Amherst Montessori School believes your child is inherently intelligent and that hands-on learning is critical to their developing brains. In mixed-age classrooms, your child is empowered to explore, discover, and learn through all five senses. In a beautiful new building designed uniquely for children, classrooms are filled with sunlight, natural materials, and views outside to playgrounds. Trained Montessori teachers nurture each child’s innate curiosity and independence. For more information: 413-253-3101; kedreich@amherstmontessori.org; amherstmontessori.org.

Four Winds School is an independent middle school in Gill, MA, where students learn at their own level and pace. Their small size, combined with a focus on social skills, mental health, and social justice, creates a safe learning environment for students of any race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. In addition to these valuable life skills, their students learn self-confidence, time management, and, most importantly, how to learn. Explore their website’s information, links, pictures, and videos to learn more. Why wait to change your student’s life for the better? Apply today: fourwindsschool.info/apply.

FEATURED EVENT
Música Franklin’s 5th Annual Fun Fest
Turners Falls, MA

📢 UPDATE: Due to weather concerns, Música Franklin’s 5th Annual Fun Fest is now happening on Sunday, May 21! — Join Música Franklin for their 5th Annual Fun Fest, a FREE festival featuring musical performances, entertainment & crafts for the whole family! Listen to world-class music, try your hand at an instrument in their “petting zoo,” make-and-take a craft project, play with giant bubbles, step on a giant piano mat, shop local craft vendors, and grab a bite from the nearby food trucks. It’s all happening Sat., May 20, Sun., May 21 from 12:30-5:30pm at the beautiful Unity Park in Turners Falls. They have an amazing lineup of performers, including Isabella Mendes, the Expandable Brass Band, Viva Quetzal, and Abena Koomson-Davis. Plus, storytelling and a dance workshop! Check out the schedule & performer bios on their website or visit their Facebook event page.

FEATURED HOST FAMILY OPPORTUNITY
Host a Young Person from Spain!
HomestaysUSA

Have & Give a Special Summer Experience: Host a Young Person from Spain! June 26-July 26, 2023. Since 2008 HomestaysUSA has been successfully placing young people from Spain in American host families. Organizers personally interview both parties and carefully matched according to age (12-17), gender, personality & interests. Organizers are in touch before, during & after the stay to ensure a positive experience. Many make lasting connections & visit their new friends in Spain. So make this summer memorable! Represent your country & Western MA. Rediscover things to do in your area! Learn about a new culture. Make a new friend! $1,050 stipend & airport transportation provided. More Info: homestaysusa.org. Email: joe.homestaysusa@gmail.com. Call/Text: 413-259-5203.

FEATURED EVENT
Spring Farmers’ Markets
Franklin, Hampden, & Hampshire Counties

This month, many local farmers’ markets open for the growing season. CISA’s online guide offers the most updated information on opening dates and locations of markets. Farmers’ markets are open-air community markets, and each market has its own character. Products for sale include a mix of food for consumption, produce, and locally made goods like soaps, salsas, wool, and honey. In May, families can expect to find salad and cooking greens, mushrooms, dairy products and meat, and the beginnings of the region’s beloved asparagus, along with ramps, sprouts and fiddleheads. The markets are a friendly space for children to learn about where their food comes from and the basics of commerce. Some of the markets accept WIC, SNAP, and HIP.

FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Wild Garden Farm Camp
Northampton, MA

The Wild Garden of Childhood organization is offering its first summer camp, an exciting opportunity for ages 5-14. The camp will be held at the Northampton Meadows and offers an immersive experience where children can explore the great outdoors, learn to plant a garden, meet different kinds of animals, make art and get their hands dirty. The summer camp aims to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment to learn new skills and explore creativity while connecting with nature. By participating in activities like gardening, children can develop an appreciation for the natural world and learn essential life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility.
Contact: 413-231-4454. wildgardenofchildhood@gmail.com; wildgardenofchildhood.com.

FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Write the World:
Virtual Summer Writing Camps

Join Write the World for their online summer writing camps for teens ages 13-19! Their week-long workshops offer the opportunity to learn from notable authors and educators, engage with inspiring writing activities, connect with peers worldwide, and grow their writing toolkit long-term. Intro to Creative Writing, Poetry and Spoken Word, and Sci-Fi/Fantasy are just a few of the many offerings from June through August 2023. All writing levels are welcome, and spaces are limited, so act fast! Their team of writing experts can also help students conquer the college admissions essay with confidence through their on-demand Complete Your College Essay course and review services. Visit workshops.writetheworld.org to learn more! Contact: 508-319-9518. janelle@writetheworld.org; workshops.writetheworld.org.

FEATURED PRESCHOOL
The Common School
Amherst, MA

Children only get one preschool experience. Experience The Common School. The Common School, serving children ages 3-12 years, has two preschool classrooms for children ages 3-5 years. These classrooms provide strong student/teacher ratios, a diverse and inclusive community, opportunities for experiential learning, a stellar social and emotional curriculum, environmental awareness, play based learning, significant time spent outdoors and many resources, such as an extensive library, music and movement class. Prospective families are invited to meet their teachers and tour their newly renovated facilities, including outdoor learning spaces for extended time outside. For more information: 413-256-8989; www.commonschool.org.

FEATURED RESOURCE
Berkshire Botanical Garden
Stockbridge, MA

A showcase of horticulture and garden design and a “museum of living things,” Berkshire Botanical Garden’s 24 acres feature dozens of display areas that are educational, functional, and highly ornamental, with plant collections emphasizing plants that are native to the Northeast or that thrive in Zone 5b. Online and on-campus classes, workshops, lectures, exhibits, and special events are offered year-round. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA.

FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Hilltown Land Trust

Do you care deeply about land and the future of the Hilltowns? Get involved and make a difference! The Board and Staff of Hilltown Land Trust (HLT) invite you to join them in their work of conserving and caring for the land, habitat, and trails in this special place. You can participate in many ways, from helping to build and maintain local trails and making sure public events run smoothly, to strategic planning, policy setting, and so much more. HLT is looking for engaged and motivated community members to serve on committees, give input into a new Strategic Plan, become regular volunteers, or consider serving on the Board of Directors. Learn more at: www.hilltownlandtrust.org.

Photo by Ana Seiler.