Amherst PTA
Summer 2022
President's Message
I hope you are enjoying the summer! There's still a lot of time left, and we don't want to rush it by talking about going back to school, but...we just wanted to take this opportunity to connect and give you some useful information :)
- The first day of school for grades 1-8 is August 30th. Preschool and Kindergarten begin August 31st.
- Membership registration is open for the 2022-2023 school year. Joining is easy - see below for details. (Here's the link to join: https://amherstnhpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/191833)
- We need volunteers! Get the process started - see below for details!
- We're participating in the Clear the List initiative! Support a teacher by buying something from their wish list - see below for the link!
- Save the date! The Clark Wilkins Ice Cream Social is on the calendar for September 8th.
This year, Christine and I are beginning our second and final terms as Vice President and President, respectively. We are excited about what the next two years will hold. I'd like to ask you to consider serving on the board in the future. Now is a great time to get involved, and see what board positions are all about. We welcome you to shadow any one of us; we're happy to show you the ropes to see if it's something you'd like to do.
As always, you can reach out to us at any time at amherstptanh@gmail.com.
If you need me, I'll be soaking up the rest of the summer...
Katie Fantasia
PTA President
Membership
Every year, you hear us ask you to join PTA. This year is no different. But, we're just going to lay it all out there for you this time.
Nothing can happen without members and volunteers. We try to put on as many events as possible, fundraise for our amazing schools, engage the community, support our students, teachers, and staff, and support community events. Let me tell you, it's not easy.
We have a core group of volunteers that we call on for anything and everything. We are incredibly thankful for them. And we have lots of people that sign up for one time events to volunteer or donate items. We're incredibly grateful for them, too. And lunch volunteers - well, you rock!
But we need more help. We couldn't have a table on the green at this year's July 4th celebration because no one was available to help. We know that it's a busy time, and people want to be with families, or may have other plans. The thing is, if we had more members and volunteers, and 5 people could spare an hour to help, we'd have been able to cover it.
We want to have so many events this year, but without people to lead them and volunteer, they just won't happen. Here are just a few we're working on:
- Welcome Back Ice Cream Social
- Family Fun Night
- Read-a-Thon Fundraiser at Clark Wilkins
- Booster Pledge-a-Thon at AMS
- Holiday Storytime
- Math and Science Night
Please, won't you consider joining the Amherst PTA this year?
Even if your schedule doesn't allow you to volunteer at events, the simple act of joining is a great way to show your support for the work that we do. It's easy to join. Here's the link: https://amherstnhpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/191833
Volunteers Needed!
If you would like to volunteer, we encourage you to begin the process as soon as possible. The process does take some time, and we want everyone to be ready for the start of the school year! If you have already completed this process though SAU39, you do not have to do it again.
Here's what you need to do:
1. Pick up a packet at the SAU office (the Brick School), and fill out the requested information. Summer hours may change, so please call before you head over (603-673-2690).
2. Stop by the Amherst Police Department to have your fingerprints taken. No appointment is necessary.
3. Get your application notarized. The SAU office does have someone on staff that is a notary, but they are not in the office every day. You can call 603-673-2690 to find out their availability. The Amherst Town Library and some local banks also have notary services.
4. Bring everything back to the SAU office with a check made out to the State of New Hampshire for $21.25. Upon approval, the PTA will be notified, and you will be able to be scheduled for volunteer shifts.
The direct email to our Volunteer Coordinator, Nathan Greer, is aptavolunteer@gmail.com. If you'd like to be a lunch volunteer, please drop him a line and let him know!
(In July 2020, the Amherst School Board adopted a new Volunteer Policy which requires potential volunteers to have a background check and be fingerprinted before being scheduled for volunteer duties. You can find the full policy here: https://www.sau39.org/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=4016&dataid=10231&FileName=IJOC_Amherst%20Only.pdf)
Principals and Popsicles! - August 12th, 3:00pm at AMS
A message from our new AMS Principal, Kristen Gauthier:
I...want you to know that I believe wholeheartedly in the power of strong family-student-school partnerships. To kick off this partnership, I would like to invite you to join Mr. Schuttinger, Ms. Scionti, and myself on August 12th from 3-4pm for Principals and Popsicles. This event is generously sponsored by the Amherst PTA and is an opportunity for students and their families to enjoy a cold treat and to meet the administration at AMS.
We hope you will join us on the front lawn (next to the swings) on August 12th.
Clear the List!
https://www.amherstnhpta.org/teacher-wish-lists-2022-23.html
Keep checking back for updates and new lists!
#clearthelist
#supportateacher
Clark-Wilkins Garden Initiative
****Please note that the picture does not represent the expectation! (LOL)****
We're starting small...there are 3 large planters outside of the Wilkins building, and 1 large planter outside of the Clark building. And beds outside of both buildings need to have some weeding done.
This is something that you can do at YOUR convenience! It can be a one-time thing, or you can periodically check on the planters and beds throughout the year. If you'd like to help, please email us at amherstnhpta.com.
Clark Wilkins Spiritwear
SCHOOL KICKOFF SPIRITWEAR CAMPAIGN
For our first spiritwear campaign of the year, we wanted to be able to get items in your hands for the beginning of school. If you order by 8/15, orders will be ready by 8/29 (barring any crazy supply chain issues). For this campaign only, PTA will pick up the items and deliver them to school.
The ordering information is on the site. Orders placed after 8/15 will be processed as they come in, and Varsitee will notify the customer and arrange a time for pickup. The store will remain open throughout the year.
There are some really cool tie dye options!
https://varsiteeink.chipply.com/cw2223/
We're working on more spiritwear for the near future, but wanted to get this one out to you now so can get some great stuff for the start of the school year!
Save the date - CW Ice cream Social
Summer Fun!
School Board Meetings
https://cw.sau39.org/about_us/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D160134850
SAU Board - Thursday, August 26th
https://cw.sau39.org/about_us/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D160134864
Ways to connect with Amherst PTA
Email: amherstptanh@gmail.com
Website: amherstnhpta.org
Location: Amherst, NH, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amherstpta