![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-644bbfbe373962d632c3e0db-86eb4afea563.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/3e84/thumb-7b96710fd64aacc8844797ffba1e337f.png)
Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
![Student & Family Update April 29, 2022](https://cdn.smore.com/u/db73/f7db6841a2e3536cf2098d99ef1c06ae.jpg)
Sept 29th, 2023
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope that you are having a good week.
Some things to be aware of:
We were sad to say goodbye to Mr Meyer earlier this week. We thank him for all that he has done for students and staff alike and wish him well with his next adventure
We are excited to let families know about two opportunities for Social/Emotional/Personal Growth and Support at MTRS (See Teaching and Learning section, below)
We want to make you aware of the Special Town Meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the Shelburne Town Hall.
We are looking for pallets to add to our Bonfire on October 13th. Please let rmastorakis@mtrsd.org know if you can help!
We would love to draw your attention to the note below on vaccination clinics
We want to let you know that you are able to order you 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
We are waiting for DESE to send us reports and results for Spring of 2023's MCAS. Once we receive these, we will send them to families via the US postal service.
Have a great weekend
Best
Chris
Vaccination clinics near you!
West County Resource Fair at MTRS on October 25th
Buckland Shelburne Special Town Meeting!
Important Dates & Information
Upcoming dates
MTAA Meeting: Monday Oct 2nd: 6:30pm in the Superintendent's Conference room
School photographs: Oct 11th (Retakes, Nov 28th)
PSAT October 19th
Family Resource Fair - October 25th
Capstone Formative Presentations: November 2nd and 3rd
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
Student Council Updates!
Booster week Oct 11-13
Dress up days
Tuesday 10/10 -Royalty day
12th-God & Goddess
11th- Kings & Queen
10th-Knights
9th-witches and warlocks
8th-jokers or jester
7th- scarecrows
Wednesday 10/11
Barbehimer
Barbie vs Oppenheimer
Thursday 10/12
Class color
12th- Black
11th- Red
10th-blue
9-green
8th-orange
7th-purple
Friday 10/13
Blue and Gold
Bonfire & Bands Oct 13th
Come enjoy the bonfire on the last day of Booster Week, and listen to music performed by student bands! Fire to start at approximately 6:30 pm, and go until 7:30 or so.
Enjoy the Field Hockey game happening at 7:00.
If you’re interested in playing music at the bonfire, send an email to 25chmojallali@mtrsd.org and rmastorakis@mtrsd.org saying you’re interested, and what songs you’d like to play so they can be approved. Talk to Mr Colbeck about additional setup information.
Homecoming Dance: October 14th 7:00 - 10:00
Theme: Red Carpet
Tickets will be sold at lunch for $10 the week of booster and will be $12 at the door.
Students should not be arriving too early before 7:00 and be ready to be picked up at 10:00.
Welcome to MTRS...
Sam Bill
We are excited that Mr. Sam Bill is a part of our Math team!
Mr. Bill describes himself as, " A new teacher and recent UMass graduate. I teach high school math and aside from mathematics I enjoy rock climbing, economics, and history."
Dean Brault's Student Culture Corner
There are so many wonderful things that have been happening this week! Our sports teams are making great strides, the school play, “ “, has selected their actors and actresses, and there is music flowing through the school again!
October is on the horizon and that will bring Booster Week, Halloween, school picture day, and many other fun activities. It also brings cooler weather. Make sure to have your student dress for the cooler building and outdoor time at lunch and middle school break. We go outside unless the weather prohibits - so bundle up!
A couple of reminders!
Students need to remain in the front lobby, cafeteria, or library before 7:42. Teachers are preparing for their day prior to this time and are likely not in their classrooms to supervise.
Students are reminded to use the bathrooms only for their original intent. We have some students who have decided this is a group hangout location making the space feel very uncomfortable for other students.
The District Perspective
Trailblazing
At the core of the Trailblazer model is the freedom for students to choose their own path to knowledge and experience. Please continue reading to understand how the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts demonstrate independence in their curriculum as students take on self-directed work and activities outside the classroom with support from their community.
Mohawk Trail Senior Capstone Projects are Underway
Capstone projects completed by every member of the senior class embody the Trailblazer model. Seniors choose a topic in which they are interested for the purpose of becoming more of an expert and career exploration while honing skills of self-direction and , and more. Since the start of the school year, Mohawk Trail seniors have decided on their topics, generated essential questions, and started their research. Some students are looking into adding an internship to their experience base.* Take a look at this 3 minute video showcasing our students sharing their varied and multifaceted topics. We are excited for their mid-winter presentations.
*If you work for or own a business or organization that would consider hosting a Mohawk Trail Regional School student for an internship, please contact me so that you may be added to our resource list. Thank you.
Putting Down Roots for Pollinators at Hawlemont Elementary
On Tuesday, 5th and 6th grade students from Hawlemont Elementary planted 1000 native plants in an effort to attract pollinators as part of a “pollinator corridor” running up and down the Connecticut river valley as envisioned by and funded through the Franklin Conservation District.
The activities of the day began with Hawlemont’s HAY program - Hawlemont, Agriculture and YOU - hosting native plant gardener Jocelyn Demut from Checkerspot Farm in Colrain who walked students through why native plants, bugs and caterpillars are important to the local ecosystem.
Next, students and teachers headed outside to a tilled piece of land where hundreds of native plant plugs were waiting to be planted. The supplies, plants and outside instruction were provided by HAY teacher Jen Sinistore and Meghan Siudzinski from the Franklin Conservation District. Follow up workshops will be scheduled at the native plant garden to offer more insight into the importance of creating and preserving natural habitats.
The Hawlemont students dug in with the HAY program’s supply of hand trowels, garden claws, gloves and their own GRIT (Hawlemont’s core values of Goodwill, Responsibility, Integrity, and Teamwork). Ultimately, with muddy knees and a sense of satisfaction only hands-on work can provide, the students surveyed their work of planting 1000 plants that will draw pollinators for years to come. Great job, Hawlemont students! (As an aside, save the date of 10/7/23, 10 am, for Hawlemont’s Apple Squeeze at the Little Red Schoolhouse.)
The Last of Open House Season: Buckland Shelburne Elementary, 9/27/2023 Our largest elementary school in the district demonstrated their numbers with a huge turnout on Wednesday night. Families and friends of BSE were full of anticipation and excitement as they gathered outside. They were all smiles as they streamed into the building like a grand parade. Students were thrilled to show off classroom work, and guide guests to the art room, gymnasium, library and more. Guests enjoyed colorful displays on the walls, unexpected classroom pets along the 6th grade corridor, and friendly greetings from fellow passers-by. In the music room visitors were met with a scavenger hunt of feel-good activities like “sing the alphabet backward” (can you?) and “give someone you're with a compliment.” In the art room, visitors could partake in coloring activities and the PTO hosted a 50/50 raffle. 6th graders hosted a bake sale for Nature’s Classroom and raised $695 in an hour’s time. Beautiful potted mums could be seen being carried through the building due to the 5th grade fundraiser. Picture days, field trips, enrichments, traditions, and fall events are happening. Make sure you are keeping an eye on newsletters and calendars for dates and opportunities to engage and be prepared to participate. Please note there is no school on Monday, October 9th. In the community 10/7-8/23, Ashfield Fall Festival October, Vaccine Clinics
Teaching and Learning
Springpoint Visit
Initial feedback from the visit supports our current foci for the year and provided guidance on continuing to develop our Standards Based Teaching and Learning model (SBTL) which is a priority for us this year.
As a reminder, our focus areas as a school for the year are:
Advisory/ Crew: Supporting Adult & Student relationships and building the capacity for students to self-reflect and analyze their own academic progress in content classes as well as collaborative and communication skills in Advisory.
Academic: Helping teachers pivot to Standards Based Teaching and Learning. Adapting assessment and class tasks so that students are able to understand their ability to master skills and practices embedded in the state standards in each core class.
Student-led-conferences: Helping Advisory teachers support students in Grades 7-12 as they facilitate student-led conferences at the end of S1 and S2. In these Student-Led-Conferences, students will be able to talk about the skills, abilities and applications to the real world of what they learn in class.
- Internship and Work Based Learning Opportunities: Looking at providing students in Grade 11 and 12 with the opportunity to complete an internship or Work Based Learning experience in relation to or preparation for their Capstone project.
We will keep you updated on our progress throughout the year!
EMT/ Fire/ Police: Hands on experiences for MTRS students
We are really thankful to Shelburne Emergency Management Director Tom Williams and for the Fire, EMT and Police departments for their time and resources in helping support our hands-on, community service program.
Each Tuesday a small group of students, facilitated by Mr Biagini works with a different town department on understanding and experiencing the roles and responsibilities of community facing organizations. We are confident that this small program will help students find a place and role in helping support and sustain our MTRS towns and communities.
EMT demonstration and practice with Mr B's block 4 students earlier this week
Getting the gear ready
How does it feel to run in full fire fighting gear?
Additional Opportunities for Social/Emotional/Personal Growth and Support
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.
Title 1 School-Family Compact
School and Caregiver responsibilities
Mohawk Trail Regional School District Title I School - Family Compact
The schools in the Mohawk Trail Regional School District and the caregivers of the students participating in activities, services, and programs funded by Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), agree that this compact outlines how caregivers, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and caregivers will partner to help children learn and grow.
This compact is in effect during the 2023-24 school year.
School Responsibilities
The Mohawk Trail Middle School will:
Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment
Provide supplemental support to students based on assessment of student learning and progress
Provide caregivers with reports on their children’s progress and reasonable access to staff
Provide all caregivers the opportunity to participate in family engagement activities including:
Participating in Local Education Council (LEC) meetings that address:
The annual planning, review, and improvement of the school’s parental involvement policy
The annual development/revision of the schoolwide program plan as part of the annual school improvement planning process.
An annual meeting to inform caregivers of the school’s participation in Title I, Part A programs, and to explain the Title I, Part A requirements, and the right of caregivers to be involved in Title I, Part A programs.
Regular two-way communication about curriculum and instruction and strategies for supporting student growth such as:
Newsletters and social media updates about teaching and learning
Family events for educators, students and caregivers to meet and discuss teaching and learning
Access to online resources and tools to support student learning
Caregiver Responsibilities
Caregivers will support children’s learning in the following ways:
Fostering children’s “growth mindset” by:
Encouraging children to participate in class by sharing their ideas, asking questions, and giving their best effort
Providing positive messages and praise for hard work and perseverance through challenges
Supporting children to develop independence with homework by:
Allowing them to engage in “productive struggle” - give them time to work through problems that push their thinking, and develop their own strategies for solving them
Guiding their learning by asking them questions, encouraging them to share what they know, draw a picture, use a tool or strategy they learned in class
Helping them to communicate with adults when they need help
Encouraging healthy learning habits by:
Monitoring attendance
Limiting non-academic screen time
Making time for enrichment, play, family-time and rest
Communicating with school staff by:
Participating in decisions relating to their children’s education
Staying informed about their children’s education and promptly reading all notices from the school or the school district and responding, as appropriate
To the extent possible, attending family engagement events and meetings about Title I and/or school improvement efforts
Student Services
Seniors, don't forget to check the College Visits. New events are added each week!
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.
Performing Arts
Auditions- Sept 20th
Auditions for the fall play were held on Wednesday 9/20 in the auditorium.
Congratulations to the following students who are part of the Cast and Crew of our Fall/ Winter play!
Community Events
Music Association Fundraiser!
The Music Association will once again be holding our baked potato fundraiser at the Ashfield Fall Festival, and we need volunteers! Would it be possible to include our flyer and a little blurb in your newsletter?
The Mohawk Trail Music Association will be back at the Ashfield Fall Festival Oct. 7–8, and needs your help staffing their wildly popular baked potato booth! MTMA is a non-profit organization that supports the MTRS music program and its students, and this is their most important fundraiser of the year. Please sign up for a shift or two here, or send an email. If you'd like to learn more about the MTMA or join their mailing list, contact them at mohawktrailmusic@gmail.com.
The Cure For Hate: Preventing Violent Extremism in Our Schools and Beyond
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7:00-8:30pm, online: Screening and discussion based on the documentary film The Cure for Hate: Bearing Witness to Auschwitz. This 2023 film weaves together the history of the Nazis with the life story of a former North American neo-Nazi who is now an anti-hate activist, as he visits the memorial to the million Jews murdered at Auschwitz. By understanding how so many ordinary people came to support Nazi Germany’s rise to power, we hope to shed light on the concerning rise of violent extremism in the US today—and how to respond. Our live Zoom discussion will include Tony McAleer, who is the former white supremacist featured in the film; his co-trainer in preventing hate, Robert Orell; and additional special guests working locally in the schools. This event is hosted by Karuna Center for Peacebuilding/BRAVE Schools. Free and open to everyone (viewer discretion advised).
To register and attend, visit: karunacenter.org/events
Communities that Care
Family Day is a national holiday observed on the last Monday of September each year to celebrate the benefits of spending time together as a family! Check out the Family Day link and this CTC link for ideas on ways to encourage families to connect! Also see attached for a flyer and press release with more information.
Please see here for the Parenting Guide, just released as a project of our Parent and Family Engagement Workgroup. This is the last Parenting Guide to be produced, so be sure to check it out!
Art Teens
Our ARTeens program has been providing support and community for artistic teens for 10 years. We want to reach as many interested teens as possible.
Once in the program, many ARTeens continue attending throughout their highschool years. Many ARTeens end up working with The Art Garden, earning stipends and building skills, working as summer programming assistants, or event installation assistants. Some continue to work with us even after graduation, with one of our ARTeen alums building our new website, https://www.theartgarden.org and another co-teaching our after school program for K-6 students. Mohawk student, Madison, is the paid assistant in that program.
Here is a link to the ARTeens page for additional information about the program, https://www.theartgarden.org/for-teens.
ARTeens Co-Directors
The Art Garden
studio: 14 Depot Street
mail: 4 Union Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
413-625-2782
The Lions Peace Poster Contest
Open to students aged 11-13
The Lions Peace Poster contest is open to students ages 11-13 (at the submission deadline).Visually impaired students can also participate by completing an essay. All clubs in district 33Y are encouraged to sponsor a contest for their community!
See lionsclubs.org for more details.
Important Dates and Information
October 1 – Deadline to purchase kit from LCI
November 10 – Deadline to register for district contest
Contact brittain@bcn.net to register. Posters must be received prior to (or at) the
November 17 Advisory Meeting to be eligible for judging.
(each club shall send 1 finalist to the district)
November Advisory Meeting – Posters will be judged at district advisory
meeting* (winner will be submitted to council chair for multiple district judging).
ORDER KITS at...
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/youth/peace-poster
Questions/Submit Poster Entries to...
Chris Brittain
325 Fairview St. Lee, MA 01238 brittain@bcn.net 413-441-5107
Health Survey and Resource Fair - October 25th, 3-6pm at MTRS
Dear Community Members,
We need your help to shape future health priorities for West County.
Please use the QR Code on the following page or the link below to take the Community Health Survey. To improve the health of everyone in West County, our voices need to be heard.
Anyone aged fourteen and older can take the survey. It will only take 15 minutes to complete and is confidential.
Taking the survey is voluntary and easy! Click on this link: www.mass.gov/healthsurvey, or use the attached QR code.
Once you have completed the survey, use the QR code below to sign up for a $5.00 gift card to Mo’s Fudge Factor. This is the Mary Lyon Foundation’s way of saying thank you for ensuring that the voices and needs of our nine towns are heard loud and clear.
If you have questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at kbaker@marylyonfoundation.org or call us at (413) 625-2555
How can you get involved at MTRS?
We want to hear your voice!
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 October 11th.
The virtual joining information is as follows:
Meeting ID
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 October 13th.
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
Athletics News
The fall season is in full swing, and it looks like the weather forecast is beginning to cooperate! All of our teams are in the heart of their schedules, and a few are beginning to make a strong push towards the postseason!
The Middle School football team had the opportunity to christen the brand new turf field at The Eaglebrook School this Thursday, and came away with a hard fought 28-20 victory. In a physical matchup between two young squads, our Warriors were able to ride touchdowns by eighth graders Mason Bassett, Brady Gancarz, and Oliver Schwemger-Sartz to victory. This win cleans up some unfinished business from last year when our squad battled The Eaglebrook School to an 8-8 tie! Nice job Coach McCloud, Coach Turner, and all of our Warriors!
Our Warrior Golf team was able to pick up a couple victories this week with wins against Springfield Central and Franklin County Technical School! While Mohawk Trail was heavily favored against Springfield Central, against the Eagles from Franklin Tech they were decided underdogs. Huge showings by juniors Phineas Tuttman and Douglas Wilcox helped to secure both victories for the blue and gold.
For those of you following the fall standings closely, the first MIAA Power Rankings will be released on Friday, September 29th! Our Volleyball team is making a huge push to secure a high enough seed to host an opening round match in the Massachusetts State Tournament. The power ranking for all of our sports can be found HERE.
Pay close attention to next week’s newsletter as we will go over the athletic festivities for Booster Week, October 10-13! And remember, all athletic schedules can be found at ArbiterLive!
MT Athletic Association Monthly Meeting
Monday October 2nd
6:30pm in the Superintendent's Conference Room
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.
Parent Rights and Responsibilities workshop will be held Tuesday, October 3rd at 6:30pm
In person at Mohawk Trail Regional and Virtually -
Annual Parent Rights and Responsibility Training
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mby-cuxg-pkm
Or dial: (US) +1 276-695-5147 PIN: 369 643 542#
You will be receiving a letter in the mail with the Annual Rights and Responsibility
Special Education Contact Information
Person
Role
Contact Information
Leann Loomis
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
413-625-0192 x1025
Melissa Plesnar
Assistant to Director of Pupil Personnel Services
413-625-0192 x1015
Erin Beaudet
7-12 Liaison
413-625-9811 x1314
Carolyn Goodnow
1-6 Liaison
Mohawk Trail District
413-625-2521
Kate Dwyer
1-6 Liaison
Hawlemont District
413-339-8316
Amy Socquet
Early Childhood Coordinator and Liaison
413-625-6194
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.
Email us to learn more: mohawksepac@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MohawktrailSEPAC
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional
MTRSD Director of Communications