Wildwood/ARPS Important Dates

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Welcome Wildwood STARS

  • August 28: New Family Night, 6:30pm
  • August 30: First day of School for students in grades 1-6
  • September 4: Labor Day, no school
  • September 5: First day of School for Kindergarten

  • September 20: Early Release Day (1:20 pm dismissal)

Important Links / Hiperenlaces importantes

Happy Summer (blog on break 6/22)

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On behalf of the PGO Leadership team, thank you for your generous time, donations and support in making it another great year at Wildwood. On Thursday, June 22 the blog (a volunteer-run site) closes for the summer. Should you have a pressing need/concern, please contact the School directly at 413-362-1400. Have a restful and restorative summer!

New or Returning Family? How to Register & Get Involved.

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Are you a new or returning family to Wildwood?

New Centralized Elementary Registration Process: New students who will attend grades K-6 in any of the Amherst Elementary Schools will now register at the Superintendent’s Office located in the Amherst Regional Middle School building at 170 Chestnut Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Sasha Figueroa, Elementary Registrar, at 413-362-1810.

Get Involved! Wildwood has lots of opportunities for volunteering and participation. You can arrange with your teacher and class parent to work in your child’s classroom; you can volunteer with the Library, Arts, or other programs; join the “School Governance Council”, and of course, all the programming organized by the “Parent Guardian Organization” (PGO — that’s us).  We are always looking for people to work on the many fun activities the PGO puts on.  And last but not least — hard to commit to something ongoing or big?  The PGO has a fabulous “hour power” program that lets us post short quickie tasks, so you can contribute when something comes up that fits.  Contact us at wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com  or check out https://wildwoodpgo.com/volunteering-and-contributing/

Stay up to date! Look to the blog for a weekly round-up of important dates, local activities, and other Wildwood / District news.

2017-2018 School Calendar

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The 2017-2018 School Calendar has been approved by the School Committee, key information:

  • School will start on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 for students in grades 1-12.  Preschool and Kindergarten start on Tuesday, September 5.
  • There will be no school on the day before Thanksgiving.
  • Winter break will begin with an early release day on Friday, December 22.  School will reopen on Tuesday, January 2.
  • The projected last day of school, including five snow days, is June 21, 2018.  One weekday is deducted for each snow day not used, with the earliest possible last day of school being June 14, 2017.
  • Please note that schools are required to provide 180 days of instruction.  While the five snow days built into the calendar are typically adequate to cover closures, any days schools must be closed beyond that must be made-up per Massachusetts Department of Education regulations.  Whenever possible, such days are added to the end of the school year.

Stay Cool, Amherst Pools Open 6/24

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Amherst Town’s outdoor pools open on June 24.

Mill River Pool
Mill River Recreation Area
Montague Rd.
Ph: 413-549-6875
New! Open June 24-August 27, 2017

War Memorial Pool
Community Field
Triangle Street in front of High School
Ph: 413-362-9256
New! Open June 24-August 27, 2017

LSSE offers financial assistance to all those families that are on free or reduced lunch (75% off.)  They can get a letter of verification from the schools and attach it to their registration form to receive this discount.

In addition, the Amherst Survival Center, has been provided with FREE day passes for those who can’t afford admission.  They can be picked up at the Survival Center.

Field Days, 6/21 (grd. 1-3) and 6/22 (grd. 4-6)

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Two field days this year! Lower elementary will have field day on June 21 from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm, and upper elementary will have field day on the last day of school, June 22nd from 10:00 am to 11:20 am.

Lower elementary field day (grades 1-3) will take place on Wednesday, June the 21 from 1:30pm to 2:45pm. Similar to last year, there will be water games. Therefore, the students will need to bring a change of clothes they don’t mind getting wet. At the end of the field day, we will be gathering by the wooden structure for frozen treats before everyone heads in to grab their things. Please start compiling a list of students who cannot have Popsicles due to dye or other reasons so I can have an alternative treat for them. If there are any questions, feel free to ask.

CLICK for SCHEDULE and RULES for Lower Elementary — First, Second, and Third Grades (Wednesday, June 21)

Upper elementary field day (grades 4-6) will be held on Thursday, June 22 (the last day of school) from 10:00am to 11:20am. It will be a culminating celebration for the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser 4th-6th grades participated in. See the schedule for games being played. Students will be informed of the event details as the day approaches, but start letting students know now to bring a change of clothes due to the water games. Also, please let me know if there are any students who cannot have Popsicles. Similar to last year, the plan is to give them to students once the event is over, and I want to make sure we have alternatives for those who can’t have them. Let me know if there’s any questions regarding anything, and I’ll answer as best as possible.

CLICK for SCHEDULE and RULES for Upper Elementary (grades 4th, 5th, and 6th) (Thursday, June 22)  

Thanks,
Vince

News from the WW Library (Feedback Requested!)

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From the Wildwood Library: Wow! In 180 days our community has checked out 25,300 books!  Top-Circulation awards were given out at this week’s assembly.  Ms. Bing-Owen topped the charts with over 330 books checked out and in second place one of 5th graders, who checked out 290 books this year!
  • If you could spare an hour or so to help put away a few of those 25,000 books we would welcome the help please!  Please come on in (really!) or call 413-362-1424/ email: wellss@arps.org
Our Summer Reading Bingo Challenge is back!  Click here for details and student created summer reading lists!
Summer Reading programs at all the local libraries begin SOON.  Check www.joneslibrary.org for details!
We have had such a lovely school year here in the library!  I am sad to see such fun come to an end but my summer reading list is long and I can’t wait to begin reading some MCBA (Massachusetts Children’s Book Award) Mashup books!
Happy Reading!
Susan Wells

End-of-Year Picnic (w/ dunk tank!), 6/20

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All students and families are invited to the Wildwood School End of Year Picnic!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 20, 2015 (rain date June 21)
TIME: 5:30 – 7:30pm
WHERE: Wildwood Playgrounds

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Your own family’s PICNIC DINNER and DRINKS
  • Your own REUSABLE FLATWARE, CUPS AND PLATES, we are trying to produce as little waste as possible. PGO will also have paper-goods for those who don’t bring their own from home.
  • BLANKETS/CHAIRS to sit on.
  • BUG REPELLANT is recommended.
  • Please CLEAN UP as you go!
  • ALL CHILDREN must be ACCOMPANIED by a parent, guardian or a responsible ADULT.

2017 Amherst Crafts on the Common, 6/24

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2017 Amherst Crafts on the Common
Handcrafted work by over 100 juried artisans, silent auction, live music, children’s gently used book sale, bounce house, food, ice cream and more! Join the fun, rain or shine. Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County.
Date: Saturday, June 24, 2017
Time: 9am to 4pm
Location: Amherst Town Common

Cost: FREE

For more info, visit: www.chd.org/bbbs

Proposed PVTA Service Changes, Public Hearings

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The Advisory Board of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) authorized public hearings to obtain comments on possible service changes to 16 of PVTA’s bus routes.

The PVTA is facing an operating budget deficit of up to $1.2 million for the coming fiscal year as the current state budget for FY18 does not include previously agreed upon funds for bus service as stated in the Transportation Reform Act.

The hearings will begin June 19. Public comments will be presented to the PVTA Advisory Board on July 19, along with updated state budget information. The Advisory Board will decide on that date which service changes are necessary to balance the FY18 budget. Any changes that are approved by the board would go into effect August 27 or September 4

The public will be asked to comment on full or partial changes to the following bus routes: M40 Minute Man Express (Northampton-Hadley-Amherst); P20E Express (Holyoke Mall-Springfield Union Station); P21E Express (Springfield Union Station to Holyoke Transportation Center); Five College Route 39 (Mt Holyoke College to Smith College); Route 46 (Whately-South Deerfield-Sunderland-UMass Amherst); G5 (Dickinson-Jewish Home-Longmeadow-Enfield CT); X98 (Northampton Crosstown); R14E Express (Agawam Industrial Park); R27 (Wilbraham-Eastfield Mall); B23 (Holyoke-Westfield via HCC); R29 (Holyoke-South Hadley-UMass Amherst); B48 (Holyoke-Northampton); B4 (Downtown Springfield-Plainfield Street);  X90 (Springfield Inner Crosstown); UMass Amherst Campus Shuttle Routes 34 and 35; and the Tiger Trolley (South Hadley-Holyok

Hearings will begin at 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM each day at the following location:
June 19: Holyoke Transportation Center, 206 Maple St, Holyoke
June 20: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, 60 Congress St, Springfield
June 21: Amherst Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk
June 22: Bay Path University, 588 Longmeadow St, Longmeadow
June 26: Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper Street
June 27: South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street
June 28: Wilbraham Senior Center, 45B Post Office Park
June 29: Northampton City Council Chambers, 212 Main St (behind City Hall)
July 5: Sunderland Public Library, 20 School Street
July 6: Westfield Transit Pavilion, 10 Arnold Street
July 10: Chicopee City Hall, Council Chambers, 17 Springfield Street

Comments on possible service changes must be received by Tuesday, July 11th.

How to comment:

  • In person: Attend one of the public hearings
  • By mail: Send letters to Sandra E. Sheehan, Administrator, 2808 Main St., Springfield MA 01107
  • By email: Send email to comments@pvta.com
  • By phone: Call (413) 732-6248 x235 and leave a recorded message of up to 3 minutes.

Spanish Lessons for Children

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Screen Shot 2017-06-17 at 9.20.59 AM.pngSpanish for children, Fall 2017

Dynamic and engaging lessons that bring story telling, singing, games, and more into the path of language acquisition.

A TPRS based approach to language learning that helps to develop all language skills in an integrated manner and addresses different learning styles. Lessons are taught by a native Spanish speaker and experienced educator.

Summer 2016 lessons upon request
For more information contact: Juan-Carlos Carpio at wordofspanish@gmail.com

Spanish Flyer

Not a school sponsored event.

 

 

Shop at Amazon?

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Doing any online shopping through Amazon this weekend or any other time of year? Did you know you can earn money for the Wildwood with each Amazon purchase. Enroll in passive fundraising to earn money for Wildwood while you shop!

AMAZON SMILEamazonsmile
Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-4510327 for your Amazon shopping and Wildwood will earn 0.5% of your purchases.

To select Wildwood as your permanent charity, go to smile.amazon.com. Click Your Account -> Your Amazon Smile -> Change Charity button. Search for “Amherst Amherst Regional Public Schools Parent Guardian Organization” -> Click Select.

Kids, Art & Nature Programs at the LSSE

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Watch the magic that unfolds in the studios of Deborah Bazer and Lahri Bond and their young students – Lumps of clay turn into swimming pools and horses, superheros emerge from newspaper and glue, and fantastical stories fill the air. This year, the Kids, Art, and Nature programs start July 10 and take place all-day, Mon.-Fri. through the week of Aug. 21. They’re a great opportunity for kids to explore nature through a variety of themes and artistic media. View Flyer

Ready, Set, React Chemistry Demo Show at UMass

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The Department of Chemistry invites students and their parents or guardians to our 4th Annual Chemistry Demonstration Show.

Friday June 16, 2017
 
7:00-9:00 pm
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Integrated Sciences Building Room 135
661 North Pleasant St
Amherst MA 01373
There will be exciting explosions, colorful chemistry, and cool experiments!   Stay afterwards for some hands-on activities.
To RSVP or to inquire for more information, please email rkittilstved@chem.umass.edu. website: http://www.chem.umass.edu
FREE and open to the public (not a university or school sponsored event).

Wildwood Yearbook & Tees, order by Friday, June 9

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Last Chance to order Wildwood T-shirts and 2017 Wildwood Yearbooks! Order forms were sent home with your student or can be found in the WW office.  Please be sure to return the forms and payment by Friday June 9th.

The 2016/17 Wildwood School Yearbook is filled with pictures of all the students and memories of this year at Wildwood, in beautiful full color!

Order deadline: June 9th
Cost: $8 (families may request a confidential free copy)
View Order Form (also in backpacks): WW Yearbook ORDER FORM 2017 (1)

The Wildwood Yearbook is a parent produced, all volunteer project.

Multicultural Fair, We’re ONE WEEK Away

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Mark your calendar for the 2017 Wildwood Multicultural Fair! Come celebrate our cultural diversity!

Where: behind Wildwood Elementary School
Date: Thursday, June 8th (rain date: Thursday, June 15th)
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Events: potluck dinner, fashion show, performances, crafts, and games

What to bring:

  1. A dish to share (without nuts!!!). A form will be provided at the Welcome Table so you can list the ingredients.
  2. Drinks for your family (water will be provided)
  3. Reusable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils for eating in order to reduce waste.
  4. A blanket or mat to sit on
We’re still looking for any last minute Wildwood students willing to perform or be part of the fashion show!

