Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope that you have had a great week.
Please read on for information about upcoming events at MTRS.
MCAS
- Grade 7 ELA MCAS takes place next Monday 31st and Tuesday 1st April
- Grade 8 ELA MCAS: April 7th & 8th
MCAS practice tests: It is MCAS season. Students can access practice tests here!
See below for more information on upcoming MCAS testing
Middle School Career Morning: Can you help?
On Friday, April 18th, Middle School students will participate in Career Day- a morning event designed to expose students to a variety of different career paths. They will learn about a day-in-the life of different professionals through hand-on activities and presentations. We are still looking to fill a few presenter spots- if you are interested in presenting your career to middle school students, please email Taffy Ruggeri for more information: truggeri@mtrsd.org
Drama fundraiser
The MTRS Drama Department is hoping to run a school wide Mario Kart Competition in early April (date to be confirmed) to raise funds for the spring musical and future productions! Students (and teachers & staff) will compete (bracket style!) until 1 victor stands! We hope that this event will take place in the auditorium after school at a time to be confirmed.
$5 to enter. Prizes for top 3. And bragging rights!
Fill out the survey at this Link if you would be interested in taking part. Based on student interest, we will confirm if this event can go ahead by April 4th!
Student Led-conferences are NEXT WEEK - April 2nd for grades 7-12. These are mandatory for all students. Here are some quick logistics - more information can be found in the SLC section, below:
Students will be dismissed from school at 11:30 am after lunch. They will take their bus home and then either come back to school with a caregiver to complete their SLC in person or take part in their SLC virtually with their caregiver.
Students who return to the building with a caregiver for an SLC are expected to leave campus with their caregiver after their SLC has taken place.
Only students with SLC scheduled between 12-12:30 will be permitted to wait in the lobby if their caregiver is coming into school. They will be expected to leave campus with them after their SLC has concluded.
Finally, please see the calendar for 2025-26 in the Important Dates and Information section below.
Please read on for information and news related to our busy school. This includes:
- Civic Action Project Class trip
- Campus Clean up
- Middle School Careers morning - can you help?
- National Honors Inductees announced
- Blood and Guts field trip
- Students and Superintendent Stanton attended the Legislative Hearing on school funding
- Student Led Conference information
- MCAS information for students and families
- Student Led Conference information for April 2nd (12-3:30)
- Events for the Class of 2025!
- District updates including: Grade 5 & 6 Art on show in town!
- Library news
- AP Brault's culture corner
- SEPAC updates
- Student Services updates
If you are reading this newsletter on a phone or laptop, don't forget to click on "read entire message" in order to see the complete newsletter.
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 wonderful weekend
Best
Chris
The Mohawk Trail Regional School District is committed to maintaining and promoting an educational environment free from all forms of discrimination, including harassment. The civil rights of all school community members are guaranteed by law, and the protection of those rights is of utmost importance and priority to the District. Discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, genetic information or testing, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, homelessness or disability (hereinafter “membership in a protected class”) will not be tolerated.
Upcoming dates
- April 2nd: SLC for grades 7,8,9,10,11,12 (11:30 dismissal for all students!)
- April 9: Ice Cream Social and information for Rising Grade 7
- April 10: NHS Induction Ceremony: 6-7:30pm
- April 17: Spring Music Concert
- April 17th - May 29th: Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street: Voices and Votes at the MTRS library
- April 18th: Middle School Careers Fair - see flier below
- April break: 21-25th
- May 2 & 3rd: Spring Musical
- May 15th: District Music Concert
- May 17th: Prom
- May 22nd: Career Pathways Exposition at GCC for MTRS Juniors
- May29th: Smithsonian Celebration, Pathways Panels and Senior Awards evening (The new version of Celebration of Learning: Pathways 2 - 4:15, SMithsonian 4:30-6, Awards, 6-8pm)
- May 30th: Class of 2025 Graduation in the MTRS Auditorium
- June 9th: Step up day for grade 6
- June 6th: Grade 8 Semi-Formal
- June 16th: Tentative last day of school for students (this may change based on snow days!)
