Student & Family Update

I hope that you have had a great week.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the performance of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown tonight and Saturday at 7pm. Our cast and crew have been working really hard with Ms Eva and Mr Todd and the show promises to be fantastic!

There are no sports updates today as AD Lilly is working flat out to get fields ready for make-up games. We will have our regular sports news next Friday.

In this week's newsletter there are also updates on:

• Upcoming Student-led-conferences (June 5th)
• Field trips that took place this week
• How you can order a copy of the yearbook
• Artist in Residence returns to MTRS
• FRCOG CPR and First Aid community courses at MTRS
• Grading deadlines, last day and Scholarship and Graduation information for the Class of 24
• College and Career resources for students and families
• SEPAC meeting information

June Student-led conferences

Advisory teachers have started to reach out to families and care providers to schedule a Student-Led-Conference

• June 5th: S2 Student Led Conferences- Early dismissal for all MS and HS Students at 11:30 (Conferences to take place virtually or in person between 12-3:30pm MS & HS and virtually)
  

• June 12th: 12:50pm Early release for students in MS and HS

• June 14th: Last day for students: 11:30 dismissal for MS and HS

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!

Best wishes

Chris

Upcoming dates

• May 3rd & 4th: Spring Musical: You're a good man, Charlie Brown

• May 4th: Craft Sale at MTRS

• May 6 - 10th: Teacher appreciation week
  

• May 11th: MTAA Spring Fling

• May 16th District Music Concert at MTRS

• May 17th: Grade 11 and 12 DUI and Legal issues presentation from SFPD

• May 18th: Prom

• May 24th: Last day for G12 (If you are on track to graduate)

• May 30th: Senior Awards evening

• May 31st (Friday) -6-8pm: High School Graduation. Indoors at MTRS (This is a correction to the published date of June 1st)

• June 3rd - Grade 6 Step up day

• June 5th: S2 Student Led Conferences- Early dismissal for all MS and HS Students at 11:30

• June 7th: Grade 8 Ice cream and Celebration: 5:30-7:30

• June 12th: 12:50pm Early release for students in MS and HS

• June 14th: Last day for students: 11:30 dismissal for MS and HS

Chromebook return dates (Times TBD)

• Grade 12: May 24th

• Grade 9 &10: June 12th

• Grade 11 & 8: June 13th

District Calendar for 2023/24: Link (Calendar for 24/25)

Handbook

Live course catalog 2024/25

Bell schedule

MTRS MCAS and AP testing schedule

Food Services Information

Quarter 4 40 Days (5 fewer days due to Q2)

First Day: Monday April 8, 2024

Last Day: Monday, June 10, 2024

Q4 progress report grades close on: Friday, May 10, 2024

Q4 progress report grading window: Thursday, May 9 - Thursday, May 16 at 11:59pm

Q4 progress reports will be available in Aspen: Friday, May 17, 2024

Q4 grading window: May 31st - June 14th

Q4 report cards available in Aspen: June 17th

Leanne Blaszak, 7th grade English Language Arts teacher, offered students in her extension classes the opportunity to become published authors. But there was a catch. Each story could only be 100 words long.

Taking part in the Young Writers competition, Mohawk Trail Regional middle schoolers were given the assignment to write “speculative fiction,” stories that take place in our world, but feature magical, supernatural, futuristic or other twists. The exercise - and competition - is designed to allow students to write about what inspires them while focusing on the action and carefully considering their word choice. Seventh grade is a great time to build these skills with the hope of encouraging more confident writers. The organization provided materials to aid educators in leading their students through the process of starting with an idea to submitting a finished piece of writing.

The theme was “The Glitch” in which students had to imagine a story that included a change that has world-altering consequences. Writers used a graphic organizer to help map out their ideas and elements to their story. First steps included considering prompts, defining their character(s), and choosing the setting. Next came the creation of the big details of the beginning, middle and end. Fleshing it out and refining were the final steps.

Students worked for two Extension classes on developing their stories. Ms. Blaszak notes this about her students, “Encouraging young people to experiment with language in creative and challenging ways empowers them to trust their ideas, their skills, and their ability to tackle something new.”

Submitted in late February, these were some of titles of completed 100-word works: The Last One To See Color, The Forgetting, What We Thought Was The End, The Dark Box, The Subliminal Space, The Multi-Pocket Parallel Catastrophe, and Portraits. As a result of these and many more compelling mini sagas, 48 Mohawk Trail Regional 7th grade students can now claim the title of “published author.”

Every writer received a bookmark commemorating the experience. Those chosen for publication also received a certificate of merit. The Glitch - Stories Of Imagination is scheduled for publication on July 31, 2024. As a participating school, Mohawk Trail Regional will receive a complimentary copy of the book allowing all featured students the chance to see their work in print. Parental permission is needed for stories to be published - if your student is one of the authors and you haven’t yet signed off on publishing, please do in the next couple of weeks.

We are proud of the many MTRS 7th grade students whose English language arts skills, coupled with guidance from Ms. Blaszak and the materials from Young Writers, offered a sense of accomplishment and perhaps, permission to dream a little bigger about what the future holds.

https://youngwritersusa.com/contest/middle-high/glitch

MTRS Yearbooks are for sale!

Don't forget to order the 2024 edition of Massamet, Mohawk Trail's yearbook. You or your student can order the yearbook through TreeRing.com. Follow the link below for more information. If you haven't ordered an MTRS yearbook in the past 4 years, you'll have to make an account. Seniors have had yearbooks purchased for them with Class of 2024 funds. Yearbooks ordered before 5/10 will be shipped to the school by the end of the month, yearbooks ordered after 5/10 will be shipped directly to your home. Please reach out to Mr. Leowolf at bleowolf@mtrsd.org with any questions.

Purchase link: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1015542201951246

School Passcode: 1015542201951246 "

Tickets are available on the door or in advance for the performance tonight (Friday 3rd) or tomorrow (Saturday 4th at 7pm!)

Please email stagemanager@mtrsd.org for more information

Last Friday French classes went on a field trip to the Clark Art Institute where we had the opportunity to observe many French paintings. While other classes got to explore the museum on their own, the French One class started the day with a quick tour of all the French artists we had been previously learning about in class. After the tour we got to join the other classes and had freedom to explore the whole museum and the outdoor trails. Finally, on the way back to Mohawk we stopped at Le McDonald's for lunch.

MTRS students in grades 8-12 participated (many for the first time!) in an outdoor top-rope rock climbing trip at Chapel Ledge in Ashfield this past Wednesday. The trip was facilitated by certified instructors from the Outdoor Leadership Program at Greenfield Community College, and it was organized by MTRS guidance staff.

On May 1st, Grade 8 students attended the annual Franklin County Law Day at the Franklin County Justice Center. Students had the chance to tour the courtrooms & offices throughout the building and ask questions to William Mazanec, first justice for the Greenfield District Court (and Mohawk Trail graduate)! Students identified connections between their learnings in Civics class and the keynote address from John Bonifaz, a constitutional law scholar, and his daughter, Marisol Bonifaz, a high school student activist. They spoke about the current state of voter suppression, the importance of participating in democracy, and ways students can be more involved. Jordyn Gilmore, an eighth grader at Mohawk Trail Regional School, said she “learned a lot about the justice system,” along with democracy and the court system, at the event.

(video to 22 News)

Mr Biagini and Ms Pace organized a field trip for eight students to attend the Masshire Construction Career day. We look forward to making this an annual event!

"Last week, 9th grade Biology students went to the University of Massachusetts. First we got a tour of the Food Science department and then we went to an underground lab to see how they process and

make foods, one of the things down there was a machine that they are using to make safe, nutritious foods for astronauts on long term missions. We then walked to the dining hall and ate some delicious food! We ended this fantastic trip by learning what the Food Science major really is and also how ice cream is made and what’s in it. I loved this field trip and I recommend it for future trips." - Hannah H., Class of '27

The MTRS Art Department is excited to announce the return of our artist-in-residence partnership with Ashfield artist Robert Markey this May! Mr. Markey will be joining us to lead the next phase of our mosaic project in the outdoor classroom. Last year we had over 75 students work together to bring beauty and artistry to our courtyard learning space-- with fantastic results. The mosaics reflect the cooperation, creativity, and personal expressions of our great kids (who know a lot about our local ecosystem and were excited to demonstrate this skill through a perfect eagle wing, perch tail, or turkey feather). This year art students in grades 7-12 will have the opportunity to learn how the mosaic process works as they participate in designing, creating and mounting nature-themed artworks that will remain for years to come. Mr. Markey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as an artist. His community-engaged practice has brought him to South America, Asia, and the Middle East as well as many local communities where he has created public art. You can learn more about him and see his work at his website. We are thrilled to offer this experiential learning opportunity for students, grateful to Mr. Markey for being a generous local partner, and eager to create legacy artwork for our wonderful community here at MTRS.

On Saturday, May 4th, the student council will be holding a raffle of vendor items donated during the 2nd Annual Audrey's Angels Craft Fair being held on the field hockey field at Mohawk Trail High School from 10-3.

Currently, there are 50 vendors whose fees are being donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Hawlemont School will be holding a bake sale and Wandering Waffles will be the food truck.

Please come and support all!

The Peacemaker Award recognizes the youth in Franklin County who create projects to make positive contributions toward justice, peace, and equity within their communities and worldwide. The Peacemaker Award is sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Franklin County and the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice. The following students were nominated and awarded the honor for their participation and hard work as Key Club members, and for spearheading the creation of the Sharing & Caring Closet for their surrounding communities. These students recognized a need for change and contributed to a positive solution. The Peacemaker Award will take place on May 8, 2024, at the Greenfield Public Library from 6-7:30. Guest speakers include Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian. Students, family & friends, are encouraged to join others receiving their awards. This prestigious award goes to the Key Club members, Mohamed Abdelgaward, Shelby Collier, Madeline Cosentino, Riley Girad, Sophia Goodnow, Palmer King, Jackson Lilienthal, Chayim Mojallali, Gage Patenaude, Sebastian Seward, Emily Sisum, Kaylin Sumner, Phineas Tuttman, and Will Van Vleet.

On Thurs 5/2 and 5/9, community CPR and first aid classes will be offered. If you need to re-certify your CPR credentials, or bolster your confidence on how to respond in an emergency, these classes are for you! Participants will leave each class with a nationally-recognized certification.

The classes will be deeply discounted ($20/class, $30/both classes), thanks to a grant secured by Cooperative Public Health Service, the health district that supports all West County Boards of Health.

Students can receive an additional discount by using the following codes: STUDENT_CPR (for $10 CPR class), STUDENT_FIRSTAID (for $10 first aid class) or STUDENT_COMBINED (to take both classes for $15).

While these classes will take place at Mohawk Trail Regional School, this is NOT a school-sponsored activity.

May is upon us! So many exciting opportunities for our students - from field trips to graduation and everything in between!

Middle school students had an assembly last week about a plethora of behaviors. This discussion did not yield changes in some behaviors, particularly use of profanity, calling students names they are not choosing, and water bottle usage. As a result, many lunch detentions are being handed out as well as emails home.

In high school we continue to have issues with the bathrooms. Several students have been given restrictions on bathroom usage and the teachers have been fabulous about shooing students out when they congregate. Please help high school students remember this is not a hang out location!

With so much going on, all of us could benefit from taking a moment to pause to collect ourselves and our thoughts, and breathe. Taking an extra moment to glance at your school’s calendar, related social media, and newsletters can help make sure you are making the most of the opportunities offered in this final stretch of the 2023-2024 school year.

FY2025 and Annual Town Meetings

With the local Annual Town Meeting season kicking off on Saturday, please know that MTRSD has made available a number of materials that will help residents understand the numbers in the proposed FY2025 budget.

On the district website, through the Business Services pages (https://www.mtrsd.org/Business-Services), this is what is available:

- the source spreadsheets for Mohawk Trail Regional School District and Hawlemont Regional School District

- the slide deck from the February public hearing on the proposed budget

- one page summaries for each town (paper copies will be available at Town Meetings)

- the expanded budget information for those who wish to know a little more than what the one-page overviews provide, but less than the full February slide deck.

Also being presented again this year is the MTRSD Regional Agreement Amendment, the details of which may be reviewed here.

Town Meeting dates for 2024 are posted as:

• Ashfield: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10am

• Buckland: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10am

• Plainfield: May 4, 2024, 1pm

• Shelburne: May 7, 2024, 6:30pm

• Heath: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9am

• Hawley: Monday, May 13, 2024, 7pm

• Charlemont: Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 6pm

• Colrain: Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 7pm

WHAT TO KNOW

Student-Led Conferences (SLC’s) are held twice a year to focus on each student and reflect together about their school year. This is a version of a parent-teacher conference in which students take a leadership role.

Spring SLC Date: June 5th, 2024

What is the process for students?

Students have reflection time and mini-lessons during Advisory meetings where they can think, write and talk about what their areas of strength are, what they are most proud of, what can be celebrated, areas for growth, and what teachers and family can do to support their student's new goals.
Teachers provide students access to their work and feedback so students can collect evidence.
Caregivers and parents can sign up for a time digitally. Invites are sent from the student's Advisory Leader.

Who participates in an SLC?

Every MTRS student from grades 7-11 (no grade 12 in the Spring) will conference with their

Advisory Leader and their Caregiver (if caregiver can attend) to be present and supportive

of their student. Video conference options are available and anticipated.

When will the SPRING SLC’s happen?

15 minute conference slots will be scheduled after dismissal on June 5th, a special 11:30

am release day. Thank you for your flexibility as we refine our process with your feedback!

Why Student-Led Conferences?

● To encourage each student to accept personal responsibility for their academic performance.

● To improve students’ skills in reflection and self-evaluation.

● To facilitate the development of a student's organizational and oral communication skills and to increase their self-confidence.

● To engage students, parents and advisors in an open and honest dialogue about learning and progress, both where a student is and where they need to go next.

● To develop student-advisor-parent learning partnerships.

How did SLC's become part of the Trailblazer Model?

● We examined our existing practices and asked "How can we best academically support students for long-term success?”

● We learned from research and site visits to schools that implement SLC's for every student.

● Grade-level teams customized the SLC experience to the developmental and academic needs of the students they serve.

● We piloted SLC's during the 22/23 school year to inform this year’s school-wide process. Will will continue to improve our implementation based on feedback.

Would you like to know more?

For questions about scheduling your student's individual SLC please reach out to your student's Advisory Leader. For questions regarding the SLC process or other inquiries about SLC's please contact school administration via the front office at 413-625-9811.

SLC Focus Areas

• Academic Development
• Engagement
• Personal Responsibility
• Communication & Collaboration
• Inquiry & Exploration
• Personal Reflection

Scholarship information

Hello, Class of 2024 and Families,

The 2024 scholarship season is in full swing! Last year, the class of 2023 received over $100,000 in scholarships!

This is the Official Scholarship Bulletin. This year's scholarships will be listed here as they become available. Some are still coming in, so please check the bulletin regularly. This bulletin is also included in the Student Services Newsletter and it is on the Student Services website.

Here are some tips:

• Check that you have all of the required documents (transcript, letter of recommendation, etc) before you submit your application.

• To request documents, email sgarcia@mtrsd.org. Let me know how many of each requested document you need. I will place your letters of recommendation into sealed envelopes.

• Pay close attention to the due dates. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline.

• Check the bulletin for submission details. Some applications need to be mailed out and some need to be submitted to the Student Services Office.

• If you are mailing the applications, be sure to mail them out with enough time for them to get there before the deadline. (Postmarked is the stamped date on the envelope when the post office receives it)

Awards Night is Thursday, May 30th at 5 pm. At this ceremony, we will announce the recipients of the scholarships. Most scholarship disbursements will be made after the students submit their semester 1 transcripts from college. The certificate that you receive on Awards night will provide directions on how to receive the disbursements.

Graduation information

Class meetings will take place in the next two weeks and the Class of 2024 will be planning their involvement in the following events:

Graduation

• DUI and Legal Issues talk with SFPF for G 11 and 12 - May 17th

• Prom - Saturday 18th May

• Senior Send off - Weds 22nd May

• Senior Soak - Thursday 23rd May

• Last Day - Friday May 24th (depending on Snow Days and if students are on track to graduate)

• Memorial Day - Mon 27th May

• Finals and rehearsals for Awards/ Graduation - Tuesday 28th May and Wednesday May 29th

• Elementary school visit and MTRS staff cookout - Wednesday 29th May

• Awards Event - Thursday 30th May (5-7pm)

• Graduation Celebration - Friday May 31st 6-8pm indoors at MTRS (auditorium)
  

Please note:

Grade 12 Q4 Progress Grading Window: Wednesday, May 1 - Wednesday May 8, 2024 @ 11:59pm

Grade 12 Progress Reports available: Thursday, May 9, 2024

Grade 12 Q4 Term Grading Window: Wednesday, May 22 - Wednesday May 29, 2024 @ 11:59pm

Grade 12 Reports Cards available: Thursday, May 30, 2024

Scholarships

Please keep checking the Student Services section of the website in order to stay on top of deadlines. Last year the Class of 2023 walked away with over $100,000 in scholarships from our MTRS community!

This section of the newsletter will be updated as we progress through the year, so please check back in regularly!

Please see our May newsletter, here

Student Services Update

Also don't forget to be checking the Senior Scholarship Bulletin.

Students and parents, please reach out with any specific questions - happy to help! Mrs. Cairney acariney@mtrsd.org Students to book an appt visit: https://acairney.youcanbook.me/

Please make sure that you check the Bus routes on district site. Care providers can call Dawn at the bus company on 413-489-3195 at ext 3304 or call the school and ask to speak to Robin Pease.

Local Education Council (LEC)

This meets virtually every second Wednesday of the month between 3:45 and 4:30pm. More information can be found here. The next meeting will take place on May 8th

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 May 10th. See joining information below!

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

Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent

Join us for the Caregiver Workshop to:

* understand DESE's new IEP Process

* become familiar with the new forms

* learn to navigate the new processes

Follow the link to the virtual session on May 20 here:

https://collaborative.zoom.us/j/84763305906#success

Follow us on Facebook

Do you have a question about your child, their services, or resources specific to your needs? If you or someone you know would like to be added to the private list and receive emails and event notifications, please send an email to: MOHAWKSEPAC@gmail.com Please indicate your email, title (such as parent of a student with IEP/504), District, Interested Party or other)

Disclosure: SEPAC maintains the list of contacts and keeps the information private. This email is maintained by a parent and volunteer. Our goal is to respond in a timely manner. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Special Education Contact Information

Person

Role

Contact Information

Leann Loomis

Director of Pupil Personnel Services

413-625-0192 x1025

lloomis@mtrsd.org

Melissa Plesnar

Assistant to Director of Pupil Personnel Services

413-625-0192 x1015

mplesnar@mtrsd.org

Erin Beaudet

7-12 Liaison

413-625-9811 x1314

ebeaudet@mtrsd.org

Carolyn Goodnow

1-6 Liaison

Mohawk Trail District

413-625-2521

cgoodnow@mtrsd.org

Kate Dwyer

1-6 Liaison

Hawlemont District

413-339-8316

kdwyer@mtrsd.org

Amy Socquet

Early Childhood Coordinator and Liaison

413-625-6194

asocquet@mtrsd.org

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.

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.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81146390541?pwd=cGVyR0hFelYrTWhTZ2pzK0kwWnBWQT09

Meeting ID: 811 4639 0541

Passcode: 453118

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,81146390541# US (Chicago)

+16468769923,,81146390541# US (New York)

Email us to learn more: mohawksepac@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MohawktrailSEPAC

Principal, Mohawk Trail Regional School

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