TFHS/GFMS Community Newsletter

-Cohort Letters

-Healthcare and Social Assistance Innovation Pathways Applications for 9th Grade

-An Update from the Nurses

-Important Internet Information

-Remote Learning Reminders

-Reminder About Excused Absences

-February's Early Release Day Due to Teacher Professional Development

-Working Wednesday Afternoons

-No School Due to Turn Around Day

-1,000 Points Scored!

-Winter Sports Protocols

-Atlas Pop Up Markets

-Our State Approved to Continue Pandemic EBT

-GMRSD Meals

-Brick House Opportunities

-Montague Public Libraries Winter Reading Program

-Mack Turns One!

-Equity and Inclusion District Webpage

-News from Assistant Principal Tom Gaffigan

-TFHS Exams, PSATs, and Turn Around Day

-Upcoming Finals for Seniors

-Updated GMRSD School Calendar 2020-2021

-Annual Gala

-Next Friends of GFMS and TFHS Meeting

-Interested in Serving on Student Council?

-Upcoming School Committee Meeting

-Real Talk for Parents Concerned About Teen Suicide

-Student Emails

-GMRSD Family Technology Resource Page

-Disclosure Statement Read Prior to Each Class

-Acceptable Use Policy

-GFMS Yearbook Information

-TFHS Yearbook Information

-TFHS/GFMS Student Handbooks

-Updated Academic Calendar 2020-2021

-TFHS Bell Schedule

-Whole School Meetings

-Procedures if Need to Come to School Office

-GMRSD Face Mask Policy

-Masks Need to Be Worn on All Buses

-Upcoming Dates

A letter will be sent to each student's home which will state if they are in cohort A (in person learning on Monday/Tuesday and remote the rest of the week), cohort B (in person learning on Thursday/Friday and remote the rest of the week), cohort AB in person learning Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday and remote on Wednesday), or a remote student (all five days) on Friday, January 29th. If you should have any questions after you receive the letter, please call the school office.

Applications for the Healthcare and Social Assistance Innovation Pathways are still be accepted by all 9th grade students. Once an application is received, an interview will shortly follow. If interested, students should email Mrs. Menard at joanne.menard@gmrsd.org.

We recently received an update from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and wanted to notify the parents and families as soon as possible. The Department of Public Health has advised that they are removing the flu vaccination requirement for this year. They have advised us that according to the information they have received it has been a mild flu season, this is believed to be directly related to the adherence of social distancing and mask compliance. However, the Department of Public Health continues to strongly recommend that everyone over the age of 6 months receive their annual flu vaccine. We would like to thank all of you who have already received your flu vaccine and sent in documentation to us. We appreciate your continued dedication and hard work to support the health and well-being of the students.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

Amy Killay (413) – 863 – 7219

Melissa Lynde (413) – 863 – 7313

Since the pandemic began, we have greatly expanded our technology holdings, including upgrading our security and monitoring of student Chromebooks. Our District is employing a filtering and monitoring application called GoGuardian on all our student-issued Chromebooks. It allows us to filter out inappropriate or unsafe internet sites and monitor use of our Google domain. We receive reports that warn us of explicit language used, unsafe browsing, or indecent site visits. Please be very conscious of the fact that we are able to see where the user goes on the internet every time the school-issued Chromebooks is used. Please ensure that all devices are used appropriately.

Thank you all for your help.

Sincerely,

Brian Beck

Superintendent of Schools Gill-Montague Regional School District

Please remember that remote learning is actual school. Curriculum is taught. Students receive actual letter grades. With that in mind, here are a few reminders to that will set students up for success.

Students' role in remote learning

-be to class on time

-be in school: every day and every class the entire class

-be in a location for learning

-sit upright when in class

-clear your working surface other than the current class materials

-be present in Google Classroom, classroom document, or online subject website

-respond to teacher questions

-participate verbally within break out sessions with others

-eyes on computer screen for instruction and directions/ears listening to instructions and discussions

-turn in filled in assignments - do not turn in blank documents

-check your progress on Plus Portals

-check assignments on Google Classroom

-check for comments/feedback from teachers on assignment

-reply to teacher messages/emails

-proper care of your ChromeBook

Parents'/Guardians' role in remote learning

-play an active, supportive role in your child's education

-check student grades in Plus Portals, either as a parent or with your child

-provide an appropriate learning environment (quiet/minimal noise, a place to sit - desk, table, materials - pens/pencils, paper, notebooks)

