Learning at ARPS--May 12, 2006

As the school year moves into its final two months, we are working busily ensuring that our students are prepared for their transitions into their next stage of learning. Ranging from pre-school to kindergarten or high school to college, every June brings about a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. Right now we are easing up to June to be sure we are meeting our expectations - and yours - for all of our children.

It is also that time of year when we are thinking about planning, programs, and personnel for the upcoming year. Again, it is one of transitions with employees retiring and new employees being hired. Finally, it is that time of year when the success stories multiply, final performances occur, exhibitions of student work prevail, and we celebrate so many accomplishments.

As you are probably aware, Ms. Mary Cavalier, Middle School principal, is retiring at the end of this school year. After several years of leading the Middle School and guiding so many wonderful changes, she is looking forward to new ventures in her career.

I am excited and pleased to let you know that the principal for the Middle School next year will be Ms. Fran Ziperstein. Ms. Ziperstein has spent many years in Amherst in working with students and leading programs at both the elementary school and Middle School level. Currently an assistant principal in the Middle School, she understands the scope of the Middle School, its accomplishments, and its challenges and next steps. She cares deeply about student success and achievement and especially ensuring that every child is challenged and motivated.

I am also excited and pleased to let you know that Mr. Michael Hayes will be the co-principal at the Middle School next year. Mr. Hayes has taught mathematics here at the Middle School for many years. He is also actively involved in writing curriculum and working with other teachers in planning for student learning.

I am pleased to announce that Ron Bohonowicz will be appointed as Director of Facilities for the Amherst-Pelham, Amherst, and Pelham Schools and the Town of Amherst. He will begin his new position on July 1, 2006. He has working knowledge of building codes, National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), OSHA, EPA, zoning ordinances and Massachusetts employment laws.

Ronald began his career at Digital Equipment Corporation where he was employed for nineteen years and held positions such as Engineer, Principal Engineer, and Engineering Manager. His experience was further enhanced by his employment as Technical Service Manager at Lego Systems, a Danish owned company where he was exposed to different cultures and a diverse working environment.

Joining Yankee Candle Company in 1995, Ronald has held various positions from Engineer to Vice President of Engineering, Quality, and Transportation. Over the past eleven years he implemented strategic business growth plans, created budgets, managed staffing of up to four hundred employees, created cost saving programs, increased uptime of equipment, and managed the maintenance and construction of buildings.

Ron has working knowledge of building codes, National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), OSHA, EPA, zoning ordinances and Massachusetts employment laws. He holds degrees in Electronic Technology, Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. Ronald is an active community member, having served as a volunteer league President for the Town of Deerfield's baseball league for nine years. He has also served for almost twenty years as a volunteer member and chairperson of the Town of Deerfield Zoning Board of Appeals.

ARHS Student News

Two Amherst Regional High School students, Sophomore Gabriella Booth and Junior Yi Ding, are serving on the state student council advisory board. On May 10th, there was a summit in Northampton to elect the State Student Advisory Delegates to the Board of Education and Yi Ding was chosen to be one. This means that Yi will be one of 8 members chosen state-wide to serve as delegates to this important board. The role of these student delegates is represent student issues and advocate for all high school students. Congratulations to both Gabriella and Yi for this exciting opportunity!

AGENDA for the REGULAR Meeting of the AMHERST School Committee
6:30 P.M., Tuesday, May 16, 2006
High School Library

1. Welcome (6:30 p.m.)
A. Call to Order
B. Agenda Review
C. Minutes--April 11, 2006

2. Announcements and Public Comments (6:30 p.m.)

3. Superintendent's Update (None)

4. Unfinished/Continuing Business (6:35 p.m.)
A. Budget Update

5. New Business (6:50 p.m.)
A. Clerical/Media Awards

6. Reports (7:00 p.m.)
A. Fort River School Improvement Plan

7. School Committee Planning (6:55 p.m.)
A. Sub-committee Reports
B. Calendar Review
C. Items for Upcoming Meetings

8. Call for Executive Session (None)

9. Adjournment (7:30 p.m.)

AGENDA for the REGULAR Meeting of the REGIONAL School Committee
7:30 P.M., Tuesday, May 16, 2006
High School Library

1. Welcome (7:30 p.m.)
A. Call to Order
B. Agenda Review
C. Minutes--April 24, 2006 and April 25, 2006

2. Announcements and Public Comments (7:35 p.m.)

3. Superintendent's Update (7:40 p.m.)
A. Middle School Administrative Team 2006-2007
B. New Facilities Director
C. AASA Stand Up for Public Education Conference
D. Pandemic Planning Conference
E. Student News

4. Unfinished/Continuing Business (7:55 p.m.)
A. Fee Structure
B. Wellness Policy--first reading
C. School Choice Vote
D. Budget Update

5. New Business (8:45 p.m.)
A. Clerical/Media Awards
B. Superintendent Evaluation Process

6. Reports (None)

7. School Committee Planning (8:55 p.m.)
A. Sub-committee Reports
B. Calendar Review
C. Items for Upcoming Meetings

8. Call for Executive Session (None)

9. Adjournment (9:10 p.m.)

Learning at ARPSMay 12, 2006

Learning at ARPS
May 12, 2006