Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this email in detail as it contains a lot of information in relation to the upcoming MCAS tests.

We are about to start the journey towards MCAS testing for 2023 and students will soon be introduced/ reminded of the process for our computer-based (CBT)for this year.

MCAS tests are required by state and federal law and are an important tool to promote student success and educational equity.

High school students in the class of 2025 (10th graders) must take and pass the MCAS tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics to earn a high school diploma, in addition to meeting local requirements. Students in the class of 2026 (9th graders) will take tests in ELA and mathematics next year, and they are also required to take and pass a test in science and technology/engineering (they will take or have already taken the science test this year). Students will have opportunities to retest if they do not pass.

The high school MCAS tests also provide the opportunity for students to qualify for several state awards. These include the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery.

In addition, MCAS test results will:

• give information about areas of learning that have been most impacted by the pandemic,

• provide important data on which students, schools, and districts have been most affected by pandemic-related changes in schooling, and

• improve understanding of your child’s knowledge and skills in relation to the state’s learning standards, so that we can provide the best system of support and instruction in future years.

Schedule & Parent Information

Please be aware of the schedule. It can be found here

For parents/guardians who are interested in learning more about the tests themselves, DESE has put together a number of useful resources, here. Student expectations during testing are explained, here.

Grade Level and Tests

Grade 10 - ELA and MATH - Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

Grade 8 - ELA, MATH & Science CBT

Grade 7 - ELA & MATH CBT

Staff will be reviewing expectations and supporting students with the testing process in preparation for the respective tests later in the term. This includes familiarity with the testing technology as well as looking at past papers.

Day of the test

Please make sure that students have slept well and eaten breakfast prior to coming to school. There will be a snack available for students who have not been able to have breakfast before traveling to school.

ChromeBooks

Students will not be using their own devices for testing. On the morning of the test, they should sign out a device from Kathy in the front office. These are devices that have been set up with testing technology. After completing testing, students will return the device they used to the front office.

After Testing

The vast majority of tests are scheduled from 8 - 10 am. This is followed by a lunch break. Students are expected to remain in school for the remainder of the day. It is important that students are able to take advantage of what little time remains in person for the rest of the year. Staff will adjust lessons to account for students taking a test earlier in the day.

Please email or call your student’s counselor if you have any questions or concerns.

2nd Annual UMass Amherst Engineering & Society Summit for high school seniors, juniors, and sophomores

The UMass College of Engineering 2nd Annual Engineering & Society Summit will be held on Saturday, April 1 from 10 AM to 3 PM.

The Summit is a special opportunity to explore the essential role engineers play in addressing some of the toughest challenges facing society. The day will include conversations with alumni, faculty, and current students on the impact they are making as engineers, as well as mini-workshops at the intersection of engineering and society. Lunch will be provided, and students are welcome to bring a parent or guardian.

For up-to-date information about the speakers and workshops, please see the summit website. We are having a bit of a challenge getting our website updated, so you may also directly access the current agenda for the day and workshop descriptions which we will continue to update as we finalize. After you register we will follow up for workshop selections.

Space is limited! Please register as early as possible to guarantee a spot. Registration ends when space fills or on March 30th at 8 am: https://bit.ly/Eng_and_Society_Summit_2023

We hope to see you on April 1st!

You must get a Work Permit at the School District where you live.

At Mohawk Trail Regional School, obtaining a Work Permit is a 2 step process:

1. You must have a job offer from an employer

2. After you have a job offer, download a Work Permit Application or stop by the Student Services office at MTRS

MASSACHUSETTS STATE LAW: ALL MINORS MUST OBTAIN AND HAVE FILLED OUT THE EMPLOYMENT PERMIT APPLICATION FOR 14 TO 17-YEAR-OLDS BEFORE A WORK PERMIT CAN BE ISSUED.

STEP 1:

The Employment Permit Application form (Promise of Employment form) can be downloaded Here or Picked up in the Student Services Office.

14 and 15-year-olds: There are 4 sections that MUST be filled out and signed on the Employment Permit Application before the Work Permit can be issued.

1. The first section is completed and signed by the employer

2. The second section is to be completed and signed by the Doctor’s office or Medical office where the minor had a physical within the last year. We can not accept a copy of a physical; this has to be signed by a physician according to State Law.

3. The third section is filled out and signed by the parent or legal guardian of the minor

4. The fourth section is signed and dated by the minor

16 and 17-year-olds: There are 3 sections that must be filled out and signed on the Employment Permit Application before the Work Permit can be issued.

1. The first section is completed and signed by the employer

2. The third section is filled out and signed by the parent or legal guardian of the minor

3. The fourth section is signed and dated by the minor

STEP 2:

*The Minor (student) must bring the completed Employment Permit Application form, their student ID, and a document that shows their birth date on it to the High School (MTRS Student Services) where the Work Permit will be filled out by the Authorized agent (MTRS Registrar/Shana Garcia). Documents MUST be originals; fax or copies will not be accepted. THE AUTHORIZED AGENT, MUST BY LAW, WITNESS THE MINOR SIGNING THE WORK PERMIT BEFORE IT CAN BE ISSUED.

Junior Achievement’s 18 under 18 - Presented by Teddy Bear Pools, is a recognition of outstanding young people throughout Western MA, showcasing our area’s up-and-comers who exemplify Innovative Spirit, Leadership, & Community Involvement.

As an educator, we encourage you to nominate a student(s) from your school or community! Students can also self-nominate, so please share this information with them. Parents, counselors, youth group leaders, and other community members can also nominate.

Nominations are due March 31, 2023.

18 Under 18 Nomination Form

For detailed information about the program, frequently asked questions, and to learn about last year's recipients, visit:

https://www.jawm.org/18-under-18/

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call: (413) 707 - 2061. We thank you for helping to recognize and celebrate the outstanding youth of our region!

William Dziura

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts

There were about 6 new scholarships added yesterday! Please keep checking the bulletin!

This is the Official Scholarship Bulletin. All of the available scholarships will be listed here as they become available. This bulletin is also included on the Student Services website.

• If you need a transcript or other documents from the Student Services office, please give us at least 3 school days to complete these requests!

Here are some tips:

• Check that you have all of the required documents (transcript, letter of recommendation, etc.) before you submit your application.
• Pay close attention to the due dates. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
• Check the application for submission details. Some applications need to be mailed out and some need to be submitted to the Student Services Office.
• If you are mailing the applications, be sure to mail them out with enough time for them to get there before the deadline.

Please reach out if you have any questions! We are happy to help!