“Diversity and Inclusion — Both diversity and inclusion increase the richness of ideas, creative power, problem-solving ability, and respect for others. In EL Education schools, students investigate and value their different histories and talents as well as those of other communities and cultures. Schools and learning groups are heterogeneous.” — EL Education Design Principle
Message from Head of School and Principal
Message from the Head of School and Principal
Dear Families,
What a fantastic start to the school year! I am deeply grateful for the ways our community has come together with such energy and purpose. Back to School Night was a powerful reminder of what makes Four Rivers special. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging with challenging problems and big ideas, exploring the road ahead to college and career, connecting with our Family Council and Board of Trustees, and discovering new ways to be active partners in our vibrant community.
This month, we are living out our commitment to diversity and inclusion as we celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month. We began with an electrifying performance by Bomba de Aquí, a Puerto Rican dance and musical group that brought history and culture to life through rhythm and movement. We look forward to closing the month with our Hispanic Heritage Month Culminating Celebration on October 17, from 5:00–7:00 pm on the Four Rivers quad under the silver maples. It is sure to be an evening of music, dancing, food, and togetherness. More details can be found later in this newsletter.
Looking ahead, we are also excited to share that Four Rivers students are leading the planning of our first-ever Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month Symposium on October 29 during the school day. This idea grew out of Luka’s 10th grade “Do Something” project and is being carried forward through our clubs block. It will be a half day-long event dedicated to honoring Indigenous communities and culture, while also educating ourselves about the systems of oppression and bias Indigenous Peoples have faced, and ways we can work to dismantle them. Our hope is to foster meaningful conversation and personal connections between students and members of the local Indigenous community.
I am grateful for the intention, collaboration, and dedication of all involved in making events like these possible at Four Rivers. They are a living expression of our mission and values, and a testament to the strength of our community.
With appreciation,
Jenni Manfredi
Quick Links
2025-2026 ACADEMIC CALENDAR • SCHOOL EVENTS CALENDAR
SPORTS CALENDAR • APPAREL STORE
HEALTH INFO TO FAMILIES • MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL HEALTH RECORD Health Care Provider’s Examination
MEDICATION ORDER FORM – completed by healthcare provider
AY25-26 FOUR RIVERS AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
Four Rivers Welcome Back Letter (part 1) AY25-26
Four Rivers Welcome Back Letter (part 2) AY25-26
Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Please refer to the online School Events Calendar for the most current information.
Tues. 9/23 – College Visits: Bridgewater State University & New York University
Wed. 9/24 – Green River Cleanup – 7th Grade
– 10th Grade Wellness Classes Walk to GCC
– College Visit: Plymouth State University
Thurs. 9/25 – 11th to Mount Wachusett Community College College Fair
– 10th Grade Wellness Classes Walk to GCC
– Sage Campbell’s Crew Service at The Arbors
Fri. 9/26 – College Visit: UMass Lowell
Tues. 9/30 – College Visit: Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Wed. 10/1 – 10th Grade Wellness Classes Walk to GCC
– Jackie MacNeish’s Crew Outing
– College Visit: Franklin Pierce University
Thurs. 10/2 – 9th Grade Wellness Classes Walk to GCC
– 10th Grade to Mass MoCA
– Nikki Crosby’s Crew Outing
– Family Council Meeting – Common Room w/ Zoom available (7-7:45pm) more info below
Fri. 10/3 – College Visit: Colby College
PLANNING AHEAD:
Mon. 10/13 – NO SCHOOL: Indigenous People’s Day
Tues. 10/14 – NO SCHOOL: Teacher Planning Day
Fri. 10/17 – School Picture Day
– Hispanic Heritage Month Culminating Event (5-7pm)
In Otter News…
HISPANIC/LATINX HERITAGE MONTH
We kicked off Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with an inspiring performance by the local Puerto Rican dance and musical group, Bomba de Aquí. Their vibrant presentation brought history and culture to life through music, rhythm, and storytelling. You can read more about the event in this Recorder article.
