AMHERST — Encouraged by Gov. Maura Healey’s intention to update the curriculum frameworks for health and physical education, state Rep. Mindy Domb is suggesting Amherst residents participate in the public comment process this summer.
At a recent Amherst School Committee meeting, the 3rd Hampshire District representative said she appreciates that the health and physical education frameworks are being updated for the first time since 1999.
“I know that people want to take a proactive action to support our students, in particular our LGBTQ+ students, and this is a good opportunity to do so,” Domb said.
Domb, a former executive director of the Amherst Survival Center, once oversaw statewide programs focused on HIV and health education, and the Gay and Lesbian Youth Support Project for the state that offered support for LGBTQ+ students.
She observed that the Healthy Youth Act wasn’t moving through the legislative process, so Healey used her discretion to have the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s health and physical education frameworks move forward. Domb said she believes that these will mean more support for students.
“Hopefully these revised curriculum frameworks provide a way for people to express that care and concern,” Domb said.
Domb said the state school department will vote on adopting the frameworks, which includes a variety of safety issues, including gun safety, in the fall. The new frameworks, through nine topics, focus on medical accuracy, age appropriateness and inclusivity.
“In order for health education to be effective, it has to be relevant and it has to be very specific and extremely clear,” Domb said, noting it should also involve a partnership with families.
During her presentation, Domb applauded the Amherst Regional Middle School’s People Opposed to Sexual Harassment group and the teenage-led Generation Ratify Amherst, for work they have done on inclusivity. “Our students in this district are already moving ahead, and they want to do it to reflect the real experience of middle schoolers,” Domb said.
While the League of Women Voters book sale isn’t until later this month, those who want to donate books and volunteer with the sorting are invited to drop by the Fort River School gymnasium at 70 South East St.
In addition to coffee table and children’s books, as well as rare books, there will also be DVDs and compact discs. Donations are being accepted through July 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an eight-box limit per drop-off.
Sorting will take place daily through July 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Evening sorting hours will also be held July 18 and 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The sale will be July 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and July 29 and 30 and Aug. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, send email to lwva@lwvamherst.org or go to lwvamherst.org
Department of Public Works Superintendent Guilford Mooring and Assistant Superintendent Amy Rusiecki will join Town Manager Paul Bockelman for an informal conversation regarding ongoing projects and programs on July 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the Bangs Community Center.
The periodic Cuppa Joe, which will run for 90 minutes, invites residents to ask questions, raise concerns and suggest ideas to town officials.
Anyone needing assistance can send email to townmanager@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3002.
A century-old apple tree on the grounds of the Amherst History Museum was recently knocked down by a gust of wind, falling onto the Strong House.
The museum building’s only damage was to a window, and the Building and Grounds Committee cleared the brush and cut the wood, though a hole was left in the lawn.
The apple tree came down just before the museum hosted its second Art (and Artists) on the Lawn event.
“Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals,” a book written by local author Jennifer Welborn and illustrated by local illustrator Rozillia MH (Mahdia Hunt), recently won the 2023 Skipping Stones Honor Award. It was also a Reachers’ Choice Book Award finalist.
A new bilingual edition “La Doctora Rosie Ayuda a los Animales,” translated by local residents Naydalia Alicea Lozada and Yahdira Torres, was released in April.
MONDAY: Local Historic District Commission, 3 p.m., and Town Council, 6:30 p.m.
TUESDAY: Buildings and Facilities Committee of the Jones Library, 9 a.m.
WEDNESDAY: Personnel Board, 9 a.m., Governance, Organization and Legislation Committee, 9:30 a.m., and Planning Board, 6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY: Community Resources Committee, 4:30 p.m.