For those of you who were at the Coffee with the Principal on Thursday, or if you just wanted to know, here's the Amherst elementary school projected class size for next school year.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Projected class size 2013-2014
Pizza pick-up Reminder and Many Thanks!
Thanks to everyone who placed a Hillside pizza order - YOUR delicious goods will be available for pick-up on THURSDAY, APRIL 4TH AT THE PARENT PICK-UP DOORS (NEAR PRE-SCHOOL) FROM 3:05PM - 6:00PM -- if you cannot pick up your order - please call Angela 413-219-6344 to make other arrangements! THANKS again for your generous orders!!! Thanks for supporting our kids, our teachers and our school, With heartfelt thanks, your PGO @ crocker farm elementary
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Coffee Thursday!
Don't forget to join us for the Coffee with the Principals tomorrow, Thursday, March 28th, at 8:45 a.m. Bring your questions, comments, and accolades. We'll provide the coffee, muffins, and principals!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
6th Graders: Learn About ARMS After School Clubs
Dear 6th Grade Families,
Please join
representatives from the ARMS FSP PGO and ARMS After School Clubs to learn about after school clubs, the ARMS FSP, meet other
families, and enjoy light refreshments. The event will be held on:
Tuesday,
April 2nd, 2013
6:00 PM-
7:30 PM
in
the ARMS Cafeteria
We will have representatives from:
Art Club
Best
Buddies
Chess/Scrabble
Club
Drama Club
ELL
Homework Club
History
Club
Latin Club
Leo Club
LGBT/Friends
Club
Lyrics to
Go
Mixed Media
3D Art Club
Science
Club
Theater
Tech Club
Yearbook
So, come have fun, learn about ARMS and some of its wonderful offerings. All rising 6th graders are invited to this event. We hope to see you and your family there!! For more information, please contact the FSP at ARMSFSP@yahoo.com.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Daffodil run in late April
The 3rd Annual Daffodil Fun Run is scheduled for April 28. All are welcome to participate and online registration is open NOW! This event benefits BBBS of Hampshire County - a strong ARPS community partner. This year's goal is to raise over $30K!
League of Women's Voters Book Sale - plan ahead...
The League of Women Voters' Book Sale, with its thousands of books, will be on the Amherst Town Common on May 3, 4, & 5 this year. This will be the 65th year for one of New England's largest book sales.
If you have any books you'd like to contribute, they can be dropped off from April 1-24 at two locations: 7 Pomeroy Lane, # 1 or Hadley Stop & Shop. Call 253-0633 to arrange to drop off a large quantity of books at 7 Pomeroy Lane.
Please: only books in good condition, not moldy or mildewed. No journals or magazines except cooking and crafts; no toys, puzzles or videotapes. LPs in good condition, CDs and DVDs will be accepted. Thank you!
-------------------------
If you have any questions about the notice, you can contact the League at 253-0633 or email me, the publicity chair, at millinge@roanoke.edu. Thanks! Susan Millinger
Crocker Farm & APRS Events this Week & Upcoming
March 27th: Joint Meeting of the Amherst School Committee & Regional School Committee
March 28th: Morning Coffee with the Co-Principals
March 28th: Deadline Hillside Pizza orders, fundraiser for Crocker Farm garden & field trips
March 29th: Amherst Schools Closed
Upcoming:
April 1st: Nominations due for the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award
April 1st: Regional Planning School Committee meeting
April 4th: Pickup Hillside Pizza orders after school
April 5th: Deadline for Crocker Farm Yearbook orders
April 6th: Fundraiser for the Roger L. Wallace Teaching Award
April 8-10th: Kindergarten Registration, Matricula de Kindergarten
April 9-10th: Crocker Farm Book swap, Intercambio de libros
April 9th: Amherst Town Election, including for 2 School Committee members
April 15-19th: Spring Vacation: No School
Poetry Contest for Earth Day - Entries due on Friday
The Connecticut Valley
Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is sponsoring an
illustrated poem contest for students in Kindergarten - 12th grade.
