Student Services Update
9/15/2022
Welcome to MTRS Student Services!
This newsletter will be emailed to all 7th-12th grade students and caregivers weekly on Thursdays. It will also be linked in Mr. Buckland’s weekly newsletter.
Please note: Title Change from GUIDANCE COUNSELOR to SCHOOL COUNSELOR
In 2012, The American School Counseling Association recommended the title change from Guidance Counselor to School Counselor which recognizes the shift in the role of the School Counselor in Schools. School Counselors help students with academic, social/emotional, and planning of their futures.
COLLEGE OF THE WEEK:
University of Maine Orono - click the link to take a look
Specializes in the sciences specifically: Marine Science, a variety of Engineering, and nursing. UMaine was just designated as a Level 1 Carnegie Research University, meaning access to research at the undergraduate level is a priority for their campus.
SCHOLARSHIPS: In-state tuition is awarded to students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, Tuition is $11,940 with the total cost of attendance $27,500 before financial aid.
CLASS OF 2023
Welcome to Senior Year! There are so many things to be excited about and look forward to; Booster week, Capstone, College Acceptances, Friends, Jobs, Musical, Prom, Scholarships, and so much more.
Here is a preview of the fall:
College application/Essay Support: Daily during activity time at lunch
COLLEGE VISIT SCHEDULE Visits offered during Advisory and Lunch
Financial Aid Information Information presented in Advisory Lesson
Available for parents through MEFA Virtual meetings.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The objective is to foster future environmental leaders. Henry David Thoreau Scholars study many different subjects such as oceanography, green architecture, conservation biology, and alternative energy as well as engineering and computer science majors related to the environment. Thoreau Scholars also participate in study abroad programs and gain work experience through internships, which reinforce an environmental undergraduate experience.
Visit www.thoreauscholar.org or email jackie@thoreauscholar.org to learn more about the scholarship program. The application opens on October 15, 2022, and closes on February 1, 2023.
CLASS OF 2024
11th Grade Students
This is your year to get involved. Join a club, get a job or try a new sport. We will spend a lot of time in Advisory researching your interests, strengths, and information about options after high school.
PSAT/NMSQT - October 12th during the school day, cost $20
Students may sign up for the practice SAT using this link. This test also qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship program based on their scores.CLASS OF 2025
10th Grade Students
Explore your interests in high school by joining a club or sport.
Through lessons in Advisory, you will do more career exploration and research.
PSAT - October 12th during the school day, cost $20
What is the PSAT?
Students may sign up for the PSAT using this link. This test measures reading comprehension, writing skills, and math. For more information visit
CLASS OF 2026
9th Grade Students
WELCOME TO THE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2026! MTRS is so glad you are here! Through the month of September, Ms. Neuenschwander will be meeting individually with each 9th-grade student to get to know you.
CLASS OF 2027
8th Grade Students
All 8th graders are able to log into Aspen to view their grades, progress reports, and report cards. Caregivers also have access to Aspen and should use their account information from last year. Here at MTRS, we distribute report cards and progress reports via Aspen.
Wondering what your student has for homework? Check out the 8th Grade Daily Homework Page!
CLASS OF 2028
7th Grade Students
WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2028! MTRS is so glad you are here! Through the month of September, Ms. Ruggeri will be meeting individually with each 7th-grade student to get to know you.
Aspen
Aspen is our information portal which allows students and caregivers to view grades, progress reports, and report cards. Here at MTRS, we distribute report cards and progress reports via Aspen.
Students and families have received an email from Aspen with login information and instructions. The Aspen email for caregivers is sent to the email address corresponding to the first contact listed for a student.
Students were given an Aspen login tutorial during Science classes this week. Caregivers, if you have questions about the login process, your student can probably help!
Wondering what your student has for homework? Check out the 7th Grade Daily Homework Page!
CAREER TRAILS Career information, exploration and opportunities
CAREER OF THE MONTH:
Actuary - click on the link to find out more about this growing career field.
This year students will be exposed to career speakers in their Academic and elective classes. These speakers will highlight careers that connect to that specific academic area or topic they are learning about in class. This allows students to connect the classroom to the real world. More to follow……
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
My plan is to launch training with the Cyber-Seniors staff in mid-late October. There are TWO ways youth can complete training. One is to navigate it on their own on the Cyber Senior website, and the other is to be part of a cohort that goes through training together. There are six sessions (all remote) with corresponding quizzes to complete. After training is completed, it is exclusively up to the volunteer how much time they dedicate to the project. Ideally, I would like to have multiple drop-in hours each week (at GCC/other sites), and of course, there will always be the option to volunteer remotely.
Youth can fill out a BRIEF interest form at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kL2RnXg-RvGgrGEP7LWXprHMtf-Mp1JaRgxJL_b97Wc/edit
This program is truly a win-win for youth and older adults. It is a wonderful way to build intergenerational relationships allowing youth to use the expertise they have gained as digital natives to help older adults. It's also something they can put on their resume when applying for college and/or entering the world of work.
Please email me at raperj@gcc.mass.edu with any questions! Thanks so much.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
YANKEE CANDLE:
Hiring high school students (ages 16 & 17) as long as you have a signed work permit. HERE is the job flyer with a QR code that links directly to our Indeed Retail Sales Associate job posting.
Available Positions with very flexible schedules:
- Retail
- Restock
- Property and Guest Services
Applicants can come to the store and fill out an application onsite and we will give them an immediate interview.
How do I get a Work Permit in Massachusetts?
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:
You must have a job offer from an employer
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.
The first section is completed and signed by the employer
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.
The third section is filled out and signed by the parent or legal guardian of the minor
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.
The first section is completed and signed by the employer
The third section is filled out and signed by the parent or legal guardian of the minor
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.
Contact the Student Services Office
College and Career Counselor
https://neuenschwander.youcanbook.me
School Counselor Grades 7 & 8th
https://truggeri.youcanbook.me/
Registrar and Administrative Assistant
413-625-9811 ext. 1305
Email: sgarcia@mtrsd.org
Website: https://mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org/Mohawk-Student-Services
Location: 26 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 625-9811