TFHS/GFMS Community Newsletter
January 8, 2021 Created by Principal Joanne Menard
In This Newsletter
-Welcome Back Reminders
-Reminder About Excused Absences
-January's Half Day
-Winter Sports Protocols
-Latest Student Newspaper Article
-8th Grade Ugly Sweater Contest
-TFHS Class Officers
-Atlas Pop Up Markets
-Our State Approved to Continue Pandemic EBT
-8th Grade Gingerbread Houses
-Brick House Opportunities
-Equity and Inclusion District Webpage
-Ensuring IEP Implementation in Remote Learning
-News from Assistant Principal Tom Gaffigan
-Athletic Leadership Council's Holiday Food Baskets
-TFHS Exams, PSATs, and Turn Around Day
-Upcoming Finals for Seniors
-Updated GMRSD School Calendar 2020-2021
-Annual Gala
-Gala Plaques and Trophy Case
-Interested in Serving on Student Council?
-Upcoming School Committee Meetings
-Student Emails
-GMRSD Family Technology Resource Page
-Disclosure Statement Read Prior to Each Class
-Acceptable Use Policy
-TFHS Yearbook Information
-TFHS/GFMS Student Handbooks
-Updated Academic Calendar 2020-2021
-TFHS Bell Schedule
-Whole School Meetings
-Procedures if Need to Come to School Office
-GMRSD Face Mask Policy
-Masks Need to Be Worn on All Buses
-Upcoming Dates
Welcome Back Reminders
Students' role in remote learning
-be to class on time
-be in school: every day and every class the entire class
-be in a location for learning
-sit upright when in class
-clear your working surface other than the current class materials
-be present in Google Classroom, classroom document, or online subject website
-respond to teacher questions
-participate verbally within break out sessions with others
-eyes on computer screen for instruction and directions/ears listening to instructions and discussions
-turn in filled in assignments - do not turn in blank documents
-check your progress on Plus Portals
-check assignments on Google Classroom
-check for comments/feedback from teachers on assignment
-reply to teacher messages/emails
-proper care of your ChromeBook
Parents'/Guardians' role in remote learning
-play an active, supportive role in your child's education
-check student grades in Plus Portals, either as a parent or with your child
-provide an appropriate learning environment (quiet/minimal noise, a place to sit - desk, table, materials - pens/pencils, paper, notebooks)
-encourage movement breaks and screen breaks
-reach out to teachers with questions and concerns about attendance, assignments, and grades
-frequently check on your child - that they are attending classes and completing assignments
-check to see if they are on the computer and what screen (your child will not be always focusing on a Google Meet, they might be in break out groups or on digital assignments)
-support and remind your child in properly caring for their ChromeBook
-use the tech support site with technology issues
https://sites.google.com/gmrsd.us/familyresourcesite/home
-we do not expect parents/guardians to teach the academic curriculum
Teachers' role in remote learning
-updating Plus Portals
-posting assignments on Google Classroom
-posting feedback for students
-taking attendance daily and by class
-teaching standards-based curriculum
Reminder about Excused Absences
January's Half Day
Winter Sports Protocols
Latest Student Newspaper Article
Title: A TIME FOR ESSENTIAL POSITIVITY By: TURNERS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM CLASS 2020 TURNERS FALLS- Dakota Smith-Porter (TFHS Journalism Teacher) “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. In a world that feels heavy and burdened with disappointments it is important to remember the infinite hopes that surround us all. When we acknowledge these hopes, and share them with others we may be empowered with the ultimate gift of giving. This year, I have been given the privilege of connecting my students with our local community of Montague Reporter viewers. In this December 24th edition, we would like to share with you our perspectives of positivity and our hopes for the future, in effort that you may be encouraged by them and be inspired to foster your own, and in turn share them with others that surround you. So, without further ado... LOGAN ADDISON-10th grade Staying positive is hard. Very hard. You have to teach yourself to become positive and the teaching never ends. You learn more and more everyday about being positive and about yourself. Everyone including me struggles with it. But we all have our ways of keeping the positive energy. For example, I use music, golf, video games, movies and YouTube to escape our depressing world and I also use my own methods that I taught myself. I taught myself that when you’re positive, and believe good things are coming and truly believe that you have what you want and are living your ideal life, then those things are going to actually happen for you. And if you think negatively and down yourself then you’re getting what you asked for and more negative things are going to drain right down on you. It’s called manifesting (The Law of Attraction). I heard this quote one time online, it goes a little something like this, “live like there’s a camera crew with you all times documenting your life”, it makes you think how differently you would act if there truly was a camera crew with you at all times. Would you make different choices? Would you make the best of the time you have? I guess we will never find out but it’s good to imagine it because it makes you want to strive for better things and live a better life. I also use the word “future” to help me through this tough time. I use it because I’m always thinking about my future and how I’m going to do big things, and find what I’m truly passionate about. Time is the most valuable thing. And I’m trying my hardest to not waste it and do the things I love and the things that make me happy. So stay positive and value your time, even if it’s just sitting at home because you don’t want to get sick. :). Make the best of it. AALIYAH COSTANTINO-9th grade Some of the things I do to keep myself thinking positively are, thinking about all of my goals and what I can achieve. Sometimes my mother also helps me to think positively. I skateboard, listen to music, paint my walls and grow plants to deal with my stress and that is what keeps me motivated. Advice I would tell a stranger to keep them thinking positively would be, “never give up, and keep on going”. I am looking forward to passing this semester and passing my next semester, so I can finish school successfully. I am thankful for my mom, my dad, my hamster, my guinea pig, my turtle, my Axolotl, my spider, my snakes and my best friend Xavor. A way I have stayed healthy in stressful times is talking to counselors and healthcare professionals. I am able to relax when I feel I can express whatever and however I am feeling at a given moment. It can be hard when a lot of people are being diagnosed with the sickness of COVID-19 and losing beloved family members. I know I have felt depressed when I am asked to stay inside and am not able to go outside and do things that I enjoy, like hangout with my friends. To remedy those feelings I have been trying and learning new activities, like making art, meditation, and yoga. BRYCE FINN-11th grade Once I found a video on the internet where an old man encouraged his viewers to, “Take it slow, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, or even second by second. It’s better to wait to see about tomorrow than worry about it”(OMsteve). I found inspiration when this old man took the time to share the truths that: even though we are in a stressful time, every second of life is still precious. When I need to refocus, and slow down to the seconds, I listen to music, make art, and play video games. In the future I hope that my friends will spread positivity amongst other people. This world feels pretty lousy at a time like this, and people need to spread positivity. We need to see the good during the bad times. When we see the good, we are able to spread the good around. HALEIGH GREENE-12th grade When I need words of encouragement I think to myself, “You never know what's around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you've climbed a mountain”(Tom Hiddleston). When I feel like I need motivation, I go for long drives while listening to music, and take my dog for a run. If I were to give advice to a stranger about keeping hopeful during this pandemic, I would say, “keep looking forward to the future and you're not alone”. The outcome I am hoping for in my future would be to have a little more normalcy, being able to go to school (since it’s my senior year), dancing at a prom, and traveling with my class on our senior trip. I am thankful for my community because I alway see people helping each other and taking the severity of the pandemic seriously. When I think about how to stay positive the words I think of are: hope, determination, togetherness, and courage. I have stayed connected with my friends and family through FaceTime and texting. Finally, I believe my community and I can relate to with are, the feeling of isolation and the internal fight to stay positive and motivated. At the end of the day, everyone please take care of yourselves and we’re all in this together! Y. R - 12th grade When I find myself in difficult situations I tend to keep myself positive by just listening to music or just watching YouTube to take my mind off of the situation. My wallpapers on my phone are always usually a positive quote or saying, so I can go back and read that if I find myself having trouble staying positive. This year has been crazy, staying motivated has been really hard for myself and my family, so when we feel down we like to go to each other for support. We have had more family game nights, family movie nights, and time to share that brings us closer together. I have a quote I like to tell people when they’re feeling unmotivated, “difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations”, meaning, difficult situations don't always last forever and they can often lead to some really good and beautiful outcomes. My hope for the future is that Covid is remedied and that we can go back to our regular lives and jobs. Even though it might not happen, I have hope that it will. Like I said before, it is very hard to stay motivated during difficult times, but staying connected with family and friends always helps me, especially with facial video calling like FaceTime and Zoom. I know this is a weird and really difficult time for human beings, but our shared hope is that we are