Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
March 22nd, 2024
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope that you all enjoyed a great week
Next week is another busy one:
- Monday 25th: As part of their Civic Action Project preparation, Grade 8 and 10 will participate in an in-school field trip which also involves Natalie Blais, the Town Moderator and the Town Clerk from Ashfield. More information will be shared next week.
- Tuesday 26th - We will welcome Detective Jenkins and members of the local police for a school community meet and greet with students and staff from 11:am
- Tues 26th and Wes 27th: MCAS ELA takes place. Passing is a graduation requirement - please see below for more MCAS information
- On Wednesday, we also look forward to seeing students, families and staff at our annual Celebration of Learning from 4-6pm
- Finally, thanks to our Barr Foundation grant, Thursday and Friday will see administration and counselling staff participate in Restorative Practices training with experts from Suffolk Centre for Restorative Justice. This is the start of RP training that will include staff, students and community members over the next 18 months.
In this week's newsletter there are also updates on:
- Scholarship and Graduation information for the Class of 24
- Grade 8 Career Morning on April 12th
- Information for Grade 6 parents
- SEPAC meeting information
- Spring Sports updates
Please note that we are now in a position to confirm dates for the June Student-led conferences. There is also an additional early release Wednesday which is not included on the calendar:
June 5th: S2 Student Led Conferences- Early dismissal for all MS and HS Students at 11:30 (Conferences to take place virtually or in person between 12-3:30pm MS & HS and virtually only for HS 3:30-5:30. More details coming soon!)
June 12th: 12:50pm Early release for students in MS and HS
June 13th: Last day for students: 11:30 dismissal for MS and HS
If you are reading this newsletter on a phone or laptop, don't forget to click on "read entire message" in order to see the complete newsletter.
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 wishes
Chris
Come and browse at the book fair during the Celebration of Learning on March 27th
Make a note of the next SEPAC virtual coffee hour in March
Mark your calendars for the MTRS Spring Concert on April 11th
Important Dates & Information
Upcoming dates
March 27th: District Celebration of Learning: 4-6pm
April 10th: Grade 6 ice cream and info meeting with G 7 teachers
April 10th: NHS Induction 6:30-7:30pm
April 11th: MTRS Spring Concert
April 12th: Middle School Career Speakers in Advisory
May 3 and 4th: Spring Musical: You're a good man, Charlie Brown
May 11th: MTAA Spring Fling
May 15 & 16th District Music Concert at BSE
May 17th: Grade 11 and 12 DUI and Legal issues presentation from SFPD
May 18th: Prom
May 30th: Senior Awards evening
May 31st (Friday) -6-8pm: High School Graduation. Indoors at MTRS (This is a correction to the published date of June 1st)
June 3rd - Grade 6 Step up day
June 5th: S2 Student Led Conferences- Early dismissal for all MS and HS Students at 11:30
June 7th: Grade 8 Ice cream and Celebration: 5:30-7:30
June 12th: 12:50pm Early release for students in MS and HS
June 13th: Last day for students: 11:30 dismissal for MS and HS
District Calendar for 2023/24: Link (Calendar for 24/25)
MTRS MCAS and AP testing schedule
Quarter 3 (45 Days)
First Day: January 29, 2024
Last Day: Friday April 5, 2024
Q3 progress report grades close on: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Q3 progress report grading window: Monday, February 26 - Monday, March 4,
Q3 progress reports will be available in Aspen Tuesday, March 5,
Q3 grading window: Thursday, April 4 - Thursday April 11 at 11:59 pm
Q3 report cards will be available in Aspen: Friday, April 12, 2024
MCAS assessment information
Testing for students in grades 7, 8, 9 & 10
We are about to start the journey towards MCAS testing for 2024 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. Passing MCAS in grade 10 is a graduation requirements in Massachusetts. Students educated with Massachusetts public funds are required by federal laws and the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Law, state law M. G. L. Chapter 69, section 1I, to participate in statewide testing.
Why does testing matter?
Before education reform and statewide testing in the 1990s, Massachusetts students too often graduated from high school without the basic reading and math skills needed to succeed in life.
Today, Massachusetts students are #1 in the country in reading and math. So how did this happen? In the early '90s, the state passed a law that included high learning standards, consistent funding, more choices for families, and accountability for how well students are being served. Part of that act included statewide assessments to make sure schools are reaching all students.
When scores show students are not meeting basic learning standards, schools and districts can adjust instruction to address those areas. In addition, parents and the public can ask questions and ensure educators are taking action.
Statewide testing helps parents check their child's and school's progress and lets taxpayers know if they are getting a good return on the tax money they invest in schools.
Statewide assessments also help the state know where to focus its efforts, whether that be on individual struggling schools or wide subject areas, like early reading or middle school math. Without testing, those needs would remain hidden.
State test scores are just one piece of a student's academic picture, but they are important information.
MCAS participation rate also impacts a the rating of a school. Please see our latest district and school report card.
Who will test?
High school students in the class of 2026 (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 2027 (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 the pandemic has most impacted,
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 & SCIENCE (taken in G9) - Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- Grade 8 - ELA, MATH, Science & Civics Field Test CBT
- Grade 7 - ELA & MATH CBT
Information about the new Grade 8 Civics field test this year
In addition to MCAS tests in English language arts, mathematics, and science, your child will also participate in an MCAS grade 8 civics field test.
In order to administer a new grade 8 civics test in the future, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must try out new test questions before the test becomes operational and scores can provided to parents, schools, and districts. Your child’s participation is important and allows the state to build a valid and reliable test. It is important that all selected students participate in the field test to ensure a representative sample of students from across the state.
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 and looking at past papers.
Chromebooks
Students in grade 7 will use the devices in their classrooms. Grade 8-10 will use their school issued Chromebooks. A limited number of spare devices will be available for student use on the day of the test.
Day of the test
Please make sure that students have slept well prior to coming to school. Breakfast will continue to be available for all students at MTRS.
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.
News from the Nurse!
Beginning on March 25th, the Health Office will begin conducting the mandated Massachusetts health screenings unless we have received documentation that it was done by an outside provider. This includes vision, hearing, postural, height & weight and SBIRT (a drug and tobacco screening and education program). Grades 7 and 10 will have all of the mentioned screenings done. Grades 8 and 9 will have postural screenings only. If you do not want your child to participate in these screenings, please notify the Health Office in writing.
Overweight and underweight children are at risk for a variety of health problems, making early identification of their weight status important. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating can result in both serious long-term health problems and poor school performance. Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are risk factors for a variety of serious health conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The health office will email you if your child falls into one of the at risk categories so that you can follow up with their primary care provider.
Grade 11 College and Career Trip to GCC
Greenfield Community College is hosting a Career Exploration Fair for students on Tuesday, April 9th from 10:00am - 1:00pm. The event will introduce students to a variety of different careers by showcasing GCC’s new virtual and augmented reality simulators and providing the opportunity to connect with the college community in a variety of ways. All students will have the opportunity to explore the campus and different majors as it relates to their education and career interests, with a special emphasis on career technical education (CTE) pathways.
All juniors were provided a permission form (attached) today and asked to return it to Ms Cairney or their Grade 11 Advisory teachers by Monday, March 25th. In addition to the permission form, GCC is requesting students fill out this RSVP Form (for planning purposes and dietary restrictions). Juniors - your graduation date is May 2025.
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT - April 12th
The Class of 2025 will host a 3-v-3 basketball tournament fundraiser this April. Students and staff will join forces to compete for glory and bragging rights. Teams will be made up of 2 students and 1 staff member and it will cost $10 per team to enter, with funds going to the Class of 2025. The tournament will be held at the end of the school day on Friday April 12th as a way to bring the whole school together for fun and celebration before we depart for April break. Any questions should be directed to Mr. Leowolf, advisor to the Class of 2025.
Grade 8 Career Morning: April 12th
April 12th - Middle School Careers speakers
We are organizing a Middle School Career Day that is happening on Friday, April 12th during Exploratory. Students will rotate through different outside speakers who will talk to students about their career.
More details are coming soon!
Information for Grade 6/ Rising Grade 7 students and families
We are looking forward to welcoming you to the MTRS Community over the next few months.
Below is a list of events to provide information and prepare students and families for the transition to middle school:
March- Classroom Visits: Guidance counselor and principal, accompanied by former students, will visit each 6th grade classroom and provide information about life and opportunities at MTRS:
3/19 BSE
3/20 Hawlemont
3/21 Rowe
3/22 Sanderson
3/22 Colrain
March 27th - District Celebration of Learning at MTRS 4-6pm: This will be a great opportunity to see the school and to meet current students and staff and to find out more about the clubs and activities available to MTRS students
April 10th - Welcome to Grade 7: 5:30-7:30pm: Information and Ice cream for 6th grade families
June 3rd - Step Up Day: Grade 6 students from the district, as well as Rowe Elementary, will come to MTRS to meet teachers and experience a morning at MTRS
Additional opportunities for community event at MTRS (more information on the MTRS website):
April 11th - Spring MTRS Music Concert
May 3 and 4th - MTRS Spring Musical
May 11th - Spring Fling
Ambassador 351 Clothing Drive!
MTRS Project 351 Ambassadors are organizing a clothing drive! Starting March 25th there will be boxes for clothing in the lobby and the cafeteria. Do you have a clothes in good condition that you could donate to those in need?
See the poster below for more details!
AP Brault's Student Culture Corner
If you see something, say something….
This is a model used in airports, in downtowns, and on back roads. We also appreciate it at school! If something is making your student uncomfortable or they see something that is against school policy or the law, make sure they tell someone they are comfortable talking to. We have administrators and counseling staff as well as teachers and other adults that students can report issues to. This is very important and an effective way to help keep our building and students safe!
I hope I see everyone at the Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, March 27th, 4-6 pm!!!
The District Perspective
Carol Foote, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, cfoote@mtrsd.org
Hottest Calendar Item: Celebration of Learning
Yes, you heard it here. The hottest calendar item of the coming week is the annual Celebration of Learning happening Wednesday, March 27th from 4 to 6 pm at Mohawk Trail Regional School.
Projects, artwork, demonstrations, panel discussions and more will be on display at Mohawk Trail Regional. Grounded in our Trailblazer model, attendees will understand the flexibility and autonomy afforded to Mohawk Trail students as they blaze their own trails. We invite you to hear from students and teachers as they show off their:
programming abilities;
culinary flair;
foreign language skills;
talent for acting and singing;
love of learning;
engagement in the community;
and much more.
Three 20-minute panels will take place in the library from 5 to 6 pm on the topics of internships, our advisory program, and civics project work. Other perks of the evening include free dinner from Foxtown Diner and desserts from local bakeries, the chance to win raffle prizes, and a book giveaway - all made possible thanks to the efforts of the Mary Lyon Foundation.
You don’t want to miss this!
Looking for Volunteers to Serve
While the sustainability study community engagement sessions are underway, BERK12 is also busy forming specific advisory groups in the areas of Community Outreach, Finance and Educational Programming. We encourage participation from individuals across the districts in this short-term project that may have long-term effects. Sign up via 2districts8towns.org or contact H. Jake Eberwein, BERK12 Project manager and lead researcher, at jakeeberwein@gmail.com.
Teaching and Learning
Celebration of Learning - March 27th, 4-6pm
Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional families and friends! Our students and teachers are getting ready to welcome you to the district's annual Celebration of Learning. Please save the date of Wednesday, March 27th from 4pm to 6pm. We invite you to attend and bring others who may be interested in seeing the work of Mohawk Trail Regional students first-hand. You'll see, hear, feel, and experience the products of their recent work as you tour the gym, hallways, auditorium and library. We offer a special invitation to 5th and 6th grade district families to come specifically to see our middle school wing abuzz with teachers, students, demonstrations and more! Other perks include free dinner from Foxtown Diner and desserts from local bakeries, the chance to win raffle prizes, and a book giveaway - all made possible thanks to the efforts of the Mary Lyon Foundation. We hope you attend to truly get a sense of what it means to be a Trailblazer!
We are excited to invite families and students to our annual Celebration of Learning
The schedule has a lot of information about the activities at our busy school
The MTRS Choir will be greeting families on arrival in the lobby
Scholarship & Graduation Information for the Class of 2024!
Scholarship information
Hello, Class of 2024 and Families,
The 2024 scholarship season is in full swing! Last year, the class of 2023 received over $100,000 in scholarships!
This is the Official Scholarship Bulletin. This year's scholarships will be listed here as they become available. Some are still coming in, so please check the bulletin regularly. This bulletin is also included in the Student Services Newsletter and it is on the Student Services website.
Here are some tips:
Check that you have all of the required documents (transcript, letter of recommendation, etc) before you submit your application.
To request documents, email sgarcia@mtrsd.org. Let me know how many of each requested document you need. I will place your letters of recommendation into sealed envelopes.
Pay close attention to the due dates. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.
Check the bulletin 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. (Postmarked is the stamped date on the envelope when the post office receives it)
Awards Night is Thursday, May 30th at 5 pm. At this ceremony, we will announce the recipients of the scholarships. Most scholarship disbursements will be made after the students submit their semester 1 transcripts from college. The certificate that you receive on Awards night will provide directions on how to receive the disbursements.
Graduation information
Class meetings will take place in the next two weeks and the Class of 2024 will be planning their involvement in the following events:
Graduation
DUI and Legal Issues talk with SFPF for G 11 and 12 - May 17th
Prom - Saturday 18th May
Senior Send off - Weds 22nd May
Senior Soak - Thursday 23rd May
Last Day - Friday May 24th (depending on Snow Days and if students are on track to graduate)
Memorial Day - Mon 27th May
Finals and rehearsals for Awards/ Graduation - Tuesday 28th May and Wednesday May 29th
Elementary school visit and MTRS staff cookout - Wednesday 29th May
Awards Event - Thursday 30th May (5-7pm)
Graduation Celebration - Friday May 31st 6-8pm indoors at MTRS (auditorium)
Scholarships
Please keep checking the Student Services section of the website in order to stay on top of deadlines. Last year the Class of 2023 walked away with over $100,000 in scholarships from our MTRS community!
This section of the newsletter will be updated as we progress through the year, so please check back in regularly!
Library Updates
Check out what is new in the library!
Take a look at our MTRS Library March 2024 newsletter: Link
Please take advantage of the book fair in the library during the Celebration of Learning on March 27th.
Also, make a note of the book discussion and author visit in Greenfield - see details below for more information!
Book discussion and author visit in Greenfield
Students and staff really enjoy using the library space during the day at MTRS
Come to the book fair in the library when you are at the Celebration of Learning!
Student Services
Also don't forget to be checking the Senior Scholarship Bulletin.
Students and parents, please reach out with any specific questions - happy to help! Mrs. Cairney acariney@mtrsd.org Students to book an appt visit: https://acairney.youcanbook.me/
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 April 10th
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 April 12th. See joining information below!
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
Athletics
SPRING SWAG SHOPS ARE OPEN!!!!!
The Mohawk Trail Athletic Swag Shops are back for the spring season! Click on the following links to purchase your favorite Mohawk Trail gear to support your Warrior athletes! Shops are open until March 27th, so don’t waste any time!
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.
MOHAWK SEPAC MEETING
MONDAY NOV 27TH AT 6:30PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81146390541?pwd=cGVyR0hFelYrTWhTZ2pzK0kwWnBWQT09
Meeting ID: 811 4639 0541
Passcode: 453118
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,81146390541# US (Chicago)
+16468769923,,81146390541# US (New York)
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