Press Releases from ARPS

The financial consultant working with the Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) is reviewing his findings in response to questions and comments from the RSDPB and the public. The report is part of a process whereby the RSDPB is considering whether to recommend that a new region for elementary schools (through grade 6) replace the separate town-based districts in Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury. The consultant has identified the need to adjust the possible distribution of education costs to towns for a new educational Region. Other changes may be made before a new report is issued.

The Amherst Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) has announced a series of community forums to to gather feedback and facilitate further discussion about potential regionalization of elementary schools.  The RSDPB has scheduled a forum in each of the four towns prior to the Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) vote on Saturday March 9.

Beginning on February 13 through March 2, each town’s three-person Regional School District Planning Committee will host a forum for residents to provide feedback in advance of a recommendation by the RSDPB:

On Saturday February 2, 2013 a “Report to Our Communities” meeting will be hosted by the Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) of Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury. This is an opportunity for the public to hear directly from consultants about their findings relative to possible regionalization of the four town’s elementary schools. The two consultants were tasked with providing information about current and potential finances and education. Mark Abrahams will present on financial matters and Malcolm Reid will present on educational matters. Time for audience questions about these reports will be provided. The session will be held at the Amherst Regional Middle School auditorium from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. 

 State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education grant enables Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury to comprehensively assess regionalization of elementary education

After six decades of being regionalized for middle and high school, town leaders of Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and Shutesbury are exploring options to regionalize their elementary school systems.  A recent Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regionalization grant award provides the 2012 initiative with the ability to determine whether there are financial and educational benefits to merging into a single region for elementary schools and to develop the structure for such a region that meets the unique needs of each town.

During the Amherst/South Hadley boys’ varsity basketball game on Monday, January 14, an Amherst player intentionally ran into and knocked over the South Hadley coach along the sidelines. Both incidents occurred within a short period of only two to three minutes. Amherst Regional High School officials conducted a thorough investigation which included interviews with Amherst coaches and players as well as review of two separate video tapes of the game.

On Monday, January 7, a fire completely destroyed the home of an Amherst family.  Both parents and three children escaped unharmed. With permission from the family, a fund was immediately established  to accept contributions from community members. The Peshkov family is extremely grateful for all the support they have received since the fire.

 December 14, 2012

Amherst Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone and Superintendent of Schools Maria Geryk would like to remind drivers of the importance of stopping for school buses with red flashing lights. The Amherst Police Department participates annually in programs designed to promote pedestrian safety such as Operation Yellow Blitz, National Walk and Bike to School Day and Safe Routes to School. The police department also works together with the Amherst School Department and local bus companies following up on reports of drivers not stopping for school buses.

Maria Geryk, Superintendent of the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts, was informed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of an upcoming Coordinated Program Review that will be taking place this school year. As part of this Coordinated Program Review, Department staff will visit the district on February 4-8 2013 for the Amherst Public Schools, January 22, 2013 for the Pelham Public Schools and January 8-11, 2013 for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools.

An Appeal from Superintendent Maria Geryk:

I am excited to announce the restructured Amherst Afterschool Program in collaborative partnership with the Amherst Public Schools, Town of Amherst and two non-profit organizations: Capacidad and Marks Meadow Afterschool. This program is designed to meet the needs of all elementary students to ensure equity and accessibility. As you may know, research provides evidence that youth who spend more time in afterschool programs may derive greater academic benefits than youth who spend less time. Perhaps most importantly, evidence shows that academically at risk youth may benefit more from participation in afterschool programs than their higher achieving peers.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western MA Chapter announced that the ARHS Future Business Leaders of America will receive the annual award for Outstanding Young Philanthropist/Fundraiser of Hampshire County. The group, under the direction of faculty advisor, Missy Shea, was nominated by Cooley Dickinson Hospital for their ‘Canes for the Cure campaign which benefits cancer research.

“Over 40,000 people across North America join in this AFP-sponsored celebration of the generosity, time and financial support of individuals and companies,” said Gary Coombs, Board President of AFP, Western Massachusetts. “Their exceptional efforts inspire others to become involved.”