Contest
Deadline: entry must be received by Friday, March 29, 2013. Entries
should be submitted to Amherst Regional High School teacher,
Dr. Sharon
M. Palmer.
Contact: Dr. Sharon M. Palmer, Amherst Regional High School, 21 Mattoon Street, Amherst, MA 01002
413-362-1537, palmers@arps.org
Winners of the Connecticut Valley Section illustrated poem contest will advance to the ACS National Illustrated Poem Contest!
- Poems must conform to a particular style and may not be longer than 40 words.
- The topic of the poem and the illustration must be related to the 2013 CCED theme, “Our Earth, Handle with Care!”
- All entries must be original works without aid from others.
- All entries must be submitted and illustrated on an unlined sheet of paper no larger than 8.5” x 11”. The illustration must be created by hand, using crayons, watercolors, other paints, colored pencils, or markers. The text of the poem should be easy to read and may be printed with a computer, before the illustration is added, or may be written on lined paper which is cut out and pasted onto the unlined paper with the illustration.
- Only one entry per student. All entries must include the entry form.
- All illustrated poems and/or digital representations of the poems become the property of the American Chemical Society.
- Acceptance of award constitutes consent to use winners’ names, likenesses, and entries for editorial, advertising, and publicity purposes.
Entry Form: downloadable here: http://tinyurl.com/c2z8hq4
*** This is not a school sponsored event. ***
Skating Club of Amherst - Learn to Skate Program
SKATING CLUB OF AMHERST LEARN-TO-SKATE PROGRAM
Please join the fun and skate with us!
The
Skating Club of Amherst announces its upcoming spring session of its
LEARN TO SKATE program. This program provides a group lesson in the
basic skills of figure skating and serves the needs of both the
recreational and competitive skater. The curriculum is designed to keep
skaters enthusiastic about figure skating 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) are welcome to enroll in this
program.
Information for the Learn-to-Skate program:
PLACE: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS MULLINS CENTER PRACTICE RINK
DAY: SUNDAYS STARTING APRIL 7, 2013 ENDING JUNE 9, 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.
REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE PRINTED OFF THE CLUB WEBSITE AT www.scamherst.org REGISTRATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. Skaters must be pre-registered before coming to the rink to skate.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Joint Amherst & Regional School Committee Mtg, Wednesday 3/27
http://www.arps.org/node/4497
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Agenda
- Welcome (7:00 p.m.)
Call to Order & Agenda Review
Approve Minutes (Region)—March 12, 2013 - Announcements and Public Comment (7:05 p.m.)
- New & Continuing Business School Choice Vote (Amherst & Region Vote) (7:15 p.m.)
Approve 2013-2014 School Calendar Vote (7:30 p.m.)
Accept Gifts Vote (7:40 p.m.) - Subcommittee Reports (7:45 p.m.)
RSDPB Update - School Committee Planning (8:00 p.m.)
Calendar
Items for Future Agendas - Other business not reasonably anticipated by the Chair 48 hours in advance of the meeting
- Adjournment (to Executive Session) (8:05 p.m.)
Odyssey Bookshop Children's Writing Contest gr 1-5
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: April 8-10; MATRÍCULA DE KINDERGARTEN: 8-10 DE ABRIL
The Amherst and Pelham Schools will begin kindergarten registration for the 2013/2014 school year on:
Amherst parents/guardians are urged to register register at your neighborhood school. Pelham parents/guardians should register at the Pelham Elementary School during the same hours. There will be one EVENING REGISTRATION session to accommodate
those whose schedules prevent them from registering during the day. The
evening registration will take place on:
There will be interpreters for the following languages present during the evening session to assist families: Spanish and Chinese. Parents/guardians from any area of Amherst or Pelham may register their children at this evening session.
Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the fall. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
An original birth certificate, proof of immunization, proof of residency in the district and a current physical examination are required for admission. The original birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization record should be brought to registration. A physical examination can be performed up to the start of school and forms for a physician to fill out will be available at registration. If parents/guardians have questions concerning student eligibility, they are requested to direct their questions to the appropriate building principal.
It is important that you register and make a screening appointment so placement can be made in a timely fashion.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Las escuelas de Amherst y Pelham comienzan su matrícula de Kindergarten para el año académico 2013/2014
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013
TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM each day
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013
6:00-7:00 PM
AT CROCKER FARM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
There will be interpreters for the following languages present during the evening session to assist families: Spanish and Chinese. Parents/guardians from any area of Amherst or Pelham may register their children at this evening session.
Children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2013 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the fall. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
An original birth certificate, proof of immunization, proof of residency in the district and a current physical examination are required for admission. The original birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization record should be brought to registration. A physical examination can be performed up to the start of school and forms for a physician to fill out will be available at registration. If parents/guardians have questions concerning student eligibility, they are requested to direct their questions to the appropriate building principal.
It is important that you register and make a screening appointment so placement can be made in a timely fashion.
Crocker Farm: (413) 362-1665
Fort River: (413) 362-1217
Wildwood: (413) 362-1412
Pelham: (413) 362-1100
Fort River: (413) 362-1217
Wildwood: (413) 362-1412
Pelham: (413) 362-1100
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Las escuelas de Amherst y Pelham comienzan su matrícula de Kindergarten para el año académico 2013/2014
LUNES 8 DE ABRIL,2013
MARTES 9 DE ABRIL,2013
MIÉRCOLES 10 DE ABRIL, 2013
9 AM - 2 PM
CADA DÍA
Los padres/guardianes de Amherst deben ir a la escuela elemental asignada a su vecindario.
Los padres/guardianes de Pelham deben ir a la escuela elemental de Pelham durante las mismas horas.
Habrá una SESIÓN POR LA TARDE para acomodar a los
padres/guardianes cuyos horarios no les permite
venir durante el día. Esta sesión será:
MIÉRCOLES 10 DE ABRIL DE
6 PM - 7 PM
EN LA ESCUELA ELEMENTAL DE CROCKER FARM
Habrán intérpretes para ayudar a las familias dur ante la
sesión por la tarde. Todos los padres/guardianes
de cualqui er parte de Amherst o Pelham pueden matricularse durante la sesión de la tarde. Los
niños que cumplen cinco años antes del 1 de septiembre del 2013 pueden
matricularse para kindergarten en el
otoño. No hay excepciones a este requisito.
Un certificado de nacimiento oficial, una prueba de inmunización, una prueba de residencia en
el distrito, y un exámen físico corrie nte son requisitos para la admisión. El certificado de nacimiento oficial, la prueba de residencia, y la prueba de inmuniza ción se deben llevar a la matrícula. Tienen hasta el comienzo del año escolar para traer
el exám en físico y los formulario s para su doctor estarán disponibles durante la matrícula. Si los padres/guardianes tienen pr eguntas sobre la elegibilidad de su/s hijo/a/s deben dirigir sus pr eguntas al principal de la escuela asignada a
su vecindario.
Es importante que se matriculen y que hagan una c ita de evaluación para p oderle asignar el lugar adecuado a su niño/a a tiempo.
Crocker Farm: (413) 362-1665
Fort River: (413) 362-1217
Wildwood: (413) 362-1412
Pelham: (413) 362-1100
Fort River: (413) 362-1217
Wildwood: (413) 362-1412
Pelham: (413) 362-1100
Friday, March 22, 2013
Local artist & Crocker parent
"Time to Land"
CF dad and local artist David Higham is exhibiting his works on paper! Come see!
Opening Reception:
Sun, March 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Williston Northampton's
Grubbs Gallery
40 Park Street, Easthampton, in the Reed Campus Center
The gallery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibit: Feb. 28 - Apr. 6, 2013
CF dad and local artist David Higham is exhibiting his works on paper! Come see!Opening Reception:
Sun, March 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Williston Northampton's
Grubbs Gallery
40 Park Street, Easthampton, in the Reed Campus Center
The gallery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exhibit: Feb. 28 - Apr. 6, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Voices from our schools
Good afternoon!
