Friday, November 28, 2014

Dean's Beans Holiday Orders


Order forms can be downloaded here:  Deans_Beans_Holiday_Orders
Order forms will be going home in backpacks soon; and are also available from the Crocker Farm office.

CROCKER FARM PGO & CROCKER JAVA FROM DEAN’S BEANS

Dean’s Beans make great holiday gifts!

When you buy Dean’s Beans fresh, locally roasted, fair-trade, organic coffee, not only are you supporting sustainable coffee growers and a great local business, you are also helping to fund programs for Crocker Farm students through the PGO. Plus, you save money too; the PGO’s Dean’s Beans prices are less than you’d pay retail.

Dean’s Beans Coffee (regular and decaf), hot chocolate, and chocolate java drops are available at Crocker Farm. They are sold in the front office. You can also place an order to be delivered to your child’s backpack. Additional order forms are available in the office and at this link (Deans_Beans_Holiday_Orders). Using the order form is the best way to ensure availability, as our supplies in the office dwindle from time to time.

Orders for delivery before the holiday recess are due no later than Friday, December 5th, and will be delivered the week of December 15th.

Winter Holiday Special: Order any 5 items and save $3 on your total order.

Easy to support Crocker Farm when you shop at Stop & Shop and Target

Two Great Ways to Support Crocker Farm At No Cost to You


Stop & Shop  A+ Rewards

Last year, Stop & Shop donated $2.5 million to schools through its A+ Rewards program.  Crocker Farm earned close to $500.    Through the program, families register their Stop & Shop card to earn points for their school(s), and then the school(s) each time the family shops at the store.

If you haven't registered your Stop & Shop card yet for the A+ Rewards program, you can do so at this web site. http://www.stopandshop.com/aplus/register-card/    Crocker Farm has school ID 05194 for the program.    

So far this school year, Crocker Farm has earned just over $70 in A+ Rewards.  The A+ Rewards program for the 2014-2015 year runs through March 19th, 2015. 
 


Target Take Charge of Education

Families with a Target REDcard can signup so that Crocker Farm earns 1% of the value of all purchases.   The online signup is here.   Crocker Farm's program ID: 58644.   So far this school year, Crocker Farm has earned $195, and last year Target gave schools $32 million through this program. 

If you are interested in a REDcard debit or credit card and don't have one yet, you can apply for one here.   REDcard holders receive 5% off on all purchases, free shipping at target.com, and 30 extra days for returns (some restrictions apply).  


Goodshop: Help Crocker Farm PGO raise $ while you shop online; 5000+ retailers included


Doing any online shopping for the holidays or any other time?  

if you shop through the GoodShop website portal,
www.goodshop.com, you can earn money for Crocker Farm each time you shop.    Click on "Find a cause to support" near the top of the main web page and type in "Crocker Farm PGO".  

GoodShop includes over 5,000 online stores, including many national retailers.  Stores will donate up to 5-10% of the value of your purchase to Crocker Farm. 
 

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Shop in Downtown Amherst & Support Local Non-Profits -- Today!

Saturday, November 22nd

BHome will be donating 10% of today's sales to Family Outreach of Amherst.

ZannaThe Blue Marble  will be donating 5% of today's sales to the Amherst Survival CenterThe Toy Box  will also be donating part of today's sales to the Amherst Survival Center

The Mercantile will be donating 5% of today's sales to the Dakin Humane Society.

Happy Shopping!







Family Holiday Movie Classic, Nov 29th

Announcement from the Jones Library

Bring the family and enjoy the recent feature film version of a traditional holiday story.  Join us on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 2:30 pm in the Woodbury Room for this animated family movie based on the holiday novel by Charles Dickens.

For more information, please visit the library’s webpage at www.joneslibrary.org or contact the reference desk at 413/ 259-3096.  The film is rated PG.

Free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.
 

PC Software Doctor Hank at the Munson Memorial Library

 
Are you a PC, Apple, E-Reader and/or Tablet user who needs help with your software/devices?  If so, this may be the program for you!

PC Software Doctor Hank will be holding a series of clinics from 3-5pm at the Munson Memorial Library on Tuesday afternoons:

·         November 18
·         November 25
·         December 2
·         December 9
·         December 16
·         December 30

Free & open to the public.

Call 413.259.3095 after 2 pm for more information.

This program made possible by the Friends of the Jones Library System.
 

Latest ARPS Family Center Newsletter


You can download the latest newsletter at this link:  ARPS_Newsletter

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Crocker Farm Winter Coat Share a Success - thank you!

