Student & Family Update
January 14, 2022
January 21, 2022
Hello Everyone!
I can’t believe that we are almost in February and that we have a full week of school next week!
It was great to speak with more community members this afternoon at my virtual office hours. As a reminder, I’m hosting an open virtual chat with caregivers each month (you can find the info and links here: https://www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org/News) Join me for the next one on Friday, Feb. 11 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Our newsletter is packed with info this week. Please find below information and news related to the many things happening in our busy school.
Enjoy your weekend!
Best wishes,
Chris Buckland
Dates to Remember
EARLY DISMISSAL
Wednesday, Jan. 26
Thursday, Feb. 2
Wednesday, Feb. 9
WINTER BREAK
Feb. 22 - 25
Finals Week Schedule
Middle School & High School: 7:45 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 27 - Two-Hour Delay
MS: 9:45 a.m.-2:20 p.m.
HS: 9:45 a.m.- 2:20 p.m. Students with parental permission my leave after their exam.
Friday, Jan. 28 - Two-Hour Delay
MS: 9:45 a.m.-2:20 p.m.
HS: 9:45 a.m.- 2:20 p.m. Students with parental permission my leave after their exam.
You’re Invited! MTRS VIRTUAL EVENT: What is a Trailblazer?
Are you a current or prospective family interested in learning more about our Trailblazer work? Do you wonder, "What is the Trailblazer model?" and how does it prepare students for the future? Are you a caregiver to elementary-aged children who will attend MTRS in the future? If so - this virtual event is for YOU!
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 15
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join us for this virtual event and hear directly from our current students who are blazing their trails at MTRS. We will provide you with an overview of our Trailblazer model and students will answer your questions–what does it mean to be a Trailblazer at MTRS? How are we preparing students for life post-high school? Hear from our students about our innovative, hands-on learning opportunities, internships, Capstone work, and more!
Space is limited! Please RSVP to MTRS Principal Chris Buckland by Friday, Feb. 11 to reserve your space and submit your questions in advance: cbuckland@mtrsd.org. Virtual meeting log-in information will be provided when you register.
**STUDENTS – Interested in being a panelist and talking about your experience at MTRS? Stay tuned for more information in your ADVISORY in the next few days!**
Time to purchase your YEARBOOK!
Order your 2022 Yearbook by May 4, 2022
To order your MTRS yearbook, visit: treering.com/validate
Enter passcode: 1015542201951246
Price: $42.15
Questions about ordering your yearbook? Contact wbrooks@mtrsd.org or rsilverman@mtrsd.org.
ATTENTION Families of Graduating Seniors!
Don't forget -- Deadline for submitting senior recognition ads is May 4. To submit your ad visit: www.treering.com/validate
Enter passcode: 1015542201951246
Click the “Buy Yearbook Ad” button and follow the directions.
Ad prices:
1/8 Page - $15.00
1/4 Page - $25.00
Half Page - $50.00
Full Page - $75.00
MTRS Musical
We are excited to start the planning stage for this year’s production!
Students interested in acting, singing, performing or being a member of the stage crew, please complete this interest survey by Friday, Jan. 28. Caregivers/family members, if you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, please email Principal Buckland: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Updates from the MTRS Student Council
January Committee - currently working with Mr. Cipoletta to plan an advisory activity where students will make a drawing/thought/idea that will be posted and shared with the school community.
Fundraising - The fundraising committee is currently in the process of planning a tag sale for the spring. Current plan for the tag sale date is Sunday, May 15 with the rain date being the following Sunday.
Scrapbook - The scrapbook committee is working on creating the scrapbook in time to be turned in on Feb. 1.
Teacher appreciation - In the past couple of years, the teacher appreciation committee has struggled to find safe ways to properly appreciate our staff and faculty. We successfully wrapped up our “Secret Snowflake” with a spaghetti luncheon the week before winter break, and, with the start of a new semester, are hoping to bring back and plan a “breakfast delivery.” Student council members will work with MVP in order to make and deliver personalized breakfasts, from a predetermined menu, to staff and faculty around the building.
Student Voice - Student Voice Committee is planning to send quarterly surveys to track the feelings of the student body over time. We want to make sure everyone’s issues are being heard and addressed.
Potential future plans include creating a communication network among the different grades/clubs and a student newsletter. More information to come - so stay tuned!
A reminder: Virtual Office Hours with Principal Buckland
Virtual Office Hours with Principal Buckland: Have a virtual coffee or tea with me! Pop-by and tell me about your experiences at MTRS and the Trailblazer model. Each month I'll host two virtual drop-in hours for caregivers and hope you'll stop by to say hello!
Second Friday of each month: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. (starting January 14)
Meeting ID: meet.google.com/jtz-yhet-ipo
Phone Number: (US)+1 (813) 773-5581
PIN: 636 883 303
Third Friday of each month: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (starting January 21)
Meeting ID: meet.google.com/sru-mshz-rht
Phone Number: (US)+1 (218) 301-2866
PIN: 136 064 523
Zamer's Corner ~ Academic / Instruction Highlights
What a great week of teaching and learning at MTRS! One of my highlights:
Students in Mr. Drake’s English 10 class were working hard on their final projects for the semester. Analyzing multiple readings from the semester, students are exploring the idea of the American Dream through essays, photo essays, music, and skits. I got to observe students filming an interview with Kurt Vonnegut to find out his idea of the American Dream. This week's newsletter background photo is of our students (Mohawk Trail’s own Emily Sissum playing Vonnegut, Eliandra Snape as the reporter and Kaylin Sumner as director of photography) rehearsing their interview. Keep it up, 10th graders! I can’t wait to see your projects.
Athletics Update
HOME GAMES NEXT WEEK:
Monday 1/24
Girls JV/Varsity Basketball vs. Athol - 5:30 PM / 7 PM
Wrestling vs. Gateway - 6 PM
Tuesday 1/25
Boys & Girls Middle School Basketball vs. Frontier - 3:30 PM / 4:30 PM
Thursday 1/27
Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Smith Academy - 7 PM
Let's get SOCIAL! Follow MTRS on Facebook & Instagram!
Get a glimpse of our students and staff in action! Follow our official pages and stay connected! Our official school Facebook and Instagram pages are @mohawktrailregional.
MTRS sports fans, we also have MTRS Athletics Instagram and Twitter pages! Follow your favorite teams @MTRSAthletics.
Special Education Updates
Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent
Do you have a question about your child, their services, or resources specific to your needs? If you or someone you know would like to be added to the private list and receive emails and event notifications, please send an email to: MOHAWKSEPAC@gmail.com Please indicate your email, title (such as parent of a student with IEP/504), District, Interested Party or other)
Disclosure: SEPAC maintains the list of contacts and keeps the information private. This email is maintained by a parent and volunteer. Our goal is to respond in a timely manner. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional