Student & Family Update

I hope you have had a great week.

Please find news and updates from MTRS:

• We are recruiting recent MTRS graduates who are currently in college, or enrolled in other types of training programs, to speak with our middle and high school students on the morning of Thursday, December 21. Interested alumni should email truggeri@mtrsd.org and sgarcia@mtrsd.org for more information.
• We are so proud of the MTRS students and staff who took part in Monty's March to fight Food Insecurity last week. Please see the article below for more information.
• Winter Play (Gracie's Place - December 8th and 9th (7pm start)
• Winter Concert on December 20th (6-7:30pm)

• See the Recorder write up of our student involvement in the recent Youth Climate Summit in Longmeadow: Link
  

• We were fortunate to be able to invite Detective Jenkins in to deliver his annual talk to grades 7 and 7 on Bias, Language and Civil Rights. The presentation he used can be found here

• Today is the last day for families interested in signing up for dental services from Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC). See below for more information.

• SEPAC have an upcoming virtual parent meeting on December 13th from 9-10am. See SEPAC section below for more information.

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

Chris

Upcoming dates

• Dec 6 & 13: Early release Wednesdays

• December 8 & 9th: Winter play: 7pm start

• Winter Concert: Grades 7-12: 6:00-7:30pm: Dec 20th

• Winter Break: Dec 25 - Jan 1 (Jan 22nd 11:30 dismissal, school starts again on Jan 2nd)

• 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

District Calendar for 2023/24: Link

Handbook

Bell schedule

Quarter 2: 50 days (including student-led conferences)

First Day: Friday, November 3, 2023

Last Day: Friday, January 26, 2024

Q2 progress report grades close on: Friday, December 8, 2023

Q2 progress report grading window: Thursday, Dec 7 - Thursday Dec 14 at 11:59pm

Q2 progress reports will be distributed on: Friday, December 15, 2023

Q2 grading window: Friday, January 19 - Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:59pm

Q2 report cards will be available in Aspen on: Monday, January 29, 2024

Semester 1 Student-led conferences

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - (Early Release)

Thursday, January 25, 2024 - (2 hr delay: 9:45am school starts)

Friday, January 26, 2024 - (2 hr delay: 9:45am school starts)

Counselor Cairney organized a Financial Aid and Scholarship Information event for Juniors, Seniors and their care providers on November 28th from 6-7:30pm at MTRS.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend.

Please find links to the information provided on the 28th: : Financial Aid information, Scholarship information

Students from Mohawk Trail Equity Alliance raised donations and marched from South Deerfield to Greenfield in support of the 14th Annual March for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts before the Thanksgiving holiday last week. In all, $2,915 was raised by students and staff, placing them ninth among the 32 teams and 157 individuals participating in the March. MTEA sent 16 students and three staff to walk in the March on Tuesday, November 21, walking eight of 43 miles total miles that make up the March hosted by radio personality Monte Belmonte.

For every dollar raised, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts provides three healthy and nutritious meals to families in our community experiencing food insecurity.

Fundraising for the March for the Food Bank continues through December, so if you’d like to contribute and haven’t yet, visit this link here to help reduce food insecurity in the MTRS community.

Be sure to check out all of the upcoming events at MTRS this month! We have a fabulous play in the works for December 8th and 9th and a Winter Concert on December 20th. Winter Sports have started and will have their first home games the week of December 10th. In addition, many organizations on campus are planning fun events.

We are in the home stretch of the first semester. Make sure to help your student check ASPEN for missing assignments, grades that need to be brought up, and keeping tabs on attendance. If you need help accessing ASPEN yourself, check in with our Student Services Department.

Weather reminder! The building has cold and hot spots throughout (I am having hot coffee for the first time in my memory.) We also go outside regularly even if it is cold and windy. If your student needs warm clothes or jackets/mittens/hats, we have a clothing closet run by the Key Club and supported by the Mary Lyon Foundation that can be accessed by students.

If you are having difficulties with heat in your own home, there are many services available in the area that help with the cost of heating during the winter months. Feel free to reach out to the Dean or Student Services offices for more information.

As part of the district strategic plan, we are committed to nurturing the culture of our schools so that all students feel a sense of belonging, have access to rigorous curriculum and instruction, and develop understanding and respect for diversity within our communities and the wider world.

For the last two years, a district leadership team made up of teachers, administrators, and a school committee member has participated in professional development, supported by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), meant to educate us as individuals and teams to make our practices and overall school system more equitable and inclusive. The next step in the process is to be visited by an outside team that will help us audit our system.

