Wildwood/ARPS Important Dates

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Welcome Wildwood STARS

  • September 27: Curriculum Night/Open House (6-8pm)
  • October 3: PGO Meeting for all families at 6pm
  • October 10: No school, Indigenous Peoples Day
  • October 17: Walk to school Day
  • October 18: Early release day, 1:20 dismissal for parent conferences
  • October 19, 20: Early release day,  Noon dismissal for parent conferences
  • October 25:  Photo Day
  • December 13: Wildwood Winter Chorus Concert at 7:00PM

Important Links / Hiperenlaces importantes

Wildwood​ ​Curriculum​ ​Night – ​Wednesday,​ ​September​ ​27,​ ​2017

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AN EVENING FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Welcome 6:00 – 6:15 with Nick Yaffe and Yaldira Felix in the Wildwood Library

Classroom Teacher Presentations :

  • ●  6:15 – 6:45 – Kindergarten and 1st grade
  • ●  6:45 – 7:15 – 2nd and 3rd grades
  • ●  7:15 – 7:45 – 4th and 5th grades
  • ●  7:45 – 8:15 – 6th grade

Specialist Teacher Presentations :

  • ●  6:15 – 7:15 Art in the Art Studio, Technology in the computer lab ,

    Music in the Music Room, and PE in the gym

  • ●  6:15 – 7:45 Susan Wells, our librarian, in the Library

o 6:15 – 6:45 PebbleGo and online database presentation

o 7:15 – 7:45 Axis 360 audio and ebook presentation*

*Bring your device to set-up for home use!

  • ●  6:45 – 7:45 Room A – Intensive Learning Center
  • ●  6:45 – 7:45 Room B – Intensive Learning Center
  • ●  6- 6:15, 7:45-8 – Science and Garden Table with Jen Reese

    ELL teachers will be in the classrooms where they work with their students.

Flyer with parking and childcare information

Grace Lin talk on diversity in children’s books, Nov 1

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The Books are Not Enough:
Windows, Mirrors and the Bookshelves of Our Community
Forbes Library (upstairs in the Coolidge Museum)
Wednesday, November 1st at 6pm
When we talk about diversity in books, we often talk about “windows and mirrors.” But what does that mean? Why is it important? And, if we can agree that diversity in children’s books is important, can we do more than pay it lip service? How can we use these books to help create a more accepting and welcoming community?
In this extended presentation of her popular TEDx talk, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin shares childhood anecdotes, personal publishing experiences and strategies to support diversity through children’s books.
Librarians, Teachers and Parents welcome!

Amherst Tritons New Swimmer Try-Outs on September 24 at 11am

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Calling all future Katie Ledeckys and Caeleb Dressels!!!

We are preparing for the upcoming winter season and looking for new swimmers ages 5-18! The Amherst Tritons Swim Team (ATST) is an non profit, competitive swim team dedicated to building the love of the sport or swimming while gaining fitness and confidence. We offer tiered, ability based practices after school in our fall/winter season (September-January) and a spring/summer season (April-July). Our coaches are certified through US swimming and have provided a terrific atmosphere for youth swimming since 1972. Interested families must pre-register by visiting http://www.atst.org and selecting the “contact us” button on the webpage. We hope to see you at the pool!

Click for flyer:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-2bHm-1AjRfMFdKd2lTWWRlYWs

Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children’s Skills (HOT DOCS)

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A Partnership Between the University of Massachusetts Amherst School Psychology Program and the ARPS Family Center

The ARPS Family Center is working with the University of Massachusetts School Psychology program to offer ARPS parent/guardian a unique opportunity to sign up for a 7-session workshop to improve family interactions, decrease stress, and build parenting skills!

HOT DOCS is a parent/guardian education program for families of young children (2-7 years of age) who have some challenging behaviors. This program is appropriate for caregivers and parent/guardian of all children, including those with disabilities.  During the (7 week) 2-hour group sessions, you will be able to connect with other parent/guardians to learn specific strategies and parenting tips to prevent and manage your child’s problem behaviors.

HOT DOCS Course Preview:
Week # 1 – Early Childhood Development.
Week # 2 – Routines, Rituals, and Development.
Week # 3 – Development and Behavior.
Week # 4 – Developing Preventions.
Week # 5 – Teaching New Skills.
Week # 6 – Planning New Responses.
Week # 7 – Reducing Stress the HOT DOCS Way

This program has been used with thousands of families who report improvements in family well-being and decreased parent stress.  Together with other parents, you will learn more about child development, engage in hands-on activities, watch and discuss videos, and practice applying HOT DOCS problem-solving approach to real-world parenting scenarios.

At home, you will complete brief daily activities with your child to practice the skills learned in class. After you complete the training, you will be able to figure out why your child misbehaves, and have the tools necessary to help your child be more successful at home and at school.

We will offer HOT DOCS in two seven-week session on Tuesdays.  Each session will last for 2 hours.  Light refreshments will be served.

The first session will meet on Tuesday mornings from 9:00am – 11:00am on:  9-26-2017 / 10-3-2017 / 10-10-2017 / 10-17-2017 / 10-24-2017 / 10-31-2017 / 11-7-2017

The second session will meet on Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm – 7:30pm on:  11-14-2017 / 11-21-2017 / 11-28-2017 / 12-5-2017 / 12-12-2017 / 12-19-2017 / 1-3-2018

October Exhibitions, Programs, and Events at The Carle

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EXHIBITIONS                                                                                                 

David Wiesner & The Art of Wordless Storytelling
Through November 5, 2017

David Wiesner has enthralled readers for three decades, and his remarkable career is surveyed in this first-ever retrospective devoted to his art.  The exhibition features 70 original watercolors from some of Wiesner’s most famous books, including three for which he won the prestigious Caldecott Medal: Tuesday(1992), The Three Pigs (2002), and Flotsam (2007).  Also on view is work from Wiesner’s earliest artistic successes while still a student at the Rhode Island School of Design to his most recent book project—his first graphic novel, Fish Girl, published just this year.

This exhibition has been organized by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.  Its presentation at The Carle is supported by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Collecting Inspiration: Contemporary Illustrators and Their Heroes
Through November 27, 2017

Picture books instill in children a sense of awe, magic, and wonderment, but who inspires the illustrators themselves—the people who bring incredibly imaginative worlds to life? Organized by two prominent figures in the field, Tony DiTerlizzi and Mo Willems, this exhibition gives visitors a peek into the minds and motivations of an array of talented artists working today. Visit The Carle to find out who inspires Tony and Mo, as well as Sophie Blackall, Sandra Boynton, Ashley Bryan, Eric Carle, Bryan Collier, Marla Frazee, Laurie Keller, Loren Long, Patrick McDonnell, Yuyi Morales, Kadir Nelson, LeUyen Pham, Jerry Pinkney, Robin Preiss Glasser, Judy Schachner, Lane Smith, and—with a special contribution from his foundation—the late Maurice Sendak.

The Art of Eric Carle: Night
Through March 18, 2018

Eric Carle is famous for his representations of cheerful suns and soulful moons. While he traditionally leaves his daytime skies the blank white of the paper, he evocatively paints his nighttime scenes in deep blues and indigos. Carle’s visible brushwork is often sprinkled with twinkling stars, fireflies, and other creatures of the night. The moon—in all its phases—always displays a gentle face. “The calm moon is a source of comfort in the night,” says Carle. This exhibition features original artwork from Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me, Dream Snow, and The Very Quiet Cricket, among others. Several pieces from Draw Me a Star are also included to mark the 25th anniversary of the book’s publication.

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Hsin-Yi Foundation. 

PROGRAMS & EVENTS                                                                                     

The Fantasy in Everyday Life: A Conversation with Tony DiTerlizzi and Ben Hatke
October 1, 2017
3:00pm
Free with Museum Admission

Join authors/illustrators Tony DiTerlizzi (The Battle for WondLa) and Ben Hatke (Zita the Spacegirl) as they discuss the increasingly popular fantasy and sci-fi genre for middle grade readers. Book signing to follow program.

Can’t make it to the event? You may reserve signed books online or contact The Carle Bookshop at shop@carlemuseum.org.

Inspiration Day at The Carle
October 7, 2017
10:00am – 4:00pm
Free with Museum Admission

Meet eleven artists highlighted in the special exhibition, Collecting Inspiration: Contemporary Illustrators and their Heroes, and learn what and who inspires them when creating art. Participating artists include Sophie Blackall, Sandra Boynton, Bryan Collier, Tony DiTerlizzi, Laurie Keller, Loren Long, LeUyen Pham, Jerry Pinkney, Robin Preiss Glasser, Lane Smith, and Mo Willems.

Can’t make it to the event? You may reserve signed books online or contact The Carle Bookshop at shop@carlemuseum.org.

Toddler and Preschool Play Series: Materials Play
October 13, 11:00am – 11:30am
October 20, 11:00am – 11:30am
October 27, 11:00am – 11:30am
Free with Museum Admission

Experiment with materials selected especially for young explorers in the Art Studio.

Special Storytime: Tom Sullivan
October 21, 2:00pm
Free with Museum Admission

It’s a clash of the colors in Blue vs. Yellow! From Tom Sullivan, author-illustrator ofI Used to Be a Fish, comes a high-concept picture book about a battle between primary colors. Which one will be declared the best color of all? Book signing to follow program.

Can’t make it to the event? You may reserve signed books online or contact The Carle Bookshop at shop@carlemuseum.org.

