Student Services Weekly Update
10/20/21
Welcome to Student Services!
MTRS Students:
XELLO - Career and College Readiness Program
Students in grades 7-12 will be using this program to investigate their interests, skills, explore potential career areas and determine their next steps after graduation. Students in the 11th grade will log on this week.
Career of the Month - Nursing Careers in health care are one of the fastest growing employment areas, with nursing expected to grow 28% over the next 10 years. How does a student pursue a degree in nursing? Please click on this link to see the different career entry points based upon education level.
Clink on the link above for interactive activities about Manufacturing!
Are you interested in learning more about the Manufacturing industry in Massachusetts?
Manufacturing in Massachusetts by the Numbers.
$53.26B: Total output from manufacturing in Massachusetts.
$103,826: Average compensation for manufacturing employees.
$243,000: Average number of manufacturing jobs in Massachusetts.
$50,000: Median wage for manufacturing employees.
4.6%: Increase in Chemical Manufacturing jobs (SOC 32-5000) by 2028 (17,383)
12th Grade News
On Thursday, October 14th the information about how to apply to college and an overview of Financial Aid was presented to 12th grade Caregivers. Please find a link to the slides and a recording of this event if you were unable to attend.
How to apply to College/Financial Aid slides and recording
Fall of 2021 College Visit Schedule Please encourage your student to attend the visits of the colleges they intend to apply to.
COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID - FAFSA
How do I fill out this form? Have questions about how and when to apply for financial aid for college using the FAFSA?
Please attend one of the multiple virtual meetings that the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) will be hosting. During these meetings a college financial aid representative will review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , the form that needs to be completed to apply for financial aid at all 2 and 4 year colleges. Please click on the link below to register for one that fits your schedule. MEFA no longer offers individual school financial aid meetings.
Please go to the MEFA.ORG/events/category/college-financing To register for one of these sessions below or others they offer.
COLLEGE FINANCING - UPCOMING SESSIONS
Wednesday, October 20th 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 21st 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Monday, October 25th 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 28th 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 3rd 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
YouthWorks - Paid After-School Internship Program
YouthWorks is supported by the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center. It’s open to any 16 years old student and up who receives free or reduced lunch in any of the public schools in our region (Franklin County, Hampshire County, and the North Quabbin area). This is virtual with a possibility for in-person job placements in 2022 (covid-19 dependent).
There will be an info session on Zoom on Tuesday October 26th (4p-5pm) for students or parents who want more information.
2021 PSAT/NMSQT
WHAT IS IT? Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
WHAT DOES IT TEST?
The Reading Test – 60 minutes, 47 questions.
The Writing and Language Test – 35 minutes, 44 questions. (Find mistakes and weaknesses and fix them)
Math Test, No Calculator Portion – 25 minutes, 17 questions. (Algebra, problem solving and data analysis, some advanced math)
Math Test, Calculator Portion – 45 minutes, 31 questions.
WHY? It measures your academic skills for college, it is used for college applications and scholarships
WHEN? Tuesday, October 26th at 7:45 am lasting 2 hours 45 minutes
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Fill this out- PSAT FORM
HOW MUCH? $16 cash or check (MTRS) or FREE to 10th/11th grade students on who qualify
CAN I PRACTICE? Yes- KHAN ACADEMY FREE
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2021, 07:45 AM
Mohawk Trail Regional School, Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA, USA
7th and 8th Grade Updates
The last day of Quarter 1 is Friday, November 5th. Report cards will be available during the week of November 8th.
Last week, middle school students met with Ms. Ruggeri who facilitated an advisory lesson focused on progress reports and grading.
Aspen Student & Parent Portal
Aspen is our student information system which allows students and caregivers to view information such as grades, attendance, and report cards. It is important to remember that teachers typically update grades weekly or bi-weekly. If you have a question about a particular grade or assignment, it is best to contact the teacher.
All middle school students have Aspen accounts and have participated in tutorials guiding them through the login process. Your student should now be able to view their grades in each class.
7th grade caregivers received an email from Aspen in late August with login information and instructions. This email would have gone to the email address listed for the first caregiver contact. Parents of 8th grade students can use account information from last year.
Thinking Ahead to College...
While we know that Middle School is years away from high school graduation, you may be interested in getting a head start to plan for the cost of college. Check out the Paying for College Resource for more ways to help students and families pay for college, including helpful guides, free tools, and a video series.
Here is a series of eight videos from Sallie Mae full of tips to help you pay for college. Start at the beginning or skip around and hit the ones you’re interested in.
CONTACT US
College and Career Counselor
https://neuenschwander.youcanbook.me
School Counselor Grades 7 & 8th
https://truggeri.youcanbook.me
School Counselor 9-12th
https://mrcipoletta.youcanbook.me
Registrar and Administrative Assistant
Email: sgarcia@mtrsd.org
Website: https://mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org/Mohawk-Student-Services
Location: 26 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA, USA
Phone: 413-625-9811