Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
Good afternoon everyone,
I wanted to let you know that with the assistance of local and state police, we conducted a successful mandatory announced lock down drill this morning. Staff spoke to students in advisory this week about expectations and everyone was thoroughly informed and prepared for today.
Thank you in advance for your support as we strive to maintain MTRS as a safe environment for students and adults alike.
Moving forwards, I will continue to update you after we have mandatory health and safety drills.
Senior Capstone projects have started. Be on the lookout for opportunities to take part in student-led workshops and activities (See Teaching and Learning section below)
Solar Panel launch/ Solar Celebration on November 6th - please see poster below
Q1 Student & Staff feedback surveys were shared last week. See last week's newsletter for more information.
Here is the Draft MCAS & AP Testing Schedule for 23/24
See the note below on vaccination clinics
You are able to order your yearbook for 23/24 - see below
We invite you all to the Mary Lyon Foundation is organizing a resource fair at MTRS for families on October 25th from 3-6pm - see below
Anyone who missed photo day, retakes have been scheduled for November 28th
SEPAC Virtual Parent Coffee Hour - October 25th, 9-10am
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
Chris
Upcoming dates
Family Resource Fair - October 25th
Solar Panel launch - November 6th
Capstone Formative Presentations: November 2nd and 3rd
No school - Staff PD: November 7th
No School - Veterans Day: November 10th
May 31st (Friday) -6-8pm: High School Graduation. Indoors at MTRS (This is a correction to the published date of June 1st)
District Calendar for 2023/24: Link
Quarter 1 45 days
First Day: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Last Day: Thursday, November 2, 2023
Q1 progress report grades close on: Friday, September 29, 2023
Q1 progress report grading window: Wednesday, September 27 - Wednesday, October
4, at 11:59 pm
Q1 progress reports will be distributed on: Thursday, October 5, 2023
Q1 grading window: Tuesday October 31 - Wednesday November 8 at 11:59 pm Q1 report cards will be distributed on: Thursday, November 9, 2023
Thanks to the planning of classes, student council, teachers and other staff for this year's booster week. It was ultimately a success and the efforts of those who helped out are greatly appreciated.
We started off the week with royalty day. 7th grade was scarecrows, 8th grade was jesters, freshmen were witches and wizards, sophomores were knights, juniors were kings and queens and seniors were gods and goddesses. Day one went really well with high participation from all the classes. There was also a field hockey game that night where classes were awarded points for attendance and bringing their class letter to the game.
Day two of booster week was fun one, barbie vs oppenheimer day, again having really great participation from all the classes with some really great costumes. There was also a middle school football game that night that many students participated in going to.
Day three class color day where students dressed up as their different class colors. The day started off with the judging/touring of class hallways which were made the previous night. As well as class judging class walls later in the day. The olympics had many fun games such as an all sports relay, wall jump, a musical chairs game, and many other fun games that students competed in. The senior class ultimately won the olympics with the juniors as a close second place. Later that day was a volleyball game that had good attendance from many different grades.
Day four the final day of booster week was blue and gold day where students come together and dress up in their school colors to show off their mohawk pride. Later in the day was the pep rally that had games like dodgeball, and a 5 v 5 basketball game that had both participation from staff and students. Later in the day was the bonfire, where many students went to listen to our various student bands. After the bonfire many students went to the field hockey game to cheer on the field hockey team on their senior night against mahar.
The Saturday after booster week, the student council held the yearly homecoming dance where students from 7th to 12th grade could go to have fun and celebrate the success of booster week.
Ultimately it was the senior class that took the W this year with a whopping 55 points. The junior class in second, 7th grade in third, eighth grade in fourth, sophomores in 5th, and last but not least the freshman in last place.
Booster week went really well and thank you to the staff and students for making it all come together.
Rebecca Martinez
Hi, I am Rebecca Martinez and I am the new Math Teacher here at Mohawk Trail Regional High School. I have been teaching math for the last six years in all grades 7-12. My favorite thing about teaching math is helping students get over their fear of math! I am passionate about the subject and love when students discover their love for it too. I recently had a baby in January and am enjoying every second of it! I also enjoy going for walks with my two dogs, eating ice cream, and reading lots of books. I am so excited to be a part of the community at Mohawk Trail and to meet all of its awesome students!
Hello and welcome to post Homecoming week! A great time was had by all at the dance - thank you to student council and their advisors for a great evening.
A few items of note in the cafeteria.
Students must have footwear on when walking through the kitchen area - this is a health and safety regulation.
Students need to stay in line and not push and shove to get ahead of anyone else. They also need to stay in line and wait until they get to the type of lunch they wish to have (main, bag lunch, salad).
There has been an uptick in gum found on tables, counters, and chairs. Students are reminded that if they do not want a “no gum” policy to keep it in their mouth or in a trash receptacle.
Vaping is still the most popular form of tobacco and marijuana use in teens. Attached is an informational flier for parents. If you have any questions or concerns about your child and vaping, reach out to our counseling or nursing staff for more information.
Now more than ever, we’re trying to make more out of less. Sometimes available resources may be difficult to recognize or tough to take advantage of. We are fortunate that, across the districts, we enjoy innovation, generosity, and community that bridge gaps and create opportunity for our students and their families. If you have something to offer to make learning fun or life easier, let us know.
Music to Our Ears
Both Mohawk Trail Regional and Hawlemont Elementary are seeking music teachers. Please spread the word into your circles. Securing candidates would be music to our ears! See these postings and the full listing of open positions here.
Resources for Clothing
The Mary Lyon Foundation, Mohawk Trail Regional and Sanderson are on the same page with making no cost gently used clothing available.
👕Winter clothing is being collected in the Sanderson Library next week between Monday (10/23) and Wednesday (11/1). The clothing will be organized and available for families to take during Parent Teacher Conferences on November 2nd and 3rd. Hats, mittens, coats, snow boots, snowsuits, long underwear, and everyday winter wear will be accepted. No used socks, please. Thank you!
👕On October 25 during the Mary Lyon Foundation Community Resource Fair, The Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet will be OPEN! In its community debut, this clothing and supplies “closet,” located in the middle school wing, will be open for perusing. All items are available for free. Thanks to the MTRS Key Club for taking on this project, prioritizing this resource in our community. Additionally, the Mary Lyon Foundation has conducted a coat drive and will have them available in the Sharing is Caring Closet at this event, and then by appointment.
BSE Facilitates Training for Conflict Resolution Now, and Into the Future
For 30 years, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary school counselor Jana Standish has been training 6th graders to help peers navigate conflicts. This program produces students who are a resource called “peer mediators.”
Jana confirmed that last year, 5th graders were asked to submit the names of classmates who are known to be fair, thoughtful and natural diplomats. Those names were then compiled and reviewed by teachers for the final invitations to the program for this fall. On Wednesday, nine 6th graders - Eliza, Grayson, Gus, Hazel, Indi, Josli, Kai, Logen, and Ruby - finished their training and received official certificates of completion.
The students enjoyed making up both crazy and more reality-based situations (like conflicts in the gaga ball pit, on the soccer field, or taking turns sharing art supplies) to work through as they played roles of mediators and disputants. When asked what traits they have that will support them in this work, Grayson and Logen shared that they are responsible at home with “taking care of things,” and Hazel said she sometimes has to help friends figure out “drama.”
During the final training day, Jana asked reinforcing questions like, “Why is it important for the disputants to repeat what they heard?” Josli responded, “...because they demonstrate what the other person is going through.” This speaks to the social/emotion awareness mediators need to have and the growth disputants may display.
When talking about becoming a peer mediator with his parents, Kai shared, “My dad said this is something we will be able to use for the rest of our life.” Jana confirmed the timelessness and universal usefulness of this training.
This is a great resource made available to all BSE students. For students who find themselves in need of mediation, check in with Ms. Standish on how to access the mediators.
Loads of LEGOS, please
At BSE, they are dreaming of creating a permanent communal space for all students to use Legos to perpetually build projects based in STEM/STEAM principles. Do you have a supply that your family has outgrown? Contact Principal Hayley Gilmore at hgilmore@mtrsd.org if you have a supply to donate. Thank you.
SMILES at Sanderson?
The health office at Sanderson Academy has a potential opportunity to have dental care provided at school with the SMILES program. This resource may be provided if 15 students or more sign up. Please reach out to Lorena Almeida, lalmeida@mtrsd.org, if this service would benefit your family.
Hawlemont Highlights: Reading, writing, arithmetic AND PIZZA
Kindergartners went on scavenger hunts for leaves, second graders are working through word problems, and 6th grade students are writing and sharing scary stories. Teachers are reporting seeing students committed to doing their best work. Eight readers showed their commitment to reading at home 10-20 minutes a day, and arrived at the end goal of earning a pizza reward through the Berkshire Pizza program. Congratulations to Hawlemont students Sawyer, Rowen, Jakob, Londyn, Mabry, Averi, Calvin, and Deacon! And thanks to Berkshire Pizza for this resource that encourages increased literacy and achievement.
Events, by Date
Saturday, Oct. 21, Clean Sweep Bulky Waste Recycling Day
9 a.m.-12 p.m., Mohawk Trail Regional School (other locations on this day include the Northfield Highway Garage and Whately Transfer Station)
Residents from any of the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District’s 21 member towns are welcome to bring their bulky waste for disposal or recycling. There are charges for most items and disposal fees, paid in cash only, and will be collected during check-in. A list of prices for the most common items may be found at franklincountywastedistrict.org. Mattresses and boxsprings will not be collected at this event. See this recent Recorder article for more information or call 413-772-2438.
October 25, 3-6pm, Mary Lyon Community Resource Fair
Here’s one more reminder about why we hope you attend the resource fair organized by the Mary Lyon Foundation.
Take a closer look at Mohawk Trail Regional School
In the foyer, you will find me and school committee chair Martha Thurber greeting and sharing informational materials. Please come by and say hello! Other MTRS tables with students and staff looking to greet you include the Athletic Association (MTAA), CFCE, Equality Alliance, National Honor Society, performing arts, student council, and more. Ask them what they are up to and how they got involved with their work (and play!).