Happier Family Comedy Show
October 21, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
$10 Adult / $5 Youth (Members: $9 Adult / $4.50 Youth)

Founded in 2015, Happier Valley Comedy is the heart of improv comedy in Western Mass!  Their Happier Family Comedy Show is all about letting creativity flourish in an accepting atmosphere.  Each improv show is an hour-long, all new, and created on the spot based on audience members’ suggestions and participation.

Geared for kids ages 5-12, you won’t want to miss this program packed full of high energy and family-friendly funnies!

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling413-559-6336.

After-School Printmaking Class
October 26, 3:30pm – 5:00pm
$60 (Members $51)

Entering Grades 3-5
Curious about printmaking and experimenting with paint? Join us for a three-week long class where you will go in-depth into the printmaking process and create a series of your own prints to keep, display, or give away! Participants will look closely at original artworks in The Carle’s collection, and create their own artwork using a variety of printing techniques. To secure your place in the class, register before October 12th.

See Workshops for Youth & Families to sign up.

Special Storytime: Tad Hills
October 27, 11:30am
Free with Museum Admission

It’s Halloween in the meadow, and the beloved, classic, and New York Timesbestselling feathered friends Duck & Goose are ready for trick-or-treating! Come to The Carle in costume and meet author/illustrator Tad Hills as he reads from his new picture book, Duck & Goose, Honk! Quack! Boo!

“Duck and Goose have taken their places alongside Frog and Toad and George and Martha as fine examples of friendship, curiosity and problem-solving.” —Kirkus Reviews

Book signing to follow program. Can’t make it to the event? You may reserve signed books online or contact The Carle Bookshop at shop@carlemuseum.org.

 

Amherst A Better Chance Fall Foliage 5k Walk/Run on October 14

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Please sign up for the 46th annual Amherst A Better Chance Fall Foliage 5k Walk/Run on Saturday, October 14th.  The Amherst Town Common will be full of fun, family activities as walkers and runners begin the race. The course is a beautiful loop through scenic countryside during peak foliage! All levels of participation are encouraged. Bring the whole family!

Anyone who pre-registers by October 7th will be guaranteed an event t-shirt. All registrants will receive a free meal post-race and there will be lots of great prizes.
Special rates for children, families and teams! Go to (https://www.amherstabetterchance.org/fallfoliagewalkrun/ for more details and to register. Or, contact Kursten Holabird, kurstenh@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Hope to see you there!

Family Outreach of Amherst Hosts 6th Annual Warm-Up the Night!

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You won’t want to miss the party of the year! Join us as we transform the tent at The Lord Jeffery Inn into a strolling culinary extravaganza! Enjoy delicious small bites, sips and tastes from an eclectic mix of local food vendors. Years past have included local restaurants such as 30 Boltwood, Food 101, Blue Heron, Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar, The Pub, Osteria Vespa, Johnny’s Tavern, Penyew Catering, Sutter Meats, Black Sheep Deli, Banh Mi Spot, Ginger Garden, and many more! We will have live music, special tastings, and more!

If you have any questions or are interested in partaking as a food vendor/contributing as a sponsor, please contact Rachel Condry at (413) 548-1272 or rcondry@chd.org.

Date and time: Thursday, October 19, 5:30 – 8:30pm

Location: The Lord Jeffery Inn (30 Boltwood Ave, Amherst)

Event URL: http://chd.org/child-adolescent-and-family-services/educational-developmental-support-services/family-outreach-amherst/family-outreach-events/

New Swimmer tryouts, Sept 24 @11:00AM

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Calling all future Katie Ledeckys and Caeleb Dressels!!! We are preparing
for the upcoming winter season and looking for new swimmers ages 5-18!
The Amherst Tritons Swim Team (ATST) is an non profit, competitive swim
team dedicated to building the love of the sport or swimming while gaining
fitness and confidence. We offer tiered, ability based practices after school
in our fall/winter season (September-January) and a spring/summer season
(April-July). Our coaches are certified through US swimming and provide a
terrific atmosphere for youth swimming since 1972. Interested families must
pre-register by visiting http://www.atst.org and selecting the “contact us” button
on the webpage. We hope to see you at the pool!

More Information

A Drop-off Playgroup for Children Ages 3-5

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The Amherst Early Education Center at Crocker Farm Elementary School Introduces A Drop-off Playgroup for Children Ages 3-5.  The playgroup is led by Crocker Farm Preschool staff and provides a variety of social and play opportunities in a group setting. Snack is provided.

When: Fridays from 9:00-12:00
Where: Crocker Farm Elementary School

280 West St. Amherst
Starting: September 2017
Cost: Sliding fee scale

Exception: No playgroup during school vacation weeks or winter school closings

For registration information contact: Michele Regan-Ladd at reganladdm@arps.org or 413-362-1610

More information

September 19 Deadline to submit topics for Dr. Morris’ presentation,

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The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 School Committee voted at their September 6th meeting to consider the appointment of Interim Superintendent Michael Morris to the post of permanent Superintendent of Schools.

“At the end of the summer, the chairs learned that Interim Superintendent Morris had reconsidered his interest in being a candidate to be permanent superintendent,” said Eric Nakajima, Chair of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee. “Given his strong track record as Interim superintendent, the committees felt it worth exploring his appointment through a process that offers extensive opportunities for public discussion and input.”

“Many community members, educators and staff have approached us in recent months to express their interest in our discussion of this topic, and to express their support for Dr. Morris’s work this past year,” said Anastasia Ordonez, Chair of the Union 26 School Committee. “He’s worked hard for our district and shown an ability to deftly manage district budgets, community needs, and student achievement. We’re looking forward to formally considering his candidacy.”

The committees have scheduled a discussion to officially consider the appointment at the September 26th joint Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 meeting with a vote anticipated at either that meeting or on October 10th . The Committees expressed a strong interest in robust public engagement and input into the decision prior to taking that vote. Interim Superintendent Michael Morris will make a presentation at the September 26th meeting that will respond, in part, to questions submitted by the public and the school committees.

The Committees plan extended public comment periods at the beginning of both the September 12th and September 26th school committee meetings to be held at the Amherst Regional High School Library beginning at 6:30 PM.

Please provide the School Committee feedback on the potential appointment of Dr. Morris as permanent Superintendent. We welcome your questions or topics that may be included in a future presentation by Dr. Morris on September 26. The deadline for submissions is September 19. Please email schoolcommittee@arps.org.

More Information

Beatles Scholar at Jones Library

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Beatlemania comes to the Jones Library on Tuesday, October 3 when professional Beatles scholar Aaron Krerowicz will present The Beatles: Band of the Sixties.  This event will be held at 7 pm in the Woodbury Room

Krerowicz graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor’s of Music in 2008, then earned a Master’s of Music from Boston University in 2010, and a Graduate Artist Diploma from the University of Hartford in 2012. While still a student in Connecticut, he won a research grant through the University to study The Beatles. Since then, he has made a full-time career of presenting his research and analysis of the band’s music and their place in history, having presented his findings more than 350 times throughout the US and England.

Krerowicz has authored six Beatles books, most recently the two-volume encyclopedia of analysisBEATLESTUDY. All of his books are available for purchase on Amazon.

When not writing, Krerowicz maintains a busy travel schedule in order to present his findings. In 2015, he visited 14 states, delivering 86 presentations. Additionally, he made his first English lecture tour in July 2015, during which he spoke twice in London and thrice in Liverpool, the band’s hometown. In 2016, he visited 24 states, delivering 151 presentations.  In 2016, he also launched a series of videos on YouTube titled THE BEATLES MINUTE, which showcase his Beatles analyses.

For more information – including his complete upcoming schedule, and to register for his free monthly email newsletter – visit his website: www.AaronKrerowicz.com.

This event is generously funded by the Friends of the Jones Libraries and the Woodbury Fund.

Free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

 

Cub Scout Pack 504 Open Meeting

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If you are interested in learning more about scouting and possibly becoming a Cub Scout, please join us for our Pack meeting on Sunday afternoon.

Where: When: Ages: Contact:

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002 Sunday, September 17, 3:00pm-4:00pm
Grades K-5
Cubmaster, Al Crosby, alfredcrosby@gmail.com

More Information

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Not Bread Alone

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Amherst’s free community meal program, Not Bread Alone, seeks volunteers with vehicles and a willingness to pick up groceries outside Whole Foods on Saturday mornings.
It is about a two hour job. The volunteers go to the loading dock behind the store and load up the groceries that Whole Foods has put outside on their loading dock. Then the volunteers bring the groceries to the First Congregation Church in the center of Amherst where other volunteers will help them to bring the groceries into the dining room. Usually, the volunteers arrive at Whole Foods at 9:15 or 9:30 am and they have left Not Bread Alone by 10:30. A larger vehicle is very helpful but some volunteers have done it regularly with two sedans. The volunteers need to be able to lift and carry boxes of produce and large bags of loaves of bread, etc.
A willingness to do this one Saturday a month would be ideal but a willingness to do it once to see what it is like would also be helpful.
Thank you for considering doing this service for our community!
Not Bread Alone
RStover@CHD.ORG

ABC Host Families Needed

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The Amherst A Better Chance Program is welcoming four new Scholars this year – three 9th graders and one 10th grader. ABC is looking for host families for these young men. Host families open their homes and their hearts to the Scholars who live with their host families during the first weekend of every month of the school year. All members of the Amherst community are encouraged to consider this opportunity to gain as much as you give.

A description of the host family program and contact information can be found on the Amherst ABC website: https://www.amherstabetterchance.org/volunteer/host-family-program/ . Interested families can also contact Wendy Kohler, President of the ABC Board of Directors at wendykohler@comcast.net

Change in Curriculum Night, PGO dates

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The Amherst Block Party date was changed to the evening of October 4th which is the same day and time as our Curriculum Night. Since the annual Block Party has become such a fun event for our families, we are changing our Curriculum Night to Wednesday, September 27th from 6-8 pm. A detailed schedule will be sent out soon. We will also move our first PGO informational meeting to early October so we do not have two school events during the same week.

ARPS Committee Seeking Comments on Superintendent

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The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 School Committee voted at their September 6th meeting to consider the appointment of Interim Superintendent Michael Morris to the post of permanent Superintendent of Schools.

“At the end of the summer, the chairs learned that Interim Superintendent Morris had reconsidered his interest in being a candidate to be permanent superintendent,” said Eric Nakajima, Chair of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee.  “Given his strong track record as Interim superintendent, the committees felt it worth exploring his appointment through a process that offers extensive opportunities for public discussion and input.”

“Many community members, educators and staff have approached us in recent months to express their interest in our discussion of this topic, and to express their support for Dr. Morris’s work this past year,” said Anastasia Ordonez, Chair of the Union 26 School Committee. “He’s worked hard for our district and shown an ability to deftly manage district budgets, community needs, and student achievement. We’re looking forward to formally considering his candidacy.”

The committees have scheduled a discussion to officially consider the appointment at the September 26th joint Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee and Union 26 meeting with a vote anticipated at either that meeting or on October 10th. The Committees expressed a strong interest in robust public engagement and input into the decision prior to taking that vote. Interim Superintendent Michael Morris will make a presentation at the September 26th meeting that will respond, in part, to questions submitted by the public and the school committees.

The Committees plan extended public comment periods at the beginning of both the September 12th and September 26th school committee meetings to be held at the Amherst Regional High School Library beginning at 6:30 PM.

Please provide the School Committee feedback on the potential appointment of Dr. Morris as permanent Superintendent. We welcome your questions or topics that may be included in a future presentation by Dr. Morris on September 26. The deadline for submissions is September 19. Please email schoolcommittee@arps.org.

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Comité de la Escuela Regional de Amherst-Pelham y Unión 26 Declaración del Comité sobre la Consideración de la Nombramiento Permanente del Superintendente Interino Dr. Michael Morris El Comité Escolar Regional de Amherst-Pelham y el Comité Escolar de la Unión 26 votaron en su reunión del 6 de septiembre para considerar el nombramiento del Superintendente Interino Michael Morris al puesto de Superintendente de Escuelas Permanente.

“Al final del verano, los presidentes de comités escolares se enteraron que el superintendente interino Morris había cambiado de opinión y estaba interesado en ser candidato superintendente permanente”, dijo Eric Nakajima, Presidente del Comité Escolar Regional de Amherst-Pelham. “Dado su sólido historial como Superintendente Interino, los comités consideraron que valía la pena explorar su nombramiento a través de un proceso que ofrece amplias oportunidades para la discusión pública y el aporte”.

“Muchos miembros de la comunidad, educadores y el personal se han acercado a nosotros en los últimos meses para expresar su interés en nuestra discusión de este tema, y para expresar su apoyo a la obra del Dr. Morris el año pasado”, dijo Anastasia Ordonez, Presidenta del Comité Escolar de la Unión 26. “Ha trabajado duro para nuestro distrito y ha demostrado su habilidad para manejar hábilmente los presupuestos del distrito, las necesidades de la comunidad y el logro de los estudiantes, y estamos deseando considerar formalmente su candidatura”.

Los comités han programado una discusión para considerar oficialmente el nombramiento en conjunto el Comité Escolar Regional Amherst-Pelham y la Unión 26 en la reunión del 26 de septiembre con una votación anticipada ya sea en esa reunión o en la del 10 de octubre. Los Comités expresaron un gran interés en una participación pública sólida y contribución en la decisión antes de tomar esa votación. El superintendente interino Michael Morris hará una presentación en la reunión del 26 de septiembre que responderá, en parte, a las preguntas presentadas por el público y los comités escolares.

Los comités planifican extender los periodos de comentarios públicos al comienzo de las reuniones de comité escolar los días 12 de septiembre y 26 de septiembre, que se llevarán a cabo en la Biblioteca de la Escuela Regional de Amherst comenzando a las 6:30 PM. Proporcione al Comité Escolar comentarios sobre la posible designación del Dr. Morris como Superintendente Permanente. Damos la bienvenida a sus preguntas o temas que pueden ser incluidos en una presentación futura por el Dr. Morris el 26 de septiembre. La fecha límite para las presentaciones es el 19 de septiembre. Por favor envíe un correo electrónico a schoolcommittee@arps.org.

DACA Information; Superintendent Statement

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If DACA ends, here is what the program recipients need to know:

http://remezcla.com/lists/culture/irli-daca-recipients-rights/

Following is a statement from Dr. Michael Morris, the Interim Superintendent of Schools:

September 5, 2017
Dear ARPS Community: With news of the President’s decision today to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Policy (DACA), which provides assistance and support for undocumented immigrants who came to our country as children, I am reaffirming our district’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, families, and staff members in the ARPS family.

Over the past year, measures taken by the districts to support our undocumented community included our School Committees’ development and passage of Policy JII: Protection of Undocumented Students. This policy provides clear guidance to ensure that our district provides full support for the safety of students and their records in our schools. All staff members received information and training on this policy before the school year started and are dedicated to supporting all families and students.

Resources on the implications of today’s decision for undocumented families, and on their rights that are currently in place, can be found here in English and here in Spanish. If your child expresses concerns about the decision to rescind DACA, for themselves or others, please be in touch with your child’s counselor at their school. Families may also contact Dr. Marta Guevara, Director of Student and Family Engagement, at 413-362-1871, if they need support or assistance.

The Amherst Regional Public School District will continue to be a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. Every student who walks through ours doors will receive our support, nurturance, and a high-quality education.
Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Morris
Interim Superintendent

AEF Trivia Bee! October 26, 2017, 6:00-9:00pm

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
AEF Trivia Bee!
Thursday, October 26, 2017, 6:00-9:00pm
ARMS Auditorium

DOORS OPEN AT 5:30pm

for a fun evening that includes over 100 players in costumes, raffle prizes plus refreshments, an audience trivia game and prizes.

NEW FOR 2017!

We will have a youth-only Trivia Round before the main competition. Teams of players 14 years of age and younger will answer age-appropriate questions on the way to becoming our first-ever Youth Trivia Bee Champions!

Admission is free with donations benefiting Amherst Education Foundation and Amherst public schools.

More information to come…

Food and Wellness Policy

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This year we will be implementing the district’s Food and Wellness Policy which was approved by the Amherst School Committee in 2016. There are many guidelines that will help to promote the health and wellness of our students at school. ***Please note: one specific aspect of the policy that affects Wildwood is that we will no longer be celebrating birthdays with treats at school (see reasons in the policy).***

 

Fort River Feasibility Study listening session

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The Amherst School Committee and Interim Superintendent Michael Morris hosted the first of two public listening sessions about the School Building Committee for the Fort River Feasibility Study in August.  The second listening session has been rescheduled for Monday, September 11 at 6:00 pm , and will be held in the Amherst Regional High School Library at 21 Matoon Street.

For background on these community listening sessions, please read this news article from the Daily Hampshire Gazette. If you’d like to provide input on the Fort River feasibility study or a related matter but cannot attend the listening session, or if you have questions or comments on another School Committee matter, please feel free to reach out to us via email at schoolcommittee@arps.org.

Visit http://www.arps.org for posted meetings, agendas, and meeting minutes.

Kindergarten Coffee!

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The Wildwood PGO would like to welcome families with children entering kindergarten. This is a great opportunity to meet other kindergarten families.

Who:         All Parents of Kindergarteners

What:       Coffee, Bagels, and Good Conversation

When:       8:30 – 9:30 Tuesday, September 5th, 2017

Where:      Wildwood Elementary Playground

 

Beauty and the Beast musical

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Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater (ALSCT) is creating a fabulous, large-scale musical, with lavish sets and costumes, a full live orchestra, and enthusiastic audiences fill the 600-seat UMass Bowker Auditorium for nine performances in January. This year, we’ll be presenting Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the classic “tale as old as time”. Actors, singers, and dancers ages 7-107 are encouraged to audition!

AUDITIONS: Friday, Sept. 15th, Saturday, Sept. 16th, Sunday, Sept. 17th

Callbacks Monday, September 18th

Check out alsct.org for more information!

September Exhibitions, Programs, and Events at the Carle

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ericclarleEXHIBITIONS                                                                                                 

David Weisner & The Art of Wordless Storytelling
Through November 5, 2017

David Weisner has enthralled readers for three decades, and his remarkable career is surveyed in this first-ever retrospective devoted to his art.  The exhibition features 70 original watercolors from some of Weisner’s most famous books, including three for which he won the prestigious Caldecott Medal: Tuesday (1992), The Three Pigs (2002), and Flotsam (2007).  Also on view is work from Wiesner’s earliest artistic successes while still a student at the Rhode Island School of Design to his most recent book project—his first graphic novel, Fish Girl, published just this year.

This exhibition has been organized by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.  Its presentation at The Carle is supported by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Collecting Inspiration: Contemporary Illustrators and Their Heroes

Through November 27, 2017

Picture books instill in children a sense of awe, magic, and wonderment, but who inspires the illustrators themselves—the people who bring incredibly imaginative worlds to life? Organized by two prominent figures in the field, Tony DiTerlizzi and Mo Willems, this exhibition gives visitors a peek into the minds and motivations of an array of talented artists working today. Visit The Carle to find out who inspires Tony and Mo, as well as Sophie Blackall, Sandra Boynton, Ashley Bryan, Eric Carle, Bryan Collier, Marla Frazee, Laurie Keller, Lauren Long, Patrick McDonnell, Yuyi Morales, Kadir Nelson, LeUyuen Pham, Jerry Pinkney, Robin Preiss Glasser, Judy Schachner, Lane Smith, and—with a special contribution from his foundation—the late Maurice Sendak.

The Art of Eric Carle: Night

September 12, 2017 – March 18, 2018

Eric Carle is famous for his representations of cheerful suns and soulful moons. While he traditionally leaves his daytime skies the blank white of the paper, he evocatively paints his nighttime scenes in deep blues and indigos. Carle’s visible brushwork is often sprinkled with twinkling stars, fireflies, and other creatures of the night. The moon—in all its phases—always displays a gentle face. “The calm moon is a source of comfort in the night,” says Carle. This exhibition features original artwork from Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me, Dream Snow, and The Very Quiet Cricket, among others. Several pieces from Draw Me a Star are also included to mark the 25th anniversary of the book’s publication.

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Hsin-Yi Foundation.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS                                                                                     

Celebrate Grandparents Day at The Carle!

September 10, 2017
1:30pm – 3:00pm
$12 per adult/child pair

(Children ages 4 and up with an accompanying adult)
We invite kids to bring along their grandparents, family members or adult friends to celebrate collaboration and sharing stories together. In this workshop we will read stories inspired by grandparents and work together to make creative books that invite play and further exploration.

Happier Family Comedy Show

September 16, 2017
3:00pm – 4:00pm
$10 Adult (Adult Member $9); $5 Youth (Youth Member $4.50)

Founded in 2015, Happier Valley Comedy is the heart of improv comedy in Western Mass! Their Happier Family Comedy Show is all about letting creativity flourish in an accepting atmosphere. Each improv show is an hour long, all new, and created on the spot based on audience members’ suggestions and participation.

Geared for kids ages 5-12, you won’t want to miss this program packed full of high energy, kid-centric creativity, and family-friendly funnies!

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling 413-559-6336.

Special Sundays in the Studio: Art that Moves

September 17, 2017
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Free with Museum Admission

Drop into the Art Studio to enjoy an additional project that gets you experimenting with materials and exploring art-making techniques.

 

Elephant & Piggie Art-ventures with Mo Willems and Tom Warburton!

September 23, 2017
10:00am – 3:00pm
Free with Museum Admission

NOTE: The 11:00 and 12:00 pm auditorium programs are full!  Please contact us to be added to the wait list! 413-559-6336

Are you ready for a new Elephant & Piggie adventure? In We Are in an ART-ivity Book!, Mo Willems and Tom Warburton have created the first-ever Elephant & Piggie activity book, full of drawing, coloring, gaming, and other hands-on fun! Listen to Mo and Tom as they share projects from their new book, meet Elephant and Piggie, watch films, and create art in the Art Studio!
Book signing tickets will be available at the Admissions Desk on the day of the program and are first come, first served.
Limit one book from home/unlimited books from The Carle Bookshop. No personalization and no signing of board books or stuffed animals. Can’t make it to the event? Reserve signed books online or contact The Carle Bookshop at (413) 559-6333 or shop@carlemuseum.org.

11:00 – 11:30 am
Meet Elephant & Piggie! (Café)

11:00 – 11:30 am
Program and Q&A with Mo Willems and Tom Warburton (Auditorium) – PROGRAM IS FULL

11:30 am
Storytime (Reading Library) by Carle staff

12:00 – 12:30 pm
Program and Q&A with Mo Willems and Tom Warburton (Auditorium) – PROGRAM IS FULL

12:00 – 12:30 pm
Meet Elephant & Piggie! (Café)

12:30 – 2:30 pm
Book Signing with Mo Willems and Tom Warburton (Great Hall)

1:00 – 1:30 pm
Meet Elephant & Piggie! (Café)

1:00 – 4:00 pm
Drop-in art with animator Mr. Warburton
Join us in the Art Studio with Codename: Kids Next Door creator Mr. Warburton and have fun drawing yourself as a real KND operative! Mr. Warburton and his helpers will be on hand to share super fun ideas, drawings and inspiration.

1:30 pm
Film: Getting to Know Mo Willems, 23 min. (Auditorium)

2:00 pm
Storytime (Reading Library) by Carle staff
Films: Knuffle Bunny, Knuffle Bunny Too, and Knuffle Bunny Free, 30 min. (Auditorium)

2:30 pm
Films: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?, 27 min. (Auditorium)

3:00 pm
Films: Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, and Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs, 30 min. (Auditorium)

 

The Carle Celebrates Museum Day Live!

September 23, 2017
All day
FREE Admission for two with downloaded ticket

Museum Day Live! is an annual nationwide event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors for free to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket. The Museum Day Live! downloaded ticket provides free admission for two. Visitsmithsonianmag.com/museumday.

The Carle Honors Annual Benefit Gala

September 28, 2017
5:00pm

Please join us for the twelfth annual Carle Honors Benefit Gala and Art Auction on Thursday, September 28 at Guastavino’s in New York. We will honor ARTIST, Ed Young, ANGEL, Dr. John Y. Cole, BRIDGE, Anthea Bell, and MENTOR, Bank Street Writers Lab, represented by Chairperson Dr. Cynthia Weill. Awards will be presented by author Jack Gantos. More than twenty of the industry’s leading illustrators have donated artworks for the Art Auction.
For more information or contact Rebecca Miller Goggins, Director of Development, at rebeccag@carlemuseum.org or 413-559-6308.

 

Picture Book Theatre Inventory Sale

September 29, 2017
2:00pm – 4:00pm
September 30, 2017
10:00am – 12:00pm

Picture Book Theatre is holding a sale of its inventory from seven productions of Eric Carle stories and two productions of Leo Lionni’s stories. All items are hand painted and crafted by its director, Therese Brady Donohue. Included in the sale are close to 100 items including puppets, props, and pieces of scenery made into wall hangings suitable for decorating rooms at home, schools, libraries or pediatric offices. Guests are encouraged to bring their own bags to take any purchases home. All proceeds from the sale will go to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Cash/Checks accepted.

Information Sessions: Simmons College Graduate Study in Children’s Literature at the Carle

September 30, 2017
11:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Attend an information session at The Carle to learn more about degree programs offered through The Center for the Study of Children’s Literature (CSCL) with Simmons College. To learn more about the information sessions, email childrensliterature@simmons.edu.

WORKSHOPS                                                                                 

 

Whole Book Approach

September 29, 2017
9:30am – 12:30pm
$55 (Members $46.75)

(3 PDPs) Discover the difference between reading with children and reading to children. This session will include a chance for participants to observe a storytime at The Carle to see the Whole Book Approach in action. Afterwards, the group will discuss their observations and explore how to evaluate the picture book as an art form with the goal of using this critical engagement with the picture book as a platform for interactive reading experiences. Registration includes a copy of Reading Picture Books with Children by Megan Dowd Lambert.  Instructor: Courtney Waring

 

Wordless Picture Books

September 29, 2017
1:30pm – 4:30pm
$40 (Members $34)

(3 PDPs) How does one “read” a wordless picture book? How can wordless picture books help emergent readers who must learn to negotiate the printed word? How can pictures tell a story? In this workshop, we’ll explore how wordless picture books invite careful observation, critical thinking, and opportunities to make meaning out of what one sees and hears from others. The session will include a guided tour of the exhibitDavid Wiesner: The Art of Wordless Storytelling

Woven Word Young Writers Workshops

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Woven Word Young Writers Workshop is dedicated to fostering a love of creative writing in kids and teens. Run by Lynn Bowmaster, Woven Word Young Writers offers after school and home school workshops which meet weekly in Hadley throughout the academic year. Woven Word creates a writing environment infused with fun and challenge. Inventive prompts and positive feedback are offered to help writers understand the strengths of their work. Woven Word also offers schools in-class workshops as teacher training to enhance creative writing in the curriculum. During the summer Woven Word offers week-long programs featuring a river houseboat for a fun, intensive writing adventure.

Schedule for 2017-18 Academic Year 

Semester I Begins Week of September 18, 2017

Workshop Options 

Tuesdays, 3:45-5:45, Upper Elementary – Middle School,
Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30, Middle – High School Aged Writers
Thursdays, 3:45-5:45, Upper Elementary – Middle School, 

*****
For more information & Registration
contact Lynn at Lrbowmaster@gmail.com,
or 413-584-3373

Wildwood Families First Day Celebration

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All wildwood Families are invited to our very own FIRST DAY CELEBRATION on Wednesday, August 30th.

Join us for Coffee and Bagels (sponsored by the PGO) in the side parking lot from
8:40 – 9:40 am.  We will all gather in the gym at 10:30am for a PARADE AROUND WILDWOOD led by the UMASS Marching Band!

First Day Celebration is a chance for all of us to come together as a community to show our support for our school and build excitement for the upcoming school year

Sponsored by the Wildwood PGO