Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
Good afternoon everyone,
Unfortunately the Snowflake Ball scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled due to the severe weather warnings and impending storm for tomorrow. Students who have already purchased tickets will be able to use these to come to the March 15th Dance or ask for a refund.
Thank you for your understanding.
Please note that the MTEA Movie night has been rescheduled to Feb 27th due to the weather.
Congratulations to grade 9 Biology students for completing their MCAS assessments this week - please see the section below with more information about MCAS testing and our expectations as a school.
Bullying Intervention Plan: Please note that we are required to update this plan yearly and to keep the school community informed. The most recently revised Mohawk Trail Regional School District Bullying and Intervention Plan can be found at this LINK.
Shoes/ footwear - We are in a particularly slushy time of year and the custodial team does a great job in helping keep all our floors clear and safe. Thank you for helping remind your students to use the mats by the doors and wear appropriate footwear when using the gym. Please reach out to your child's counselor if you have any shoe-related concerns.
Attention Class of 2025 Students and Families: The 2025 scholarship season is in full swing! Last year, the class of 2024 received over $100,000 in scholarships! Tuck into the Student Services section below for more information.
Please read on for information and news related to our busy school. This includes:
- 2024 School and District report card
- Student Led Conference information for April 2nd (12-3:30)
- Events for the Class of 2025!
- Course Catalog information about course selection for 2025-6
- Library news
- Project 351 Updates from Grade 8
- District updates
- AP Brault's culture corner
- Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics
- Welcome to Mr. Vestergaard, our new Physical Education teacher
- SEPAC 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.
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 next week!
Best
Chris
Upcoming dates
- Feb break: 17 - 21st
- Feb 27th: MTEA Movie Night, Twighlight - New Moon (Rescheduled)
- March 6th - CPR and First Aid training for Grade 10
- March 15th: Spring Dance 7-9pm
- April 2nd: SLC for grades 7,8,9,10,11,12 (11:30 dismissal for all students!)
- April 7: NHS Induction Ceremony
- April 7: Ice Cream Social and information for Rising Grade 7
- April 17: Spring Music Concert
- April break: 21-25th
- May 2 & 3rd: Spring Musical
- May 15th: District Music Concert
- May 17th: Prom
- May29th: Smithsonian Celebration, Pathways Panels and Senior Awards evening (The new version of Celebration of Learning)
- May 30th: Class of 2025 Graduation
- June 9th: Step up day for grade 6
- June 6th: Grade 8 Semi-Formal
- June 12th: Tentative last day of school for students (this may change based on snow days!)
MCAS and AP schedule for 2024/25
District (Calendar for 24/25)
Live Solar Panel Energy Information
Twin Lakes has taken over from Suzor as our IT company. support@twinlakesconsulting.zendesk.com
Quarter 3: 45 Days
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
MTRS John and Abigail Adams Scholarship winners were invited to collect certificates at the SC meeting on Wednesday of this week.
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is a merit-based program that provides a credit toward tuition for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university.
For this scholarship, merit is based on student scores on the 10th grade Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test.
Qualifications: Score in the Advanced category on either the Mathematics or the English Language Arts section of the grade 10 MCAS test and score in the Proficient or Advanced category on the second subject (Mathematics or English Language Arts) and have a combined MCAS score on these assessments that ranks in the top 25% in their school district.
Congratulations to: Eliza Crowell, Avery Johnston, Deegan Kellher, Palmer King, Chayim Mojallali, Austin Parker, Hannah Phillips, Norzin Wangmo, Jadleyn Wheeler & Mayzie Whitaker
Every year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education releases a report card for each school and district in the state. Just as a student's report card shows how they are doing in different classes, school and district report cards are designed to show parents and community members how a school or district is doing in different areas. Report cards highlight a school or district's strengths as well as any challenges that need to be addressed in order to make sure the needs of all students are being met.
Families were emailed an explanation and overview of the latest DESE report. Here is the link that was shared. Please reach out to Chelsea in the office if you require a hard copy.
SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION OPENED FEBRUARY 1ST!!!
While winter sports are just now in full swing, it is time to start thinking about selecting a spring sport for your student-athletes! Registration will open on February 1st, and can be found on the school website at https://mtrs.mtrsd.org/athletics. This spring we will be 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.
NEW COOPERATIVE TEAMS FORMED AHEAD OF SPRING SEASON!
We at Mohawk Trail are very excited to announce that beginning this spring, two new athletic opportunities for Warrior students will now be available!
Due to low participation numbers, our high school boys will now be playing Varsity Baseball with Greenfield High School! GHS will serve as the host school, and Mohawk Trail will be the guest. Registration information will be passed along as soon as it becomes available from Greenfield HIgh School.
In addition to baseball, boys in grades 8-12 will now have the opportunity to be a part of a BOYS tennis team! We will again be teaming with Greenfield High School in this endeavor. If you have any questions regarding these new athletic programs, please reach out to District Athletic Director Greg Lilly at glillyAD@mtrsd.org.
Please reach out to our guidance team with any questions:
Truggeri@mtrsd.org (Grade 7 & 8)
Ldesarro@mtrsd.org (Grades 9-12)
An e-copy of the course catalog can also be found on our website.
April 2nd: 12-2:30pm
General information about SLC
What is a Student-led-conference?
Student-led-conferences (SLC) are at the heart of our shift to standards based teaching and learning. They provide students with more ownership of their learning experiences at MTRS.
Rather than reviewing letters/ numbers on a report or progress card, SLCs provide students with an opportunity to lead a 15 minute conversation about their progress towards proficiency in habits of learning and content-based skills.
Students will be using the assessment criterion that we shared earlier in the year.
They also enable students to reflect on their learning experiences to date and to set goals for the rest of the school year.
Does my student have to do an SLC?
SLC are based in an advisory class, which is scheduled for each student every day. Advisory is a graduation requirement and student participation in SLC is expected and contributes to the pass/fail (credit/no-credit) for the course at the end of the year.
SLCs are scheduled 1 x a year for grade 7 and 2 x a year for grades 8-12 Students must participate in SLCs in order to pass the Advisory class, in addition to attendance and participation.
If a student is absent or unwell when their SLC is scheduled, they will make this up when they return.
Who will be at the Student-led-conference?
Students will lead their own conference as it is their opportunity to talk about their experiences at MTRS as well as their goals for the rest of the year and beyond high school.
We would like to invite care providers and families to be an integral part of every student’s journey and to try to be present at the SLC - in-person or virtually.
Your student’s advisory teacher will be present. As advisory groups meet every day for a year, advisory teachers have the best overall insight into habits of learning and academic progress of each of their students. They can help support students as they lead their conference.
When will the Student-led-conferences take place?
SLC #2 for Grades 7-12 will take place on April 2nd, 2024 from 12 - 3:30pm
Where will the Student-led-conference take place?
If you are in-person, please arrive at school 10 minutes before your scheduled time and someone will bring you to the advisor’s room.
If you are meeting virtually, please log in to the google meet 5 minutes before your scheduled time.
What is the difference between SLS #1 and SLC #2?
SLC#1: A chance for the student to reflect on their strengths, growths and challenges in the first semester, to reflect on their discoveries as a learner during the year so far and to set some habits and academic goals for the second semester. It is also an opportunity for students to talk through current post-high school plans.
SLC #2: A chance for the student to reflect on challenges and successes of the year, to set goals for the year ahead and to revisit and possibly change post-high school plans.
What is the schedule for the S2 Student-led-conferences?
Students will be dismissed from school at 11:30 am after lunch. They will take their bus home and then either come back in to school with a caregiver to complete their SLC in person or take part in their SLC virtually with their caregiver.
Students who return to the building with a caregiver for an SLC are expected to leave campus with their caregiver after their SLC has taken place.
Only students with SLC scheduled between 12-12:30 will be permitted to wait in the lobby if their caregiver is coming into school. They will be expected to leave campus with them after their SLC has concluded.