-encourage movement breaks and screen breaks

-reach out to teachers with questions and concerns about attendance, assignments, and grades

-frequently check on your child - that they are attending classes and completing assignments

-check to see if they are on the computer and what screen (your child will not be always focusing on a Google Meet, they might be in break out groups or on digital assignments)

-support and remind your child in properly caring for their ChromeBook

-use the tech support site with technology issues

https://sites.google.com/gmrsd.us/familyresourcesite/home

-we do not expect parents/guardians to teach the academic curriculum

Teachers' role in remote learning

-updating Plus Portals

-posting assignments on Google Classroom

-posting feedback for students

-taking attendance daily and by class

-teaching standards-based curriculum

Please remember that any time a student has an excused absence, they are still responsible for all work missed in each of their classes.

Just a reminder that Wednesday, February 3rd is a half day for students due to teachers' professional development. Students will dismissed from classes at 11:00 a.m.

On January 14th, the GMRSD School Committee approved early release days on all Wednesdays for GFMS/TFHS. This began on Wednesday, January 20th. These Wednesday afternoons will be used for student support and teacher prep time. Please note though on teacher professional development, teachers will not be available to work with students.

Please remember there is no school in the entire district on Friday, January 29th due to Turn Around Day.

On February 25, 2020 Anthony Paterson scored his 1,000 career point during a first round tournament game against Franklin Tech. Anthony finished his TF career with 1,016 career points and joins 6 other TFHS graduates on that distinguished list. On Thursday, January 14th, we were finally able to add his name to the banner and honor his accomplishment! Anthony was also the Senior Class President and a member of the Athletic Leadership Council. Anthony now attends Mitchell College and is playing basketball!! Congrats to Anthony!

Massachusetts is First State in Nation to Gain Federal Approval to Continue Pandemic EBT through School Year 2020-2021

More than 500,000 students will resume receiving P-EBT benefits in December

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT benefits (P-EBT) for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year. P-EBT promotes increased food security for families who participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP), covering the cost of missed school meals for more than 500,000 students in remote or hybrid learning environments.

Eligible households will receive the next round of P-EBT benefits by the end of December. The benefits cover school meals missed during the months of October and November, and households will receive benefits monthly through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The Department of Transitional Assistance estimates P-EBT will bring $40 to $60 million per month in federal dollars into the Commonwealth’s economy.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated food insecurity, especially for children who receive nutrition support in school settings. This remains a significant challenge for many families throughout the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services and COVID-19 Command Center Director Marylou Sudders. “Massachusetts continues to maximize every opportunity to tackle food insecurity across the state. The rapid approval of our plan to issue P-EBT through the end of the school year provide relief to hundreds of thousands of families across the state for many months as we continue to navigate this public health crisis.”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act established the option for states to establish program P-EBT. Massachusetts initially launched its P-EBT program in April 2020 to help students and their families buy healthy food while schools were closed from March through June due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was one of a limited number of states to receive federal approval for September P-EBT benefits. To date, P-EBT has brought more than $253 million in federal dollars into the Commonwealth, supporting families across the state and local grocery retailers. The Continuing Appropriations Act of 2021 extended P-EBT through the entire 2020-2021 school year.

P-EBT is jointly administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in collaboration with local school districts. Families with eligible students are expected to begin receiving P-EBT benefits to cover October and November school days, by the end of the year.

“P-EBT has proven to be an effective tool during the COVID-19 pandemic to help families with students learning at home directly purchase healthy, culturally appropriate food,” said DTA Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “P-EBT also brings critical resources into our local communities, supporting food retailers and their employees.”

“P-EBT benefits are an important piece of support for students and families during this challenging time,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “I’m grateful to everyone at the state and district levels who are helping to feed children, from the people facilitating P-EBT benefits to the school nutrition workers preparing free meals.”

Families with eligible students will receive their P-EBT benefits monthly for the remainder of the school year. Based on federal rules, families will receive varying P-EBT amounts. Families with children in a fully remote learning environment will receive $117 a month per child, and children in a hybrid learning environment will receive $58 a month per child. Families can check their P-EBT balance by calling the number on the back of the card. P-EBT benefits can be used anywhere Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted, including online from Walmart and Amazon. Learn more about P-EBT at MAp-ebt.org.

