AMHERST — Participatory projects that teach civic engagement and organizing for students of all ages are being supported through a donation to the newly formed Amethyst Brook Parent Guardian Organization.
With Amethyst Brook Elementary School open this fall, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, the Yes for Amherst Schools Committee gave its remaining $2,839.10 to the PGO.
That money remained from the committee’s advocacy in advance of the May 2023 Proposition 2½ debt-exclusion override, which passed with 82% support.
Under campaign finance laws, such funds must be donated to another candidate’s campaign or political action committee, or a nonprofit. For the Yes for Amherst Schools Committee, funding civics projects at Amethyst Brook made sense.
Ginny Hamilton, campaign manager for the committee, said that for many years, fifth graders at Fort River School, which like Wildwood School was closed to make way for the new school, have planned and carried out annual civics projects.
Campaign treasurer MaryAnn Grim presented the check. Grim observes that a strong democracy starts with people who know how to work together, speak up and make a difference in their communities.
“By teaching these skills early, we can help children understand that their voices matter and that everyone has a role to play,” Grim said. “We’re proud to support that work.”
Recognizing the role of volunteers and voters in creating the new elementary school building, Hamilton said democracy doesn’t just happen, but is developed through practical acts to educate and engage community members.
“We look forward to seeing all the ways in which Amethyst Brook students change the world,” Hamilton said.
