AMHERST — A recent incident at an Amherst school, in which one parent was confronted by other parents in an apparent threatening and harassing manner, is prompting Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman to send a message to families about the importance of being respectful toward each other and developing a Caregiver Code of Conduct.

In the communication, Herman writes that “adult behavior on school grounds matters.”

“We set the tone for our students. They look to us to model respect, self-control, and positive ways to resolve conflict,” Herman wrote. “There is no place in our schools for hostility, intimidation or confrontational actions.”

While the matter is being investigated by Herman’s office and other agencies, and measures have been put in place to ensure that the offending parties are restricted from the school community, the superintendent is working with other school leaders to develop a code that will set clear expectations for all adults when engaging in school-related activities. This code is expected to outline shared values of respect, civility and constructive communication, and will provide guidance on conflict resolution and reinforce a collective responsibility to model appropriate behavior for students.

The concerning incident was made public at the Feb. 11 Amherst Regional School Committee meeting, where a Fort River School parent said she had sought immediate action after the “disturbing and deeply troubling” verbal assault by two parents, who she said screamed at her and blocked her attempts to leave the situation.

Those parents were asked to leave by educators, but the parent said she was still left shaken, saying that respect for inclusion and safety had been violated and there was an emotional impact on her family.

Heat pump incentive program

An information session on a heat pump incentive program the town is offering in partnership with CET, a western Mass. nonprofit organization, takes place Tuesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom at https://amherstma.zoom.us/j/86217199716 

Beginning April 1, the initiative will help homeowners install energy-efficient heat pump systems, with an aim to have 30 heat pump installations by the end of 2026.

Director of Sustainability Stephanie Ciccarello said in a statement that it’s good to get assistance from CET. “With their knowledge and experience, we are confident they will be able to offer Amherst residents the assistance they need to make an informed choice on the best system for their residence,” Ciccarello said.

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $3,500 in financial incentives to offset the cost of installation. The CET team will help homeowners determine their eligibility, schedule necessary assessments and guide them.

Dog licenses

With dog licenses set to expire on March 31, 2025, dog licenses are available at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall.

All dogs at least 6 months old must be licensed, according to state law. Licenses for intact male and female dogs are $15 and those that are spayed or neutered are $5.  Rabies vaccination certificates for all dogs must be presented at the time of licensing.

Licenses being renewed can be done via mail or online.

Grants to schools

Amherst-Pelham Regional High School is among 135 schools across the state sharing $914,385 awarded by the Healey-Driscoll administration to support a career and college planning program.

The district is receiving $41,420 so it can adopt the My Career and Academic Plan, or MyCAP, a student-centered, multiyear planning tool designed to provide middle and high school students with opportunities to plan for their academic, personal and career success in high school and beyond.

Also taking part in the program are the Hadley schools, getting $8,800, and Granby schools, receiving $9,750.

Demolition to go forward

A historic garage at 1146 North Pleasant St. can be torn down after the Amherst Historical Commission recently agreed that it shouldn’t be historically preserved under the town’s demolition delay bylaw.

Wes Parker told the commission the property was his grandparents’ house and that he has been maintaining the front house, back house and a large barn, but already demolished a butcher shop shed. The 1890s-era garage would be removed to provide more parking on site.

“The garage is starting to twist and at some point, if nothing happens, it's going to collapse,” Parker said.

“It’s torqued — it's quite noticeable from the back of the building,” said commission member Hetty Startup.

The garage has been known as the Charles S. Dickinson Carriage House and Dr. Seth Fish Carriage House Garage.