Student & Family Update

I hope that you had a great week.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr Holiday day and there is no school as this is a federal holiday. Please take a moment to remember and celebrate in your own way the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example — the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.

Please note that the School Committee meeting for February has been moved from Feb 12th to Feb 5th. The LEC will remain on Feb 12th at the usual time.

Please read on for information and news related to our busy school. This includes:

• Capstone project dates announced!
• Student reflections on culinary arts
• Nurse reminder about energy drinks
• MTRS move to Integrated Math in 2025-26 ( See local coverage in The Recorder: Link)
• Field Trip and Dance eligibility reminder
• Athletics updates
• MCAS updates
• Student Services updates
• January Library books are in
• Grade 8 moving to 1:1 with chrome books in S2 (Starting January 27th)
• SEPAC updates
• Spring Musical information sessions announced

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.

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 and see you on TUESDAY!

Best

Chris

Upcoming dates

• Jan 20th: MLK day - no school
• Feb 1st: Winter Dance 7-9pm
• Feb break: 17 - 21st
• March 6th - CPR and First Aid training for Grade 10
• April 2nd: SLC for grades 7,8,9,10,11,12 (11:30 dismissal for all students!)
  
• April break: 21-25th
• May29th: Smithsonian Celebration, Pathways Panels and Senior Awards evening (The new version of Celebration of Learning)
• May 30th: Class of 2025 Graduation
• June 12th: Tentative last day of school for students (this may change based on snow days!)

MCAS and AP schedule for 2024/25

Bell Schedule

District (Calendar for 24/25)

Student Handbook

Live course catalog 2024/25

Food Services Information

Live Solar Panel Energy Information

Twin Lakes has taken over from Suzor as our IT company. support@twinlakesconsulting.zendesk.com

Quarter 2: 45 days

First Day: Friday, November 1st, 2024

Last Day: Tues, January 21, 2024

Q2 progress report grades close on: Friday, December 6, 2024

Q2 progress report grading window: Thursday, Dec 5 - Thursday Dec 12 at 11:59pm

Q2 progress reports will be distributed on: Friday, December 13, 2024

Q2 grading window: Thursday, January 16th - Sunday, Jan 26th 2024 at 11:59pm

Q2 report cards will be available in Aspen on: Monday, January 27th, 2024

This year’s senior class is gearing up to begin their Capstone projects, which are happening in spring semester this year. We’re excited to roll out this scheduling shift, as it allowed students to get through the bulk of the college and scholarship application season without the added layer of Capstone. Additionally, holding Capstone in the spring gave students an opportunity to set up internships, start their projects early through independent study, and do background research during supported advisory sessions. This year’s senior class is bubbling with great Capstone ideas and they are poised to launch their projects right at the beginning of the semester.

Mark your calendars! This year’s formative presentations will take place on March 20th & 21st, summative presentations will be on May 15th & 16th, and seniors will showcase their projects for the public during our Pathways event before senior awards on May 29th.

Interested in being involved in Capstone? Students are responsible for finding experts in their chosen field and inviting community members to sit on their panels, but we’re always happy to expand our network and help students make connections. Please visit the Capstone website for more information, and email Capstone coordinator Rachel Hoogstraten at rhoogstraten@mtrsd.org if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.

Although Energy Drinks can seem like a great idea, we request they NOT be brought to school. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatric, anyone under the age of 18 should not consume energy drinks. The ones that contain extremely high amounts shouldn’t be consumed by anyone under the age of 21. Energy drinks contain anywhere from 75mg to 330mg of caffeine.

Some of the potential dangers of Energy Drinks include:

• Dehydration (not enough water in the body)

• Heart Complications (such as irregular heartbeats and heart failure)

• Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery)

• Liver and/or Kidney damage

• High Blood Pressure

• Seizures

And the list goes on and on. For everyone's safety, Energy Drinks are not allowed in school.

Overall this class has definitely been my favorite, I’ve learned new techniques I wasn't aware of, I’ve bonded with my classmates, and I definitely feel more confident while cooking in the kitchen.

Confidence has never really been my strong suit but with this class I was able to gain some. I enjoy how we are given instructions and given the block to figure it out but ask for help if needed. It gives highschool students a sense of freedom we usually do not get in school. The baking part of the culinary course was by far my favorite, but the cooking gave me genuine life skills I will use from now on.

Learning how to properly hold and cut with a knife, temperatures of foods, cross contamination awareness, measurement skills, and most importantly learning how to ask for help. I have had many favorite and memorable moments this semester in culinary. Some of my favorites have been when one of the kitchens messed up on the whoopie pies and it was a mush of sugar, another was when we all made different types of cookies and got to try one from each kitchen. I value the time I have spent with my classmates and everything I’ve learned throughout this course.