MCAS and AP schedule for 2024/25
District (Calendar for 24/25)
District Calendar for 25-26
Live Solar Panel Energy Information
Twin Lakes has taken over from Suzor as our IT company. support@twinlakesconsulting.zendesk.com
Quarter 3
First Day: Wed January 22, 2025
Last Day: Tues April 1, 2025
Q3 progress report grades close on: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Q3 progress report grading window: Monday, February 24 - Monday, March3, 2025
Q3 progress reports will be available in Aspen Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Q3 grading window: Monday, March 31 - Tuesday April 8 at 11:59 p.m
Q3 report cards will be available in Aspen: Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
Quarter 4
First Day: Weds April 2, 2025
Last Day: Wednesday, June 16, 2025
Q4 progress report grades close on: Friday, May 9, 2025
Q4 progress report grading window: Thursday, May 8 - Thursday, May 15 at 11:59pm
Q4 progress reports will be available in Aspen: Friday, May 16, 2025
Q4 grading window: May 28th - June 13th
Q4 report cards available in Aspen: June 16th
Eighth grade teacher Mr. Tierney is passionate about civics and inspiring and educating MTRS students how to take civic action. Last Friday, a panel he organized for students in eighth and tenth grade spotlighted the work of Massachusetts State Representative Natalie Blais, civil rights attorney and Ashfield Town Moderator Buz Eisenstein, Hawley selectman Will Cosby, and
Hawlemont School Committee member and Corporate Governance Specialist Ken Bertsch. Panelists described why they are public servants and students asked questions like “What good are you doing for our communities?” and “What can I do about the need to clean up our local rivers?” Students also had time to take part in one-on-one conversations with the panelists and discuss issues that are important to them.
Fast forward to this week, Mr. Tierney invited Jonathan Mirin of Piti Theater to his classroom for a mock public hearing. Eighth grade students were given details of a proposal for a waste incinerator to be built in an imaginary city. He took on the role of the company president of Tierney Green Solutions and assigned roles to each student. Their roles included details that might affect their ability to participate in the public hearing. Students better understood, by the end of the exercise, that:
when a company presents an idea that seems to be in the community’s best interest, they should not necessarily take that at face value, and;
participating in a civic process includes elements such as language and transportation barriers, as examples.
Students also practiced, with coaching from Jonathan, how to state their case using personal elements that may resonate with members of the governing body, to speak clearly and slowly, and to make eye contact with their audience.
This was a dynamic exercise that allowed students to step into the shoes of community members and gave them insight into the intricacies of local government and the role of civic action in influencing decision makers.
This morning, if you saw students scurrying around campus, you likely witnessed the Climate Club in “campus clean up” mode. With the snow now (mostly!) melted, and everyone gearing up for much more outside activity, the group thought it would be a good time to put on their gloves and get out there. As they raced to fill up their trash bags, they found wrappers, broken sports equipment, and dog poop bags. The most trash was found along the very front of the building!
The Climate Club is made up of students in eighth grade who have interest and concerns about the climate and how they can be part of the solution. They meet on Fridays to have discussions and take on short-term projects like today’s clean up. Recently they conducted an audit of the campus with inquiries around whether the campus has certain climate-friendly resources such as electric car charging stations, etc.
As a reminder to all who use our facilities, there are trash cans at the entrance
Each spring, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or above are invited to apply for membership in this prestigious national academic club. In order to be selected, students must demonstrate not only excellent scholarship, but also leadership, service, and character in their school and community. Membership offers scholarships, awards, and benefits on college applications.
We are pleased to announce the following students were selected this year:
JUNIORS
Kylah Perras-Howard
Anya Read
SOPHOMORES
Valerie Bzomowski
Tanner Biagini
Joey Calhoun
Landon Clark
Virginia Krezmien
Natalie Lanoue
Katherine Osterman
Luke Read
Farris Sharaf
Alaina Shearer
Families of selected students are cordially invited to attend the official Induction Ceremony on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 in the Mohawk Trail cafeteria. Please join us in congratulating and recognizing our new members!
On March 24, eight students traveled to BayState Franklin Medical Center for the Annual "Blood and Guts" Career exploration event. Students had the opportunity to rotate through Respiratory Therapy, HR, Pharmacy, Obstetrics, Surgery and more to gain first hand exposure to careers in the medical field.
BayState is offering a new Ask Me! Program this summer for students ages 14 - 15 and has the Explorer's program for students 16+. Fliers are available in Student services.
Along with students from MTRS, Superintednent Stanton attended the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means hearing on Monday March 24 at 11am at UMASS Amherst. The focus of the hearing was to discuss local aid for K-12 education in the Commonwealth.
We are thankful that our students went to advocate on behalf of our student body.
For more information on the hearing, follow this link.
Museum on Main Street: Voice and Votes: Democracy in America
https://museumonmainstreet.org/Museum on Main Street (MoMS) is part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
MoMS is access to the Smithsonian for small-town America through museum exhibitions, research, educational resources, and programming.
MoM hasvisited more than 1,900 communities across America since 1994.
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
When American revolutionaries waged a war for independence they took a leap of faith that sent ripple effects across generations. They embraced a radical idea of establishing a government that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy, but in its citizens. That great leap sparked questions that continue to impact Americans:
- Who has the right to vote?
- What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens?
- Whose voices will be heard?
- How do you participate as a citizen?
- How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a springboard for discussions about those very questions and how they are reflected in local stories. Our democracy demands action, reaction, vision, and revision. From revolution and suffrage, to civil rights and casting ballots, everyone in every community is part of this ever-evolving story – the story of democracy in America.
General overview of how you can participate in events or see the exhibition: Link
"TickTick... Boom!" is a theatrically autobiographical story of writer-composer Jonathan Larson, who would later be known for the hit Broadway production, "Rent." This musical depicts the trials and tribulations of an aspiring artist on the verge of his 30th birthday trying to make it in New York City, chronicling his struggles with balancing his musical dreams with personal friendships, partners, and the need for financial stability. With a backdrop of 1990s Manhattan, the production's themes of personal and professional growth mixed with aspirations and pursuit prove to stand the test of time.
See the Performing Arts section of the website for information about rehearsals
Restorative Practices Update!
Did you know that MTRS has pathways that lead students to health, world language, technology, and fine/performing arts careers? Each of these pathways include ways to earn early college certificates, opportunities for internships and capstone projects, and how the best courses at MTRS can help you get where you need to be. Students have all met with their counselors and reviewed their pathway plans. Be sure to talk as a family to plan ahead!
I am looking forward to Student-Led Conferences next week! Be sure to ask for the Trailblazer Pathway information at that event!
We are about to head into MCAS testing season and I wanted to communicate our school expectations to students and families. This information has previously been shared by email and also in previous newsletter editions.
It is the expectation of the district that all students take MCAS tests that they are scheduled for as these assessments provide valuable insight into student progress in core content areas. I hope that the information below helps provide clarity around when MCAS testing takes place and how, even though MCAS is no longer a graduation requirement, we still expect students to take MCAS tests during their time at MTRS.
What is MCAS?
MCAS stands for Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, which is a set of standardized tests that assess how well students are learning the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) develops and administers the MCAS. The MCAS helps teachers, parents, and students understand where students are excelling and where they need help. It also holds schools and districts accountable for their progress on the assessment.
In which grades and subjects are students expected to take MCAS?
Testing typically takes place during March - June and the schedule is shared on the website and directly with students and families directly. It is also shared below. The following grade levels take MCAS tests at MTRS in the following subjects:
- Grade 7: ELA and Math
- Grade 8: ELA, Math, Science and Civics
- Grade 9: Biology
- Grade 10: ELA and Math
What happens before testing and on testing days?
- In addition to the schedule being available on the website and in the newsletter, students and families will be reminded the week before testing and told where and when they should report to.
- Students should ensure that their chromebooks are fully charged and should report to their assigned testing rooms.
- Testing times range from 1 hour to 2 1/2 hours and students can continue beyond these times to the end of the school day should they wish to do so.
- Students who miss a testing session will have a make-up test session scheduled.
What happened on the MCAS ballot on November 5th?
Voters removed passing the MCAS exams in high school as a required measure of competency to graduate high school. This means that while students will still take MCAS, they do not need to pass it in order to graduate from high school. The law now requires students to pass high school coursework equivalent to that tested by MCAS to demonstrate competency, along with meeting local graduation requirements, to receive a diploma. This means, students will need to meet MTRS graduation requirements, which includes passing rigorous courses in math, ELA, and science.
Will high school students be required to take the MCAS in 2025 and beyond?
It is the expectation of the school, district and state that all students take all of the MCAS tests administered in grades 3-8 and 10, along with a science MCAS test in high school. At MTRS the high school science MCAS offered is typically biology in 9th grade. Participation in the MCAS is required by federal and state law and the ballot question did not change this requirement. DESE's accountability system will continue to use assessment participation rates (and the resulting achievement and growth data) in its annual determinations made through the district and school accountability system. This means, schools and districts will continue to be evaluated by student participation and performance on MCAS. These exams also give educators important information about the efficacy of our curriculum and teaching practices.
Do high school students still need to earn a Competency Determination (CD) in order to graduate?
High school students will still need to earn a CD in order to graduate. Since 2003, the CD has been based on achieving qualifying scores on relevant MCAS tests. After the November vote, CD is now based on "satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student's district."
What does "satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student's district" mean?
