ARHS Morning Announcements

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Did you all know this is the first time the state of Massachusetts will officially recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday! Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. It is also called Freedom Day! All students who are currently enrolled in English classes will examine this Juneteenth Slideshow! which explores so many educational and interactive community events this weekend--all centered around this important day. If you don't have an English class today, please open the slides and learn about the panels, community parties, reception, and civil war events (including about the 54th regiment of black soldiers, some from our area!) happening in OUR town! Teachers may give extra credit if you attend these events (ask!).

Can you run from the front of the school to the bus waiting for you? That's all we need for you to sign on as a cross-country runner on next year's edition of the ARHS boys team. Meet at the tree on the football field at 2:30 on Tuesday, June 22, for all the information you need to train wisely and prepare for a season of outdoor adventure and camaraderie. Do the right thing! I'm talking you you, ultimate players!

Football meeting Update! Are you interested in joining the football team next fall? Come meet the new coach in the high school gymnasium on Monday June 21st at 3:30 pm. We hope to see you there!--

We have three new one-time Alternative Learning Program elective course offerings (Unlike our Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish courses, they will not satisfy world language requirements for colleges).

The ALP courses are:
The History of Rock’N’Roll-ALP
Credits: [2]
Prerequisite: None
Teacher: Frank Vaissiere

This course will study the history of Rock’N’Roll and the social changes it did bring about in the past 70 years. Students will examine the early musical styles that led to the creation of Rock’N’Roll of the 1950s, the British Invasion of the 1960s, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock, New Wave, Goth Rock, Grunge, and other styles of the twenty-first century. The course will have an emphasis on societal, political, cultural, and sartorial contexts and on the music itself. Students will develop active listening skills and the ability to discuss Rock music through readings assignments, group discussions, oral presentations, writings essays, and tests.
_________________________________________________________________

Conversational Italian-ALP
Credits: [2]
Prerequisite: None
Teacher: Frank Vaissiere

This course meets the needs of high school students, 9-12, beginning the study of Italian. Emphasis is on developing oral proficiency and listening comprehension. Reading and writing skills will be addressed in introductory activities to reinforce oral and listening skills. Cultural aspects of the language will be introduced on an ongoing basis. Homework is to be expected daily.

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Its Wellness Wednesday
Today's tip: Fight back against procrastination

Do you ever find yourself putting off getting started on homework, projects or an important task? In those moments, can you find ANYTHING else to do (even clean your room?)
Well, you are in good company! Researchers at DePaul University found that more than 80% of us procrastinate some of the time. And, its not always easy to find your way back to the task, is it? It's also not a matter of time management or laziness!
The trick, of course, is to find what works for YOU, to get unstuck.
Here are some ideas:
1. Talk about it! Being able to share your concerns with people you trust can help keep you accountable.
2. Reflect on your past patterns and find 1 thing to do differently: If you are someone who historically waits till the last day to open the assignment and get started.. make a small change by opening it up 2 or 3 days before its due.
3. Be Kind to yourself: Procrastination is not a character flaw. Its a way we navigate things that may be hard or cognitively taxing for example. Recognizing negative self talk and changing it with something kind (like what you would say to a friend) can help
4. Get some help getting started: If you are writing a paper, for example, ask for help with prompts, an outline or talk out your thesis, for example.
5. Reward yourself: Yep, tried and true strategy here.. Plan a get together with friends or something that will help you celebrate victory!
6. Jump RIGHT in! Motivation follows Action, or so the saying goes.

Need more ideas? Reach out to teachers, counselors or other trusted adults. We are here to help!

We have three new one-time Alternative Learning Program elective course offerings (Unlike our Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish courses, they will not satisfy world language requirements for colleges).

The ALP courses are:
The History of Rock’N’Roll-ALP
Credits: [2]
Prerequisite: None
Teacher: Frank Vaissiere

This course will study the history of Rock’N’Roll and the social changes it did bring about in the past 70 years. Students will examine the early musical styles that led to the creation of Rock’N’Roll of the 1950s, the British Invasion of the 1960s, Heavy Metal, Punk Rock, New Wave, Goth Rock, Grunge, and other styles of the twenty-first century. The course will have an emphasis on societal, political, cultural, and sartorial contexts and on the music itself. Students will develop active listening skills and the ability to discuss Rock music through readings assignments, group discussions, oral presentations, writings essays, and tests.
_________________________________________________________________

Conversational Italian-ALP
Credits: [2]
Prerequisite: None
Teacher: Frank Vaissiere

This course meets the needs of high school students, 9-12, beginning the study of Italian. Emphasis is on developing oral proficiency and listening comprehension. Reading and writing skills will be addressed in introductory activities to reinforce oral and listening skills. Cultural aspects of the language will be introduced on an ongoing basis. Homework is to be expected daily.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

The Amherst Hurricane Boosters needs your help this summer.
We’re looking for volunteers who would like to assist with some important projects that are going to make all Amherst Regional sports teams even better.
Whatever time you can donate — even if it’s just a couple of hours this entire summer you could help us with...
- A new Hurricane Alley Trophy Case so we can display our teams’ championship seasons and other awards with pride.
- A September golf tournament and more events that are going to raise thousands for college scholarships and much needed equipment.
- A new web page and could use your help writing content, taking photos, and posting to social media.
If you’re interested, please complete this quick form!
Are you interested in joining the girls soccer team next fall? Come meet the new coach in the high school gymnasium on June 17th at 3pm. We hope to see you there!
Are you interested in joining the football team next fall? Come meet the new coach in the high school gymnasium on June 18th at 3:30 pm. We hope to see you there!
Please check out the June issue of The Graphic, complete with 17 great new stories by senior writers from the LGBTQ Literature/Journalism combo lit class.
http://thegraphic.arps.org/
Stories include: examining comfort dog Winston’s role at school, teacher retirees, the return to in-person school, pandemic jobs, the musical, gap years, body art, nature outings during COVID, and much much more! Happy reading!

2021/22 AP Physics students, there will be a brief but important meeting on Thursday (6/17) at 2:30 to discuss summer work-- I promise that it is not too bad. You can either attend in-person (Room 225) or remotely (Google Meet Name: MrW_AP_Physics). Please reach out if you have any questions: woodruffn@arps.org.

With just two weeks left in the school year, now is a great time to return any overdue or checked-out library books! Not sure what you have out? Check your inbox for an email from the library or stop by the library to look up your record!

Printmaking is a NEW Summer School Art class being offered. Learn the basics and some new techniques in the summer school Printmaking course! This course is open to all students, no matter how much art experience you have. We'll explore themes of personal significance as we carve images into printing blocks, create collagraphs, explore monotype, and create stencils to screen print onto paper and fabric.

Monday, June 14, 2021

2021/22 AP Physics students, there will be a brief but important meeting on Thursday (6/17) at 2:30 to discuss summer work-- I promise that it is not too bad. You can either attend in-person (Room 225) or remotely (Google Meet Name: MrW_AP_Physics). Please reach out if you have any questions: woodruffn@arps.org.
With just two weeks left in the school year, now is a great time to return any overdue or checked-out library books! Not sure what you have out? Check your inbox for an email from the library or stop by the library to look up your record!

Printmaking is a NEW Summer School Art class being offered. Learn the basics and some new techniques in the summer school Printmaking course! This course is open to all students, no matter how much art experience you have. We'll explore themes of personal significance as we carve images into printing blocks, create collagraphs, explore monotype, and create stencils to screen print onto paper and fabric.

Thursday, June 10, 2021

TODAY IS EARLY RELEASE @ NOON

Are you interested in joining the girls soccer team next fall? Come meet the new coach in the high school gymnasium on June 17th at 3pm. We hope to see you there!

Are you interested in joining the football team next fall? Come meet the new coach in the high school gymnasium on June 18th at 3:30 pm. We hope to see you there!

With just two weeks left in the school year, now is a great time to return any overdue or checked-out library books! Not sure what you have out? Check your inbox for an email from the library or stop by the library to look up your record!

Printmaking is a NEW Summer School Art class being offered. Learn the basics and some new techniques in the summer school Printmaking course! This course is open to all students, no matter how much art experience you have. We'll explore themes of personal significance as we carve images into printing blocks, create collagraphs, explore monotype, and create stencils to screen print onto paper and fabric.

CURRENT 10th and 11th graders:
We are looking for a wide-range of students who would be excited to give tours to incoming new students for 3-4 hours one day during the last week of summer break! This is an opportunity to show or develop your leadership skills, build connections with new people, and help welcome our newcomers to our community. If you are interested, please fill out this google form by June 23rd.

Have you turned in a Chromebook for repair to the library? We need you to pick up your fixed Chromebook ASAP! Bring your loaner device and/or loaner charger to the library to exchange for your assigned device so that you do not get charged for a missing computer at the end of the year. See Ms. Stocker or Emily in the library with questions.

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Its Wellness Wednesday:
This week's tip: Stay Hydrated!

On hot days like we've had this week, it's good to be reminded of the benefits of staying hydrated for our physical, emotional and cognitive health!

Good Hydration is linked to improved digestion, an even more regulated mood and contributes to a healthy heart. Staying hydrated also helps us maintain healthy sleep, reduces headaches & gives us more energy.
There are MANY more benefits of hydration! Can you think of others?

How much water should you be drinking? According to many health experts (and my Mom), you should drink about eight 8 oz glasses of water a day (about a 1/2 gallon)

Why? Well, our bodies are made up of about 60% water and we loose water throughout the day. Drinking just when we are thirsty could be a sign that we are already getting dehydrated!

Grab your water bottle and fill it up!
An exciting opportunity for high school students this summer: a 2-week summer program about Identity and Diversity in downtown Springfield, offered by the UMass Philosophy Department. The program, which is called “Question Everything,” is designed as a bridge-to-college experience in which participants learn to think more critically and creatively about life’s big questions in a supportive and fun environment. It’s fully funded: all participants receive full scholarships. More information is on our website. Not School Sponsored
Looking to do some theater nearby this summer? Join the Pelham Players! Actors ages 9-18 are welcome in this free program, and kids of all experience levels are encouraged to join. Join us at our outdoor, distanced planning meeting this coming Saturday (6/12) at noon at the Pelham Library to register and find a role. Rehearsals will start July 5th and continue most evenings and weekend afternoons through performances on July 23rd and 24th. Questions? Can’t make the planning session, but want to join? Contact Solomon, the director, at Solomon_Goldstein-Rose@alumni.brown.edu.Not School Sponsored

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Looking to do some theater nearby this summer? Join the Pelham Players! Actors ages 9-18 are welcome in this free program, and kids of all experience levels are encouraged to join. Join us at our outdoor, distanced planning meeting this coming Saturday (6/12) at noon at the Pelham Library to register and find a role. Rehearsals will start July 5th and continue most evenings and weekend afternoons through performances on July 23rd and 24th. Questions? Can’t make the planning session, but want to join? Contact Solomon, the director, at Solomon_Goldstein-Rose@alumni.brown.edu.

The long-awaited, delayed by remote learning issue of the ARHS literary magazine - The Minks - is now available online! Thanks to the writers and visual artists who submitted pieces for this issue.

The Literary Club is still accepting submissions now for a special back-to-school edition of The Minks for this coming September. Submit poems, essays, stories, etc. to minks@arps.org.

Are you interested in making new friends, team traditions, and a supportive community all while running?! Then, come to the girls ARXC pre-season meeting on June 9 at 2:30 pm at the tree across from the athletic entrance to get more information on our schedule, team dynamic and summer running. We hope to see you there! - Contact Sylvia at goldsmans@arps.org and April at schillingaf@arps.org if you have any questions!

Monday, June 7, 2021

The long-awaited, delayed by remote learning issue of the ARHS literary magazine - The Minks - is now available online! Thanks to the writers and visual artists who submitted pieces for this issue.

The Literary Club is still accepting submissions now for a special back-to-school edition of The Minks for this coming September. Submit poems, essays, stories, etc. to minks@arps.org.

Are you interested in making new friends, team traditions, and a supportive community all while running?! Then, come to the girls ARXC pre-season meeting on June 9 at 2:30 pm at the tree across from the athletic entrance to get more information on our schedule, team dynamic and summer running. We hope to see you there! - Contact Sylvia at goldsmans@arps.org and April at schillingaf@arps.org if you have any questions!

The Teacher Collaborative is offering FREE College Course Credits! Courses focus on social justice & combating inequality- there is a Humanities course AND a math course available! Each course offers 2 credits from UMASS Boston. Interested? Fill out this form!

