Student & Family Update
April 1, 2022
April 1, 2022
Good afternoon, everyone!
I can’t believe that we made it through March. April break is definitely in sight now!
This week it has been fantastic to visit and talk with Grade 6 students about their move to MTRS. We are looking forward to seeing them all on Step-Up Day on June 13.
Good luck to Grade 7 who will take ELA MCAS next Monday and Tuesday. Make sure you have an early night on Sunday!!!
Please find information in relation to the many things going on in our school.
Best wishes
Chris
Background image of ceramics project by MTRS student. Photo courtesy of Rachel Silverman.
Important Dates to Remember
April 12 - MTRS Student Arts Panel - virtual event
April 18 - 22 - April vacation
May 15 - MTRS student council tag sale & Mohawk Trail Athletic Association Spring Fling
May 19 - Trailblazer Districtwide Celebration of Learning
May 20 and May 21 at 5:30 p.m. and May 22 at 2:30 p.m. - 'Bits of Broadway' MTRS Musical
May 26 - Spring Concert
May 27 - Prom
June 4 - Graduation
June 13 - Step-Up Day at MTRS
June 20 - Juneteenth Holiday
June 22 - Last Day for students (half-day)
Student Voice
Project 351 Clothing Drive
A group of 8th graders at MTRSD are working with Project 351 and Cradles to Crayons to hold a clothing drive. To make sure we’re able to donate your clothing make sure your clothes fit the following:
New/ like new
Sizes: newborn - adult small
If you want to donate socks, underwear, pajamas, or things in that category, make sure they’re brand new
From the dates April 4th - 8th we are going to have clothing bins where you drop off your clothing. We are going to have bins here at Mohawk Trail in the lobby and outside the front door.
If you have any questions you can contact Zorah Miller at zorah.miller@mtrsd.org, Zariah Stone-Bedford at zariah.stone-bedford@mtrsd.org, or Nikki Garofalo at nikki.garofalo@mtrsd.org
Student Voice - Student Feedback Survey
The Student Council has created this survey. It is intended as a space for students to voice their concerns or suggestions about anything around the school. Please feel free to add your thoughts: Link
Musical and Concert updates
The High School chorus and band continue to work hard during and after school for our upcoming performances. The chorus is excited to be going soon to The Institute for the Musical Arts, where they will work with the crew there to record a previously unrecorded piece of music.
We have cast and have begun our rehearsals for BITS OF BROADWAY! Very excited for the talented cast and enthusiastic crew. Our performances will be a bit of music and a bit of vignettes both were chosen carefully for the talented group that auditioned.
Performance dates and times: May 20 & 21 at 7:30 p.m. May 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets prices are $12 adults/$10 seniors/staff/students and may be purchased in advance by contacting Eva at stagemanager@mtrsd.org or calling (413) 244-5904. Tickets must be purchased at the time of the order. Order forms are located in the office or can be obtained by emailing stagemanager@mtrsd.org. Checks or cash only. Checks should be made out to: MTRS, please include BITS OF BROADWAY in the MEMO field.
We are excited to have live theater back and we hope you come and support those participating!
Class of '22 Families - Graduation
Families of our graduating Class of 2022 - Students have been asked to complete a survey about graduation this year (be sure to check your student emails, as this has been shared twice!).
Caregivers of the graduating class are asked to provide their feedback as well in this graduation survey. You should have received this survey via email previously; however, if you haven't yet filled it out - please take a moment to provide your feedback!
Trailblazer News
April 12 - MTRS Student Arts Panel
How do the arts play a role in the Trailblazer Model? What opportunities do students have to experience arts education at MTRS? How are MTRS students supported in building a creative community?
Please join us for a VIRTUAL student-led panel discussion on Tuesday, April 12 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Our talented students will be leading this event to share their artistry and educational experiences. Take a virtual tour of our arts spaces! Enjoy a sampling of student work in vocal and instrumental music, studio and digital arts, and theater. We hope you will join us! Caregiver and Community, please RSVP using this form.
May 19: Trailblazer Districtwide Celebration of Learning, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Mark your calendars and please join us for a great night of showcasing our students’ work! For current and prospective MTRS students and families in grades 5 - 12:
Learn how our students are blazing their trails at MTRS and our Trailblazer model (lobby)
Grade 5 and 6 celebration of learning (Projects) in the gym
Elementary school literacy event in the library
MS & HS displays of what goes on in their classes
Trailblazer ambassadors to meet and greet
It Takes A Village will be set-up in the gym
Grade 7 Caregivers - Get a chance to talk with the Grade 7 Team
Excerpts from the musical and Spring Concert
Food: TBD
Trailblazer RAFFLE drawing!
We're still seeking community members with food contacts and need your help! We’re looking for those interested in participating / providing food for our event. Interested? Know someone? Please contact Principal Buckland at cbuckland@mtrsd.org.
STUCO TAG SALE
YOU have stuff to sell and WE have space for you!
JOIN US on for the Mohawk Trail Regional School Student Council TAG SALE on Sunday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the MTRS field hockey field (26 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls). Help us FILL THE FIELD and sign-up to be a vendor today!
VENDOR INFORMATION:
$20 per space (spaces approx. 10' x 15')
$10 table rental (limited amount, first come first serve)
*Bringing your own pop-up/EZ up tent is encouraged*
Sign-ups are due by APRIL 29
To sign-up, email: MTRSstuco@mtrsd.org and include subject line: "May Tag Sale"
**Vendors: To sign up, please CLICK HERE and complete the form to reserve your space.**
Graphic by STUCO member and communications intern Sophia Goodnow
Academics
Student Services Updates
Be sure to check out the latest student opportunities, here!
Film Studies - on set visit!
On Friday, March 18 a group of Mohawk Trail Regional High School students visited the Miramax Production set in Shelburne Falls. David Hemingson, the screenwriter for the film The Holdovers and Tom Williams, the executive producerprovided students with real-world examples and first-hand experiences of working in film and on-set. MTRS students were empowered to ask questions, as they reflected upon what they’ve learned in the classroom. MTRS senior Ashalyn Duvalt, who wrote a script as her capstone project, shared her experiences with them. Senior Connor Bailey,was eager to learn more about the acting aspects in film since his capstone project last January included a Shakespeare performance. Sophia McNeil, another film studies student, wanted to learn more about the importance of music in film and as a career. In the afternoon, our students had the opportunity to be on set. They saw the staging, props and met the camera woman talked with students about her observations in the film industry. It was a great field trip that provided authentic experiences with exponential learning. Students reflected upon the field trip with a class discussion, implementing new acquired vocabulary and were able to apply what they learned to complete an activity in class.--Lisa Carmarda, Film Studies
Local Education Committee
The next virtual meeting is scheduled to be April 6, 3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Title 1 Math presentation and vote
Community engagement
Any other business
Joining info: meet.google.com/ysd-tjvs-rqb
Join by phone:
(US) +1 413-398-0487 PIN: 605 266 766#
Zamer's Corner ~ Highlights from our Assistant Principal
Eighth grade students have been working with our District Math Coach, Amy Chang, to promote math discourse (communicating about math) in their class. Amy has been popping into 8th grade classes to encourage and challenge students to explain, brainstorm, and discuss their work in math with their peers. When I was in math class in 8th grade, the teacher told us what to do and we did it alone. Things have changed and we have learned that increased discourse and engagement in math helps build stronger connections to math and a deeper understanding of the concepts. Amy, along with Ms. Rubinaccio, have been working on creating an classroom environment for risk-taking, problem-solving, and encouraging a growth mindset.
Today, 11th graders in Catherine Glennon’s US History II class participated in a talk show activity to represent varying points of view on readings on the Civil Rights era that they have completed this week. They also researched different major approaches (gradual, immediate, violent, nonviolent, legal, social) to improving the civil rights and living conditions of African Americans during this period. According to Ms. Glennon, “This work is part of our new thematic US curriculum and is helping to make connections over time clear - that whatever the change that people want to see, there are different ways to approach it.” Students are building on what they learned earlier in the semester while exploring abolitionists ending slavery, post-Civil War Reconstruction and the Jim Crow south and recognizing the connections the Civil Rights era had with our past.
Community Activities & Engagement
Outdoor Advisory Committee
Outdoor Advisory Committee - Next Meeting
April 13, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join by phone
(US) +1 470-210-0524 PIN: 190 585 623#
MTRSD Community Engagement & Enrichment Programs
Check out our Summer Explorers website to see an outline for our summer program. Enrollment details are coming soon.
We are excited to offer a new after school program for high school students this year called Broadcasting Basics. Students can participate using their phones from school or home to learn how to make high quality videos and pictures for online content. Check out the flyer for more information which will be offered on Mondays starting April 25.
MTRS International Trip
Please click here for information on Mrs. Camarda’s trip to Italy and Greece in June of 2024. Email Mrs. Camarda for more information: lcamarda@mtrsd.org
SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Click HERE to access this weeks MTRS Athletics Newsletter!
MTRS Athletic Association
Due to a scheduling conflict with the Superintendent's Conference Room we will be holding an in person meeting in the MTRS Cafeteria Monday April 4 at 6:30 PM
Topics include:
Finalizing Changes to Bylaws
Update on fundraising
Coach Requests
Open Floor
MTRS game schedules available on ARBITER SPORTS App!
Download the APP via the App Store or Google Play and add MTRS as a favorite for quick access to all of our teams’ game schedules. You can also access our schedules by visiting the “Arbiter Live” website:
https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=14937
If you need any help or have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to Athletic Director Greg Vouros for more information at gvouros@mtrsd.org
Pop-in for a chat ~ Virtual office hours with Principal Buckland
Have a virtual coffee or tea with me! Pop-by and tell me about your experiences at MTRS and the Trailblazer model. Each month I'll host two virtual drop-in hours for caregivers and hope you'll stop by to say hello!
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
Third Friday of each month: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: meet.google.com/sru-mshz-rht
Phone Number: (US)+1 (218) 301-2866
PIN: 136 064 523
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.
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional