Student & Family Update

I hope that you had a good week.

We are delighted to let you know that Mohawk Trail Regional School District’s 2024-2025 Franklin County Area Superintendents’ Certificate of Academic Excellence Award Recipient is Eliza Crowell ’25. Please see below for more details!

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

• MTEA Food Bank march updates
• Athletics updates
• News from the Nurse
• MCAS news
• Peer Leadership
• Student Services updates
• Grade 8 March into High School classes
• Project 351 Food Drive
• Winter Play news
• AP Brault's Culture Corner
• Grade 8 moving to 1:1 with chrome books in S2 (Starting January 27th)
• SEPAC updates
• Sustainability updates and proposed district suggestions
• Opportunities to work at MTRS

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

Chris

Upcoming dates

• Dec 13 & 14th: Winter Play 6:30pm
• Dec 19th: College and Alumni conversations with current MTRS students during Advisory
• Dec 19: Winter Concert 6:00 pm
• December 20th: Last day of school - 2:20 release
• December 23 - 31st: Winter Break
• January 1: No school
• January 2nd: School starts again
• April 2nd: SLC for grades 7,8,9,10,11,12 (11:30 dismissal for all students!)
  
• April/ May:TBD Capstone Community Celebration (The new version of Celebration of Learning)
• May 29th: Senior Awards
  
• May 30th: Class of 2025 Graduation

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 - Fri, Jan 24th 2024 at 11:59pm

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

The Mohawk Trail Regional School District has named Eliza Crowell ’25 as the recipient of its 2024-2025 Franklin County Area Superintendents’ Certificate of Academic Excellence Award.

Continually performing at a high standard, Eliza has earned high honors consecutively since 9th grade, culminating in a 4.47 GPA with recent recognition as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. She has taken the highest level of courses available, including Advance Placement, and scored well including a 5 on her AP history and AP language exams. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Eliza is currently dual enrolled at Greenfield Community College taking an American Civil Liberties course with instructor Senator Paul Mark. She is interested in pursuing political science in college due to her interest in history, the mechanics of government, and how it all ties in to modern politics.

Initially drawn to math, partially influenced by her math-teacher grandmother who was adamant in her lessons, Eliza now finds that social sciences, history and english are what resonate. William Drake, MTRS Teacher of AP Literature and Humanities, reflects, “Eliza forges her path, always allowing her interests to guide her through her academic career; the school community is stronger because of her inquisitiveness, kindness, and curiosity.”

The Mohawk Trail Equity Alliance is a school-based organization with which Eliza has been engaged since seventh grade. Her recent involvement included raising funds benefitting the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts as she and group members walked an 8-mile stretch for their annual event, March for the Food Bank. Eliza announced at the most recent all-school assembly that the group raised $4,465.00 which was the highest total of any participating school team. MTEA members also participate in Greenfield’s annual Pride Parade.

For the fifth year in a row this spring, Eliza may be found on the Mohawk Trail Regional tennis courts. Tennis brings an element of fun into Eliza’s spring semesters and she enjoys that the team feels like a close-knit micro community.

The show could not go on without Eliza’s expertise in the booth during theater productions at Mohawk Trail Regional. She has worked diligently and expertly in the role of lighting director and operator in two school plays a year. She has also lent her talents to the New England Youth Theater in Brattleboro for their 2024 summer production of “Legally Blonde.” Former MTRS performing arts director Miss Eva affirms, “Eliza is a go-to type of person. She is the first one in and last one out. She is more than dependable and competent. I have been glad to be able to call her my ‘right hand’ in any situation.”

Without fail, music is part of Eliza’s day and offers a release. “Music lets me let go of analytics. The way I do music is so spontaneous.” She is a firm believer in organic art, and that art should capture a moment rather than follow a predetermined path. Eliza plays guitar and bass in her experimental student band The Survey for which she plans and negotiates shows at various local venues. The band has also played at school events. Of her music, Eliza explains, “When I am on my own I have an idea of how I want stuff to sound, and I work at it. With a band, you can’t have expectations. You do your part and accept others will do theirs. I feel lucky that I can trust my bandmates to do cool things.” At home she records directly onto tape, both her own work and what the band produces. In addition to being self taught on the guitar, bass, and piano, Eliza took drum lessons and was the lead percussionist in the Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra in her 9th grade year. The following summer, Eliza enhanced her skill set by taking a music production course at UMass Amherst.

Annalee Clough, MTRS Teacher of Music and Band, says, “Eliza is a big part of the music community at Mohawk Trail. She is often spending time between classes in the music room practicing for music classes and songs she is learning outside of school. Eliza is a multi-instrumentalist who is very helpful to her peers in many musical areas when they have questions, showing many qualities of a leader. ”

Eliza credits her success to her relationships and interactions with family and teachers. “Mohawk Trail has really great teachers. That’s part of why I like it here so much.” She also recognizes her parents, both involved professionally with cooperative business models that demonstrate a strong commitment to community. You will find Eliza working 16 hours a week at a local cooperative food market and another four hours a month at a North Adams-based record store. Eliza describes coops as “radical business models that prioritize community and people over profits.” Her upbringing, sense of responsibility, learned social awareness, and love of her close-knit community allow Eliza to feel comfortable and excel in the areas she pursues.

Eric Colbeck, MTRS Teacher of Robotics, Physics, AP Computer Science, and AP Physics, offers this summation of Eliza’s accomplishments, "Not only is Eliza a fantastic musician, she is also among the most dedicated students I have encountered in my career. No matter the academic obstacle, Eliza works extremely hard to perform at a high level. Eliza has also always been willing to help any of her peers who may be struggling. She is exceptionally articulate with her ideas and explanations. I am not the least bit surprised to hear that her efforts are being recognized in this manner."

Congratulations to Eliza Crowell! We are so proud to have her as a contributing and influential member of the Mohawk Trail Regional community. Her future is bright and we expect it to be filled with more successes and much more music.

Emily C is one of our Project 351 Ambassadors and has organized a food drive at MTRS.

I'm part of an organization called Project 351. Project 351 is an organization that takes students from all over Massachusetts and brings them together to create change and do service. Our task is to create a food drive in the lobby at MTRS and donate the food we get to a pantry.

The drive is from December 2nd-13th.

I have put 2-3 bins in the front lobby, and have hung fliers around the school.

Everything doantes will be given to the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry in Ashfield.

• What is Project 351? Project 351 is a nonprofit organization and youth-led movement for change. We're powered by the energy and ideas of an annual Class of 8th grade unsung heroes and quiet leaders. You join an amazing community who share your hopes for making a difference! You can learn more here.

• Who are Project 351 Ambassadors? Eighth grade change makers selected by educators to represent Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns. Since 2011, 5,229 Ambassadors have united to build the knowledge and skills to lead positive change. Check this out to see their collective impact of more than 1.3 million neighbors.

Project 351

On Wednesday of this week current students in Grade 8 were able to sign up and experience a variety of High School classes such as:

• Robotics

• Forensic Science

• AP English

• Capstone projects

• Digital Photography and Filmmaking

The final part of our Options and Opportunities series for Grade 8 will take place on Dec 19th. Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to Hear from former MTRS students who are now in college or who have finished college and are now working. These former MTRS alums will speak with current students about how best to take advantage of opportunities inside and outside the classroom at MTRS.

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

• Friday Dec 6, 13, 20th: Timeline and documents shared in the newsletter

• Friday January 3rd & 10th: Families will be reminded of the progress via personal email and in the newsletter

• 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.

The Preventure Program is utilized with our 8th grade class by administering a questionnaire that reflects personality traits of individuals into four types of thinking patterns. The workshops provided after students are grouped into their traits focus on highlighting personal goals, looking at what is getting in the way of the goals, and looking at how thinking patterns and coping strategies may be implemented to alleviate stress and allow students achieve their goals. The workshops explore both positive and negative consequences of a variety of actions and reactions to situations that may arise in a teenagers world and as a group we explore how our actions, thoughts, and reactions lead us toward our goals. The group members also benefit from the group experience and feeling like they are not alone.

There are risks associated with any piercings, with infection being the most common. Allergies are also sometimes an issue, and in rare cases, piercings can tear. Without the proper equipment and sanitary conditions, you're more likely to shatter your cartilage (which can lead to permanent lumps) and increase the risk of your body rejecting the jewellery which can cause severe pain and discomfort. So, in short, put down the sewing needle and have it done by a professional. .

Have you purchased your tickets for the Winter play, And Then There was One, by Micheal Druce?

The play is about Ten people who are brought together by mysterious invitation to a tiny, isolated island. Not one of them knows the host, who is nowhere to be found. One by one, the guests begin to die one by one. Luckily, Inspector Miles is among the guests, but even he is stymied as to who the murderer could be.

Caregivers, students and fans of drama are encouraged to come to a performance on December 13th or December 14th.

As a reminder for Cast and Crew, here is the rehearsal schedule moving forward: https://mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org/Performing-Arts

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.

In the MTRS Peer Leadership class, students get the chance to work on themselves with the support of their peers. In the beginning of the semester, Madame Trombly walks high school students through terminology and process as they take on themselves as a project. Moving through the weeks, students get to know each other better and begin leading discussions and activities. One activity is the "4 Minute Lesson" in which a student takes the floor to teach their peers something they are passionate about. Recently, Avery taught her peers how to handle and feed her pet dragon, George, and Claire showed her peers how to "bump" in volleyball. This class not only offers general personal growth and attention, it also focuses on preparation, public speaking, considering others, and collaborative leadership.

It is the expectation of the school, distinct and state, that all students who take the biology course will take the biology MCAS test. There are a number of benefits to students from participating:

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 - DESE evaluates each school and district based, in part, on MCAS performance. DESE expects all students to participate, and low participation rates trigger categorization of a school as "in need of assistance," regardless of overall results

3 - 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

Analysis of sustainability models for Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont

Regional School Districts to be completed in January

Public input will be sought in February and March

Contact: H. Jake Eberwein, Project Manager, jakeeberwein@gmail.com

November 26, 2024

The 2Districts8Towns Steering Committee continues to work with the BERK12 research team on analyzing five models that have been identified to provide a sustainable future for the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts. The Sustainability Study aims to deliver the highest quality educational experiences for students in the districts’ eight towns while reflecting fiscal realities.

The analysis of the models will be completed in January and community members will have an opportunity to attend public meetings in February and March 2025 to hear more about the models and offer feedback. It’s important to emphasize that no decisions have been made, and input from stakeholders will be considered as the Committee weighs preferred options. The five models that are being explored are:

1. No Change. Examine the status quo with projections into the near future if the districts remain as they are currently. No school closures.

2. Districts Merge. Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts become a single PK-12 regional school district with 8 towns. No school closures.

3. Move 6th Grade. Move students to Mohawk Trail Regional School (MTRS), making it a grade 6-12 school with a 6-8 middle school. All elementary schools become PK-5. No school closures. The two scenarios to be considered are maintaining HRSD and MTRSD as separate districts and merging the two districts into a single PK-12 district.

4. Move 6th grade (and possibly 5th) to MTRS and close one to three elementary schools. The three scenarios to be considered are closing one elementary school, closing two elementary schools, or having all elementary schools consolidate at the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary site.

5. Single Campus. All schools combine onto a single PreKindergarten-12 campus at MTRS.

On October 10 and November 14, BERK12 provided virtual updates for community members on progress of the Sustainability Study, including an explanation of research conducted to date and the process for identifying the five models. For those who missed those sessions or want to listen in again, a recording is available HERE.

As part of the Sustainability Study, it is possible that a renovation or construction project may be necessary to achieve the district's goals. To prepare for this possibility, the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Committees will consider filing a Statement of Interest (SOI) with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The SOI process is conducted annually, and districts must submit their SOIs between January - April 2025. MSBA decisions regarding which SOIs are accepted will be announced in December 2025. While any decision to renovate or build will ultimately be determined by the outcome of the 2D8T project, filing an SOI in early 2025 will – if the SOI is accepted – put the Districts into the “queue” of projects to be reviewed by MSBA for possible funding. The MSBA timeline, from the filing of an SOI to completion of a building project, can be as long as six to seven years, and a district can withdraw from the process at any point. A description of the MSBA process is provided HERE.

Community members are encouraged to review the resources section of the 2districts8towns website, which includes reports and presentations related to the study. Questions or comments can be submitted through the CONTACT link on the website. For those just becoming familiar with the Sustainability Study, a one page project overview is available HERE. For more information, contact project manager H. Jake Eberwein, jakeeberwein@gmail.com.

BRYT Academic and Clinician Support Personnel

To assist students who have fallen behind in association with a mental health disruption make rapid progress toward completing the school year fully caught up and on track for graduation. This is a grant funded position with the grant covering through June 2026. Among other duties, these are central to the position:

● Assists the clinician with the implementation of the academic component of the overall case management plan for each student in bryt.

● Assists with meeting the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students to allow bryt students to rapidly achieve credit.

● Develops and maintains a work tracking and academic data management system for students in bryt.

● Assists in providing instructional methods and materials that are most appropriate for meeting stated objectives, including leading small-group and 1:1 tutoring sessions with bryt students.

Paraprofessionals, High School and Middle School Team Special Education Team

Full-time - Experience working with students with Individual Education Plans preferred but not required. Must be a team player and willing to work with a Special Education Case Manager. Candidates should be comfortable working in person with students. Full benefits available.

For either position, forward cover letter, resume and recommendations to: ktotman@mtrsd.org. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

On Wednesday, 12/4 MTRS students had the opportunity to tour UMASS Amherst.

We visited the Dubois Library, which is the tallest academic research library in the world, the Marriott Hotel that is staffed by UMASS students, dorm and classrooms, and attended a brief session on "navigating life at a large institution."

Massachusetts's Flagship University did not disappoint!

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 December 11th

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 December 13th- normally the fourth Friday of each month!

Fourth 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

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