Atkins Shopper Cards - Easy Way to Support Crocker Farm each time you shop at Atkins

All the families that requested a free Atkins Farm shopper card should receive one home in backpacks soon.  

The shopper card helps earn points for Crocker Farm Elementary School each time you shop at Atkins. 

If you would like an Atkins Shopper Card, but did not yet request one, please email the PGO at crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com.

Crocker Farm can earn up to $500 per year through this fundraiser.  Thanks for your support. 

Empty Bowls Dinner March 9

7th Annual  Empty Bowls Dinner  to benefit the  Amherst Survival Center!  Monday,  March 9, 2015 4-8 PM at The Pub, 15 East Pleasant St. Amherst

Tickets on Sale Now!   Click here to buy tickets online.  $30 in advance if available, $35 at the door. Limited tickets will also be available at A.J. Hastings and The Pub in Amherst, starting February 21.      Empty Bowls is a wonderful annual event that brings our community together to raise funds to support the  Amherst Survival Center's vital programs.

At Empty Bowls, each guest selects a unique, handcrafted bowl donated by a local artist, and dines on steaming delicious hot soup, bread and salad donated by local restaurants and cheerfully served up by local "celebrities". The bowl is yours to keep as a reminder of all the other bowls which, through your generous participation in this event, you will have helped to fill.   There will also be raffle opportunities where, for an additional donation, you can win a beautiful glass Josh Simpson bowl.      100% of the proceeds supports   Amherst Survival Center's programs.

Whole Chidren Invites you to the Five College Realtors Whole Lot of Fun Run!
Date: Sunday, February 22,2015
Time: 11:15 am
Place: Amherst Regional High School, 21 Matoon Street, Amherst, MA
Register at: www.wholechildren.org
* Not a school-sponsored event*
More info on Whole Children: wholechildren.org

Amherst-Area Diaper Drive Feb 14 - Apr 6

The Amherst Survival Center, Family Outreach of Amherst and other concerned organizations and community members are joining together to launch the Amherst-Area Diaper Drive. It will run from February 14 thru April 6, 2015. The goal is ambitious: to collect donations of 18,000 diapers and 54,000 diaper wipes so that the Survival Center's Food Pantry can consistently make them available to our neighbors in need.

Why diapers?

Diapers for babies are as essential as food and shelter. Yet, they are not often recognized as a basic need. They cannot be obtained with food stamps (SNAP) or WIC (the food and nutrition program for women, infants and children). They are classified with cigarettes, alcohol and pet food as disallowed purchases. 

"Diaper need" is the struggle to provide babies and toddlers with the clean dry diapers they need. Some families face having to clean and reuse soiled (disposable) diapers or they have to choose between diapers and other basic needs like food, rent, electricity. In our community, families struggle with diaper need every day. 

What? 

The Drive is collecting disposable diapers and diaper wipes. Some people have asked if we will accept cloth diapers. The Amherst Survival Center's Community Store accepts cloth diaper donations, however, they are not part of this Drive.  

Where can you drop off diaper donations?

There are 13 locations (or you can bring them directly to the Amherst Survival Center at 138 Sunderland Road in North Amherst). Look for the "Diaper Drop-Off Here" signs, a listing of drop-off locations is here. 

Who?

The Drive is co-sponsored by Family Outreach of Amherst, the Amherst Survival Center, concerned community members, the Office of State Representative Ellen Story, Amherst College Center for Community Engagement, Hampshire/Franklin/ North Quabbin WIC - a program of Community Action, the Town of Amherst Health Department, and the United Way of Hampshire County.  

Need more information? 

Visit the Amherst Survival Center's website: amherstsurvival.org/diaperneed/

Order Your Coffee NOW!

The next orders for Crocker Java are due this Wednesday February 3rd.

Just $8.50 per pound of organic, Fair Trade, caffinated goodness... give it a try! The PGO offers this service to you Every Month so you can order from us just once or keep coming back each month. We sell regular, decaf, hot cocoa & dark chocolate covered espresso beans - YUM!

Click HERE to download an order form.

Coffee Coffee Coffee and Hot Chocolate Too!

The next orders for Crocker Java are due this Wednesday January 6th. Don't forget to pick up some delicious coffee and hot cocoa for these cold winter days!

This is a fundraiser for Crocker Farm and everyone gets something great - you get a yummy, organic, Fair Trade product for a very competitive price and the PGO receives $3.00 for each bag we sell. And we offer this service to you Every Month so you can order from us regularly or just once in a while.

Click HERE to download an order form.

Winter Clothing Drive - Final Week

The PGO has been collecting lots of great winter outerwear & has 2 distibution times scheduled this week. If you would like any of these clothes for your family or know someone in need, please plan to come by the school Tuesday Nov. 24, 6:00 – 8:00pm or Wednesday Nov. 25, 8:30 – 10:30am.

Donations are still being accepted! We are looking for donations of: * coats * snow pants * snow boots * hats * mittens * gloves * scarves * snowsuits *

Any left over items will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center & other social service orgs. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos (studiozed@comcast.net or 413-559-0224). Thank you for your donation!

Coming Up at CF

There's a whole lot on the calendar in the next couple of weeks! Here's what's on tap for the rest of November:

9 - 19 - Winter Clothing Drive drop off in the CF Lobby
17 - Picture Retake Day
19 - CF Talent Show 1:30pm, CF Cafetorium
20 - Teacher Work Day - No School
20 - Movie Night (now showing: Up!) 6:00pm, CF Cafetorium
22 - CF Day at Interskate 91! Join us for a free afternoon of skating from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
24 - Winter Clothing pick up time 6:00 - 8:00pm, CF Lobby
24 - School Committee Meeting 7:00, High School Library
24 - Winter Clothing pick up time 8:30 - 10:30am, CF Lobby
25 - Early Dismissal - Thanksgiving Recess
26 - 27 - Thanksgiving Recess

Brrrr! It's Winter Clothing Drive Time

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: During school, November 9 – 19 in the school 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 Tuesday November 24, 6:00 – 8:00pm or Wednesday November 25, 8:30 – 10:30am.

Any left over items will be donated to the Amherst Survival Center & other social service orgs. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Zekos (studiozed@comcast.net or 413-559-0224). Thank you for your donation!

Amherstopoly - Great For Giving!

There are still a few Amherstopoly games available for sale through the PGO. Don't have one yet? Want to give one as a gift this winter? Send an email to the PGO at crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com & we'll make sure you get a copy! Just $25.00 (& every penny supports the Amherst elementary schools).

AEF Thanks You For Trivia Bee Support!

The Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium was "abuzz" with contestants and spectators at the Amherst Education Foundation's 15th Annual Trivia Bee on Thursday, October 29. 120 contestants, many in costumes, competed for bragging rights to the title of Amherst area trivia champion. Hosted by AEF President (& CF mom) Katie Allan Zobel and emceed by State Representative Ellen Story, the evening of challenge, wit and fun netted a record $6,150.00 for the benefit of Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury schools.

While area schools are the big winners from the event, bragging rights belong to the team of bee champion Jones Group Realtors, comprised of Doug Albertson, Tim McGee, Maureen Porter and Micki Sanderson, who won an exciting sudden death playoff against competitors New England Finishing and the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement. Winning prizes for best costume were the teams from Atkinson Family Practice (Slum"doc" Millionaires), Attorney David Noonan (the Harry Potters) and Minuteman Pest Control (the H1N1 Swine Patrol.) Awards for best team spirit went to the Amherst Club, New England Greenscape and the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement. The audience contest, themed Amherst 250th, offered a unique glimpse into Amherst's past and was won by Jackie Churchill.

The trivia bee marks AEF's first fundraising event since the organization completed its strategic plan last year, and launches what promises to be a new era in AEF history. AEF's mission is to provide significant and consistent support for area teachers and students by awarding grants, funding district-wide projects, and encouraging teacher innovation and academic excellence.