Questions or to volunteer: contact Becky Miller at wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com

Pelham Elementary PTO Silent Auction June 10th

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The Pelham Elementary PTO invites you to our Sip & Support Silent Auction fundraising event. The Silent Auction and wine tasting will be at the Amherst Farm Winery on Saturday June 10th  from 4-7 pm.  Participants will be able to choose from either a wine tasting, where they will get to choose 6 wines to taste from the many that are offered by the winery, or a glass of wine, or a beer. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served to accompany the wine. A silent auction will take place with bidding open until 6:30pm

 

The Enchanted Bookshelf by The Center Dance Studio

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Date: Sunday, June 4th
Time: 5PM – 7PM
Location: Amherst Regional High School Auditorium
Cost: $10 for adults, FREE for children 12 and under
 
A dance performance for the whole family! The Center Dance Studio proudly presents “The Enchanted Bookshelf,” a captivating tale of friendship, courage, and the healing power of a good book. Sunday, June 4th at Amherst Regional High School. Curtain rises at 5PM. Purchase tickets online or at the door.  FREE for kids 12 and under.

Events at the Eric Carle Museum

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ericclarleEXHIBITIONS                                                                                                      

David Weisner & The Art of Wordless Storytelling
June 18 – 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, 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.

Eric Carle and Friends: What’s Your Favorite Color?
Through August 27, 2017

Everyone has a favorite color. Some last a lifetime, others change from day to day. Eric Carle’s newest publication, What’s Your Favorite Color?, poses the age-old question to fifteen famous children’s book artists. Each responds with a unique illustration and a personal story. Carle’s original collage art is paired with the various color choices of Lauren Castillo, Bryan Collier, Mike Curato, Etienne Delessert, Anna Dewdney, Rafael López, William Low, Marc Martin, Jill McElmurry, Yuyi Moralies, Frann Preseton-Gannon, Uri Shulevitz, Philip. C. Stead, and Melissa Sweet.

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

 

PROGRAMS & EVENTS                                                                                       

A Rawther Splendid Tea Party
June 3, 2017
10:30am – 11:30am
$10 Youth / $12 Adult (Members $5) Price includes Museum Admission

Come for a breakfast tea party all about Eloise!  Participants will enjoy a selection of fruit and baked goods, making wearable art, and playing Pin the Bow on Skipperdee!

Reservations required.  Reservations may be made in advance at the Museum’s Admissions Desk or by calling (413) 559-6336.

Cinema Sunday: Funny Face (1957)
June 4, 2017

1:00pm

Think Pink!  Enjoy a screening of this classic musical romantic comedy starring Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, and Kay Thompson.

Northampton Community Music Center Family Concert Series: Big Littles
June 10, 2017
11:00am
$5; Museum Admission extra

Matt Singer and Liam Hurley are both dads of super cute toddlers, they both live in super cute Brooklyn and together they make up the Big Littles, a super cute acoustic pop rock duo that deftly walks the tightrope of making genuinely enjoyable music for kids and grownups.  If they don’t sound super cute enough, Matt plays a little guitar and Liam plays a little drum set.  Super cute.

Ticket sales begin at 10:30; no advance sales.  Limited seating; early arrival recommended

Special Sundays in the Studio: Unexpected Perspectives
June 11, 2017
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Free with Museum Admission

Create artwork that takes a different viewpoint and tells a surprising story.

Gallery Talk with David Wiesner
June 18, 2017
Free with Museum Admission

Join artist David Wiesner for a gallery talk on the special exhibition David Wiesner & The Art of Wordless Storytelling.  A book signing will take place in the Great Hall following the program.

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

12th Annual Children’s Book Festival: Dig It!  Build It!  Dream It!
June 25, 2017
10:00am – 4:00pm
Free with Museum Admission

10:30am
Groundbreaking Celebration (Orchard)

11:00am
Special Storytime with Tom Lichtenheld (Reading Library)

11:30am
Book signing with Tom Lichtenheld (Great Hall)

12:30am
Cupcakes celebrating Eric Carle’s birthday!

1:00 – 2:00pm
Happier Family Comedy Show (Auditorium)

2:00pm
Storytime (Reading Library)

Special Storytime: Tom Lichtenheld
June 25, 2017
11:00am
Free with Museum Admission

Join illustrator Tom Lichtenheld for a special storytime and drawing demonstration for Mighty, Mighty, Construction Site, the companion book to the international bestseller Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.  All of our favorite trucks are back on the construction site—this time with a focus on team-building, friendship, and working together to make a big task seem small!

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

June 29, 1999…in 2017!
June 29, 2017
1:30pm
Free with Museum Admission

Artichokes in Anchorage!  Parsnips in Providence!  In David Weisner’s book, June 29, 1999, a young girl’s science project begins with seedlings sent up in the atmosphere, and ends with an invasion of giant vegetables!  Come to The Carle for a special storytime followed by a collaborative window installation project where young artists imagine what vegetable they see flying through the sky.

