

Coffee with the Director of Teaching and Learning this Friday!

Rhonda Cohen, the Amherst Regional Public Schools' Director of Teaching and Learning, 

will be joining us for coffee this Friday morning, October 26th, at 8:30.

Questions about academics in Amherst's schools?  She's the one to ask!  Come join us.

Crocker Cares Warm Winter Clothing Drive

It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting cooler and we’re thinking about winter. 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 your donations: Anytime during school hours, now through Nov. 26 in the CF lobby.

The PGO will have the donated clothes available for distribution after Thanksgiving break.  If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by the school Wednesday, Thursday or Friday after Thanksgiving (hours to be determined)

Thank you!