Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy 2014

The Amherst and University of Massachusetts Police Departments are pleased to announce the dates of the Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy.

The 2014, Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy is a ONE week program, being held Monday, July 21, 2014 to Friday, July 25, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Youths entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grades are eligible to attend. The cost is FREE and academy size is limited to 20 youths, so preference will be given to Amherst residents and UMASS affiliated families (ex. parent/guardian works or is a student at UMASS). 

Similar to a Citizens Police Academy, students will attend morning classroom sessions held at both the Amherst and UMASS Police Departments. The classroom sessions will feature lectures, role-plays, and interactive demonstrations by police officers, from both agencies, focusing in the areas of law, crime scene investigation, defensive tactics and patrol procedures. Most afternoon sessions will be held at the Amherst Adventure Based Ropes Course at the Notch Visitors Center where we will promote teamwork, communication, and strategy development. Additional information concerning the Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy is available on the Amherst Police Department website, www.amherstpd.org. 

Applications may be obtained at the Amherst Police Department lobby, UMASS Police Department lobby or downloaded off the Amherst Police Department website. The application deadline is Friday, July 11, 2014, so please don’t delay! Questions regarding the Youth Adventure Academy can be forwarded to either Amherst Police Officer William Laramee at 413-259-3000 or larameew@amherstma.gov or University of Massachusetts Police Officer Brian Kellogg at 413-545-9461 or bkellogg@admin.umass.edu.

Summer Sports Camps at Amherst College

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Sports Day Camp At Amherst

A Variety of Sports in a Fun, Non-Competitive Setting!

July 28th – August 1st (Monday – Friday)
For Boys and Girls Ages 5-12 Years Old
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.


THE PROGRAM COST and PARTICIPATION
$250.00 Per Week - Includes daily all-you-can-eat Lunch at Valentine Dining Hall
A non-refundable deposit of $100, required by July 18th, must accompany all applications. It is advised that you register as early as possible. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis until camp is filled. The balance must be paid at registration. There will be no refunds for expulsion or voluntary withdrawal.

THE PROGRAM
Campers will be introduced to and participate in a variety of sports and games in a fun, non-competitive setting. Campers will be placed on age appropriate teams and are supervised at all times by at least two camp counselors. There are certified lifeguards on deck for all pool actives in addition to the camp staff. Athletic trainers certified in First Aid and CPR are also on site.

CAMPS ACTIVITES INCLUDE: Indoor & Outdoor Games
Tennis ~ Basketball ~ Swimming ~ Capture the Flag ~ Frisbee ~ Touch Football ~Kickball ~Soccer ~ Track & Field ~ Relay Races ~ Wiffle Ball

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2014 Amherst Girls Basketball School

August 4-8 (Monday – Friday)
Girls Ages 7-18
Daily 8:30-4:30pm

The Program Cost and Participation
$275.00 Per Week - A non-refundable deposit of $100, required by July 25th, must accompany all applications. It is advised that you register as early as possible. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis until camp is filled. The balance must be paid at registration. There will be no refunds for expulsion or voluntary withdrawal.

The Program
· Introduction to the basic fundamentals of basketball
· Daily 1 hour Fundamental Stations
· Improve shooting, ball handling, defense, and rebounding
· Campers will be placed on age appropriate teams
· 2 Full Court games everyday
· Compete against the Counselors in Knock Out & Dribble Tag
· Free Time for 1 on 1 instruction, Free Swim, or Water Basketball in a 3’10” pool
· Certified lifeguard on deck during all water related activities
· Athletic trainers certified in First Aid and CPR on site.

All Campers will receive daily All-You-Can-Eat Lunch. The lunch will be provided by Valentine Dinning Hall located on the Amherst Campus. 

For further info on either camp, contact:

G.P. Gromacki Head Women’s
Basketball Coach & Program Director
Amherst College Athletics Department
266 South Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002
Phone: (413) 542-8557 •Email:ggromacki@amherst.edu

Cub Scout Pack 500 Open House

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Calling All Boys: Cub Scout Open House!
Monday May 5, 6:30 pm
South Congregational Church (Side Entrance),
1066 S. East St, Amherst.

All boys welcome in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st through 4th grades.

For questions contact Julia Mawson, jsmquiltscout@yahoo.com or Alison McCoy, alison.l.mccoy@gmail.com.

Spring Youth Fitness Clinic

Spring Youth Conditioning Clinic with Patrick Schilling, ACSM HFI, Certified Wellness Coach 
For ages 8 - 16

Working with Patrick Schilling, experienced Health Fitness Instructor and Exercise Physiologist, develop strength, power and flexibility between your sport seasons. Each week will focus on exercises to keep you fit and get you ready for the next season. Every 90 minute class will feature exercises that are challenging, creative, and fun!

DATES & TIME: 8 clinic sessions, Friday’s May 2 – June 20, 2014
 All ages – 6:00-7:30pm

PLACE: Saint Brigid’s Church Msgr. Lane Pastoral Center Gymnasium
43 North Prospect Street, Amherst

COST: 8, 90-minute sessions, $150
REGISTER with payment in full by April 30th by completing information below
(cash or check payable to Patrick Schilling, 299 Alpine Drive, Amherst 01002)
A full description of the clinic and weekly class schedule will be sent via email upon
receipt of registration, along with the required liability waiver and emergency
medical information (if not already on file) to bring to the first session

EQUIPMENT: Each athlete should bring a jump-rope, water bottle, and wear cross trainers or
running shoes and comfortable work-out clothing.

Class size is limited – register today!

Please contact Patrick at 1to1wellness@comcast.net or 413-687-7713 for more information or questions

(Not a school or PGO-sponsored activity)

Crocker Farm Mosaic Mural

The mural is now up in the front lobby and looks beautiful.  
More pictures taken during the mural's creation are available at this link  (photos are by Toby Bobbitt).

The mural design was created from student drawings on themes important to the Crocker Farm community. Many thanks to artist Joshua Winer who designed & oversaw the creation of the mural, & to art teacher Diane Travis & all the students, parents, & others who assisted with this project.  Funding for this project was provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Crocker Farm PGO, & other donations. Thanks to all the donors for their support.

Apr 30th: Last Day to Register Online for AEF Spring Sprint

The Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) is excited to be planning its 4th Annual Spring Sprint, a 5K Run/Walk and a 1-mile Fun Run for kids.

Your entry fee will enable AEF to support excellent projects and programs in our public schools in Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury. Last year our grants provided a series of family engagement meetings for Spanish speaking families, LEGO NXT Mindstorm kits for all six elementary schools, new photosynthesis lab equipment for the Amherst Regional High School, and a Welcome to High School program that provides academic support for entering 9th graders. In addition to our grants, AEF continues to host great community events like the Spring Sprint, fostering support for all Amherst-area Public Schools!

DATE: SATURDAY MAY 3rd, 2014

LOCATION: WILDWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: 71 STRONG ST., AMHERST, MA
(Parking at Amherst Regional Middle School)

TIME: Registration: 9:00 AM All races start: 10:00 AM

Register online at https://www.runreg.com/Net/spring-sprint by April 30th, 5 pm, or on Saturday at the Spring Sprint.

African American Achievement Night

African American Achievement Night is scheduled for Friday, May 2 in the ARMS Auditorium (170 Chestnut Street) from 6:30-8:30pm. All are welcome!

The community is invited to participate in this special event honoring students in the Amherst, Pelham and Regional Public Schools. Awards will be presented to students in Grades PreK-12 who have made accomplishments in the areas of academics, leadership/community service, fine & performing arts and athletics. The evening will also feature music, dance and spoken word performances and a special ceremony to honor the ARHS Seniors who will graduate in June. Last year, over 500 people attended the awards night and enjoyed music, song, spoken word and dance.

This Week & Upcoming at Crocker Farm & ARPS

Crocker Farm
* Wed, 4/30: 3rd & 4th grade concert, 6:30 pm
* Fri, 5/2:  Cambodian celebration during the day
* Fri, 5/2:  Deadline to submit the parent/guardian information form re: next year's classroom placements

Amherst Regional Public Schools
* Tues, 4/29:  Joint Amherst, Pelham, & Regional School Committee meeting, 7 pm (link to the Agenda here) 
* Fri, 5/2:  African American Achievement Night, Middle School, 6:30 pm (link to info)
* Fri, 5/2:  Deadline for Nominations for the ARPS School Equity Task Force (link to info)

Upcoming at Crocker Farm
*MCAS tests start the week of May 5th, for grades 3-6
*Fri, 5/9:  School Talent Show & Family Dance, 6:30 pm (link to info)
*Mon, 5/26: No School
*Fri, 5/30:  PGO Coffee - working meeting

and in June:  (Save the Date!)
* 6/2-6/4: Scholastic Book Fair; evening event for families on Wed, June 4th, 6:30 pm
* Fri, 6/6:  PGO Coffee with the Principal, 8:50 am
* Sat, 6/7:  PGO Tag Sale & Electronics Recycling
* Thurs, 6/12:  School Field Day
* Wed, 6/25:  Last Day of School

Crocker Farm fundraiser at Whole Foods - ends April 30th

Crocker Farm's fundraiser at the Whole Foods Hadley store continues through the end of April. You can contribute at the register. Thank you, Whole Foods, and everyone who has donated so far. 

All funds raised will go towards art education at Crocker Farm, including projects such as our beautiful new mural.

CROCKER FARM ELEMENTARY SPRING STUDENT TALENT SHOW AND FAMILY DANCE

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND…

CROCKER FARM ELEMENTARY SPRING STUDENT TALENT SHOW AND FAMILY DANCE 2014

FRIDAY, MAY 9th, Cafeteria and Gymnasium 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Admission is Free! Please bring cash for snacks and the tremendous raffle for PRIZES! 25 cent cupcake walk!! The chance to win a one-of-a kind piece of furniture from B.Home (downtown Amherst), flat screen TV, DVD player, board games and Much MUCH MORE!!!!

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT GO TOWARDS THE SIXTH GRADE GRADUATION FUND! We appreciate all of your generous support and look forward to seeing you the evening of Friday, May 9th.

For more information or to donate prizes for the raffle: Angela Mills pavs4all@yahoo.com OR call her at 413-219-6344

- - - 

Los invitamos…. 

Al baile para familias y espectáculo de talento estudiantil

Vengan a celebrar la primavera en la escuela de Crocker Farm 

Viernes el 9 de Mayo desde las seis y media de la tarde hasta las ocho y 

media de la noche en la cafetería y el gimnasio 

No se paga entrada pero pedimos que traigan dinero para comprar refrescos y comidas – además – tendremos una rifa con premios maravillosos -- también habrá una caminada musical para ganarse un pastelito/ “cupcake” por solo veinte y cinco centavos ¡Usted tiene la oportunidad de ganar un televisor con pantalla chata, un mueble artístico de la casa B.Home (se encuentra en el centro de Amherst), juegos para su casa y mucho más! 

Todo el dinero que se acumula esta tarde va directamente al fondo para apoyar el giro hacia Boston que los niños de sexto grado tomaran a fines de Junio. Apreciamos la generosidad de la comunidad. Para información o para donar premios para la rifa se puede hablar con Ángela Mills: 

413-219-6344 o pavs4all@yahoo.com

Cub Scouts Pack 500 Open House

Calling All Boys: Cub Scout Open House!
Monday May 5, 6:30 pm
South Congregational Church (Side Entrance), 1066 S. East St, Amherst.

All boys welcome in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st through 4th grades.

For questions contact Julia Mawson, jsmquiltscout@yahoo.com or Alison McCoy, alison.l.mccoy@gmail.com.

Spring Sprint!

The Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) is excited to be planning its 4th Annual Spring Sprint, a 5K Run/Walk and a 1-mile Fun Run for kids.

This year’s race is scheduled for May 3rd, beginning and ending at Wildwood Elementary School. Last year the race raised nearly $5000. This year, we hope to raise $7000, and to do that, we need your help! Your entry fee will enable AEF to support excellent projects and programs in our public schools in Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury. Last year our grants provided a series of family engagement meetings for Spanish speaking families, LEGO NXT Mindstorm kits for all six elementary schools, new photosynthesis lab equipment for the Amherst Regional High School, and a Welcome to High School program that provides academic support for entering 9th graders. In addition to our grants, AEF continues to host great community events like the Spring Sprint, fostering support for all Amherst-area Public Schools!


DATE: SATURDAY MAY 3rd, 2014

LOCATION: WILDWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: 71 STRONG ST., AMHERST, MA

(Parking at Amherst Regional Middle School)

TIME: Registration: 9:00 AM All races start: 10:00 AM

Register online at https://www.runreg.com/Net/spring-sprint by April 29th, or download registration form here and mail by April 28th.

Crocker Farm fundraiser at Whole Foods

For the month of April, the Whole Foods store in Hadley is doing a fundraiser at their cash registers to raise money for art education and the mural project at Crocker Farm. 

THANK YOU for your support Whole Foods, and to the people who have donated so far!

New ARPS School Equity Task Force

Letter to the ARPS Community from School Committee member Amilcar Shabazz, who is chairing the new School Equity Task Force (SETF). Nominations for SETF members are being sought & should be submitted to Debbie Westmoreland (westmorelandd@arps.org) no later than Fri, May 2nd.  



April 11, 2014

Dear Members of the ARPS Community:

On Tuesday, April 8, 2014, the Amherst Regional School Committee approved the establishment of a School Equity Task Force (SETF) that was given the following charge:

The ARPS will provide all students an innovative and academically exceptional education in an environment that embraces racial, cultural, and socio-economic diversity and where the educational workforce of our schools proportionately reflect, as closely as reasonably possible, the diversity of the school district as a whole. This educational experience and environment must include facilities and other human and capital resources that are equitable to support the district’s mission of Excellence in Teaching and Learning for All. The SETF will study and make recommendations for short- and long-range actions concerning but not limited to the following:

• Discipline issues, especially racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities;
• Developing a school climate founded upon mutual respect; 
• Dismantling unfair tracking and ensuring equitable access to all offerings;
• Curricular revision; and
• Other equity issues related to achieving the Amherst Regional High School’s Core Values and Beliefs of “High Achievement, Best Practices, and Social Justice.”

As chair of the SETF, I invite nominations of individuals willing to serve on a task force that aims to enact our district's stated mission "to provide all students with a high quality education that enables them to be contributing members of a multiethnic, multicultural, pluralistic society. We seek to create an environment that achieves equity for all students and ensures that each student is a successful learner, is fully respected, and learns to respect others" [Policy AD].

The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 2.  Review of nominations will begin on May 5, including confirmation of the willingness to serve of those selected. The first meeting of the SETF will be scheduled for no later than May 19.  I would like to have at least a quorum of SETF members available to meet periodically throughout the summer. Nominations should be submitted to Ms. Debbie Westmoreland at westmorelandd@arps.org and should include the name, address, phone number and email of the nominee.

Yours for the Best in Education for Our Community,



Amherst Regional School Committee member
School Equity Task Force Chair

Thursday morning, join us!

Please join us this Thursday at 9:00 a.m. in the Community Room to
chat about all things Crocker Farm!

We look forward to having coffee with you.

(click on image to enlarge)

As always, your little ones are cordially invited.

Amherst Youth Soccer Gear Exchange - Sun April 13th

Soccer families,
Frustrated that you have to buy yet another pair of cleats that your child will only use for one season? Don't know what to do with all those like-new shin pads from previous years? Well then, come down and support AYSA's first annual gear exchange and fund raiser.

WHAT CAN I DONATE: You can drop off soccer shoes (indoor or cleats), shin pads, balls, and other equipment. Gear should be clean and in good condition (you'd feel comfortable having your own child wear it).

WHERE AND WHEN DO I DONATE: You can drop off tax deductible donations any time between now and noon on Sunday, April 13, or bring it with you to the gear exchange on Sunday from 12-2 pm. Please drop gear in the boxes behind the VFW Post 754 building at 457 Main Street in Amherst.

THE EVENT: families are invited to come to the gear exchange at the VFW this Sunday, April 13, between 12 and 2 pm.

You can take used gear (for free!), meet our new Director of Coaching Kevon Isa, purchase AYSA gear and bumper stickers, and buy tickets to our spring raffle.

Contact Victor Ortiz (vanunezortiz@gmail.com) for more info.
 Amherst Youth Soccer Association, 3 Carriage Lane, Amherst, MA, 01002
http://www.amherstsoccer.org/,
amherstyouthsoccer@gmail.com

(not a school or PGO-sponsored event)

Fundraiser Walk/Run for Reader to Reader & Teach for America - Sun, April 13th

Phi Sigma Pi, the only co-ed Honor Fraternity at UMass, is hosting their annual 5K fundraiser on April 13th at 11:00 AM.

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100% of the proceeds benefit their national and local philanthropies, Teach for America and Reader to Reader. The race begins and ends at Kendrick Park, across from Bertucci’s in Amherst Center.

You can sign up to run, walk, or participate in a six-stop relay along the route. The registration fee is $5. Day of, the registration is $7 at the start of the race. Free hats and $5 Bueno Y Sano gift cards will be given to the first 100 people who register! Essentially, you are participating for free if you spend that $5 at Bueno!

Signup here
(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k9yLVz9BsELX6y-6eCsu_33F4BNZ9Oqk6IcCKkTrbBM/viewform)

The brothers of Phi Sigma Pi encourage participants to bring books for any pre-K-12 age to donate to Reader to Reader and/or school supplies for TFA.

Participants can tie dye or splatter paint their hat upon finishing the route. There will be many great raffles and donations from their generous donors: AJ Hastings, Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), Amherst Cinema, Antonio's, Bertucci's, Bruegger's Bagels, Bueno Y Sano, CVS, Fresh Side, Hair East, Henion Bakery, Judie's, Lone Wolf, Purele, and Stop and Shop.

Teach for America is an organization of recent college graduates who commit to teaching two years in an urban or rural public school. Their mission is to help improve the differences in educational inequality that is seen across the nation by connecting these impoverished areas with people who have shown interest in this effort.

Reader to Reader is a public charity dedicated to bringing books, free of charge, to under-resourced school libraries and public libraries across the United States. Brothers of Phi Sigma Pi strongly support these causes and are committed to helping their efforts.

Community Emergency Response Team

Be prepared in the event of a natural disaster or community-wide accident.  

Free training begins tonight.  

Click on flyer below or click here to go directly to the CERT website.

Questions? Contact cert@amherstma.gov.

(not a school sponsored event)

Mural Project Update

The Crocker Farm Mural Project is continuing until spring break. Due to popular demand, there will be another night session for parents to participate in the project: 

The session will be held Tues, April 15th, 5:45-7:30 pm. To attend this session, please RSVP to Laura at oceanlaura@gmail.com or 401-688-2787.   Children who attend must be accompanied by an adult.

Parents can also still signup to assist during art classes during the day. The signup link is below. If a signup time is full, it's still okay to come & help. More parent helpers are always appreciated.  
Sign up link:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0549A8AB23A57-parent

Thank you!  

LEAP program at Amherst College for grades 6-8, April 26th

We asked, you answered, and now we're excited to introduce our new pilot program, LEAP!

LEAP is a two hour program for middle school students. Each attendee can choose to take two classes taught by Amherst College students. Classes cover topics ranging from "How to Lie with Mathematics" to "Humor and Drama." It's your favorite Splash! model, only smaller.

We will be hosting our very first LEAP on Saturday, April 26th from 9-11am. Any student from grades 6-8 is welcome to attend and best of all, the event is FREE.
More info here: 
https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/studentgroups/spaa/leap-/student-information


Register for LEAP today through the following link:
https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/studentgroups/spaa/leap-/student-registration

If you have any questions, please contact us at amherstsplash@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
The Amherst Splash Team

(This is not a school district or PGO-affiliated event).

Last Call: Nominations for African-American Achievement Night Awards

Award nominations due by April 17th

African American Achievement Night is scheduled for Friday, May 2 in the ARMS Auditorium from 6:30-8:30pm. All are welcome!

At the achievement night, awards will be presented to students in Grades PreK-12 who have made accomplishments in the areas of academics, leadership/community service, and performing arts and athletics.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to nominate their children for the awards. Staff at all schools were asked to nominate students too.

Nomination form can be found here.  Please complete and send to Kimberly Stender, stenderk@arps.org, by April 17th.

Thanks and enjoy the day!
Kimberly Stender
Community, Partnerships & Volunteers
Office of the Superintendent

This week & Upcoming at Crocker Farm & ARPS

Crocker Farm
* Mural Artist Joshua Winer in residence on Tues, Wed, Thurs for the next 2 weeks (until April 17th); we're still looking for additional volunteers to help with the mural project during art classes (Link to more info here)

* Book collection for the Crocker Farm used book swap.  Collection boxes in the front foyer & parent pickup areas; chapter books for older readers especially wanted (link here)
Signup to volunteer to help with the book swap setup & distribution HERE

Amherst Regional Public Schools
*Mon-Wed, 4/7-4/9, Kindergarten registration, 9 am-2 pm each day & 6-7 pm on Wed,  at the School District offices at the Amherst Middle School (link here)

*Tues, 4/8, Regional School Committee Meeting, 7 pm, High School, (link to agenda here)
      -- Meeting includes updates on district safety & security, & on the ARPS Family Center, & discussions on district policies & proposed policies related to educational equity, cultural diversity, & life-threatening allergies.

*Wed, 4/9, Workshop on relational aggression, for 5th, 6th, 7th grade parents, 6-7 pm, Middle School (link here)

Upcoming at Crocker Farm
* Mon-Tues, 4/14-4/15:  Used Book Swap
* Wed, 4/16: Cambodian Celebration during the day
* Fri, 4/18:  School closed
* Mon-Fri, 4/21-4/25:  School vacation week
* Wed, 4/30:  3rd & 4th Grade concert, 6:30 pm
* Fri, 5/9: School dance (6th grade fundraiser)

Volunteers Needed for the Book Swap

 

Crocker Farm's Used Book Swap is next Mon (4/14) & Tues (4/15)  

 

We will be setting up on Fri (4/11) afterschool, & are seeking volunteers to help with the setup & with the class visits next week.

 

You can signup to help at this link or by emailing Tracy (tmz23@zafian.com). Thank you!

 

---- We are still accepting book donations for the book swap through Friday ---

Workshop: The ABC’s of ADHD/ADD

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This workshop will introduce, explain and explore ADHD/ADD in children and teens. Dr. Saline will define ADHD/ADD, explain its causes and diagnoses. She will discuss the relationship between ADHD/ADD, learning disabilities and mental health issues and how to address these challenges most effectively. Dr. Saline will also address common parenting concerns and how to use innovative strategies for tricky behaviors.

Amherst Regional High School Library
Wednesday April 16 7:00pm
21 Mattoon Street

This a free presentation and the public is invited.

For more information please contact the ARPS Family Center 413-362-1875 or burnsj@arps.org

Sharon Saline, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, MA

Rafters College Towne Classik Race

RAFTERS COLLEGE TOWNE CLASSIK 5K AND 5 MILE

SUNDAY MAY 18, 2014, 10:30 AM
Rafters Sports Bar & Restaurant, University Dr., Amherst, MA

5 Mile Run or 5 K (3.1 mile) Run or Walk

21st YEAR!!! Help us support our charitable causes, the Jimmy Fund and the Amherst Police Relief Association at this family friendly event. This 5 mile and 5K has a safe and fast course through downtown Amherst. 

****Commemorative Tee to 1st 300 Entrants, Age Group Awards, Public Safety Team Award, Water Stops, Mile Markers, Professionally Timed****

Post Race Barbecue: Burgers, Veggie Burgers, Dogs, Fruit, Yogurt, Juice, Bagels, Cookies

REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.accu-specracing.com or view form here

 
ENTRY FEE: $25 or $30 RACE DAY. Check or money order payable to Rafters College Towne Classik. Mail to: PO Box 734, Amherst, MA 01002

Amherst Community Co-op Membership Drive Kick-off

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April 12, 2014 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002

Amherst Community Co-op is holding its official membership drive kickoff event on Saturday, April 12th. The event will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 867 North Pleasant Street in Amherst, from 4 to 6pm.

The steering committee for ACC has worked for three years to gauge community interest and build support. Amherst’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, from the town planner to the Chamber of Commerce to the many shoppers at local farmers' markets. The co-op is now ready to offer equity to the public. This event will be the first chance to buy founding member shares. There will be free food, music, and child care. The event is free and open to the public.

Numerous local co-ops and businesses will be there to promote this new cooperative grocery. Real Pickles has offered samples of their cooperatively-produced pickles and sauerkraut. Apex Orchards will provide a variety of locally-grown apples. Bart’s Ice Cream will serve samples of their ice cream, a Valley favorite. Backyard Bakery will be giving samples of hearty bread baked here in Amherst. Guests will be able to sample coffee from Rao’s Cafe, and snack on popcorn popped by UMass Five College Credit Union.

Gary Hirshberg, the chairman and co-founder of Stonyfield Farm, will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Hirshberg is a very successful agricultural entrepreneur, having founded the largest producer of organic yogurt in the US. As one of the first graduates of Hampshire College, he has strong ties to the Pioneer Valley. His choice of business shows his obvious commitment to sustainability and the local food movement, and starting this full-scale food co-op in Amherst is a logical extension of that philosophy. He will be introduced by Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash, who is spearheading the school’s Healthy Food Transition, an initiative supported by a grant of $1 million from Hirshberg.

We encourage any who are interested in attending to RSVP via email at amherstcommunitycoop@gmail.com, through our Facebook page, or by filling out one of our self-addressed, stamped invitations that we are handing out at the Amherst Winter Farmers’ Market and other events.

Family Afternoon with the Arts

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Free Family Afternoon with Multi-Arts!
Participants will create collaborative family projects using illustration, storytelling, and movie-making. All ages with families/caregivers. 

Sunday April 13, 1:30-4:30 pm, Jones Public Library, Amherst

Free of charge

Free Children's Music Concert with Miss Leticia

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Miss Leticia will be in concert Wednesday April 9th at 10am in St. Patrick’s Church on Main Street in South Hadley.  Please come, bring a blanket and sing, dance and have fun!  The flyer is attached for you to pass along if you would like to invite friends.

The next Miss Leticia Music Party class session begins Wednesday, April 16th at 9am for 8 weeks at $100.00  A perfect way to sing into Spring!  Come to Second Chances try the class and sign up afterward!

School Nurse Seeking Clothing Donations

The Crocker Farm nurse, Ms. Stenlund, keeps backup clothing to distribute to students as needed during the school day when the ones they are wearing get wet or dirty. Her supplies are dwindling, so we're putting out a request for donations. Items can be dropped off or sent in backpacks. Thanks for your help!    Here's what's needed:

 

Clean inside clothes
Pants with elastic waists like sports or sweat pants. (No jeans)
Shorts with elastic waists
Girls and boys underwear
Socks of all sizes
T-shirts
Light zipper fleece jacket
No outer wear, boots or shoes

Thanks!
- Linda Stenlund, School Nurse

Changes at Crocker Farm, Letters from Dr. Tesauro & Superintendent Geryk

April 2, 2014

Dear Crocker Farm Parents/Guardians:

I am writing to let you know that I have made a difficult personal decision to resign my position as Principal of Crocker Farm School, effective June 30, 2014. I know you will respect my privacy in this matter, but I can state that the health of my family and my need to support them is the primary reason for my departure.

These past several months at Crocker Farm School have been personally and professionally rewarding for me. The staff and students of our community are amazing, and this has been a very fulfilling time for me. Please be assured that I will continue to do my best to support our students and staff as these final few months pass. Thank you all for your good wishes for me and for the health of my family.

Sincerely,

Michele Tesauro

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April 2, 2014

Dear Crocker Farm Families,

I want to thank Dr. Tesauro for her service to our students, staff and the wider community.  During her time with the district, Dr. Tesauro brought experience, great wisdom, and amazing public service dedication to both Crocker Farm and to the administrative team.  We all wish her well as she completes the next few months here.

Regarding the principalship, I have made a decision to offer Derek Shea the position of Principal of Crocker Farm School.  This decision is based on the exceptional work Mr. Shea performed during the 2012-2013 year as Interim Principal and his continued work this past year as a building leader.  Mr. Shea has accepted the position, effective July 1, 2014.  In speaking with Dr. Tesauro earlier today about her announcement, she was absolutely delighted to learn that Derek will be her successor.  In the coming days, we will be posting the position of Assistant Principal.   

Please join me in wishing Dr. Tesauro and Mr. Shea the best as they assume their new responsibilities. 

Sincerely,

Maria Geryk, Superintendent

 

Cartas de Michele Tesauro y Maria Geryk

April 2, 2014

 

Queridos padres/encargados de Crocker Farm:

Le escribo para hacerle saber que he tomado la decisión personal difícil de renunciar a mi posición como principal de Crocker Farm, efectivo el 30 de junio del 2014. Sé que van a respetar mi privacidad en este asunto , pero puedo afirmar que la salud de mi familia y mi necesidad de apoyarlos es la razón principal de mi partida.

Estos últimos meses en Crocker Farm han sido personal y profesionalmente gratificante para mí. El personal y los estudiantes de nuestra escuela y comunidad son increíbles, y mi tiempo aqui ha sido muy especial para mí. Tengan por seguro que voy a seguir haciendo todo lo posible para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes y al personal a medida que pasan estos meses finales. Gracias a todos por sus buenos deseos para mí y para la salud de mi familia.

Atentamente,

Michele Tesauro

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April 2, 2014

Estimadas familias Crocker Farm,

Quiero dar las gracias a la Dra. Tesauro por su servicio a nuestros estudiantes , el personal y la comunidad en general . Durante su tiempo con el distrito , la Dra. Tesauro ha traído gran experiencia, gran sabiduría , y una increíble dedicación de servicio público tanto a Crocker Farm, como para el equipo administrativo . Todos les deseamos lo mejor mientras completa los próximos meses aquí .

En cuanto a la dirección de la escuela, he tomado la decisión de ofrecerle a Derek Shea el cargo de principal de la Escuela Crocker Farm. Esta decisión se basa en el trabajo excepcional que el Sr. Shea realizó durante el año 2012-2013 como Director Interino y su continua labor el año pasado como líder en el edificio. El Sr. Shea ha aceptado el cargo a partir del 1 julio del 2014. Al hablar con la Dra. Tesauro hoy acerca de éste nombramiento, dijo que lo apoyaba y quedó absolutamente encantada de saber que Derek será su sucesor. En los próximos días, vamos a publicar la posición de asistente al principal.

Por favor, únanse a mí para desearle a la Dra. Tesauro y el Sr. Shea lo mejor al asumir sus nuevas responsabilidades.

Atentamente,

Maria Geryk, Superintendente

ARPS Workshop on 4/16: The ABC’s of ADHD/ADD

(click to enlarge) 

 

This workshop will introduce, explain and explore ADHD/ADD in children and teens. Dr. Saline will define ADHD/ADD, explain its causes and diagnoses. She will discuss the relationship between ADHD/ADD, learning disabilities and mental health issues and how to address these challenges most effectively. Dr. Saline will also address common parenting concerns and how to use innovative strategies for tricky behaviors.

Sharon Saline, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Northampton, MA


When: Wednesday April 16, 7:00pm
Where:   Amherst Regional High School Library, 21 Mattoon Street  

This a free presentation and the public is invited.

For more information please contact the ARPS Family Center  413-362-1875 or burnsj@arps.org