Over the course of two days this winter, the outside team will visit our schools, observe classes, and interview educators, students, community members, and caregivers about their experiences. We will use their findings to help us understand our areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, incorporating the information into a multiyear plan to become a more culturally responsive learning community.

We will keep you informed about the process and the development of our plan over the coming months.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Superintendent Sheryl Stanton sstanton@mtrsd.org, or Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sarah Jetzon sjetzon@mtrsd.org

My name is Maddie Cosentino, I’m a senior here at MTRS and as part of my capstone I am doing a communications internship with Ms. Foote. We’ve had the opportunity to partner with Eva Husson-Stockhamer (Miss Eva), the director of the performing arts program here at Mohawk Trail Regional, to promote Gracie’s Place, the MTRS winter theater production scheduled for December 8 and 9 with showtime at 7pm both nights. Get your tickets at the door ($10/student/senior citizen and $12/adult) or order ahead by sending an email message with your ticket order to stagemanager@mtrsd.org. We also encourage you to bring a book to donate to the Mary Lyon Foundation to be distributed locally.

I had the chance to visit the set to take photographs, and interview actors Mohamed Abdelgawad and William VanVleet (both seniors), and crew members Julia Pease (a senior) and Adison Crawford (a junior). The sense of “community” and “family” that Miss Eva has fostered was clear. It is the time invested and working together that creates, sometimes unlikely, friendships. They depend on each other, have fun along the way, and grow together. These are some of the themes of this year’s production.

Miss Eva offers critiques and positive feedback, creating ways for cast and crew to really step into their characters, or other roles, and produce their best effort. Cast and crew spoke of how being in the environment has allowed them to gain confidence. They encourage anyone who might even be thinking about joining to come see the show then “absolutely audition” for the spring production. Mohamed shares that the theater program is a safe space to take a chance and that “it feels awesome to get over your fear.” His enthusiasm for performing is contagious.

Julia has the important work of managing one of the spotlights. She shared that cues and timing are everything. “I’m always worried. A missed line or cue can mess us up.” She doesn’t want that! Adison has taken on the challenge of becoming this year's stage manager, “The seniors have been great mentors for me, especially backstage.” Though Will has split his time over the years on stage and behind the scenes, he always has his eye on the event logistics, “Come give us your money; we need it. Eat the food, buy the tickets, get the telegrams.”

I asked them what they have gained as a result of being part of the theater program at Mohawk Trail. Some of their answers were:

• became a better actor

• learned how to work the lighting and sound boards

• developed management skills

• can take direction better

• learned how to build things

• made new friends

Nerves and excitement definitely make for a good show, and they admitted to having plenty of both right now. Come see and support the dedication and talent found onstage and behind it. Bring some extra cash to send words of encouragement via telegrams to actors and crew, or purchase refreshments to benefit the performing arts program at Mohawk Trail. See you December 8 or 9!

Maddie Cosentino ’24

MTRS is partnering with CHD to provide a DBT Skills Group and the Brick House to provide the Project AMP Mentoring program. Both opportunities are being offered during the school day. Interested students & families should contact their school counselor for consent forms and additional information.

DBT Skills Group: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skill building group will teach specific skills related to mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. The group will meet weekly during the school day, for 8 weeks, October-December. It will be facilitated by two therapists from The Center for Human Development (CHD). Participation in this group will be billed through insurance:

MassHealth, Fallon, BMC/Wellsense, Tufts, Health New England, Aetna are accepted insurances. If your insurance is not covered, the private pay rate is $55, but they do have a sliding fee scale with rates as low as $10.

Project AMP: A brief, youth-driven, strengths-based mentorship program. Students meet with mentor, Hannah Bertrand, of the Brick House over 4-6 weeks, for 45 minute sessions during the school day. Youth explore interests, develop goals, and navigate through pressures and risks that might impact their well-being. There is no cost to participate.

https://www.smore.com/wdht2

Latest newsletter, here:https://www.smore.com/4msuz

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/

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.

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 December 13th.

The virtual joining information is as follows:

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/gzo-toke-ibz

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 December 8th.

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

Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC) will be coming to MTRS to provide dental services for families who are interested. Preventative services are essential for your child's oral health. Tooth decay can lead to toothaches, missed school, and poor grades. It is important for your child to have two cleanings a year. CHCFC can provide the following services right at school, eliminating missed school for a child and work for the parents/guardians.

Preventive services offered include:

Dental cleanings

X-rays

Fluoride Varnish application

Placement of Sealants

You can choose to have all or some of these services. Additionally, CHCFC offer a free annual

Dental Screening. After each visit, CHCFC will send home a report of findings, treatment, and

recommendations.

To participate in the program, please reach out to Donna Weber at dweber@mtrsd.org by Dec 1st 2023.

Food Resources:

Thanksgiving specific:

Bear Country Bobby Cambell helps families with a full Turkey Dinner for Thanksgiving, you can find him on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/bobbyc.campbell/

Community Action Family Center gives out a Harvest Box before Thanksgiving to their participants, please call them to reserve a box 413-475-1555 .

Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Program:

AGENCY: NORTH QUABBIN COMMUNITY COALITION

The North Quabbin Community Coalition (NQCC) will deliver FREE Thanksgiving Dinners to the elderly or homebound on Thanksgiving Day (November 24th) to residents of Athol, Erving, New Salem, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick, and Wendell only. To register for the Free Home Delivered Thanksgiving Meal, call the NQCC at (978) 249-3703. Provide your name, address, telephone number, and the number of people requesting meals. Meal reservations are required by November 21st.

Or, reserve a spot at the in-person William J. O’Brien Memorial Thanksgiving Dinner by calling the Athol Council on Aging at (978) 249-8986. The meal is held at 12:00 noon at the Athol American Legion. Transportation is available upon request. More details here: https://www.look4help.org/search/?id=53171212

Holiday food (general):

https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/mobile-food-bank/ phone: 413-247-9738

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-help/ Please look over this site, as it has a lot of great resources for many Holidays as well as daily needs. Contact info: email: ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org phone: 508-528-3115

Self Reliance Food Pantry in Greenfield, Mass phone: (413) 773-5029 https://www.communityaction.us/food-pantries

https://www.fccmp.org/ contact info: 413-772-1033 email: info@fccmp.org

All year round this great group serves hot meals to many including during the Holidays https://thestonesoupcafe.org/ you can find where some local hot meals are served and which days they will be served on and the locations. Contact info: phone: 413 422 0020 email: info@thestonesoupcafe.org info@thestonesoupcafe.org

info@thestonesoupcafe.org

Salvation Army in Greenfield, Mass serves up Breakfast and Lunch https://massachusetts.salvationarmy.org/ma/greneedhelp

https://catholiccommunityofgreenfield.org/p/29/Feeding-The-Hungry https://www.saintsjamesandandrew.org/meals--more.html

I believe People’s Pint in Greenfield does either a Christmas dinner and or Thanksgiving, Please call them to find out 413 773 0333.

Holiday Gifts:

Resources that need an agency referral:

Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County, MA found on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Adopt-A-Family-of-Franklin County-MA-793508417425897/

Salvation Army Of Greenfield, Mass Salvation Army helps children 12 yrs and younger.

Contact Info: Phone: 413-773-3154

https://massachusetts.salvationarmy.org/MA/GRE_holiday

If you are currently connected to CSO they often have a little Toy Drive as well. Please contact your agency connection directly on how to participate.

If you are connected to the Salasin Project they often have resources for gifts. Please contact your worker there.

Toys For Tots: Applications accepted until November 15th.

https://westernmass.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPa geID=300&nPreviewInd=400&nRedirectInd=3

Self sign up resources:

Project Just Because: https://www.projectjustbecause.org/programs/ This list has great resources for ALL Holiday seasons, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and many more Holidays. There are resources for food, gifts and more. Contact information: 77 South Street Hopkinton MA 01748 phone: 508.435.6511 Email: office@projectjustbecause.org

Community Action Family Center of Greenfield, offers a Toy Drive as well to the community. Please call them for more information at, 413-475-1555.

Gazettenet Sidney F Smith this resource for gifts for the Holidays is very specific, please read well, helps southern Franklin County and Hampshire County. Ages 1-14 yrs of age. https://toyfund.gazettenet.com/

Giving Back Together Toy Drive This local toy Drive serves children 0 to 18 yrs old. Contact info: givingbacktogether@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/GivingBackTogether/

True Christmas Not sure the age range of this drive, but another local gift drive. Contact info: 39 grove at , Turners Falls, MA, United States, Massachusetts Phone: (413) 824-4170 email: davidshea71@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/truechristmas1/

This site you will be able to poke around and look for resources you may need, including Holiday help:

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/christmas_assistance_programs.html

General and All year Round and other amazing resources and supports, browse these sites to meet your needs:

https://www.projectjustbecause.org/programs/

https://lowincomerelief.com/free-christmas-toys-food-franklin-county-mass/#Get_Fre e_Toys_In_Franklin_County_Mass

https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/franklin_county_assistance_pro5.html https://www.communityaction.us/family-center

https://lowincomerelief.com/ma-food-stamps/

Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent

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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

Leann Loomis

Melissa Plesnar

Erin Beaudet

Carolyn Goodnow

Kate Dwyer

Amy Socquet

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

Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional