You are invited to attend the Sixth Annual Latino Achievement Night on Friday, May 18 in the ARMS Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.

The program will include recognition of all Latino students in the districts and a talent showcase by students and community members. Certificates will be presented to students at transition grades (K, 6, 8, 12) who have excelled in the following categories: Academic Achievement, Community Spirit, Effort, Leadership & Progress.

A HUGE tag sale overflowing with treasures takes place TOMORROW, Saturday, May 19 in front of ARHS from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. There will be toys, sporting equipment, clothes, books, jewelry and much, much more. All proceeds benefit ARHS boys' Ultimate teams. Come on by and help support your 'Canes!

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center has selected ARHS senior Tess Domb-Sadof as one of two recipients of the Student Stowe Prize for 2012, which recognizes outstanding writing by U.S. students that motivates action for positive social change.

Domb-Sadof’s winning entry took on the subject of bullying. Her editorial, “Young Witnesses to Bullying Must Be Part of Solution,” appeared in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

Congratulations to the 28 ARHS students who won awards in this year’s National Latin Exam.

Friday, June 8th from 10 pm to 6 am is the Annual Senior Party at UMass. The parents of the graduating Seniors do most of the work, but parents of Juniors do some of it. While the Seniors and their families are attending the graduation ceremony at the Mullins Center, we, the Junior parents, are picking up donated food for the party. Junior parents, we need your help!

All ARHS parents and guardians are invited to join the PGO for an Evening Coffee with Principal Mark Jackson this Thursday, May 24th at 7 pm in Room 13 at the High School.

The topic will be Special Education Services and the South East Campus. Please join our discussion, learn more about the resources in our community, bring your questions and meet other high school parent/guardians.

Please consider showing your appreciation by helping to provide a celebratory meal for teachers on the final day of school. The PGO will be organizing a Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Monday, June 25th .

If you would like to take this opportunity to show your appreciation, please volunteer to: 1. Contribute food (Salad for 10 or Dessert for 10)2. Set up and serve from 10:15 – 11:303.

Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work, care, expertise, and dedication this year with an end-of-school gift that keeps giving by strengthening our schools.

Make a tax-deductible gift to Amherst Education Foundation (AEF) in a teacher’s or staff member’s name, and AEF will deliver a personalized thank you card to the honoree during the last week of school.

May 26, 27, 28 - Cultural Survival Bazaar.  10am - 6 pm Amherst Commons

May 27 - Senior Prom : 6 pm, Castle of Knights, Chicopee

May 28 - No School: Memorial Day

May 29 - Guatemala Study Abroad Meeting: 7 pm, Rm 114, ARHS

May 30th - Senior Dance Showcase:7:30 pm, ARHS Dance Studio.

May 31st - Symphonic Orchestra and ARHS Choruses' Combined Concert - 7:30 pm, Auditorium

Concerned about the cost of college? Come participate in the “Paying for College” parent workshop, offered in Amherst by Sally Wendt, Ph.D. – a local, independent college counselor. Topics include Saving for College, Minimizing College Costs, and Maximizing Financial Aid. “This class was worth its weight in gold,” reports a past participant. Next workshop: May 21, 7:00-9:30 p.m., $50 (includes materials). To register, contact Dr.

Donate your gently used furniture for the Amherst Survival Center's annual Trash to Treasures furniture sale now! They started collecting furniture in April 2012. See www.amherstsurvival.org, email furniture@amherstsurvival.org or call 549-3968 x252 for information or to arrange pick-up or delivery.

Welcome a new culture into your home this summer by hosting a Japanese Exchange Student! I'm looking for friendly families who are interested in cultural exchange and are able to provide a bed, meals and some transportation. Host families will receive $20/$30 per night stipend to help cover these expenses.

There are two groups arriving:

Please come to the The Pioneer Valley Symphony and Chorus/Hampshire Choral Society concert on Saturday, May 19, 2012, 7:30 pm, Fine Arts Center, UMass. Haydn’s Mass in the Time of War and Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast. Anita Cooper, Soprano Soloist.

Course verifications have been distributed to students. Students and families should review the verification for accuracy and return by Friday, May 11. A parent or guardian must sign the forms.

The MCAS Mathematics test will be given to all 10th grade students next week at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 15 and 16. Tenth grade students should check the room list on the bulletin board in the front lobby to find out in which classroom you will be testing. The MCAS Special Schedule and Room Relocations for classrooms affected during testing will also be posted on the bulletin board in the lobby.