Dear Everyone Learning @ Amherst, Region, and Pelham Schools:
I just returned to my office after spending a few hours in the elementary schools (returning to 92 new emails).
When I wander schools, I look for student engagement (and happy kids)! So, on a Friday afternoon with the weather turning warm (I started at recess with Nick at Mark's Meadow) I observed older students engaged in reading to their younger "reading buddies," fifth graders putting the finishing touches (and adding crickets) to their ecosystems, sixth grade students listening intently to their teacher reading the prequel toRoll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (yes, older students still like to be read to - perhaps we adults should try that), first grade students strategically placing cut out leaves for their classroom cherry blossom tree), kindergartners at "free time" being as creative and imaginative as can be, fourth grade students problem solving force and motion with their rubber-band powered cars, one youngster focused eye-to-eye with a teacher telling her "everything he knows about Japan" (and I am not sure who was enjoying it more - the student or the teacher - wow!), and another sixth grade teacher huddled with her students for an end of the week sharing of materials to take home and celebration of their efforts.
After a Thursday that included meeting with an informative group of citizens on my Budget Advisory Committee, participating in the Amherst "Shop Local" Forum sponsored by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, attending a presentation on our data warehouse, and presenting the Amherst budget to the Amherst Finance Committee -- all wonderful folks doing great work -- it sure was good to be in classrooms on Friday.
We have great kids and some dedicated citizens here doing great things!
So on that note, have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Jere Hochman
2008-2009 School Year Calendar Approved
On Tuesday, the Regional School Committee voted to approve the full calendar for the 2008-2009 school year. The first day of school for students will be Thursday, August 28 (contrary to the erroneous report in last week's Learning@arps newsletter stating that the first day is September 28. Sorry!!). The calendar is attached and is also available on the district website at www.arps.org/Calendar .
Amherst School Committee Meeting Rescheduled
The Amherst School Committee meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, March 18, has been rescheduled. The Amherst Committee will now meet immediately after the Regional School Committee on Tuesday, March 25. The Regional meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Library.