Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
Good afternoon everyone,
We are half way through May and almost at the end of the academic year!
Apologies but due to a technical hitch progress grades for 7-11 may be delayed and won't be in Aspen until Monday. Thanks for your patience!
Grade 10 are scheduled to take Math MCAS on Tuesday 5/21 and Wednesday 5/22. Students will get their room assignments on Monday. Students need to bring a fully charged Chromebook to school, get a good night's rest and eat breakfast :) On test day, students will go to their assigned room at 7:45 am for an 8 am start time.
We are also nearing the end of AP exam season. Have a look at the Teaching and Learning section below in which we detail a lot of information about our AP courses and process.
Thanks to Ms. Camarda and Ms. Elani for their help with organizing the Prom this weekend for the Class of 2024. We will share a student update next week.
Congratulations to Counselor Billings for completing his Masters Degree and to AP Brault for completing her Doctorate of Education! (See photo)
As we did in Q2, Caregivers are invited to give feedback on their experiences of MTRS here. Feedback will be shared at the June school committee meeting.
Grade 8 students and families, don't forget that on June 7th there is the Grade 8 Celebration from 5:30-7:30 (5:30-6: Awards and slide show with parents, 6-7:30pm chaperoned semi-formal dance)
Finally, MTRS is hosting the annual D2 Wmass Track Championships today. AD Lilly and the team are working flat out to prepare. Athletics updates will be back next week!
In this week's newsletter there are also updates on:
- Advanced Placement (AP) course information at MTRS
- How you can order a copy of the yearbook
- Academic, Attendance and Behavioral expectations for students on end of year trips
- Off and Away phone pilot will be extended to 7-12 next year
- Grading deadlines, last day and Graduation information for the Class of 24
- 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
A reminder that students should not use food delivery services during the school day
If students are using food delivery services before or during sporting events, adults delivering food are not permitted to enter the school building under any circumstances.
Upcoming dates
May 18th: Prom
May 24th: Last day for G12 (If you are on track to graduate)
May 30th: Senior Awards evening 5-7pm
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 Celebration: 5:30-7:30 (5:30-6: Awards and slide show with parents, 6-7:30 semi-formal dance)
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: 12-2pm
Grade 9 &10: June 12th
Grade 11 & 8: June 13th
District Calendar for 2023/24: Link (Calendar for 24/25)
MTRS MCAS and AP testing schedule
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
We are almost at the end of the year and there are trips and fun events for different grade levels between now and June 14th, the last day of the academic year. Some of these events and trips include:
- G 7 - June 10: Interskate Trip
- G8 - June 7 - Semi-formal dance
- G7-11 - Field Day
I wanted to reach out to ask for your help in reminding students that in order to participate in the trips and events they need to ensure that between now and the date of the trip, they need to:
- Be in good academic standing (Passing all classes)
- Be in good standing in relation to daily attendance (coming to school) and class attendance (attending classes on their schedule: p 8 of the Student Handbook)
- Have no more than two behavioral referrals between tomorrow, May 17th and the day of the trip (Code of Conduct section of the Student Handbook - p 13)
Please find a link to the Student handbook, here.
Please find below a reminder of attendance expectations taken from the Student handbook:
- Mohawk Trail Regional School attendance policy requires that students be in attendance for 90% of scheduled classes in order to receive academic credit.
- For students in grades 7-12, absences exceeding 10% of class time will result in a loss of credit. Any student who misses ten (10) classes in any semester course (either a course that meets daily for one semester or meets every other day for a full year) will not receive credit for that course. The course must be retaken for credit. For a course that meets on alternating days for a semester, any student who misses five (5) classes will not receive credit for that course; missing 19 classes for a yearlong course (one that meets every day for the full year) will also result in loss of credit. Students in grades 7-12 who miss 30% or more of a class on a given day will be considered absent from that class. This is due to the requirements of the time on learning standards set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as managed by our student attendance system.
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 "
Seniors are very close to finishing their career here at MTRS!
We are notifying all seniors who are in danger of earning credit in class due to poor attendance. You may receive an email because you are in danger of or have exceeded the number of unexcused absences allowed in a course. Please find below a reminder of attendance expectations taken from the Student Handbook:
Mohawk Trail Regional School's attendance policy requires that students be in attendance for 90% of scheduled classes in order to receive academic credit.
For students in grades 7-12, absences exceeding 10% of class time will result in a loss of credit. Any student who misses ten (10) classes in any semester course (either a course that meets daily for one semester or meets every other day for a full year) will not receive credit for that course. The course must be retaken for credit. For a course that meets on alternating days for a semester, any student who misses five (5) classes will not receive credit for that course; missing 19 classes for a yearlong course (one that meets every day for the full year) will also result in loss of credit. Students in grades 7-12 who miss 30% or more of a class on a given day will be considered absent from that class. This is due to the requirements of the time on learning standards set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as managed by our student attendance system.
