Superintendent's Newsletter December 2011
Thank you for the essential role you play to our school community and for entrusting us with your precious children. I feel fortunate to be part of a school system where the district faculty and staff work in close partnership with our students’ parents and guardians to make a difference in the lives of each and every child.
I wish you all a peaceful holiday season that will, hopefully, include an opportunity to rest, relax, and reflect on the joys in your life.
Sincerely,
Maria Geryk
Superintendent of Schools
ARPS Community Partnership
Amherst Education Foundation’s Annual Holiday Appreciation Gift Campaign
During this season of appreciation please consider making a donation in the name of an outstanding ARPS teacher or staff member with a gift through AEF. Your donation will go toward the new Excellence Grants program for teacher/school generated initiatives and will positively impact students in Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury. When you make a tax-deductible donation, your special teachers/staff members will receive a personalized thank you note that will be hand delivered to their school.
Donate online at: www.amhersteducationfoundation.org.
Reminder!
Last day of school is Friday, December 23rd. Classes resume Tuesday, January 3, 2012!
“We need to ensure that every student participates in a rigorous and engaging learning experience.”
A huge THANK YOU for all donations received in support of the Winter Clothing Drive in partnership with the Amherst Lions Club.
It was a great success!
The Norma Jean Anderson Civil Rights and Academic Achievement Award applauds the contributions of a current teacher, administrator or staff member in the Amherst and/or Amherst-Pelham Regional School District who promotes the ideals of a just and respectful community built on compassionate relationships. The deadline for all nominations for this award has been extended to January 10th at 12:00 p.m. Check here for full details and recognize someone you think deserves this award. The winner will be celebrated at the Annual MLK Jr. Breakfast held on January 14, 2012.
WANTED
Your gently used ski & snowboard equipment for the Amherst Lions Club’s Giant Ski & Snowboard Sale ‘n Swap!
Crocker Farm Elementary School
280 West St, Amherst
Drop off – Friday January 6th from 3-5pm ONLY
New and used equipment available for sale on
Friday Jan 6th and Saturday Jan 7th
See all the details here
A.P.P.L.E. - Amherst Partnership for Parents Learning English
Free ESL Classes!
!Clases gratuitas de ingles!
Mondays 7pm-8pm
Los Lunes 7pm-8pm
Middle School Cafeteria
La Cafeteria de la Escuela Media
Join us to improve your communication, pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency and more.
Childcare and homework help provided for kids.
Unete con nostrotoros para mejorar tu communicacion, pronunciacion, vocabularies, fluidez, y mas. Se proveera cuidado y ayuda en tareas para los hijos.
For more info / Para mas informacion
Amherst Parent and Guardian Café
Every second Monday of the month –
January 9th. 7:00-8:15 at the Middle School Professional Development Center
An informal setting for all parents and guardians to gather and discuss important topics in a safe, engaging and supportive atmosphere. Spanish translation provided, other languages upon request. Call Renata Pienkawa at 413/362-1832.
Do you want to stay in better touch with what’s happening at your student’s school?
Sign up for the school’s PGO Newsletter!
We, of course, have news and stories on our main web page, but each school has its own newsletter that gives a better scope of events and news specific to that school.
Simply go to www.arps.org. Click on “Parents” then go to “Parent/Guardian Groups.” There you will find the entire list of links to each PGO site. Just sign up to receive the newsletter in your email and YOU can stay updated.
Getting to Know You
Debbie Westmoreland
Assistant to the Superintendent
A fixture in the Central Offices since 1997, Debbie Westmoreland is a vital member within the Office of the Superintendent. As Assistant to the Superintendent, Debbie works alongside Maria Geryk in a variety of administrative, executive and clerical capacities. She coordinates the Superintendent’s calendar, handles all official correspondence and documents the many phone calls the Superintendent receives each day.
In addition to her daily responsibilities within the Office of the Superintendent, Debbie is responsible for all aspects of the three school committees which range from information packet mailings to scheduling and posting meetings. Debbie is charged with recording accurate and detailed minutes at all Amherst, Pelham and Amherst Regional School Committee meetings as well as attending sub-committee and administrative meetings throughout the week. She has acquired an extensive knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws and is often called upon to clarify a point of reference or procedure.
A native of Texas, Debbie and her husband, Tim, live in Amherst with their beloved bull terriers, Trinity and Miss Betty White. She enjoys attending concerts and spending time with her family and many friends.
Debbie can be contacted via email at westmorelandd@arps.org or by phone at 413-362-1823.