Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
November 3rd 2023
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope you have had a great week.
Please find news and updates from MTRS for the week ahead!
- Clocks officially fall back at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023
- On November 6th Mr. Tierney will be taking a group of students to participate in the 2023 Youth Climate Summit. More updates next week!
- Mohawk Trail Equity Alliance will be participating in Monte's March on Tuesday 21st - see poster below
- There is no school on Tuesday 7th (Staff PD) or Friday 10th (Veterans Day)
- Every U.S. household interested in placing an order to receive four more free Covid-19 rapid tests delivered directly to your homes, please click on this link for details and information: https://www.covid.gov/tests
- Q1 Student feedback
Here is the Draft MCAS & AP Testing Schedule for 23/24
You are able to order your yearbook for 23/24 - see below
Anyone who missed photo day, retakes have been scheduled for November 28th
MTRS Staff are looking forward to the visit of Ron James and participating in Restorative Practices training on the PD day on Tuesday 7th November. There will be an opportunity for community participation on Wednesday 8th - see section below for more information
Also, don't forget the Local Education Committee meeting this upcoming Wednesday where Title 1 Compact information will be shared (see below for joining details)
Please know that the Solar Celebration at Mohawk Trail Regional on Monday, November 6th, has been postponed due to unanticipated regulatory issues. We are working to keep this project moving forward. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Finally, we do our best to convey information to our community from a variety of sources, lots of them community rather than school based organizations. Unfortunately we are not able to share images and posters with live links through Smore but always ensure there is an email for inquiries. If you would like an e-copy of a poster with live links, please feel free to reach out to the office directly.
Have a great weekend
Best
Chris
Important Dates & Information
Upcoming dates
No school - Staff PD: November 7th
LEC meeting (See below) November 8th
No School - Veterans Day: November 10th
Monte's March - November 21st
December 8 & 9th: Winter play: 6:30-8:30pm
Winter Concert: Grades 7-12: 6:30-8:30pm: Dec 20th
May 31st (Friday) -6-8pm: High School Graduation. Indoors at MTRS (This is a correction to the published date of June 1st)
District Calendar for 2023/24: Link
Quarter 1 45 days
First Day: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Last Day: Thursday, November 2, 2023
Q1 progress report grades close on: Friday, September 29, 2023
Q1 progress report grading window: Wednesday, September 27 - Wednesday, October
4, at 11:59 pm
Q1 progress reports will be distributed on: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Q1 grading window: Tuesday October 31 - Wednesday November 8 at 11:59 pm Q1 report cards will be distributed on: Thursday, November 9, 2023
Welcome to MTRS...
Annalee Clough
Hi, I’m Annalee Clough, the new music teacher at Mohawk Trail Regional! I have past experiences teaching general music at a therapy school working with neurodivergent students and I recently did my internship at Springfield Conservatory of the Arts. At Mohawk I will be teaching band, choir, music theory, music tech and intro to piano and guitar.
I went to college at Holyoke Community College, Berklee College of music and now finishing my studies at Umass Boston. I have a passion for teaching as well as playing music, I play baritone saxophone in 3 bands local to western mass, I play a variety of music from Jazz, R&B and alt punk.
In my free time I also like to hike, travel and dance. I'm looking forward to working in this community!
Dean Brault's Student Culture Corner
As I was heating up my car to get on the road on Tuesday, I was reminded that we go outside at lunch regardless of the temperature (unless it is dangerously low). Update from Wednesday: SNOW! And we went outside! Also, our building has multiple temperatures throughout. Students should dress in layers and have a warm jacket to wear outside. If your student needs any of these items, our Caring and Sharing Closet is available to all students!
Any high school student who is interested in participating in a Peer Restorative Justice Leaders program, please contact Mrs. Brault for more information. There are a couple conferences and a training coming up soon! This is a very important role in our Restorative Justice System! We will be inviting middle school students to the next set of training sessions later in the school year.
The District Perspective
Capstone Panels, Monte's March & College Searches!
We want to offer our thanks to all the elementary school families who prioritized taking a deeper dive into how their student(s) is learning and growing at school by attending a conference either in-person or virtually. Many of the conferences are student-led and give district students the opportunity to demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for things happening in our classrooms. We hope you learned something, too! Thank you.
(Also, note that Original Works deadlines are coming up, as are picture retakes, so keep an eye out as those are announced!)
Mohawk Trail Senior Capstone Formative Panels
Each of the 32 seniors at Mohawk Trail Regional have spent the last handful of weeks determining and making a plan for their self-directed, semester-long capstone project. The wide range of topics being explored include cooking, athletics, music, arts, mental health, engine repair, and more. Over the last couple of days, seniors have presented their project to a panel of peer and adult reviewers who read over their content, listened to their presentations, and asked clarifying questions in order to help the senior further their work in the coming weeks. In January, seniors will present to a panel again, demonstrating the finished product of their months of examination and work. Good luck digging in, Trailblazers!
The MTEA and Monte’s March
Mohawk Trail Regional’s Equity Alliance is leading the effort to raise awareness around local food insecurity through participation in the 14th annual March for the Food Bank on Tuesday, November 21st. They will be raising funds and planning activities to help. Scan the QR code on the associated flier to support our effort!
The MTRS team of up to 20 students will march from Deerfield to Greenfield - an 8 mile trek - with local heroes radio personality Monte Belmonte, Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern, and Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse.
The work and resources provided through the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts are vital to the more than 170 partner food pantry and meal sites across the four counties in Western Massachusetts. Since 1982, the organization has been working to end hunger and create food equity for all.
Sanderson Focuses on the Harvest Season
It has been amazing to see the wonderful updates from across the grades at Sanderson focused on the harvest season. Preschoolers are checking the weather (and had a lot to talk about on Wednesday!) and cooking up applesauce. Second graders are checking out the different kinds of leaves and how people from around the world harvest their crops. The third grade planted next year’s garlic and cooked up some pumpkin cookies. The fourth graders were excited to build pumpkin launchers. What an awesome way to spend the week! Also, mark your calendar for the Local Goods order pick up scheduled for Saturday, November 18.
Buckland Shelburne Elementary Plans to Honor Veterans
On Thursday, November 9 at 10 a.m., Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School will host a gathering to honor the experience and sacrifice of our country’s veterans. The community is invited to attend. Please call the school at 413-625-2521 to RSVP. See the Facebook post here.
Senior Ellie Snape: Career Inspiration and College Search
There’s a buzz that Mohawk Trail Regional senior Ellie Snape has been taking advantage of every college search opportunity she can. What motivates Ellie? And what is her strategy to secure a future for herself?
Early on Ellie knew she wanted to follow a path to become a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) or another type of forensic science or fire investigator. She admits she first thought about becoming a lawyer, but her love of science and developing interest in fire fighting drew her more deeply toward a career in investigation.
It was watching crime shows that offered a glimpse of what that career might look like. Right after COVID, it helped that the Colrain Fire Department planned to restart their junior firefighter program, if there was enough interest. At first Ellie doubted herself, but she signed up anyway. Once the program started, she instantly fell in love. Proving herself through the junior firefighter program, her Colrain Fire Department superiors invited her to attend weekly trainings. Currently, Ellie is enrolled in the Basic 6 Program - an offering that teaches “the basics” to newer members of local fire departments. Her father, who has a CDL license and can drive the fire truck, was inspired to sign up for the Colrain Fire Department when Ellie did. As an added bonus, they sometimes get to work together.
This summer, Ellie had the opportunity to secure an internship through the State which she completed with the Greenfield Fire Department. During this experience, Ellie: trained with the staff; set up and ran the ladder truck; learned how to take vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar); installed fire alarms; picked locks for people locked out of their vehicles; and went out on calls in both the fire truck and ambulance. In 2024, Ellie is planning to be trained and certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at Greenfield Community College when she turns 18.
With Greenfield having such a busy firehouse, Ellie has such respect for the crew there. “They are just an amazing group of individuals,” Ellie gushed. Her work with both Colrain and Greenfield continues, and she has incorporated this work into her self-directed senior capstone project. There has been a decline in the population of firefighters due to the job’s psychological effects. She is producing a podcast based on the work of the two stations, getting to the heart of the issue through interviews.
She has loved and will miss her Mohawk Trail teachers, and is hoping to feel similarly connected to her college professors. One teacher who was particularly influential is Ms. White, who teaches Advanced Placement US History. She helped Ellie expand her knowledge and has been supportive of her, plus she has a great fashion sense. Madame Trombley was also influential, and was there for Ellie when she needed to talk or a comforting place after losing her grandmother.
After high school, Ellie wants to double major in fire science and forensic science. She also is committed to continuing her work as a part-time firefighter. In the spring, Ellie is considering taking advantage of the dual enrollment program in partnership with Greenfield Community College that allows high school seniors to take courses for both high school and college credit. Aimee Cairney, Mohawk Trail Regional’s new high school counselor in the Office of Student Services, has been helpful in directing Ellie toward her goals. Ellie has attended about 8 college informational sessions in the school’s library, and has visited at least 5 college campuses. She has applied “early action” to two colleges, but continues to work on her college essay. Her parents are very much in support of her, and it’s important to Ellie that her parents approve of her choice.
Some of the features she’s looking for from a higher education institution include: small class size/student to teacher ratio; location within a couple of hours of home; updated science facilities; and for it to feel like the “right fit.”
Ellie has begun to build her future on experiential learning, knowledge gathering, passion, and the will to do good. She sounds like a true Trailblazer to us! As a result of this path she has been on, when asked what her future looks like, Ellie responds, “My future looks like helping people.”
Good luck, Ellie! We are proud of you.
***
A Capstone presentation
Another Capstone presentation
Good luck Ellie, we are proud of you!
Teaching and Learning
New courses this year: Culinary Arts!
In Culinary Arts, students have cooked their way through the breakfast unit and are halfway through their desserts unit. They take turns in different kitchen roles as executive chef, sous chef, line chef/host, and dishwasher. So far they've learned knife skills, making and kneading yeast dough, measurements and equivalents. They've also had to prepare a meal at home for their families. Everything is made from scratch and the recipes will become more challenging as the semester continues. They've each made a lot of progress in a short period of time!
Field Trips
Learning experiences outside of the classroom
MTRS is lucky to have such a flexible and creative faculty and staff. Just this week alone there were three opportunities for students to participate in learning experiences outside of our school!
English and Art
Students attended a performance of Lightening earlier this week. Lightening is described as Layering large puppetry, shadow, and song, Lightning takes place at the collision point between the worlds of our internal and external experiences. We look at our past and tell the birth story of the inner monsters we both need and deny. You can find out more about Double Edge theatre, here.
French Trip
On Tuesday, October 31st our French, Madame Trombly’s crew, and peer leadership classes took a trip to The Clark Art Museum in Williamstown. The day was spent observing the beautiful art and the picturesque landscapes that fill the space outside of the museum. We looked at the impressionist works of Monet and Renoir as well as many other paintings and sculptures over the course of the day. We ended the trip with lunch out and a bit of reflection on the day. Landon C
MTRS Drama Cast and Crew
Performing Arts members attended a performance of FOOTLOOSE the musical at The Exit 7 Players in Ludlow. Our group was able to go on the stage after the performance and speak with the set designer, lighting designer and the stage manager. A great time was had by all and we would like to thank the Mary Lyon Foundation who provided a grant to help make this happen!
French students visited the Clark Art Museum in Williamstown
MTRS Performing Arts attended a production of Footloose in Ludlow last weekend
Juniors and Seniors attended a performance of Lightening at Double Edge Theatre this week
Fall Winter Play - Ticket information
Please get your tickets early for our fall production GRACIE'S PLACE.
It is perfect for families and children of all ages.
Our story has so many messages like, Family matters, self doubt and
how to work through that, the importance of hard work, friendships
last have lasted decades, how to resolve conflicts, being competitive
and how that is a benefit in certain cases and of course community.
How to do a little , and see how it means a lot.
There are so many things to see and hear in GRACIE'S PLACE, you won't
want to miss bringing your family!
Speaking of community- we are also asking folks to donate a new
children's book. The books will be donated to The Mary Lyons
Foundation. They will distribute them throughout the community on our
behalf.
Hope to see you December 9th or 10th at 7:00pm for GRACIE'S PLACE!
Thank you in advance,
Miss Eva
Director
Performing Arts
Mohawk Trail Regional School
Restorative Practices PD for Staff on November 7th
Opportunity for Community Members Follows on Wednesday, November 8
Ron L. James, Keynote Speaker on Restorative Practices, Will Lead
Professional Development for Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts
And an Opportunity for Community Members Follows on Wednesday, November 8
Buckland, MA - On Tuesday, November 7, 2023 staff from the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts will gather for a scheduled training on restorative practices led by keynote speaker Ron L. James.
Restorative practices are those that “strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.” One of the school district pillars is to provide greater social/emotional support to the students so that they may better understand themselves, their options, and how they relate to their community. This training will give staff more tools to help students abide by these three central affirmations:
“I am part of this community.”
“I can contribute in a positive way.”
“I will be accountable for my words and actions.”
Mr. James’ lived experience as an inmate and addict led him to create a training that acknowledges and addresses the long-lasting effects of the choices we make. The core of the content to be presented focuses on strengthening the lines of communication, engagement, and foundational relationships of teachers, staff, students, and their support systems because students learn best when they are in an environment where they feel loved, safe, supported, challenged, and accepted. Mr. James believes with this as a foundation, students will make better choices.
Staff members will be given training materials titled “Embracing Restorative Practices: Building Connections, Cultivating Harmony” that will take them through a series of activities with the goal of identifying the ways in which interaction makes individuals feel included or excluded. This training will coach district staff to guide students to make the best choices for themselves and their community.
A related event will be held for district families and community members on Wednesday, November 8th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Mohawk Trail Regional School auditorium. This is a free event and is open to the public. Community members may call 413-625-0192 or scan the QR code above* to RSVP.
About The Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts (MTRSD):
The Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts (MTRSD) cover more than 250 square miles and serve 8 rural towns, including Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Plainfield, and Shelburne. Our distinct Trailblazer model allows students choice, flexibility, and personalization as they explore their interests and challenge themselves while being supported by a host of invested teachers and collaborative peers. To learn more, please visit www.mtrsd.org. 24 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
About Ron L. James and CHOICES
For 25+ years of his life, Ron L James was in and out of prison because of choices. While in prison, he was encouraged to write his life story. As he wrote, he realized that he did not like the man he had become. It was then that he began intentionally making different choices. Ten years ago, Ron was released from prison and has been a productive member of society ever since. He has been drug and alcohol free for over sixteen years. He is passionate about helping others understand that they can avoid making the mistakes he made. As a result of this passion, he now shares his message across the country as a Keynote speaker for businesses, schools, and originations. His message on CHOICES continues to influence and inspire people to help & “Make their next choice their best choice.”
Additional Opportunities for Social/Emotional/Personal Growth and Support
MTRS is partnering with CHD to provide a DBT Skills Group and the Brick House to provide the Project AMP Mentoring program. Both opportunities are being offered during the school day. Interested students & families should contact their school counselor for consent forms and additional information.
DBT Skills Group: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skill building group will teach specific skills related to mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. The group will meet weekly during the school day, for 8 weeks, October-December. It will be facilitated by two therapists from The Center for Human Development (CHD). Participation in this group will be billed through insurance:
MassHealth, Fallon, BMC/Wellsense, Tufts, Health New England, Aetna are accepted insurances. If your insurance is not covered, the private pay rate is $55, but they do have a sliding fee scale with rates as low as $10.
Project AMP: A brief, youth-driven, strengths-based mentorship program. Students meet with mentor, Hannah Bertrand, of the Brick House over 4-6 weeks, for 45 minute sessions during the school day. Youth explore interests, develop goals, and navigate through pressures and risks that might impact their well-being. There is no cost to participate.
Library Updates
Student Services
Upcoming resources made available through the Office of Student Services:
The Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network
Every month, STARS College Network member schools host Zoom webinars featuring a variety of perspectives from college students on the academic programs, philosophies, and traditions that make featured colleges great places to live and learn.
November 7th, 2023, 8:00 pm EST
Join current college students from Caltech, Colby College, Vanderbilt University, and the Ohio State University to learn more about college life and the transition from a rural or small-town high school to a large university. REGISTER
December 5th, 2023, 8:00 pm EST
Join staff and faculty from Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Maryland, and Yale University to learn more about the wide variety of support systems available to students throughout their time on our campuses. REGISTER
Mohawk Trail seniors are in the midst of preparing and applying to colleges. The first deadline was November 1st, with others approaching quickly. For related resources such as the Common Application and Common Application Essay Prompts, SAT/ACT Test Dates, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Financial Aid 101, Financial Aid Calculator, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, or available scholarships, click the links provided or call the Office of Student Services at 413-625-9811 x 1305
College Visits at Mohawk Trail Regional School
Colleges are coming to Mohawk Trail! This is an opportunity for Juniors and Seniors to speak with a college admission representative to learn more about what colleges have to offer and their application process.
Financial Aid Information
Save the Date: College Financial Aid 101
Thursday, November 28, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the MTRS Auditorium
Join us in welcoming Amy Proietti, Coordinator of Financial Aid at Greenfield Community College, present on:
the types and sources of financial aid
the application process
how financial aid decisions are made
paying for college
Bus Schedules and Questions
Please make sure that you check the Bus routes on district site. Care providers can call Dawn at the bus company on 413-489-3195 at ext 3304 or call the school and ask to speak to Robin Pease.
Community Events
How can you get involved at MTRS?
We want to hear your voice!
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 take place on November 8th.
The virtual joining information is as follows:
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 813-435-9650
PIN: 741 012 215#
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. The next drop in will take place on October 10th.
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
How can you help to keep your kids safe on-line?
The organizations Valuing Our Children and the Children's Advocacy Center are offering an in-person parent/caretaker workshop: Keeping Kids Safe On-Line. Please see the flyers below.
Jennifer Aldrich
Valuing Our Children
FRC Program Manager
978-249-5070 ext 230
Alcohol Health and Safety in Massachusetts
The Communities That Care Coalition and the SPIFFY Coalition's Regional Policy and Norms Workgroup would like to invite you to our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, November 8th, which will feature special guest speaker, David Jernigan, to present on "Alcohol Health and Safety in Massachusetts: A Status Report and Policy Implications.” See attached flyer for more details.
- When: Wednesday, 11/8/23; 9:30-11:00am
- Where: Zoom (virtual): https://collaborative.zoom.us/j/87979979424
- About: Local and state alcohol policy is often driven by economic and business interests. Yet alcohol has a profound impact on the social, economic, health and wellbeing of communities and individuals--including youth. In this discussion we will look at alcohol policy in Massachusetts and the benefits of shaping policy from a health and safety framework. Alcohol policy that incorporates a public health lens results in policy that best meets the needs of everyone in the community by curbing risky drinking, underage drinking, accidents, crime, disease, domestic violence and missed work while also maintaining a robust alcohol marketplace.
Athletics News
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!!!!
Winter sports registration has been moved up slightly in order to get a better idea of what we will have for teams this year! The link for registration can be found HERE. Please remember that all athletes MUST have an up-to-date physical on file with our district nurse leader Donna Weber, and have a current concussion baseline test. Please reach out to District Athletic Director Greg Lilly at glillyAD@mtrsd.org with any questions!
This winter we will be offering….
ALPINE SKIING
NORDIC SKIING
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL
INDOOR TRACK
WRESTLING
CALLING ALL JUNIOR ATHLETES!!!! This year’s PVIAC Student Leadership Conference will be taking place on November 20th at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield! Local schools are invited to send 4 student-athletes to participate in extremely valuable programs that will help them grow as leaders both on the field, and in their communities. Lunch and transportation will be provided. If your student-athlete is interested in participating, have them reach out to District Athletic Director Greg Lilly at glillyAD@mtrsd.org, or stop by his office in the gymnasium!
With Quarter 1 coming to a close, please remember that per MIAA guidelines, in order for your student-athlete to participate in varsity athletics, they must have a passing grade in all of their courses. This includes non-academic courses as well.
Please join us for our monthly Mohawk Athletics Association (MAA) meeting on 11/06/2023. Food will be available for members who come in person, and there is always an option to join virtually.
The next two meetings are incredibly important as we will vote on bylaws and get the vote ready to hopefully give AD Lilly the money he requested in September for the softball and baseball fields.
YOUR VOICE AND VOTE MATTERS!
See below for the details:
MAA Monthly Meeting
Monday, November 6 · 6:30 – 8:30pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/aub-csyv-jdz
Or dial: (US) +1 724-292-4216 PIN: 718 440 852#
Special Education Updates
Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent
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.
Special Education Contact Information
Person
Role
Contact Information
Leann Loomis
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
413-625-0192 x1025
Melissa Plesnar
Assistant to Director of Pupil Personnel Services
413-625-0192 x1015
Erin Beaudet
7-12 Liaison
413-625-9811 x1314
Carolyn Goodnow
1-6 Liaison
Mohawk Trail District
413-625-2521
Kate Dwyer
1-6 Liaison
Hawlemont District
413-339-8316
Amy Socquet
Early Childhood Coordinator and Liaison
413-625-6194
About Mohawk Trail SEPAC
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council is an advisory group led by parents within our community. We are looking to support each other and help the school district to better serve its students. The SEPAC is open to all caregivers within the district with an IEP or 504 plan, and to interested members of the community. Please reach out to us to learn more!
SEPAC meetings
We meet monthly via Zoom. Upcoming meetings: Sept 28, Oct 23, Nov 27 at 6:30 pm
We welcome caregivers, staff, and interested members of the community to learn about SEPAC and meet local families. The public meeting will be followed by a private caregiver support discussion.
Email us to learn more: mohawksepac@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MohawktrailSEPAC
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional
MTRSD Director of Communications