Sue Dunbar Instrument Scholarship Fund

Sue Dunbar Instrument
Scholarship Fund

Buying or renting a band instrument can be expensive.  In order to ensure that all students have access to our wonderful elementary school band program, the district is creating an instrument scholarship fund, in on honor of Sue Dunbar’s retirement and thirty-eight years of service to Amherst Public Schools.  This scholarship fund will enable students to rent instruments and participate in their school band.

Please consider making a donation to this wonderful fund.

Checks should be made out to Amherst Public Schools, with the words “Sue Dunbar Instrument Scholarship Fund” in the memo section.  Please send your check to your child’s school, in an envelope marked “Sue Dunbar Scholarship Fund.”

If you have any questions, you may contact Anne Louise White, the music teacher at Fort River Elementary School, at Whitea@arps.org; 326-1238             

Amherst Golf Club Speed Golf for Kids Age 13 & Under

AMHERST GOLF CLUB

 PLAY SPEED GOLF

 

GIRLS & BOYS

(AGES 13 & UNDER)

WITH HEAD PROFESSIONAL DAVE TWOHIG PGA

*LEARN HOW TO PLAY

*MEET NEW GOLFERS

*HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FRIENDS

 PLAY IS TARGETED FOR SAT & SUN LATE AFTERNOONS 

 JUNE THRU JULY

  

PLEASE JOIN US ON SUNDAY JUNE 1^ST AT 4PM FOR                            INFORMATION AND SIGN-UPS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE AMHERST GOLF CLUB AT 413-256-6894
 (not a PGO or school-sponsored activity)

for 6th grade families - Find out more about middle school clubs

Dear 6th Grade Families,

Please join representatives from the ARMS PGO and ARMS After School Clubs to learn about After School Clubs, the ARMS PGO, meet other families, and enjoy light refreshments.

Monday, June 9, 2014

4:30 – 6:00 PM

in the ARMS Cafeteria

We will have representatives from:

Art Club

Best Buddies

Chess/Scrabble Club

Drama Club

History Club

Latin Club

Leo Club

LGBT/Friends Club

Mixed Media 3D Art Club

Science Club

Theater Tech Club

Yearbook

And more…

So, come have fun, learn about ARMS and some of its wonderful offerings.   All rising 6th graders are invited to this informal, drop in and browse event.  We hope to see you and your family there!!    For more information, please contact the Becky at beckydemling@yahoo.com.

Kestrel Trust - Story Walk at Fitzgerald Lake, June 1st

June 1st at 2pm, Rain Date June 8th at 2pm

What:  The Story Walk at Fitzgerald Lake

Who: Kestrel Land Trust and Broad Brook Coalition

Where: Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area on North Farms Rd in Northampton

Details: Come take a walk through the forest and read about the animals that live there! The story walk is an children's book installation from the months of June-August. The opening event on June 1st will feature a walk through the forest while we read aloud from 'Over in the Forest: Come and Take a Peek!' by Marianne Berkes, environmental storytelling by Rona Leventhal, face painting, a sale of the local children's book 'Night Night Valley' featuring landmarks from around the Pioneer Valley, a raffle of signed children's book by local author Jane Yolen, refreshments, and more!

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

Un camino con un cuento en el Lago Fitzgerald - El 1 de Junio

Dean's Beans Orders due this Friday

Dean's Beans orders are due in the Crocker Farm front office this Friday (5/30).

This is the last chance to order Dean's Beans this school year. 
 
Pay less than you would buying it retail & earn money for Crocker Farm at the same time. 

We have some ground regular coffee & decaf available in the office, but for whole bean coffee or Java drops (delicious chocolate covered espresso beans), orders are needed. 

Order forms are available in the office and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/nyyk9df

Science at CF

Science (and Ice cream) At Crocker Farm 

June 11^th 2014

Dear Families,

Crocker Farm will be hosting our first annual Science Night June 11^th at 6:30pm. The event will display Science projects that have happened in the classrooms over the year as well as fun activities and ice cream. We are looking for volunteers as well as any ideas and or suggestions to help make this an exciting and engaging event.

Warmly,

 Your PGO

Please contact Justyne Ogdahl for further suggestions, information and volunteer opportunities justyneogdahl@gmail.com

 Scholastic Book Sale

 

 

Get ready for the Scholastic Book Sale, coming soon to the halls of Crocker Farm!  We will be previewing the books on Monday, June 2nd, and individual classrooms will be scheduled to come to the fair on Tuesday and Wednesday. Talk it over with your family and friends! Also remember that there will be a Family Event Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30.

 

We are still looking for volunteers, please contact the Ian Camera, (AKA The Book Guy) 

ian.camera@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

This Week & Upcoming at Crocker Farm

This Week
*Tues, 5/27: 6:30 pm, PGO meeting & Crocker Press production session (link)
* Wed, 5/28, 6:30 pm, 5th & 6th grade chorus concert; 5th grade fundraiser to fight malaria.
* Friday, 5/30. Last day to submit Dean's Beans orders (order form here).  Drop off in the CF office. 

Upcoming at Crocker Farm
* 6/2-6/4: Scholastic Book Fair; evening event for families on Wed, June 4th, 6:30 pm
* Fri, 6/6:  PGO Coffee with Dr. Tesauro & Ms. Conklin, 8:50 am
* Wed, 6/11: Ice Cream Social & Science Night, 6:30 pm
* Thurs, 6/12:  School Field Day, during the day
* Sat, 6/14:  Tag Sale, Bake Sale, Electronics Recycling, 9 am - 3 pm
* Wed, 6/25:  Last Day of School, dismissal at 1:20 pm

The 2014-2015 Amherst Schools Calendar can be found here and on the arps.org web site. 

Update on Crocker Press - Volunteers Needed

Several K-3rd grade classes have submitted their stories for Crocker Press publication.   The PGO and the Crocker Press coordinator are seeking volunteers to type up the stories into a template for formatting. 

Volunteers are also *hugely* needed at the three upcoming Crocker Press nights

Tues, May 27th --  6:30 p.m. at Crocker Farm
Mon, June 16th -- 6:30 at Crocker Farm

Week of June 2nd -- date & place tbd

During these Crocker Press get-togethers, we will be working to get as many books bound as we can in one night.    Training is provided for volunteers as needed.  

 

If you would like to help with this wonderful Crocker Farm tradition but can't attend the upcoming sessions, please contact Jeni Kaplan, Crocker Press coordinator, at jhkaplan@amherst.edu. 

Thank you! 

Chorus Concert & Fundraiser - Wed, 5/28

Wednesday night's chorus concert for Crocker Farm's 5th & 6th graders (6:30 pm) will include a bake sale fundraiser organized by 5th grade students to help fight malaria in Zambia.

The bake sale will be held from 6:15 to 8:15 pm.

AR[T]HS: An Exhibit of Outstanding Student Artwork from the 2013-2014 Academic Year

The Amherst Regional High School Art Department and The Eli Marsh Gallery, Amherst College, Present:  AR[T]HS: An Exhibit of Outstanding Student Artwork from the 2013-2014 Academic Year

The Art Department at Amherst Regional High School is proud to present AR[T]HS, an exhibit of outstanding student artwork from the 2013-2014 academic year. The exhibit will showcase juried work from all of the Art Department’s areas of study: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, 2D & 3D Foundations, Printmaking, Art Portfolio and Sculpture.

AR[T]HS will be on display at The Eli Marsh Gallery, 105 Fayerweather Hall, Amherst College, from June 4th-June 13th. Gallery hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, every day.

The opening reception is on Thursday, June 5th from 5-8 pm. The opening is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served. The opening will be part of the monthly Amherst Art Walk.  Last year’s opening was attended by more than 300 students, parents and relatives, including many non-art students showing support for their peers.

This is the sixth annual “AR[T]HS” exhibit hosted by the ARHS art department, and represents a bringing together of artwork by more than 150 students.  Since its inception in 2009, the AR[T]HS exhibit has grown in size and in popularity with the students and faculty at Amherst Regional High.  “It’s a wonderful and potentially life-changing experience for our students to participate in a show at a professional art gallery,” says Art Department Chair and Ceramics teacher, Hannah Hartl. Alumni of the art program at ARHS have gone on to pursue careers in fine art, commercial art, and other art-related fields. 

In addition to Hartl, the ARHS Art Department teaching staff includes Ben Sears, 2D Foundations, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking and Art Portfolio, Jeff Stauder, 3D Foundations, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Art History, and Lori Lynn, Photography and 2D Foundations.  Each teacher also works with a number of independent students throughout the year.

AR[T]HS would not be possible without the help of a committee of dedicated parents, the support of Principal Mark Jackson, and the financial support of the Parent Guardian Organization.

Student Artists are currently available to be interviewed by appointment. Please contact Hannah Hartl to arrange student interviews. In addition to being welcome at the opening and during the regular gallery hours, the press is also welcome to photograph the show set up, during the early afternoon of June 3^rd.  

  

Please join us in celebrating the young artists in our community. For more information please contact Hannah Hartl (413) 362-1759 hartlh@arps.org

LSSE Summer Sports Programs

Click to image to enlarge or click here for PDF

For more info on these programs please visit www.lsse.org or call 259.3065!

Tennis with Sunny Meidell - Youth (8-12) & Peewee (5-7) 
Saturday Mornings. Sessions Begin June 7th.


LSSE Sports Day Camps
Full printable schedule available here. 


New Sports & Games Day Camp7/07/14- 7/11/14
A fun new camp will be directed by Kacey Schmitt, varsity volleyball and softball coach at ARHS.

AN AFTERNOON OF MUSIC WITH MISTER EL-ARE & GUESTS!

click to englarge

AN AFTERNOON OF MUSIC WITH MISTER EL-ARE & GUESTS!

What: Please join local educator and hip hop emcee, Michael Lawrence-Riddell, aka Mister El-Are, for “Mister El-Are presents: A Gathering of Music and Minds.”

Performers will include: Justin and Christine Eck, Sajo Jefferson, Marcia Gomes, and Mister El-Are.

When: Saturday, May 31, 2014 4-6pm
Where: Florence Community Center, 140 Pine Street, Florence, MA

Suggested Donations: Students $5, Adults $8

All proceeds will go to fund Mister El-Are's musical education project, using music to connect kids to  history and literature.

Questions? Email misterlr@gmail.com

2014 SUMMER ULTIMATE FRISBEE LEAGUE OF AMHERST

click to enlarge

2014 SUMMER ULTIMATE LEAGUE OF AMHERST
JOIN THE AMHERST ULTIMATE PHENOMENON!

Women and Men. Ages 14 and up.

All games begin at 6:00 p.m. @ Plum Brook Recreation Area

June 16th-August 7th

To register (or for more info) log onto www.lsse.org or call 413.259.3065.

Once you have registered through LSSE please go to www.suladisc.org.

For additional information please contact:
Women’s Div: Sue Morello @ 413-256-6464 or salwen.1@gmail.com
Comp.Div: Robin Stewart Demartino @ 413-210-5584 or robinstewartdemartino@gmail.com
Recreational Div: Nathan Salwen @ 413-256-6464 or salwen.1@gmail.com 

Photos Needed for "African American Achievers of Amherst" Facebook Page

The African American Achievement Awards committee is seeking photos for their Facebook page.

The Facebook page is called "African American Achievers of Amherst" and is meant to showcase the accomplishments of ARPS students (elem/ms/hs). 

 Parents, guardians, staff and students are invited to post photos from AAAA night, civic awards, ARHS graduation (students in stoles), athletics events, fine & performing arts performances, community service projects, etc. 

Students should get permission from parents/guardians before posting photos. Additional information can be obtained through Dr. Shirley Whitaker sajwhitaker@comcast.net

Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of our Lives A Documentary - - Screening & Discussion

Genetic Roulette: The Gamble of our Lives

A Documentary Screening & Discussion

 The Jones Library will host a screening of this important documentary, which examines the health effects caused by use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library. The screening will be followed by a question and answer period with Jack Kittredge, from the Northeast Organic Farming Association/Massachusetts Chapter.

GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling is an issue that is being brought before legislative committees this year. Many nonprofit organizations are working in support of a mandatory labeling law on foods in Massachusetts. This documentary discusses the health problems associated with consuming GMOs, and features doctors, nutritionists and other health professionals whose clinical experiences have created a grave concern that these ingredients are so widely used in our food. This sometimes shocking film may change your diet and help you protect your family.

This event is co-sponsored by the Jones Library and NOFA/Mass.
Free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

May-June Calendar of Events at Crocker Farm

You can also view the calendar here:  (http://tinyurl.com/nwhpspc)

calendario en espanol

Link:  http://tinyurl.com/mlle6kq

PGO Letter to Families

The new PGO letter with updates and news for families can be read & downloaded here:
(http://tinyurl.com/qg39p7c)

It also should be coming home in backpacks soon if it hasn't already.

Have a great three day weekend everyone!

LSSE Musical Theater Revue: May 31st & June 1st

For the second year, Amherst Leisure Services (LSSE) will be presenting the "Youth on Broadway" musical theater revue, showcasing the talent of Pioneer Valley youth between the ages of 9-17 and presenting nearly 40 songs and dances from more than 20 Broadway shows. From "Mathilda the Musical" to "A Chorus Line," "Oliver," "Wicked," and many other Broadway productions, the program will present three shows: Saturday May 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday June 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. All shows will take place at the Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium, located at 170 Chestnut Street, Amherst.

"We are so excited to showcase the abundant musical theater talent possessed by our young people in the Pioneer Valley!" said Becca Greene- Van Horn, the show’s director. "Although there are opportunities in our area to act and sing in large-scale musicals, there are only so many parts to go around for young people. We created ‘Youth on Broadway’ so that kids from 4th through 12th grade could get a chance to learn and perform leading and featured roles. Youth on Broadway was such a smashing success last year we just had to bring it back again so these amazingly creative kids have the chance to perform songs from many different Broadway shows."

Tickets for "Youth on Broadway" are available by calling 413-259-3065. Ticket prices in advance are $10 for adults, $5 for children/students/seniors. Tickets at the door are available for $12 for adults and $7 for children/students/seniors.