AMHERST — Wild River Elementary. Amethyst Brook Elementary. Emily Dickinson Elementary.
Before the end of the calendar year, one of those, or something else entirely, could become the official name for the new 575-student, K-5 elementary school building under construction on South East Street, next to the Fort River School. That new school, scheduled to open in fall 2026, will replace both Fort River and Wildwood School on Strong Street.
But even though families offered some preference through votes at open houses this fall at both schools, the Amherst School Committee recently agreed to form an ad hoc committee that will do a more in-depth study of possible names, and make a recommendation that could be voted on in November or December.
At the same time, the School Committee will be selecting a name for the space within the Amherst Regional Middle School where all Amherst sixth graders will be educated starting next fall.
Committee Chairwoman Jennifer Shiao said these names will have an impact for decades to come and that the decision should be based on what will last.
“This is a really important decision,” Shiao said.
The small committee will review the current names and do research and then put forth suggestions of three to five the committee could vote on.
Shiao said she doesn’t think the committee necessarily needs to pick names that resonate with the community now.
One of Shiao’s suggestions, for example, is to name the new elementary school after Marjorie McKenney Stone, who graduated Amherst High School in the early 1940s, is an American retired military machinist who served in the U.S. Navy WAVES during World War II.
For the sixth-grade space, Shiao offered Hexa Academy, taking the name from the Latin word for six.
“I think this needs to be done with intention, and not simply by votes or popularity of people who are voting currently,” Shiao said.
The school district began surveying families during the first-day event in August and more than 50 responses have come in since, with both conventional names that combine the names from the town schools, or others that use regional names, such as Nonotuck.
Other names would salute individuals, such as Judy and Barry Brooks Elementary, the longtime educators and residents, Quock Walker, an enslaved Massachusetts resident who the state recognizes on Emancipation Day, or P.D. Eastman, the screenwriter, children’s author and illustrator who was born in Amherst and attended Amherst College.
Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman said people were encouraged to think of themes of inclusivity and belonging and having respect for community pride, and were advised to be careful about offering names associated with Lord Jeffery Amherst and businesses and commercial entities.
Wildwood Principal Allison Estes said she went to the open houses at each of the schools and handed out ballots, observing it was meant to be a fun experience and a way to see where people are.
“For the new elementary school, Wild River is something people are loving right now,” Estes said.
For the sixth-grade school, “6th Grade Academy” was the preferred choice, with second place going to Amethyst Academy, though it’s uncertain whether the state will allow “academy” to be used in the school name. Other top choices included Hurricane Academy, Dickinson Academy and Fort-Wood Academy.
School Committee members suggested approaches that could lead to a good name.
Bridget Hynes said the committee should look to honor educators who have meant a lot to the community.
“I like the idea of giving the school a new name, a fresh name,” said Sarah Marshall.
Before a decision is reached, Irv Rhodes suggested another opportunity for people to have ranked-choice ballot, which would give a good flavor for all the names, rather than just the top vote getter.