Director Paul would like to meet with any students in grades 7-12 interested in being a part of the cast or crew of the Spring Musical (May 2nd & 3rd). There are two opportunities to meet, Thursday or Friday from 2:30-3:30pm.

Anyone interested is asked to complete this survey first:Link

Parents of students in grades 5 & 6 who think their child might like to be involved, please complete this initial interest survey. Paul will reach out with more information in the next month.

Students in grades 5 & 6: Link

Please email Paul at stagedirector@mtrsd.org with any questions.

Caregivers in Grade 8, please be aware that as part of the gradual release of responsibility with chrome books, we will be moving to a 1:1 program at the start of semester 2. The expectation is that students will be responsible for charging and bringing their devices to and from school each day as well as making sure their devices remain in good condition. This will set all grade 8 students up for success in grade 9 and beyond.

Timeline for 24/25

• Monday January 13th: Students will be issued paperwork to take home, complete and return to Chelsea anytime before and including on Wednesday 29th January.(If they haven’t done so already)

• Friday January 24th: Devices to be taken to the IT office by 2pm

• Monday January 27th - Tuesday January 28th: Devices readied by Twin Lakes

• Wednesday January 29th: Grade 8 students to be issued devices

Wednesday January 29th

Students will be called to collect devices during the following times: 9:08 - 56

Students who forget their devices?

Students should be reminded to charge their devices each night and bring them in each morning. A single trolley of loaners will be kept with Emily in the library.

If a student comes to a class without a device, the teacher should email the advisor who should follow up with the student and communicate home.

If a student forgets their device on three separate days, the advisor should communicate this to Admin who will follow up at home. The student may be asked to move to a 1:1 in-school plan.

At the January School Committee meeting earlier this week, Principal Chris Buckland, Director of Curriculum, Sarah Jetson and District Math Coach, Wayne Kerminsky presented the MTRS roadmap to transition to Integrated Math starting in August of 2025.

Below is an outline of what IM is , how it compares with traditional, Algebra/ Geometry/ Algebra, why this move aligns well with our school-wide move to standards based teaching and learning and how this provides a robust foundation for students to be able to reach AP Calculus and beyond.

In addition to this explanation, there are upcoming opportunities for families and caregivers to ask questions about this transition:

Virtual Q & A: Thursday January 16th: 6-6:45pm

Virtual Q & A: Thursday January 23rd: 6-6:45pm

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/czm-fxyj-tnf

Phone Numbers

(‪US‬)‪+1 316-536-0280‬

PIN: ‪425 524 974#‬

Local Education Council virtual meeting: Feb 12th: 3:45-4:30

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/gzo-toke-ibz

Phone Numbers

(‪US‬)‪+1 813-435-9650‬

PIN: ‪741 012 215#‬

Principal's virtual Drop in: Feb 14th: 8-9am

Meeting ID: meet.google.com/jtz-yhet-ipo
Phone Number: (US)+1 (813) 773-5581
PIN: 636 883 303

What is IM?

Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (AGA) are integrated, so that concepts can be frequently reviewed and built on. Additionally, concepts in Algebra and Geometry are interwoven in order to make connections between the two traditionally separate maths.

What does the research say?

NCTM president Shaughnessy

• “Exposure to relevant applications of algebra integrated with statistics and geometry throughout a high school student’s learning of mathematics will help instill more meaning and sense making in his or her algebra experience and lay a foundation for transition options to college mathematics.”

• “90 percent of the rest of the world teaches mathematics by using an integrated approach.” In general, U.S. students do not perform as well in math as other countries.

In Transition to Common Core, Some High Schools Turn to ‘Integrated’ Math Ed. Week

• “A study published in the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education last year tracked students over three years and found that those who were being taught with an integrated-math

curriculum outperformed their counterparts who were in a traditional sequence.”

Mohawk Trail’s Core Math Program Components.

1. Comprehensive and meets all CCSS-MA for each grade-level or course.

2. Students collaborate, persevere and take risks in class

3. Inquiry-based. Students solve meaningful and complex problems.

4. Meets the needs of all learners.

• Scaffolding and extensions are present.
• Heterogeneous classes through 10th grade
• Choice of different pathways after 10th grade

How does Integrated Math support our math program components and students better?

• Links Algebra and Geometry, and in turn both reinforce and support each other by seeing the same concepts in multiple contexts. (Component 4)

• Reduces the learning lost from Algebra I to Algebra II found in the current AGA model. (Component 4)

• Introductory Algebra and Geometry concepts are taught in IM I, which provides more learning opportunities before more difficult concepts in Algebra and Geometry are introduced in IM II and III. (Component 4)

• IM can be implemented in a semester or year long course. AGA is not compatible with semester-long courses. (Component 1)

• Partnership with local schools, such as NHS, who have already designed a comprehensive IM program that we can use. (Component 7)

• Local Districts with IM Pathways have strong MCAS Performance

Comparing the scope and sequence between Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II vs Integrated Math.

• Please see the photos below.

• Also have a look at the Ed sub cttee - IM presentation for specific details about unit sequence or visit Open Up Resources at https://access.openupresources.org/curricula

Visit Massachusetts Common Core State Math Standards at (https://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/math/2017-06.pdf), specifically pages 111-156 and 167

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.

There are a lot of upcoming non-sporting extracurricular events planned for the remainder of the year and I wanted to make sure that students and families are aware of expectations for students in relation to participation.

In order to participate, students must be in:

• Good behavioral standing - no more than 3 conduct referrals between the date the permission slip is sent home and the day before the field trip/ event.

• Good academic standing - not owing work or have unauthorised absences from school & classes (does not include work missed due to approved absences)

Students who are unable to participate in events will be provided academic work to complete during their regular schedule and will be expected to attend school, if the planned event takes place during the school day.

This information will be included in permission forms that caregivers are asked to sign and return.

Please see the section from the student handbook in relation to eligibility for sports:

P35

Participation And Eligibility

MTRS offers a variety of team sports in middle school, varsity and junior varsity interscholastic athletics. To be eligible to participate in sports, students must complete an annual physical, be in good academic standing, pay user fees, complete a baseline concussion assessment and sign an athletic contract. Fall sports include cross-country, field hockey, and football, girls’ volleyball, soccer, and golf. Winter sports include alpine (downhill) skiing, basketball, cross-country (Nordic) skiing, indoor track, and wrestling. Spring sports include baseball, tennis, softball, and track and field. Students interested in participating in athletics should contact Greg Lilly, Athletic Director, at ext. 1310.

We received further advice from the state about MCAS testing and I hope that information helps provide clarity around who and 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. This information will be sent to all families and students in grades 7-12 and included in our weekly newsletter.

Please reach out to me for any clarifying questions

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.

Testing typically takes place during March - June and the schedule is shared on the website and directly with students and families directly. The following grade levels take MCAS tests at MTRS in the following subjects:

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.

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."

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.

1. 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
2. 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.
3. It is required by state and federal law that students in MCAS grades (3-8, high school) participate in MCAS tests.

Sustainability Study FAQs

The staff at BERK12 working on the 2Districts8Towns sustainability study have recently included FAQs on the website to help readers better understand BERK12 and the process of the sustainability study. Take a look!

Also, as the final details of the 5 proposed models for a more sustainable future are completed, community meetings to review the 5 models will be scheduled for dates in February and March. Please keep an eye out for the announcements to engage in the discussion. We want to hear from you.

Districtwide Theater Opportunity (in case you missed it above)

Mohawk Trail Regional School is putting on a spring musical to be performed on May 2nd and 3rd of 2025. We would love to involve students in grades 5 and 6 in this show. At this stage we would like to find out who might be interested. In January, Director Paul will schedule a student meeting for students in grades 5 and 6 at MTRS to see which roles students may take on in the performance. An informational meeting for parents will also be scheduled for January/February focused on the rehearsal schedule, other logistics, and the opportunity to ask Paul questions.

Roles for elementary students will be limited to the first 15 students who sign up: Spring Musical Interest. If you have questions, please reach out to Director Paul: Stagedirector@mtrsd.org

Newsey New Year

January has brought a number of news stories to the forefront. Here’s a look at a sampling (Please note that some article titles focus on another school but include content about a Mohawk Trail Regional team or teams.):

• January 17, 2025: HS Roundup: Franklin Tech Wrestling Remains Unbeaten Following 59-22 Win Over Frontier

• January 14, 2025: Mohawk Trail Regional School District To Revise $22.6M Budget Proposal In Weeks Ahead

• January 10, 2025: The Smithsonian Is Coming To Town: Town Of Hawley Partners With Mohawk Trail Regional School To Host Traveling Exhibit On Democracy

• January 11, 2025: Mohawk Trail Regional School Eyes Shift In Math Curriculum

• January 10, 2025: The Smithsonian Is Coming To Town: Town Of Hawley Partners With Mohawk Trail Regional School To Host Traveling Exhibit On Democracy

• January 9, 2025: Alpine Ski: Mohawk Trail’s Phineas Tuttman Captures First Place Finish At PVIAC Meet No. 1

January 8, 2025: Alpine Ski Preview: Mohawk Trail Loaded With Talent Again, Looking To Compete For Championships

Please see the latest Student Services updates

Summer learning opportunities for current high school students and training / certification opportunities for current students and graduating seniors can be found here: link (which will be continually updated). Please share with students and encourage them to apply!!!

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 Feb 12th

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 Feb 14th: 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

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