Seniors, daily and class absences are required to be made up during regular school hours from May 27th until the time is made up, up to and including the last day of school on June 14th. Students who will have absences to make up after graduation will be able to walk at graduation, but will not receive their diploma until all absences are made up.
Carol Foote, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, cfoote@mtrsd.org
The Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Elementary Students to Experience Daily Life of Settlers and Indigenous Peoples
Third grade students from across the districts have engaged in lessons focused on settler and indigenous life in the Colonial Period thanks to efforts from local individuals and organizations. Over the course of the year, exposure to stories and themes from the Colonial Period, and before, has been building. James Bruchac, an Abenaki storyteller, visited third grade classrooms in our elementary schools to share stories, sing songs, and answer questions. Sanderson Academy is hosting a presentation from the Ohketeau Cultural Center which is “the only Native founded and run cultural center in all of Central and Western Massachusetts.” Larry Spotted Crow Mann, a member of the Nipmuc tribe and award-winning writer, poet, and cultural educator has also made visits to speak with district students.
On May 30, a visit to the Wilder Homestead in Buckland will immerse third grade students in activities of the era. Students will engage in hands-on activities as they touch, make, hear, and taste their way to a better understanding of the time period. Students will complete 30 minute sessions learning how to make butter with Hawlemont HAY teacher Jennifer Sinistore, play historic games with Buckland-Shelburne Elementary physical education teacher Julia Keane, make copper bowls with a local metalsmith, cooperatively weave a rag rug on a loom to be auctioned, learn cross stitching, and more. Annawon Weeden, of Mashpee Wampanoag heritage, will teach students to make corn husk dolls and offer insights about his culture.
Buckland resident and former elementary school art teacher Polly Anderson has been a driving force in bringing local history alive for Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School District students. Polly serves as the Program Director and Secretary of the Buckland Historical Society (BHS) Board of Trustees. Her efforts have included securing grant funding from the Shelburne Community Center and volunteer historians from BHS and the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association (PVMA).
In years past, “Colonial Day” was created for fifth grade students across the districts. When the pandemic hit and the program paused, curriculum planners took the opportunity to rework where this immersive experience may best fit in grade-level instruction. Realizing the curriculum aligns more closely with the social studies curriculum in third grade, the content shift was made. Curriculum planners also identified the importance of including greater indigenous perspective and curriculum before and after the May trip for better comprehension of the time period and history of our area. Experiences like these are part of a greater effort to promote understanding of native cultures of the northeast in our schools.
More broadly, the intent is to plan a districtwide field trip connected to the grade-level curriculum while bringing together the community of learners who are peers. Fourth grade students visited the Susan B. Anthony Museum and the Quaker Meeting House in Adams where museum staff arranged the activities that centered around civil rights and segregation as they have been reading The Hope Chest by Karen Schwabachis. Sixth grade students visit the Museum of Fine Art in Boston connected to their study of ancient Egypt. Younger grades experience in-house field trips that bring content to the classroom.
Creating this experiential learning across the grades is made possible, in part, by using Title 4A grant funding (a Federal Entitlement grant to provide enrichment experiences to the typical school programming) to offset transportation costs, hire guest speakers, and provide extra materials for project-based learning. More specific to the Wilder Homestead immersion, costs include the above plus porta potties, access to water, and materials with which to have hands-on experiences. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Ashfield Cultural Council, Buckland Cultural Council, Charlemont Cultural Council, Colrain Cultural Council, Hawley Cultural Council, Heath Cultural Council, Plainfield Cultural Council and Shelburne Cultural Council, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Support was also received through the Shelburne Falls Community House, Hilltown Tents, and area volunteers.
The school districts are grateful for the granting organizations’ commitment to bringing local history to life for district students.
Summer Enrichment at BSE; Deadline to Sign Up is May 31
See the images below highlighting the summer enrichments offered to district students based out of Buckland-Shelburne Elementary(BSE). Programs are offered Monday, July 8th through Friday, August 2nd, 5 days a week. You can sign up for 1 or more weeks.Please register by May 31 so that we may finalize plans, staffing, and the possibilities for extended care and transportation. Free lunch and breakfast will be provided daily at BSE.
Follow this link to register your student. You may pay via Unipay, (https://unipaygold.unibank.com/default.aspx). Search "Mohawk Trail RSD” and then click on Mohawk Trail Summer Programs. To pay by check, make yours payable to MTRSD with "Mohawk Trail Summer Program" and the student’s name in the memo field.
We’re Hiring!
Are you in need of employment or simply a change?Across the two school districts there are many open positions. Apply to join this staff of dedicated individuals! Click here to view open positions.
Outcome of Town Meetings, In the Media
We offer our thanks for the townspeople of our district communities who have voted through the budget following meaningful dialogue and careful consideration. Three towns have yet to meet - Charlemont on 5/28, Colrain on 6/4, and Plainfield 6/4. For the five others, you may find coverage of their meetings sourced from the Greenfield Recorder here:
May 14, 2024: Hawley Residents Vote Down Resolution on State Flag, Seal for Second Year
May 14, 2024: Heath Voters Ok 1.6M Town Budget, School Spending
May 8, 2024: Streetlight Proposal Gets Unanimous Approval in Shelburne
May 5, 2024: "We are Among the Leaders": Ashfield Town Meeting Voters Pass Bevy of Clean Energy Proposals
May 5, 2024: Buckland Backs Short-Term Rental Bylaw
If you missed your town meeting or want more information about the budget process or numbers, please visit this link for MTRSD materials or this link for HRSD materials.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses at Mohawk Trail Regional School
Mohawk Trail Regional is proud to offer Advanced Placement classes. It’s one more way that students are blazing their trails at MTRS.
AP Classes Offered and Teaching Staff at MTRS
In the 2024-2025 school year, Mohawk Trail Regional will list 13 AP courses in its curriculum guide. However, due to our size and the availability of teaching staff, six AP courses are likely to run in any given year, pushing the balance of the courses to run every other year. Students work with their guidance counselor when choosing courses to understand whether opting for an AP course in their junior (or even sophomore) year may be a good strategy. In the 2023-2024 year, 5 AP courses ran: Chemistry (full year, 5 students); Computer Science (semester 1, 6 students); English Literature And Composition (semester 1, 14 students); English Language and Composition (semester 2, 17 students); and US History (semester 2, 12 students).
Mohawk Trail Regional’s list of certified teachers and the AP courses they are prepared to teach include:
- Stacie Beck: AP Biology
- Eric Colbeck: AP Computer Science Principles; AP Computer Science A
- Bill Drake: AP English Literature and Composition
- Judy Licht: AP Chemistry; AP Environmental Science
- Bob Mastorakis: AP Calculus AB; AP Calculus BC
- Erik Sussbauer: English Literature And Composition; AP English Language and Composition
- Julia White: AP US History 1; AP US History 2
Inside the AP Classroom
The 40 students who are enrolled in AP courses this year are taking 54 exams this month, with the hope of earning credit for their future. But before they sit for the tests this month, they have put in a considerable amount of preparation. Seeing the students in action, there is natural curiosity and drive to do well. What they have in common is that they are there to work hard, collaborate, seek out answers, understand and excel.
In Mr. Sussbauer’s AP English Language and Composition class, the focus is on the synthesis of ideas and argumentation. Students engaged in a first-time format of conducting research in groups on topics of consumerism, capitalism and philanthropy. This year’s format adds the life skill of public speaking to the mix. When the three groups presented their findings, these were some of the topics shared:
Capitalism is a key driver in climate change. Capitalism keeps us from being sustainable.
We value consuming. The US creates 30% of the world’s waste.
59% of Americans think money can buy happiness.
Wealth can be less about what you have but the experiences you collect.
Carbon safe practices are expensive. Companies are prioritizing profits over the environment. Renewable energies are expensive in the short term but cheaper in the long term.
The students shared data points, trends, deductions, and realities for their audience to consider. At that point in the semester, the 12 students were preparing to take an online practice test in which they were expected to write 3 essays and complete a section of multiple choice. Practice tests help students understand what to expect before a final score is determined, possibly affecting the validity of earned college credit.
As a feature of this year’s AP English classes, students engaged with Pulitzer Prize finalist Lydia Millet. Her book A Children’s Bible is read in junior year with Mr. Sussbauer. This in-school field trip gave students access to the author to hear about what inspires her and her methods. She also shared insights into her position with Center for Biological Diversity where she writes and edits communications materials as they relate to the organization’s work in conservation.
In Ms. Licht’s tightly knit AP Chemistry class of 5 students, they worked in groups on an experiment about electrochemistry. They used a watt meter to measure which elements were the better conductors of electrical current to form a battery. Laboratory experiments and content acquisition allows AP Chemistry students to learn through rigorous inquiry. There was humor and a bit of competition in doing the experiment and in the discussion that followed.
Data from the 2022-2023 school year reports:
68% of 11-12th graders completed advanced coursework (which includes AP and honors courses)
67% of students earned scores of 3 or better (college credit threshold)
Tests were given in 7 different AP courses
30 students took 53 exams (some students took 2 or more exams)
This year, 10 more students are taking AP courses than last year, with two fewer offerings.
The integrity of the AP classes trusts that the teacher and students will rise to a quality of work that merits college credit. This is done at Mohawk Trail Regional by assessing the students’ ability through past work and perceived readiness, incorporating hands-on elements that demonstrate principles, and allowing students to come to conclusions and collaborate with fellow classmates. The relationship between MTRS teachers and their students, and that between students, are important to create a learning environment that fosters the learning necessary to succeed.
Additional Information
The College Board
The College Board is the governing body that sets the rigor, curriculum, materials, support and tests for every school offering AP courses. Additionally, all teachers who are AP instructors must access College Board-sponsored online workshops and/or attend a week-long summer institute to become officially certified to teach an AP level course. This means, the AP courses offered at Mohawk Trail Regional are of the same content and calibur of any other school.
AP Testing, Costs and College Credit
Though students and families have many reasons for including an AP class on their schedule, to earn both high school and college credit is the most popular. Each AP course is modeled after an introductory college course. At Mohawk Trail Regional, each student who takes the course is required to take the related AP exam. Auditing the course without taking the related exam is not an option. Scoring is on a scale of 1 to 5, with one being “No recommendation,” 3 being “Qualified,” and 5 being “Extremely well qualified.” Students who score a 3 or higher on the 5 point scale may receive credit at the college level, if their chosen institution of higher learning accepts AP credits. There are costs associated with taking the test, but Mohawk Trail subsidizes the fees so that they are not a barrier to students wishing to take an AP class.
Many other schools in the region have looked at a program like Yondr as a solution to combat excessive phone use in schools. As an alternative, we developed our own pilot program earlier this year which intends to support students with appropriate phone use during the school day.
As a result of the pilot which has been in place in grades 7 and 8 during S2, we have seen a reduction in behavior referrals and issues between Middle school students in school in relation to social media usage. Consequently, for the school year 24/25, we are going to extend this pilot into high school in order to maximize student and staff time on learning, free of digital distraction.
We hope that this pilot provides a supported approach for grades 7-12 to use their phones in a responsible way whilst also removing technological distraction from the learning environment.
We will include a specific section on the phone pilot as part of the student, staff and family feedback surveys during 2024/25.
Short version
- Phones should be off and away from 7:45-2:20 each day for all students in grades 7-12
- Grades 9-12 will be allowed to use phones at lunch time only. Grade 7 and 8 will remain unable to use phones during breaks or lunch
- No phone use will be permitted during transitions
- Caregivers can communicate with their student by calling the office. Students are permitted to call home by using the phone in the front office.
Progressive discipline
- Phone out first time - Verbal warning to put your phone away
- Phone out second time - Teacher to take the phone for the remainder of the lesson. Phone is returned at the end of the class. Teacher makes a behavior referral, "phone infraction."
- Phone out third time, administration is called and the student phone is kept at the front office until the end of the day. The student can collect the phone at the end of the day and the parent/ caregiver is notified.
- A further infraction will result in the phone being taken to the office and the parent/ caregiver being required to come into school to speak with admin and pick up the phone. The student will go onto a phone plan for 10 school days; dropping off their phone in the front office at the start of the day and collecting it from the office at the end of the day.
- An additional infraction after successfully completing a phone plan will result in the student being unable to have a phone in their possession for the remainder of the current grading period.
Awards Night
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.
Information for the Class of 2024
DUI and Legal Issues talk with SFPF for G 11 and 12 - May 17th
Prom - Saturday 18th May
Senior Send off - Weds 22nd May
Class Trip & 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
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/
Bus Schedules and Questions
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.
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 June 12th.
The virtual joining information is as follows:
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 813-435-9650
PIN: 741 012 215#
Special Education Updates
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
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
Melissa Plesnar
Assistant to Director of Pupil Personnel Services
413-625-0192 x1015
Erin Beaudet
7-12 Liaison
413-625-9811 x1314
Carolyn Goodnow
1-6 Liaison
Mohawk Trail District
413-625-2521
Kate Dwyer
1-6 Liaison
Hawlemont District
413-339-8316
Amy Socquet
Early Childhood Coordinator and Liaison
413-625-6194
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
Chris Buckland
Email: cbuckland@mtrsd.org
Website: www.mtrs.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: 413-625-9811
Facebook: facebook.com/mohawktrailregional