Friday, February 12, 2021
A moment in Black History brought to you by Khalila Lord Arond
Lucille Bogan-
Lucille Bogan, also known as Bessie Jackson, was born in 1897 and died in 1948. She is amongst one of the first female blues singers/songwriters to be recorded, and she is considered one of the "big three of blues music". Many of her songs have been recorded by later jazz and blues musicians, and one of her most famous songs is "Til the Cows Come Home". Bessie Jackson revolutionized the use of curses in her songs, and often sang about sexually explicit things. She was ahead of her time, because women talking about their sexuality was not accepted until at least 40 years later, though some could argue it is still taboo presently. Even though Bessie Jackson was labeled a "dirty blues artist" in her time, she did not stop empowering women through her songs and she should be remembered.On Monday February 22, we will highlight Bishop John Hurst Adams
- We’re checking in with you to see if you have picked up your books and other materials for 2nd semester. If you do not have them yet, please let us know if you plan on coming to the school to get them today, tomorrow, or Friday, during your lunch break or after school. Or if you need us to deliver them to your home if so please email Ms. Rodriguez at rodriguezl@arps.org
- Teen Lounge at Jones Library is going virtual! We’re joining up with the teen departments at Chicopee and Forbes libraries to offer a virtual teen lounge for area teens ages 13-18 on our shared Discord server. You can participate in the server via text, voice, and/or video. This is a place to hang out and chat with friends and meet some new folks from around the Valley. We also have plans to offer programming such as trivia and gaming, watch parties, crafting, etc. so let us know what type of activities you want to see happen there! Join us at the kickoff party on Friday 2/12 (that's today!!!) from 3-4pm to play some games with a chance to win prizes! To get an invite to the teen-only server, please fill out this short form: tinyurl.com/
joneslibteensdiscord. Send any comments or questions to teens@joneslibrary.org
- Cybersecurity ExternshipIf you are interested in working in this field and can commit to the program during the month of June, please email me, Deidre Cuffee-Gray (cuffee-grayd@arps.org) with your interest. Here’s the link that will take you to more information about it.Expectations: Students wanting to attend must be interested in exploring the field and be able to commit fully. This is an all-or-nothing opportunity, meaning if a student signs up, they must see the commitment through to the end. Ideally slots will preference students underserved in STEM.Format: The externships take place after school, typically, as well as on one Saturday. The students participate in groups in competition with other groups (often students from around the country or them world), listen to presentations from professionals in the fields, and learn about educational paths, etc. Student reviews so far are very strong.
- SENIORS: Check your email for an email going out 2/12 from Miss Garrity containing the long-awaited Scholarship Book, containing over 50 scholarship opportunities! February break is a great time to start on your applications!
Hey Seniors you are all invited to a virtual senior meeting on February 26th at 9:00am! You will hear from administrators and other adult leaders regarding prom, graduation, scholarships, senior exemption etc. You will also have the opportunity to network with some of your peers as well. Check your email after break for the GoogleMeet link. See you ALL then 2021!
Now in its 36th year, the ARHS Student-Written Play Festival has helped pave the way for everyone from first-time script-writers to alumni Pulitzer awardees in drama. Why not use this break to write a short play that could end up staged by the Theater Company this spring?
Even if you have only the tiniest bit of curiosity about Student-Writtens, you should definitely plan to attend a 3:00-3:30 meeting this Thursday about writing for our 2021 Festival. Details on script submissions, advice for getting started, and the format of the Festival this spring will all be addressed. Newcomers are especially welcome, regardless of your level of experience with any of this. We'd love to see you!The meeting will be held at: https://meet.google.com/bwt-xndy-putGoogle Meet Nickname: studentwrittensGot a question or two? Contact Mr. Bechtold at bechtolj@arps.org.
Are you interested in publishing your artwork or creative writing, and are you passionate about environmental action? If so, consider submitting your art masterpieces to the Amherst Art for Clean Energy student anthology, co-created by Amherst Sunrise and Amherst Regional High School students. We are compiling written and visual art inspired by nature and/or environmental action, made by Amherst students or residents ages 5-18. After reviewing submissions, we will publish them and sell the final anthology to the general Amherst community. 100% of the profits will go toward converting coal energy to clean energy through the Beyond Coal™ organization. Submit your artwork here: www.bit.ly/artforcleanenergy! The deadline to submit is April 7, 2021. If you have any questions, please email artforcleanenergy@gmail.com.