How do I schedule my SLC?
After February break, advisory teachers will start to reach out to caregivers and families by email to schedule conferences of 15 minutes per student (in-person or virtual) on the above days.
What if I have children in multiple grades?
We will start to schedule appointments so care providers will be able to arrange times convenient for them during the SLC window.
What if 15 minutes is not enough time?
Advisors can help care providers/ families set up a subsequent appointment to meet with themselves or specific content teachers at a later date.
What will happen if I am unable to attend in person or virtually?
We understand that not everyone can be available in-person or virtually during the school day. If you are unable to attend, your student will still conference with their advisory teacher.
As we continue to develop our Student-led conference process, we will look at ways to have early afternoon/ early evening conferences as a way for all families and care providers to have the opportunity to be a part of the process.
What if I have more questions?
Please reach out to your students' advisor in the first instance. Your grade-level guidance counselor will also be able to help:
Grades 7 and 8: truggeri@mtrsd.org
Grades 9-12: ldessaro@mtrsd.org
Supporting the Special Olympics
Last Friday, members of the Mohawk Trail Regional Student Council took the plunge for Special Olympics - a Polar Plunge, that is.
In recent years this activity has taken place in the chilly waters off of Cape Cod, but last Friday the mobile plunge pool was at Greenfield High School. Click here for a look at the last two MTRS folks to hit the icy water. (And here’s another daring duo from MTRS!) Great job, Trailblazers!
MTRS students brave the icy water for Special Olympics "because we believe that sports are the gateway to building confidence, lifelong friendships, and becoming leaders in the community." Donations may be made online on their fundraising page.
More images of the participants from the day may be seen by clicking here.
Matthias Vestergaard
Matthias brings a wealth of teaching and life experiences to our teaching team and he is looking forward to working with our students in the Phys Ed program.
Seniors, the countdown is on!
Make sure that you are aware of what you need to do in order to graduate. Ms Desarro has already met with you all and you should reach out 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
What an exciting time of year this is! Between snow days, new programs, and signing up for courses, there is so much going on!
Don’t forget if we have a snow day, the next day the schedule slides. For example, there was a snow day on Thursday. It was a “B” day, and now today, Friday, is a “B” day.
The bryt program is up and running! This clinical program is for students returning to school after a long absence, those in danger of not graduating, or those for whom their anxiety is so strong that attending class is difficult, to name a few possibilities. Melinda Kosterman is the clinical staff for the program and she will reach out to families of students who have been suggested to her. If this sounds like a program that might meet the needs of your student reach out to Mrs. Desarro or Mrs. Ruggeri for more information.
All students were given a 25-26 Course Catalog today. Take a look with your student to see what amazing opportunities we have at MTRS! Students will be selecting courses next week. You can always find the most up-to-date version online!
Calling Alumni! How Did MTRS Prepare You?
We have been busy putting together a couple of new videos highlighting what is special about Mohawk Trail Regional. One of them focuses on life after MTRS. Alums - this is your cue!
Maybe you developed study habits that served you well in college and as a life-long learner. Maybe you were an athlete or student council member who used your leadership skills to move ahead in a particular industry. Maybe you built confidence that allows you to figure out how to make things work. If your experience at MTRS prepared you particularly well for your career and life in general, we’d love to hear from you. If you are open to being filmed for a short cameo, please be in touch with me at cfoote@mtrsd.org. I look forward to hearing from you.
Community Partner Spotlight
Monthly we send content to local area newsletters so that they may decide to include some of what we send in their publications. We’d like to recognize a few of those publications that are truly partners out in our communities.
The Ashfield News: this newsletter comes out in print for subscribers and electronically. Two school committee members have had pieces published recently, and there is interest from the reporters, including an overview of the Mohawk Trail Regional Trailblazer model, as a February above-the-fold-front-page feature. Monthly issues may be accessed through their Facebook profile.
The Colrain Clarion: accessed through a free email sign up or on Facebook, this is a monthly newsletter. Check it out here. (And it looks like they are looking for helpers to keep it going!)
Two Town News: covering Buckland and Shelburne, this is a monthly e-newsletter. Check out the February issue here.
The Greenfield Recorder: the local newspaper has been busy including updates on everything from athletics to budgets. You may access their stories on Facebook, which we regularly share on our general and athletics Facebook pages, and in our News Archives found on our websites (MTRS and the Districts sites).
Thanks to all those involved in recording and printing what happens in our schools, and to those of you who read and share our news!
Another Plug for Your Participation in the Sustainability Study
The Steering Committee has planned a series of meetings to share the results of the work of the Sustainability Study with community members in the eight towns served by the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts. Each meeting will include a presentation followed by an opportunity for discussion of the findings and the pros and cons of each option. Community members, parents, students, school staff, and elected officials are encouraged to attend.
Meeting dates/times are in-person with a virtual option, unless otherwise noted:
● February 25, Buckland-Shelburne Elementary, 6:30-8 pm
● March 6, all virtual meeting, Google Meet, 6:30-8 pm (virtual only)
● March 11, Sanderson Academy, 5:30-7:00 pm
● March 19, Hawlemont Regional School, 6:30-8 pm
● March 20, Mohawk Trail Regional School, 6:30-8 pm
● March 26, Colrain Central School, 6:30-8 pm
Community members are encouraged to learn more about the Sustainability Study by visiting www.2districts8towns.org. The website includes reports that have been written by BERK12, presentations to the Steering Committee and other groups, and the project work plan. Recent additions to the website include Frequently Asked Questions and a series of informational briefs on topics such as class size, best practices, and moving grade six to middle school.
Zoom links and a registration link for the community meetings are posted on the website. For more information, contact Project Manager Jake Eberwein, jakeeberwein@gmail.com.
Scholarship information
Please see the latest Student Services updates
Attention Class of 2025 Students and Families,
The 2025 scholarship season is in full swing! Last year, the class of 2024 received over $100,000 in scholarships!
Click here for the Official Student Services Scholarship Bulletin. Scholarships will be listed here as they become available. Local scholarships are numerous and more are still coming in, so PLEASE check the bulletin regularly. ALSO, check out the Scholarship Board in the Student Services office, where a lot of QR codes can be scanned for applications. This bulletin is also on the Student Services website.
MAKE SURE you have applied for your FAFSA https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
IN ADDITION to FAFSA, some schools require the CSS Profile. Check your school's financial aid site to see if it is required.
Please stop by if you have any questions, or need assistance. We are happy to help!
The Student Services office will meet with the seniors in February as more scholarships come in.
Please see our February newsletter
Project 351 celebrates 15 years of a youth-led movement for change
BOSTON - Eighth-grade service Ambassadors representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns kicked-off a year of youth-led service with Project 351 last Saturday. This year’s Class selected from Mohawk Trail Regional’s eighth grade includes Armando Gonzalez of Shelburne, Collin Healey of Rowe, Olivia Thompson of Ashfield, Kayden Berry of Colrain, Ryah Pizzi of Charlemont, Zavel Gardner of Plainfield, Za’riah Johnson of Buckland, and Zoe Mojalali of Hawley.
“The students were selected by teachers and staff as quiet leaders who are aspiring change-makers, who encompass an ethic of service, and a desire to learn and lead,” Mohawk Trail Regional school counselor Taffy Ruggeri shared.
On Saturday, January 25th, Ambassadors were joined by Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and other community leaders for a day of service and celebration in Boston.
“The young people who serve with Project 351 are great examples of what makes Massachusetts a leader in so many important ways,” said Governor Healey. “These Ambassadors demonstrate what is possible when we work together to make the changes we all want to see in our own communities. I’m proud to join them as they embark on this important year of leadership and service.”
