Student & Family Update
April 29, 2022
December 15th, 2023
Good afternoon everyone,
I hope you have had a great week.
It was great to see so many students and families at the recent performances of Gracie's Place.
The cast, crew, and director of GRACIE'S PLACE offer their gratitude for all the support they received during rehearsals and performances. They put in so much work on the original piece written by Mohawk Trail Regional Performing Arts Director Eva Husson-Stockhamer and feel fortunate for the experience they shared. With this production behind them, the program is switching gears to a very well-known production for spring. Drum roll, please....
Mohawk Trail Regional wil be putting on "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" with auditions in January for the May 17-18 show. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing "Happiness." Sheet music will be made available in the MTRS library or via email (stagemanager@mtrsd.org) upon request. See the flyer in the Performing Arts section for all the details.
Please find news and updates from MTRS:
- Q2 Progress Grades are now available in Aspen (See Student Services section below for log-in information)
- The Q 1 Honor Roll has been published: Link
- Winter Concert on December 20th (6-7:30pm)
- Caregiver survey Q2: link Today is the last day to give us feedback!. This survey will be open from December 1st until December 15th and a summary of feedback will be shared via the Friday email and with the SC in early January
- We are recruiting recent MTRS graduates who are currently in college, or enrolled in other types of training programs, to speak with our middle and high school students on the morning of Thursday, December 21. Interested alumni should email truggeri@mtrsd.org and sgarcia@mtrsd.org for more information.
- December 22nd is an 11:30am dismissal - please see the schedule below
- SEPAC is organizing a virtual meeting from 6-8pm on Jan 22nd: Basic Rights- Evaluation and Eligibility (more info on the poster below)
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
Chris
Important Dates & Information
Upcoming dates
Dec 20th: Winter Concert: Grades 7-12: 6:00-7:30pm
Dec 22nd: 1/2 day schedule - 11:30am dismissal for MS and HS (see below)
Winter Break: Dec 25 - Jan 1 (Dec 22nd 11:30 dismissal, school starts again on Jan 2nd at 7:45am)
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
District Calendar for 2023/24: Link
Quarter 2: 50 days (including student-led conferences)
First Day: Friday, November 3, 2023
Last Day: Friday, January 26, 2024
Q2 progress report grades close on: Friday, December 8, 2023
Q2 progress report grading window: Thursday, Dec 7 - Thursday Dec 14 at 11:59pm
Q2 progress reports will be distributed on: Friday, December 15, 2023
Q2 grading window: Friday, January 19 - Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:59pm
Q2 report cards will be available in Aspen on: Monday, January 29, 2024
Semester 1 Student-led conferences
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - (Early Release)
Thursday, January 25, 2024 - (2 hr delay: 9:45am school starts)
Friday, January 26, 2024 - (2 hr delay: 9:45am school starts)
Student Council Updates!
Hello from the Mohawk Trail High School Student Council!
This past week the Student council planned and executed a teacher appreciation luncheon. Three days before this luncheon we gave our teachers clues for them to figure out who their student was. We want to again thank all of the teachers and staff at MTRS for helping keep our school running smoothly. Please know that your work does not go unappreciated!
Next Friday (Dec 22nd) Student Council will be holding a Bring Your Own Mug fundraiser. Bring your own mug to school and get a $1 hot chocolate! We will be set up at a table in the high school wing equipped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint bits.
Also, don't forget to come dressed in your coziest pajamas or wearing your ugliest sweater!
8th Grade Civics
“What Human Rights are Protected Under the US Constitution?”
Mohawk Trail Regional School 8th Grade Civics Class Explores Question:
“What Human Rights are Protected Under the US Constitution?”
Leading up to Human Rights Day on December 10, Mohawk Trail Regional 8th grade civics teacher, Brennan Tierney, asked his 73 students to take on making a case, with artistic flair, for whether a human right is protected by the United States Constitution.
Earlier this semester, Tierney took his students through a detail-laden unit on the development and evolution of the U.S. Constitution. Then they considered the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) document, adopted in 1948 by the United Nations. It was drafted by representatives from across the world to name fundamental human rights regardless of country of residence, politics, culture, etc. Tierney conducted a hands up/hands down survey of each of the rights listed to see which his students believed to be protected.
From the UDHR, students chose one of the 30 rights to further research and make their own determination whether that right is protected by the U.S. Constitution. Using their newly acquired knowledge of the Constitution, it was tested against research that provided examples that required more contemplation to determine what is a protected human right and what is not. They then wrote a paragraph about whether they believe the right is ultimately protected, and created a watercolor-based painting that accompanied their case. Students found this part of the work an exercise in growth and realization.
“These students are so awesome,” says Tierney of Mohawk Trail Regional 8th graders. “They really brought clarity to ambiguity, and made the issues real in a way that meant something to them. I am proud of how they grew through this assignment, and am excited for what’s to come.” Students created symbolic paintings on well-known, protected rights, like due process, or freedom of religion, speech, and assembly. Human Rights not protected by our Constitution included rights to privacy, education, adequate living standards, social security, and the right to work, among others.
This project was a welcome segway between facts students learned earlier in the semester and what they will learn next - how change happens at the government level. The 8th grade students will study the branches of government and how they affect change, for the people and by the people. Understanding the difference between facts and what is left to interpretation will assist students in reasoning out real-world dilemmas to come.
Tierney shared that they are discussing civic action projects they may take on locally that will further demonstrate the power of the people. Tierney continued, “This is the right age to be introducing these topics and building a sense of confidence in these young leaders. By the end of the school year, my hope is that our students will feel empowered because of the historical knowledge they have gained, their practice with critical thinking, and their participation in a local project.” For now, the artwork remains on display for all to enjoy at Mohawk Trail Regional School in recognition of Human Rights Day.
Grade 8 Preventure Program
School-based Personality Targeted Workshops will start January 4th, 2024
Please check your emails for the Parent Consent Letter which was sent to 8th Grade Families earlier today - Dec 15
The Communities That Care Coalition received funding from the Opioid Task Force to be
able to bring the PreVenture Program to the area. PreVenture is an exciting, evidence-based,
mental health promotion and substance use prevention program run by school counselors.
Mohawk Trail, along with other schools in Franklin County, are implementing these workshops during the 2023-2024 school year.
PreVenture: School-based Personality Targeted Workshops
Your child’s school will be implementing PreVenture, a school-based workshop for youth aged 12-
17 that helps them explore their personality and coping strategies and set long-term goals. The
program was developed by Dr. Patricia Conrod, a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the
Université de Montréal, a clinical psychologist and a researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research
Center.
Timeline
Parent Consent Letter email to 8th Grade Families: Dec 15
SURPS (Student Substance Use Risk Profile Scale) Questionnaire given in 8th grade Advisory Jan 4
SURPS data reviewed and intervention groups determined Jan 8-19th
Intervention groups delivered Jan 24th, 25th, 26th 2024
Spring Musical Announcement!
Auditions for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN will be held at MTRS Friday January 12, 2024 2:30-5:00.
Auditions for YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN will be held Friday January 12, 2024 2:30-5:00. Those who want to participate on the crew only should come in with the signed Contact Form and then may leave. Those auditioning will be asked to sing HAPPINESS if they would like to be considered for a principal role. Those interested in a speaking role will be asked to read a side with others. Rehearsals for most of the cast will begin on Wednesday February 28th. A full rehearsal schedule will be on the website soon and a hard copy will be given at auditions. Once the show is cast a rehearsal schedule will also be emailed to you.
Rehearsals will typically be Wednesday/Friday each week right after school. Any questions should be directed to Miss Eva at stagemanager@mtrsd.org.
Dean Brault's Student Culture Corner
Hello Families!
Try and come and support our Music Program on December 20th at 6 pm. We saw a “teaser” in the all-school assembly this week and it was amazing fun! Winter sports are up and running bringing more opportunities to see our students in action.
I was informed today that middle school students are taking fruit from the cafeteria when they go outside at lunchtime. They are not eating the fruit but throwing it around. The seventh graders were causing a large issue with the fruit today and will not have access to ala carte next week as a result.
Any family who needs a coat for their student, please let their guidance counselor know. Many new coats have been donated!
High School: Ms. Aimee Cairney
Middle School: Ms. Taffy Ruggeri
As we approach the end of 2023, talk with your student about goal setting for the new year. What does your student want to accomplish? What do they want to get out of their class work? What do they think is a “good grade” and how will they get there? Share your goals for 2024 and share the trials and tribulations for meeting those goals throughout the year - your students will learn a ton about being an adult!
The District Perspective
Mohawk Trail Regional School District Awarded $450,000 from the Barr Foundation
Mohawk Trail Regional School District Awarded $450,000 from the Barr Foundation
Funding to support the continued redesign of Mohawk Trail Regional School
On December 1, 2023, Mohawk Trail Regional School District Superintendent Sheryl Stanton and Principal Chris Buckland were informed by James E. Canales, President of the Barr Foundation, of a grant award in the amount of $450,000 to be used to support the continued redesign of Mohawk Trail Regional School (MTRS).
This vote of confidence from the Barr Foundation demonstrates that Mohawk Trail Regional School is on an innovative and important path with its Trailblazer model, as we encourage students to be the leaders of their own education. Students may blaze their own trails through choice in classes and capstone projects, opting for internships and work-study, taking on leadership opportunities, and community involvement. For teachers, it allows them to create curriculum and stretch their lesson plans while being responsive in assessing work and experience that our students take on as a result of their own interests and passions.
Continuing initial work supported through a previous award from the Barr Foundation and other funders, Mohawk Trail Regional School (MTRS) will:
1. strengthen our advisory-based, inclusive culture that focuses on building relationships and nurturing trust within the school culture for students, teachers and broader school community;
2. leverage our progress among students and staff as a means to implement and refine an equitable system of standards-based teaching and learning as we champion all students as leaders of their own learning and capitalize on emerging rigorous and positive learning experiences;
3. embed opportunities for internships and work-based learning; and
4. support leadership opportunities for staff and students.
The District is grateful for this continued support from the Barr Foundation as we are committed to the culture of Trailblazer model and what it provides and represents for our rural-based community. Our belief is that Mohawk Trail students who grasp the fullness of the model will become the most curious, adaptable, independent, and motivated citizens who seek to do good work in our communities and in our world.
About the Barr Foundation:
The mission of the Barr Foundation is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. The Foundation is guided by core values defined by its founders which are fundamental to who we are and what we believe constitutes effective philanthropy. Those values are to: strive for impact; invest in leaders; center racial equity; act with humility; take the long view; embrace risk; and demonstrate curiosity.
Other District News:
Early release Alert!!
In one week, on Friday, December 22, students across district schools will have a HALF DAY, releasing early to start winter break. Mohawk Trail Regional will release at 11:30 am, and the elementary schools will release at 12:30 pm.
Winter Concert at MTRS Auditorium, December 20 at 6 pm
Please plan to join us for a showcase of winter music led by new Mohawk Trail music director Annalee Clough. Familiar melodies may be heard coming from Mohawk Trail Regional musicians if one is lucky enough to be in the hallway during their rehearsals. We are looking forward to sharing their talents with you.
Youth Basketball has GOT GAME
We want to give a shout out to everyone involved in this seasons’ elementary basketball programs. MT AD Greg Lilly gave a report at the most recent school committee meeting that, across the district, basketball player numbers are up, way up! It’s not lost on us that the great showing is a reflection of the time and dedication put in by coaches, families, and those who manage the facilities. Thanks to all who are helping us build a stronger future for Mohawk Trail athletics.
Storyline is developing at Sanderson Academy
Robin Wilson, the librarian at Sanderson Academy, is working with third grade students on a storyline project. Storyline is a method of teaching and learning, originating from Scotland, that uses an ongoing story, shaped by students, to integrate teacher learning goals with student interests and hands-on learning. The third grade Storyline is called (no surprise here) “The Library.” It is about a school without a library that decides to build one after an anonymous donor gives the school a large sum of money. In the story, third graders play the role of the committee in charge of planning, designing, and building the new library. First, students created the people of the library to understand who the library is for. They even presented their people at our all-school meeting! Students then worked together to create a mission statement for their library, which they are currently finishing. Next, and most exciting, students will begin to create their own mini-library within the Sanderson Library.
Eggs arrived at Colrain Central
Yes! The eggs have arrived at Colrain Central - but not the kind you might expect. The first graders won’t be raising chicks or snakes. They will be raising trout! Cameron Young from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife came by with the delivery and shared information with the students. He deposited the trout eggs safely in a crib, of sorts, in a fish tank in the classroom. Students will watch the fish develop over time and will eventually release them into a local river. More to come!
Teaching and Learning
Student-led-conferences are coming! (January 24th, 25th & 26th)
Dear Parent/ Care Provider,
In the last 18 months MTRS has been shifting towards Standards Based Teaching & Learning (SBTL). SBTL puts a strong emphasis on helping students achieve proficiency and excellence in the skills embedded in content standards.This is vital in helping students apply what they have learned beyond the classroom at MTRS.
This shift to SBTL can be seen in the way that teachers are starting to grade work in terms of proficiency (Not yet meeting proficiency, partially meeting proficiency, meeting proficiency and excelling) as well as traditional letter grades and percentages.
A major part of SBTL is providing support to enable students to have a louder voice in their progress and in setting their own content learning and character habit goals. The Student-led-conference (SLC) is a vital part of this and why, having run a pilot in grade 11 last year, we will start SLCs in January during the time when mid-term exams would normally take place.
I hope that this letter provides you with an overview of what/ how/ where/ when!
We are looking forward to parents and care providers being partners in MTRS student journeys.
Sincerely
Chris
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.
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 2 x a year for grades 7-12 and 1 x a year for grade 12. Students in grades 7-11 must participate in both SLCs for the year in order to pass the 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?
Student -led conferences will happen in place of midterms and finals week.
S1 SLC will be scheduled during 24/25/26th January and S2 will be scheduled during 5/6/7 June (depending on snowdays)
SLC will take place for grades 7-12 in S1 and 7-11 in S2. Grade 12 will have a final exam as their last week of school is typically earlier than the last day for the rest of the school.
Will SLC replace traditional end of semester tests/ assessments?
SLC will take place during the time typically used for mid-terms/ end of semester testing.
End of course or mid-course assessments will take place during regular classes
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 a S1 and a S2 Student-led-conferences?
SLC at the end of S1 - 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 at the end of S2 - 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 S1 Student-led-conferences?
Wednesday 24th January
7:45-9:45 am: Grades 7, 9, 11
9:50-11:50 am: Grades 8,10, 12
Early release: 12:50 dismissal
Thursday 25th January
Two hour delay: School starts at 9:40am
9:45-11:45 am: Grades 7 & 8:
Advisory teachers in 9-12 to share specific availability between:
11:50-12:20: & 1:05-2:20 pm:
Friday 26th January
Two hour delay: School starts at 9:40am
9:45-11:45 am: Grades 7 & 8:
Advisory teachers in 9-12 to share specific availability between:
11:50-12:20: & 1:05-2:20 pm:
How do I schedule my SLC?
From next week, advisory teachers will 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?
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: acairney@mtr
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.
They also enable students to reflect on their learning experiences to date and to set goals for the rest of the school year.
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?
Student -led conferences will happen in place of midterms and finals week.
S1 SLC will be scheduled during 24/25/26th January and S2 will be scheduled during 5/6/7 June (depending on snowdays.
SLC will take place for grades 7-12 in S1 and 7-11 in S2. Grade 12 will have a final exam as their last week of school is typically earlier than the last day for the rest of the school.
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 a S1 and a S2 Student-led-conferences?
SLC at the end of S1 - 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 at the end of S2 - 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 S1 Student-led-conferences?
Wednesday 24th January
Early release: 12:50 dismissal
7:45-9:45 am: Grades 7, 9, 11
9:50-11:50 am: Grades 8,10, 12
Thursday 25th January
Two hour delay: School starts at 9:40am
9:45-11:45 am: Grades 7 & 8:
Advisory teachers in 9-12 to share specific availability between:
11:50-12:20: & 1:05-2:20 pm:
Friday 26th January
Two hour delay: School starts at 9:40am
9:45-11:45 am: Grades 7 & 8:
Advisory teachers in 9-12 to share specific availability between:
11:50-12:20: & 1:05-2:20 pm:
How do I schedule my SLC?
From next week, advisory teachers will 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 are starting to schedule appointments early so that care providers will be able to schedule 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?
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.
Are there other opportunities to speak to staff about my student?
SLC are additional opportunities for parent/ care providers to speak to MTRS staff about your student. They did not exist in MS/ HS before this year!
Open House for MS in early September
Celebration of Learning: March 27th, 2024
Content teachers can be contacted by email - please see the staff page on the MTRS Website
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: acairney@mtrsd.org
Library Updates
Check out what is new in the library!
Take a look at our MTRS Library December 2023 newsletter: “Check It Out!”
MTRS Librarian Emily Willis is in the news!
Mohawk Trail Regional School Librarian Chosen as
Co-Director, Western Region of the Massachusetts School Library Association
Emily Willis, will serve on the 2023-2024 Executive Board
Mohawk Trail Regional School (MTRS) is proud to announce that MTRS Librarian Emily Willis has been chosen to serve as Co-Director, Western Region on the 2023-24 Executive Board of the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA).
The distinction was communicated by Barbara Fecteau, MSLA President, who shared that Ms. Willis is a dedicated member. Ms. Willis has participated in programs offered by MSLA over the years and is honored to take on the year-long role. She has been a school librarian for 18 years after having earned degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (undergraduate degree) and Simmons University (graduate degree).
Sharing her views and goals for the next year, she says, “MSLA has been a great way to meet up with fellow school librarians from our region and across the state. From the Association we are able to access relevant professional development opportunities and grow as learners and professionals. My goal is for Franklin County area librarians to have more time to connect on shared interests, like going to author talks and attending other local events, and creating a closer knit community of librarians.”
Chris Buckland, principal of Mohawk Trail Regional School speaks highly of Willis, “Emily works tirelessly for our students, families and staff not only at MTRS but also at all of our elementary schools. Emily is a wonderful colleague and an incredible resource for our district. I am very thankful that she is a part of our talented staff.”
Earlier this year, Ms. Willis was honored by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation with a Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award for her work creating an innovative curriculum, curating a diverse and student-centered book collection, and crafting a welcoming space for students.
About Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA)
MSLA’s mission is to support school librarians across the state. They offer robust and timely professional development that covers issues such as intellectual freedom and information literacy. MSLA works to ensure every school has a school library program that is fully integrated at all grade levels across the curriculum and has a significant and measurable impact on student achievement. For more information visit www.maschoolibraries.org
Student Services
Student Services latest newsletter, here:https://www.smore.com/4msuz
Quarter 2 Progress Reports Available to view in Aspen until 1/15/24:
- login to Aspen
- look for "Published Reports" (right side of the screen, mid-way down)
- click on the icon
** Please note that the grades from previous quarter's progress reports, not report card grades, show up on progress reports.
What are Progress Reports?
Progress Reports are are a snapshot of a student’s academic progress at the mid-point of each quarter. Report Cards are the official report of the student’s grades and are published at the end of each quarter.
Last Day Q2: Friday, January 26, 2024 First Day Q3: Monday, January 29, 2024 Q2 report cards are planned to be available in Aspen on: Monday, January 29, 2024
Aspen Information
Aspen Login page can also be found on the MTRS website under Quick Links
Please contact Suzor IT with questions related to your Aspen account access:
Virtual Office: help.suzorit.com
Email: help@suzorit.com
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.
Community Events
How can you get involved at MTRS?
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 January 10th.
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 January 12th.
Second Friday of each month: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: meet.google.com/jtz-yhet-ipo
Phone Number: (US)+1 (813) 773-5581
PIN: 636 883 303
Dino-fest is this weekend
Free movie on Dec 28th
Enjoy some festive sounds
Athletics News
GIRLS BASKETBALL OPENS SEASON WITH CONSECUTIVE VICTORIES!!!!
Coach Steve Bzomowski and his Lady Warriors are off to a running start this season with back to back victories against McCann Tech and Smith Vocational. While the outcome of the McCann Tech game was decided well before the final horn sounded with the Warriors cruising to a 40-24 victory, the Smith Vocational game provided enough drama for an entire season! With only a few seconds remaining in regulation, Mohawk Trail Junior Captain Bella Pettengill stepped back behind the 3 point arc to drain a game tying shot at the buzzer to force overtime. Our ladies refused to give up another point and closed out the Vikings by a score of 45-39. Both our JV and Varsity girls are back in action on Friday at home against a very good Franklin Tech team. Tip offs are slated for 5:30 and 7:00 respectively.
WRESTLING OPENS LEAGUE SCHEDULE WITH VICTORY VS GATEWAY!!!
In a battle of two small, undermanned teams, our Warriors squeaked by the Gators of Gateway with a 22-21 victory on Wednesday night in Buckland! Mohawk Trail leaned heavily on the veteran leadership of Freshman Luke Read and Captains Logan Moore and Will Van Vleet. All three were victorious; Read by pin, Moore by decision, and Van Vleet by forfeit. Our Warriors are back in action next Wednesday, December 20th, when the Eagles of FCTS travel up The Trail for a league bout.
Action from last night's game
More action from last night's game!
Coach B delivering instructions
Special Education Updates
Mohawk Trail SEPAC Member and Parent
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. Upcoming meetings: Sept 28, Oct 23, Nov 27 at 6:30 pm
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.
MOHAWK SEPAC MEETING
MONDAY NOV 27TH AT 6:30PM
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
MTRSD Director of Communications