P-EBT builds upon the work of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center’s Food Security Task Force to strengthen our local food system and maximize federal food assistance programs to ensure that food insecurity needs are addressed during the COVID-19 public health emergency and into the long-term.

Families who already receive DTA benefits will get their P-EBT benefits on their existing EBT card. Families who do not receive DTA benefits, but were mailed a P-EBT card in the past, will get their P-EBT benefits on their existing P-EBT card. Newly eligible students will receive their P-EBT benefits on their EBT card if receiving DTA benefits or will be mailed a P-EBT card if they do not receive DTA benefits. Families who lost their P-EBT card can request a new one.

Many families eligible for P-EBT may also be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are being encouraged to apply. Children and teens participating in the free and reduced-price lunch program can also get free meals at hundreds of school meal locations throughout the state, no registration or ID required.

DTA assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in eight residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance and food assistance, as well as workforce training opportunities. DTA administers three core programs: SNAP; Transitional Aid for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC); and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC).

DESE is committed to preparing all students for success after high school. The Department's work includes licensing educators, distributing state and federal education money, helping districts implement learning standards, overseeing statewide standardized tests, monitoring schools and districts, and convening districts and individuals to share best practices. In addition, DESE collects data to inform state and local decisions.

The Brick House Community Resource Center

Wellness Workshops

Beginning January 13th, The Brick House is offering Weekly 45-minute wellness workshops on Zoom every Wednesday from 3:30PM to 4:15PM. The workshops are interactive and informative through use of Tedtalks, quizzes, and PowerPoints. Previous topics have included: Healthy Relationships, Nutrition, and Coping with Stress.

Youth ages 13-18 are welcome to attend! We encourage youth to turn on their camera, but if they prefer not to that's ok too, they can interact through the chat option on zoom. Previous topics have included: Healthy Relationships, Nutrition, and Coping with Stress.

ZOOM link for January and February: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85812676341?pwd=dW4ydW5ZYU9zUVlPZVExc1BNWGVXdz09

passcode: brickhouse

Every week the ZOOM LINK is posted on our Instagram page: brickhouseteencenter

and Facebook page: The Brick House Community Resource Center

Questions? email Ilani Ortiz: iortiz@brickhousecrc.org

Homework Support

Our Youth Programs Team offers one-on-one online and in-person homework support for youth ages 11-19 after school from 2:30-5pm. To register please fill out the form using the link below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...

Contact Jane Goodale, Youth Programs Manager: jgoodale@brickhousecrc.org or 413-800-5705 with any questions or to sign-up.

Ready-To-Work Program:

MassHire's online Ready to Work Program starts January 26th!

All High School students in Franklin, Hampshire, and North

Quabbin are eligible. Learn job-readiness skills and earn a $100

gift card for completing the program.

January 26-February 25 (5 weeks) Tuesdays and Thursdays 3pm-4:30pm

Apply using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/R2Wprogram

The Winter Reading Program (for all ages):

Winter Reading Promotional Video:
The following video (click the link or copy it into your browser) includes how to sign up, the options for logging reading, online and curbside options, prize options and contact info for all three library branches. You can view the video by visiting the Winter Reading page of our website. The link to the video is at the top of that page.

Winter Reading page on the library website: montaguepubliclibraries.org/p/7/Chill-Out--Read-Winter-2021

If you are unable to view the video, there are packets with all the same info available at the Curbside Pick-Up tables at each of our three Montague Public Libraries:

Carnegie Public Library

201 Avenue A
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413-863-3214

Millers Falls Library
23 Bridge Street
Millers Falls, MA 01349
413-659-3801

Montague Center Library
17 Center Street
Montague, MA 01351
413-367-2852

Virtual Programs Planned:

Email Angela at arovatti-leonard@cwmars.org to receive the link.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Friday, Jan. 15, 6:30pm, Wild Tales with the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.

Take a literary journey around the world as our very own Storytelling Naturalist shares tales of animals and magic from around the world. With each story, a live animal will visit to bring a natural history piece to the myth and legends!

Friday, January 29, 6:30pm, Who Lives Where? With the Center For Aquatic Sciences.

An animal’s home is called its habitat, and habitats vary from place to place. In this program, students will meet 4 live animals and learn about the adaptations that help them to survive in their surroundings. Animals: Horseshoe Crab; Pine Snake, Screech Owl,DiamondBack Terrapin.

Friday, February 5, 6:30pm, No Strings Marionettes Presents The Snowmaiden.

Mythical figures, animals and humans from one of Russia's most beloved folk tales populate this production.
Tuesday, February 16, 3:00, Folktales of Asia with Motoko.

Motoko will tell a humorous Japanese tale about sumo wrestling, a myth to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and a wisdom tale from Old Korea. At the end, she will demonstrate a simple origami activity and answer questions from audience members.

TEENS

Monday, January 11 - Virtual Teen Art Exhibit.
Our lives have changed in so many ways because of COVID-19. School is online and most special events have all been canceled or postponed indefinitely. We are all coping with COVID-19 in different ways. We are accepting submissions of teen artwork throughout the entire Winter Reading Program (Jan. 11 - Feb. 20).
eMAIL your artwork to Angela at arovatti-leonard@cwmars.org OR put it in the Book Return at any of the Montague Public Libraries. Creating art and expressing our feelings through art can help us cope. The exhibit can be seen on the Youth page of our website: montaguepubliclibraries.org/p/1/Youth-Library-Programs-and-Events
Tuesday, February 9 – Virtual Escape Room for Teens.

Theme to be announced. Find out if you will survive or escape, from the comfort of your own home! The Escape Room will go live by 3:30pm. Look for it on the Winter Reading page of our website: montaguepubliclibraries.org/p/7/Chill-Out--Read-Winter-2021
ADULTS

Thursday, February 18, 6:30pm - Declutter, Simplify, Get Organized! Now is a great time to begin your decluttering projects and establish your organizing systems. Join us to learn decluttering and organizing techniques from professional organizer Marilyn Cruickshank of Creative Simplicity Organizing & Productivity (csimplicity.com) You will discover tried and true strategies that can work for you and the way you live, and you will feel energized and motivated to make small changes that will have a big impact.
Email Angela at arovatti-leonard@cwmars.org for access to the link! Include any questions you may have for Marilyn in your email and we will get them to her before the program.
This program is in collaboration with Libraries in the Woods. Hosted by: Montague Public Libraries, Cushman Library in Bernardston, Dickinson Memorial Library in Northfield, Erving Public Library, Field Memorial Library in Conway, Leverett Library, M.N. Spear Memorial Library in Shutesbury, New Salem Public Library, and Pelham Public Library.

Mack celebrated his first birthday with Officer Miner. Happy Birthday Mack!!!

Please check out this new information posted to our district webpage under both parents and students.

http://www.gmrsd.org/welcome-gmrsd/students/equity-and-inclusion

http://www.gmrsd.org/welcome-gmrsd/parents/equity-and-inclusion-gill-montague

As attendance in classes are still in issue, we ask families to please do their best in making sure your student is in class on time. This is especially important for the 1st class of the day so we can get an accurate attendance count. This has been an issue since the 1st day of school and I hope we can do better.

TFHS Exam dates: (NOTE GFMS HAS NORMAL SCHOOL DAYS ALL THREE DAYS)

January 26th (exams for TFHS' 2.5 credit classes - full day)

January 27th (exams for TFHS' A & C blocks - half day)

January 28th (exams for TFHS' D & E blocks - half day)

Revised Turn Around Date : January 29th (NO SCHOOL FOR ENTIRE DISTRICT) - TFHS staff can use this time for make-up exams

Note February 1st begins semester 2.

PSATs are scheduled to take place AT SCHOOL, in the gym, on January 26th. Those students taking the PSAT will need to make arrangements to make-up exams as needed.

Seniors who have an average of 90% or higher are exempt from their finals. Please note that this does not include essays or projects.

Note that January 29th is now Turn Around Day - there is no school on this day.

GMEF Annual Gala Cancelled Due to Death of Philip Bauer

The Gill-Montague Education Fund Annual Gala - “The Legend of Johnny Cash” has been cancelled. Joyce Phillips, Executive Producer, said “It is with extreme sadness that we learned that Philip Bauer passed away on November 24, 2020 of stage 4 colon cancer. Philip Bauer had been scheduled to perform on April 20 for the 2020 GMEF Annual Gala. It was postponed to 2021 due to the Pandemic. Philip Bauer was known world-wide as the number one tribute artist of Johnny Cash. He brought the sound and charisma of ‘The Man in Black” to life in his 90 minute stage show. W.S. Holland (Johnny Cash’s' only drummer) recognized Philip as “the best I have ever seen."

Because of the Pandemic, the GMEF was unable to raise money with the Gala which results in the support of student enrichment. Phillips said, the GMEF will continue to award 3 scholarships in June and their annual ‘roses for the seniors’ at graduation.

Anyone who purchased advanced tickets for the 2020 Gala, may wish to donate their ticket money towards student enrichment. Please contact us via our website: www.thegmef.org or email: info@thegmef.org. We will send you a letter recognizing your 2020 tax deductible contribution.

Patrons may must return their tickets to The GMEF – TICKETS, PO Box 383, Turners Falls, MA 01376 for a full refund.

Our Annual Galas will return when it is safe for everyone to gather. Thank you for your support.

The next virtual meeting will be held on February 8th at 6 p.m. Please contact Ms. Cadran at cadran.jennider@yahoo.com if you are interested in attending.

If you are interested in serving on this year's School Council, please send me an email expressing your desire to be on this committee. (joanne.menard@gmrsd.org)

Here is the date of the upcoming GMRSD School Committee Meeting:

-January 26th at 6:30 p.m.

The district has turned on GMail as a Google app for our MS and HS students. This means that through their @gmrsd.us Google accounts, students are able to get into GMail and receive email messages. Email messages received and sent out will be limited to only within the domain; and only with their teachers. Presently, we will not be allowing them to email each other until we determine that it is appropriate to do so.

Your child(ren) will not have to do anything different from logging into their Google accounts. They will receive emails, and can access their email messages, by going into the "waffle" and selecting GMail.

Seniors will be in a more open domain to allow them to work with their college applications. We will work with Guidance to set this up. The students' @gmrsd.org accounts will be able reach them directly from any college. Anything sent to from a college to a @gmrsd.us account is directly forwarded to the student's @gmrsd.org account.

Please note that the GMRSD Acceptable Use Policy does apply to student emails. The policy is below.

The GMRSD Family Technology Resource Page is available on our district website: www.gmrsd.org. This resource page is the place to visit if you have questions about your students' remote learning environment and to access the GMRSD Family HelpDesk contact link.

This statement is read by a teacher at the beginning of each class in order to protect both the teachers' and students' privacy:

It is important that we follow our school rules when we meet through the computer. We will be respectful of each other's words and ideas. Students and their families may not save, record, share or post this session or any photos from this session. If students or families do not agree with these requirements, please disconnect from this meeting. Families may contact me for a different learning plan.

CHROMEBOOK ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY:

• School issued Chromebooks should be used for educational purposes and students are to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy at all times. Chromebook devices are enrolled under the gmrsd.us domain making it inapplicable for any other use.

• GMRSD’s administrative staff and faculty retain the right to collect and/or inspect Chromebooks at any time, including via electronic remote access, and to alter, add or delete installed software or hardware.

• Inappropriate media may not be used for Chromebook backgrounds or themes. No images or graphics containing people can ever be used as a background or theme. The presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang-related symbols or pictures will result in disciplinary consequences.

• Manufacturer and school barcode tags and name labels shall not be removed, covered or marked upon.

• Teachers, school administrators, and the Technology Services staff use monitoring software that allows them to view the screens and activity on student assigned Chromebooks.

• The school district uses an Internet content filter that is in compliance with the federally mandated Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). All Chromebooks, regardless of physical location (in and out of school), will have Internet activity protected and monitored by teachers, school administrators, and the technology staff. If an educationally valuable site is blocked, students should contact their teachers to request the site be unblocked. Such requests will be given consideration following administrative review.

TURNERS FALLS HIGH SCHOOL

YEARBOOK INFORMATION

TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us || Leslie.charles@gmrsd.org

ORDER A YEARBOOK

$30 until JAN. 8, 2021 ($40 JAN. 9, 2021 until sold out)

ONLINE:

• https://unipaygold.unibank.com/CustomerInfo.aspx?Customerid=1931
  When you get to that page, select “Turners Falls High”, “High School Yearbook Sales”. If you have more than one order, please include both names.($30 until January 8; $40 until sold out.)

BY CHECK:

• Please send your check, payable to Turners Falls High School. Make note in memo: student’s name and grade and the word “yearbook”. Send to TFHS, Leslie Charles, yearbook advisor, 222 Turnpike Road, Montague, MA 01351 ($30 until January 8; $40 until sold out.)

CASH:

• At this point, we cannot accept a cash payment due to COVID-19.

DOWN PAYMENT:

• Down payments accepted. Deposit amount at your discretion. Full payment will need to be made before receiving the yearbook. If you make a down payment on or before January 8, the total cost will be $30. If you make a down payment on Jan. 9 or later, the total cost will be $40.

SCHOOL PHOTOS - ALL GRADES

• New this year! Please send in your own school photo for the class pages.
  (Due to COVID-19, there are no school photos scheduled at this point)

• Please email with you name/grade to: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us

PETS PAGE - DEC 11

• Pictures of students & teachers with their pets by December 11.

SENIOR SPORTS APPRECIATION - DEC. 23

• For the senior sport appreciation spread, I need the people who are playing sports as a senior this to let me know by my social media (if they have me, Haliegh Greene) or by email Goaliegreene99@gmail.com of what sport(s) they are playing or have played throughout high school and if they have a picture of them playing a sport that they took themselves.

SPORTS PHOTOS & CANDIDS

A CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

• If you or anyone you know has taken photos throughout this year, please submit them to: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us

• We are looking for any sports actions (field hockey and golf this Fall)

• CANDIDs: take a photo of your

SENIORS PAGE - DEC 4

SENIOR PORTRAITS:

• EMAIL: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us

• Should be high resolution (4x6” @ 300 dpi or about 1-3 megabytes)

SENIOR BLOCKS:

• EMAIL to: EMAIL: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us

• Please include:
  Name as you want it to appear in the yearbook;
  Date of Birth; Quote; Likes; Dislikes; Goal(s);
  Activities; Thanks To

SENIOR ADS:

• Great for caregivers/parents/grandparents/friends to celebrate your senior! Please contact me for more information/form: TurnersFallsYearbook@gmrsd.us

SENIOR CLASS PHOTO:

• Please send in a photo (can be from phone) for the class photo page.

To view the TFHS Student Handbook, please go to the gmrsd.org page, then the high school, and then under parents.

To view the GFMS Student Handbook, please go to the gmrsd,org page, then the middle school, and then under parents.

Please note that the Turn Around Date has changed to January 29th.

Note this has been updated to allow a longer passing time in between classes in our remote learning model. This new schedule will take effect on Monday, December 21st.

Change in Passing Time for High School Students

Due to the need of a longer passing time between classes we will now be ending each class 6 minutes earlier than normal. Below is the new passing time in the schedule. As lunch is a little longer, we did not shave off time from block E.

Block A

7:45 - 9:00 a.m.

Block B (GAP)

9:10 - 9:32 a.m.

Block C

9:42 – 10:57 a.m.

Block D

11:07 a.m. - 12:22 p.m.

Lunch

12:22 - 1:00 p.m.

Block E

1:04 - 2:25 p.m.

There is no change to the Middle School schedule at this time.

Middle School Whole School Meetings will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 7:45-8:00 a.m. Their grade's Team Leader has a link to these meetings on the whole grade Google Classroom.

High School Whole School Meetings will be held now every other Tuesdays beginning at 9:15 a.m. Principal Menard or Mr. Gaffigan will be sending out the link for all high school teachers to share with students on the Monday prior to each meeting. We have changed our meeting schedule to every other week to enable students to have additional time to meet with teachers.

If a parent/guardian/student needs to come to the main office for any reason, we respectfully ask everyone to stay outside the office window to conduct all business. This is to maintain the safety of our office staff and administrators. We appreciate you attention to this very important manner.

If a student is riding a GMRSD bus, it is the expectation that they are wearing a mask at all times in order to ensure the safety of all.

Monday, January 25th - GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.

Tuesday, January 26th - PSATs; TFHS Exams; GMRSD School Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 27th - TFHS Exams; Half Day for all students - Working Wednesday in afternoon for students and staff

Thursday, January 28th - GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.; TFHS Exams

Friday, January 29th - NO SCHOOL - TURN AROUND DAY

Monday, February 1st - 1st Day of 2nd Semester; GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.

Tuesday, February 2nd - TFHS Morning Meeting, 9:15 a.m.

Wednesday, February 3rd - Early Release Day for students; Professional Development for teachers, 12:00-2:30 p.m.

Friday, February 5th - GFMS Morning Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.

Turners Falls High School

Great Falls Middle School

222 Turnpike Road

Montague, Massachusetts 01351

413-863-7200