Student & Family Update
11/24/2021
Dear MTRS Students and Families:
A HUGE shout-out to our MTRS community - students, educators, and staff. I am thankful that I get to come in every day and work with you all. You make our community strong and you make it a happy place to be. I appreciate you all and I hope that you can relax and have some fun over our break.
Looking Ahead:
Monday, November 29 - Winter athletics begin
Wednesday, December 1 - early release
Trailblazer Spotlight
We are so honored to recognize our first students selected for theTrailblazer Spotlight! Trailblazers are curious, adaptable and independent learners who seek to do good work in the world.
Nominated by peers and educators, these students are exemplars of the Trailblazer Model at MTRS.
Kyle Henry - 12th grader
Kyle Henry, in the words of a peer who nominated him, “is an incredibly talented and hardworking young man who wants the best for himself and others around him.” Quick to point out positive attributes of his classmates, Kyle is described as “caring, empathetic, a fabulous student, and an even better person.” Kyle is designing a mural for his Senior Capstone project. The mural is intended to convey the values and vibrance of the MTRS community that have helped him become who he is today. Kyle shared that the people at MTRS have always had his back and have truly seen him. That has shaped his positive outlook on the world and his belief that what we do and who we are to each other matters.
Kyle is proud of the work he’s done at MTRS to “dig deep” and discover his passion for environmental science, a passion evident in his recent roleplay as a climate scientist in bioethics class. Kyle is looking forward to courses at GCC next semester in mushroom cultivation and horticulture, and is applying to several universities to study environmental science. The MTRS community is lucky to have such a great role model. We can’t wait to see where your passion takes you, Kyle!
Natalie Lanoue - 7th grader
Natatalie literally blazes trails at MTRS - she’s a standout 7th grader who was recruited to run varsity cross country this season. Natalie was nominated for the spotlight as a hardworking student-athlete, leader and friend. Natalie has plans to play basketball and run track this year. When she’s not playing sports, Natalie enjoys the time built into the school day for socializing and doing hands-on projects. Her favorite and strongest subject is math, and she is fascinated by, “all the different ways to use numbers and equations when exploring a problem.” As a member of the middle school student council, Natalie has helped boost school spirit through fun events, and has helped coordinate fundraisers and activities for her peers. She is an avid horseback rider, and helps her family with an extensive farm, raising pulling-oxen, cattle and goats. According to her peers, Natalie “will help you with your homework if you ask, and she’s always genuinely nice to everyone.” Natalie is proud of her ability to balance sports, home responsibilities and academics. She’s looking forward to her high school experience and the opportunity to take advanced courses. We are so excited to watch you learn and grow, Natalie! Congratulations on being a Trailblazer!
Would you like to nominate a student for the Trailblazer Spotlight? Please complete this form: https://forms.gle/BJo1HAUL7Bx4AFXZ6
Capstone at MTRS
Every year, seniors at MTRS complete a Capstone Project as part of their culminating high school experience. If you’ve come to watch Capstone presentations in years past, you know that our students accomplish amazing things and are so proud to share their work. This year, we’ve redesigned key parts of the Capstone project to continue holding students to a high bar, while also responding to their need for increased flexibility and authenticity. Check out the new Capstone Website for more!
As part of this redesign, we’ve changed how we assess student projects. Before, students presented their work to a large audience, but received little feedback from that audience and were graded solely by their Capstone teacher. This year, students will be convening a panel of 4-6 people who will meet twice - once about halfway through and once at the end of the project - to watch their presentation, ask questions, give them feedback, and share responsibility for assessing their work. Later on, there will be an event open to the public where Capstone students can share and celebrate their work in a more informal setting.
What does this mean for you? Family and community members are an integral part of each student’s panel! You may be approached by an MTRS senior about being on their panel, and we’d also like to collect a list of volunteers who are interested in participating, but don’t have a specific student in mind. Please click here for more information and to sign up. You can also email Capstone Coordinator Rachel Hoogstraten at rhoogstraten@mtrsd.org with any questions. Thank you!
7th Grade STEM exhibition
Caregivers - We need YOU for our Trailblazer Community Group!
We are seeking members for our Trailblazer Community Group who help impact the continued redesign of Mohawk Trail Regional School through the “Trailblazer Model.” Like the name suggests, trailblazing work involves going to new places and courageously leading the way for lasting change. Join our team and provide your input and perspective as we continue this redesign work in 2021-22.
Who: YOU! The Trailblazer Community Group (TCG) is composed of MTRS community members, educators, parents, and students who are committed to the success of our school and redesign work through our Trailblazer model.
What: TCG members will provide feedback on our initiatives and outcomes while helping us to monitor our redesign goals.
When: Six monthly Trailblazer Community Group meetings starting in December 2021 and ending in May 2022, to be scheduled around member availability.
The details: TCG members will receive a $250 stipend upon completion of the six (6) meetings to honor their time, commitment, and active participation. We know your time is valuable and we appreciate your dedication to our school. Stipends have been made possible through generous funding via the Barr Foundation.
The Trailblazer Model: Four years ago we began the process of boldly rethinking the student experience at MTRS. The Trailblazer model is the result of countless hours of broadly supported and researched work. It is a set of interrelated structures, programs and systemic changes that are transforming our school while placing students’ needs and experiences at the center. Pillars of the Trailblazer Model include an advisory program, student portfolio program, educator development to innovate teaching and learning, distributed leadership, anti-racism work, and a commitment to students learning beyond the walls of the traditional classroom as they blaze their own trail to graduation and life beyond MTRS.
Throughout the past three years, our redesign process engaged dozens of stakeholders and was supported through Mass IDEAS, an organization that provides funding for select schools in Massachusetts to make systemic changes in practice that are urgently needed to meet the demands of a 21st century world. Redesign work continues with support and funding from the Barr Foundation.
Please contact Diane Zamer at dzamer@mtrsd.org with your interest in joining.
THANK YOU!
Athletics and MTRS Team Store!
Here is the latest Athletics Newsletter!
The MTRS Team Apparel Store is OPEN!!! Click HERE for access!
Winter Sports Begin Monday, November 29!
Registration for MTRS Winter Sports is STILL OPEN! Click HERE or visit the link below to our FamilyID portal to sign-up today! Registering is EASY -- If you've never used the site before, you'll need to create a log-in for first-time use. As a reminder ALL student-athletes MUST register via Family ID in order to participate, and need an updated sports physical on file with the MTRS Nurse's Office. In addition all student-athletes MUST sign the consent form to sign-up for COVID-19 pool testing. Click HERE for the link to sign-up for online COVID-19 pool testing or visit the link below. Paper copies are also available in the MTRS main office. If you need any help or have questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to Athletic Director Greg Vouros for more information at gvouros@mtrsd.org
Family ID Link: https://www.familyid.com/mohawk-trail-regional-schools
Covid-19 Online Pool Testing Sign-Up: https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma?district=null
Our Winter Sports offerings include:
Alpine Skiing
Basketball
Indoor Track
Nordic Skiing
Wrestling
Student Services
Did you know . . . Every Wednesday our student services office shares updates and important information for our students and families! Scholarship information, important college and career deadlines, info on how to obtain a work permit and SO much more! Check out the latest edition here: www.smore.com/k2r91-student-services-update
And don't forget to visit their website, too! www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org/Mohawk-Student-Services
Message From the Nurse’s Office
The VaxBus is coming to town!
Thank you to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and FRCOG for bringing the VaxBus right here to Franklin County! Upcoming dates listed below - Buckland-Shelburne Elementary bus will be rolling-in on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a NEW location has been added! The VaxBus will also be at Sanderson Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
PRE-REGISTRATION is required.
To register for BSE VaxBus, click here: https://shelburne-122.youcanbook.me/
To register for Sanderson Academy VaxBus, click here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/yankeeline
COVID-19 pool testing
As a reminder, POOL TESTING is required for athletics, extracurriculars, and before- and after-school programs. ALL information can be found on the district’s COVID-19 Information page at www.mtrsd.org/covid-19-information OR by clicking on the “Helpful Links” drop-down from any of the school websites. If you participate in one of the above activities (including coaches and volunteers) -- you MUST sign-up for testing! If you have any questions surrounding the process, procedure, or need additional information, please reach out to our district Nurse Leader Donna Weber at dweber@mtrsd.org or Superintendent Sheryl Stanton at sstanton@mtrsd.org.
TO SIGN UP ONLINE: https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma?district
Select: Consent Now → Mohawk Trail → (select your school)
For staff, coaches, or anyone over 18 years of age, please select “Sign consent form for yourself.”
For caregivers who need to give consent for their child/ren, please select “Sign consent form for a minor.”
If you are unable to complete the online sign-up/consent, please contact Donna Weber for a paper copy to complete.
Please see this document on when to stay home from school. With the concerns surrounding the Delta variant, it remains important to do the daily screening prior to coming to school every day and staying home if you’re sick. Over the next few days, the district nurses will be updating the COVID-19 section of our family guidance handbook and sharing it with you all.
Also, just another friendly reminder to please complete and send in the annual health form in order for your child to be treated in the health office. If your child has a medication, inhaler, or epipen, the health office will also need a completed medication form from their PCP office. If you are exempting your child from any vaccines, please send in a signed note with the appropriate information.
Currently, there is an issue with a few faxes in the building so please use the front office (413) 625-6652 to send over any necessary paperwork. You can also take a picture or scan and send the paperwork directly to me at this email: Larissa Harrison, lharrison@mtrsd.org
MTRS International Trip
New trip info! 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
Let's get SOCIAL! Follow MTRS on Facebook & Instagram!
Get a glimpse of our students and staff in action! Follow our official pages and stay connected! Our official school Facebook and Instagram pages are @mohawktrailregional.
MTRS sports fans, we also have MTRS Athletics Instagram and Twitter pages! Follow your favorite teams @MTRSAthletics.
Mohawk Trail Regional School District News
There's LOTS of important information, updates, and highlights in Superintendent Stanton’s weekly S’Update this week! Miss an edition? Need to check out previous S’Updates? Find the news you need and links to previous S’Updates on our district website: www.mtrsd.org/news.
MTRSD Community Engagement & Enrichment Programs now enrolling for winter programming. Visit our website to learn more! www.mtrsd.org/ceep
And don’t forget to follow CEEP on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtrsdceep!
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.
'Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way'--George Evans
Diane Zamer
Email: dzamer@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811