(click on image to enlarge)
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
This Week & Upcoming at Crocker Farm & ARPS
Crocker Farm
Tues, April 28th: School Governance Council Meeting with Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin, 8 am, all are welcome
Wed, April 29th: School Bus Drivers Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by the PGO, 8:30 am, in the main lobby. We love our Crocker Farm bus & van drivers!
Thurs, April 30th, 6:30 pm: Music presentation by students in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grades, with Ms. Z., in the cafeteria.
Friday, May 1st, 8:45 am. PGO Coffee with Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin. Coffee, tea, & delicious baked goods - yum! All parents & guardians welcome!
Friday, May 1st. Deadline for turning in the parent/guardian information form that went home before break, re: class placement for next year.
MCAS testing starts again the week of May 4th
Tues, May 5th. MCAS Math, 3rd & 5th graders
Wed, May 6th. MCAS Math, 4th & 5th graders
Thurs, May 7th. MCAS Math, 3rd graders
ARPS
Tues, April 28th, 6 pm. Amherst School Committee meeting, ARHS Library. Agenda here.
Tues, April 28th, 6:45 pm. Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee meeting, ARHS Library. Agenda includes a discussion on the financial impacts of K-12 regionalization. Full agenda here.
Fri, May 1st, 9 am. SEPAC Executive Board Meeting, PD Center, ARMS.
Thurs, May 7th, 6 pm. African-American Achievement Night, ARHS.
Tues, April 28th: School Governance Council Meeting with Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin, 8 am, all are welcome
Wed, April 29th: School Bus Drivers Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by the PGO, 8:30 am, in the main lobby. We love our Crocker Farm bus & van drivers!
Thurs, April 30th, 6:30 pm: Music presentation by students in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grades, with Ms. Z., in the cafeteria.
Friday, May 1st, 8:45 am. PGO Coffee with Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin. Coffee, tea, & delicious baked goods - yum! All parents & guardians welcome!
Friday, May 1st. Deadline for turning in the parent/guardian information form that went home before break, re: class placement for next year.
MCAS testing starts again the week of May 4th
Tues, May 5th. MCAS Math, 3rd & 5th graders
Wed, May 6th. MCAS Math, 4th & 5th graders
Thurs, May 7th. MCAS Math, 3rd graders
ARPS
Tues, April 28th, 6 pm. Amherst School Committee meeting, ARHS Library. Agenda here.
Tues, April 28th, 6:45 pm. Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee meeting, ARHS Library. Agenda includes a discussion on the financial impacts of K-12 regionalization. Full agenda here.
Fri, May 1st, 9 am. SEPAC Executive Board Meeting, PD Center, ARMS.
Thurs, May 7th, 6 pm. African-American Achievement Night, ARHS.
Awards for Teachers & Staff Nominations Sought
ARPS COMMUNITY-BUILDING AWARD
The ARPS Community-Building Award will recognize two employees per year from the Amherst-Pelham Public School system who have helped to foster a sense of belonging among students and who have helped to build bridges of understanding and acceptance among them. School employees from all positions are eligible for this award, which will include a $250 cash prize. Food service workers, while not technically employed by the district, are eligible for the award. Nominations are due by June 1st.
More information is available here, and the nomination form is here.
ROGER L. WALLACE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Elementary teachers, instructional paraprofessionals, and parents of students currently in the elementary schools of Amherst and Pelham are invited to nominate an outstanding teacher to receive the prestigious Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award. A group of parents, alumni and retired educators, partnering with the Amherst Education Foundation, and collaborating with the Amherst Public Schools, has created this award to honor Amherst and Pelham elementary teachers and recognize excellence in teaching! We have raised money to create an endowment of $25,000 so that one teacher can be honored each year and the award can continue into perpetuity. The award will include a stipend of $750 this year, and a stipend based on the income from the endowment each year thereafter. Nominations are due by April 30th.
More information is available here.
AMHERST REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATOR AWARD
The Amherst Regional Middle School Educator Award was established by the 2014-2015 Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) at the Middle School as a way to recognize
the incredible work and dedication of the middle school faculty and staff. This award
will be funded by the ARMS PGO. One award will be granted each year. Nominations are due by April 30th.
More information is available here and here.
The ARPS Community-Building Award will recognize two employees per year from the Amherst-Pelham Public School system who have helped to foster a sense of belonging among students and who have helped to build bridges of understanding and acceptance among them. School employees from all positions are eligible for this award, which will include a $250 cash prize. Food service workers, while not technically employed by the district, are eligible for the award. Nominations are due by June 1st.
More information is available here, and the nomination form is here.
ROGER L. WALLACE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Elementary teachers, instructional paraprofessionals, and parents of students currently in the elementary schools of Amherst and Pelham are invited to nominate an outstanding teacher to receive the prestigious Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award. A group of parents, alumni and retired educators, partnering with the Amherst Education Foundation, and collaborating with the Amherst Public Schools, has created this award to honor Amherst and Pelham elementary teachers and recognize excellence in teaching! We have raised money to create an endowment of $25,000 so that one teacher can be honored each year and the award can continue into perpetuity. The award will include a stipend of $750 this year, and a stipend based on the income from the endowment each year thereafter. Nominations are due by April 30th.
More information is available here.
AMHERST REGIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATOR AWARD
The Amherst Regional Middle School Educator Award was established by the 2014-2015 Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) at the Middle School as a way to recognize
the incredible work and dedication of the middle school faculty and staff. This award
will be funded by the ARMS PGO. One award will be granted each year. Nominations are due by April 30th.
More information is available here and here.
MA Youth Soccer District Select Summer Program
Massachusetts Youth Soccer
Register Now for DSP Tryouts!
The District Select Program (DSP) provides players the opportunity to continue their development during the summer in a fun and competitive soccer environment! The coaches are committed to making DSP a great experience that enhances the players' skills!DSP Season
The 2015 Season will begin on July 11 and end with a tournament the weekend of August 8. All games will be played on Saturday or Sunday at the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Fields at Progin Park in Lancaster, MA. While it is understood that a player may miss a game for family vacation, it is expected that all players will commit to being available for the tournament weekend.
Tryouts
Each DSP district conducts formal tryouts to select players for each of their teams. Tryouts will be held from the end of April through the beginning of May. Players selected to play DSP will be notified by May 31, 2014. It is recommended that players try to attend each day of the tryouts for their age group, but if they miss a day they will still be considered for the program.
Districts
The DSP program has seven districts - click here to find out which district your town is in.
Click Here to Register for Tryouts
Please see our website for more information on the District Select Program
Come out and challenge yourself against the best!
If you have any questions, please contact:
Nancy Hart: Director of District Select Program at 781-812-1832 or Nancyjh21@comcast.net
Or Mary Relic: District Select Program Administrator at mrelic@mayouthsoccer.org
** Not a school or PGO sponsored activity **
Ultimate Tournament this Weekend at the ARHS
30 of the top Ultimate teams in the USA will be in Amherst May 2-3 to battle for the Amherst Invitational Ultimate Tournament championship.
9:30am - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3
Amherst Regional High School (21 Mattoon Street, Amherst, MA).
Girls Championship game on Sunday 1:45pm
Boys Championship on Sunday 3:30pm
Fabulous Layouts! Amazing Aerial Acrobatics!
Come cheer our Amherst Hurricanes on! Free!
9:30am - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3
Amherst Regional High School (21 Mattoon Street, Amherst, MA).
Girls Championship game on Sunday 1:45pm
Boys Championship on Sunday 3:30pm
Fabulous Layouts! Amazing Aerial Acrobatics!
Come cheer our Amherst Hurricanes on! Free!
LSSE Amherst Girls' Softball Clinic, Starts tonight!
in the Bangs Community Center.
Skill development, teamwork, and fun! Swing into the season by learning all the basics from
batting to pitching!
Monday and Wednesday nights @ the middle school and high school:
*April 27th - May 27th 6-7:15*
Instructor: Coach Kaileigh Keizer
Equipment needed: Glove, water bottle, cleats/sneakers
Cost: $59
** not a school sponsored event **
Art Alive classes for kids & grownups
ArtALIVE in downtown Amherst offers art fun & provides ways for children & grownups to explore the arts together. artALIVE functions more as a do-it-yourself art experience rather a simple art supplies store. Some of the activities include:
- An interactive craft center with a new $5 dollar craft of the week every week for your child to create...all supplies included!
- Some fun for all the moms and dads out there too with our “Wine & Painting Wednesdays” class where you can bring your own wine, mingle with friends, and learn how to paint a classic!
To find out more information please contact artALIVE by phone at (413)-222-5366 or by email at info@artaliveamherst.com, or visit their web site: www.artaliveamherst.com/
artALIVE is owned by the parents of Crocker Farm alumni & has donated to Crocker Farm & the PGO.
**not a school or PGO-sponsored activity**
artALIVE is owned by the parents of Crocker Farm alumni & has donated to Crocker Farm & the PGO.
**not a school or PGO-sponsored activity**
Saturday, April 18, 2015
College Town Classik 5K and 5 Mile Race May 17
Rafters College Towne Classik 5K and 5 mile
Sunday May 17, 2015, 10:30 am
Rafters Sports Bar & Restaurant, University Dr, Amherst, MA
Help support the Jimmy Fund and the Amherst Police Relief Association at this family-friendly event. The 5-mile and 5K is a safe and fast course through downtown Amherst.
Visit the race page at www.amherstpd.org/roadrace.
Post Race Barbecue: Burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, fruit, yogurt, juice, bagels, cookies.
Register online at: www.accu-specracing.com or download/view the registration form.
Sunday May 17, 2015, 10:30 am
Rafters Sports Bar & Restaurant, University Dr, Amherst, MA
Help support the Jimmy Fund and the Amherst Police Relief Association at this family-friendly event. The 5-mile and 5K is a safe and fast course through downtown Amherst.
Visit the race page at www.amherstpd.org/roadrace.
Post Race Barbecue: Burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, fruit, yogurt, juice, bagels, cookies.
Register online at: www.accu-specracing.com or download/view the registration form.
Youth on Broadway Musical Revue May 8th - 10th
May 8 and 9 at 7:00 pm, May 10 at 1:30 pm
Amherst Regional Middle School Auditorium
Advanced tickets: $12 adults, $6 children/students/seniors
Call LSSE at 413-259-3865
Tickets at the door: $14 adults, $8 children/students/seniors
Money Smart Week at Jones Library Apr 18-25
Libraries have long been advocates for reading and
literacy for the people in their communities. Another community need
now being addressed by libraries in an annual campaign is financial
literacy and money management. Money
Smart Week®, a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers
better manage their personal finances, will be observed with programs at
the Jones Library during the week of April 18-25, 2015.
All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.
On Thursday, April 23 at 10:30 am, there will be a children’s story hour with a special focus on money and saving.
On Saturday, April 25 at 2:30 pm, learn about identity theft at a workshop called
Identity Theft: Prevent & Respond. Learn how to
minimize the risk of having your identity stolen by managing personal
information wisely and cautiously, and learn what to do if you discover
identity theft. This program is co-sponsored by UMassFive
College Federal Credit Union. Please register for this workshop at the
Reference Desk or by calling 413/259-3096.
Money
Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign to promote financial
education across all age groups. Launched in 2002 by the Federal Reserve
Bank of Chicago, the program is now active in
more than 45 states through national partnerships with the Certified
Financial Planner Board of Standards, Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Cooperative
Extension and the American Library Association.
Friday, April 17, 2015
On the School Calendar for after the April Break
Tues, April 28th: School Governance Council Meeting with Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin, 8 am, all are welcome
Wed, April 29th: School Bus Drivers Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by the PGO, 8:30 am, in the main lobby. We are seeking volunteers to bring in food (baked goods, fruit, juice) for this light breakfast in honor of our school bus & van drivers. Please contact the PGO @ crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com if you can bring in food or help at the event.
Thurs, April 30th, 6:30 pm: Music presentation by students in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grades, with Ms. Z., in the cafeteria.
Friday, May 1st, 8:45 am. PGO Coffee with Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin. Coffee, tea, & delicious baked goods - yum! Young children always welcome. A great way to hear the latest news on Crocker Farm, to talk with other parents & the school administration re: any questions/comments you might have about our school.
Friday, May 1st. Box Tops Dropoff Deadline. Drop them off in the collection box in the lobby or in the PGO mailbox. (How many can you collect over spring break?). We have made over $200 so far this year. All those 10 cent Box Tops really do add up!
MCAS testing starts again the week of May 4th.
School Vacation, April 20th-24th. See you on Monday, April 27th!
Book Swap - a Great Success!
The PGO's book swap was a great success. We received over 1,500 books! Wow!! We had so many books donated that every Crocker Farm student (pre-K through 6th grade) was able to bring home at least 2-3 "new" books to keep & Crocker Farm teachers got to choose some books from the leftovers for their classroom libraries as well.
Thank you to all the families & staff who donated so many great books, & to the wonderful volunteers who helped setup & staff this year's book swap, including Marla J., Tina F., Sophie H., Phoebe H., Maria K., Anna M., & Tracy Z. (hopefully we didn't miss anyone; our apologies if we did). Thank you too to the custodial staff who helped with setup & cleanup.
HAVE A GREAT SPRING VACATION WEEK &
HAPPY READING TO ALL!
New Wellness Policy on Nutrition & Physical Activity at School
As mentioned in the April Crocker Chronicles letter from Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin, in March 2015, the Regional School Committee approved a new policy related to food & nutrition, & physical activity at school, & Superintendent Maria Geryk is now preparing guidelines that will help with the implementation of this policy. This policy has not yet been voted on by the Amherst School Committee for the Amherst elementary schools.
For those who are interested, the full text of the policy (Policy ADF: Wellness) is available on the ARPS.org web site.
(ADF_Wellness_Policy_Link).
Here are the excerpts on the policy's two main areas of focus: nutrition/food & physical activity.
Nutrition/Food
The Districts support the concept that healthy foods contribute to healthy students. Therefore, the Districts shall provide students receiving school meals with access to a variety of nutritious, appealing, and fresh foods that meet or exceed the documented health and nutritional needs of students as referenced by federal and state governments and independent sources with nutritional expertise. All meals and beverages made available during the regular school day or during school-sponsored programming shall meet or exceed the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Nutrition Standards and U.S. Dietary Guidelines. The Districts shall participate in the school meals programs including but not limited to the federal School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the Massachusetts Farm to School Project.
Whenever possible, preference will be given to foods that are locally grown and processed (canned or frozen) within 50 miles of Amherst, Massachusetts and secondarily within the state of Massachusetts for all meals and snacks provided by the Districts. Likewise, preference will be given to serving fresh foods or freshly cooked food over canned or preserved foods. The Districts will strive to eliminate foods from all meals that contain food coloring, modified food starch (or similar product by other name), as well as sweetened beverages and pre-fried foods. Water will be made available to students throughout the day.
Staff in the Districts shall refrain from using food as a reward or punishment with students, and celebrations, such as birthdays, will be celebrated without food. Ideas for celebrations will be developed and shared to assist classroom teachers and families. Students will be provided with adequate time to eat and meals will be served at reasonably appropriate times in the school schedule. Meals and snacks will be served in clean, safe and pleasant settings, and meals should have serving sizes that are age-appropriate. The Superintendent, or his or her designee, will develop guidelines that will help to promote these practices in each building.