Project 351, a nonprofit organization, annually unites a class of unsung heroes for a transformative year of leadership development, enrichment, and impact through unifying statewide service campaigns. This year, Project 351 celebrates its 15th year with a collective social impact on more than 1.4 million lives. Project 351’s annual Launch celebration honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
"It’s inspiring to see the incredible passion of these young people at work in their schools and communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “With every service project that is undertaken, a ripple effect travels across the state, impacting thousands of lives and strengthening the bonds that connect us all."
Launch Day kicks-off 12 months of leadership development through Alumni mentorship and enrichment through Project 351’s Service Leadership Academy. Through Project 351, Ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to mobilize their hometowns in service campaigns that address critical issues including hunger, clothing insecurity, and educational equity.
“I first experienced Project 351’s amazing students while principal at Brighton High School,” said Secretary Tutwiler. “I continue to be impressed by these young Ambassadors and what they’re able to achieve in communities across Massachusetts. The students associated with this incredible organization will be the next generation’s leaders and they should inspire and energize all of us.”
On Launch Day, Ambassadors traveled from across the state to convene at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum for a celebratory morning program. The program also included remarks by James Gallagher, General Counsel, John Hancock/Manulife, a founding sponsor. Wearing their signature navy tee, Ambassadors mobilized by Service Hero teams for an afternoon of service at La Colaborativa, Brighton High School, and Cradles to Crayons. In partnership with these community leaders, Ambassador service impacted more than 34,000 neighbors.
“Project 351 is powered by the idealism and ideas of 8th grade change makers,” said Carolyn Casey, Project 351 Founder and Executive Director. “As we welcome our 5,588th Ambassador, we celebrate the transformative good made possible when we unite in common cause. And we uplift the values they stand for -- kindness, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all."
MTRS ambassador Ryah Pizzi explained, “The whole community was so cool and everyone there was nice. Each school or town seemed like they really chose the right kids to be a part of this year’s ambassadors. The service work I did was making wellness bags for veterans, packing food for LA, and painting murals for the school that it took place in. I think we all made good friends that day and I'm happy to say I went.”
Another MTRS ambassador, Kayden Berry, admitted, “Going into it, I did not think it was going to be fun. But the second I got onto the bus I knew I was wrong. I am so happy with everything we got done and all the ways that we helped. This was an awesome opportunity and has given me a new view on what young people can do.”
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About Project 351
Founded in 2011, Project 351 is a youth-led movement for change powered by an eighth-grade unsung hero and high school Alumni mentors selected to represent every city and town in Massachusetts. Youth are recognized by hometown educators for an exemplary ethic of service; values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude; and devotion to equity and inclusion. The Ambassadors’ 12-month term of leadership development and service is the foundation of Project 351’s leadership model. High school, college, and career Alumni steward Project 351’s mission and model of impact as mentors, program leaders, and governance. Through the 35ONE enrichment continuum, a new generation of leaders develops the skills, knowledge, and courage to achieve bold change. For more information visit: https://project351.org/
The students were selected by teachers and staff as quiet leaders who are aspiring change-makers, who encompass an ethic of service, and a desire to learn and lead
The young people who serve with Project 351 are great examples of what makes Massachusetts a leader in so many important ways
Mohawk Trail Music and Band Teacher Annalee Clough has created a YouTube channel that will feature MTRS student musicians.
March is designated "Music In Our Schools Month" and, to celebrate, the music department will be releasing videos of MTRS student compositions and performances weekly on the newly established YouTube channel starting March 1st!
Follow @MohawkTrailMusicDepartment to stay updated.
We want to hear your voice!
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
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
Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent
Please read this letter from the district to families receiving special education services
Do you have a question about your child, their services, or resources specific to your needs? If you or someone you know would like to be added to the private list and receive emails and event notifications, please send an email to: MOHAWKSEPAC@gmail.com Please indicate your email, title (such as parent of a student with IEP/504), District, Interested Party or other)
Disclosure: SEPAC maintains the list of contacts and keeps the information private. This email is maintained by a parent and volunteer. Our goal is to respond in a timely manner. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
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.
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional