Amherst Community Co-op Membership Drive Kick-off

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family Afternoon with the Arts

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

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

Free of charge

Free Children's Music Concert with Miss Leticia

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

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

School Nurse Seeking Clothing Donations

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

 

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

Thanks!
- Linda Stenlund, School Nurse

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

April 2, 2014

Dear Crocker Farm Parents/Guardians:

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

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

Sincerely,

Michele Tesauro

______________________________________________________

April 2, 2014

Dear Crocker Farm Families,

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Maria Geryk, Superintendent

 

Cartas de Michele Tesauro y Maria Geryk

April 2, 2014

 

Queridos padres/encargados de Crocker Farm:

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

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

Atentamente,

Michele Tesauro

______________________________________________________

April 2, 2014

Estimadas familias Crocker Farm,

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

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

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

Atentamente,

Maria Geryk, Superintendente

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

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

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


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

This a free presentation and the public is invited.

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


 
 

ARPS Workshop for 5th, 6th, & 7th Grade Parents -- Understanding Relationship Agression

All 5th, 6th and 7th Grade Parents/Guardians
PLEASE COME JOIN US

She In, Your Out: Understanding Relational Aggression in Children and Teens

Dr. Julia McQuade is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Amherst College who is currently conducting the Peer Relationships Project in the local Amherst schools. This is a study that is examining children's social behaviors and adjustment. Dr. McQuade will be giving a talk to parents that focuses on relational aggression, a form of bullying that harms others' by manipulating and damaging relationships. This can include gossiping, and systematically excluding others. Dr. McQuade will discuss what is currently known about relational aggression, including what motivates children to use this behavior, why it may spike during middle school, and what role parents can play in preventing these behaviors.

 

 

When: Thursday, April 10, 6 – 7 p.m

Where: Amherst Regional Middle School Library

 

 

Ella adentro, tu afuera: Entendiendo las relaciones Agresivas en Niños y Adolescentes

Dr. Julia McQuade es una psicóloga clínica y asistente de profesor en Amherst College que actualmente está llevando a cabo el proyecto de Relaciones con Compañeros en las Escuelas de Amherst. Este es un estudio que está examinando el comportamiento y adaptación social de los niños. La Dr. McQuade dará una conferencia a los padres que se enfocará en las relaciones agresivas entre niños y jóvenes, una forma de bullying que hiere a otros manipulando y dañando las relaciones. Esto puede incluir chisme y exclusión a otros. Dr. McQuade discutirá todo lo que se sabe actualmente acerca de las relaciones agresivas, incluyendo lo que motiva a las niños a usar este comportamiento, por qué ocurre durante la escuela secundaria y qué papel pueden jugar los padres para prevenir estos comportamientos.

The Chinese Kung Fu Wushu Academy Classes & Workshop

Kid's Kung Fu Spring Special! Sign up now for kid's kung fu classes at The Chinese Kung Fu Wushu Academy (TCKWA) in Hadley and save up to $95. Learn more at www.tckwa.com. TCKWA teaches children, teens and adults ages 4 and up the ancient arts of Kung Fu, Wushu, Tai Chi and Qi Gong in a safe, supportive and challenging environment. 
 

Kid's Kung Fu Workshops in April! The Chinese Kung Fu Wushu Academy (TCKWA) in Hadley is offering two great workshops for kids of all ages in April. Kung Fu Praying Mantis workshop on Sunday, April 6, 12noon. Nun-chucks workshop Sunday, April 13, 1:30pm. Beginners welcome!  Learn more at www.tckwa.com.

 

(This is not a school or PGO-sponsored activity)

 

April Lunch Menu

link here
(http://schools.whitsons.com/resources/files/_user/corporateuser/WMP-Menus/Amherst/AmherstCrockerFarmElem-4-2014.pdf?ts=404).

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