“The Responsibility for Learning — Learning is both a personal process of discovery and a social activity. Everyone learns both individually and as part of a group. Every aspect of an EL Education school encourages both children and adults to become increasingly responsible for directing their own personal and collective learning.”
— EL Education Design Principles
Message from Head of School and Principal
Message from the Head of School and Principal
Dear Four Rivers Community,
This design principle is alive and thriving across our campus this fall. We see students taking ownership of their learning in so many inspiring ways — individually, collaboratively, and in partnership with the broader community.
Our recent Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration beautifully reflected this principle. The event celebrated food, music, student work, and dancing — all led by our Spanish language classes. Students shared their learning through displays and delicious cultural dishes as we enjoyed a performance by Marka Music, a locally based Latin American ensemble. We are deeply grateful to the Mass Cultural Council for their funding support, which helped make this celebration possible.
Next week, the 9th Grade Food and Farming Potluck will extend that same spirit of connection — bringing students, families, and local partners together to share the fruits of their learning throughout this expedition. And in November, Student-Led Conferences will invite every student to reflect on their growth, share their work, and take pride in communicating what they have learned and where they are headed next.
Meanwhile, our juniors are out on internships this week, having thoughtfully selected placements that align with their interests and aspirations. Many students are engaging deeply in service learning and collective action through clubs and Crew projects — another hallmark of taking responsibility for one’s learning and impact. Looking ahead, our Division 2 and 3 Fall Intensives will continue this thread, offering immersive experiences where students and staff build collaborative relationships, with many learning alongside key community and cultural organizations.
Each of these structures models and reinforces the mindsets that guide powerful learning:
- I belong in this academic community.
- My ability and competence grow with my effort.
- I can succeed at this.
- This work has value for me.
We are grateful to all who joined us for the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration last Friday, and we look forward to seeing families again during upcoming Student-Led Conferences. The Family Council is also planning a Fall Fireside Fun gathering in early November — details are included in this issue.
Thank you for all the ways you help nurture a culture where students take responsibility for their own learning — and for ours, too.Warmly,
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
INTRAMURALS 2025 Session 1 (late Fall/early Winter)
STUDENT LED CONFERENCE SIGN UP
DONATE TO THE FOOD BANK – FOUR RIVERS TEAM
Upcoming Events
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Please refer to the online School Events Calendar for the most current information.
College Visits are specific to Juniors and Seniors.
Thurs. 10/23 – 10th to Museum of Our Industrial Heritage
Fri. 10/24 – Div 1 Halloween Dance (6-8pm) – more info below
Mon. 10/27-Sat. 11/1 – Varsity Soccer Playoff Week
Mon. 10/27 – 9th Potluck & Manifestos (5:30-7pm) – more info below
Tues. 10/28 – 10th Grade 5k Course Walk
– College Visits: UMass Lowell, St. Lawrence University
Wed. 10/29 – Indigenous Peoples Symposium
– College Visits: UMass Dartmouth, Bennington College, Westfield State
– FRCPS Board Meeting (7-9pm)
Thurs. 10/30 – 7th Grade to Green River – River Lab 3
– 9th Grade 5k Course Walk
– Drama interest meeting (3:15-4:30pm) – more info below
– Family Council Meeting via Zoom (7-7:45pm) – more info below
Fri. 10/31 – Halloween-please see the Four Rivers Costume & Spirit-Wear Policy below
– College Visit: Eastern Connecticut State University
– 1st day of 2nd quarter
Tues. 11/4 – Political Action Club Bakesale Fundraiser – Bake Sale Sign Up – more info below
Wed. 11/5 & Thurs. 11/6 – Student Led Conferences – more info below
Wed. 11/5 – Early release at 12:30 (lunch served; one bus route, no transfers)
Thurs. 11/6 – 8th Grade to Apex Orchard for Barriletes Flight
Fri. 11/7 – Div 2 5K
– Early release at 12:30 (lunch served; one bus route, no transfers)
In Otter News…
DIV 1 HALLOWEEN DANCE and COSTUMES AT SCHOOL
Our annual Div 1 Halloween Dance is happening this Friday (10/24)
6:00-8:00 in the Common Room
Admission is FREE!!
Snacks and beverages (also free) will be provided.
FOUR RIVERS COSTUME & SPIRIT-WEAR POLICY
*These guidelines were approved by the Board of Trustees as a formal policy that has been adopted into the General Behavior Policies, under the Harassment/Discrimination Prevention Section 3.8.7 of the Student and Family Handbook
Students and staff are supported in their decision to wear costumes or spirit wear for school events (or any time) they like as long as the following are adhered to.
- They do not have their faces or eyes completely covered in class.
- Their costume does not infringe on the educational experiences of other students.
- Their costume does not slander or depict stereotypes from any ethnic, cultural, racial, religious group or gender/sexual identity.
- Their costume is not offensive, discriminatory, or reflective of hate group speech or ideas.
If a student is unsure of the appropriateness of their costume or spirit wear idea, they are highly encouraged to check in with an advisor or other trusted staff member ahead of time.
STUDENT LED CONFERENCES
Please refer the email originally sent on 10/21 for more detailed information.
Time to Schedule Student-Led Conferences!
Student-Led Conferences are coming up the week of November 3rd, with most happening on Wednesday 11/5 and Thursday 11/6.
Each student will share work that highlights their growth and goals—these conferences are required for all students.
To schedule your 30-minute conference:
- Go to [Student-Led Conferences – Nov. 2025]
- If you’re new, enter your email and follow the “Sign Up” link that appears
- Click your student’s advisor, then Filter Slots
- Choose your date and time, then click Confirm
For two-household families, please coordinate one shared conference time.
9th GRADE FOOD AND FARMING PRESENTATION OF LEARNING & POTLUCK
Monday, October 27 from 5:30-7p is the Local Foods Potluck! It’s a presentation of learning event for ALL 9th GRADE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES. Students will be making dishes to share from local ingredients and sharing their research in the form of convincing, polished, food manifestos. We are asking that all 9th graders attend this event as a part of their learning expedition. The event will begin in the Four Rivers common room with a potluck and introductions and the evening will be as follows:
5:30-6:15 potluck and introductions and 2 selected excerpts from student manifestos
6:15-6:45 small panel groups by topics (caregivers likely go to their student’s presentation)
6:45-7p return to common room for final reflections and closing
We hope to see you there!
DRAMA INTEREST MEETING – Thurs., Oct. 30th, 3:15-4:30pm
It’s almost time to start production of this year’s musical! The drama club will be putting on Nice Work If You Can Get It, a romantic comedy/farce set in the jazz age. We’ll be holding an interest meeting for all students who are considering performing in this year’s show. That meeting will be Thursday, October 30th from 3:15 – 4:30pm in the Common Room and will review audition information and give an overview of the show. Note: This interest meeting is not for students interested in stage crew. Stage crew requests will go out in February.
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER, Tues., Nov. 4th, 3:05-3:30
Hosted by our Political Action Club
The political action club is hosting a bake sale on Tuesday, November 4th! It will be right after school (3:05-3:30) in between the MS and
HS dropoff area.
CASH OR CHECK ONLY PLEASE!
The proceeds will go to LUCE, which is the immigrant justice network
of Massachusetts. They are responding to the countrywide surge of ICE
activity by verifying all ICE activity in Massachusetts. They also run
a hotline which people can call if you see ICE in your area.
We are looking for people to sign up to donate baked goods for us to
sell! If you can, please sign up here to bring something. Please make
sure to include your name, what you are bringing, and any allergens in
your baked goods. You can drop off the baked goods at the front office on Tues., Nov. 4th.
If you have any questions, you can email olong@fourriverscharter.org.
Thank you,
Political Action Club
CLIMATE CLUB THRIFT SWAP – Fri. Nov. 14th
Climate Club is hosting our famous thrift swap on Friday, November 14, 2025 between 1-3p. Schedule coming soon. In the meantime, please bring in your gently used clothes, bags, accessories, etc to room 207 in the HS. If possible please sort bags based on what article of clothing they are.
Clothing will be accepted until 11/12.
FREE YOUTH ULTIMATE FRISBEE CLINIC (Grades 4-6):
Our Athletics Families Booster Club is excited to be offering a first-ever free Fall Ultimate Frisbee Clinic for students in grades 4-6! Led by Four Rivers varsity coaches and athletes, the clinic will introduce the basics of ultimate frisbee in a fun and supportive environment.
The clinic will be held on November 15th at Four Rivers, from 1-3pm.
Click here to learn more and sign up!
Please promote and share widely!
MARCH FOR THE FOOD BANK
Some students from Four Rivers are marching for the Food Bank of Western MA this year on Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th. Please consider donating to our team.
The Food Bank is currently serving 115,000 people each month alongside our partner pantries, shelters, and meal sites across the four counties. Every dollar raised provides the equivalent of 3 nutritious meals to people in the region facing food insecurity and hunger.
LINK: DONATE TO THE FOOD BANK – FOUR RIVERS TEAM
SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB – Registration Coming Soon!
Four River’s popular Ski & Snowboard Club is back for the 2026 season! This after-school club gives students a chance to enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Berkshire East with friends and chaperones in a supportive, fun environment.
The club begins Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, and runs for 6 Wednesdays (depart 12:30pm, return 7:00pm). If a session is canceled due to weather, we may extend up to 2 additional weeks (not including February break).
Details:
- Limited to 65 students
- Led by Daryl Beck with about 1 chaperone per 10 students
- All skill levels welcome; lessons strongly encouraged for beginners
- Students must stay with a buddy and check in throughout the evening
- Transportation and snacks provided
- Lessons and rentals available through Berkshire East
Fees:
(No reduced or free pricing available)
- Club Fee: $__ (waiting on quote from bus company)
- Lift Ticket: $175 – only accessible during the days/times of the club
- Rentals: $114
- Helmet Only: $60
- Lessons: $89
Interested in chaperoning?
Email skiclub@fourriverscharter.org (messages go to club leader Daryl Beck and logistics coordinator Robin Sidel). Chaperones receive a complimentary lift ticket during the days/times of the club.
FOUR RIVERS SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB APPAREL AVAILABLE IN OUR APPAREL STORE! LINK: FOUR RIVERS APPAREL STORE
OFFICIAL 2026 Our Communities SPEAK
INVITATION TO JOIN “Our Communities SPEAK”
Four Rivers is proud to invite two members of our family community to
participate in Our Communities SPEAK, an exciting statewide training
program for parents, family members, and alumni of Massachusetts charter
public schools.
This program helps participants build the knowledge, skills, and confidence
to:
– Develop meaningful relationships with elected officials
– Share their family’s educational journey
– Advocate for strengthening public education for all children across
Massachusetts
By taking part, you’ll have the opportunity to represent the Four Rivers
community and lend your voice to an important movement supporting
high-quality public education across our state.
Interested in joining or learning more?
Please reach out to Emma Lehan at *elehan@fourriverscharter.org* for additional details or to express your interest in being one of our representatives. We look forward to hearing
from you!
Current Employment Opportunities
- Middle School Basketball Coach
Full job description - Substitute Nurse
Full job description - Substitute Teacher
- Full job description
From Family Council
Save the Date – Come join us for an evening of Fall Fireside Fun on Thursday 11/13 from 5:00-7:00pm! Students and their families are welcome outside by the fire pits to enjoy some snacks and join in music and storytelling, skits led by our Crew (Student) Council and other fun group challenges. Marshmallow roasting, hot cider and hot chocolate, glow sticks and community. Musicians can bring their instruments and join in.
This is an annual Family Council-sponsored event. Hope to see you there!
What is the Family Council? The FRCPS Family Council is a parent, caregiver and Four Rivers community organization that builds community!
We sponsor and host fun gatherings during the school year and run an annual raffle fundraiser that supports school enrichment activities.
Next meeting via zoom: Thursday 10/30/25 at 7pm.
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 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. Some students do not have permission for Over the counter medications. You may update the OTC authorization in Schoolmint.
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:
Fall Intensives: The three day intensives are being planned now. We have more students with EPIPEN Rx’s on their physicals and health profiles than EPI PENS on hand. If your student requires an EPIPEN for anaphylaxis, Please complete the Medication Order Form with Provider and parent signatures and have your student carry their EPIPENs.
Students carrying their own medication are still under the supervision of the school’s 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.
ILLNESS UPDATES
- Masks: for the start of the 2025-2026 academic year, masks are optional at Four Rivers, with some exceptions.
- Individuals experiencing symptoms of any illness (even after a negative Covid-19 test) are required to wear a mask until symptoms are completely resolved.
- Individuals who test positive for Covid-19 are required to wear a mask for at least 5 days after returning to school.
- Any individual who wishes to continue to mask, including those who face a higher risk from Covid-19, will be supported in their choice.
- Updates on the level of illnesses is available on the CDC’s trackerhttps://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/index.html
Athletics
Fall Sports:
Our Soccer and Cross Country seasons are in the final stretch!
We are hosting a second and final home Cross Country meet on Wednesday 10/22 at 3:30pm, start and finish lines at GCC! The League Championship on 10/29 will take place at the Academy at Charlemont. The Cross Country team this year is bigger than ever, with an especially strong turnout from our Middle School runners. The team has worked hard and had fun, balancing shorter and longer training runs with various cross-training activities – including pickle ball! Come cheer them on at their last home meet!
Our Middle School Soccer team wraps up their season this week. This group has been amazing to watch – a small but mighty team that has had some great connections on the field and lots of hustle and spirit. Come out and cheer them on for their last home game against Bement on Wednesday 10/22 at 3:30pm (GCC fields)!
Playoff week is coming up next week for our Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer teams. Come out to cheer on the teams, these should be fun games to watch!
- Girls Varsity has been playing in a very tight and competitive RVAL league this year and the team is seeded #2 heading into the playoffs. This team has shown tremendous spirit and strength despite injuries and curve balls thrown their way! Four Rivers is hosting a Girls Varsity semifinal game on 10/28 at 4:00pm. If the team advances to the finals, it will most likely be held at Putney School, on 11/1 at 2:30pm, final details tbd.
- Boys Varsity has had an undefeated season and is seeded 1st going into the playoffs! This team has been unstoppable on the pitch, with impressive midfield ball movement, aggressive offense and a cohesive, solid defense. Four Rivers is hosting a Boys Varsity semifinal game on 10/29 at 3:30pm. If the team advances to the finals, it will also be held at Four Rivers, on 11/1 at 2:30pm (final details tbd).
Senior Recognition:
A big shout out to our senior athletes! Each team has celebrated its seniors with special “Senior Day” rituals and appreciations. Our amazing Boosters Club also organized senior banners – check them out hanging on the Barn! These senior student athletes have been leaders on their teams, modeling participation and helping build positive and spirited team cultures. Thank you seniors – we appreciate you!
Our seniors this year are:
- Cross Country – Brennan Mahoney, Eli Smith, Kai Sarmiento, Logan Blais and Noah Rutherford
- Girls Varsity – Aida Potter, Anna Brown, Stella Langlands, and Sylvia Guillaume
- Boys Varsity – Cooper Whitney, Kolin Broderick, Miles Retzlaff, Oscar McDonough, and Russell Herbert
Intramurals Session 1:
In addition to our regular competitive teams, Four Rivers offers two sessions of Intramural Ultimate and Running — Session 1 in Nov/Dec and Session 2 in Feb/March (exact Session 2 dates tbd). Click here for more information and to sign up!
Intramural Ultimate is a great opportunity to learn the game of ultimate or to practice your skills and learn some new ones, in a fun and competitive environment. Intramural Running is a great way for runners to stay in shape between seasons.
Intramurals are open to all students. Beginners are welcome and encouraged!
Basketball:
Basketball season begins December 1! We will have two teams this year – an Open/Coed Middle School team and an Open/Coed High School team. Sign ups start in November.
We’re currently seeking a Middle School basketball coach, please spread the word! Job posting is here. Reach out to AD Erin Klett with questions or interest.
We’ve also had questions about volleyball – we do hope to run another 4-week season in February–March. Details are still being confirmed and will be shared before winter break.
Booster Club:
A quick encouragement to all athletics families to consider joining our wonderful Four Rivers Athletics Families Booster Club. Boosters fundraises for senior banners and recognition for every team and season, and supports and promotes all our athletic programs. They’re a fun, welcoming group that meets monthly. Their next meeting is Monday, November 12th at 6:15pm, at Posada Restaurant in Greenfield. Reach out to Sharon McGuinness for more information or to get on the email list.
Upcoming Athletics Events:
Cross Country
- 10/22 – Cross Country Meet HOME 3:30pm
- 10/29 – Cross Country RVAL Championship @ Academy at Charlemont 2:30pm
– End of Season Celebration at Four Rivers, directly following the Championship meet
Soccer
- 10/22 – MS Soccer v Bement HOME 3:30pm
- 10/24 – MS Soccer @ Eaglebrook AWAY 3:30 (dismiss 2:45pm)
- 10/28 – GV Soccer RVAL Semifinal game HOME 4:00pm (pending)
- 10/29 – BV Soccer RVAL Semifinal game HOME 3:30pm
- 11/1 – BV Soccer RVAL Final Game HOME 2:30pm (pending)
- 11/4 – End-of-Season Celebration, 3:15-6:00pm at Four Rivers
Four Rivers Athletics Families Booster Club
Wednesday Nov 12th at Posada Restaurant, 6:15pm
Here is a link to schedule for the whole season: Sports Calendar
Reminders
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
LINK: AY25-26 FOUR RIVERS AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
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.
PARKING LOT SAFETY & PROCEDURES
- Speed Limit: 10 mph. Drive carefully at all times.
- Pedestrians: Please use crosswalks
- Two Lanes of Movement:
- Both lanes travel counter-clockwise.
- Outer Lane:
- For picking up and dropping off students.
- Pull forward as far as possible to keep traffic moving efficiently.
- Do not park or wait; exit and re-enter if your student is not ready.
- Inner Lane:
- For exiting the parking lot only.
- Do not stop to drop off or pick up students.
- Lane Changes: Use extreme caution when moving between lanes.
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
Register here!
Website: https://sites.hampshire.edu/queerscience/