Please enjoy the latest segment of Amherst Media's, Voices from Our Schools. This episode features ARHS seniors, Irma Marroquin
and Karina Linares, as they inform the community about the student
organization Latinos Unidos and the unique projects this group sponsors
throughout the year.
Thanks and enjoy your day!
Kim
Kimberly Stender
Community, Partnerships & Volunteers
Office of the Superintendent
Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
413-362-1825
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Helping out a great cause - Girls Leadership Institute (GLI)
Dear Friends & Family,
Girls Leadership Institute (GLI) is excited to have been chosen by Eileen Fisher for their Spring 2013 in-store event, which benefits local non-profits serving girls & women in Massachusetts.
Receive $25 off purchases on March 23rd at the Northampton Eileen Fisher store, and GLI will receive 10% of all proceeds.
Money raised at this event will go directly to GLI Summer Camp in Massachusetts. Every year, GLI serves hundreds of girls at Camp and empowers them with assertive communication, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships.
Can't
make it to the store on March 23rd? You can support GLI online as
well. Online customers, please enter 531900 at checkout and GLI will
receive the credit towards that sale.
Thank you for your support in keeping GLI's Summer Camp running in Massachusetts.
Best regards,
Rachel
Rachel Simmons
Girls Leadership Institute
Co-Founder & Board Member
Yearbook ORDER FORMS coming home in backpacks!
 |
| LOOK FOR THIS FORM IN YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK AND SEND IT BACK A.S.A.P. |
Crocker Press Coordinator Needed
The
Crocker Press is a tradition at Crocker Farm which allows books written by kindergarten
through third grade students to be “published”.
They’re typed, printed, and bound and even have a library card in the
back! Has your child ever brought one
home? If they have then you know how
special these books are (many families keep them for years and years because
they hold so many memories).
Unfortunately,
our Crocker Press Coordinator as retired after 4+ years of service leaving no
one to administer this amazing celebration of reading and writing. Can you help?
It is not too late to let Crocker Press live on. The coordinator’s job is to train volunteers,
organize supplies and communicate with teachers regarding program details. Training and support is available.
If
you are able to help, please contact Becky at beckydemling@yahoo.com or 230-3306.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Dear Crocker Families,
I am sure some of you have been wondering what happened with CF Wednesday Clubs
I am sad to say we will no longer be able to offer Wednesday Clubs due to equity issues in the district. We have been instructed by central office to discontinue with this wonderful tradition.
We can, if we have any parent or teacher volunteers, organize ongoing clubs. For example, there has been some interest from students about a chess club. If you have any thoughts or interest in organizing a club please see Mr. Shea or Ms. Foley
Sincerely,
Crocker Farm PGO Co-Chairs
Justyne Ogdahl and Angela Mills
I am sure some of you have been wondering what happened with CF Wednesday Clubs
I am sad to say we will no longer be able to offer Wednesday Clubs due to equity issues in the district. We have been instructed by central office to discontinue with this wonderful tradition.
We can, if we have any parent or teacher volunteers, organize ongoing clubs. For example, there has been some interest from students about a chess club. If you have any thoughts or interest in organizing a club please see Mr. Shea or Ms. Foley
Sincerely,
Crocker Farm PGO Co-Chairs
Justyne Ogdahl and Angela Mills
No School Tuesday 3/19/2013
All schools are closed.
Monday, March 18, 2013
MCAS composition test scheduled for Tues posted until next Mon (3/25)
Due to the weather forecast, the MCAS composition test scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 has been POSTPONED until Monday, March 25th (per Department of Elementary and Secondary Education). (posted on the arps.org web site)
Jones Library Spring Fling party!
Bring your family to the Jones Library on Saturday from 3-5
for a Spring Fling party with light refreshments.
Winning basket raffle tickets will be drawn.
(click on image to enlarge)
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Gentle Reminder
If your child has MCAS tests this week - we kindly ask that you send them in to school with some snacks to share with their classmates. It benefits the entire class and makes testing days end with a smile. Thanks, in advance, for your generous contributions. Thanks again for supporting our kids, our teachers and our school.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
You may have missed this in the local paper...
Dear Editor of the Hampshire Daily Gazette,
Once again we find ourselves in a position to thank our fantastic community. During the month of January, The Amherst Lions Club hosted a Ski and Skate sale at Crocker Farm Elementary. In this, our second year of the event, we are happy to announce that we surpassed our initial sales goal. The proceeds from the two-day event help support the "We Serve" motto of the Lions Club -- and directly helps the Crocker Farm Elementary Literacy Closet - a treasure trove of leveled reading materials that helps our children thrive.
We applaud the efforts of the hard working Amherst Lions Club members and we send our heartfelt thanks to all of the Crocker Farm families who helped with the set-up, sale, and clean-up. So many wonderful people shared their smiles and their time -- all to help support our teachers, our children, and our beloved school.
We are fortunate to live in a community that values learning and celebrates Winter's bounty,
Justyne Ogdahl and Angela Mills
Co-Chairs of the 2012-2013 Crocker Farm PGO
Once again we find ourselves in a position to thank our fantastic community. During the month of January, The Amherst Lions Club hosted a Ski and Skate sale at Crocker Farm Elementary. In this, our second year of the event, we are happy to announce that we surpassed our initial sales goal. The proceeds from the two-day event help support the "We Serve" motto of the Lions Club -- and directly helps the Crocker Farm Elementary Literacy Closet - a treasure trove of leveled reading materials that helps our children thrive.
We applaud the efforts of the hard working Amherst Lions Club members and we send our heartfelt thanks to all of the Crocker Farm families who helped with the set-up, sale, and clean-up. So many wonderful people shared their smiles and their time -- all to help support our teachers, our children, and our beloved school.
We are fortunate to live in a community that values learning and celebrates Winter's bounty,
Justyne Ogdahl and Angela Mills
Co-Chairs of the 2012-2013 Crocker Farm PGO
Friday, March 15, 2013
Help out local families
Hello everyone.
We are coordinating a collection of home goods
and clothing for the Bigelow family. They lost much of their property
in the recent fire at Rolling Green Apartments. Donations of used items
in good, working condition are welcome! Please help in any way you
can, whether offering a donated good (see instructions below) or forwarding this entire email to
your local friends. Also, both funds that serve the Amherst families
that were affected by fire are listed at the end of this email.
Please sign up for Bigelow Home Goods Collection - here's how it works in 3 easy steps: 1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/ykaBGE
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Bigelow Home Goods Collection: Sunday 3/17 - Noon on Wednesday 3/20
We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online signup and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming activity.
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Note:
VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you
prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign
you up manually.
Please sign-up with your name, email and phone number so we can get in contact with further information.
Thank you for your generosity,
Shannon Borrell
Rolling Green Fire Fund
Florence Savings Bank
385 College Street
Florence Savings Bank
385 College Street
Amherst, MA 01002
Peshkov Fire Fund
c/o UMass Five College F.C.U.
200 Westgate Center Drive
P.O. Box 1060
Hadley, MA 01035-1060
c/o UMass Five College F.C.U.
200 Westgate Center Drive
P.O. Box 1060
Hadley, MA 01035-1060
SEPAC meeting - Sat, March 16th, 8:30, Rao's
Special Education Parents Advisory Council Meeting
By Birdie Champ
All are welcome to attend a Special Education PAC meeting to be held this coming weekend.WHEN: Saturday, March 16th, 2013, 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Raos Coffee, 17 Kellogg Ave, Amherst MA.
WHO: Open to the general public.
WHAT: The agenda is as follows:
- Updates needed to the SEPAC brochure – to be made after May elections
- Review of Bylaws – suggested changes/edits to be made at April meeting
- Process for communication with the District – contact and protocol
- Meeting attendance requirements for Board membership
- Responsibilities and approvals process for minutes, web postings, newsletter articles and SC statements
- Meeting Dates times for April and May
- Agenda Items for 3/18 meeting with Faye Brady, Director of Student Service
- Status of the newsletter this year (no Fall newsletter agreed upon)
For more information, please visit the SEPAC blog (http://arpssepac.wordpress.com/) or main SEPAC web site (http://arps-sepac.info/)
Regionlization: 3-town elementary district (Amherst, Pelham, Leverett) still being explored
web site: http://RegionalSchoolPlanning.com
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Andrew Steinberg Chair, Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) RSDPB votes to develop three-town pre K-6 elementary regional school district Three of four towns in current 7-12 region will pursue additional preK-6 elementary region to present to voters in the fall Amherst, MA – March 12, 2013 The twelve member Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) of Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury agreed unanimously on Saturday, March 9, 2013 to propose a regional school district for the preK-6 elementary schools in Amherst, Leverett and Pelham. The RSDPB will develop a plan for the three-town preK-6 elementary regional school district during the next three months and then present it to the voters in those three towns in the fall. The RSDPB, which is composed of three members from each town, has been working since June 2012 to understand the educational and financial benefits and consequences of changing from the present structure. Currently all four towns participate in a 7-12 regional school district for Middle School and High School. That 7-12 regional school district will continue, with a change to the existing 7-12 regional agreement in the composition of the its regional school committee. Currently, each town also has a School Committee for its preK-6 elementary schools. Because it is not feasible for small towns to hire their own Superintendent and maintain an administrative office, all of the towns participate in School Unions created in 1901. Amherst and Pelham are School Union 26, which hires and shares a Superintendent with the four-town 7-12 secondary regional school district. Leverett and Shutesbury are in School Union 28 and share their Superintendent with Erving, Wendell, and New Salem elementary schools. Andrew Steinberg, RSDPB chair, said, “This structure was created in 1901 and served well for the 20th century. A new structure to support our schools is needed for the 21st century.” School enrollment is declining, and three of the four towns now accept elementary school choice students. Costs are increasing at a greater rate than the 2 ½% annual increase in property taxes that is allowed by state law without an override. The 1993 State Education Reform Act diminished the role of School Committees, a trend that continued with new federal education laws and initiatives since 2001. In the past months the RSDPB has studied the relative administrative efficiencies, the ongoing need to coordinate elementary curriculum for the local elementary schools bringing students together in the 7-8 regional middle school, and the advantages of more effectively sharing specialized staff such as administrative support, special education teachers, and teachers who focus on special programs, such as art, music, technology, and world language. The RSDPB also considered the short-term and long-term financial benefits to creating a regional school district for elementary schools. A multi-town regional school district will be more financially stable because of the ability to share resources among more students, teachers, and buildings. A primary benefit of a regional school district is that member towns share one School Committee, develop and administer one budget, and provide one set of reports to the State. There are challenges to creating a regional school district because there must be a fair and lawful way to compose and elect a multi-town School Committee, and a means to allocate both operating and capital costs acceptable to all member towns. Throughout the process, RSDPB members consistently considered both the needs of their own towns and the four towns collectively. Although Shutesbury RSDPB members determined that their town is not yet ready to join an elementary regional school district, they will remain members of the RSDPB so as to craft a Regional Agreement that also meets the needs of their town should they decide to request admission to the elementary regional school district at a future time. In the next months, the RSDPB will develop a Regional Agreement that addresses these and other issues to present to voters in the fall. Leverett and Pelham voters will do so at Special Town Meetings with printed ballots. Because Amherst has a Town Meeting with elected representatives, a special election will be required. The RSDPB will continue to hold meetings and forums to include residents in planning a three-town elementary regional school district. For more information: http://RegionalSchoolPlanning.com
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