Amherst Education Foundation in Action for ARPS Schools

Amherst Education Foundation Planning for a Strong Future

As many parents are aware, the budget crisis facing our school district in the coming years is dire. Last weekend, several board members of the non-profit Amherst Education Foundation (AEF), and Glenda Cresto, the new principal of the Middle School (ARMS), met to discuss critical issues facing ARMS and the district as a whole. Now in its 15th year, AEF's mission is to enhance academic excellence for all students in the public schools of Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury. Over the last two years, AEF has contributed over $85,000 to the schools, and plans are underway to dramatically increase this amount to meet the needs of the district’s students in the increasingly limited budget environment.

AEF is entering its next phase of strategic planning in order to establish a reliable source of long-term funding for the Amherst Regional Public Schools. AEF’s development and strategic planning committees are working to create an even more powerful funding mechanism that provides significant support for teachers and students on a consistent basis.

Last spring several members of AEF met with former School Superintendent Jere Hochman to begin this planning process. His suggestions included funding for professional development for teachers. The meeting with Glenda Cresto was the second in a series of meetings to gather information on the district’s most pressing needs. Ms. Cresto’s suggestions included funding long-term programs with 3- to 5-year commitments. One such initiative is a teacher mentoring program which would improve the teacher turnover rate.

In the coming months, AEF will meet with (or survey) principals, teachers, parents, the local business community, town management, and others. Dr. Hochman and Ms. Cresto’s ideas, combined with those that will be gathered this fall, will create a new roadmap for AEF for funding public schools in the district.

Visit AEF’s website: http://www.amhersteducationfoundation.org/ to make tax-deductible general or targeted donations to local schools.

Parent Guardian Group Meeting

PLEASE JOIN US TONIGHT FOR THE
PGG Meeting, October 6, 2008
Marks Meadow Library
6-7:30PM

AGENDA
6:00 Introductions and assign a time keeper
6:02 Meg- Passive Fundraising request for participation
6:04 Tracy- Other schools PTO’s report
-Amherst Education Shopping Day
6:06 Tracy- Parent Information Room
-Parent information bulletin board
6:08 Tracy- Class Directory- approve funding for copying
6:10 Stephanie- Financial report
6:12 Open Conversation for Volunteering
-volunteer coordinator
- Savings Makes Cents Volunteer
-room parent lead
-volunteer form
-raffle for volunteer form
6:27 Tracy- Recycling update and requests
6:32 Open Conversation Annual fundraiser
(*ACH payments forms)
6:42 Ana Thomas and group conversation- Thanksgiving
6:57 Principal’s report
7:05 Open conversation- report from Shannon Borrell on Memorial Fund and how we can assist the Espinoza Family and any other conversation regarding the bus accident. 7:20 Set next meeting’s agenda and dates for the year
7:30 End meeting

Contributions In Memory of Abrahim Espinoza and meals for the family

Dear Families: Thank you for all your help in making this happen for the Espinoza Family.

A fund has been established at Florence Savings Bank for those who wish to contribute to the family of Abrahim Espinoza. Checks should be made payable to:
Abrahim Espinoza Memorial Fund

Contributions can be dropped off at any Florence Savings Bank branch, the Mark’s Meadow Principal’s Office or mailed to:

Shannon Borrell
164 Montague Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Attention: Abrahim Espinoza Memorial Fund

If you would like to make a meal for the Espinoza Family please contact Alyssa Melnick, alyssaruth@earthlink.net

Sympathy or condolence cards can be left in the Mark's Meadow Parent Information Room or the Main Office.

Town News / Current Events: FY10 Budget

Precinct Meeting Schedule Fall 2008 Town Meeting

Purpose: to discuss and share information about articles before the upcoming Town Meeting.

Members of Town Meeting and the public are welcome to attend any of the following meetings. If you have any questions contact the people listed below.

You are welcome at any meeting that is convenient for you, even if you don't live in that Precinct!

Precinct 1 Sunday, Nov. 2, 3:30pm at North Amherst Congregational Church Parish House, 1199 North Pleasant Street, Pat Holland, 549-1503

Precinct 2 Thurs., Nov. 6, 7-9pm at Jim Pistrang’s home, 41 High Point Drive, Jim Pistrang, 256-1737

Precinct 3 Sunday, Nov. 2, 3:30pm at North Amherst Congregational Church Parish House, 1199 North Pleasant Street, Tom Flittie, 549-1608

Precinct 4 Sun., Nov. 2, 3-5pm at 284 N. Pleasant St. (corner of McClellan), Howard Ewert, 256-1445

Precinct 5 Wed., Nov. 5, 7-9pm at Fort River Cafeteria, Harry Brooks, 256-8831 & Claude Tellier, 256-1721

Precinct 6 Wed., Nov. 5, 7-9pm at Fort River Cafeteria, Harry Brooks, 256-8831 & Claude Tellier, 256-1721

Precinct 7 Thurs., Nov. 6, 7-9pm at Crocker Farm Cafeteria, Carol Gray, 256-0433

Precinct 8 Thurs., Nov. 6, 7-9pm at Crocker Farm Cafeteria, Mary Streeter, 253-2441

Precinct 9 Wed., Oct. 29 7-9pm at Wildwood School, Rob Crowner, 253-6526

Precinct 10 Sun., Nov. 2, 3-5pm at 284 N. Pleasant St. (corner of McClellan), Howard Ewert, 256-1445
__________________________________________________________________

Community Voices, Budget Choices: Hard Times Ahead...What will Amherst be like in 5 years? We invite you to add your voice!


from a Fort River parent, to all members of the Mark's Meadow Community:

I am a Fort River parent and member of Amherst's Facilitation of Community Choices Committee and would like to personally invite you to attend a vital Town Forum on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 7PM in the Town Hall. Our committee is charged with educating the public about the current budget situation in Amherst, presenting alternative scenarios for each area of our budget, and soliciting public feedback with the ultimate goal of making recommendations to the Finance Commitee and Town Meeting on a five-year budget plan. We been working for months to compile vast amounts of data so the public can make informed decisions about our budgetary future. At this meeting, you will not only be able to hear about the budget scenarios we are faced with, you will also have an opportunity to voice your opinion about what you believe is the most important direction for Amherst in the next five years.

If you cannot make the meeting (I realize it conflicts with Open House at ARHS), you can still participate in this important process. Both our presentation and our questionnaire are available on our web site at www.amherstchoices.org. Please visit and weigh in with your opinion. The web site is also a great source of additional information on the five budget areas and on ways we might help meet our potential budget shortfalls in the future.

Additional meeting dates and times are also posted on www.amherstchoices.org and are continually being scheduled for the months of October and November so check back frequently for opportunities to participate in person.

[Note: families at Crocker Farm, Fort River, and the Middle School will also welcome Mark's Meadow families to presentations during their PGO meetings:
Wednesday October 8, Crocker Farm School, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday October 15, Middle School Library, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday October 16, Fort River School, 6:30 p.m.]

We hope to hear from as many people in town as possible because these decisions affect each and every one of us, so please feel free to forward this invitation to any other members of our Amherst Community you can. Employees of the town, schools, and library who are also residents have a double stake in the process.

I hope to see you on October 2nd and to hear your thoughts via our questionnaire. If you have any questions, please contact the Committee through our web site.

Thank you!
Alison Donta-Venman
www.amherstchoices.org

Town News / Current Events: Weather

Weather!

ABC 40’s Eric Fisher to Hold Weather Forum at Amherst Town Hall

On Saturday, October 4, 2008 ABC40’s Eric Fisher will be in the Town Room at the Amherst Town Hall holding a forum on the Weather. The purpose of this forum is to meet the ABC40 staff, ask the meteorologists questions, and learn how they forecast for the area and present those forecasts to viewers.

The meeting will start at 11:00 a.m. People of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Town News / Current Events: Annual Fire Department Open House

Annual Fire Department Open House this Saturday!

The Amherst Fire Department will hold its annual Open House on Saturday, October 4th, from 10am until 3pm, at the Central Fire Station. This annual event is held in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week.

Many Fire and EMS vehicles and other equipment will be on display, as well as presentations from other agencies. Smokey bear will also be on hand if he is not too busy fighting fires that day. Lots to see for both kids and adults. Donuts, cider, and coffee will be available.

Town News / Current Events: Annual Renewable Energy Fair

Annual Renewable Energy Fair

The Annual Renewable Energy Fair provides an opportunity for area residents and businesses to share information about renewable energy, conservation, and energy efficient products and services. Information booths, vendors, alternative vehicle displays and children’s activities create an educational atmosphere for the whole family.

Join us for the 4th Annual Renewable Energy Fair!
The Amherst Energy Task Force is sponsoring the 4th Annual Renewable Energy Fair being held on the South Common on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Booth spaces are 10X10 and provided free of charge. There is also free parking available for participants. You must supply your own table and tent in case of inclement weather.

If you would like to reserve a booth space or participate in this event, please contact Stephanie Ciccarello by phone (413-259-3149) or Email.

Town News / Current Events: Town Meeting Vacancies

Town Meeting Vacancies

The town clerk's office is notifying residents that there are six Town Meeting vacancies spread over five precincts.

Residents interested in filling these vacancies must obtain and file nomination forms by Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m. Forms are available at the town clerk's office at Town Hall.

Precincts 1, 2, 5, and 6 all have one vacancy, while there are two vacant seats in Precinct 9.

Those elected to the seats Nov. 4 will serve until next spring's election.

For more information, call or email the town clerk's office at 259-3035.

Curriculum Night

Curriculum Night
Wednesday September 23rd

There are many things happening on Curriculum Night so don't miss it.

Childcare will be provided for 5 year-olds and older by John Keins and and two able assistants sponsored by the PGG. There will be a movie in the Auditorium which will start at 6:30. All children must stay in the Auditorium. Children under 5 are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult.

• The movie is Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey. Three pets are left behind when their family goes on vacation. Unsure of what happened, the animals set out on a quest to find their family. Possibly scary scenes: Milo gets swept away in a river and Otis fight a bear. Milo throws himself off a cliff and must spend the night alone and in the dark. There will also be a few shorts at the beginning: Stregga Nona, The Five Chinese Brothers, The Three Robbers
  

ALSO:
Bring your Stop and Shop Card to sign up for the Bonus Bucks Program.
Bring you Big Y card to sign up for the Education Express Program.
Bring in your used books for the Used Books Sale.
Vote for our final School Governance Council Parent.
Remeber to check your name and information for the Directory while in your child's classroom.

Schedule:
6:15- 6:30 Opening Presentation with Nick and the PGG in the Auditorium
6:30-7:10 Curriculum presentation in grades K, 1, 2, & 3 and upper grade parents and guardians can visit the specials classrooms at this time. (art, music, physical education, computer and library.)
7:10-7:20 Break and transition time and a good time to visit the PGG Table
7:20-8:00 Curriculum presentation in grades 4, 5, & 6 and lower grade parents and guardians can visit the specials classrooms at this time. (art, music, physical education, computer and library.)
8:00 finish the night by visiting the PGG Table

Some Cool Family Events and a Chance to Participate

North Amherst 3rd Annual Harvest Festival,
Sunday September 28th. 1 to 6 PM being held at Simple Gifts Farm, located on North Pleasant Street, North Amherst. Fine entertainment, Great Food, Silent Auction, Microbrew, Bake Sale, Pig roast, Watermelon Race, Family field Day, Face painting, Hayrides, Hot Air Balloons. Many Mark’s Meadow Families are participating in the running of this event. Come have fun and Support Local Agriculture. For more information visit, simplegiftsfarms.com.

Make Sure Your Child Doesn't Get Left Inside
The Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club is starting up hikes and other events to get kids outdoors. Our first outing will be a short hike at Buffam Falls in Pelham on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10:00 AM. The event will be a short hike at a slow pace, with plenty of opportunity to throw rocks and sticks into the water and explore nature. We may get a snack, lunch or ice cream afterward.

The goal is to have at least one kid-friendly event every month of the year. Possibilities include scavenger hunts, building fairy houses, and letter boxing.

Our second event, on Oct. 12, will be a hike up Rattlesnake Knob which is a smaller peak just east of Mount Norwottuck, part of the Holyoke Range in Amherst. We will meet at 10 a.m. and may gather for lunch afterward.

Contact Leader Nancy Weld for more information (413) 256-8728 or at familyprograms@amcberkshire.org. There is no cost for the hikes and you don't have to be an AMC member. See all AMC hikes here.

Announcing The Woven Word Creative Writing Workshops for Young Girls (5th-8th grade)

There are stories and poems that belong to each of us alone. The Woven Word workshop, now in its 3rd year, is designed to create safe space to develop each girl’s unique voice. We focus on creative writing, not grammar or spelling. Workshop leader Lynn Bowmaster is a published poet with 9 years experience leading youth workshops.

Meets Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30. For information Lynn at 584-3373 or email: lrbowmaster@gmail.com. Cost $14-16/week. or click here