Weekly Suggested Events for January 9-15, 2021

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Photograph of child ice skating outdoors with overlay of words, "Suggested Learning Ideas, Resources & Events. www.HilltownFamilies.org"

Are you looking for things to do in western Massachusetts? Seeking curriculum ideas for remote learning or homeschooling? Are you a self-directed, life-long, and/or experiential learner? Are you curious or wanting to support the interests of your family. Our weekly Suggested Events list includes suggested learning ideas, resources, and events for all ages, each week!

Scroll down to discover featured events, learning opportunities, and educational videos to support learning from home. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!

Greenfield Community College Virtual Enrollment & Registration: Sat., Jan. 9 from 10am-3pm.

Join Greenfield Community College for Virtual Enrollment & Registration on Saturday, January 9, from 10am-3pm. Admissions, testing, advising, and financial aid will be available to help prospective students complete the steps they need to register for Spring classes. Visit their website for more information and to follow the Zoom link. For more information, email admission@gcc.mass.edu or call 413-775-1801.

Collage of photographs from inside of the Springfield Museums with a the words, "Travel the World in the Day."
Virtual. Adapted In-Person Outdoors & Indoors

Springfield Museums: Field Trips and Museum School. Springfield, MA. For homeschoolers and schoolers with five museums to mine for information and activities, the Springfield Museums does what few others can—combine art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss into fun-filled, engaging experiences that reinforce critical thinking and observation skills through inquiry-based learning. The Springfield Museums offer a broad range of educational programs for all ages and interest levels, and they are happy to custom-build an experience for your small group. For more information: fieldtrips@springfieldmuseums.org; 413-263-6800 x322; springfieldmuseums.org/groups/school.

Virtual Open House on Jan 9, 20, or Feb 6

FEATURED SCHOOL
Four Rivers Charter Public School

Four Rivers Charter Public School in Greenfield, MA, is accepting applications for Fall 2021. Prospective families can attend a Virtual Open House on Sat., January 9 at 10am, Wed., January 20 at 7pm, or Sat., February 6 at 10am. Four Rivers is a small Expeditionary Learning school for grades 7-12, dedicated to educating young people for lives of learning and service. Four Rivers offers a rigorous college preparatory program aligned with the MA curriculum frameworks and emphasizes character development for moral and social responsibility. Students connect learning to the real world, work hard, and develop the independence and thinking skills needed in college and beyond. For more info & Zoom link, visit FourRiversCharter.org.

Photograph of young student practicing writing with text overlay: "Amherst Montessori School. Nurturing your child's innate curiosity. Infant through grade 6 in south Amherst. amherstmontessori.org."
Virtual Open House: Jan 16 @ 10am

Featured School
Amherst Montessori School

Families are invited to discover the warm, welcoming community at Amherst Montessori School, with dedicated teachers, administrators, and fellow parents who strive to create a sense of belonging for each child and family. Attend their virtual Open House on January 16 at 10am, or set-up a virtual tour to explore the hands-on, child-centered Montessori curriculum and learn about the engaging community of Amherst Montessori School. Applications for the 2021-22 school year are now being accepted. Schedule options from a partial day to a full day with extended hours. More information at amherstmontessori.org

Photograph of barefoot children involved in creative-free play outdoors with "The Maple Hill Play Garden" logo overlay.
Ages 15mo-3.5+yrs

FEATURED DAYCARE/EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Maple Hill Play Garden

The Maple Hill Play Garden in Amherst, MA, offers an inclusive early childhood program – with abundant time outdoors – that nurtures the joy and wonder of a simple childhood. Amanda Lugo, M.A.Ed., provides a warm, nourishing environment in which play is the heart of the child’s morning. Backing the Larch Hill Conservation lands, The Maple Hill Play Garden’s outdoor space provides children with ample opportunities to explore the magical nooks and crannies of the natural world as they play. The program cultivates a gentle and consistent daily rhythm that helps ground children in a sense of place. Hot, nourishing, organic meals and snacks are provided. Ages 15mo-3.5+yrs. For more information: NourishingChildhood@gmail.com; 978-500-3070; www.maplehillplaygarden.com.

Partner with HIlltown Families!

SEE YOUR AD HERE

Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.

Class Directory

NEW LISTINGS!

Discover virtual & adapted programming in our 2020/2021 Class Directory for Western MA.

Preschool Directory

NEW LISTINGS!

Find what you’re looking for in our 2020/2021 Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA

List of Weekly Suggested Events

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2021

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 9am-5pm. Winter Survival 101 

ART STUDIES. 9am-5pm. Henri Matisse Inspired Art Class 

ORNITHOLOGY. 10am. Birds in Winter 

NATURALIST SKILLS. 10am. Winter Tracking at Lime Kiln Farm

SCIENCE. 3pm. Snowflake Science 

ZOOLOGY. 6pm. Bobcats

MUSIC STUDIES. Get Down with your Hometown Music Festival

Self-Directed Learning:
PHYSICS

SCIENCE
Sat., Jan. 9 @ 3pm
Snowflake Science 

Self-Directed Learning:
ANIMAL STUDIES

ZOOLOGY
Sat., Jan. 9 @ 6pm
Bobcats

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2021

NUTRITION. 4-5:30pm. Picky Eating from Toddlers to Teens contactus@napeds.com 

WILD EDIBLES. 4pm. Acorns 

ORNITHOLOGY. 4-6pm. Visit a Winter Crow Roost

Self-Directed Learning:
BIRD WATCHING

ORNITHOLOGY
Sun., Jan. 10 @ 4-6pm
Visit a Winter Crow Roost

Self-Directed Learning:
FOOD SECURITY

WILD EDIBLES
Sun., Jan. 10 @ 4pm
Acorns

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021

PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. In-person/Outdoors 

PreK MINDFULNESS. 11am. Mindful Movement 

CULINARY ARTS. 12pm. Cookbook Club 

ZOOLOGY. 3pm. Rocky Mountain Goats 

SIGN LANGUAGE. 6:30pm. Virtual ASL Basics Course 

ZOOLOGY. 8:30pm. Animal Defenses

Self-Directed Learning:
ANIMAL STUDIES

ZOOLOGY
Mon., Jan. 11 @ 3pm
Rocky Mountain Goats 

Self-Directed Learning:
ANIMAL STUDIES

ZOOLOGY
Mon., Jan. 11 @ 8:30pm
Animal Defenses

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

PreK LITERACY. 10am. Fun with Letters 

HERPETOLOGY. 2pm. Turtles 

ORNITHOLOGY. 5:30pm. Birds at Your Feeder 

WORLD CULTURE. 7pm. Virtual Tours of Amsterdam 

ORNITHOLOGY. 7:30pm. World Birding

Self-Directed Learning:
NATURAL HISTORY

HERPETOLOGY
Tues., Jan. 12 @ 2pm
Turtles 

Self-Directed Learning:
BIRD WATCHING

ORNITHOLOGY
Tues., Jan. 12 @ 5:30pm
Birds at Your Feeder 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2020

PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. In-person/Outdoors 

PreK LITERACY. 10am. Virtual Story Time with the Montague Library 

FIBER ARTS. 12pm. Virtual Knitting Group 

PreK LITERACY. 10am. Virtual Story Hour with the Cushman Library 

ENERGY. 12pm. Hydropower 

NATURALIST SKILLS. 7pm. Winter Ecology

MINDFULNESS 7pm. Museum Mindfulness 

SOCIAL JUSTICE. 7pm. Difference Between Being Not Racist and Anti-racist 

TEACHING WORKSHOP. 7pm. Learning Science Outdoors

Self-Directed Learning:
PreK LITERACY

STORY TIME
Wed., Jan. 10am
Virtual Story Time with the Montague Library

Self-Directed Learning:
ENERGY

ENERGY
Wed., Jan. 13, 12pm
Hydropower 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021

PreK MUSIC STUDIES. 9:30am. Let’s Make Music 

CONSERVATION 1:30pm. Wetland Preservation and Stewardship 

CULINARY ARTS. 3:30pm. Pairing Soups & Sandwiches  

MUSEUMS. 6pm. Future of the Museum 

FIBER ARTS. 6-8pm. Virtual Quilting Circle 

CULINARY ARTS. 6:30pm. Sheet Pan Meals

PERFORMANCE ART. 6:30pm. Staged reading of Failure is Impossible

ORNITHOLOGY. 7pm. Owls 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 4pm. Winter Outings in the Berkshires 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURESHow to Layer Winter Clothes W.I.S.E.(ly) 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE. 7-8:30pm. Gardens of Devon and Cornwall

Self-Directed Learning:
BIRDS OF PREY

ORNITHOLOGY
Thurs., Jan 14, 7pm
Owls 

Self-Directed Learning:
CULINARY ARTS

CULINARY ARTS
Thurs., Jan. 14, 3:30pm
Pairing Soups & Sandwiches 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021

PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. In-person/Outdoors 

PreK PLAY. 10:30am. Art Museum Playdate 

ARTISAN SKILLS. 12:30pm. Glassblowing

ANIMAL STUDIES. 6:30-8:30pm. Starlight Owl and Wildlife Prowl at Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary

Self-Directed Learning:
ARTISAN SKILLS

GLASSBLOWING
Fri., Jan. 12:30pm
Glassblowing

Online and in-person events and resources shared above are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.

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Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Chester, Gill, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, Hinsdale-Peru, Holyoke, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Springfield, Washington, Westhampton, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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