Throughout the month, students in Spanish classes will be helping to prepare for a community-wide celebration. Across the school, classes are highlighting the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx scholars, activists, scientists, mathematicians, artists, and historians—reminding us of the profound impact these voices have had on our world.
🌟 Hispanic Heritage Month Culminating Celebration 🌟
📅 Thursday, October 17
🕔 5:00–7:00 pm
📍 The Quad, under the Silver Maples
An evening of music, dancing, food, and community as we honor the richness of Hispanic and Latinx cultures here and abroad.
✨ ¡Nos vemos allí! (See you there!) ✨
CURRENT ADMISSIONS OPENINGS- Help Spread the Word!
Interim Admissions Lottery – October 14
We currently have openings in 11th grade for the 2025–26 school year, and we will be generating a new waitlist for 7th grade as we have already exhausted the initial waitlist. To fill these spots, we will hold an interim lottery on October 14.
For context, Four Rivers runs an annual lottery each February. As waitlists wane and openings arise, we strategically hold interim lotteries throughout the year. Our application process remains open year-round, and we hope this clarity helps when you’re sharing with others about our admissions process.Please help us spread the word among friends and acquaintances—look for posts on our social media that you can amplify. Inquiries can be directed to our main number or info@frcps.org, and applications may be submitted anytime through SchoolMint.
Thank you for helping us share the impact of our programming and culture with potential new families. Your stories play a vital role in both celebrating our work and inspiring interest in Four Rivers.
ENERGY DRINKS AT SCHOOL
We’ve seen some students coming to school with multiple energy drinks to consume during the course of the day. We want to partner with caregivers to help students make informed decisions about the impact energy drinks can have on developing minds and bodies. At school we educate students in wellness classes and in our athletics programs on the importance of healthy food and beverage choices and the dangers of overconsumption of energy drinks and caffeine.
We are sharing THIS INFOGRAPHIC from the CDC with you all to support any messaging you have from home. Thank you for your support.
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
LINK: AY25-26 FOUR RIVERS AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
Homework Club – Mon., Tues., Thurs., 3:15-5:00
This program runs 3:15-5:00 pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and this year there is no cost to participate. Students that join the Homework Club will meet in the Farmhouse.
Any student that has not been picked up by 3:15 on a day that Homework Club is running, will be asked to join, and can be signed out from there.
After School Help with Faculty* ends at 4:15
Students are encouraged to attend after school help sessions whenever they would like extra support, or even as a time and place to get homework done. There may be times when faculty specifically requests that a student come for after school help in any particular subject.
TTRPG CLUB (Table Top Role Playing Games) – Tuesdays 3:05-4:10pm
From Ren Waggenbeek and Vivian Wasileski, Leaders of the Four Rivers TTRPG Club.
Hello all! The Four Rivers TTRPG Club is back in business! We welcome beginners and seasoned TTRPG-ers alike! We will provide most supplies needed for your average TTRPG but we invite you to bring your own stuff if you want!
Our current collection of TTRPGs includes DnD, Kids on Bikes, Call of Cthulhu, and possibly TSL and/or Shadowrun. We’ll be kicking it off on Tuesday, September the 9th in the high school room 207 (that’s on the second floor) so get ready! If you have any questions feel absolutely free to email us at ttrpg@fourriverscharter.org or bring your questions to our opening meeting!
Hope to see you soon as we begin our shared journeys through magic and mystery!!
Current Employment Opportunities
- Substitute School Nurse
Full Job Description - Substitute Teacher
Full job description
From Family Council
Ever Wondered What the Family Council Is All About?
Here’s your chance to find out! Join us for our first meeting on Thursday, October 3 at 7:00 PM – in person at the school (or on Zoom if that’s easier for you). We’ll share all the ways in which we support the Four Rivers Community, fun events we put on (like the Variety Show) and talk about the many ways you can get involved. Whether you pitch in a little or a lot, your participation makes a big difference – no pressure, just community and connection!
Join in, pitch in, or just check in—Family Council is for everyone
*To get on the Family Council email listserv and keep up to date on the happenings fill out this form: LINK: Join the Family Council Mailing List
*Zoom link for meetings: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87919219613
From the Health Office
Medical Clearance for Sports: Students participating in after school athletics need to have a physical on file dated within 13 months of the start of the season. Coaches will be contacting families who do not meet this requirement. If you are unsure of the last physical on file you can email the health office at nurse@fourriverscharter.org and ask. For the enthusiastic athlete, they may want to bring their most recent physical to the Health Office to speed up their clearance to play.
New School Year forms and Business: Refer to this letter sent home in August with detailed health information for the upcoming school year. Families are requested to complete required forms online through School Mint as part of the annual registration.
LINK: https://fourriverscharter.schoolmint.com/login
Contact the Health Office if you require paper copies.
Medications at School: If you know that your student will need medication at school this year, please refer to Medications at School policy for more information. Medication order forms can be found at this link: Four Rivers Medication Order Form. This information and more are located on our school’s Current Families section of the website.
Asthma Inhalers and Epi Pens: Students carrying their own medication are still under the supervision of the schools medication management system and need to check in at the beginning of each school year. They will be required to have an Rx on file with parent and provider signatures, as well as, be able to demonstrate a valid expiration date and proper technique and understanding of their medication. Students are encouraged to stop by when its convenient for them instead of waiting to be summoned at a time not of their choosing.
COVID-19 UPDATES
- We know that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be on the minds of many students and families. The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education just released updated guidance for the 2025-2026 school year. We encourage all families to review the updated Covid-19 Isolation and Exposure Guidance for Students and Staff in K-12 schools from the MA Departments of Education and Public Health before attending Four Rivers next week.
- Masks: for the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, masks are optional at Four Rivers, with some exceptions.
- Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 are required to wear a mask for at least 5 days after returning to school.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms of an illness (even after a negative Covid-19 test) are required to wear a mask until symptoms are completely resolved.
Any individual who wishes to continue to mask, including those who face a higher risk from Covid-19, will be supported in their choice.
Coming Soon:
The Community Health Center of Franklin County will be providing portable dental services here at Four Rivers this fall and spring. Program description and registration can be found here and printed forms are also available in the front office.
If interested, please fill out the form and return to me by Monday, September 26th. We will let you know as soon as the onsite clinic is scheduled for this fall.If you have questions or concerns, or information about your student’s health, records, or services, please contact the school nurse, Evie Hawley (nurse@fourriverscharter.org) or call the health office at 413-775-4577 ext. 103.
Athletics
FALL SPORTS:
FALL SPORTS:
Our seasons have started, with all three soccer teams off to a strong beginning. Boys Varsity soccer began the season with three wins, against PVCICS, Hartsbrook and Charlemont. The Girls Varsity also netted a victory for their first game against Vermont Academy. And the Middle School team has also done well, kicking things off with a victory against Charlemont, followed by a close loss against Turners Falls. All three teams have been working hard and showing great spirit on and off the field!
Our Cross Country team had their first meet of the season on Wednesday, 9/17, a home meet! Congrats to the team on a first place finish!
We love having fans at our meets and games, so if you can, come out and support our teams!
And it’s not too late to join in! We still have some openings on our Middle School and Girls Varsity soccer teams, and this is one of the last chances to sign up! Register here: Fall Sports Registration
…and speaking of joining in, parents and caregivers, please consider joining our wonderful Four Rivers Athletics Families Booster Club! The goal of Boosters is to fundraise for senior banners and senior recognition for every team/season, and to support and promote our athletics programs. Their next meeting is Monday, October 6 at 6:15pm, location tbd (in Greenfield). Email four-rivers-boosters@googlegroups.com for more information or to sign up.
Upcoming Events:
Cross Country
Wednesday, 9/24 – Cross Country Meet at BART at 3:30
Saturday, 9/27 – Invitational at NMH (high school only), 3:30
Soccer
Monday, 9/22 – (Away) BV @ BART at 4:30
Tuesday, 9/23 – (Home) GV v Bement JV at 3:45
Wednesday, 9/24 – (Home) BV v Putney at 2:30
Friday, 9/26 – (Home) GV v Mohawk JV at 4:00
Friday, 9/26 – (Home) MS v Greenfield at 4:00
Saturday, 9/27 – (Away) BV @ NMH JV at 2:30
Four Rivers Athletics Families Booster Club
Monday, 10/6 – location in Greenfield tbd, 6:15pm
Here is a link to schedule for the whole season: Sports Calendar
Practice Cancellation:
In general it is expected that practice will happen as scheduled. Sometimes coaches will choose to cancel a practice (usually due to injury, need for rest, or low numbers), and they will communicate that to the team and parents. If there is very bad weather (usually only thunderstorms, heavy rain, or snow) the AD will make the decision whether or not to cancel the day of the practice or game.
Everyone on the sports email list will be emailed by 1:00 on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or 11:00 on a Wednesday, and kids should be picked up after school ends. If bad weather comes up during a practice, we will just move inside until it passes. If it looks like the weather will continue, we may allow kids to leave early if they have a ride, but there will always be a coach available to take care of any kids until the normally scheduled end time for practice.
Cleat Swap: We are collecting cleats, and we currently have some available. If you need cleats for soccer, contact the Front Office. We are still collecting, so if you want to drop off any cleats, you can also put them in the box by the Front Office.
Reminders
ALMA
We continue to use Alma for attendance, final grades and our overall student information system.
For NEW families: Alma offers a parent/guardian and student portal to help families stay informed and on track with student learning. The portal provides access to: the school academic calendar, staff directory, class rosters, attendance, assignments and grades. You can also email teachers and school staff through Alma, so you never have to search for their contact information.
LINK: ALMA DIRECTIONS
Please check the information in Alma and email Carolyn Wood, cwood@fourriverscharter.org, if anything needs to be updated.
PARKING LOT – DROP OFF AND PICK UP:
- There should be two lanes of movement through the parking lot; both traveling counter-clockwise. No one should be parked in either lane.
- The outer lane, closest to the barn, the field, and then the school, is for picking up and dropping off. Pull forward as far as you can, and keep pulling forward as the car in front of you moves. Even if your student is in High School, please pull forward as far as possible. Pulling forward enables pick ups to happen more efficiently and prevents the line of cars from backing up into the road. You may have to exit and re-enter the lot if your student is not ready in time. Do not park and wait.
- The inner lane is for exiting the parking lot and leaving school. You would only be in this lane if you are done dropping off or picking up, and are ready to leave. Please do not stop and drop off or pick up from the inner lane.
- Please use extreme caution when changing lanes to exit the parking lot.
- We ask that all pedestrians only use the crosswalk and will remind them regularly. Please realize this may not always happen and use extreme caution when driving in the parking lot. The speed limit in our parking lot is 10 mph..
ATTENDANCE, 8 IS LATE POLICY, and SIGNING OUT EARLY
- To report your student late or absent please email attendance@fourriverscharter.org, or call 413-775-4577 and leave a message.
- 8 is LATE – If your student arrives at 8am or later, they need to come to the main office to sign in and get a late pass. Caregivers are not required to accompany them into the office.
We can take their school lunch order if they arrive before 9:30am. If arriving later and they need a school lunch, please email frontoffice@fourriverscharter.org.
If you are picking your student up early you ARE required to come into the office to sign them out. If your student is being picked up by someone that is not listed in Alma as a parent/guardian or emergency contact, please email or call the office in advance.
FOUR RIVERS APPAREL
A friendly reminder that our school store is up and running 24/7 and carries a lot of options!
LINK: FOUR RIVERS APPAREL STORE
Community Corner