In order to graduate from MTRS, students need to pass their scheduled classes in Science typically offered in grade 9 and ELA and Math in grade 10 or the equivalent, as well as fulfilling MTRS Graduation requirements. For example, students typically must pass biology in 9th grade in order to meet the science competency determination. However, there are many other courses that fulfill the requirement, and competence could be demonstrated by passing chemistry, physics, anatomy, AP coursework, or other rigorous lab sciences offered at MTRS. Similarly, in math, students will need to pass Algebra and Geometry or more rigorous courses. In ELA, they would need to pass 10th grade English or more rigorous ELA courses.
What is the impact of the new law on students who have not earned a CD before the date that the new law goes into effect?
As of the date the new law takes effect, students who have not yet earned the CD would be eligible to do so through "satisfactorily completing coursework that has been certified by the student's district." Guidance on certification will be forthcoming.
Why will students in High school continue to take MCAS at MTRS?
- Strong performance on 2 or more MCAS tests in high school makes students eligible for the Adam's scholarship, which offers 4 years of in-state tuition to a state university
- Educators and administrators use the test results to help them assess the efficacy of their curriculum and instruction, and to make improvements to their own practices. We want to see what is working and what needs improvement.
- It is required by state and federal law that students in MCAS grades (3-8, high school) participate in MCAS tests.
You can explore more fully the Dese update on MCAS testing: Link
More general information about MCAS for families can be found here: Link
April 2nd: 12-2:30pm
General information about SLC
What is a Student-led-conference?
Student-led-conferences (SLC) are at the heart of our shift to standards based teaching and learning. They provide students with more ownership of their learning experiences at MTRS.
Rather than reviewing letters/ numbers on a report or progress card, SLCs provide students with an opportunity to lead a 15 minute conversation about their progress towards proficiency in habits of learning and content-based skills.
Students will be using the assessment criterion that we shared earlier in the year.
They also enable students to reflect on their learning experiences to date and to set goals for the rest of the school year.
Does my student have to do an SLC?
SLC are based in an advisory class, which is scheduled for each student every day. Advisory is a graduation requirement and student participation in SLC is expected and contributes to the pass/fail (credit/no-credit) for the course at the end of the year.
SLCs are scheduled 1 x a year for grade 7 and 2 x a year for grades 8-12 Students must participate in SLCs in order to pass the Advisory class, in addition to attendance and participation.
If a student is absent or unwell when their SLC is scheduled, they will make this up when they return.
Who will be at the Student-led-conference?
Students will lead their own conference as it is their opportunity to talk about their experiences at MTRS as well as their goals for the rest of the year and beyond high school.
We would like to invite care providers and families to be an integral part of every student’s journey and to try to be present at the SLC - in-person or virtually.
Your student’s advisory teacher will be present. As advisory groups meet every day for a year, advisory teachers have the best overall insight into habits of learning and academic progress of each of their students. They can help support students as they lead their conference.
When will the Student-led-conferences take place?
SLC #2 for Grades 7-12 will take place on April 2nd, 2024 from 12 - 3:30pm
Where will the Student-led-conference take place?
If you are in-person, please arrive at school 10 minutes before your scheduled time and someone will bring you to the advisor’s room.
If you are meeting virtually, please log in to the google meet 5 minutes before your scheduled time.
What is the difference between SLS #1 and SLC #2?
SLC#1: A chance for the student to reflect on their strengths, growths and challenges in the first semester, to reflect on their discoveries as a learner during the year so far and to set some habits and academic goals for the second semester. It is also an opportunity for students to talk through current post-high school plans.
SLC #2: A chance for the student to reflect on challenges and successes of the year, to set goals for the year ahead and to revisit and possibly change post-high school plans.
What is the schedule for the S2 Student-led-conferences?
Students will be dismissed from school at 11:30 am after lunch. They will take their bus home and then either come back in to school with a caregiver to complete their SLC in person or take part in their SLC virtually with their caregiver.
Students who return to the building with a caregiver for an SLC are expected to leave campus with their caregiver after their SLC has taken place.
Only students with SLC scheduled between 12-12:30 will be permitted to wait in the lobby if their caregiver is coming into school. They will be expected to leave campus with them after their SLC has concluded.
How do I schedule my SLC?
After February break, advisory teachers will start to reach out to caregivers and families by email to schedule conferences of 15 minutes per student (in-person or virtual) on the above days.
What if I have children in multiple grades?
We will start to schedule appointments so care providers will be able to arrange times convenient for them during the SLC window.
What if 15 minutes is not enough time?
Advisors can help care providers/ families set up a subsequent appointment to meet with themselves or specific content teachers at a later date.
What will happen if I am unable to attend in person or virtually?
We understand that not everyone can be available in-person or virtually during the school day. If you are unable to attend, your student will still conference with their advisory teacher.
As we continue to develop our Student-led conference process, we will look at ways to have early afternoon/ early evening conferences as a way for all families and care providers to have the opportunity to be a part of the process.
What if I have more questions?
Please reach out to your students' advisor in the first instance. Your grade-level guidance counselor will also be able to help:
Grades 7 and 8: truggeri@mtrsd.org
Grades 9-12: ldessaro@mtrsd.org
Diploma information and Graduation seating information needed!
Seniors, the countdown is on!
Please will you complete this survey by Thursday April 17th - it is important so that we prepare your diploma and can celebrate your moment in the spotlight when you walk across the stage on Friday 30th May! We also need to know if anyone coming to watch you receive your diploma needs seating accomodations in the auditorium.
Thank you for also making sure that you are aware of what you need to do in order to graduate - attending classes on time and also passing all of your required classes. You should reach out to Ms Dessaro with any questions.
Please note the following events that are for and involve you all:
Prom - Saturday 5-17
Senior Send off - Weds 21st May (2:10- seniors walk around the building, everyone comes out and cheers)
Senior Soak - Thursday 22nd May: 1:50-2:18 parking lot
Last Day - Friday May 23rd Senior sign off form needs to be completed and returned to students (This will be issued on Monday 19th May)
Memorial Day - Mon 26th May
Finals and rehearsals for Awards/ Graduation - Tuesday 27th May and Wednesday May 29th, 10-12 am
Elementary school visit and MTRS staff cookout - Wednesday 28th May
Awards Event & slide show - Thursday 29th May (5-7)After the Smithsonian event in the library: Junior class to organise food
Graduation Celebration - Friday May 30th 6-8pm indoors at MTRS (auditorium)
Many of these dates have been on the calendar since May of 2024 and you should check in with Class Advisor Mr Leowolf with any questions
Finally, please note that in order to graduate, you need to have paid up your class dues. Please email me/ come and speak with me if you have any questions: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Salmon Falls Gallery Exhibit
Currently on display at the Salmon Falls Gallery on Ashfield Street in the village of Shelburne Falls is artwork from students in 5th and 6th grade from across the districts. Gallery manager Summer Litchfield welcomed an array of works including paintings, charcoal drawings, and sculptures that will be shown through April. Taking in the exhibit offers observers insight into the imagination and talent of our students from Buckland-Shelburne Elementary, Colrain Central, Hawlemont, and Sanderson Academy. The exhibit is free and the gallery is open on Thursdays through Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Enjoy the work of our students and the works of the 94 other artists on display for your viewing pleasure. Go see the art!
Call for Docents: Smithsonian Museum on Main Street Exhibit
Beyond its famous museums, The Smithsonian works to bring valuable educational resources to historically underserved communities. To do this, they developed a series of traveling exhibits that could be brought to communities with populations anywhere between 500 - 20,000 people. Since 1991, it has brought a “Museum on Main Street” to nearly 2,000 communities.
There have been numerous exhibits over the years, and currently the exhibit titled “Voices and Votes” is making its way through Massachusetts. Mohawk Trail Regional School was selected as one of the six host sites in Massachusetts to showcase the exhibit. “Voices and Votes” has five sections, which are described below, and is supplemented by artifacts from local historical societies and student work.
The exhibit will run from April 17 through May 29, 2025 and will be on display in the Mohawk Trail Regional library. As the final details come together, (see the local webpage here) we are in need of more volunteer docents. The times that we most need help with coverage are Saturday afternoons and Thursday evenings. Docent responsibilities include:
ensuring all exhibit guests sign in to the guestbook (so we can track viewership)
overseeing the safe-keeping of all exhibit materials
answering questions – as best you can! – of guests (you’ll have the exhibit handbook with you to reference)
explaining the exhibit and its themes (which we will go over at the All-Docent Meeting on Friday, April 18)
Note: MTRS teacher Bethany Basal is the docent contact in case questions arise.
Are you able to help us to host the exhibit for a couple of hours? If so, please visit this link to find a time that works for your schedule. THANK YOU!
Also, the official exhibit brochure has just been released. Please view it here.
Please see our latest newsletter here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bAqvVrZFmPR1jwdzxDnBLgvksrl0GUBC/view?usp=sharing
Please see our March newsletter
We want to hear your voice!
Hawley is in need of another representative for the Mohawk Trail Regional School District School Committee.
People who may be interested, but need more information or have related questions, may reach out to MTRS Principal Chris Buckland in the first instance
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 April 9th
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 April 11th: 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
Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent
Please read this letter from the district to families receiving special education services
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