Student & Family Update

We have one more week to go until April break!

Please read on to see what has been going on at our school.

Have a wonderful weekend

Best

Chris

Yearbook purchasing information

• Those looking to purchase a 2023 MTRS yearbook should do so directly through TreeRing via the following link: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1015542201951246. Once there, you'll be prompted to create an account or login. If you purchased a copy of last year's yearbook, you'll likely already have an account.
• At some point TreeRing may ask you for a passcode to connect to our school. This is not required, but one of several options to connect. Hopefully following the link above works around that, but if not, our school code is: 1015542201951246
• Orders placed by 5/3/2023 will ship to the school, and are estimated to arrive around 5/24. Orders placed after that date will instead ship directly to your home instead of the school.
• Please reach out to the yearbook staff at yearbook@mtrsd.org will any questions.

Upcoming dates

• April 14th - Talent Show, 6-7:30pm

• April 17-21 - April Break

• April 28th - MTEA Movie night fundraiser

• May 17th- MTRS Spring Musical Concert

• May 24th- District Musical Concert: BSE (rain venue - MTRS)

• May 29th - Memorial day (no school)

• June 1st - Awards Evening

• June 3rd - Graduation (Saturday)

• June 8th - Civic Action projects & Field day

• June 9th - Step up day

• June 9th - 6;30-9 Grade 8 Semi-Formal

• June 10th - MTAA Spring Fling

• June 19th - Juneteenth (no school)

• June 22nd - Last day of school

Early Release Wednesdays (12:50pm)

• March 1,8,15,29
• April 5,12,26
• May 3,10,17,24

AP and MCAS Schedule :Link

Academic Calendar: Link (Please note that Q3 started on January 25th and subsequent dates have yet to be adjusted for snow days. Thanks for your understanding.)

Theatre Updates: For more information and news on Guys and Dolls: Link

Tentative End of Year dates: (adjusted for snow days up to and including 3-17-23)

Finals Schedule

• 20, 21, 22ndJune: 2 hour delay 20 & 21st, 22nd is a ½ day: 11:30 dismissal

We want to provide you with some details about what this means for you and your family starting May 12, 2023.

COVID-19 Vaccines:

Medicare and Medicaid (Mass Health) will continue to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines after the Public Health Emergency ends. There may be a co-pay for your vaccine, depending on your insurance plan.

We expect most commercial insurance companies will continue to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. There may be a co-pay for your vaccine.

Check with your insurance company if you have questions about the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Testing

Tests ordered by a provider

Starting May 12, mandatory insurance coverage for COVID-19 testing will end. Your insurance company will continue to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing when a provider orders the test and you have been exposed or have symptoms. You may not be covered for elective testing, such as for travel.

At-home testing

Starting May 12, most insurance companies will no longer reimburse you for buying at-home COVID-19 tests. If you want to purchase at-home COVID-19 tests before insurance reimbursement ends, you can purchase them from your local pharmacy or online. See the websites below for more information about where to purchase at-home COVID-19 tests.

• COVID-19 Testing Resources – Search by State

• At Home COVID Test Kit – CVS Pharmacy

• COVID-19 Testing & Locations | Walgreens Find Care

• COVID-19 Tests Insurance Reimbursement - Amazon.com

• Community Care Van | Mass General Brigham

You can still order free at-home COVID-19 tests from the government until the end of the Public Health Emergency. See www.covid.gov/tests for more information.

COVID-19 Treatment and Therapies:
There is no change in coverage for COVID-19 treatment. If you are paying a deductible or cost share for these treatments now, then you will continue to pay these costs after the end of the Public Health Emergency.

11 students were inducted into the Neil E Potter chapter of the National Honors Society this past Wednesday. The NHS recognizes tenth through twelfth grade students who have achieved excellence in scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Students who maintain a 3.8 GPA are eligible to apply. Members of the NHS meet regularly to plan service projects and activities in our community.

