Four Rivers Mission:
Four Rivers Charter Public School is dedicated to educating young people for lives of learning and service. The school offers a rigorous academic program aligned with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and an emphasis on character development for moral and social responsibility. Three central themes — nature, technology, and community — guide teaching and learning at the school, engaging students and teachers in a fundamental question of our times: how do we find the healthy, sustainable interrelationship of the natural world, technology in its many forms, and the human community? The school works closely with parents and seeks both to serve and to learn from the many resources of Franklin County.
Message from Head of School and Principal
Dear Four Rivers Community,
As we move deeper into the fall semester, our mission of learning and service continues to shine through in so many ways across the school. Students are not only engaging in challenging academic work but are also developing the habits, skills, and sense of responsibility that define what it means to be a Four Rivers graduate.
Student-Led Conferences offered a powerful example of this. All students worked diligently to prepare and reflect on their progress, goals, and growth. A special shout out to our 7th graders, who completed their first-ever SLCs with courage and care. These conferences empower students to take ownership of their learning and to practice self-advocacy, important steps in learning to lead their own educational journey. Deep gratitude to families for prioritizing this time and for partnering with us to celebrate growth and chart next steps together.
Our Division 2 5K was another celebration of perseverance and community. Congratulations to our 9th and 10th graders for their commitment to training for and completing this annual tradition. Many thanks to Jessa Harger, in her first year as our Div 2 and Div 3 Wellness teacher, for taking the lead, and to all who supported students along the way. These events remind us of how shared goals, teamwork, and reflection strengthen our school community and inspire us to create new traditions that bring us together.
And congratulations to our athletics teams for their successful seasons and especially to our Boys Varsity Soccer team for winning the RVAL Championship, our Girls Varsity Soccer team for winning the RVAL Spirit Award, and to cross country runners Will Polatin and Oliver Bartus for placing 1st and 2nd in the RVAL Championship Boys 5k.
Looking ahead, upcoming Intensives will again highlight our mission in action: being of service to Franklin County and beyond. Service learning takes many forms at Four Rivers, through crews, clubs, intensives, and expeditions, as teams of teachers and students connect classroom learning with meaningful fieldwork, collaboration with experts, and service to others. This semester, that includes projects such as the 9th grade Food and Farming Expedition, and clubs like Political Action, Feminism, Soup Night at Stone Soup, Climate Club, and Save the Trees. We are proud that every student engages in at least one service-oriented club each year.
Across divisions, crews are extending this work in the community through partnerships with Charlene Manor, The Arbors, The Center School, Greenfield Community College, and The Brick House, while upcoming Intensives will include opportunities such as The March for the Foodbank (Monte’s March) and Food Justice at Stone Soup. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of our mission and their role as compassionate, responsible members of the broader community.
We also want to express gratitude to our Board of Trustees, including several new members who have recently joined this important leadership group. The Board will hold its Fall Retreat on November 16, where we will set annual goals and action plans in support of the school’s ongoing growth. To learn more or attend an upcoming meeting, visit our [Board webpage] or see the School Events Calendar.
Finally, please mark your calendars for two upcoming events that bring our community together:
- Admissions & Information Sessions — a wonderful opportunity for our student ambassadors to serve by sharing their Four Rivers stories.
- Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:00 – 11:30 am
- Wednesday, January 7 2026, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00- 7:30 pm
- Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 am
- Family Council Fall Fireside Fun, TOMORROW, Thursday, November 13th — an evening of warmth, connection, and community.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and presence in the life of our school. Together, we continue to nurture learning, service, and community here at Four Rivers and throughout Franklin County.
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
DONATE TO THE FOOD BANK – FOUR RIVERS TEAM
FOUR RIVERS THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB INFO AND SIGN UP
SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB CHAPERONES
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. 11/13 – 9th Farm Service Work
– Jessa Harger’s Crew Service at The Center School
– Lea Chiara Crew Service at the Brick House
– Drama Auditions (3:15-6pm)
– TONIGHT! Fall Fireside Fun with the Family Council (5-7pm) – more info below
Fri. 11/14 – Climate Club Clothing Swap – more info below
– College visit: Keene State
Sat. 11/15 – Four Rivers Ultimate Clinic for grades 4-6, more info below
Mon. 11/17 – Drama Audition Callbacks (3:15-6pm)
Tues. 11/18 – 12th Grade to Emily Dickinson Museum – Power of Poetry Workshops
– College Visit: Salem State University
Wed. 11/19 – Leah Plath’s Crew Outing
– Nikki Walk’s Crew Outing
Thurs. 11/20 – 9th Grade – Nolembeka Visit and Permaculture Expert
– Drama rehearsals begin (3:15-6pm)
Fri. 11/21 – Junior Internship Presentations
Mon. 11/24 – Wed. 11/26 – Fall Intensives – Grades 9-12
Wed. 11/26 – Early Dismissal at 12:30 – lunch served, one bus route
Thurs. 11/27 – Fri. 11/28 – NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving/National Day of Mourning
In Otter News…
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY – THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Thank you to everyone who responded to our recent outreach about supporting one another during this challenging time. Over 40 people shared responses: many offered help, resources or partnership. Our community’s generosity of spirit, time, and care continues to inspire us.
As we move into the next phase of this effort, we are organizing a Thanksgiving grocery distribution to ensure that all families who wish to prepare a holiday meal have what they need. Here’s how you can participate:
- Request Groceries for Your Family
If your family would like to receive groceries to support a Thanksgiving meal, please email info@frcps.org to sign up or fill out this survey. Please indicate if you would like to pick up at the school on November 25th or 26th or if you would like to access a delivery option.
- Donate Nonperishable Food
To help with this targeted call for Thanksgiving grocery donations, here is a list of possible items. Donations can be dropped off in the designated bins in the farmhouse and high school buildings. (Boxed or bagged dry stuffing; Instant mashed potatoes; Canned vegetables; Canned yams; Dry macaroni; Cranberry sauce; Canned Pumpkin; Corn bread mix; Canned fruit pie filling; Jarred gravy; Canned tuna/chicken/salmon; Canned beans)
- Volunteer Your Time
We need volunteers to organize, assemble and distribute grocery bags on November 24th 3:30-5:00. If you can lend a hand, please let us know by emailing info@frcps.org (we will also reach out directly to those who have responded to the first survey)
Together, we are demonstrating what it means to be a community that shows up for one another. Thank you for all the ways you give, through care, time, and generosity.
WORLD HISTORY GUEST SPEAKER – Mon. Nov. 3rd
Our 12th grader World History class welcomed guest speaker Henny Lewin to speak about her experience as a Holocaust survivor. Her riveting and impactful presentation was captured by the Greenfield Recorder. Click on the link to read more and see a few photos. Here also are a few pictures of students thanking Henny after her talk.
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 THIS SATURDAY 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 IS LIVE!
You are now able to register your student for this year’s Ski & Snowboard Club at Berkshire East. Please review the following form that was originally emailed on 11/4/25.
LINK: Four Rivers Ski & Snowboard Club 2025/26
We do have a cap of 65 students, and as of 11/13/25 we have 43 enrolled. The deadline to register is Tuesday, Nov. 25th. Please do not register until you are sure your student can participate. If we reach our cap, students will be placed on a waitlist.
Interested in chaperoning? Volunteer chaperones receive a free lift ticket for each session and are requested to be available for all 6 sessions.
Please fill out the following form if interested. We will confirm by 12/1/25.
LINK: Chaperones – Ski & Snowboard Club AY25-26
Current Employment Opportunities
- Special Education Teacher
Full job description - Substitute Nurse
Full job description - Substitute Teacher
- Full job description
From Family Council
TONIGHT!!! 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!
Variety Show News – Our awesome annual Variety Show is coming up on January 30th (stay tuned for more info on this in the near future).
Raffle Donations needed: Start thinking about any items you can donate: craft, piece of artwork, a gift basket, a service, or anything you are inspired to give! Some examples from past years include artisan jewelry and artwork, handyperson services, artisan foods, catering services, massage therapy, dog walking and more! We’ll send out a survey for donations soon!
Want to perform at the Variety Show? Keep an eye out for communication from the director for students who are interested in performing or being part of the stage crew.
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 11/20/25 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
Cold weather is upon us!
We are an expeditionary school and we go out into the field as often as possible. Students with exercise-induced and cold-induced asthma should be checking in with the health office, updating their records to self-carry and administer medication at school; in compliance with school policy and state law, 105 CMR 210.006.
There are no back up inhalers in the health office. Students who need an inhaler in school should provide an Asthma Plan signed by Primary Care Provider and parent. (https://www.lung.org/getmedia/aa8ce6f5-667e-4726-b4ab-8ac8d5d448e4/Asthma-Action-Plan-Home-School.pdf)
Students who have provided a current asthma plan for the year may self-carry with health office permission or leave an inhaler in the health office to be used and sent on field trips. Students who self-carry must have it with them ON ALL OFF-CAMPUS EXCURSIONS.
Fall Intensives:
The three day intensives are being planned now. Students who self-carry lifesaving medications (epipens & inhalers) should bring their meds with them everyday. If you can not do this, please notify the school nurse so that we may help out. nurse@fourriverscharter.org or 413-633-6572
Students who take meds at home but have signed up for intensives which will take them across state lines, or have an overnight component, have already received an email from the nurse asking them to come to the office to review their meds, documentation, and contract for self-administering. There are doctors signatures and student, parent, nurse agreements which need to be put into place by the end of next week.
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. Four Rivers Medication Order Form.
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 it’s convenient for them instead of waiting to be summoned at a time not of their choosing.
ILLNESS UPDATES
- There have been an increase in stomach bug symptoms.
- 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.
Athletics
FALL SPORTS WRAP-UP
Soccer and Cross Country have ended! It was a wonderful season with nearly 80 student athletes participating. Here are some highlights:
- Will Polatin and Oliver Bartus came in 1st and 2nd in the Boys 5k RVAL Cross Country Championship Meet, and Bea Mickus placed 5th in the Girls 5k!
- Boys Varsity Soccer won the RVAL Championship!
- Girls Varsity Soccer won the RVAL Spirit Award!
- Middle School Soccer had a winning season and showed great spirit on and off the field!
As we wrap up the fall season, a huge thank-you to everyone who made it such a fun and rewarding experience—our coaches, captains, drivers, Boosters, parents & caregivers, and of course, our amazing student athletes. Our athletics program thrives because of all of you!
Here are some pictures of our teams:
Cross Country
Boys Varsity Soccer
Girls Varsity Soccer
Middle School Soccer
INTRAMURALS SESSION 1: NOVEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 19
In addition to our regular competitive teams, Four Rivers offers Intramural Ultimate and Running. Session 1 began November 3rd. Sign up anytime — we’re accepting participants on a rolling basis. Click here to learn more and join in!
BASKETBALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Basketball will run from December 1 – February 13. We’ll offer two teams this year:
- High School Varsity Open Team
- Middle School Open Team
Both teams are all-gender and open to anyone who wants to play.
Click here for more information and to sign up for Basketball!
We’ve also had questions about volleyball – we do hope to run a 4-week season in February–March. Details are still being confirmed and will be shared before winter break.
BOOSTER CLUB MEETING NOVEMBER 12TH
The next monthly meeting of the Four Rivers Athletics Families Booster Club is Wednesday, November 12th at 6:15pm at Posada Grill in Greenfield. All are welcome! Boosters promotes and supports our athletic programs and fundraises for senior banners. They’re a fun, welcoming group. Reach out to Sharon McGuinness for more information or to get on their email list.
Reminders
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
LINK: AY25-26 FOUR RIVERS AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
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!
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
SPECIAL TEEN PROGRAMS AT THE GREENFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
On Wednesday, November 19 MassHire will be bringing GCC and Launchspace to the library to answer teens questions about careers in technical and creative fields.
We also always serve pizza after school on Wednesdays…
ARTSPACE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER IN GREENFIELD
ASAP is an all-access art studio for teens 13-18yo. Teens can hang out & create in a safe, laid back, welcoming space.
Enjoy a mess-friendly art studio stocked with pro supplies, work on your own projects or our 100% optional, rotating weekly projects, & share a love for the weird & bizarre world of art!
A new block of classes starts every 4 weeks:
Dec. 4th, Jan. 8th, Feb. 5th, Marth 12th, April 9th, May 14th, and June 11th.Learn more and register online at: https://www.artspacegreenfield.org/event-details/asap-teens
This program is held at Artspace Community Arts Center, 15 Mill Street, Greenfield, MA. Doors are open 3:00pm-6:00pm each Thursday, come by after school. Financial aid is quick, easy, and always available on our website.
Please email the teacher or our office if you have questions:
Chloe Torri: outreach@artspacegreenfield.org
Artspace Office: info@artspacegreenfield.org