Friday, June 4, 2021

The long-awaited, delayed by remote learning issue of the ARHS literary magazine - The Minks - is now available online! Thanks to the writers and visual artists who submitted pieces for this issue.

The Literary Club is still accepting submissions now for a special back-to-school edition of The Minks for this coming September. Submit poems, essays, stories, etc. to minks@arps.org.

Are you a Junior or Senior looking for fun, flexible summer work? During lunch blocks on Thursday and Friday, members of the Town of Amherst's Public Health Department, who collaborate with our police department, will be recruiting students for their summer Ambassador program. Students can work between 6-19 hours a week for helping out at events, such as the Farmer's Market and public health clinics. Interested? Keep your eye out for an information table this Thursday and Friday during the lunch blocks."

It's here! ARHS presents The Sound of Music - a fully-outdoor live musical theater production, just in time to celebrate the end of the school year.
Come check out the work of scores of actors, techies, and musicians that have built this wonderful show from the ground up. With nearly 100 student involved, chances are there's someone you know in the show.
Due to the threat of rain this Thursday, we're postponing the opening night and moving this show to Sunday evening instead. Thursday ticket holders will receive an email with details, and all Thursday tickets will be honored for Sunday's show. Friday and Saturday performances are still on as planned.
Don't have a ticket yet? Get them here at bit.ly/arhssomtix or see Mr. Bechtold in person. If we are sold out, consider adding your name to the waitlist - we expect to let some folks in from the waitlist each night.
See you this weekend!

The Sound of Music is looking for a few more ushers to help with the musical this weekend! If you've wanted to be involved with the musical this year but couldn't because of other commitments, this is a great way to still help out and be part of this major ARHS event. Interested? Stop by the library or email Ms. Stocker at stockere@arps.org!

Are you interested in making new friends, team traditions, and a supportive community all while running?! Then, come to the girls ARXC pre-season meeting on June 9 at 2:30 pm at the tree across from the athletic entrance to get more information on our schedule, team dynamic and summer running. We hope to see you there! - Contact Sylvia at goldsmans@arps.org and April at schillingaf@arps.org if you have any questions!

The Teacher Collaborative is offering FREE College Course Credits! Courses focus on social justice & combating inequality- there is a Humanities course AND a math course available! Each course offers 2 credits from UMASS Boston. Interested? Fill out this form!

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Are you a Junior or Senior looking for fun, flexible summer work? During lunch blocks on Thursday and Friday, members of the Town of Amherst's Public Health Department, who collaborate with our police department, will be recruiting students for their summer Ambassador program. Students can work between 6-19 hours a week for helping out at events, such as the Farmer's Market and public health clinics. Interested? Keep your eye out for an information table this Thursday and Friday during the lunch blocks."

It's here! ARHS presents The Sound of Music - a fully-outdoor live musical theater production, just in time to celebrate the end of the school year.
Come check out the work of scores of actors, techies, and musicians that have built this wonderful show from the ground up. With nearly 100 student involved, chances are there's someone you know in the show.
Due to the threat of rain this Thursday, we're postponing the opening night and moving this show to Sunday evening instead. Thursday ticket holders will receive an email with details, and all Thursday tickets will be honored for Sunday's show. Friday and Saturday performances are still on as planned.
Don't have a ticket yet? Get them here at bit.ly/arhssomtix or see Mr. Bechtold in person. If we are sold out, consider adding your name to the waitlist - we expect to let some folks in from the waitlist each night.
See you this weekend!

The Sound of Music is looking for a few more ushers to help with the musical this weekend! If you've wanted to be involved with the musical this year but couldn't because of other commitments, this is a great way to still help out and be part of this major ARHS event. Interested? Stop by the library or email Ms. Stocker at stockere@arps.org!

Are you interested in making new friends, team traditions, and a supportive community all while running?! Then, come to the girls ARXC pre-season meeting on June 9 at 2:30 pm at the tree across from the athletic entrance to get more information on our schedule, team dynamic and summer running. We hope to see you there! - Contact Sylvia at goldsmans@arps.org and April at schillingaf@arps.org if you have any questions!

The Teacher Collaborative is offering FREE College Course Credits! Courses focus on social justice & combating inequality- there is a Humanities course AND a math course available! Each course offers 2 credits from UMASS Boston. Interested? Fill out this form!