News

Early in the summer, the district announced the Backpack Project, which was an effort to collect backpacks and school supplies for students who might need them for the upcoming school year.  Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and faith groups in our communities, the district collected 198 backpacks and the supplies to fill them.  In addition, $800 was received in support of the project and those funds were used to purchase additional backpacks and supplies.

Karen Keough-Huff, district Athletic Director, has announced the following starting dates for Fall sport practice.

Amherst Regional High School sports: 

Football  will begin on August 23rd.

All other high school sports will begin on August 26th

Amherst Regional Middle School sports:

Cross Country, Field Hockey, and Volleyball will begin on September 2nd at 2:30.

Summer reading lists are now available for students in all grades:

Public Consulting Group - Special Education Program Evaluation

The Amherst, Pelham and Amherst Pelham Regional Public Schools contracted with a consulting firm, Public Consulting Group’s Center for Resource Management, to conduct an independent evaluation of program effectiveness in supporting positive outcomes for students receiving special education services, and to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement in the organization and delivery of services. 

The PCG Special Education Program Evaluation reports can be found at http://www.arps.org/node/1472.

Crisis Prevention Institute - De-escalation and Restraint Evaluation

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has selected Amherst's Floris Wilma Ortiz as Massachusetts Teacher of the Year for 2011. The department makes this award each year to "an exemplary educator who demonstrates professionalism, leadership, excellent communication skills, and an outstanding and measurable commitment to student achievement and to the teaching profession."  After being nominated, applicants undergo a rigorous selection process that includes submitting written work, recommendations from supervisors and students, and a teaching video. On the basis of those materials, finalists are invited to an interview with the independent panel of experts who recommend their choice for Teacher of the Year to the Commissioner of Education. 

Dr. Barry Beers visited Amherst Regional Middle School on May 13 and 14 to continue to help the middle school address identified areas in his Needs Assessment report. Over the two days, Dr. Beers met with the School Council, observed the interviews with the applicants for the assistant principal position, ate lunch with some students, and met with the curriculum leaders in Science and Social Studies to review their part of the data-driven school improvement plan. Parent Cathy Cullen filed this report about his visit:

Amherst Regional Public Schools is offering a summer school program for students in grades 9 - 12.  Students from outside of the district are invited to  register for our summer school. The program will include eight different courses:

Amherst Regional Public Schools has contracted with Dr. Rossi Ray-Taylor, a private consultant, to help us outline the next steps in our Social Justice, Equity and Access work. Dr. Ray-Taylor will study the districts’ commitment to BAMSS and Social Justice by reviewing documents, conducting interviews and on-site visits. 

Dr. Ray-Taylor will visit on June 3 and 4 and conduct a series of focused meetings with the different stakeholders.  All members of the community are invited to attend the evening session on June 3, from 7:30-9:00 pm in the high school library.