The Mohawk Trail French classes had a wonderful time at the Metro Bistro on Tuesday! Before we left for our field trip, we had lessons on French culture and table manners. We were beautifully prepared for our trip! Everyone was polite and kind. The menu was a full, delicious French meal. We ate tomato soup, chicken, rice, carrots, and ice cream with fruit sauce! We learned about the history of the restaurant industry in France, and what people really eat contrasted with food that has been invented for tourists. We heard an amazing acapella performance of la vie en rose and looked at beautiful Haitian art. French culture is everywhere! Our trip was graciously funded by the Mary Lyon Foundation, and we are very grateful to them for this wonderful experience. What an amazing adventure! - (Clare W)

Mohawk Trail’s approach to teaching mathematics has garnered interest from across the state, as evidenced by Laura Rubinaccio and Amy Chang’s recent presentation at the Association of Teachers of Mathematics in Massachusetts Spring Conference.

The conference, held in Worcester at College of the Holy Cross brought more than 200 educators from across New England together and provided a platform for Mohawk Trail teachers to share their innovative approach to how they are impacting student learning. Their approach engages students in solving open-end “thinking tasks” in small groups while standing at white-boards around the room. It is based on Peter Liljedahl’s decades of research on what gets students really thinking in math classroom.

Principal Chris Buckland was not surprised educators from around the region are interested in Mohawk Trail’s approach. “I think we sometimes take for granted the quality of the staff in our schools. We have excellent educators. I have worked at several different school systems and I have never seen a group as passionate about teaching, helping students achieve their goals, as I have here. We have a truly remarkable group of educators, and clearly professionals across Massachusetts agree.”

The team from Mohawk Trail included special educator Alicia Richter and math specialist Lindsay Funk from Buckland Shelburne Elementary, math teachers Laura Rubinaccio, Zach Charette, Bob Mastorakis and Eric Colbeck from Mohawk Trail Regional School, math coach Amy Chang and Mohawk Trail’s curriculum director, Sarah Jetzon.

In addition to sharing their cutting-edge approach to instruction, Mohawk Trail’s educators had the opportunity to get new insights into teaching from a community of math practitioners.

“I loved the excitement of being with math educators from all across the state,” Amy Chang said. “The conference sessions left me inspired by ideas shared by presenters and challenged with questions about my own practice. I am left thinking about how math games can promote equity and brilliance and how we can use student reflection data as evidence of student learning.”

“The workshops I attended were inspiring and practical. I've already used some of the suggestions with my students today and the excitement about math has continued to spread,” said Lindsay Funk, a math specialist at Buckland Shelburne Elementary.

Mohawk Trail’s Zachary Charette, who teaches high school math classes, said it was great to have discussions about pedagogy with people he otherwise never would have had the opportunity to meet.

His colleague at Mohawk Trail, Bob Mastorakis, agreed. “It was great to spend time with the mathematics teachers. I look forward to using the concept of having models continue through the grades into my practice with the students, perhaps having some K-12 common language in the use of some of these area and number line models.”

To learn more about the ATMIM conference and workshops offered, including the session led by Laura Rubinaccio and Amy Chang, please visit the conference website: https://atmim.wildapricot.org/event-4947310

Educadores de Mohawk Trail a la vanguardia en la instrucción innovadora

Los maestros de Mohawk Trail comparten un enfoque innovador con sus compañeros en la conferencia regional

El enfoque de Mohawk Trail para la enseñanza de las matemáticas ha despertado el interés de todo el estado, como lo demuestra la reciente presentación de Laura Rubinaccio y Amy Chang en la Conferencia de Primavera de la Asociación de Profesores de Matemáticas en Massachusetts.

La conferencia, celebrada en Worcester en Holy Cross, reunió a más de 200 educadores de toda Nueva Inglaterra y proporcionó una plataforma para que los maestros de Mohawk Trail compartieran su enfoque innovador sobre cómo están impactando el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Su enfoque involucra a los estudiantes en la resolución de "tareas de pensamiento" abiertas en pequeños grupos mientras están parados en pizarras alrededor del salón. Se basa en las décadas de investigación de Peter Liljedahl sobre lo que hace que los estudiantes realmente piensen en el aula de matemáticas.

Al director Chris Buckland no le sorprendió que los educadores de toda la región estén interesados en el enfoque de Mohawk Trail. “Creo que a veces damos por sentada la calidad del personal de nuestras escuelas. Tenemos excelentes educadores. He trabajado en varios sistemas escolares diferentes y nunca he visto un grupo tan apasionado por la enseñanza, ayudando a los estudiantes a alcanzar sus metas, como yo lo he hecho aquí. Tenemos un grupo verdaderamente notable de educadores, y claramente los profesionales de Massachusetts están de acuerdo”.

El equipo de Mohawk Trail incluyó a la educadora especial Alicia Richter y la especialista en matemáticas Lindsay Funk de Buckland Shelburne Elementary, los maestros de matemáticas Laura Rubinaccio, Zach Charette, Bob Mastorakis y Eric Colbeck de la Escuela Regional Mohawk Trail, la entrenadora de matemáticas Amy Chang y la directora de currículo de Mohawk Trail, Sarah Jetzón.

Además de compartir su enfoque de instrucción de vanguardia, los educadores de Mohawk Trail tuvieron la oportunidad de obtener nuevos conocimientos sobre la enseñanza de una comunidad de profesionales de las matemáticas.

“Me encantó la emoción de estar con educadores de matemáticas de todo el estado”, dijo Amy Chang. “Las sesiones de la conferencia me inspiraron con las ideas compartidas por los presentadores y me desafiaron con preguntas sobre mi propia práctica. Me quedo pensando en cómo los juegos de matemáticas pueden promover la equidad y la brillantez y cómo podemos usar los datos de reflexión de los estudiantes como evidencia del aprendizaje de los estudiantes”.

“Los talleres a los que asistí fueron inspiradores y prácticos. Ya he usado algunas de las sugerencias con mis estudiantes hoy y el entusiasmo por las matemáticas ha seguido creciendo”, dijo Lindsay Funk, especialista en matemáticas de la escuela primaria Buckland Shelburne.

Zachary Charette de Mohawk Trail, que enseña matemáticas en la escuela secundaria, dijo que fue genial tener conversaciones sobre pedagogía con personas que de otro modo nunca hubiera tenido la oportunidad de conocer.

Su colega en Mohawk Trail, Bob Mastorakis, estuvo de acuerdo. “Fue genial pasar tiempo con los profesores de matemáticas. Espero usar el concepto de tener modelos que continúen a través de los grados en mi práctica con los estudiantes, tal vez tener algo de lenguaje común K-12 en el uso de algunos de estos modelos de área y recta numérica”.

Para obtener más información sobre la conferencia ATMIM y los talleres ofrecidos, incluida la sesión dirigida por Laura Rubinaccio y Amy Chang, visite el sitio web de la conferencia: https://atmim.wildapricot.org/event-4947310

Mrs. Beck's Marine Biology class took a field trip to the Mystic Aquarium in Stonington, Connecticut to be able to take their learning from the classroom and see it firsthand. The first thing that they did was pet and/or feed the stingrays. I’m going to be honest, it was very slimy and I was a little scared at first, but I’m thankful I got the opportunity. They were also fortunate to watch a California Sea Lion show where they learned all about not only sea lions, but also the impact climate change has on sea creatures, and what they can do to help avoid contributing to it. There were a lot of different exhibits to look at including sharks, fresh and saltwater fish, jellyfish, and my personal favorite, penguins. Overall, It was an amazing experience to get to see, touch, and learn about so many sea creatures that most of us had probably only ever talked about. - Senior, Rylee H

Quintessentially American in spirit, Guys and Dolls remains a timeless tale that owes its longevity not only to its multitude of memorable characters and hummable tunes, but also to its enduring themes of ambition, savvy and self-made luck

Bustling with gamblers, missionaries, and sassy showgirls, this classic Broadway musical, which many believe is the greatest musical ever created, follows the unlikeliest of romantic pairings. A notorious gambler high-roller Sky Masterson attempts to woo Sarah Brown a straight-laced, Save-a-Soul mission doll in hopes of winning a bet. Meanwhile, after waiting 14 years, Miss Adelaide, a headliner at the Hot Box Club.wants to finally drag Nathan Detroit to the alter. Place your bets on love conquering all in this hilarious Broadway classic featuring a bushel of songs you know and love.

Performance dates are May 5 & 6, 2023

Both performances 7:30pm

Performances to be held at MTRS auditorium

Tickets are available at the door or by contacting

Stagemanager@mtrsd.org

Tickets can also be purchased by downloading, completing and returning this form with payment to the front office!

Guys and Dolls JR. is presented by special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by

Music Theater International,

412 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019

Link

Members of the class of 2023...

Emails have been sent on several occasions and we have only received 14 responses....

A survey has been shared to students in the class of 2023 in which the following information is required:

• Name as it appears on your diploma

• Capstone focus

• Plans for next year

• What you liked most about your experiences at MTRS

• What you will miss most about MTRS

• Your advice for future graduates

The deadline for students to complete this is April 13th.

If you do not reply by the 13th, we will use your information as it is published in Aspen.

Reach out to Class of 23 advisors Ms. Basal or Ms. Camada if you have any questions.

Dates to be aware of:

Grade 12: Finals, Reporting and Progress Grades

No SENIOR finals schedule, if you need to give a final please use class time prior to May 26

Grade 12 Q4 Progress Grading Window: Wednesday, May 3 - Tuesday May 9 @ 11:59pm

Grade 12 Progress Reports available: Wednesday, May 10

Grade 12 Q4 Term Grading Window: Wednesday, May 24 - Tuesday May 30 @ 11:59pm

Grade 12 Reports Cards available: Wednesday, May 31

Other events:

• Prom - Friday 19th May
• Senior Send off - Weds 24th May
• Senior Soak - Thursday 24th May
• Finals and rehearsals for Awards/ Graduation - Tuesday 30th May
• Elementary school visit and MTRS staff cookout - Wednesday 31st May
• Awards Event - Thursday 1st June (5-7pm)
• Graduation Celebration - Friday June 2nd, 6:30-8pm (Rain date: June 3rd: 1-3pm)

For scholarship information and deadlines, students should continue to reference the Student Services updates

Alia Woofenden "Mrs. Woof"

Liaison for Community Engagement and Enrichment Programs

Mohawk Trail Regional School District

24 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

She/Her/Hers

https://www.mtrsd.org/ceep

https://www.facebook.com/MTRSDCEEP/

Sunday April 23

1pm-7:30pm

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Easthampton MA

Live Music and dance, poetry readings, workshops

A jpeg flier for the festival is attached to this email

Link to webpage about the festival

https://sites.google.com/view/ycanupcomingevents/upcoming-festival?authuser=0

optional RSVP for Festival: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSev2s691VJU0fgXMIoiZC1sg3uBNgkDrhjCpSAXWmoNOHJDDg/viewform

Local Education Council (LEC)

This meets virtually every second Wednesday of the month between 3:45 and 4:30pm. More information can be found here. The next meeting will be on April 12th.

The virtual joining information is as follows:

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/gzo-toke-ibz

Phone Numbers

(‪US‬)‪+1 813-435-9650‬

PIN: ‪741 012 215#‬

Outdoor Advisory Committee (OAC)

This meets every second Wednesday of the month between 5 and 6pm. In the winter we will be virtual. In the Spring and Fall we will be in-person. The next meeting will be on April 12th.

Outdoor Advisory Committee- Virtual

Wednesday, Feb 8th, 5:00 – 6:00pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ysh-dgqv-jvz

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 470-210-0524‬ PIN: ‪190 585 623‬#

Please explore the OAC page on the website and have a look at the list of initial projects we gathered from surveying students, staff and community as well as OAC priorities created from this initial list.

Principal Drop-ins

As was the case last year, I will hold regular virtual office hours. You don’t need an appointment to come and talk with me and share your thoughts on what goes on at MTRS. I will try to be available for the whole 60 minutes but can't always guarantee it at our busy school.

Second Friday of each month: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

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.

Meeting ID: meet.google.com/sru-mshz-rht

Phone Number: (US)+1 (218) 301-2866

PIN: 136 064 523

Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent

Follow us on Facebook

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.

Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional