Just a reminder that updated information can always be found at our website: https://colrain.mohawktrailschools.org/ and our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/colraincentral

• If you've ever felt like you're not quite sure how to discuss concerns about your child or have felt like it wasn't very effective, be sure to log on for a virtual parent workshop "How to Effectively Communicate With Your Student's School Team" on Monday, Feb. 27th at 5:30. more information can be found on the flyer below.
• Curious about the future of athletics at MTRS? Athletic Director, Greg Lilly, and Superintendent Stanton will be holding a forum next week to hear questions and concerns and share their vision.
• There is a lot of information in this week's newsletter about spring and summer opportunities for students. Please be sure to click on all the links and buttons below.
• The 5th and 6th grade "Winter Wonderland" dance has been rescheduled for Friday, March 3rd from 5:30-7:30. All students must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. There will be snacks available for purchase as well. Get ready to kick up your heels and have some fun!

COVID tests: Covid tests are available at the Griswold Memorial Library, the town office, and by mail at http://www.covidtests.gov for those who may be looking for them.

Every year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education releases a report card for each school and district in the state. Just as a student's report card shows how they are doing in different classes, school and district report cards are designed to show parents and community members how a school or district is doing in different areas. Report cards highlight a school or district's strengths as well as any challenges that need to be addressed in order to make sure the needs of all students are being met.

Massachusetts sees families and the community as important partners in a school's success and spent time listening to parents to make sure the report cards were designed as easy-to-use tools that provide meaningful information.

What is the purpose of the school report cards?
Massachusetts is required by federal law to annually produce information about school performance for families and communities. Just as a student's report card shows how they are doing in different classes, school and district report cards are designed to show parents and community members how a school or district is doing in different areas. Report cards highlight a school or district's strengths as well as any challenges that need to be addressed in order to make sure the needs of all students are being met.
What type of information can be found on the report cards?
The report cards provide a different way of looking at information related to overall school performance. They include information in a variety of areas that we heard from parents are important:

• Student Enrollment and Teacher Information

• Student Attendance and Discipline

• Academic Opportunities

• College and Career Readiness

• MCAS Performance

• School Spending

• Accountability Information

How were families involved in the development of the school report card?
Massachusetts sees families and the community as important partners in a school's success and spent time listening to parents to make sure the report cards were designed as easy-to-use tools that provide meaningful information. We posted online surveys during the initial and final phases of the report card design process. In addition, we worked with parent advocacy groups across the state to host feedback sessions with parents, to see where we needed to make improvements before the report cards were released.
Why are the school report cards important to families?
The school report card is one of many pieces of information parents receive about their child's education. When looked at alongside other measures like the child's report card, MCAS scores, and classroom work and tests, it gives parents a more complete picture of their child's education.
How can the report cards be used by schools and districts?
Report cards are just one of many tools that principals and district leaders can use to identify which schools are doing well and which schools need more help. This will help to understand the strategies that are most effective in improving student performance and allow leaders to provide support to the students and schools that need it most.
Will the report cards change over time?
Yes! This is just the start. We will work with parents, educators, and community members to improve the report cards over time so they continue to meet the needs of Massachusetts families.

Colrain Central School's Report Card: https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2022/07170010

Mohawk Trail Regional School District's Report Card: https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2022/DistrictReportcard/07170000

FAQ: https://www.doe.mass.edu/accountability/report-cards/faq.html

2/14: 3:30 LEC meeting

2/17: Winter Frolic

2/20-2/24: No school: February break

3/3: 5th & 6th grade Winter Wonderland Dance

3/17: PK & K Registration Day~no school for current PK & K students

3/23 & 3/24: Family/Teacher Conferences

March early release dates:

1:50 dismissals: 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/29

12: 30 dismissals: 3/23, 3/24

"Read to Lamby" is on Saturday, March 4th at 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, all ages are welcome! We ask that families please call 413-624-3619 or email griswoldmemoriallibrary@gmail.com to register. The event is also posted on the Griswold Memorial Library Colrain Facebook page.

What should you do during this vacation or when you are bored during your snow day home from Colrain Central Elementary? I know! You can get your energy out by following along with Ms K to some fitness videos. Ask your family to join you and you can all have fun together.