Pelham Press

Vol. 18,  No. 3    September 13, 2007

http://www.arps.org./pe/

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Wednesday,  September 19                                            6th Grade Field Trip;   First Grade Field Trip

Thursday,  September 20                                                Bubble Extravaganza, 1:30 PM

Monday,  September 24                                                 Principal Open Office Hour, 5 – 6 PM

Friday,  September 28                                                    Ice Cream Social, 6:30 PM

Monday,  October 1                                                       Pelham PTO, 7 PM

Wednesday,  October 3                                               Pelham School Curriculum Night, 7-8 PM

Thursday,  October 4                                                      Pelham School Committee, 7:00 PM

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From the Principal: 

This weekend I heard Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick speak at Amherst College.  I was impressed with his emphasis on the role each of us has in our towns, cities, states, and nation.  “Community is not about instant solutions,” he said, “it's about habits of mind and interactions."  He also said that the key to a strong and involved community is for individuals to realize that what happens to people , from their neighborhood to the wordld at large, affects them.  As I listened to him, I thought about the day-to-day work that goes on in Pelham classrooms.  Each year Pelham teachers spend time, both at the beginning of the year and throughout the year, developing a classroom community where all students know that they have an important place in that community.  Teachers also guide students to establish habits of mind (http://www.habits-of-mind.net)—such as persistence, thinking and communicating clearly, listening with understanding and empathy, questioning and posing problems, and remaining open to new learning—necessary for success in school and in life.  Finally, Pelham staff members help students develop positive interactions with peers and adults because we know how important it is throughout one’s life to learn how to get along with others (Please read Deb King’s note to learn more about her important work).  Working together with you, we can help Pelham students learn how to function effectively in their classrooms and grow to be contributing members of their communities.         Rena Moore

 

 

Parents, please observe the speed limit on South Valley Road.  There are many students who walk on this street, and there are no sidewalks.  Please drive carefully and watch for children

 

String and Band Programs:  Over the next week, Laurie Rabut, String and Orchestra Teacher, and Juli Holmes Sansoucy, our Band Instrument Teacher, will meet with new students in the upper grades to tell them about these music programs at Pelham.  They will also have additional forms for any other students who may want to sign up for orchestra or band.  If you would like more information, please contact the school office (253-3595). If you are unable to buy or rent an instrument, the school has some available to loan. 

 

INCREASE IN THE SCHOOL LUNCH PRICE

The price of lunch at Pelham School will increase from $2.00 to $2.25 as of October 1, 2007. 

This brings the price of lunch at Pelham School in line with the Amherst and Regional districts.

 

 

VACANCY ON THE TOWN OF PELHAM FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Pelham Finance Committee has a vacancy and is looking for a Pelham community member with background in finance, banking, accounting, and/or math to fill it.  If you are interested, please call the Pelham Town Hall (253-7129) and leave a message.

 

Welcome to Joan Robson

I came to Amherst from Ridgefield, CT where I raised my children and completed by Masters in Special Education at Fairfield University.  I have three children; Sarah, David and Elizabeth. My youngest, Elizabeth, is a sophomore in college.  My interests include jogging with my dog Millie, playing tennis with my daughters, and staying in touch with friends and family.  I am very excited to be living and working in the Amherst/Pelham area.  I feel very fortunate to be part of the third and fourth grade team at Pelham Elementary School and look forward to a great 2007-08 school year!

 

 

Pelham Website:  The Pelham School website is up and running.   You will be able to find the yearly calendar and the Pelham Press on line.   Please check it out:             http://www.arps.org./pe/

 

Once again, we are trying to create a list of parents who would like the Pelham Press emailed to them.  Please let me know if you would like to be on the list by returning the sign up below to the school office.  We will include all the “school” portions of the Pelham Press in the email, but we may not be able to send the various items from other local groups.

 

I would like to receive the Pelham Press by email.  My email address is ______________________________.

 

Neale's News

 

The sixth grade is off and running with a large interdisciplinary unit about Art, Energy, Forces, and Motion. We are reading biographies about artists. There is a packet of activities for these books that help students practice a wide variety of reading skills, including the following: character, time sequence, setting, and cause/effect. There are essay questions, time lines, and projects. Please look for these and discuss your child's work with her/him.