Signed copies of June 29, 1999 will be available in the Museum Shop.  Can’t make it to the event?  You may reserve signed books online or contact The Carle Bookshop at shop@carlemuseum.org.

Wildwood Staff Appreciation, Food Drop-off

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If you’ve volunteered to donate food, items can be dropped off on June 1st before 7:45am (or on the 31st as long as items are labeled and placed in the staff refrigerator). Nonperishable items labeled “Staff Breakfast” can be dropped off anytime in the office. Still in need of donations for Staff Breakfast (click here to view remaining needs).

Thanks in advance to all who are able to pitch in.

Incoming PGO Officers, thanks in advance!

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Thanks to those who attended Wednesday’s PGO meeting, and a very special thanks to those parents stepping up into PGO leadership. As Dr. Morris expressed in his weekly newsletter, “You do amazing work on behalf of our students and your support means so much to the all of our faculty, staff and administrators.”

Co-Chairs: Kerry Crosby and Sheilah Jones
Treasurer: Toni Cunningham
Volunteer Coordinator: Becky Miller
Fundraising Coordinator: Irene Dujovne
Secretary: Lisa Berry
Blog Communications: Anita Rao
Yearbook: Susan Wells and Jenny Haugsjaahabink
School Directory: Susan Wells and Jenny Haugsjaahabink
Class Parent Liason: Becky Gahan

Kindergarten Sing-along, June 2 from 5:30-7 pm

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Wildwood kindergarten families…Please join us for an end of the year dinner (potluck) and sing-along on Friday, June 2 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm.

Each family is asked to bring one dish to share. If your last name starts with A – R please bring a main dish or salad and if your last name starts with S – Z please bring a dessert or fruit to share. In addition, you are asked to bring your own cups, plates, napkins, and silverware to reduce waste. Water will be provided for drinking.

Multicultural fair, June 8 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm!

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SAVE THE DATE – Thursday, June 8 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm! Please plan on attending our end-of-the-year community potluck, which celebrates the diversity of our school. In addition to a fantastic meal there are a variety of activities to showcase our cultural diversity, including a fashion show, performances (music, dance, song, etc.), and games/crafts. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email Becky Miller (wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com).

Thank Teachers with a gift to AEF, June 15

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The school year is almost over, and now is the time we begin thinking about how to thank our teachers for a terrific year. What better way to thank them than to give a gift in their name to the Amherst Education Foundation? AEF has provided more than $400,000 in grants to our public schools over the last 24 years.

“I have had the good fortune to be honored by parents and members of the Amherst community through their “STARS in our Schools” donations to AEF.  When making their donations, parents and relatives have commented specifically that they see their children singing with joy and self confidence and that they have an appreciation for music of different world cultures. It is deeply satisfying to know that what we do in the schools gets carried out into the community.”

Fort River Music Teacher Anne Louise White

AEF provides an easy way for you to make a meaningful donation to your child’s teacher(s) by going to www.amhersteducationfoundation.org and clicking on “Stars in Our Schools.”  You can donate to more than one teacher in one easy transaction! Or send a check with a note identifying the teacher(s), the school, and who is giving the donation to our mailing address at: PO Box 1363, Amherst, MA 01004.

In order for your teacher to receive a star, please make your donation by June 15.

View: AEF Stars flyer 2017

Summer Ultimate League of Amherst

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Summer of Ultimate Frisbee, this league is geared for people who want to enjoy the thrill and excitement of ultimate Frisbee, regardless of experience level. All levels of ability will be welcomed to join. All players will be assigned their own team in this fun and competitive league! Register at LSSE.org and then sign up at SULADISC.COM

Price: $45 (Save $10 if you sign up before June 2)
Time and Location: All Sessions start at 6:00 PM at Plum Brook Recreational Area

SULA Flyer 2017

Junior SULA

Tuesdays, June 27th—August 8th

Session A, Activities for Kids (Ages 7-8)
Session B, Elementary Division (Ages 9-11)
Session C, Middle School Division (Ages 12-14)
Adult SULA

Session A

Recreational Co-Ed (Ages 14+)
Thursdays, June 22nd—August 10th

Session B

Competitive Co-Ed (Ages 15+)
Wednesdays, June 21st—August 9th

Session C

Women Only (Ages 13+)
Mondays, June 19th—August 7th