Category Archives: School

Happy Holidays!!

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The Wildwood PGO wishes everyone a happy holiday season, and a restful break!

There is no school next week, and we won’t be back in session until Wednesday, January 2nd. Enjoy all that family time, and we’ll see you next year!

Please vote in the Florence Bank grant program for the ARPS PGO

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Each year, Florence Bank gives away $100,000 to community non-profits through its Community Choice grants program. Florence Bank customers vote for the non-profit of their choice & all non-profits getting at least 50 votes receive a grant.  The non-profits receiving the most votes get up to $5,000(!) through this program.

In 2017, the ARPS PGO received  almost 100 votes & $1,413. Yay!  The grant money went towards classroom support, special projects, field trips & more.

This year, the PGOs of the ARPS PGO (Crocker Farm, Wildwood, Amherst Middle School, & Amherst High School) are campaigning jointly again to maximize our votes.

** Each Florence Bank account holder is eligible to vote once for the community organization of their choice. **
** The ARPS PGO is urging people to vote (at least please consider voting for) for the “Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO”, the name of our joint non-profit. **

There are 2 easy ways that people can vote:
(1) Online – Visit https://www.florencebank.com/vote to view the online voting site & can cast a vote online for the “Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO”.
(2) Paper Ballot. Ballot for printing attached. Ballots are also available at any Florence Bank location.  Ballots should be submitted at the bank or turned into your PGO.

Voting is open until December 31st.
Thank you for your support!

Do you work at UMass? Do you want an easy way to make a contribution to the Wildwood PGO and help our schools?

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The annual UMass-Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) is now underway. The UMACC program lets UMass employees donate to charitable organizations via paycheck, as little as $1 per pay period.

The Amherst Regional Public Schools PGO (ARPS PGO), is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization consisting of the PGOs for Crocker Farm, Wildwood, the Amherst Middle School, & the Amherst High School.  The APRS PGO’s UMACC number is 15250.

UMass employees can signup with their UMass NetID at http://www.umass.edu/umacc/login

Please consider signing up today & giving to the ARPS PGO.  Every donation to the PGOs makes a big difference in helping our schools.
The UMACC program makes it very easy to give.  Here are the top 10 reasons for giving through UMACC:  https://www.umass.edu/umacc/why-give

Thank you for your support.

Thank you to the entire Wildwood Community!

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We made it! Together, we raised a whopping $4,885 for our Giving Tuesday fundraising event! This incredible generosity is a testament to the commitment Wildwood families have toward public school education.
Thanks to your generosity, the Wildwood PGO will be able to support teachers and staff, and fund exciting projects that enrich the educational experience of all children in our school.
Thank you a million, and Go Wildwood!

Thank You Note from Mr B.

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“Thanks to the amazing support of our PGO, families, and students, there are two new soccer goals and balls for students to use throughout the day. The goals are perfect for smaller sized games, and allow multiple grades to have their own field during recess. Thank you!!!” – Mr. B.

This equipment was purchased with the proceeds from a Hillside Pizza fundraiser ($352) in 2016 and a contribution from the PGO ($105).

Help needed for 5th/6th grade MakerSpace Play

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THE 2nd ANNUAL MCBA MAKERSPACE PLAY DAY!

5th & 6th grade students READ an ​MCBA Mashup​ book, they created a game or activity that features that book, then they built it

AND NOW WE ARE READY TO ​PLAY!

You are invited to come and play (and help a little bit, if possible). Your job will be to run a game and facilitate play. No experience necessary.

When: Wednesday, December 19th from 8:40 – 11:20 (or some portion of that time)

Where: The Wildwood Library and MakerSpace

Questions? Contact Susan Wells, ​​wellss@arps.org​​ 413-362-1424

Volunteer Form

Hello Wildwood Families, #ValleyGivingTuesday is Here!

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On or before Tuesday, November 27, please give to the Wildwood children and to the people that welcome them in school. Make out a check to the PGO and send it back to school in the BROWN ENVELOPE.

Or, click here to donate online!

The Giving Tuesday/Brown envelope fundraiser is the biggest single funder of the PGO budget. Just last year, it made $8,000, which was 40 percent of all revenue raised! By consolidating a series of smaller fundraisers into this one event, the PGO is making it more convenient for families to support us at a key, high profile time of the year.

As you know, the PGO achieve its aims of equity, enrichment, and curriculum-related support to Wildwood through a series of events and projects that bring education, joy, and a supportive community to the children. We hold Welcome Back breakfasts for staff, Coffees for parents, and maintain a strong Class Parent network to link parents with classroom teachers. We publish a School Directory and a Yearbook, and hold clothing swaps. And finally, we send our children on field trips, fund events at the Library, hold Movie Nights, and provide mini-grants for teachers.
None of these goals can be achieved without monetary support from parents. Click here to donate online.

Please give generously. Your donation can be used for:

$5 a child’s field trip
$25 extra supplies for a classroom
$50 books for the library
$100 toward a visiting artist
$200 for a teacher mini-grant
THANK YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving

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Just a reminder that there is no school Wednesday, Nov. 21- Friday, Nov. 23 in recognition of Thanksgiving.  The newsletter is going to take a break next week.

On behalf of the Wildwood PGO, the team would like to wish all readers a happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels if you are hitting the road, rails, or skies!

Baystate Textiles Recycling Program at all ARPS Schools

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Now you can drop your clothing and other textiles in any condition into collection bins located at each school. Convenient and easy! The collections are weighed weekly and each school’s PGO will receive a check based on the bulk weight. Help the Wildwood PGO earn FREE CASH while also helping our planet Earth by up-cycling your textiles. Thanks!

 

View Flyer

Wildwood Student Directory Update

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The PGO volunteer Directory Team continues to work tirelessly on the much anticipated Wildwood Student Directory!
In recent years this 100% volunteer team has been able to bring the directory to us in record time, and this year the team hopes to have it to us by October 12 – earlier than ever!
If you are interested in helping with the directory next year, please contact the PGO at wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com
And remember – you’re already a PGO member just by having a kid at Wildwood!

Represent Wildwood at the ABC 5k Run/Walk!

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Please join us for the 47thAnnual Amherst-A Better Chance Fall Foliage 5Kwalk/run on Saturday, October 20th. The course begins on the Amherst town common and will include beautiful vistas during peak foliage! This is a family event with lots of great post run entertainment including drumming, dancing, DJ and Amherst’s own rap artist.

This year we are hoping to create elementary school teams so if you are interested in joining Team Wildwood, please contact -Chelsea Holabird, holabird12@gmail.com.  There will be prizes, free t-shirts, food and lots of school spirit to support A Better Chance.

Also, we need adult volunteers so let the captain know if you are interested.

Click here to registerhttps://www.amherstabetterchance.org/fallfoliagewalkrun/  or go to our FB page https://www.facebook.com/ABCfall.foliage.walk.run/

This is not a school sponsored event.

Welcome to 2018-2019 school year

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Welcome to the academic year 2018-2019, and the return of the Wildwood Newsletter! Our newsletter will arrive in your inbox every Saturday morning, packed with valuable information about school events, opportunities of engagement at Wildwood, community events etc…

TO OUR NEW FAMILIES: WELCOME TO WILDWOOD!

Wildwood Elementary School is a wonderful community with vibrant parent/guardian involvement. The Wildwood Parent Guardian Organization (PGO) is comprised of volunteers who donate their time and talent to enrich the school. Our mission is to build a strong community, and support enrichment and equity for all children at Wildwood. We support teachers and staff so they can provide the best elementary school experience for all students. We also stage a variety of fun events, both child and adult-focused, throughout the year.  Supporting and helping at these events is a great way to become more involved in the school, meet other parents and keep up to date with the Wildwood community.

We personally invite you to become involved at Wildwood. Your contribution, whether it is time, knowledge, or resources make a big difference. Thank you for helping in any way you can, and showing your children the importance you place on their education!

Contact us anytime at wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com if you have something you would like to share with our community, be it school news, teacher wishlist requests, PGO or school event information, as well as community events you think our WW families will enjoy. We encourage your input. Our best to everyone navigating the transition back to school, see you online!

Message regarding PGO directory form/WW Photo permission

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Dear Wildwood Families/Estimadas Familias de Wildwood:

WE HAVE ONLY RECEIVED 118 RESPONSES. PLEASE FILL OUT YOUR DIRECTORY FORM TODAY! / SOLAMENTE HEMOS RECIBIDO 118 RESPUESTAS. Necesitamos más familias por favor.
In our effort to be more green and save paper please complete this form online rather than receive a paper copy. Your responses are sent to Susan Wells, librarian and PGO parent and co-editor of the Wildwood School Directory. You may direct questions to Susan Wells @ WellsS@arps.org. / En nuestro esfuerzo por ser más ecológicos y ahorrar papel, favor completar este formulario en línea en lugar de recibir una copia en papel. Sus respuestas se envían a Susan Wells, Bibliotecaria, madre del PGO y coeditora del Directorio de la EscuelaWildwood. Puede dirigir sus preguntas a Susan Wells @ WellsS@arps.org

Here is the link on our NEW website / Aquí encuentra el enlace: 

http://www.arps.org/ww/parent-guardian-organization/wildwood-amherst-elementary-school-student-directory-form-2018-2019

By completing this form with your family address, phone number and email you are agreeing to be included in the student directory.  If you do not wish to be included in the directory but would like to complete the photo release portion of this webform please do so by leaving the address, phone number and email of your family blank. If you do not complete this form electronically a paper copy of the directory form and the photo release will be sent home with your student. / Al completar este formulario con la dirección, número de teléfono y correo electrónicode su familia, acepta estar incluido en el directorio de estudiantes. Si no desea ser incluido en el directorio, pero desea completar la parte de publicación de fotos de este formulario web, hágalo dejando en blanco la dirección, el número de teléfono y el correo electrónico de su familia. Si no completa este formulario electrónicamente, se enviará a casa con su estudiante una copia en papel del formulario del directorio y el relevo de fotos.

Many thanks/ Muchas Gracias:

Susan Wells and/y Jennifer Haugsjaahabink

Thanks for your support!

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Thanks to your support, the PGO was able to support two exciting projects that culminated this week:
On Friday, June 15, the 5th grade put on their American Independence performance, coached by Enchanted Circle Theater.
The Wildwood Mosaic Mural, made by Ms. Rivera’s art classes, is now hanging outside the front entrance of Wildwood to welcome all who come through our doors.

When you give to the PGO, you help create memorable learning opportunities for the children of Wildwood. Thank you for your ongoing support.

End of School Year Picnic 2018

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Where:

Wildwood Elementary School (Basketball Court area/playground)

When:

Wednesday, June 20th (rain date… Tuesday, June 19th)

5:15 – Ribbon cutting for 5th and 6th grades art installation at front door of
school
5:30- Picnic, Dunk Tank, Student Performances

What to bring:

Food and drinks for your family
Reusable/disposable cups and plates
Blanket / Chairs to sit on
Plenty of excitement

Request to the 5th grade parents:

Please plan to meet on the metal playground at 6:15 to discuss  making your kids sixth grade year special.

View Flyer in English

View Flyer in Spanish

 

Staff Appreciation Events

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The Wildwood PGO will be showing our appreciation for our wonderful teachers, staff, custodians and bus drivers next week.  Here is a list of Staff Appreciation Events coming up.  Parents and guardians are welcome to join any of these gatherings.
Monday 18th June
8:45am     Bus Driver appreciation at the front of the school
11:00am    Morning Custodians appreciation in the school
3:00pm     Afternoon Custodians appreciation in the school
Tuesday 19th June
9:10am   Goodbye Assembly in the gym, marking the retirement of 5 staff members – Julie Rivera (Art), Susie Secco (1st Grade), Marjorie Ackerman (OT), Carol Cochrane (PT) and Laura Cohen (Paraprofessional)
1:15-2:30pm  Staff Appreciation Wagon, wheeled around the school to all staff members
3:00pm   Goodbye and retirement gift presentation to the beloved driver of bus #18, Bill Glucksman. Outside the school at the bus loop.

2018 Wildwood Multicultural Fair – Come celebrate our diversity

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Date: Thursday, May 31st, (rain date- Thursday, June 7)
Location: Behind Wildwood Elementary School
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm

DON’T FORGET! This coming Thursday is our celebration of cultural diversity. In addition to a fantastic community potluck there will be international performances, a fashion show, family photographs, and activities / games / crafts. We look forward to seeing you!

Please bring:
  • A dish to share (Remember Wildwood does not allow nuts! A form will be provided so you can list the ingredients.)
  • Drinks for your family (Water will be provided.)
  • Reusable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils for eating in order to reduce waste.
  • A blanket or mat to sit on (This is an outside event.)

There is still time to perform or be part of the fashion show! Just check-in with the Welcome Table and we will add you to the list. If you have any questions or to volunteer: contact Becky Miller at wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com. This event is sponsored by the Wildwood PGO.

Are you interested in art? Wildwood Elementary School Art Studio needs help in the next few weeks!

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1. Wednesday, June 6: We need a few “maker-oriented” folks to help put a mosaic together with a visiting mosaic artist between 12 and 6:00 PM (you do not need to come for the whole time; any time you can donate would be very helpful).

2. Monday, June 11 or Tuesday, June 12: We need help grouting the murals. Time as yet to be determined.
3. First two weeks in June: We need a few parents to help take down and colate student art work. Time to be determined.
If you would like to help, please email Julie Rivera at riverajl@arps.org.

Wildwood Multicultural Fair – MAY 31st (rain date is Thursday, June 7)

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SAVE THE DATE! Plan on attending Wildwood’s end-of-the-year community potluck, which celebrates the diversity of our school. In addition to a fantastic meal there will be a variety of activities, including a fashion show, performances (music, dance, song, etc.), and arts/crafts/games. If you would like to perform or help with the event please send an email to Becky Miller at wildwoodelementarypgo@gmail.com.

Request from Ms. Susan Wells – Asking for Yearbook photos

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Jennifer Haugsjaahabink and I are working on the 2017-2018 yearbook! We are seeking photos from the following PGO events:

  • Science Night (both upper and lower)
  • Dance Night
  • The 6th grade sale and carwash
We are hoping to include a PGO page with these events but we need pictures please!  Can you help us?  Please send the photos to my email: wellss@arps.org
Thank you!
Susan Wells

Yearbook announcements/order forms

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Coming in June!

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

Get your very own copy filled with pictures and memories of this year at Wildwood! Return order forms to your teacher or the office.
Order forms available from your teacher or in the office or here.
ORDER BY JUNE 6th

Cost: $8 each/Financial assistance available.