 

The scientific part of the unit includes activities that teach scientific method and some basic principles of physics-structures, forces, energy, and center of balance. We touch on Newton's laws through demonstration, experimentation, and discussion. And we and resident artist Kevin Reese will use what we learn to help us design and build a large, abstract, outdoor sculpture with movable parts. The sculpture will be permanently installed for the enjoyment of the entire Pelham community. I want to thank all of the sixth grade families for such an enthusiastic response to our need for volunteers to complete this project.

 

Three field trips are on our schedule for September and October.  All have connections to our Art and Science unit.  Our trip to The Norman Rockwell Museum was this past Tuesday.  We had a wonderful time and learned a lot!  On September 19, the class will climb Mt. Holyoke.  As we sit at the top and view the river valley, students will make abstract drawings which incorporate the view and the emotions it engenders for them.  And finally, we will be attending the Fine Arts Center to watch our resident artist, Kevin Reese, perform. On stage, he incorporates both visual and performing arts.

 

English skills for this unit include studies of the structure of sentences and the four kinds of sentences and their punctuation. We will be using these skills to write humorous personal narratives. Watch for our stories on our hall bulletin board in late October. There is important vocabulary associated with this interdisciplinary unit. Check your student's homework organizer to know the exact dates when study is assigned and the exact days of the evaluations. Your child's notebook and study guide should be used to study.  I welcome parent help in studying for tests!

 

In mathematics students are tackling numeration—place value, exponential notation, rounding and estimation, order of operations, and properties of operations. During this unit they will also explore the concept of equality in algebraic equations with Hands-On Algebra. This is a system of pictures and pawns that quickly shows kids that equations must be kept in balance. Problem solving is ongoing throughout all math units.

 

Finally, with allergy and cold season, we are always in need of tissues.  If your family can donate a couple of boxes, we would greatly appreciate it.

                                                                                           Cathy Neale

 

Dear Pelham School Families,

 

     For those of you who do not know me, I am the school adjustment counselor and therapeutic teacher for Pelham School.  My office is next to the front office and across the hall from the third and fourth grade classrooms.  I am available to talk with all Pelham’s families; however, an appointment is usually necessary.  If you wish to get in touch with me, you can leave a note in the office with Ms. Scott, call my office phone, or leave a note in the message file outside of my office.  I look forward to connecting with each of you during the year.

     My role as school counselor is a multi-faceted one.  I will be visiting your child’s classroom each week to help foster a safe and respectful atmosphere.  Typically, I bring a social curriculum into the room to facilitate discussions concerning issues such as inclusiveness, communication skills, bullying/ teasing and social justice.  I also have weekly lunch groups with children from second grade to sixth grade.  I structure the lunch groups in such a way that each child can participate in some discussions if they wish.  This year I even purchased place mats in order to provide a more festive environment!!  I really love eating lunch with your children during the school day.

     Children may also leave notes for me outside of my room requesting a meeting alone or with their friends.  I often receive notes describing a difficult social situation that needs to be discussed A.S.A.P.! I also have a schedule of children that I see weekly.  I meet with parents, family members and have regular meetings with teachers. 

     Our school has a long history of integrating a particular bullying and teasing curriculum into our classrooms.  We have utilized a multitude of strategies from all-school assemblies, classroom lessons, and community involvement.  Our school rules include anti-bullying messages, and we have worked hard to make our school safe, fair, and free from harassment.  Please tell your classroom teacher if you observe these rules being broken. 

     Thank you for helping us foster a successful, safe and supportive environment within the Pelham School.  Please contact me at any time with any concerns.

 

                                                                                Deb King

 

 

 

Quinlan’s Quill

 

            We are starting to rock and roll in fifth grade. Students have finished the district assessments except for writing and now we are beginning our programs.  We are beginning the year with the study of the different systems in the body such as the skeletal, muscular, digestive, cardiovascular, excretory, and nervous systems.  Students are learning the function of the systems and the major organs.  This unit will also teach some test taking skills and studying habits.  Please support your child in studying; sometimes if there is nothing to “pass in,” then they don’t consider it homework. 

            Our literature unit is a Science Fiction book called The Green Book.  I will read the book orally to the class and teach them how to answer questions in 5th grade.  We will also be working on visualizing what you read and thinking about what you are reading.  One of our goals is to make students active and not passive learners.

            Along with the book we will begin our first 5-paragraph essay.  Students will learn how to write an introduction, the body, and a conclusion.  All writing will be done in class and all rough drafts on the computer.  We will plan our essay on paper, but once the student has a plan they will type their first draft.  You will not see long writing assignments at home; you will see paragraphs, but most multi-paragraph writing assignments are done at school.  Students can ALWAYS type any writing assignment on a computer.  I would rather have them type it than struggle with their handwriting.  This includes all assignments, even answering questions. 

            Our math curriculum begins with review.  We will be reviewing place value and then moving quickly on to addition and subtraction of whole numbers.  We will focus on math vocabulary and accuracy.  In problem solving we will be working on logical reasoning.  Students will learn specific strategies for problem solving with each week having a strategy.  We will have math homework every night with a Must Do side an Optional side.  The optional side is to challenge students.  I encourage those students that feel strong in math to do the challenge side. 

            Speaking of homework, students will have homework every night except Friday.  We are very structured with our homework and write the homework on the board every day; then students copy the assignment into their planners.  Homework Club will be staring the week of September 18th.  It will be by invitation only because we have only so many seats in the 6th grade classroom.  Also, there are only two teachers in the room to meet the needs of all those students. 

            I hope this year will be a year of growth for all students, and we will do everything we can to help them succeed.  If you would like to talk to me, my door is always open. 

 

                                                                                                            Thanks for your support,

Suzanne Quinlan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pelham Parent Council/PTO Minutes                             Monday, September 10, 2007

 

Present: Toby Brink, Laura Carson, Cherylnina Choquette, Elaine Fronhofer, Leanne Hasbrouck, Ellen Leuchs, Paul Lipman, Sue Montgomery, Rena Moore, Karen Regis, Lynn Smith, Diane Steingart, Amy Wasserman, Kathy Weilerstein, Diana Zahradnik.

 

Refreshments:  Cheesecake courtesy of Lynn.

 

Welcome and Introduction:  Kathy gave an overview of the PTO and outlined the fall events for the calendar.

 

What is the PTO:  Everyone with children in the school is automatically a member of the PTO.  We focus on community, meaningful traditions, fun events and activities.  We raise money to fund these activities and support the school.  The agenda and calendar each year depends on who is involved.  If you want something to happen you can champion it through the PTO.  There are lots of opportunities to participate such as: coming to meetings, being a room rep, volunteering for a specific event or activity, suggesting and organizing something, and more.  You don’t have to attend meetings to be involved.

 

Fall Calendar:

Sept. 28: Ice Cream Social 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Oct 1: PTO Meeting 7 pm

Oct 1 – 5th:  Scholastic Book Fair – after school

Oct 3: Curriculum night (parents only)

Oct 31: Halloween Party

Nov 5: PTO Meeting 7 pm

Nov 16: Movie Night 6:30 pm

Oct/Nov: Wreath Sale

Oct/Nov: Original Art Works

Oct/Nov: Gift wrap sale

Dec 3: PTO Meeting 7 pm

Dec: Teacher wish list

 

Ice Cream Social: Friday Sept 28, 6:30 – 7:30. Pelham Cafeteria.  An evening of fun and sweets for ALL Pelham Elementary families. Cherylnina & Leanne will coordinate.  Room reps will organize brownies and toppings.  Lynn will make an announcement for Pelham Press.

 

Room Reps:  Leanne will coordinate.  Looking for one more 5th grade volunteer.  All other are grades are covered.  Room reps are one conduit between the PTO and the parents.

 

Kindergarten Welcome Packet: Parents at the meeting said the packet was wonderful.  We received a lovely thank you note from the kindergarten students. 

 

Ideas for raising awareness of the PTO: We discussed possible ways to get more people to know about the work of the PTO.  In the end we agreed that this is done with the letter in K packet (which also goes to all new families), and that we can continue through word of mouth and notices as we prepare for various events and activities.

 

Annual Gift for Teachers/Staff:  Agreed to fund each classroom and each special $100 each.  This money is to be spent at the teacher’s discretion. We’ll distribute to the same recipients as last year.  Discussion of other ways to support the teachers year round and avoid them purchasing items that would be gladly supplied by a Pelham family.  Suggestion for a monthly wish list published in Pelham Press. Paul will discuss details with staff.  Diana will contact Linda for handoff of treasurer paperwork and duties.

 

Scholastic Book Fair:   Ellen will coordinate. She will get last year’s folder of details from Margaret. It would be good to have UMass volunteers especially for curriculum night.  Several parents volunteered to take a shift staffing the sale.

 

UMass Volunteer Coordinator: Elaine, Diane and Laura will work together.  Need list of activities where we need helpers:  Homework club, Halloween (15 – 20), Scholastic Book Fair and special projects at afterschool.

 

Halloween: Diana will coordinate.  Toby will send letter and distribute candy to neighbors.  Lynn will look for street list of the neighbors from last year.  $$ approved to purchase prizes.  Concerns were raised about plastic stuff made in China.

 

Can and Bottle Redemption:  Paul has been running this fund raiser since 1986.  All funds go directly to the “principal’s fund” to underwrite field trips, child care and many other extras.  Last year it was around $1,200.  The cast of volunteers process 2000 – 4000 pieces a month.  The owner of Spirit Haus has been very accommodating about taking the items in bulk, but is now asking them to be sorted by manufacturer.  This takes the program beyond a manageable amount of work for a Saturday morning.  Project is near and dear to Mr. Lipman, but it’s not looking feasible to continue at this point.  Paul has contacted other redemption centers and they have the same restriction.  We brainstormed ideas.  Paul will follow up and report back.

                                    

Window Shades & Organic Soap:  Ari Gladstone, Pelham resident and former school parent contacted both Paul and Lynn to offer two fundraisers.  He will donate 5% of any thermal window shade installations generated from the Pelham school community to the PTO.  He will also pay us 50% of any organic soap sales.  The group discussed possible avenues for promoting these products.  It could be combined with other events.  Paul will get back with Ari for details.  To be discussed again.

 

Stop and Shop Promotion:  Lynn distributed enrollment forms.  Last year we made $647 from Stop and Shop.  Encourage everyone you know to enroll: friends, neighbors, teachers, etc.  We will attach a form to the Pelham Press and put them outside the school office and in the library.  This is an easy way to make some $$.  Lynn will investigate the Target promotion.

 

Savings Makes Sense: Cherylnina has been coordinating.  The School Committee approved the running of this program at their last meeting.  The group was excited to see it implemented at the school.  Several parents expressed interest in volunteering to collect deposits.  More on this program in the future.

 

6th Grade Trip Fundraising:  Want to reframe as a celebration, not necessarily a trip.  Cherylnina, Kathy, Diane and Rena will be on a subgroup to further pursue the topic.

 

Spanish Language Instruction:  Discussion at last School Committee meeting was disappointing.  There doesn’t seem to be any way to fund a teacher for this program.  The grant that Rena pre-applied for in the spring didn’t come through.  Rena will be discussing with staff at 9/18 meeting, she wants a plan in place prior to 10/04 School Committee meeting.

 

Bullying Prevention Curriculum: Discussion of purchasing t-shirts for all students.  There are 117 children in the school.  Kathy explained the history a program several years ago that was funded through a grant and provided the previous shirts.  Amy suggested getting inexpensive shirts and doing the silk screens ourselves.  Other ideas bantered about.  Rejected iron-on transfer.  Amy volunteered to call some local silk screen places and ask them to donate services.

 

Calendar Fundraiser:  There are issues with photos of students.  Some suggested it would be better to have an academic calendar instead of a January to December.  More discussion on this topic later.

 

November Movie Night:  Friday November 16th, 6:30.  This date is National Adoption Day.  We’ll try to find an appropriate adoption-themed film to show.  Suggestions welcome.

 

Next meeting: Monday Oct 1st 7 pm Pelham Community Room.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Smith, Secretary

 

 

Highlights in Special Education

September 9, 2007

 

Happy New Year !

Welcome back everyone.  Hopefully everyone had a  relaxing summer and is ready for  a new school year

CONTRIBUTING NEWS
Have you attended an interesting workshop, heard a great speaker or read a great book that might help others, let me know and I will share with others.  Send your info to  amherstpelhamspedpac@comcast.net  Lets network our resources and help each other make a difference in our children’s lives. 

GENERAL NEWS

We are still looking for parents to step forward and help organize workshops for the SEPAC and bring in new ideas for supporting and networking among parents.  What ever you can do would be helpful.  Email or call Desiree if you are interested: desilowit@gmail.com or 695-7589!

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Amherst SEPAC Parent Workshops co sponsored with Belchertown PAC:
October 17th, 2007, 7-9 PM Belchertown Chestnut Hill School Library
 "transitioning for older students 16 + with the Federation for Children with Special Needs
January 16th, 2007, 7-9 PM Belchertown Chestnut Hill School Library
Basic Rights Workshop with the Federation for Children with Special Needs

Social Skills Workshop for Parents-Wednesday, Sept. 26th, 6-8 PM

Location:  Whole Children 8 River Drive, Hadley  For more info: 585-8010

Speaker: Kathleen Becker is a speech and language pathologist who has worked with children with language and social skills issues since 1977. Preregistration is required. Cost is $35.  Also check out all the other great programs and fun things they have to offer at www.wholechildren.org

 

Scholarship for People with Autism from the Organization for Autism Research
www.researchautism.org/news/otherevents/Scholarship.asp
If you're autistic and headed to post-high school studies - this scholarship is for you. And it's about time! Here are the details, from the Organization for Autism Research press release:

OAR is proud to announce the Schwallie Family Scholarship Program, established by OAR Board member, Ed Schwallie, and his family through a gift from the Schwallie Family Foundation. The intent of the program is to award three, $3,000 scholarships annually to individuals with an autism spectrum disorder attending college or pursuing post-secondary trade, technical, or vocational training. Applications will be grouped in three categories: students attending four-year colleges, students attending two-year colleges, and persons with autism matriculating in trade schools or technical and vocational training programs. OAR will make an award in each category, assuming there are qualified candidates.
In establishing this program, OAR Board member Ed Schwallie said, "Having one adult son who has autism and another with Asperger Syndrome, my wife, Marge, and I believe strongly in the intelligence, ability, and potential of young men and women with autism and Asperger Syndrome. This scholarship program is an opportunity to put that belief into action and make a positivedifference for some young persons with autism and their families."
          If you're interested in applying for this scholarship, all of the details are available on the OAR website. Most importantly, the deadline for this grant opportunity is SEPTEMBER 28, 2007. You'll need proof of an ASD diagnosis, proof of acceptance at a post-high school institution, a letter of recommendation and a personal essay to apply.
Scholarship money will be available to apply to fees in the spring, 2008 semester.  Good luck!
         The web site is www.researchautism.org/news/otherevents/Scholarship.asp

PLEASE NOTE: The deadline is September 28th.

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Accepting Applications for 2008 Summer Interns

   
AAPD is now accepting applications for the 2008 Summer Internship Programs. Details and the application are available on the AAPD website (look under Leadership Development): www.AAPD.com 

Applications are due FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2007. 

   

Thank you for your consideration,  

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

Phone: 202-457-0046 (v/tty) or 800-840-8844 (v/tty)

Fax: 202-457-0473

Website: www.aapd.com

 

 

New Resource-Tutoring Service:

 

UMass will be offering a class on Language and Literacy instruction for children with disabilities to graduate students at UMass.  Many of the students are in training to be special education teachers, though some students are in the school psychology program and other teacher education programs at the university.  As part of the course, I'll be teaching my students to provide individualized literacy interventions to kids who are struggling in reading, writing, and/or spelling.  UMass is looking for Amherst area parents who would be interested in receiving free tutoring for a child who is struggling with some aspect of literacy.  The tutoring would be twice weekly, the schedule to be worked out between the UMass student and the child's parents. There will be interest in a wide range of ages -- from kindergarten through high school.
If you would be interested in this or want more info please contact Margy Pierce.

Dr. Margaret Pierce
University of Massachusetts Amherst
School of Education
166 Hills House South
413 545-2323         mpierce@educ.umass.edu <mailto:mpierce@educ.umass.edu>

 

ART FOR ALL:

I am writing in regards to Art For All (A4A), an inclusion art program that we offer at Amherst Community Arts Center (ACAC). Art for All offers young people the opportunity to work with clay and express themselves in a creative environment that respects the unique circumstances of all children, with and without special needs. The class is staffed with two art teachers, a visiting OTR/L and teaching assistants. ACAC is handicap accessible including an adaptable wheel for various chairs including wheel chairs.

 

A4A is about to go into its second year and we are in the process of promoting the program and recruiting new students. It is a primarily grant funded program, which allows us to keep the cost of registration very low: $50 per student. The spring session begins Wednesday April 25th and will run for 10 weeks from 4-5:30pm. We hope to continue the program throughout 2007 with another session in the summer and in the fall.

 

ACAC is an organization devoted to furthering visual arts education in the Pioneer Valley where people of all ages and abilities can come together and learn about art and creating. We are located just below the center of Amherst, on the bus line. We've been offering classes and workshops to the greater Amherst area for 8 years.  We are looking forward to another wonderful year of Art For All!
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I am currently reaching out to community organizations, various agencies, and special education departments and teachers within the schools to promote the program and raise awareness. If you know if children who might enjoy and benefit from A4A, please pass on the information. If you have any questions about it, please feel free to contact me!

Sincerely, Hillary Milens,  Executive Director,   Amherst Community Arts Center   www.amherstarts.org

 

Springfield PAC Workshop

They offer some great workshops.  Check out the website below for dates and times.  The October meeting is one you won’t want to miss, actually this year we have some very exciting workshops planned – (all based on the voting parents did at our June meeting.)  Chaos Control, Organization for Families; Now is the Time.  Leslie Arriola from Systems & Solutions for CHAOS CONTROL is a professional organizer who will be helping our families with tips and guidelines you can apply to your own family situation.  This meeting will be from 6-8 p.m. with support from 8-9 p.m. November’s meeting has not been confirmed but our December 5th meeting was the winner of votes from our June meeting.  We will be hosting beating the Homework Wars with Caroline Maguire from 7-9 p.m. with our hour of support beginning at 6 p.m.  Please see our website for further updates and PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE TIMES OF MEETINGS, this year to accommodate our speakers some meetings start at 6 with support following and others start at 7 with support beforehand.  Each is different so MARK IT.  http://sps.springfield.ma.us/pac/

Workshops are held at the Professional Development Center, (located in the rear parking lot of the High School of Science/Technology, which is located at 1250 State Street, Springfield, MA   01109) Babysitting, raffles, support time is available and will run from 6-8 p.m. 

Call:   413-787-7194    E-mail: purchased@sps.springfield.ma.us    Visit website:  http://www.sps.springfield.ma.us/pac/

 

Learning@ARPS.ORG  sign up for this newsletter to get up to date info on meetings and other info on what is happening in our schools.  Stay informed and learn the facts

 

HIGHLIGHTS CALENDAR – Mark your calendars

 

Amherst SEPAC Calendar:

October 17th, 2007, 7-9 PM Belchertown Chestnut Hill School Library
 "transitioning for older students 16 + with the Federation for Children with Special Needs
January 16th, 2007, 7-9 PM Belchertown Chestnut Hill School Library
Basic Rights Workshop with the Federation for Children with Special Needs

 

 

ONGOING EVENTS 

Whole Children Classes: CHECK OUT THE NEW GYM, MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS AND FALL CLASS SCHEDULE AT www.wholechildren.org Whole Children is a non-profit resource center for families raising children with many different types of special needs, including ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Downs Syndrome and Sensory Integration issues.  They invite the community to take part in their great classes such as Gymnastics, Art & Movement, Martial Arts Aikido, Yoga-play, and Yoga for Parents, Creative Dance, Theater/social skills, Singing & Drumming, Music Together, and others!  Admissions are rolling, so if anyone is interested in these classes they can get in touch anytime.  For complete details check out their website: www.wholechildren.org or give them a call at 585-8010.    8 River Drive in Hadley

TRANSITION SERVICES:   If your son or daughter is between the ages of 18-22, and you are looking for a program that gets students into the community for work, volunteering, recreation, and overnight stays at a real apartment-we have the school for you.   The United Arc of Franklin and Hampshire Counties has two types of programs that might be of interest to you. For more info contact:  Tom Bruffee, Director of School Services, at 413-774-5558 x1014 or tombruffee@unitedarc.org

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (AIC) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS  Check it out for great day long educational programs  Go To:  http://www.aic.edu  and then go to Professional Development Series   Many great programs coming up.  They have had some great workshops in the past, so be sure to check in and see what is coming up this year.   Register online

THE NURTURED HEART APPROACH WORKSHOPS:
The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is a set of strategies developed to transform children from using their intensity in primarily negative ways to using their intensity in beautifully creative and constructive ways.  Originally developed for the parents of children with ADHD and spectrum disorders, NHA has been found to be highly beneficial for all children.
To register or have questions contact Mother Woman 413-253-8990 or melanie@motherwoman.org

WEB LINKS

Schools

ARHS Parent Center

Amherst Regional Public Schools

Amherst Education Foundation, Inc.

Laws and Regulations

Massachusetts Special Education Laws and Regulations

IDEA Federal Laws and Regulations

504 Regulations

Implementing IDEA - Guide for Principals

Access to Records under IDEA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Access Rights To Student Records

No Child Left Behind

State Physical Restraint Regulation

 Parent Resources

 

Favorite Web Links

Wrightslaw Special Education Law

]Learning Disabilities Online

Schwablearning- Parents helping parents

Concord Sped PAC - Great Web site!!

Massachusetts Parent Advisory Council (MASSPAC)

From Emotions to Advocacy-Wrightslaw

 

Amherst Pelham Special Education Parent Advisory Council 

Website:   Being developed

Contact:   amherstpelhamspedpac@comcast.net

 

Parent Support Representatives

 

We have SEPAC Support Representatives for each school to help provide parent –to – parent support.  If you have children at different schools, these parents may be able to give you some support related to your school.  Feel free to call if you have questions.

Crocker Farm:  Jeannine Burbank, 256-8606, burbankjeannine@hotmail.com

Marks Meadow:  Kimberly Broderick, 549-0020, kimberleybroderick@yahoo.com

Pelham Schools:  Barbara Irving, 253-2062, irvingb@verizon.net

<![if !supportLists]>Ø       <![endif]>Fort River:  Pam  Brigham, 256-1951, pamberwald@gmail.com

Wildwood:  Noreen Mascis, 253-9165 cmar_mascis@hotmail.com  & Emily Juster  549-3730, emilytori@aol.com

Leverett Elementary Special Education PAC:  Diana Bella, 549-6125, dianabella@usadatanet.net 

ARMS: Denise Andler, 256-1187, denise.andler@state.ma.us

ARHS: Lisa Musante, 549-5865,

SEPAC Chair:  Desiree Lowit, 695-7589, desilowit@gmail.com

SEPAC Co-Chair: Gail Hoyle, 256-0023, amherstpelhamspedpac@comcast.net

SEPAC Co-Chair: Denise Andler, 256-1187, denise.andler@state.ma.us     

 

 

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FALL SOCCER


 There is still time to sign up for the Special Olympics fall soccer program.  If you are  looking for a low key '"accepting" program for your children to participate in this would be the perfect program to try.  Details about the season, practices, and contacts are below.  Practices have started, but not too late to join - come on down or give us a call for more information.

Most of the teams are Unified Teams that include athletes and typically developing partners. We usually have several volunteers from the UMass speech disorders program help out. Our typical practice consists of a half hour of warm ups, water break, half hour of drills, water break, and half hour of scrimmage. Children age 6 and older- can