The event was underwritten by Northampton Cooperative Bank and made possible by the local businesses who provided sponsorships for the teams, donated prizes and/or helped with publicity. The Amherst Education Foundation is profoundly grateful to these businesses for their support, and is already looking forward to another successful Trivia Bee in 2010. For more information, or to make a tax-deductible gift to the schools via AEF, please visit our website at www.amhersteducationfoundation.org.

IT'S SO EASY To Support Crocker Farm

There are many ways to support CF without spending an extra dime! Just take a minute to register, recycle or vote and Crocker Farm could earn hundreds of dollars for student activities! PLEASE help out by signing up for these programs TODAY. The more families that sign up the more money the school earns - it's that simple. Thanks!

* Simplified Scrip is a fantastic new fundraiser for Crocker Farm. It's easy, earns money for student enrichment & it costs you nothing more than the face value of the card! Choose from 100s of stores including Stop&Shop, Old Navy, WalMart, Target, Whole Foods, etc. You buy gift cards & the stores give Crocker Farm up to 10% of the value. You're shopping anyways, so why not support your school at the same time?? Here are the ways to start: Order online at www.simplifiedscrip.com or call in your order 1-800-514-1891
Contact Becky Demling (230-3306 / crockerfarmpgo@gmail.com) w/any questions.

Do you have a Target REDCard? Here is the link that gets you to the site where you can designate a percentage of your Target expenditures towards Crocker Farm. Go to Target!

Big Y's Education Express is back. This program earns the school "points" that can be converted into sports equipment, computers, etc. at the end of the year. Last year we earned great instruments and a new cd player for the Music Room!

Stop&Shop's A+BonusBucks program sends a check to Mr. Morris at the end of the year. Last year 60 households earned Crocker Farm over $1000! They donate 3% of your grocery purchase to Crocker Farm! How great is that? Crocker Farm's "Designation Number" is 05194.

Atkins Farm Card. When you show your Atkins Farm Shopping Card they donate a percentage of your purchase right back to us. This generous programs earns Crocker Farm $400 each year!

Collect Box Tops for Education & send them in. The drop box is in the lobby. These really add up!

Recycle your printer's ink jet cartridges at the school. Just send them in your child's backpack & we'll get $1 for each one we recycle!

The next time you clean out your child's closet check the Teacher Wish List. Chances are, someone's looking for what you're trying to get rid of!

Coffee Coffee Coffee and Hot Chocolate Too!

The next orders for Crocker Java are due on Wednesday November 4th. Don't forget to pick up some delicious coffee and hot cocoa for these chilly fall days!

Remember that this is a fundraiser for Crocker Farm and everyone gets something great - you get a yummy, organic, Fair Trade product for a very competitive price and the PGO receives $3.00 for each bag we sell. Pretty great!

Click HERE to download an order form.

Lend a Hand!

Don't forget to donate to our 2009-10 Lend a Hand campaign!

Every dollar you donate to the PGO goes directly to our school to help fund field trips, supplies for every classroom, Wednesday clubs, Community events, Crocker shows, Crocker press, and more...

Send a check made out to Crocker Farm PGO or go the Amherst Education Foundation website to make a tax deductible contribution.

Next Week At Crocker Farm

Here's a look at what's coming up. (But don't forget to check the CF Calendar by clicking the link on the right)

Wednesday Sept. 30 - Read-a-Thon Pledges Due!

Friday Oct. 2 - First Friday Coffee w/ Mr. Morris & Dr. Rodriguez 8:45 - 9:30am in the Community Room. This is a regular event (the "first Friday" of every month) & a great opportunity to talk directly with Mr. Morris or Mr. Smith about what's happening at Crocker Farm. This month we'll be joined by our new Superintendent, Dr. Rodriguez. Please join us!

Happy Birthday Amherst!

THERE'S SO MUCH GOING ON THIS WEEKEND TO CELEBRATE THE HERITAGE, CHARACTER & HISTORY OF AMHERST!

Amherst's 250th Celebration Parade will start at 1:00 Sunday, September 27th. Over 100 units will be in the parade, including organizations, businesses, industries, churches, schools, clubs, groups, police and fire, as well as marching units and floats. Volunteers needed! For more information, call committee member, Pat Wagner, at 413-537-5626. www.amherst250.org. or Click on the images below to see them full sized.

March in the Parade. Calling all Amherst Elementary School Students! Be in Amherst's 250th Anniversary Parade and be part of Your Town and Public Libraries’ History!

Apple Harvest Crafts Fair and Children's Festival. Saturday, Sept. 26. 10:00am-5:00pm. Amherst Town Common. Games, crafts, food, petting zoo, pony rides, and entertainment.

Attention Read-a-Thon Participants

Dear Read-a-thon Participant,
Welcome back to school and if you participated in the Crocker Farm Summer Read-a-Thon we would like to thank you for your participation and ask you to follow the instructions below. We hope you enjoyed the books you read! It's time to collect the money your sponsors pledged. This money will be given to teachers for use in the classroom.

Here's what to do:
1. Calculate your pledges. Multiply the number of books you read by the amount per book pledged by each person. Then contact your sponsors to let them know how much their total donation will be. Tell them that you have until [date] to hand in your pledges. It's okay if you didn't meet your reading goal – just multiply the number of books you did read by the amount pledged. And remember – even very small donations make a difference!
2. Ask your sponsors to make their donations in the form of checks payable to the Crocker Farm Parent Guardian Organization. Cash donations are also welcome.
3. Put the donations you collect in the envelope provided in your Read-a-thon packet. If you've lost that envelope, it's okay to use another one in its place.
4. Bring your envelope to school no later than September 30, 2009 and give it to your classroom teacher. Make sure your name and grade is on the envelope!
5. Once we receive the collected pledges, we will put together a package of small treats for each child who has participated in the Read-a-thon. These will be distributed through your classroom. In addition, a trophy will be awarded to the grade that collected the most sponsors.
6. If your parent/guardian has any questions, s/he can call Claudia Canale-Parola (253-6325),Yaniris Fernandez (253-2309), Monica Moran (256-1545) or Bobbie Jemsek (256-1698).
And thanks again for reading on behalf of Crocker Farm!

PGO Meeting TONIGHT

The first PGO meeting will be Tonight, September 10, from 6:30-7:30. Meetings are in the Community Room and free childcare is provided in the cafeteria.

Lisa Cain, biologist, foodie, and mother of two, will speak with us about healthy foods for our children. We will also discuss upcoming PGO events and activities.

Please come join us!

Oh Coffee, How We've Missed You!

Crocker Farm PGO sells Deans Beans rich, dark, organic, Fair Trade, Kosher, locally roasted and DELICIOUS coffee for a great price EVERY MONTH!

This month orders are due Sept. 16. Click Here to download an order form and send it into school with your payment. We'll have your coffee delivered to your child by the 23rd.

You can order every month or order for the whole year. The price is very competitive ($8.50 for a pound of regular, $9.50 for decaf) & the proceeds ($3.00 per bag) support your school - what a great deal!

One Book One School

“One Book, One School” is a reading program inviting everyone in the Crocker Farm community to read the same book during summer vacation. Students, teachers, and staff are all welcome to participate.

Sponsored by the Crocker Farm PGO, the Munson and Jones Libraries, and the Friends of the Jones, every Crocker Farm family will receive a free copy in English, Spanish, or both, of E.B. White’s classic novel “The Trumpet of the Swan.”

During the summer both the Munson and the Jones Libraries will have Wednesday afternoon story times. At the end of the summer, we will celebrate as a community at the Back-to-School picnic, with “Trumpet of the Swan” activities and events.

“The Trumpet of the Swan" book and reading guide - Coming soon to a backpack near you!