all learning to live through it day by day. DYLYN RUSSELL- 11th grade When I start to feel down, I often tell myself, “This will be over some day in the future”. In my spare time, I often listen to music and think about my future plans. Sometimes I may choose to play video games to keep myself from getting bored during the day. If I were to tell a stranger some words of positivity, I would tell them, “As long as you can wear masks and social distance, we can overcome this”. My hopes for next year is that a Covid vaccine becomes widely available and the spread of infection becomes controlled. I am thankful that my community seems willing to take safety precautions more seriously than other communities in America. When I want to search for positivity, I will tell myself that, “The vaccine is near. If I and many others can get the vaccine, then maybe we can finally put this to an end”. I stay connected to my friends and family to the best of my ability while remaining safe. I can relate with the community by wanting to avoid the virus to the best of my ability. Wanting this pandemic to end so that we can return to a life that somewhat resembles ‘normal’ life. This is all possible, we just need to put in effort to fight the pandemic to the best of our ability. In the meantime, live your life as fully as you can. Life is always shorter than you think, so make the best of each day of our lives. EMILY SEVRENS- 12th grade When I tend to find myself in a difficult position, I like to think or do something positive to try and help cheer me up. The activity I normally choose to help me stay positive is, listening to music. Listening to my favorite songs has helped me feel more relaxed. Another way that helps to calm me down is to go on walks around my block. The fresh air seems to make me feel better after a rough morning. Advice I would give to a stranger is, “never give up hope”. It not only applies to our current life with a virus, but to ‘regular’ life as well. An outcome I’m hoping for in my future is to finally get a job and learn how to drive. I am thankful for people who take the pandemic seriously, it makes me feel like my life is important to them. When thinking about trying to stay positive, a phrase that tends to pop into my mind is, “it’ll end eventually”. I say this to myself to keep hope that the current struggle won’t last forever. I am happy that I have been able to stay connected with friends and family through social media, and calling them on the phone. Finally, I feel like everyone can agree that this pandemic has been worrying, hard, and overall just plain annoying. I also believe that everyone would agree that they miss their friends, family, and school, but we must look to the future and “never give up hope”. KAYLYN ZIMMERMAN-12th grade Some ways that help me think positively is focusing on my goals to get ahead. I stay motivated by listening to music, and or doing a lot more art work. I tell people to keep their head up because the little speed bump they’re encountering is smaller than the greater outcome on what’s on the other side of the speed bump. I'm hoping by the end of next year I will have at least a little more than half of the money I need to buy a car. I hope to have a better year next year for sure with the hopeful conclusion of covid. I'm thankful for my parents and my boyfriend for being by my side through this time, and helping me when I'm down and helping push me to do better than what I have done before. I think the one phrase I have heard the most is, “be strong because it does get better”. I have stayed decently connected with family and friends for the most part, I talk to some on the phone, hangout with very few of my friends. I think one thing we all can relate to is that we are ready to resume ‘life as usual’, but we have to be patient.
8th grade Ugly Sweater Contest
TFHS Class Officers
Senior Class - Class of 2021
President: Catie Reynolds
Vice-President: Audrey O'Keefe
Secretary: Leah Timberlake
Historian: Ceci Wood
Officer at Large: Haley Bastarache
Junior Class - Class of 2022
President: Emily Young
Vice-President: Dylan Burnett
Recording Secretary: Abby Sanders
Corresponding Secretary: Olivia Stafford
Treasurer: Hannah Warnock
Historian: Kiley Palmquist
Officer at Large: Paige Sulda
Sophomore Class - Class of 2023
President: Cadence Wozniak
Vice-President: Anna Baskowski
Secretary: Maddie LeBorgne
Treasurer: Cloe Fulk
Historian: Nick Martin
Officer at Large: Stephanie Peterson
Freshman Class
President: Ricky Pareja
Vice-President: Aiden Kelly
Secretary: Jasmine McNamara
Treasurer: Fiona Hutchison
Historian: Izzy Vachula-Curtis
Officer at Large: Owen LaValley
Atlas PopUp Markets
Our State Approved to Continue Pandemic EBT
Massachusetts is First State in Nation to Gain Federal Approval to Continue Pandemic EBT through School Year 2020-2021
More than 500,000 students will resume receiving P-EBT benefits in December
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT benefits (P-EBT) for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. P-EBT promotes increased food security for families who participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP), covering the cost of missed school meals for more than 500,000 students in remote or hybrid learning environments.
Eligible households will receive the next round of P-EBT benefits by the end of December. The benefits cover school meals missed during the months of October and November, and households will receive benefits monthly through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The Department of Transitional Assistance estimates P-EBT will bring $40 to $60 million per month in federal dollars into the Commonwealth’s economy.
“COVID-19 has exacerbated food insecurity, especially for children who receive nutrition support in school settings. This remains a significant challenge for many families throughout the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services and COVID-19 Command Center Director Marylou Sudders. “Massachusetts continues to maximize every opportunity to tackle food insecurity across the state. The rapid approval of our plan to issue P-EBT through the end of the school year provide relief to hundreds of thousands of families across the state for many months as we continue to navigate this public health crisis.”
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act established the option for states to establish program P-EBT. Massachusetts initially launched its P-EBT program in April 2020 to help students and their families buy healthy food while schools were closed from March through June due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was one of a limited number of states to receive federal approval for September P-EBT benefits. To date, P-EBT has brought more than $253 million in federal dollars into the Commonwealth, supporting families across the state and local grocery retailers. The Continuing Appropriations Act of 2021 extended P-EBT through the entire 2020-2021 school year.
P-EBT is jointly administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in collaboration with local school districts. Families with eligible students are expected to begin receiving P-EBT benefits to cover October and November school days, by the end of the year.
“P-EBT has proven to be an effective tool during the COVID-19 pandemic to help families with students learning at home directly purchase healthy, culturally appropriate food,” said DTA Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “P-EBT also brings critical resources into our local communities, supporting food retailers and their employees.”
“P-EBT benefits are an important piece of support for students and families during this challenging time,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “I’m grateful to everyone at the state and district levels who are helping to feed children, from the people facilitating P-EBT benefits to the school nutrition workers preparing free meals.”
Families with eligible students will receive their P-EBT benefits monthly for the remainder of the school year. Based on federal rules, families will receive varying P-EBT amounts. Families with children in a fully remote learning environment will receive $117 a month per child, and children in a hybrid learning environment will receive $58 a month per child. Families can check their P-EBT balance by calling the number on the back of the card. P-EBT benefits can be used anywhere Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted, including online from Walmart and Amazon. Learn more about P-EBT at MAp-ebt.org.
P-EBT builds upon the work of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center’s Food Security Task Force to strengthen our local food system and maximize federal food assistance programs to ensure that food insecurity needs are addressed during the COVID-19 public health emergency and into the long-term.
Families who already receive DTA benefits will get their P-EBT benefits on their existing EBT card. Families who do not receive DTA benefits, but were mailed a P-EBT card in the past, will get their P-EBT benefits on their existing P-EBT card. Newly eligible students will receive their P-EBT benefits on their EBT card if receiving DTA benefits or will be mailed a P-EBT card if they do not receive DTA benefits. Families who lost their P-EBT card can request a new one.
Many families eligible for P-EBT may also be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are being encouraged to apply. Children and teens participating in the free and reduced-price lunch program can also get free meals at hundreds of school meal locations throughout the state, no registration or ID required.
DTA assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in eight residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance and food assistance, as well as workforce training opportunities. DTA administers three core programs: SNAP; Transitional Aid for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC); and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC).
DESE is committed to preparing all students for success after high school. The Department's work includes licensing educators, distributing state and federal education money, helping districts implement learning standards, overseeing statewide standardized tests, monitoring schools and districts, and convening districts and individuals to share best practices. In addition, DESE collects data to inform state and local decisions.
8th Grade Gingerbread House
Brick House Opportunities
The Brick House Community Resource Center
Wellness Workshops
Beginning January 13th, The Brick House is offering Weekly 45-minute wellness workshops on Zoom every Wednesday from 3:30PM to 4:15PM. The workshops are interactive and informative through use of Tedtalks, quizzes, and PowerPoints. Previous topics have included: Healthy Relationships, Nutrition, and Coping with Stress.
Youth ages 13-18 are welcome to attend! We encourage youth to turn on their camera, but if they prefer not to that's ok too, they can interact through the chat option on zoom. Previous topics have included: Healthy Relationships, Nutrition, and Coping with Stress.
ZOOM link for January and February: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85812676341?pwd=dW4ydW5ZYU9zUVlPZVExc1BNWGVXdz09
passcode: brickhouse
Every week the ZOOM LINK is posted on our Instagram page: brickhouseteencenter
and Facebook page: The Brick House Community Resource Center
Questions? email Ilani Ortiz: iortiz@brickhousecrc.org
Homework Support
Our Youth Programs Team offers one-on-one online and in-person homework support for youth ages 11-19 after school from 2:30-5pm. To register please fill out the form using the link below.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...
Contact Jane Goodale, Youth Programs Manager: jgoodale@brickhousecrc.org or 413-800-5705 with any questions or to sign-up.
Ready-To-Work Program:
MassHire's online Ready to Work Program starts January 26th!
All High School students in Franklin, Hampshire, and North
Quabbin are eligible. Learn job-readiness skills and earn a $100
gift card for completing the program.
January 26-February 25 (5 weeks) Tuesdays and Thursdays 3pm-4:30pm
Apply using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/R2Wprogram
Equity and Inclusion District Webpages
http://www.gmrsd.org/welcome-gmrsd/students/equity-and-inclusion
http://www.gmrsd.org/welcome-gmrsd/parents/equity-and-inclusion-gill-montague
Ensuring IEP Implementation in Remote Learning
Our district has procedures to ensure IEP availability and implementation of services for in-person learning in accordance with both state and federal statutes (MA state 603 CMR 28.06(3) and federal 34 CFR 300.17(a), 300.101-104, 300.154). Please note hyperlinked procedure and liaison letter shared out at the beginning of each new school year and the start of a new semester. Given Covid 19 that necessitated reopening schools in remote and hybrid learning models, districts are expected to articulate how we will continue to meet our legal responsibilities to ensure IEP implementation.
The Gill-Montague Schools continue to ensure implementation of IEP services, while in remote or hybrid learning, through the following methods:
- Communication within the Covid 19 special education learning plans that detail service delivery;
- On-going engagement with families on individual circumstances that may include, but not be limited to, scheduling conflicts/ requests, and problem solving to address and reduce any barriers to a student being able to access educational services;
- Use of service delivery logs and /or treatment notes documenting service delivery maintained by specialists and providers;
- Data collection and review, student support planning, and progress reporting to monitor for effective progress;
- Educator evaluation that includes classroom observation, evidence of differentiated lesson planning, and artifacts of professional practice.
News from Assistant Principal Tom Gaffigan
As attendance in classes are still in issue, we ask families to please do their best in making sure your student is in class on time. This is especially important for the 1st class of the day so we can get an accurate attendance count. This has been an issue since the 1st day of school and I hope we can do better.
Athletic Leadership Council's Holiday Food Baskets
TFHS Exams, PSATs, and Turn Around Day
TFHS Exam dates: (NOTE GFMS HAS NORMAL SCHOOL DAYS ALL THREE DAYS)
January 26th (exams for TFHS' 2.5 credit classes - full day)
January 27th (exams for TFHS' A & C blocks - half day)
January 28th (exams for TFHS' D & E blocks - half day)
Revised Turn Around Date : January 29th (NO SCHOOL FOR ENTIRE DISTRICT) - TFHS staff can use this time for make-up exams
Note February 1st begins semester 2.
PSATs are scheduled to take place AT SCHOOL, in the gym, on January 26th. Those students taking the PSAT will need to make arrangements to make-up exams as needed.
Upcoming Finals for Seniors
Updated GMRSD School Calendar 2020-2021 - Date of Turn Around Date Changed
Annual Gala
GMEF Annual Gala Cancelled Due to Death of Philip Bauer
The Gill-Montague Education Fund Annual Gala - “The Legend of Johnny Cash” has been cancelled. Joyce Phillips, Executive Producer, said “It is with extreme sadness that we learned that Philip Bauer passed away on November 24, 2020 of stage 4 colon cancer. Philip Bauer had been scheduled to perform on April 20 for the 2020 GMEF Annual Gala. It was postponed to 2021 due to the Pandemic. Philip Bauer was known world-wide as the number one tribute artist of Johnny Cash. He brought the sound and charisma of ‘The Man in Black” to life in his 90 minute stage show. W.S. Holland (Johnny Cash’s' only drummer) recognized Philip as “the best I have ever seen."
Because of the Pandemic, the GMEF was unable to raise money with the Gala which results in the support of student enrichment. Phillips said, the GMEF will continue to award 3 scholarships in June and their annual ‘roses for the seniors’ at graduation.
Anyone who purchased advanced tickets for the 2020 Gala, may wish to donate their ticket money towards student enrichment. Please contact us via our website: www.thegmef.org or email: info@thegmef.org. We will send you a letter recognizing your 2020 tax deductible contribution.
Patrons may must return their tickets to The GMEF – TICKETS, PO Box 383, Turners Falls, MA 01376 for a full refund.
Our Annual Galas will return when it is safe for everyone to gather. Thank you for your support.
Gala Plaques and Trophy Case Project
The trophy case that has been hidden away in the conference room is also a great addition to the display area and is well presented. The old "Booster Shot" framed article on the was is a great touch and will be enjoyed by many.
Wonderful job Mr. Grace!
Interested in Serving on School Council?
Upcoming School Committee Meetings
-January 12th at 6:30 p.m.
-January 19th at 6:30 p.m.
-January 26th at 6:30 p.m.
Student Email
The district has turned on GMail as a Google app for our MS and HS students. This means that through their @gmrsd.us Google accounts, students are able to get into GMail and receive email messages. Email messages received and sent out will be limited to only within the domain; and only with their teachers. Presently, we will not be allowing them to email each other until we determine that it is appropriate to do so.
Your child(ren) will not have to do anything different from logging into their Google accounts. They will receive emails, and can access their email messages, by going into the "waffle" and selecting GMail.
Seniors will be in a more open domain to allow them to work with their college applications. We will work with Guidance to set this up. The students' @gmrsd.org accounts will be able reach them directly from any college. Anything sent to from a college to a @gmrsd.us account is directly forwarded to the student's @gmrsd.org account.
Please note that the GMRSD Acceptable Use Policy does apply to student emails. The policy is below.
GMRSD Family Technology Resource Page
Disclosure Statement Read Prior to Each Class
It is important that we follow our school rules when we meet through the computer. We will be respectful of each other's words and ideas. Students and their families may not save, record, share or post this session or any photos from this session. If students or families do not agree with these requirements, please disconnect from this meeting. Families may contact me for a different learning plan.
Acceptable Use Policy
CHROMEBOOK ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY:
School issued Chromebooks should be used for educational purposes and students are to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy at all times. Chromebook devices are enrolled under the gmrsd.us domain making it inapplicable for any other use.
GMRSD’s administrative staff and faculty retain the right to collect and/or inspect Chromebooks at any time, including via electronic remote access, and to alter, add or delete installed software or hardware.
Inappropriate media may not be used for Chromebook backgrounds or themes. No images or graphics containing people can ever be used as a background or theme. The presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang-related symbols or pictures will result in disciplinary consequences.
Manufacturer and school barcode tags and name labels shall not be removed, covered or marked upon.
Teachers, school administrators, and the Technology Services staff use monitoring software that allows them to view the screens and activity on student assigned Chromebooks.
The school district uses an Internet content filter that is in compliance with the federally mandated Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All Chromebooks, regardless of physical location (in and out of school), will have Internet activity protected and monitored by teachers, school administrators, and the technology staff. If an educationally valuable site is blocked, students should contact their teachers to request the site be unblocked. Such requests will be given consideration following administrative review.
TURNERS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL
YEARBOOK INFORMATION
TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us || Leslie.charles@gmrsd.org
ORDER A YEARBOOK
$30 until JAN. 8, 2021 ($40 JAN. 9, 2021 until sold out)
ONLINE:
https://unipaygold.unibank.com/CustomerInfo.aspx?Customerid=1931
When you get to that page, select “Turners Falls High”, “High School Yearbook Sales”. If you have more than one order, please include both names.($30 until January 8; $40 until sold out.)
BY CHECK:
Please send your check, payable to Turners Falls High School. Make note in memo: student’s name and grade and the word “yearbook”. Send to TFHS, Leslie Charles, yearbook advisor, 222 Turnpike Road, Montague, MA 01351 ($30 until January 8; $40 until sold out.)
CASH:
At this point, we cannot accept a cash payment due to COVID-19.
DOWN PAYMENT:
Down payments accepted. Deposit amount at your discretion. Full payment will need to be made before receiving the yearbook. If you make a down payment on or before January 8, the total cost will be $30. If you make a down payment on Jan. 9 or later, the total cost will be $40.
SCHOOL PHOTOS - ALL GRADES
New this year! Please send in your own school photo for the class pages.
(Due to COVID-19, there are no school photos scheduled at this point)Please email with you name/grade to: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us
PETS PAGE - DEC 11
Pictures of students & teachers with their pets by December 11.
SENIOR SPORTS APPRECIATION - DEC. 23
For the senior sport appreciation spread, I need the people who are playing sports as a senior this to let me know by my social media (if they have me, Haliegh Greene) or by email Goaliegreene99@gmail.com of what sport(s) they are playing or have played throughout high school and if they have a picture of them playing a sport that they took themselves.
SPORTS PHOTOS & CANDIDS
A CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
If you or anyone you know has taken photos throughout this year, please submit them to: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us
We are looking for any sports actions (field hockey and golf this Fall)
CANDIDs: take a photo of your
SENIORS PAGE - DEC 4
SENIOR PORTRAITS:
Should be high resolution (4x6” @ 300 dpi or about 1-3 megabytes)
SENIOR BLOCKS:
EMAIL to: EMAIL: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us
Please include:
Name as you want it to appear in the yearbook;
Date of Birth; Quote; Likes; Dislikes; Goal(s);
Activities; Thanks To
SENIOR ADS:
Great for caregivers/parents/grandparents/friends to celebrate your senior! Please contact me for more information/form: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us
SENIOR CLASS PHOTO:
Please send in a photo (can be from phone) for the class photo page.
TFHS/GFMS Student Handbook
To view the TFHS Student Handbook, please go to the gmrsd.org page, then the high school, and then under parents.
To view the GFMS Student Handbook, please go to the gmrsd,org page, then the middle school, and then under parents.
Updated Academic Calendar 2020-2021
TFHS Bell Schedule
Change in Passing Time for High School Students
Due to the need of a longer passing time between classes we will now be ending each class 6 minutes earlier than normal. Below is the new passing time in the schedule. As lunch is a little longer, we did not shave off time from block E.
Block A
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Block B (GAP)
9:10 - 9:32 a.m.
Block C
9:42 – 10:57 a.m.
Block D
11:07 a.m. - 12:22 p.m.
Lunch
12:22 - 1:00 p.m.
Block E
1:04 - 2:25 p.m.
There is no change to the Middle School schedule at this time.
Whole School Meetings
High School Whole School Meetings will be held on Tuesdays beginning at 9:15 a.m. Principal Menard or Mr. Gaffigan will be sending out the link for all high school teachers to share with students on the Monday prior to each meeting.
Procedures if Need to Come to School Office
GMRSD Face Mask Policy
Masks Need to Be Worn on All Buses
Upcoming Dates
Monday, January 11th - GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, January 12th - TFHS Morning Meeting, 9:15-9:38 a.m.; GMRSD School Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13th - Half Day due to Professional Development, students dismissed at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, January 15th - GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.
Monday, January 18th - GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.
Tuesday, January 19 - TFHS Morning Meeting, 9:15-9:38 a.m.; GMRSD School Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20th - GFMS Culture & Climate Club, 7:45-8:15 a.m.
Friday, January 22nd - GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.; Community Newsletter published
Great Falls Middle School
222 Turnpike Road
Montague, Massachusetts 01351
413-863-7200