Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
March 15th, 2024
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope that you all enjoyed a great week
Here is the Calendar for 24/25, approved by the School Committee at their meeting earlier this week. Please also note that the late bus will start again on Monday 18th March.
In this week's newsletter there are updates on:
- Scholarship and Graduation information for the Class of 24
- Planned Field Trips
- Grade 8 Career Morning on April 12th
- Celebration of Learning at MTRS on March 27th
- Upcoming Police Cadet opportunities
- 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
Energy Drink Dangers!
Energy Drink Dangers
Although Energy Drinks can seem like a great idea, we request they NOT be brought to school. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatric, anyone under the age of 18 should not consume energy drinks.
Some of the potential dangers of Energy Drinks include:
Dehydration (not enough water in the body)
Heart Complications (such as irregular heartbeats and heart failure)
Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery)
Liver and/or Kidney damage
High Blood Pressure
Seizures
And the list goes on and on. For everyone's safety, Energy Drinks are not allowed in school.
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.
Field Trips!
Field trips are a fantastic way of continuing educational experiences beyond the classroom and we are fortunate to have so many wonderful educators willing to put in the extra time and effort to plan great trips. Today, Grade 7 and Marine Biology went to Boston Aquarium.
In the next few weeks students will be travelling all over Massachusetts!
MFA FIELD TRIP
The Art Department is pleased to announce an upcoming field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA this April. All students enrolled in art department classes are invited to join Mr. Leowolf and Ms. Silverman on this trip across the state to the MFA, home to nearly 500,000 works of art from “ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces.” This program is supported in part by grants from the Buckland, Charlemont-Hawley, Colrain, Heath, Plainfield, Rowe, and Shelburne Local Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Due to the generous support of our local cultural councils and a transportation grant from the MFA this trip is being offered at no cost to students. Students will depart from MTRS at 7:30 and return around 5:00 PM. Please reach out to Mr. Leowolf or Ms. Silverman with any questions and be on the lookout for permission slips from your art students.
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
Fantastic opportunity for students to join a Police Cadet program at GCC
We are fortunately to have a fantastic working relationship with local police departments and in particular Detective Tucker Jenkins - a fixture in helping support student learning at MTRS.
As a result of the public safety information talks conducted by Detective Jenkins in the fall, Captain Collins of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has reached out to us with a fantastic opportunity for MTRS students to get their foot in the door and network with peers from other schools, and other communities, while creating ties to Law Enforcement Agencies in the Commonwealth.
The Franklin County Police Cadet Program is open to students who have completed Grade 8 through Grade 12 that are interested in a career in law enforcement. Members must have a good standing within their community and school. The Franklin County Police Cadet program is a member of NERLEEA (Northeast Regional Law Enforcement Educational Association).
Police Cadets will attend weekly meetings at Greenfield Community College on Wednesdays from 630PM-830PM. During weekly meetings member are instructed by Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs on topics that include defensive tactics, Massachusetts General Laws and patrol procedures.
Police Cadets will participate in physical fitness training and drill and ceremony. We will take field trips to law enforcement agencies and have officers from other agencies speak with the program. Police Cadets will have opportunities to attend NERLEEA events, which include skills competitions and the NERLEEA academy.
Students and families who may be interested in learning more and invited to come to MTRS on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 from 6-8PM for an informational session in our library.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to the office for more information.
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
Spring has sprung! We have had some amazing weather days this week. With the amazing weather comes spring sports, spring musical, and the spring concert. It also brings a large number of days of MCAS, AP Testing, Step-up Days, and more. We are fortunate to have so many amazing activities but the activities cannot overshadow the need to maintain good academic performance.
We are more than a quarter of the way through the second semester and those absences and missed assignments start to add up very quickly. Please keep track of your student’s performance through Aspen and conversations with teachers.
Let’s finish the year strong and have some fun along the way!
The District Perspective
Carol Foote, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, cfoote@mtrsd.org
You’re a Good Woman, Miss Eva
With the MTRS spring production rehearsals underway, cast member Mohamed Abdelgawad caught up with Performing Arts Director Eva Husson-Stockhamer (known as “Miss Eva”) for inside information on her approach to putting on a production.
Miss Eva feels fortunate to again (and still!) be working alongside MTRS Performing Arts Music Director Dr. Todd Rovelli. The two go way back - to high school! Their paths have continued to cross, and they notably spent 20 years putting on productions in a Holyoke school. MTRS is fortunate that they have teamed up at our school for the last few years.
When deciding on a show, Miss Eva explained the variables are many. The location, size of the space, talent of the potential cast, finances, how the community might respond, what resources are available, and more, are pieces of the production puzzle that must be considered before making the all-important decision of which show to put up.
Casting is a difficult element of each production. Depending on what the duo (Todd and Miss Eva) is looking for, they assess whether the individual speaks well, can sing, how they move and consider their experience, reliability, responsiveness, accountability, and more. They take an inclusive approach and make space for everyone who is interested in participating.
While many school productions opt for a “black box” style set, Miss Eva wants to offer more to her audience. She begins with a sketch that outlines her vision, taking into consideration available props and the help she can call on to build or secure items. As a general rule, Miss Eva asks the cast, crew, and community to work together to make the set a reality. In this work, bonds are built and strengthened between the cast, crew and others because they have the opportunity to get to know each other on a personal level. The full cast, crew and community play vital roles in the magic of any production.
On May 3 and 4 at 7pm, the spring production performed by Mohawk Trail students and directed by Miss Eva is the crowd favorite “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Tickets are $10 for students/senior citizens and $12 for adults. Please mark your calendars to enjoy the wisdom of Charlie Brown and talents of the MTRS performing arts cast and crew.
The program is always looking for help from caregivers and community members to volunteer and secure donations, among other tasks. If you are willing to lend time or talent, please send an email to Miss Eva at stagemanager@mtrsd.org.
First Community Engagement Session Related to the Sustainability Study
On Monday night, about 30 community members gathered in the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School cafeteria (with more attendees online) to take on 5 questions proposed by BERK12 hosts Jake Eberwein and Mary Nash. The questions helped attendees consider strengths, weaknesses, the things the districts can't live without, things they'd like to see happen, and the ultimate vision for our districts in 10 years.
As future dates come up, it is our hope that families (and students) and community members join in the conversations. Here's a look at the calendar of opportunities:
March 21, 5:30p: 2D8T Steering Committee (90 minutes)
March 26, 7:00p: Plainfield Selectboard meeting - in person
March 27, 4-6p: Celebration of Learning (MT, have a table)
April 9, Time TBD: Colrain School Community Meeting
April 11, Time TBD: Sanderson School Community Meeting (Virtual)
April 24, 2p Faculty/Staff Meeting (Virtual)
April 24, 6p. Mohawk Trail MS/HS Community Meeting
April 25, Time TBD: Hawlemont School Community Meeting
Please note that BERK12 will have a table at MT's Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, March 27th from 4pm to 6pm for more informal conversation about the project.
For more background on the project or to volunteer for a role, please visit www.2districts8towns.org.
Attention 6th Grade Families!
We invite you to engage with a number of opportunities to become more familiar with the Mohawk Trail Middle School in an effort to make the transition from your elementary building as smooth as possible.
During the month of March 2024, the middle school guidance counselor Taffy Ruggeri and principal Chris Buckland, accompanied by middle school students, will visit each 6th grade classroom and provide information about life and opportunities at MTRS. Think about your questions ahead of time (like, “How will I know where my classrooms are?” “What is having more homework like?” “Can I try out for sports”? And “What ARE civic action projects, anyway?”) Here are the dates for those visits at each school: :
3/19 BSE
3/20 Hawlemont
3/21 Rowe
3/22 Sanderson
3/22 Colrain
We’d love to see you on March 27th when we host our annual District Celebration of Learning at MTRS from 4 to 6pm. This will be a great opportunity to see the school, meet current students and staff, see the middle school in action, and to find out more about the sports, clubs and activities available to MTRS students.
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Come to the Ice Cream Social on April 10th for a session titled Welcome to Grade 7 from 5:30-7:30pm. Information and Ice cream will be offered up for sixth grade families. Bring your classmates!
Step Up Day for all 6th grade students from the districts plus Rowe Elementary, will happen on June 3 at MTRS to meet teachers and experience a morning on-site at the middle school. This is a symbolic transition from elementary to middle school. We are excited for you to join our students in our building!
Additional opportunities for community events at MTRS (more information on the MTRS website):
April 11th - Spring MTRS Music Concert
May 3 and 4th - MTRS Spring Musical, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”
Libraries are a hotbed of activity!
With March being National Reading Month, let’s take a look at our bustling district school libraries!
Please know that the district has a new book fair vendor, Best Book Fairs. It is a Massachusetts-based company that focuses on getting great books out there without creating extra hassle with selling toys or other trinkets. Just books and only books will be for sale. Proceeds from the fair go directly towards purchasing new books for our students - thanks in advance for your support!
The book fairs will run on dates that coincide with the caregiver/teacher conferences the week of March 18-22.
BSE, March 18-22: students will visit during their regular library times and the fair will also be open to the community on Thursday, March 21 from 1pm-7pm, and on Friday, March 22 from 1pm-4pm. If you can help or have questions, contact BSE Librarian Lillian Whitsett, lwhitsett@mtrsd.org
Colrain Central, March 21 and 22: in an effort to reduce the challenges that come with students bringing money to school (some students might lose their money or feel uncomfortable if they don’t have as much money as others), the format at Colrain Central will be a little different than it has been in the past. Students will visit the book fair once to make a wish list before Thursday afternoon when conferences are scheduled. The list will come home and the book fair will be open for shopping during the conferences. Colrain Central is accepting donations to help students who might not be able to buy a book.
Sanderson, March 18 - 22: the book fair will be open late during conferences on the 21st and 22nd. Everyone is invited to come and support this important fundraiser for the library.
Mohawk Trail Regional, March 27: Families and guests attending the Celebration of Learning at Mohawk Trail Regional on Wednesday, March 27 will have the opportunity to purchase books. The fair will be set up in the library, and available to students earlier in the day. Come check it out!
There are also a number of competitive reading challenges:
Hawlemont continues their program that rewards consistent readers with Berkshire Pizza!
Colrain Central is hosting two reading challenges - one that focuses on discovering new books while the second focuses on the higher reading levels found in the library.
We can’t forget the STEAM learning in our libraries, too
School libraries throughout the district have been sharing the sets of Bee-Bots and Spheros (yes, those are robots!) between our buildings. Using these exciting robot tools, students are learning important computer science concepts and having fun. Some of the resulting examples include programming Bee-Bots with simple dance moves and driving Spheros around the library space.
Ms Eva and cast are looking forward to performing in May
Mark you calendars for April 11
Give your feedback at the sustainability feedback sessions
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 is here!!!!
Welcome back Mohawk Trail Athletic family! Winter sports are finally put to bed, and we are only a few days away from the start of our spring athletic season! Don’t worry however, because there is still time to sign up your student-athlete for the sport of their choice. This spring we are offering baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field! The online registration process can be found HERE. Please reach out to District Athletic Director Greg Lilly with any questions at glillyAD@mtrsd.org. Please remember that in order to participate on Day 1, your child must have an up to date physical (last 13 months) on file with the school nurse.
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!
SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULES - WEEK 1
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