Visit 25+ other resource tables
The organizations planning to be present include Baystate Franklin, Center for Human Development, Community Action Family Center, Community Legal Aid, Greenfield Savings Bank, Just Roots, LifePath, NELCWIT, the Senior Center, the Shelburne Police Department, Trinity Church, and much more!
Dinner is done - pizza, salad and ice cream!
Need we say more? The Mary Lyon Foundation is generously providing food for attendees!
The Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet will be OPEN! (as mentioned above)
In its community debut, this clothing and supplies “closet,” located in the middle school wing, will be open for perusing. All items are available for free. Thanks to the MTRS Key Club for taking on this project, prioritizing this resource in our community.
Flu shots and COVID boosters available - by appointment
November 6, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Solar celebration!
This summer, 781 solar panels were installed on the roofs of the Mohawk Trail Regional School in a commitment to green energy consumption and cost savings to the district.
You are invited to join members of the school community and special guests Massachusetts Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi, Massachusetts State Senator Paul Mark and Massachusetts State Representative Natalie Blais to celebrate this promise of a greener future.
The event will take place at the Mohawk Trail Regional School, 26 Ashfield Road, Buckland.
RSVP to (me!) Carol Foote, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, via this Google Form, cfoote@mtrsd.org or 413-625-9811 x 1311. See the flyer here.
Grade 12 Capstone Projects
As a graduation requirement, all seniors are expected to complete a Capstone Project during the first semester of the year. We are pleased to share that lots of senior projects have a community focus and would like to invite students and families to take up opportunities to work with our graduating class.
Moving forward, I will share out opportunities to participate in the Community Involvement section of the newsletter. For today, I want to share that:
MTRS Senior Rachel Pease (copied) is planning a sports clinic for girls in grade 4-6. The clinic is a part of her senior capstone project, is sponsored by MTRS, and will be supervised by MTRS field hockey coach and Mohawk Trail Athletic Association president Jenn Pease.
Please see the poster below for more details
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.
Application and Recommendation Materials
Senior Brag Sheet (make a copy and share with me)
Parent/Guardian Brag Sheet (make a copy and share with me)
PSAT
Congratulations to all students who successfully completed the online PSAT tests yesterday!
Advanced Placement Exams
All students enrolled in an AP course at Mohawk are required to take the AP exam. All of the exams will take place in May 2024. The cost of the first exam is $98. Additional exams are $85 each. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch pay an exam fee of $15. We are now collecting exam fees for semester 1 courses. We ask that you pay the full exam(s) fees as soon as possible. At minimum, a $40 deposit for each semester 1 full-priced exam is due to the Student Services Office by October 31st, 2023. For students eligible for reduced exam pricing, a $10 per exam deposit is due by October 31st, 2023. Letters with your child's specific exams and total due have been mailed home. Please make all checks out to Mohawk Trail Regional School. They can be submitted to Shana Garcia in the Student Services Office.
College Visit - updated
Use this link to schedule an appointment with HS Guidance Counselor, Ms. Cairney: https://acairney.youcanbook.me/. Unfortunately this booking tool only allows 15 minutes, if you sign up for college I'll make it 30 minutes on my end and send you an updated invite.
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.
We are in the home stretch of our fall athletic season, and all of our student-athletes have made our Mohawk Trail family extremely proud!!! While some teams are putting their seasons to bed, others are feverishly waiting to see how their postseason tournaments will shake out! Let’s dive right in!
The Mohawk Trail Volleyball Team has completed its regular season slate with an 11-4 record, and is currently ranked #13 in the state! With this ranking comes a #3 seed in their Western Mass Tournament! As it currently stands, our Warriors will be hosting an opening round game on Monday, October 23rd at 6:30 against Mt. Everett of Sheffield. Come out and support your Warriors in their efforts to bring home a WMASS Championship!
Our Mohawk Trail Cross Country runners have big plans this weekend as they head down the road to Northfield Mountain to compete in the Dick Atkinson Invitational! Both squads are primed to make successful postseason runs. Stanley Park in Westfield will be hosting this year’s Western Massachusetts XC Championships on Saturday, October 28th, and the D3 MIAA state tournament will also be held at Northfield Mountain on November 11th! Good luck to all of our runners!
The Mohawk Trail Athletic Association (MTAA) is seeking volunteers for the Shelburne Falls Kiwanis Fall Dinner scheduled for Saturday, October 28th. Proceeds from events go to scholarships and other financial support covering a variety of needs serving students in the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. Volunteers would need to arrive for a 4:30 p.m. start time. For more details and/or to sign up, contact MTAA president Jennifer Pease at jpease@mtrsd.org. Thank you!
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!!!!
Winter sports registration has been moved up slightly in order to get a better idea of what we will have for teams this year! The link for registration can be found HERE. Please remember that all athletes MUST have an up-to-date physical on file with our district nurse leader Donna Weber, and have a current concussion baseline test. Please reach out to District Athletic Director Greg Lilly at glillyAD@mtrsd.org with any questions!
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional