Talent show 2011 - 12/19 - music, sport, drama....

Bring your friends and family - join in the FUN!

Thanks for the MEMORIES...

We send special thanks to Ms.Z and Ms. Travis as well as all of our kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade performers for an evening full of music and art!  What a splendid way to welcome winter - thanks for all of the musical memories and the colorful art displays.

Special thanks to the bakers who helped make the evening a wonderful celebration.
We are lucky to live in such a helpful, caring, and talented learning community.

Support the HOMETOWN TEAMS!

The Amherst Hurricane Boosters have put together a nice promotion for a huge girls’ basketball game this Friday night. I think it will be a great chance to not only recognize the 3 State finalist teams, but also see some high level basketball.

“Champions Night at Amherst Regional High School”

Friday, Dec 23rd at 6:30 PM

2010 D-1 State Finalists Amherst Girls’ Varsity Basketball

Vs.

2010 D-1 Vermont State Champions Rice Memorial from Burlington, VT.

Free Admission to all elementary school students when accompanied by an adult.

Special half time presentation for the three State finalist Amherst Girls teams from 2010(softball, tennis, basketball)

Come on down for this night of excitement and celebration.

Mark Miville

Sports and Recreation Director

Town of Amherst Leisure Services

70 Boltwood Walk

Amherst, MA 01002

413.259.3144 direct

413.259.2407 fax

www.lsse.org

K-3 families - REMINDER

Winter concert and art fair will be held at 6:30pm tomorrow night in the Auditorium at Crocker Farm Elementary for families of Kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade students.  


We hope to see you there!


Lots of great cheer to share with art and songs our kids have been preparing - please come join in the fun - we can't do it without your help!


See you tomorrow!

Wednesday Clubs Reminder

Don't forget to sign up your little elves for Wednesday Clubs! Forms are due back to school by this Friday Dec. 23. (If you didn't receive a form in your child's backpack just email crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com & we'll send one right out.)

KUDOS to the CHORUS!

Thanks for a magical evening full of toe tapping tunes!  We all had a terrific time listening to your voices sing loudly and proudly.  Many thanks to the talented Ms. Z and also to the terrific bakers who donated their talents to the PGO bake sale that helps us raise funds to enrich the arts at Crocker Farm Elementary!!!

LSSE skiing!

(not a school sponsored event)

What to do when school's out?

(not a school sponsored event)

Amherst Ballet offerings

Amherst Ballet announces our “Alice in Wonderland” Winter Vacation Camp for ages 6 – 12.  Join us for dance, art and performance as we learn choreography and create our unique ballet based upon Alice in Wonderland to be performed in our own studio theater!  Join Alice, The White Rabbit, Caterpillar, March Hare Cheshire Cat and the evil Queen of Hearts in their fabulous adventures.  For more information or a brochure, please visit our website.

February 21 – 24

Full and half day option

Amherst Ballet, info@amherstballet.org

www.amherstballet.org

(413) 549-1555

Amherst Ballet announces openings for Winter Session in Creative Movement, Hip-hop, Adult Ballet and Pilates, and Intermediate jazz for teens.  For more information please visit us at www.amherstballet.com or contact us at info@amherstballet.org.

Art Studio Hadley fine arts offerings

(as always, please click on the image to enlarge it)

Holiday gifts to teachers? Read on....

Wednesday Clubs Update

We're almost done with the roster for Session 1 of Wednesday Clubs, but could REALLY use an Arts & Crafts club for grades K-3 to round out the offerings. If you are interested in helping (or know someone who is) please get in touch with Erika (studiozed@comcast.net) asap. Session 1 runs 1:20 - 2:30pm on January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15. THANKS!

Crocker Java Orders

Crocker Java makes a great holiday gift! Order by Wednesday December 7th to ensure availability for the holidays!

Organic, fair trade and delicious our coffee, cocoa and java drops are great gifts you can feel good about giving since a portion of every sale goes to our PGO!

Order forms are here: http://crockerfarmpgo.blogspot.com/2010/09/deans-beans-order-forms.html

You can also find order forms (and coffee) in the office!

LSSE YOUTH OFFERINGS / Winter

THANK YOU !

Heartfelt thanks to all the families and parent volunteers who helped make last week's winter clothing drive a success!  We were able distribute several dozen coats, snowpants, boots, snowsuits, gloves, hats and sweatshirts/fleeces.  


Thanks for being such a caring and thoughtful learning community.

Attention to all K-3 Families -- you are invited...

DECEMBER DATES TO REMEMBER!!!

IMPORTANT DATES: MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!
December 13: Amherst School Committee-7pm-Town Hall
December 15: Chorus Concert- 7pm
December 21: Kindergarten- 3rd Grade- Winter Concert-6:30pm
December 26 thru January 2- Holiday Break- No School

Winter Carnival in Northampton this Saturday and Sunday

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hampshire County

December Valley Events 2011

Shop at Amherst Books this Saturday!

This Saturday, December 3rd, is Bag Day in Amherst. Amherst Books has once again graciously agreed to partner with the Friends of the Jones Library, donating 10% of every purchase to the Friends.
Please help support the Friends and shop locally this Saturday at Amherst Books...these monies go towards purchasing new books for all the branch libraries in the Amherst system.
http://www.friendsofthejones.org/

Merry Maple - Friday!

Join an Amherst Tradition to kick of the holiday season. Friday Dec. 2 on the Town Common.

Event Schedule
4:30 -Hayrides begin
4:30 - Amherst Regional Middle School Chorus
4:30 - 5:30 - Craft Room with face painting and kids' crafts in Town Room in Town Hall
4:45 - Tree Lighting!
5:30 - UMass Minuteman Marching Band arrives with Santa!
6:30 - Visit with Santa at the Amherst History Museum

You are also invited to bring new and unwrapped toys, clothing, sports equipment, books and games for infants through teens to the Common for the Amherst Survival Center Annual Toy Drive! http://www.amherstarea.com

ETTA offering on December 1st

Nicaraguan Art Show and Sale

5-8 pm. December 1st, Thursday

    ART Works! ETTA Studio & Gallery

534 Main Street

Amherst, MA

   (above Valley Frame Works)

(corner of High Street/Main)

Come enjoy colorful tropical paintings, hand-made ceramics & carved wooden sculptures, refreshments & Nicaraguan music.  All fair trade crafts for sale, learn about the artists through photos & stories.  Crafts are from Solentiname, Nicaragua which are islands in Lake Nicaragua. All proceeds go for projects such as building schools, medical clinics, funding salaries for librarian, and sponsorship of artist workshops.  We are inviting new members for our Solentiname Nicaragua Friendship Group that meets monthly. Join today & come visit beautiful Nicaragua! Visit our gallery & many others inAmherst during this festive monthly event!

Monthly Amherst Art Walk (Nicaraguan art will remain on exhibit through month of December at ART Works! ETTA Gallery.)

-- 
Ezzell Floranina
Artistic Director
Art Works! ETTA  Art Studio 
http://www.yippeeskippy.com/etta-arts-studio/
Empowerment Through The Arts
534 Main St.
Amherst, MA  01002
413-230-3272
413-256-1205

Winter Coat Drive Distribution - HELP NEEDED

Winter Coat Drive at Crocker Farm Elementary - Call for parent volunteers --  we need extra helpers to distribute coats on Wednesday 11/30 from 8am - 2pm and we could use a person or two on Thursday 12/1 any hours you can spare between 8am - 6pm and on Friday from 8am - noon.... where? At the front entrance to Crocker Farm Elementary - just sign in at the front office and someone will be at the coats to help you get busy with coat distribution... thanks for helping us help the community -- if you have questions feel free to call Angela 413-219-6344 or to volunteer for a time slot - even if it just an hour or two - email us at: crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com

Original WorksOrder Forms Due Tomorrow

All Original Works Art Order forms are due tomorrow, November 29th.   Checks should be made out to "Crocker Farm PGO".  Questions?  Contact Becky at 230-3306 or beckydemling@yahoo.com.

Art Studio Hadley fine arts offerings

(click to enlarge.)

Dear Crocker Families,
Coffee Orders are in!!  We have extra if you forgot to place your order.
We  wish everyone a happy, relaxing and joyous holiday.
bon appetit!



INTERESTING LECTURE FOR PARENTS

“Issues in Excellence & Equity In K-12 Education in the United States”

 Katherine Merseth, EdD, Director of Teacher Education, Harvard Graduate School

of Education, will speak on issues related to the commitment of our country to provide access to a high quality education for all K-12 students including No Child Left Behind legislation and its reauthorization, Common Core Curriculum Standards, and charter schools at a program sponsored by the League of Women Voters Amherst. Thursday, Dec. 1, 7 pm refreshments, 7:30 pm program. Jones Library Large Meeting Room. Free and open to the public.  253-0633.

Winter Coat Share PSA

Thank you to ARPS's Kim Stender and Lions Club's Todd Cromack for making this wonderful Amherst Media public service announcement!

Remember that clothing is available to anyone in our community for pick up. If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by Crocker Farm Nov. 30, 8am-2pm / Dec. 1 8am-6pm / Dec. 2 8am-noon.

PGO meeting wrap-up

Notes from tonight's PGO meeting will be posted shortly.  


We appreciate everyone's positive attitudes and strong work ethic.  Congratulations to our raffle winners (you have to attend the meeting to be eligible for the door prizes)!  


Thanks again to Jen Veshia for all of her hard work on Lend-A-Hand and the book closet.  


Thanks also to Becky Demling for coordinating Original Works for us.  


Kaye Dugan - many heartfelt thanks are sent your way for your donation of an amazing renovated/refurbished trunk that raised hundreds of dollars for our mini-grant fund/teachers' needs.


We look forward to seeing you at our next PGO winter meeting!!!

TALENT SHOW MOVED TO DECEMBER

The talent show which was originally scheduled for tomorrow is postponed.  We'll be sure to keep you up to date with the time and the place -- but due to the unexpected week off from school - the talent show will be moved to December -- postings to this site, Facebook and fliers with details will follow.  We aim to keep you informed.


Thanks for your understanding.

REMINDER - PGO MEETING TODAY!!!

We'll meet in the cafeteria/auditorium from 6:30pm - 8:00pm and do some great work for all the kids at Crocker Farm Elementary!  Thanks for making time and for bringing your energy to this event.  See you there!

EARLY DISMISSAL DAY

Tuesday, November 29th - school will end at 1:20pm this day to accommodate teacher conferences.  This is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving - please plan accordingly.

AYSA Indoor winter soccer 2011-2012

Amherst Rotary Auction 2011

Each year as a core component of it's fundraising effort, the Rotary Club runs a television auction involving the entire community. Local businesses donate their products, local celebrities host the TV auction, and the proceeds are returned to the community through our charitable grants to agencies doing good throughout our area. Please visit our web site: http://auction.amherstrotaryclub.org.

Jones Library & CollegeAccess information sessions

The Jones Library has teamed up with CollegeAccess to present two free
information sessions to help students, parents, and other adults
understand their education/training options after high school that
will help them start a career and a great future.

These informational meetings will be held on Thursday, December 8,
2011 at 7pm and Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 7pm at the Jones
Library.

Presented by Natalia Berrios, CollegeAccess Coach, these sessions will
provide basic information on different educational options, navigating
the admissions and financial aid processes, and getting ready for
college.

These information sessions are free and open to the public.

CollegeAccess is a project of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium,
Inc. in partnership with Valley Opportunity Council and Seven Hills
Behavioral Health. CollegeAccess is supported in part through the
Mass. Dept. of Higher Education’s College Access Challenge Grant
program.

Contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223 for more information.

Take Me To Your Leader...

The PGO is planning Wednesday Clubs Winter & Spring 2012! Wednesday Clubs are a fun enrichment opportunity for Crocker Farm students - small groups of kids working with adults around a theme on Wednesday afternoons. The PGO aims to make clubs available to all students who want to participate, BUT WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

WEDNESDAY CLUBS NEEDS YOU! We know that there are LOTS of kids who are interested, but to make the program a success we need YOU! We're looking for leaders for all 3 sessions (you can teach 1, 2 or all 3). Each session will last 5 Wednesdays (1:20 - 2:30 pm).

• Session 1: Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15
• Session 2: Feb. 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28
• Session 3: Apr. 4, 11, 25, May 2, 9

COULD YOU TEACH A CLUB? Sure! What’s your talent? How about Dancing, Computers, Legos, Chess, Jump Rope, Exploring Nature, Writing, Book Club or ???

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO SIGN UP? Please let the PGO know that you're interested by contacting Erika (studiozed@comcast.net / 413.559.0224). Check your calendar for which session(s) you are available, think of a Club topic and plan a few lessons around that topic. Crocker Farm will ask you to fill out a CORI form and attend an introductory workshop before Clubs begin.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CLUB LEADER?

• You will be helping to build community at Crocker Farm!
• Your child/ren are guaranteed a spot in a club.
• The PGO will help pay for supplies if you need them.
• Having more Clubs means that more kids can participate.

Still Collecting Items for the Winter Clothing Drive

It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting cooler and we’re thinking about winter. In an effort to ensure that all Crocker Farm children are toasty this winter season the PGO is collecting warm winter outerwear again this year. Please take a look in your closets for any gently used items (ALL sizes, children and adults are needed). We are looking for donations of: * coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats * mittens * gloves * scarves * snowsuits *

Drop off clean, gently used items: Anytime during school hours, now through Nov. 29 in the CF lobby.
Pick up: If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by the school Nov. 30, 8am-2pm / Dec. 1 8am-6pm / Dec. 2 8am-noon.

Thank you to the Lions Club of Amherst for partnering with us again this year. Any left over items will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center. Thank you for your donations!

VETERANS' DAY IS FRIDAY

No school on Friday @ Crocker Farm - Veterans' Day will be observed --
Gentle reminder from your PGO

Suburban travel basketball league tryouts

We are canceling this Wednesday and Thursday night’s tryouts (originally scheduled for the HS gym) and re-scheduling this week’s basketball tryouts as follows:

Boys’ 5/6 – Saturday, Nov 5^th from 10am-11:30am at the MS GYM (same time as previously scheduled) and Sunday, Nov. 6^th from 2pm-3pm at the MS GYM.

Boys’ 7/8 – Saturday, Nov 5^th from 11:30am-1pm at the MS GYM (same time as previously scheduled) and Sunday, Nov. 6^th from 3pm-4pm at the MS GYM.

Girls’ 4^th-6^th - Saturday, Nov 5^th from 1pm-2:30pm at the MS GYM (same time as previously scheduled) and Sunday, Nov. 6^th from 12pm-1pm at the MS GYM.

Girls’ 7/8 - Saturday, Nov 5^th from 2:30pm -4pm at the MS GYM (same time as previously scheduled) and Sunday, Nov. 6^th from 1pm-2pm at the MS GYM.

Please note that all tryouts were moved from the HS gym to the Middle School Gym!

Halloween rescheduling

(It may look itty bitty but keep clicking and you'll make it bigger. We promise!)

Art Studio Hadley fine arts offerings

(click on image to enlarge.)

Deans Beans Crocker Java

Attention All Coffee Lovers,
Once again we will be offering Crocker Java to help benefit our school and keep you caffeinated. Organic Fair Trade coffee, what could be better?  Perhaps some dark chocolate java drops or hot cocoa on a cold fall afternoon would hit the spot.
Order forms are available to print out from our blog (see fundraising page) or they can be picked up in the main office.  Orders will be taken by the first Wednesday of each month and filled the following Wednesday.
Thank you for your support.

Indoor Halloween Fun for Kids @ Amherst College

Dear Crocker Families,
 Still thinking of having that family portrait taken? Its not too late.  Our lovely photographer, Sarah Prall has generously offered to extend our fundraiser until the end of the month. Please send in the donation form and check to Crocker Farm PGO by November 4th.

Wednesday Clubs are Coming

WHAT ARE WEDNESDAY CLUBS? The PGO is already in the process of planning Wednesday Clubs Winter & Spring 2012! Wednesday Clubs are a fun enrichment opportunity for Crocker Farm students - small groups of kids working with adults around a theme on Wednesday afternoons. The PGO aims to make clubs available to all students who want to participate.

WEDNESDAY CLUBS NEEDS LEADERS! We know that there are LOTS of kids who are interested, but to make the program a success we need YOU! We're looking for leaders for all 3 sessions (you can teach 1, 2 or all 3). Each session will last 5 Wednesdays (1:20 - 2:30 pm).

• Session 1: Jan. 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15
• Session 2: Feb. 29, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28
• Session 3: Apr. 4, 11, 25, May 2, 9

COULD I TEACH A CLUB? Sure! What’s your talent? How about Dancing, Computers, Legos, Chess, Jump Rope, Exploring Nature, Writing, Book Club or ???

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO SIGN UP? Please let the PGO know that you're interested by contacting Erika (studiozed@comcast.net / 413.559.0224). Check your calendar for which session(s) you are available, think of a Club topic and plan a few lessons around that topic. Crocker Farm will ask you to fill out a CORI form and attend an introductory workshop before Clubs begin.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A CLUB LEADER?

• You will be helping to build community at Crocker Farm!
• Your child/ren are guaranteed a spot in a club.
• The PGO will help pay for supplies if you need them.
• Having more Clubs means that more kids can participate.

Crocker Cares Warm Winter Clothing Drive

It’s that time of year again – the weather is getting cooler and we’re thinking about winter. In an effort to ensure that all Crocker Farm children are toasty this winter season the PGO is collecting warm winter outerwear again this year. Please take a look in your closets for any gently used items (ALL sizes, children and adults are needed). We are looking for donations of: * coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats * mittens * gloves * scarves * snowsuits *

Drop off clean, gently used items: Anytime during school hours, now through Nov. 29 in the CF lobby.
Pick up: If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by the school Nov. 30, 8am-2pm / Dec. 1 8am-6pm / Dec. 2 8am-noon.

Thank you to the Lions Club of Amherst for partnering with us again this year. Any left over items will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos (studiozed@comcast.net). Thank you for your donations!