 THANK YOU to everyone in the Crocker Farm community who donated used (or new - wow!!) clothing for our winter clothing share. We received more than 90 coats, 20 pairs of snowpants, 30 pairs of boots, 40 hats, and 40 pairs of gloves/mittens, plus scarves, and sweaters/fleeces. We also received donations from Edward Jones (& the Amherst Lions Club) and the Evaluation System group of Pearson who collected coats, etc. on our behalf. We are so grateful!

 Most of the donated items have now gone to Crocker Farm families, and we have shared the remainder with Fort River for their winter clothing share this Fri (11/21) and Mon (11/24).  Wildwood will be having its winter clothing share the following week, Dec 2nd-4th.    Check the attached flier for details. 








Regional School Committee meeting rescheduled to tonight (Nov 20th)



The Regional School Committee meeting that was originally scheduled for this Tuesday has been rescheduled to tonight.  If you are interested, the link to the agenda is here (link to agenda).   The meeting will be at 6 pm in the ARHS Library.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Thursday morning, come get some coffee!


Unfortunately, Mr. Shea is no longer available to come to the PGO coffee scheduled for this Thursday.   The PGO will still be meeting though to discuss the year and upcoming events.  We'd love to see you there if you can make it, and if you can't please feel free to get in touch (email us at crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com) with any ideas.   All are welcome!

PGO Coffee, this Thursday, 11/20, at 8:50 am.   Coffee, tea, and treats will be served.  

Calendar Update from the Front Offfice @ Crocker Farm

November 2014

 Dear Crocker Farm Families and Community,

First snow has fallen in our valley! This morning we awoke to a dusting and so we write to remind you to bundle up the kids for daily recess. Hats, mittens, coats and boots will be needed so that they are comfortable playing for at least half an hour outdoors. The PGO is hosting a winter clothing swap on November 18th and 19th in the foyer of the school. Collection boxes are located in that same spot. This annual event is a great way to share gently used items that no longer fit your kid(s) and pick up some “new” warm clothing for your child.

There have been several errors in the monthly calendars that have been printed throughout the fall. We apologize for the mix-ups and list below all of the upcoming events that are “on our radar” at this moment. When/if you have questions – please feel free to call us 413-362-1657 so that we can clarify things for you.

Important Upcoming Dates
November 21 – WE DO have school and it is a FULL DAY (8:50am – 3:10pm)
November 26 – Early Release Day 1:20pm dismissal
December 1 – No school – teacher in-service day
December 2 – First day back to school from Thanksgiving Vacation (Full day 8:50am – 3:10pm)
December 9 – 4th and 5th grade chorus 2:00pm concert in cafeteria
December 10 – Early Release Day 1:20pm dismissal
December 10 – 6:30pm Chorus Concert in the Cafeteria
December 11 – Intervention Family Literacy night in the cafeteria at 6:00pm
December 17 – 9:30am and 6:30pm 6th grade Chorus Concert in the cafeteria
December 24 – January 4 Holiday Vacation

School re-opens on 1/5/15.

We are thankful for our wonderful Crocker Farm Community and we look forward to welcoming 2015 with your families

Derek Shea, Principal and Sharri Conklin, Assistant Principal

ANUNCIOS DE CAMBIOS DEL CALENDARIO DE CROCKER FARM

Noviembre 2014

Estimadas familias y comunidad de Crocker Farm,

La primera nieve ha caƭdo en nuestro valle. Esta MaƱana nos despertamos a una polvoreada y por eso
escribimos para recordarles que agrupe a los niƱos para el recreo diario. Sombreros, guantes, abrigos y botas
se necesitan para que los niƱos estĆ©n cĆ³modos jugando para al menos una hora al aire libre. El OPG estĆ”
organizando un invierno intercambio de ropa el 18 y 19 de noviembre en el vestĆ­bulo de la escuela. Cajas de
colecciĆ³n se encuentran en el mismo lugar. Este evento anual es una manera fĆ”cil de compartir sus artĆ­culos
de ropa que ya no quepan los niƱos de su casa y recoger alguna ropa de abrigo “nuevo” para su hijo.

Ha habido varios errores en los calendarios mensuales que hemos mandado a su casa. Pedimos disculpas por
las confusiones y aquĆ­ les mandamos una lista de los prĆ³ximos eventos que estĆ”n en “nuestro radar” en este
momento. Cuando/si Usted tiene preguntas – por favor no dude en llamarnos 413-362-1657 para que
nosotros podamos aclarar las fechas para Usted.

Fechas Importantes en noviembre, diciembre, enero:
21 noviembre – tenemos escuela y es un dĆ­a completo (8:50-15:10)
26 de noviembre- despido a 13:20 dĆ­a de salida temprana
1 de diciembre – no hay clases – dĆ­a de maestros en servicio
2 de diciembre – primer dĆ­a de regreso a la escuela despuĆ©s de las vacaciones de acciĆ³n de gracias – dĆ­a
complete 8:50 – 15:10
9 de diciembre – concierto del coro grados 4 y 5 a las 14:00 en la cafeterĆ­a
10 de diciembre – despido 13:20 dĆ­a de salida temprana
10 de diciembre – concierto del coro en la cafeterĆ­a 18:30
11 de diciembre – noche familiar de intervenciĆ³n de alfabetizaciĆ³n en la cafeterĆ­a 18:00
17 de diciembre – 9:30 y 18:30 concierto de coro grado 6 en la cafeterĆ­a
24 de diciembre hasta el 4 de enero – vacaciones de las fiestas
Escuela reabre en 05/01/15

Somos agradecidos por nuestra maravillosa comunidad de la escuela Crocker Farm y miramos adelante, al aƱo 2015, dƔndole la bienvenida con sus familias,

Derek Shea, Director and Sharri Conklin, asistente del Director

Monday, November 17, 2014

This Week & Upcoming at Crocker Farm & ARPS

Crocker Farm:
Mon, Nov 17th:  Winter Coat/Clothing Share, Setup for Tues & Wed Distribution, afterschool, volunteers welcome!
Tues, Nov 18th:  Winter Coat/Clothing Share, main lobby, 8:15 am-3:30 pm
Wed, Nov 19th:  Winter Coat/Clothing Share, main lobby, 8:15 am-3:30 pm
** We are still accepting winter clothing donations. **
**Feel free to stop by Tues/Wed & "shop" for your family. **

Thurs, Nov 20th:  PGO Coffee with the principal, 8:50 am, Community Room
Thurs, Nov 20th:  Last day of the Barnes & Noble bookfair online at BN.com (enter bookfair #11493400 at checkout to earn $ for our school).  

Amherst Regional Public Schools:
Mon, Nov 17th:  ARPS Family Center program on bullying.  (Link), 7 pm, ARHS
Wed, Nov 19th:  SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) Meeting, 10 am-noon, ARMS, Superintendent's conf. room.
Thurs, Nov 20th:  Regional School Committee meeting (link to agenda), 6 pm, ARHS Library.  Agenda includes updates on SEPAC, regionalization, budgets, and discussion/vote on the Superintendent's goals for the year.  The Reg School Committee meeting was rescheduled from Tues, Nov 18th.


Barnes & Noble Crocker Farm Bookfair online through Wed, Nov 19th


A big THANK YOU to everyone who performed at the Hadley Barnes & Noble on Saturday for the Crocker Farm bookfair and to all those who came out to support this fundraiser. 

Thank you Miss Leticia, Ms. Zsigmondi, Becca Greene-Van Horn, Angela Mills, and all the talented performers and the volunteers. The wonderful performances could be heard throughout the store, and it was lovely. 

The bookfair is still going on online at BN.com through Thursday, Nov 20th (enter bookfair # 11493400 at checkout). The money raised will help subsidize field trips and fund mini-grants for special class projects. Thanks, and 

Thank You, Barnes & Noble!

Youth of Broadway - Auditions this Week


Youth on Broadway is a musical theater revue, showcasing the talent of Pioneer Valley youth as they sing and perform Broadway songs. It is run by Becca Greene-Van Horn, an actress and Crocker Farm parent. Auditions are this week. The performances will be in the spring.

Auditions:  Tues, Nov 18th, 6-8:30 pm;  Sat, Nov 22nd, 1-5 pm, at
the Bangs Center, downtown Amherst.

 


LSSE Rec Basketball Signups


Coming Together Event, Debby Irving, Nov 20th


WUWcoverFINAL-200x300
Dear Members of the Community,
   We want to warmly invite you to join us this coming Thursday night, November 20th at 7PM for an important  talk by Debby Irving followed by open discussion.  Everyone in the community is invited.  Details are below.  More information about the Coming Together project is at our website, also listed below.  We hope you can join us.
Yours,
Mari CasteƱeda
Sovann-Maliss Loeung
Russ Vernon-Jones
Co-Facilitators for the Coming Together anti-racism project


*** Debby Irving, author of Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race  - will speak at the Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall on Thursday, November 20th at 7PM.  Free and open to the public.  All are invited.  She is coming to Amherst to address our community about moving forward on issues of racial justice.  Her book is the story of her own awakening from a well-meaning, but not very well informed liberal, to become a growing, anti-racism activist and widely praised author.

“Debby Irving’s powerful Waking Up White opens a rare window on how white Americans are socialized. Irving’s focus on the mechanics of racism operating in just one life — her own — may lead white readers to reconsider the roots of their own perspectives — and their role in dismantling old myths. Readers of color will no doubt find the view through Irving’s window fascinating, and telling.” – Van Jones, Author of Rebuild the Dream and co-host of CNN Crossfire.

Also recommended by Peggy McIntosh and Bishop Gene Robinson.

The entrance to the Parish Hall is on Spring St, near Boltwood Ave just off the Amherst Common.
If you are interested in childcare for this event, please contact Leigh Salvage at leighann716@gmail.com.

(Not a PGO or school-sponsored event) 

APRS Family Center Presentation. Elementary School Bullying Prevention. Nov 17th


Learn how bullying in the elementary school environment affects children.

Learn how bystanders can de-escalate bullying situations.


Learn anti-bullying messaging and strategies.


November 17th, 7 pm
Amherst Regional High School Library
21 Mattoon Street


El Centro de la Familia ARPS Presenta. PrevenciĆ³n de Bullying en la Escuela Elemental, 17 de Noviembre


* Aprende como el bullying afecta a los niƱos en el ambiente de la escuela Elemental. 
* Aprende como un testigo o espectador puede disminuir una situaciĆ³n de bullying.
* Aprende mensajes y tƩcnicas de anti-bullying.

Lunes, 17 de Noviembre
Escuela Superior de Amherst
21 Mattoon Street
7:00pm



Brick4Kidz Upcoming Events




Here is a list of our upcoming events for the holidays
  • Wed., Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Fun: half-day program at Michael's in Hadley 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
  • Sat., Nov. 29 FREE Open House at the new South Hadley Public Library 10:00 am-12:00 pm
  • Sat., Nov. 29 Santa's Workshop at South Deerfield Congregational Church 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Sat., Dec. 6 Santa's Workshop at Center Church in South Hadley 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Sat., Dec. 13 We are participating in a Macaroni Kid "Holiday Fun Day" in Chicopee 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thurs., Dec. 18 FREE holiday class at Second Chances in South Amherst 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tues., Dec. 23 Winter Fun: half-day program at Michael's in Hadley 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
  • Mon.-Tues., Dec. 29-30 "Remote Control Mania" at Munson Library in South Amherst 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Fri., Jan. 2 "Get Frozen" at Second Chances in South Amherst 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Please visit our Website to learn more about these programs and to register.

Bricks4Kidz Amherst Area Newsletter by Kfitzgerald
24 Merrick Circle Amherst, MA 01002 

(not PGO or school-sponsored)

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Barnes & Noble Bookfair for Crocker Farm this Saturday



Crocker Farm Bookfair at the
Hadley Barnes & Noble
Saturday, November 15th
Store open 9 am to 10 pm

Stories and performances for children
starting at 9:30 am
 
*Bilingual Story Time with Angela Mills, Crocker Farm parent & front office (9:30 am)
*Music with Miss Leticia (Crocker Farm parent) & her students (10:00 am)
*Crocker Farm Orchestra -- individual performances (1:00 pm)

*Crocker Farm 5th & 6th grade chorus singers (1:30 pm) 
*Stories & improv with Becca Greene-Van Horn, Crocker Farm parent (1:45 pm)
A percentage of your purchases will go to support our school if you 
mention Crocker Farm when checking out.  Funds raised will be used
for supplemental educational activities, such as field trips and science night, and mini-grants for our teachers. 

Can’t attend our bookfair at Barnes & Noble?
Visit BN.COM/bookfairs to support us online from
11/15/14 to 11/19/14 by entering Bookfair ID 11493400 at checkout. 



Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Two Meetings Tonight -- Crocker Farm School Governance Council & the APRS School Equity Task Force


Crocker Farm School Governance Council
Meeting Tuesday, Nov 12th, 6 pm, at Crocker Farm
The agenda includes a review and discussion of the:
 ** District Improvement Plan
 ** School Improvement Plan for Crocker Farm
The full agenda is available here:   SGC_Agenda


ARPS School Equity Task Force
Meeting, Tuesday, Nov 12th, 6 pm, at the HS Library

Update (Tues afternoon):  Because of the bomb threat & closure of the HS, the School Equity Task Force meeting for this evening has been moved to the conference room at the UMass Police Station at 585 East Pleasant St., Amherst.







Monday, November 10, 2014

Winter Coat Collection and Distribution Updates

The PGO is still collecting winter coats, boots, gloves, hats, etc. for next week's warm clothing exchange. If you have any coats or other clothes to contribute, please drop them off in the collection boxes in the lobby or at the afternoon parent pickup/preschool entrance.   Thank you!    

We are also seeking volunteers to help give out the collected clothes next Tues and Wed.  A signup link is here.  

If you know any family who might be looking for warm winter clothes, please encourage them to stop by during our distribution hours next week.  Other Amherst public schools will have distribution hours as well.   More info on this will be posted shortly.


November Newsletter From Crocker Farm

You can view the whole newsletter here:  Crocker Farm Nov Newsletter
It includes the daily master schedule & the November & December school schedules 

November 2014
Happy November!
 

Thank you to all our families and teachers who met together in the last few weeks to share student progress in Family Conferences. We appreciate the time it takes to come in to school to meet with your child’s teacher(s) as well as the time our teachers spend gathering assessment information in the first months of school. As always, if you have further questions about your child’s progress, the classroom teacher is your first point of contact.
 

At our school, we have a Master Schedule that outlines, in general, the daily schedule for each grade level. Many factors come into play when the schedule is designed including not overlapping major subject areas, where service providers must be to work with students, the lunch and recess schedules, and the aesthetics schedule – just to name a few. We are attaching the Master Schedule for your information. Please keep in mind that it is subject to change based on the needs of our school and classrooms.
 

As the weather begins to change, please remember that our students go outside for fresh air as often as possible. Make sure to send your child prepared to be outside for their 30 minute recess even when the weather is colder.
Speaking of recess, students often leave articles of clothing, hats and gloves outside after recess. Although we try to remind students to bring in what they went outside with, we still end up with a considerable Lost and Found. To help aid in returning lost items to their owners, we will lay out what has gathered in our lost and found bin so kids and families can have a closer look. If you happen to be at school, take a look outside our main office on the way to the cafeteria and see if you recognize anything that has been missing.
 

Looking ahead:
*No School on Tuesday, November 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day.
* Early Dismissal at 1:20pm on Wednesday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
 

There is a Curriculum Day, Monday, December 1st, so no school for students. Students do not return from break until Tuesday, December 2nd.
 

Wishing you an enjoyable month,
Derek Shea (Principal) and Sharri Conklin (Assistant Principal)

Noviembre carta del Sr. Shea y la Sra. Conklin

Carta completa aquĆ­:  (aqui)
Incluye calendario.

Noviembre 2014
¡Feliz mes de noviembre!


Les mandamos las gracias a todas nuestras familias y a los profesores
quienes se reunieron en las Ćŗltimas semanas para compartir el progreso
del estudiante en las conferencias de familia. Apreciamos el tiempo que
toma de sus horarios para reunirse con el maestro de su niƱo. TambiĆ©n apreciamos la preparaciĆ³n de los maestros y especialistas recopilando informaciĆ³n de evaluaciĆ³n en los primeros meses del aƱo escolar. Como siempre, si Usted tiene preguntas sobre el progreso de su hijo, el maestro debe ser su primer punto de contacto.
 

En nuestra escuela, tenemos un plan maestral que usamos diariamente en cada nivel de grado. Tomamos todo en cuenta cuando se diseƱa este plan, nos fijamos de no haya superposiciĆ³n de Ć”reas temĆ”ticas principales, donde los proveedores de servicios deben trabajar con los alumnos, los horarios de comida y descanso y la programaciĆ³n de estĆ©tica – solo para nombrar algunos factores. Les mandamos una copia del plan maestral para su informaciĆ³n. Por favor, tenga en cuenta, que el plan estĆ” sujeto a cambios, estos cambios se basen en las necesidades
de nuestra escuela y las aulas.


Como el tiempo siempre cambia, por favor, recuerde que nuestros estudiantes salen diariamente a tomar aire fresco. AsegĆŗrese de enviar a su hijo preparado para estar afuera por 30 minutos de recreo. Aunque se ponga frio – los niƱos pueden salir a jugar a los columpios. Como mencionamos a la hora de recreo, los estudiantes a menudo dejan prendas de vestir, sombreros y guantes afuera despuĆ©s de su recreo. Aunque tratamos de recordarles de traer lo que se pusieron para salir, todavĆ­a terminamos con una montaƱa de ropa olvidada. Para
ayudarnos devolver lo que se ha perdido a sus dueƱos, depositamos las prendas en una caja enorme cerca de la oficina central. Cuando Usted venga a visitar a su niƱo o si vienen a un concierto, por favor, toman un momento para revisar las prendas de la caja en la esquina.


Mirando hacia el futuro:

** No hay clases el martes, 11 de noviembre en honor del dĆ­a de los Veteranos.
** Salida temprana a las 13:20 el miƩrcoles, 26 de noviembre para la fiesta de dƭa de
acciĆ³n de Gracias. 


Hay un dĆ­a de currĆ­culo, lunes, 1 de diciembre, asĆ­ que no hay escuela para los estudiantes. Los estudiantes no regresan de las vacaciones hasta el
martes, 2 de diciembre.


Les deseamos todo lo mejor para este mes,
Derek Shea (Director) y Sharri Conklin (Asistente al Director)

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Rotary Club Gift of Dictionaries for our 3rd Grade Students


A big THANK YOU to the Amherst Rotary Club for their wonderful donation to our school. 
 
This past week, Rotary Club members visited Crocker Farm to bring each 3rd grade student and teacher a new Webster's Dictionary.  As one of our 3rd grade teachers reported, "The children were overjoyed to receive these, put their names inside the covers, and begin searching for new words. After a while one student said, 'guess what page I started on, page 1, and guess what page I'm still on, page 1...there are just so many good words!'" 


We greatly appreciate the Rotary Club's generous spirit of giving in such a meaningful way to our school community.

and as an fyi, the Rotary Club of Amherst is holding one of their main fundraisers next weekend, Nov 14 & 15th.  The funds raised will go to support their initiatives on behalf of our community, our schools, and their other service projects.  You can learn more about the Rotary Club of Amherst at their web site.  The link is here.
 
For information on how to participate on the next weekend's auction and bid on items, please visit   

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

THANK YOU to Last Year's 6th Grade Families



A belated BIG THANK YOU to last year's 6th grade families

In their final gift to Crocker Farm, they left the school funds to:
(1) support our beautiful garden (a great outdoor classroom!) &
(2) subsidize field trips to museums, performances, environmental centers, & more to help make them affordable to all.


Thank you for your generosity, & this wonderful gift! It will leave a lasting impact on our school.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Holiday Gift & Food Programs at the Amherst Survival Center


Dear Friends:
 
This year, the Amherst Survival Center has re-focused our Holiday Gift Program and we’re excited to let you know the changes. We are prioritizing children ages 0-18 whose families use our Food Pantry, and the Program will have three components:
 
1.    Increased food distribution in December for families with school-age children:
With community support, we will offer families with school-age children who use our Food Pantry extra food (a “boost”) in the month of December, since the month includes a school vacation week.

2.    Holiday Gifts: Books & Games!
We hope to distribute specific (but not personalized) gifts to children ages 0-18. Gifts will include: new books, family games (board games, card games, video games), and warm accessories (new mittens – last year’s most popular item! - hats, scarves).
All Food Pantry families will be given the opportunity to choose age-appropriate games and books for their children in December. Donations can be brought to the Center starting in mid-November, and distribution will happen in the Center throughout the month of December, at the convenience of the receiving families.


3.    Access to Sidney Smith Toy Fund: We will have applications available for the Sidney Smith Toy Fund for all families with children who live in Hampshire County. Administered through the Daily Hampshire Gazette, the Toy Fund offers families a $25 gift card to area malls.
 
In last year’s program, each participating child was able to receive 5-7 books. For many of these children this was an incredible start to their own library. We’re hoping we can duplicate that this year.
 
Seeking Donations:
We are seeking donations of the following.  Please bring these items to the Center in mid-November (as gift distribution will start the first week of December):
·        New books (for children of all ages)
·        Games: board games, card games, video games (for children of all ages)
·        Mittens, gloves, hats, scarves
·        Nutritious child-friendly foods
 
 
For more information, please contact:
Tracey Levy
Program Director
413-549-3968 x 102

Amherst Survival Center on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/amherstsurvival/