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!

AEF Trivia Bee Next Thursday!

The AEF Annual Trivia Bee is coming up!  Have fun and support the Amherst Education Foundation at this FREE event on Thursday, October 18 from 7 to 9 pm at the ARMS auditorium.

Run for the Planet - Help Set A World Record

Being Held Just Before the Harvest Fest

Please Join Us for the

Crocker Farm Run for the Planet 100 meter run/walk

Friday, October 26th

Get some exercise, have some fun, and help set the World Record for most 100 meter runners/walkers in a 24-hour period

 

This event is being held in conjunction with National Geographic Kids' Run for the Planet, an international event created to insipire kids and families to do something good for their health while helping to break a Guiness World Record.   Close to 200,000 people have pledged to participate in Run for the Planet worldwide.  

 

 

The Crocker Farm Run for the Planet will be held starting at 4:30 pm at the Crocker soccer fields.   The event is open to all and will be held rain or shine.  Participants are welcome to run or walk the 100 meters. 

The Crocker Farm Run for the Planet will be held starting at 4:30 pm at the school soccer fields.  This event is open to all and will be held rain or shine.   Participants are welcome to run or walk the 100 meters.  

 

Sign-in and Registration:  4:30 – 4:45 pm

Run ages 5 and under:  4:50 pm

Run ages 6 to 8:  4:55 pm

Run ages 9 to 12; 5:00 pm

Run ages 13 to 17:  5:05 pm

Adults run:  5:10 pm

Last call final run:  5:20 pm. 

 

For more information, please contact Tracy Zafian, at tmz23@zafian.com, 256-3230.  

 

 

 

 

GARDEN HARVEST-FEST 2012 - YOU ARE INVITED!

If you designed it or helped build it -- this event is in your honor. If you admire it or have yet to see it -- this event is also for you. We hope you will join in the fun -- RAINDATE is SUNDAY 11/4/2012 from 2pm - 3:30pm

Last call for directory forms!!!

We'll accept your directory forms either in paper or via electronic submission through this Friday -- so take a minute to track it down (in your home) or use the electronic link below -- the directory is a great way to find friends' contact information for playdates and also for upcoming birthday parties!

Here is the link to the online form one more time:  click HERE to access it.  

Thanks!

Shop Online through GoodShop & Earn Money for Crocker Farm

Do your online shopping through the GoodShop portal and earn money for Crocker Farm and the PGO, at no cost to you

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

 

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

Multi-arts offerings...

For a more sustainable – vibrant – resilient Amherst

Multi-Arts invites your children to join our art, theater, dance and
games activities provided by our inspiring faculty while you join a
creative brainstorming session on what you would like to see in the
future of Amherst as we move away from our dependency on fossil fuels
and become more reliant in our local community resources.


Saturday, October 13, 2012, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Amherst Regional Middle School



www.multi-arts.org
Read about us:
http://www.greatnonprofits.org/reviews/multi-arts-inc/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7TcqG82nTo.

Skating in Amherst

Please join the fun and skate with us!

Please share this announcement with your friends, families and neighbors!

The Skating Club of Amherst is accepting registration for the upcoming Winter LEARN TO SKATE – Basic Skills program that serves the needs of both the recreational and competitive skater. The curriculum is designed to keep skaters enthusiastic about learning from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals. Whether their goal is to achieve Olympic fame or simply enjoy the recreational benefits of skating, the Basic Skills Program is the place to start!

Skaters of all ages and abilities (including adults) will be able to participate in this lifelong sport.

IMPORTANT DATES for the first winter session and TO PRINT the Registration forms, please visit http://www.scamherst.org

PLACE:  UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MULLINS CENTER PRACTICE RINK

DAY:     10 SUNDAYS STARTING NOVEMBER 4, 2012, AND ENDING JANUARY 6, 2013

TIME:   5:50- 6:30 PM (25 MIN. OF GROUP INSTRUCTION - 15 MIN. OF PRACTICE TIME)

NOTE:   FIGURE SKATES ARE REQUIRED.  PLEASE, NO DOUBLE RUNNERS OR HOCKEY SKATES.  Rental skates are available at the rink.  (Please arrive early).

REGISTRATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.  MAIL APPLICATION WITH PAYMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  Pre-registration is necessary if you want to begin on the first Sunday (November 4).  Skating continues through June, 2013, with a January session and April session to follow.

Questions??  Call Rita Leaman at (413) 253-6388 or e-mail questions to info@scamherst.org

Miss Leticia Music School - Fall 2012

Boy Scout Open House

Boy Scout Troop 500 Amherst is having an Open House for prospective scouts and their families Tuesday, October 16 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the South Congregational Church, 1066 Southeast Street, Amherst.  

Troop 500 has a 50+ year history in Amherst working with school-age boys (grades 6-12).  Troop activities are organized and run by the boys, including weekly meetings, monthly campouts, and projects in the community.  Our Scouts learn practical outdoor skills and develop leadership skills while having a lot of fun.  

Troop 500 does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or sexual preference.  For more information, contact Scoutmaster Peter Crowley at (413) 348-8052.

(Not a school sponsored event.)

Girls Leadership Institute - co sponsored by Crocker PGO and the District Attorney's Office

Due to changes in district policy, the Girls Leadership Institute seminar that begins on October 9th for girls in grades kindergarten - 1st grade will be held at the same time - 3:30pm - 4:30pm at the Munson Library (South Amherst) -- pleas

e feel free to register for this event:www.GirlsLeadershipInstitute.org/content/amherst-ma-programs or call Alana Garcia: 866-744-9102 ext. 1 or reach out to Alana at Alana@girlsleadership.org

LSSE basketball information - 2012-2013

Hello basketball families:

The dates for suburban basketball team tryouts have been set for the upcoming 2012-2013 season (barring another Halloween snowstorm).

All tryouts will take place at the Amherst Middle School Gym on the following schedule:

Tryout dates:

Wednesday, November 7th

5/6^th grade boys - 5:30-7:00 p.m.

7/8^th grade boys - 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 8th

4^th-6^th grade girls - 5:30-7:00 p.m.

7/8^th grade girls - 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 10th

4^th-6^th grade girls - 10:00-11:30 a.m.

7/8^th grade girls- 11:30-1:00 p.m.

5/6^th grade boys - 1:00-2:30 p.m.

7/8^th grade boys - 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Players are encouraged to attend BOTH sessions to maximize their chances of making the team.

General Information

* Rec basketball registration is currently open.  If your child do not plan to try out for rec basketball, feel free to register online at www.lsse.org. Or, call the front office at 259.3065.

* Suburban Basketball is a “travel” team, so participants/parents should be prepared to commit to a full schedule of practices/games/tournaments from November through early March.

* There is no cost to try out, BUT if a player does make the team, there will be a participation fee that will be based on the cost of uniforms, officials, travel, tournament entry fees, etc.

* There will be at least one team chosen for each division (5th/6th &7th/8th). If there is perceived to be sufficient interest/talent remaining, a second team (“B” Team) will be formed. We anticipate receiving a 4^th grade waiver from the league for the girls’ 5-6 division (will allow for 4^thgrade participation). 4^th grade boys are welcome to tryout, but we cannot displace any viable 5-6 grade boys in order to open a slot for a 4^thgrader (ie. If more than two teams worth of 5/6 grade boys tryout (24-28 kids), then we cannot take a 4^th grader on either team, regardless of how good they are).

* Only students who attend ARMS or are a resident of Amherst, Pelham, Shutesbury or Leverett are eligible (per league rules/bylaws).

* There will be a team of evaluators at each of the tryouts (including prospective coaches) to determine players ranking and team placement.   

Important Sign-Up Information

If your child is planning to try out for one of the Suburban Travel Basketball teams, you can still register them for the recreational league before the late date anyway – they will then be guaranteed a

spot on a recreational team if they DON’T make the Suburban team. If they DO make a team, the recreational registration fee can then be applied toward the Suburban fee.

Please fill out the attached tryout form and return via email (mivillem@amherstma.gov),  fax (413.259.2407) or snail mail (Attn: Mark Miville, LSSE,70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002).

Mark Miville

Sports and Recreation Director

Town of Amherst Leisure Services

70 Boltwood Walk

Amherst, MA 01002

413.259.3065 front desk registration

413.259.3144 direct

413.259.2407 fax

www.lsse.org