Physical Activity
The Districts support the idea that students’ educational experience is enhanced by a combination of sufficient physical activities during the school day. Therefore, the Districts will provide regular and frequent opportunities and supports for PreK-12 students to be physically active and to achieve recommended physical fitness standards set by NASPE. Recess, in-class activities, and physical education will be offered to students in grades Pre-K to 6th grade and frequent, scheduled opportunities for physical movement and physical education will be offered to students in grades 7-12. Suggestions of how to incorporate movement and physical activity into the classroom and school day experiences for students will be offered to teachers and administrators. These opportunities are designed to promote patterns of meaningful physical activity that connect to students’ lives and to foster long-term personal patterns for lifelong activity.
In grades K-6, recess shall be offered at least once a day, with preference for additional activity for all. Recess shall include both structured and unstructured play. While safety will be paramount, enabling a range of activities, especially student-driven activities, will be encouraged. Physical activity in the classroom is encouraged and may include organized breaks from instruction, integral components of curriculum or activities based on individual needs of students for movement .
The Districts believe that physical activity is an integral part of a child’s day. Physical education will be an integral component of the curriculum for all students within the Districts, with a focus on developing lifelong patterns of physical activity.
Health education should be a component of the K-12 curriculum for all students in the Districts. The curriculum will be aligned with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Health Frameworks and will focus on building an understanding of healthy living habits.
For those who are interested, the full text of the policy (Policy ADF: Wellness) is available on the ARPS.org web site.
(ADF_Wellness_Policy_Link).
Here are the excerpts on the policy's two main areas of focus: nutrition/food & physical activity.
Nutrition/Food
The Districts support the concept that healthy foods contribute to healthy students. Therefore, the Districts shall provide students receiving school meals with access to a variety of nutritious, appealing, and fresh foods that meet or exceed the documented health and nutritional needs of students as referenced by federal and state governments and independent sources with nutritional expertise. All meals and beverages made available during the regular school day or during school-sponsored programming shall meet or exceed the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Nutrition Standards and U.S. Dietary Guidelines. The Districts shall participate in the school meals programs including but not limited to the federal School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the Massachusetts Farm to School Project.
Whenever possible, preference will be given to foods that are locally grown and processed (canned or frozen) within 50 miles of Amherst, Massachusetts and secondarily within the state of Massachusetts for all meals and snacks provided by the Districts. Likewise, preference will be given to serving fresh foods or freshly cooked food over canned or preserved foods. The Districts will strive to eliminate foods from all meals that contain food coloring, modified food starch (or similar product by other name), as well as sweetened beverages and pre-fried foods. Water will be made available to students throughout the day.
Staff in the Districts shall refrain from using food as a reward or punishment with students, and celebrations, such as birthdays, will be celebrated without food. Ideas for celebrations will be developed and shared to assist classroom teachers and families. Students will be provided with adequate time to eat and meals will be served at reasonably appropriate times in the school schedule. Meals and snacks will be served in clean, safe and pleasant settings, and meals should have serving sizes that are age-appropriate. The Superintendent, or his or her designee, will develop guidelines that will help to promote these practices in each building.
Physical Activity
The Districts support the idea that students’ educational experience is enhanced by a combination of sufficient physical activities during the school day. Therefore, the Districts will provide regular and frequent opportunities and supports for PreK-12 students to be physically active and to achieve recommended physical fitness standards set by NASPE. Recess, in-class activities, and physical education will be offered to students in grades Pre-K to 6th grade and frequent, scheduled opportunities for physical movement and physical education will be offered to students in grades 7-12. Suggestions of how to incorporate movement and physical activity into the classroom and school day experiences for students will be offered to teachers and administrators. These opportunities are designed to promote patterns of meaningful physical activity that connect to students’ lives and to foster long-term personal patterns for lifelong activity.
In grades K-6, recess shall be offered at least once a day, with preference for additional activity for all. Recess shall include both structured and unstructured play. While safety will be paramount, enabling a range of activities, especially student-driven activities, will be encouraged. Physical activity in the classroom is encouraged and may include organized breaks from instruction, integral components of curriculum or activities based on individual needs of students for movement .
The Districts believe that physical activity is an integral part of a child’s day. Physical education will be an integral component of the curriculum for all students within the Districts, with a focus on developing lifelong patterns of physical activity.
Health education should be a component of the K-12 curriculum for all students in the Districts. The curriculum will be aligned with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Health Frameworks and will focus on building an understanding of healthy living habits.
April Crocker Chronicles & Letter from Mr. Shea & Ms. Conklin
The full April Crocker Chronicles is available at this link: April_Chronicles
April 2015
Dear Crocker Farm Families:
Even though the calendar says it’s Spring, it hasn’t felt that way as of late. Our snow is quickly being replaced with mud. Our school nurse, Ms. Stenlund tries to keep a supply of pants and socks on hand for times when kids get too muddy at recess. If you have any extras, please send them in. We will keep them
to share with students in need of a change of clothes.
On Thursday, March 19th, Mary Lambert, our Math Coach and her team put on another successful Family Math Night. It was very well attended and students and families had an opportunity to engage in some fun learning. Sixth grade families also were able to raise over $900 with the pie auction.
We are very pleased to announce that Jennifer Smith, our Reading Specialist, is the Crocker Farm recipient of the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. Ms. Smith works tirelessly with teachers and students to improve reading skills. She is energetic and dedicated to the Crocker Farm community. Congratulations to Ms. Smith on this special award.
MCAS testing is underway for our 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. We appreciate the generous family donations of water bottles and healthy snacks. These donations make testing more enjoyable for all of our children.
The School Committee recently released a policy regarding nutrition/food and physical activity in our schools. Maria Geryk is in the process writing guidelines that will help with the implementation of this policy.
The Book Swap starts next week. We are still taking donations of used books to share with the entire Crocker Farm community. Much thanks to the PGO for organizing this popular event for our students!
Believe it or not, when we return from April Break, we will begin the process of creating class placement lists for next school year. To that end, Friday, April 17th we will be sending home a form asking you to provide us with information about your child which will assist us in the process. We encourage all families
to complete the form and return it to your child’s teacher. Please note that Mr. Shea and Ms. Conklin will be responsible for making final decisions regarding placement of students.
April vacation takes place beginning Monday April 20th - Friday April 24th - we return to school on Monday, April 27th.
Important Dates:
*Tuesday April 14th & Wednesday April 15th - Book Swap sponsored by the PGO.
*April 20th - April 24th - SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL.
*Thursday April 30th - Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade Musical presentation in cafeteria, 6:30 pm.
* May 21st - “Dig It!” School Musical will be performed in the Cafeteria at 6:30 pm.
Best wishes for a relaxing break with your family,
Derek Shea and Sharri Conklin
April 2015
Dear Crocker Farm Families:
Even though the calendar says it’s Spring, it hasn’t felt that way as of late. Our snow is quickly being replaced with mud. Our school nurse, Ms. Stenlund tries to keep a supply of pants and socks on hand for times when kids get too muddy at recess. If you have any extras, please send them in. We will keep them
to share with students in need of a change of clothes.
On Thursday, March 19th, Mary Lambert, our Math Coach and her team put on another successful Family Math Night. It was very well attended and students and families had an opportunity to engage in some fun learning. Sixth grade families also were able to raise over $900 with the pie auction.
We are very pleased to announce that Jennifer Smith, our Reading Specialist, is the Crocker Farm recipient of the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award. Ms. Smith works tirelessly with teachers and students to improve reading skills. She is energetic and dedicated to the Crocker Farm community. Congratulations to Ms. Smith on this special award.
MCAS testing is underway for our 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. We appreciate the generous family donations of water bottles and healthy snacks. These donations make testing more enjoyable for all of our children.
The School Committee recently released a policy regarding nutrition/food and physical activity in our schools. Maria Geryk is in the process writing guidelines that will help with the implementation of this policy.
The Book Swap starts next week. We are still taking donations of used books to share with the entire Crocker Farm community. Much thanks to the PGO for organizing this popular event for our students!
Believe it or not, when we return from April Break, we will begin the process of creating class placement lists for next school year. To that end, Friday, April 17th we will be sending home a form asking you to provide us with information about your child which will assist us in the process. We encourage all families
to complete the form and return it to your child’s teacher. Please note that Mr. Shea and Ms. Conklin will be responsible for making final decisions regarding placement of students.
April vacation takes place beginning Monday April 20th - Friday April 24th - we return to school on Monday, April 27th.
Important Dates:
*Tuesday April 14th & Wednesday April 15th - Book Swap sponsored by the PGO.
*April 20th - April 24th - SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL.
*Thursday April 30th - Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade Musical presentation in cafeteria, 6:30 pm.
* May 21st - “Dig It!” School Musical will be performed in the Cafeteria at 6:30 pm.
Best wishes for a relaxing break with your family,
Derek Shea and Sharri Conklin
Multi-Arts April Vacation Camp for children 4-13 years old
MULTI-ARTS
SPRING BREAK CAMP 2015
for children 4-13 years old
One-day option available.
Jones Library - Money Smart Week activities, April 18-25th.
Money Smart Week® Comes to the Jones Library
Amherst, MA – Libraries have long been advocates
for reading and literacy for the people in their communities. Another
community need now being addressed by libraries in an annual campaign is
financial literacy and money management. Money
Smart Week®, a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers
better manage their personal finances, will be observed with programs at
the Jones Library during the week of April 18-25, 2015.
On Saturday, April 25 at 2:30 pm, learn about identity theft at a workshop called
Identity Theft: Prevent & Respond. Learn how to
minimize the risk of having your identity stolen by managing personal
information wisely and cautiously, and learn what to do if you discover
identity theft. This program is co-sponsored by UMassFive
College Federal Credit Union. Please register for this workshop at the
Reference Desk or by calling 413/259-3096.
On Thursday, April 23 at 10:30 am, there will be a children’s story hour with a special focus on money and saving.
Money
Smart Week® is a public awareness campaign to promote financial
education across all age groups. Launched in 2002 by the Federal Reserve
Bank of Chicago, the program is now active in
more than 45 states through national partnerships with the Certified
Financial Planner Board of Standards, Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Cooperative
Extension and the American Library Association.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Book Swap This Week -- Seeking Volunteers -- Can You Help?
We
will be sorting books & setting up for the Crocker Farm book swap
today after school. If you are free at all then, we would love your
help; free feel to jus to come by. The more volunteers we have, the faster it will go.
We are also looking for volunteers for when classes visit the swap (most K-6 classes are visiting on on Tues), & help students choose books to bring home.
To volunteer, please signup here (Book_Swap_Helpers) or email Tracy at tmz23@zafian.com. Thank you!
Thank you too to the Crocker Farm community for so many wonderful book donations. They are so very appreciated, & the students love all their "new" books.
We are also looking for volunteers for when classes visit the swap (most K-6 classes are visiting on on Tues), & help students choose books to bring home.
To volunteer, please signup here (Book_Swap_Helpers) or email Tracy at tmz23@zafian.com. Thank you!
Thank you too to the Crocker Farm community for so many wonderful book donations. They are so very appreciated, & the students love all their "new" books.
Before & after pictures from last year's swap.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Family and Kids Yoga beginning April 30
Spring 2015
For more info or to register, go to www.sweetrootsgardens.com
Family Yoga, Thursdays, 4/30 - 5/21 3:00 - 3:45
Adults and children are lead through yoga, movement, song, dance, and art in a fun and relaxing learning environment. 4 sessions, $55 or $15 drop in.
Kids Yoga, Thursdays, 4/30 - 5/21, 4:00 - 4:45
Drop off program for kids ages 6 - 12. Kids learn mindfulness and yoga using fun and interactive stories, music, movement, and art. 4 sessions, $55 or $15 drop in
How to Garden
Saturday, May 9, 1 - 3 pm
Learn to plant your family garden! Designed for parent and child, activities are hands-on and engaging for children and provide information for parents Topics: planning your garden, starting seeds, preparing soil, garden maintenance, child-friendly garden projects, and more. We'll get our hands dirty! $25/family.
To register for any of the programs, go to www.sweetrootsgardens.com, or email saracoblyn@gmail.com
Summer Ultimate League of Amherst
Co-ed Frisbee, beginners welcome
Session A: Frisbee Activities for Kids, ages 7-8
Session B: Elementary Division, ages 9-11
Session C: Middle School Division, ages 12-13
Join the Amherst Ultimate phenomenon! Never played before? No problem. All players will be assigned to a team. Volunteer coaches from championship ARHS team. Request friends for team assignments. Team parents needed.
Registration fees: $39 per person
Early Bird Special! Only $34 before May 29
Late fee of $10 after June 12
For additional information, contact Scott at 413-320-3928 or shartl@elschools.org.
To register: www.lsse.org, or 413-259-3065
April Vacation: World of Animals
Children will explore an animal-themed program, sports, arts and crafts, and fun in the great outdoors! We will look for signs of animals on our spring walks, and have even invited some animals to come and visit us from Tom Ricardi's Birds of Prey!
April 21 - 24, 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Crocker Farm School
413-259-3065
www.lsse.org
Tennis For All Ages
Saturdays at Mill River Recreation Area
Session A: May 2 - 23
Session B: Jun 6 - 27
Pee Wee Tennis (ages 5 - 7) 8:30 - 9:00 am, $72
Young children learn footwork, hand-eye coordination, and racquet technicques through games and tennis play.
Youth Tennis (ages 8-12) 9:00 - 10:00 am, $110
Fun, relaxed introduction to tennis. Focus on coordination, concentration, movement, and stroke fundamentals.
Adult Lessons (ages 16+) 10:00 - 11:00 am, $110
Fundamental skills for beginners, or for those who want to improve.
413-259-3065
www.lsse.org
April Vacation: Introduction to Fencing
Learn the etiquette, technique, and tactics of this ancient Olympic sport.
Ages 10 and up
Mon - Fri, April 20-24
9am to 12pm
Riverside Fencing Club, Hadley
$179
413-259-3065
www.lsse.org
"Have a Blast" Chemical Demonstration Show
Friday April 17, 7:00 pm
UMass Integrated Sciences Building, Room 135, 661 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst
The Chemistry department faculty, staff, and graduate students invite you to "have a blast" with us for a wild night of exciting chemical demonstrations! Stay after the show for some hands-on chemistry fun!
Target ages 5-16
For more information or to RSVP, contact Raina Kittilstved at rkittilstved@chem.umass.edu
Parent Consultant Training Institute
The Federation for Children with Special Needs is offering its Parent Consultant Training Institute in Belchertown this spring. This is a special evening course.
For more information: http://fcsn.org/
Belchertown High School
142 Springfield RoadBelchertown, MA 01007Time: 3:30 pm - 9:00 pm each dayFor more information: http://fcsn.org/
Session Dates: Tuesdays (April 7th, 14th, 28th, May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and June 2nd)
Earth Day Poem Contest for K-12 students
The 2015 American Chemical Society Chemists Celebrate Earth Day illustrated poem contest for K12 students has “Climate Science—More Than Just A Weather Report!” as a theme. Last fall, our Local Section took second prize in the national contest!
The deadline is April 28, 2015.
For more information and entry instructions, please contact:
Dr. Sharon Palmer, CCED Coordinator, Connecticut Valley Section
palmers@arps.org
palmers@arps.org
Smart Moves Neuromovement Classes begin May 6
- Physical coordination
- The five senses
- Body awareness
- Rhythm and direction
- Attention and focus
- Behavior and emotions
- language and social skills
Wednesdays, May 6 - June 10
Second Chances Kids' Consignment Shop Community Room
6-week series, $125 per student (20% discount for additional siblings)
2:30 - 3:30 Ages 3-5 years with caregivers
Kids engage independently and with their caregivers to enhance the transition from supported to independent activity
4:00 - 5:00 Ages 6-10 years
Kids have fun while enhancing their academic, athletic, and artistic performance.
To learn more and register, visit www.tendrilkinetics.com or call Emily at 413-588-7896
All PGO Meeting at ARPS Offices Mar 23, Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the All PGO meeting that took place on March 23 at the ARPS Central Offices are available for viewing here:
ARPS PGO Meeting Minutes
ARPS PGO Meeting Minutes
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Talent Show Recap - thank you!
What a great night at Crocker Farm last night! We have such talented students -- the performers were amazing!
The 6th graders raised $570 to help fund their big field trip to Boston.
Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success including Becca Greene-Van Horn & Heather Lord for coordinating the talent show, Cammie McGovern for organizing the food & cake-walk, all the bakers, & all the families who came & supported the event, the performers, & last but not least our wonderful custodian Chris who setup & cleaned up the cafeteria after the show.
Thank you!
The 6th graders raised $570 to help fund their big field trip to Boston.
Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success including Becca Greene-Van Horn & Heather Lord for coordinating the talent show, Cammie McGovern for organizing the food & cake-walk, all the bakers, & all the families who came & supported the event, the performers, & last but not least our wonderful custodian Chris who setup & cleaned up the cafeteria after the show.
Thank you!
Crocker Farm Community Ice Skating at the Mullins Center, Sun April 12th
Want to enjoy ice skating one more time this season? Here is your chance!
Crocker Farm Community Skate at the Mullins Center Community Ice Rink at UMass
Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 2:30 PM -4:20 PM
Hosted by Crocker Farm 6th Grade students & their families.
This event is open to the public.
Admission is $4 per child, $6 per adult. Skate rental is $4. Baked treats by donation. All proceeds will benefit the 6th grade graduation fund.
For more information, please contact Ellen at 413-533-9566 or eperrell@mtholyoke.edu
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Talent Show Tomorrow NIght - Friday, starting at 6 pm
The Crocker Farm Talent Show is Friday night, starting at 6 pm. There are some very entertaining acts from 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th graders, & it will be a great show. Hope to see you there!
6th grade parent Cammie McGovern is seeking volunteers to help at this Friday's Talent Show, volunteers are needed to help with serving food & with the cake walk. Please get in touch with Cammie (cammiemcg@aol.com) if you can help. Proceeds from the talent show food sales & cake walk will be used to help fund the big 6th grade end of year field trip & graduation-related expenses.
& if you & your family are coming to Crocker Farm for the talent show, it is also a great chance to drop off any books that you've been meaning to donate for next week's Book Swap. We are trying to get enough books for every student to bring home at least two. Books for any level of pre-K to 6th grade reader are welcome, & we are especially seeking chapter books. thank you!
UMass Dining - 5K run/walk to benefit the Amherst Surival Center, Sat., Apr 11th
Dear
Friends,
We want to thank you in advance for supporting the Amherst Survival Center's programs. And, our gratitude to UMass Amherst and UMass Dining for sponsoring this terrific community event on our behalf.
Dash
& Dine is
THIS Saturday,
April 11th
...
and the weather forecast predicts a beautiful day.
For
the 6th year,
UMass
Amherst's
Dining
Services is
organizing Dash
& Dine,
a 5K Run/Walk
Benefit for
the Amherst
Survival
Center's
programs.and the weather forecast predicts a beautiful day.
Registration
includes:
*
Participation
in the
run/walk
* Free
kids fun run
for children 8
and under
* Free
T-shirt
*
Complimentary
lunch at
Berkshire
Dining Commons
Here's a
schedule of
the events so
you and your
family can
participate!
|
9AM
10AM |
Check-in
starts
Fun Run for Kids 8 years old and younger |
|
11AM
|
Start of
Dash &
Dine, in
Southwest
Residential.
Map of the
route here.
Register
here: $5
UMass
community
member/student;
$20 general
public (see above for
what is
included in
your
registration
fee)
|
|
11:30AM
|
Awards
Ceremony
|
We want to thank you in advance for supporting the Amherst Survival Center's programs. And, our gratitude to UMass Amherst and UMass Dining for sponsoring this terrific community event on our behalf.
With
appreciation,
Executive Director
Amherst Survival Center
International Fair - Amherst Town Common, Sat., Apr 11th
(click to enlarge)
.jpg)
April 11th, 12-5 pm
Amherst Common
Food * Games * Music
Open & Free for All.
Dr. Tony Wagner - talk at Amherst College, Sat., Apr 11th
Open to the community, this event welcomes educators and parents to participate in small group discussions immediately following the keynote address.
The Amherst College Office of the President, Office of Student Affairs, Office of Student Activities, Center for Community Engagement, Department of Mathematics, Career Center, and Amherst Careers in Education Professions welcome
Dr. Tony Wagner
CREATING INNOVATORS
Keynote Address for the Innovative Education Summit
The American Education system has become obsolete.
It needs reinventing, not reforming.
Saturday, April 11th 9:30 am
Johnson Chapel, Amherst College
Dr. Tony Wagner has consulted widely to schools,
districts, and foundations all around the world. He was the
founder and co-director of the Change Leadership Group
at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, spent
twelve years as a high school teacher, K-8 principal,
university professor in teacher education, and was the
founding executive director of Educators for Social
Responsibility. Tony has written numerous articles and
five books on education, the newest being Creating
Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will
Change the World, collaborated with noted filmmaker
Robert Compton to create a documentary on the Finnish
school system, and served as the educational adviser to
the film Most Likely to Succeed, which premiered at
Sundance this year.
Dr. Tony Wagner
CREATING INNOVATORS
Keynote Address for the Innovative Education Summit
The American Education system has become obsolete.
It needs reinventing, not reforming.
Saturday, April 11th 9:30 am
Johnson Chapel, Amherst College
Dr. Tony Wagner has consulted widely to schools,
districts, and foundations all around the world. He was the
founder and co-director of the Change Leadership Group
at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, spent
twelve years as a high school teacher, K-8 principal,
university professor in teacher education, and was the
founding executive director of Educators for Social
Responsibility. Tony has written numerous articles and
five books on education, the newest being Creating
Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will
Change the World, collaborated with noted filmmaker
Robert Compton to create a documentary on the Finnish
school system, and served as the educational adviser to
the film Most Likely to Succeed, which premiered at
Sundance this year.
PGO Letter to Families - March
This was also sent home in backpacks.
** One of our favorite PGO events of the school year, the Used Book Swap, is coming up in April. The PGO is seeking donations of books for the event. Books for all level readers are needed, and we especially are looking for chapter books for 4th-6th graders. Book donations can be dropped off in collection boxes in the lobby and at the preschool entrance starting Monday, March 30th. The PGO’s goal is for each student to get at least 1 or 2 “new” books through this event. Students do not need to donate any books to get any. The PGO is seeking volunteers to help on April 13th afterschool with sorting and organizing books, and on April 14th and 15th during the school day to distribute them to students. If you can help, please visit our online signup form, at http://tinyurl.com/qdb4j2b, or contact Tracy Zafian at tmz23@zafian.com.
** In mid-March, the PGO held a fundraiser through Hillside Pizza and raised over $600 for Crocker Farm Elementary and the district pre-K program at Crocker Farm. Thank you to everyone who participated. The PGO has also been raising money for Crocker Farm through our passive fundraisers through Box Tops, and through the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards program, the Target Red Card Take Charge of Education program (www.target.com/tcoe), and the Atkins Farms shopper program where families earn money for Crocker Farm each time they shop. These passive fundraisers combined have already earned more than $1,000 for our school this year, and really do add up. A form for a free Atkins Farm shopper card is attached to this letter. You can also mention Crocker Farm (account #85) at the Atkins register when you check out and earn points for our school that way.
** The PGO’s blog is a great way to get news and information about PGO and upcoming PGO, school, and community events. You can subscribe at the blog address above to receive a daily email containing the newest posts. We currently only have 150 subscribers and would love to have more. The PGO is also on Facebook (Crocker-Farm-PGO)
March 2015
Dear Crocker Farm Families,
Happy spring to everyone! It is been while since we wrote and we have
much to share.
** In January, the PGO
assisted with the school-wide Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast, organized by
Ms. Robinson and other teachers. Crocker Farm staff and families provided yummy
baked goods, fruit, and juice with plenty for all. Many parents volunteered on
the day of the breakfast. The leftover food was distributed to classrooms to
use for class snacks. A big thank you to
everyone who helped make this event a success!
** The PGO was proud to
help sponsor Family Math Night on March 19th. Close to 130 students
and their families attended the event.
** One of our favorite PGO events of the school year, the Used Book Swap, is coming up in April. The PGO is seeking donations of books for the event. Books for all level readers are needed, and we especially are looking for chapter books for 4th-6th graders. Book donations can be dropped off in collection boxes in the lobby and at the preschool entrance starting Monday, March 30th. The PGO’s goal is for each student to get at least 1 or 2 “new” books through this event. Students do not need to donate any books to get any. The PGO is seeking volunteers to help on April 13th afterschool with sorting and organizing books, and on April 14th and 15th during the school day to distribute them to students. If you can help, please visit our online signup form, at http://tinyurl.com/qdb4j2b, or contact Tracy Zafian at tmz23@zafian.com.
** In mid-March, the PGO held a fundraiser through Hillside Pizza and raised over $600 for Crocker Farm Elementary and the district pre-K program at Crocker Farm. Thank you to everyone who participated. The PGO has also been raising money for Crocker Farm through our passive fundraisers through Box Tops, and through the Stop & Shop A+ Rewards program, the Target Red Card Take Charge of Education program (www.target.com/tcoe), and the Atkins Farms shopper program where families earn money for Crocker Farm each time they shop. These passive fundraisers combined have already earned more than $1,000 for our school this year, and really do add up. A form for a free Atkins Farm shopper card is attached to this letter. You can also mention Crocker Farm (account #85) at the Atkins register when you check out and earn points for our school that way.
** The PGO’s blog is a great way to get news and information about PGO and upcoming PGO, school, and community events. You can subscribe at the blog address above to receive a daily email containing the newest posts. We currently only have 150 subscribers and would love to have more. The PGO is also on Facebook (Crocker-Farm-PGO)
Best wishes to all.
Your Crocker Farm PGO
Tracy Zafian, chairperson
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