Student & Family Update

I hope that you have had a great week.

Please read on for information about upcoming events at MTRS.

We are just about a month away from opening our Smithsonian's museum on Main Street - Voices and Votes: Democracy in America. Next week we will be sharing a schedule of events and activities that we invite you to be a part of. In the meantime, look at the Voices and Votes section below and this PDF which provides an overview of what will be going on at MTRS.

Spring is MCAS Season!

Grade 10 MCAS ELA next Tuesday and Wednesday (March 25th & 26th). Students have been told where and when they will be testing. Have a good night's sleep on Monday and report to your testing rooms on Tuesday morning at 8.

Grade 7 ELA MCAS: 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

Ms Ruggeri and students in Grade 7 have been visiting students in Grade 6 to tell them all about life at MTRS - see attached image!. Families of current Grade 6 students who will be coming to MTRS in August, please look out for an email with lots of news about upcoming news and activities in relation to starting in Grade 7. Please also find a link to the information here. We look forward to seeing students and families at our Ice Cream Social on April 9th!

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

Seniors, the countdown to graduation is on! Please see the Class of 2025 section below as there is an important survey that you need to complete.

Student Led-conferences are fast approaching - 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.

Late Bus for Spring Sports: This starts on March 17th and runs to May 30st.

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:

• Continuing to build our culture of Empathy, Understanding, Bias and Hate speech
• Capstone presentations
• National Honors Inductees announced
• Field Trips
• Friday's Local Legislator panel for Grade 8 and Grade 10 students
• 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!
• Library news
• Summer Band program interest needed
• District updates
• 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

Bell Schedule

District (Calendar for 24/25)

District Calendar for 25-26

Student Handbook

Live course catalog 2024/25

Course Catalog for 2025-26

Food Services Information

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, 2024

Last Day: Tues April 1, 2024

Q3 progress report grades close on: Tuesday, February 25, 2024

Q3 progress report grading window: Monday, February 24 - Monday, March3, 2024

Q3 progress reports will be available in Aspen Tuesday, March 4, 2024

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, 2024

Quarter 4

First Day: Weds April 2, 2024

Last Day: Wednesday, June 16, 2024

Q4 progress report grades close on: Friday, May 9, 2024

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, 2024

Q4 grading window: May 28th - June 13th

Q4 report cards available in Aspen: June 16th

As a result of the early spring “mini heatwave” this week, all of our athletic programs were able to start their seasons outside! The remaining snow on campus is quickly disappearing, and our athletes are optimistic that their competition schedules will not be pushed back to accommodate field conditions! All this being said, the Mohawk Trail spring athletic participation numbers are through the roof! With nearly 80 students signed up for track and field, coaches Joe Chadwick and Tim Shearer will be fielding their largest squads in nearly a decade! All told, nearly 50% of our Mohawk Trail students will be playing a spring sport. Well above the state and national averages.

This being said, there is still time to sign up for a spring sport! Registration is currently open and can be found on the school website at https://mtrs.mtrsd.org/athletics. This spring we are offering boys and girls..

-Track and Field

-Tennis

-Softball

-Baseball

Please remember that in order to participate in extracurricular athletics, students must have an up-to-date physical on file in the nurse's office (last 13 months), have completed their Concussion Baseline Test (taken during registration), and be in good academic standing. For more information regarding spring sports, reach out to District Athletic Director Greg Lilly HERE.

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!

Grade 8 and 10 Civics students participated in our second annual Local Legislator Panel! Students were joined be joined by State Representative Natalie Blais, Ashfield Town Moderator Buz Eisenberg, Will Cosby, Chair of the Hawley Select Board, and Ken Bertsch, Chair of Hawlemont School Committee.

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

This Thursday and Friday all MTRS seniors presented their capstone projects to a panel of reviewers who offered feedback on what they saw and heard. Topics this year include: sewing a prom dress, painting a mural, exploring Mexican cuisine, EMS as a career, music production, starting a business, car repair, and more. For the next number of weeks, students will conduct more research and work on completing their intended goal of their chosen project. In May, the individual panels will convene again for a summative review. Good luck to MTRS seniors as they move through his intense process!

A huge thanks to our teachers and transportation manager for arranging and facilitating such wonderful out of school learning experiences. If parents/ caregivers are interested in being a chaperone, we are always in need of extra staff. Please email me cbuckland@mtrsd.org

What an awesome night out at Floodwater Brewing Co. to benefit the Mohawk Trail Music Association. It was a full house comprised of Mohawk Trail Regional parents, staff, students, alums, and friends. $548 was raised from revelers as they enjoyed four rounds of music trivia and each other's company. Thanks to those local businesses that provided prizes, like Real Pickles, and for Zack Livingston's hospitality and generosity. And special thanks to organizers from the Mohawk Trail Music Association and MTRS Music Teacher Annalee Clough. See a glimpse of the night on Facebook here. Bravo!

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

Ms.Clough is tentatively planning to host a week long band camp for rising 7th graders, 8th grade and high school students the week of July 21st. The intention is that this will be a free event held daily in the music room at Mohawk Trail from 12:30pm-3:30pm. We hope that any student is welcome to attend even if they are not planning on taking band classes or have no experience! If your student can only go a couple days of that week that's fine too!

Students will develop continued mastery of embouchure, hand positioning and fingering techniques, intonation, breath support, playing posture, and ability to read music.

Repertoire will include pep band music, lots of fun songs that students already know like; HOTTOGO, Iron Man, Low Rider, Imperial March and many more.

If you are interested please fill out this short form to stay in the loop.

Based on numbers/ student interest, we can confirm dates and times in April

"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

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?

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.

You can explore more fully the Dese update on MCAS testing: Link

More general information about MCAS for families can be found here: Link

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

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

Class of 2025

HOW TO APPEAL FINANCIAL AID AWARD OFFERS:

https://www.mefa.org/article/need-financial-aid-learn-appeal-process/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20any%20additional,org%20%2D%20open%20in%20new%20window.

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTER:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/apply-to-college/after-youve-applied/you-got-accepted-now-what

THINKING OF LEARNING A TRADE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? Franklin Tech offers FREE training programs. The application for the summer and fall programs is available now. Printed copies of the application are available in Student Services.

Please see our latest newsletter here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bAqvVrZFmPR1jwdzxDnBLgvksrl0GUBC/view?usp=sharing

Please see our March newsletter

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

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 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

Greetings all,

Last month, our office partnered with The United Arc and the Offices of Representative Natalie Blais and Congressman Jim McGovern to host representatives from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Children and Families, and the Child Advocate for the Commonwealth Maria Mossaides for a discussion with grandparents raising grandchildren in Franklin County.

We wanted to make sure that this information was widely accessible to those of you who are grandparents raising your grandchildren and those of you who work with grandparents raising grandchildren. Attached please find more information about programs covered at the event, and below please find some key links and contact information for the representatives for state and federal agencies and legislative offices that were present.

Office of the Child Advocate: The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent executive branch agency with oversight and ombudsperson responsibilities, established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2008.

The best way to get in touch with the OCA is through the Complaint Line: https://www.mass.gov/guides/oca-complaint-line

Maria Mossaides, Child Advocate

Department of Children and Families

Regional DCF team:

• Laurie Sullivan, (DCF Western Regional Director) laurie.sullivan@mass.gov

• Paula Teixeira, (DCF Greenfield Area Office) paula.teixeira@mass.gov

DCF’s Kinship Navigator : Kinship Navigator is a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that assists all kinship caregivers (grandparents and other relatives) with accessing services for themselves and the children they are raising.

Kinshipnavigator@mass.gov

1(844) 924-4KIN

Online referral: https://formstack.io/CF361

Jennifer Kitchenham, Jennifer.S.Kitchenham@mass.gov

Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The purpose of this Commission is to be a resource to the Commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents raising grandchildren, and relatives, other than parents, raising kin.

On July 8, 2008, the Child Advocate bill was signed into law which included the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. This legislation calls for a permanent commission on the status of grandparents raising grandchildren which consists of 15 individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to grandparents.

617-748-2454

massgrg@mass.gov

Colleen Pritoni, colleen.pritoni@mass.gov

Family Resource Centers: Supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, a Family Resource Center is located in each of the 14 Massachusetts counties. There are currently 33 FRCs.

Here are some of the ways FRCs help families:

• Bring people together for friendship and mutual support

• Strengthen parenting skills

• Respond to family crises

• Link families to services and opportunities

• Help children develop social and emotional skills

• Observe and respond to early warning signs of child abuse and neglect

• Value and support parents

Community Action Family Center

90, Federal Street, Greenfield, MA 01301

(413) 475-1555

Jolanta Rumierz, jolanta.rumierz@mass.gov

Social Security Administration - Boston Region Office

• This is the my social security account page that the speakers referenced: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

• A full FAQ page is available here: https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/

• More information about scheduling an appointment with SSA can be found here: https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-02771.html

SSA representatives in Boston office:

• Kevin Reino (Senior Public Affairs Specialist) bos.rcd@ssa.gov

• Sabrina Feliciano (Public Affairs Specialist) Sabrina.Feliciano@ssa.gov

Federation for Children with Special Needs

Not part of our formal program, but Mary-Beth Landy shared an important resource, the Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network: https://fcsn.org/c2c/ – thank you, Mary-Beth!

Mary-Beth Landy, Senior Trainer & Family Engagement Manager,

mlandy@fcsn.org

Below is the information for all of the legislative offices that were present:

Senator Comerford’s office

• Senator Comerford (jo.comerford@masenate.gov)

• Elena Cohen (elena.cohen@masenate.gov)

• Jessie Cooley (jessie.cooley@masenate.gov)

Representative Blais’s office

• Representative Blais (natalie.blais@mahouse.gov)

• Corinne Coryat (corinne.coryat@mahouse.gov)

Congressman McGovern’s office

• Koby Gardner-Levine (Koby.Gardner-Levine@mail.house.gov)

Legislative Advocacy:

Lastly, the following pieces of legislation were mentioned and are relevant to the topic.

H.1428 / S.924 An Act relative to tuition waivers for children raised by a grandparent or other relative, sponsored by Representative Donato and Senator Cyr.

H.225, An Act to amend the structure of the Commission of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, sponsored by Representative Donato.

Feel free to be in touch if you have any questions or would like more information on any of the topics listed above.

Warmly,

Elena

Elena Cohen

District Director

Office of Senator Jo Comerford

Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district

Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent

Please read this letter from the district to families receiving special education services

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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.

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