TFHS/GFMS Community Newsletter

-TFHS End of Year Celebrations

-GFMS End of Year Celebrations

-Upcoming Half Days or No School Days

-Senior Drive Around

-Senior Prank

-TFHS Awarded Second Innovation Pathways!

-TFHS Exams - Other Than Seniors

-MCAS Testing

-District Protocols Video

-Screening for Symptoms

-TFHS Guidance Bulletin Board

-GFMS Cradles to Crayons Clothing Drive

-Phi Theta Kappa All-Mass Academic Team

-If a Student Forgets Their ChromeBook

-BinaxNOW COVID-19 Test

-GMRSD Face Mask Protocols & Expectations

-Massachusetts' Travel Advisory

-Baseball

-Softball

-Tennis

-Track

-Important Internet Information

-Remote Learning Reminders

-GMRSD School Committee Meetings

-Our State Approved to Continue Pandemic EBT

-Brick House Opportunities

-Equity and Inclusion District Webpage

-National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

-Annual Gala

-Student Emails

-GMRSD Family Technology Resource Page

-Disclosure Statement Read Prior to Each Class

-Acceptable Use Policy

-TFHS/GFMS Student Handbooks

-GFMS Whole School Meetings

-Procedures if Need to Come to School Office

-Masks Need to Be Worn on All Buses

-Upcoming Dates

Thursday, June 3rd:

Graduation Rehearsal, 9:45 a.m. (pizza party and "Senior Graduation Walk Through" after)

Senior Awards Night, 6:30 p.m. in gym (ticket required)

Friday, June 4th:

Graduation, 6:30 p.m. in gym (ticket required)

Tuesday, June 8th:

2nd Semester Awards (virtually), 9:10 a.m.

Friday, June 11th: Virtual Middle School Award Ceremony; time to be announced

Monday, June 14th: 8th Grade Celebration in person - 8th grade will be sending out more information regarding time and guest limits

Monday, May 31st - NO SCHOOL - MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED

Thursday, June 10th - Half Day for all students grades 6-12

Friday, June 11th - Half Day for all students grades 6-12

Monday, June 14th - Half Day for all students grades 6-12 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Held at noon on Thursday, May 27th.

What greeted everyone this morning!

All students Chromebooks (both in-person and remote students) will be collected on Friday, June 11th. If you are a remote student, please bring it to the office on that day. Please make sure to turn them in even if you are planning on attending summer school (invitation only).

I am thrilled to announce that the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) recently awarded TFHS our second innovation pathways designation. We now have pathways in both Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare & Social Assistance.

TFHS is now taking applications for current 8th and 9th graders for both pathways. Please email Principal Menard at joanne.menard@gmrsd.org stating which pathway you are interested in. We will hold interviews prior to the end of school.

Note that these are the only innovation pathways in Franklin County! We are so excited to offer these opportunities to our students! Below is a press release:

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Designations to High Schools with New Innovation Pathways Programs that Help Students Gain College and Career Experience

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded designations to 18 high schools for launching new programs, known as Innovation Pathways, that will connect students’ learning to a career pathway by providing work-based learning experiences with rigorous technical coursework. These early career programs provide high school students with a coherent course of study focused on a particular field, while also offering them access to college-level courses and internship opportunities to gain work experience and insight about whether the field is something they would like to pursue in college or a career after high school.

The Baker-Polito Administration launched these early career programs in 2017 to help students develop knowledge and skills related to a chosen field of study before they graduate high school. Many of the early career programs at high schools are in STEM-related fields, including advanced manufacturing, information technology, environmental and life sciences, health care and social assistance, and business and finance.

“These early career programs provide students tremendous opportunities for future success in and out of the classroom by building partnerships with local employers to equip students with experience and knowledge in a growing field,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“Both students and employers benefit from this experience when students are exposed to careers they might not have been aware of, and employers gain a skilled future workforce,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is committed to closing opportunity, achievement and workforce gaps for students throughout the Commonwealth, and Innovation Pathways offer invaluable, hands-on learning opportunities.”

More than 600 students are expected to enroll in the newly designated pathways announced today. With these new designations, there are now 49 high schools in Massachusetts with Innovation Pathway programs, with a total of 121 different pathways. More than 4,000 students are projected to be enrolled in an Innovation Pathway program by Fall 2021.

“It is a testament to the success and importance of these programs that despite the challenges of the last year, high schools moved forward with creating more early career opportunities for students. These programs give students relevant and valuable experience that helps them think about their future career paths, something that may have been sidetracked during the health crisis,” said Education Secretary James Peyser.

“High school students who have opportunities to explore Innovation Pathways gain valuable experience and knowledge about growing industries, while gaining credentials and credits and insight into whether it is something they would like to pursue in their future. These opportunities are opening doors for many students across the Commonwealth,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley.

In October 2019, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito announced the availability of $1.8 million in grants over three years from American Student Assistance (ASA), a national nonprofit based in Massachusetts. The grants will support high schools across the Commonwealth develop programs that prepare students for college and careers. The ASA grants were awarded to the Governor’s Workforce Skills Cabinet to help fund Innovation Pathway programs at high schools across the Commonwealth, and marked the first time that ASA awarded a major grant to a state to support college and career pathways in high schools.

"American Student Assistance (ASA) is proud to continue our commitment to the Innovation Pathways program and we are thrilled to see another round of schools receive their Innovation Pathways Designation," said American Student Assistance CEO Jean Eddy. "In this time of uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever for students to be able to build skills they need for future success, connect classroom learning to real world experience, and grow the workforce pipeline across the Commonwealth. We applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for their continued commitment to this program and for ensuring all young people in Massachusetts have the skills they need to succeed."

Schools that apply for an Innovation Pathway designation are required to follow five design principles:

• Equitable access for all students
• Guided academic pathway relating to one of five specified broad industry sectors
• Enhanced student supports
• Relevant connections to career
• Deep partnerships between high schools, employers, and workforce development boards

The following high schools received designations:

Atlantis Charter School – Fall River, MA

Atlantis Charter School is launching an Innovation Pathway in Information that will serve 50 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Bristol and the Business Innovation Center to facilitate student connection to the workplace and experiential learning opportunities.

Bartlett High School – Webster, MA

Bartlett High School is adding two new Innovation Pathways in Healthcare and Social Assistance and Manufacturing that will serve 120 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Central and Christopher House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Genex Optics as employer partners. Students will have the opportunity to participate in college courses through Nichols College and Quinsigamond Community College, and in senior year will complete a 100-hour internship or capstone project that will tie together elements of the program.

Carver Middle-High School – Carver, MA

Carver Middle-High School is launching an Innovation Pathway in Manufacturing that will serve 75 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire South Shore and FlexoConcepts. Students in the program will have the opportunity to earn relevant industry certifications. In senior year students will complete a 100-hour internship.

Chelmsford High School – Chelmsford, MA

Chelmsford High School is launching two Innovation Pathways in Business & Finance and Information that will serve 40 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Greater Lowell and multiple employer partners in the area, including Workers Credit Union. Students will have the opportunity to participate in college courses through Middlesex Community College.

Dearborn STEM Academy - Roxbury, MA

Dearborn STEM Academy is launching an Innovation Pathway in Healthcare and Social Assistance that will serve 120 students when fully enrolled. The school is collaborating with the MassHire Boston Workforce Board (Boston Private Industry Council (PIC)), the Brigham and Women’s Hospital as its employer partner to offer internship experiences, and Wentworth Institute of Technology to offer college courses.

Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School – South Yarmouth, MA

Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School is launching an Innovation Pathway in Healthcare and Social Assistance that will serve 40 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Cape and Islands, and Coastal Medical Transportation Services, LLC; Cape Cod CPR; Yarmouth Fire Department, as employer partners, and also the Tufts School of Medicine Great Diseases project to offer coursework in infectious diseases. Students in the pathway will complete a 100-hour internship and the end-of-experience deliverable will highlight the students’ achievements during their internship and the connection between their experience and future goals/plans.

Excel High School – South Boston – Boston, MA

Excel High School is launching an Innovation Pathway in Information that will serve 150 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Boston Workforce Board (Boston Private Industry Council (PIC)), and multiple employers including the Young People’s Project. Students in the pathway will take courses at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Students in the pathway will complete a 100-hour internship, during which they will engage in pre-placement interviews, weekly reflection journals, daily work tasks, , employee interviews and a long-term service based or workplace learning project.

Swampscott High School – Swampscott, MA

Swampscott High School is launching an Innovation Pathway in Manufacturing. The school is partnering with MassHire Metro North, Lynn Manufacturing, and M.M. Newman, among other area employers. Through a partnership with North Shore Community College, participating students will take advanced coursework in the core academic areas and have opportunities for college level-work in technical courses related to Advanced Manufacturing. Participating students will complete a 100-hour internship sponsored by the partnering employers.

Turners Falls High School – Montague, MA

Turners Fall High School is launching an additional Innovation Pathway in Manufacturing that will serve 20 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MasssHire Franklin-Hampshire and Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), and a number of other area industry partners, to provide students internship opportunities with manufacturing employers that will be supported by mentors. In addition, participating students can earn up to five industry-recognized credentials.

Uxbridge High School – Uxbridge, MA

Uxbridge High School is launching an Innovation Pathway in Business and Finance that will serve 100 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Central and the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. Students in this pathway can participate in dual-enrollment coursework which will enable students to transfer credits toward the attainment of a logistics certification, offered through Quinsigamond Community College. Students in their senior year will complete a 100-hour internship or capstone project that will tie together elements of the program.

Ware High School – Ware, MA

Ware High School is launching an Innovation Pathway in Manufacturing that will serve 130 students when fully enrolled. The school is partnering with MassHire Franklin-Hampshire and Vibram Corporation, among other area industry partners, to provide students with internship opportunities with manufacturing employers. Ware Public Schools partners with Holyoke Community College to provide Advanced Manufacturing participants with ongoing exposure to postsecondary opportunities and assistance with college planning. Students in the program have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials.

West Springfield High School – West Springfield, MA

West Springfield High School is launching three new Innovation Pathways – in Business & Finance; Health Care & Social Assistance; and Information. These programs will serve 280 students when fully enrolled. The district is partnering with MassHire Hampden County, West of the River Chamber of Commerce, and the following area employer partners: Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts; the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield; Landmark at Monastery Heights Assisted Living Facility; and the Town of West Springfield IT Department. Participating students will have the opportunity to take dual-enrollment courses at Springfield Technical Community College and Westfield State University; earn industry related credentials; and each will complete an internship during their senior year.

Worcester Public Schools – Worcester, MA

Worcester Public Schools is launching a new Innovation Pathway in Environmental and Life Sciences at its six comprehensive high schools (Burncoat, Doherty, North, South, Claremont, and University Park). This pathway will serve 45 students across these six comprehensive high schools when fully enrolled. The district is partnering with MassHire Central, the Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Biological Initiatives, UMass Medical Center, and BioBuilder. In their senior year, students will participate in a capstone course during which they will work on projects and engage with peers, advisors, and mentors on a solution to a problem presented to them by local business partners.

School districts interested in launching early career pathways can find more information at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/innovation-pathways/

June 9th - 2.5 credit odd day classes

June 10th - A & C even day classes (students dismissed at 11 a.m.)

June 11th - D & E even day classes (students dismissed at 11 a.m.)

June 14th - Make-Up exams only (need to be arranged with teachers)

TFHS:

10th grade Math Session 1 - June 1st

10th grade Math Session 2 - June 2nd

10th grade Make-Up ELA - May 28th

10th grade Make-Up Math - June 4th

GFMS:

8th grade STE (only 1 session) - June 2nd

Grades 6,7,8 Make-Up ELA - June 1st

Grades 6,7,8 Make-Up Math - June 3rd

Attached is a link where you can access the district video regarding protocols for when students are in school. (Please note that some parts do not pertain to our school as it is a whole district video.) In this video, you can view for example how/where middle schoolers and high schoolers will enter and where they eat breakfast and lunch. Other COVID-19 protocols are also shown. Please use this as a resource for yourself and your student.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DdemFrovdeLS32_38JRGloIPQ8PhLpxW/view

It is critical that families and caregivers check their child every morning for symptoms of COVID-19. Checking children every morning at home will serve as the primary screening mechanism for COVID-19 symptoms. Families should use this checklist every day before sending their child to school. Students who exhibit these symptoms should stay home from school. If the student feels well enough, they should connect with their classes remotely. If a child must stay home, the parent should contact the main office at the school to make the school aware of the absence and let the office know, if their child is able to connect remotely. Parents are advised to consult with the school nurse about symptoms and advice on how to proceed.

Families play a critical role in supporting the new culture of health and safety that each school must establish. Most importantly, families can help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in their school communities by checking their children daily for any COVID-19 symptoms and keeping them home from school if they are sick or have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19.

Faculty and staff working with students will report to the nurse if they suspect any student exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or other illnesses. The district strongly encourages families to discuss testing with their health care provider if they have any Covid-19 symptoms, have been exposed to someone who may have Covid-19 or believe their child has COVID-19. Testing is also available at the following locations:

https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus/communitycovidtest

https://www.cic-health.com/stopthespread

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread

Final Results for the Cradles to Crayons Clothing Drive Friendly Competition:

6th Grade: 229 donations= 5.7 donations per in-person student

7th Grade: 78 donations = 1.3 donations per in-person student

8th Grade: 497 donations = 9.6 donations per in-person student

So the winner of the frozen treat is the 8th Grade!

Thank you so much to everyone for your generosity during this difficult year. And a special thank you to our Project 351 Ambassadors Emma, Linley and Vera for working so hard to make this clothing drive a success!

Congratulations to 2020 graduate Brody Trott for being named a member of the Phi Theta Kappa All-Mass Academic Team. Proud of you!

If a student forgets their ChromeBook, they should:

1. contact their parent to see if it can be brought to school
2. allow the student to continue to follow along in the classroom, where they are able to view the activities on the big screen

These students will not be sent home, as DESE considers that a suspension, if they miss more than one class.

Face Mask Protocols &Expectations

The Gill-Montague Regional School District is committed to providing a safe environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to public health experts, face masks continue to be one of the best ways to stop the spread of coronavirus and to keep members of our school community safe. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that people wear masks when around people outside of their household, especially when six-foot distancing is difficult to maintain. In accordance to the recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Massachusetts Department of Health, the Massachusetts Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), our local Board of Health and other local health professionals, the Gill-Montague Regional School District has established these face mask protocols and expectations for all students, employees and visitors to follow while in school buildings and on school property.

The following protocols and expectations are in place until further notice:

● A face mask that covers the nose and mouth must be worn at all times, by all individuals in school buildings and on (school grounds removed) school transportation, even when social distancing is observed.

● Per DESE guidelines on May 17, 2021, students are no longer required to wear face masks when outdoors. At GMRSD, we expect students to continue to wear face masks when outdoors if six-foot social distancing cannot be consistently maintained. GMRSD Employees may remove face masks outdoors if social distancing can be maintained. This guidance applies to recess, physical education, youth sports, and outdoor learning environments.

● Athletes on spring teams, in active play outdoors are not required to wear a face mask. All athletes participating in high school sports are considered youth and fall under youth guidelines.

● Athletes when they are on the bench or in a dugout, and not able to consistently maintain six-foot social distancing, are required to wear a face mask.

● Spectators and chaperones, coaches, staff, referees, umpires and other officials who can social distance while outdoors, are not required to wear a face mask.

● Students who are not involved in active play at recess, in physical education classes, or other outdoor classes, where they cannot maintain at least 6-feet of social distance, must continue to wear face masks.

● Face masks must be worn by all students and employees while indoors. The only exceptions to the mask requirement will be for those individuals who cannot wear a mask/face covering due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health/safety factors and have proper medical documentation verifying the condition, disability, or health/safety factor.

● Wearing a face mask is required for all people who bring students to and from school.

● Students are required to wear a face mask during arrival and dismissal whether by bus or private vehicle.

● Students will be reminded verbally and visually (with wall signs and other nonverbal cues) to not touch masks and to wash their hands frequently. They will be reminded to wash hands or use hand sanitizer if they do touch their face. Hand washing/hand sanitizing procedures are essential to the health and safety of our school community.

● Information will be provided to staff, students and families on proper use, removal and washing of face masks.

● Teachers/staff will provide regular mask breaks throughout the day with proper social distancing (six feet or more), ideally outside when appropriate, or with open windows in learning spaces.

● Schools will have disposable masks available to students and staff (and a limited supply of cloth masks); however, families will be expected to provide face masks for their children.

● Students and staff may remove masks while eating. A six-foot minimum of social distancing will be maintained during these times.

● All staff must wear a face mask at all times while in GMRSD buildings, except when working alone in private individual offices or classrooms with closed doors. Masks must be worn in all common areas, when not eating, regardless of ability to socially distance.

● Students/staff will wear a provided surgical mask when in the medical waiting room at all times.

● Masks should be either disposable or cloth that is made with at least 2 layers of breathable material. They may be secured with ear loops or ties.

● Based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas/handkerchiefs and face masks containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind will not be considered appropriate for school use.

Wearing of a Face Mask

How to put on a face mask:

● Ensure your face mask is clean, dry and not damaged.

● Wash and dry your hands before putting on your face mask.

● Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.

● Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face - no gaps.

● Make sure you can breathe easily.

● Wash and dry your hands after you are finished putting on the mask.

While wearing a face mask:

● Do not touch the front of the face mask. If you do, clean your hands and dry thoroughly.

● Avoid touching your face, as infection can still be introduced by touching your eyes or if there are gaps or an incorrect fit of mask.

● Face masks should not be moved during use. This includes being pulled up or pulled down below your chin. If you need to remove your mask (for example, to eat) - remove it safely, dispose of it appropriately (or wash or safely store if a reusable cloth mask) and clean your hands.

● Replace the face mask if it becomes damp, damaged, or soiled.

To safely remove your mask:

● Clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol). Dry hands thoroughly.

● Remove the face mask from behind (do not touch the front of the mask) by untying ties or removing ear loops and pull it away from your face. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your mask.

● Clean, store or dispose of masks appropriately.

If students are in violation of these protocols and expectations, the building principal will consult with the parent/guardians to determine whether an exception is appropriate, or the student may be subject to discipline in accordance with the procedures contained in the Student Handbook.

Violations of these protocols and expectations by staff will be handled in the same manner as other violations of safety protocols and expectations.

Visitors in violation of these protocols and expectations will be denied entry to the school/district facility.

These protocols and expectations will remain in place unless the Superintendent and Nurse Leader make modifications in accordance with any updated guidance from public health agencies or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Additional Resources

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Helping your child wear a face mask:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hmwoA-HtIfOi2eEQfHgqxbBulXyFx7juKy4RLAjr9Ps/ed

Struggling to Get Your Child to Wear a Face Mask? Try These 7 Tips

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19:

Use Masks to Help Slow Spread

Proper handwashing:

https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html

How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Mask

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-covering.pdf

References:

5/17/2021 FAQ about wearing face masks outdoors

https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/faq/

5/18/21 MIAA Guidance

http://www.miaa.net

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, COVID-19 Order No. 31 -

https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings/download

COVID-19: Considerations for Wearing Masks | CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent…

COVID-19 Information and Resources - Student and Family ...

www.doe.mass.edu/covid19

Mask Up MA! | Mass.gov

https://www.mass.gov/news/mask-up-ma

MASC - Massachusetts Association of School Committees

https://www.masc.org

As of Monday, March 22, all visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival. Travelers in the following categories are exempt from this quarantine advisory:

* Travelers who have received a negative COVID-19 result on a test administered not more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. Travelers may also test out of the quarantine advisory after arrival in Massachusetts, as long as they quarantine until receiving a negative test result.
* Travelers who are fully vaccinated<https://www.mass.gov/guidance/guidance-for-people-who-are-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19

Guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 | Mass.gov

COVID-19 vaccines that are currently authorized in the United States are very effective at protecting vaccinated people against severe COVID-19. Until more people are vaccinated, some prevention measures will continue to be necessary for all people, even people who have been fully vaccinated. This guidance is based on CDC recommendations for fully vaccinated people.

www.mass.gov

> (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago) and who do not have symptoms.

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

Here are the dates of upcoming virtual School Committee Meetings which will take place at 6:30 p.m.

-June 8th

-June 22nd

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

24 Third St, Turners Falls, MA, 01376

Youth Programs

New to the Brick House? New youth and their parent/guardian must fill out the online enrollment form: Brick House YP Enrollment Form Questions? Please contact Jane Goodale, Youth Program Manager jgoodale@brickhousecrc.org 413-800-5705

NEW!!! SUMMER YOUTHWORKS PAID CAREER READINESS PROGRAM!!

6 weeks, July-August, 20 hours per week

-Youth Ages 16-21 in Franklin County are eligible

-learn job readiness skills, explore careers, and work on community projects, and get paid 200-300 per week!

-Deadline to apply is June 14th, to apply: Brick House YouthWorks application

-Questions? Contact Juhi Dasrath, YouthWorks Specialist : jdasrath@brickhousecrc.org

Are you 14-15 and want to work this summer? You can apply to the Community Action YouthWorks program : https://www.communityaction.us/youthworks or Contact Kevin Fox KFox@communityaction.us, or (413) 834-0140

NEW!! MONDAY

Teen Center In-Person Drop-In 2:30pm-4:00pm

TUESDAY

Homework Support, College and Job Applications Support 2:30pm-5:30pm

Our Youth Programs Team offers one-on-one online and in-person homework support for youth ages 11-19 after school from 2:30-5:30pm on Tuesdays. We also offer one-on-one support with applying to college, exploring career options, creating resumes, and applying to jobs. Please contact Jane Goodale, Youth Programs Manager: jgoodale@brickhousecrc.org or 413-800-5705 to sign-up for one-on-one support sessions.

WEDNESDAY

Teen Center In-Person Drop-In 2:30pm-4:00pm

Wellness Workshops: 4pm-5pm

The Brick House is offering Weekly 60-minute wellness workshops in person every Wednesday from 4:00PM to 5:00PM. The Wellness Workshops begin with an opening question and some stretching to get the mind and body activated. The workshops are interactive and informative, focusing on different aspects of self care through fitness! Youth participants will receive a $5 gift card for participating.

Questions? Feel free to contact Ilani Ortiz: iortiz@brickhousecrc.org

THURSDAY

Teen Center In-Person Drop-In 2:30pm-4:00pm

MOMENTUM ARTS: 4pm-5:30pm (Youth ages 13-19)

*Dinner is provided*

Every Thursday upstairs in the Movement Studio!

JUNE art class topic TBD, for more info and to register email Ilani : iortiz@brickhousecrc.org

Parent Family Services

Monthly Parent/Guardian Group

Join us the 2nd Friday of every month from 3:30-4:30 pm over Zoom for our new monthly get together to discuss topics of interest and share concerns and ideas with each other.

*NEW! Surprise gift card raffles each month to be picked at the end of each meeting!!!*

June 11, 2021

Family Communication

July 9, 2021

Family Meals

August 13, 2021

Tantrums

To Be Continued...

We will decide as a group!!

Have any questions or want to participate in the group?

TO JOIN: email Stacey at her email below to get on the list for a zoom invitation each month. For other questions contact either Stacey or Sandra.

Stacey Langknecht email: slangknecht@brickhousecrc.org Cell:(413) 800-2496

Sandra Ramos email: sramos@brickhousecrc.org Cell:(413) 800-2208 (English or Español)

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

On May 26th, the THFS National Honor Society George F. Wrightson Chapter's Induction Ceremony was held. Congratulations to the newest inductees: Dylan Burnett, Emily Fess, Britney Lambert, Jacob Lyons, Kiley Palmquist, Abigail Sanders, Olivia Stafford, Enessa Stysenko, Paige Sulda, Hannah Warnock, Olivia Whitter, and Emily Young!

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 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.

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.

Middle School Whole School Meetings will be held on Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday) 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.

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.

Friday, May 28th - 10th Grade ELA MCAS Make-Up Date; GFMS Whole School Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.

Monday, May 31st - MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED, NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, June 1st -10th Grade Math Session 1 MCAS Test; GFMS (all grades) ELA Make-Up Date; GFMS Whole School Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.

Wednesday, June 2nd - 10th Grade Math Session 2 MCAS Test; 8th Grade STE (only one session) MCAS Test

Thursday, June 3rd - GFMS (all grades) Math Make-Up Date; Senior Awards, 6:30 p.m. in gym (ticket required)

Friday, June 4th - 10th Grade Math MCAS Make-Up Date; GFMS Whole School Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.; TFHS Graduation, 6:30 p.m. in gym (ticket required)

Monday, June 7th - GFMS Whole School Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.

Tuesday, June 8th - TFHS Second Semester Awards, 9:10 a.m.

Wednesday, June 9th - TFHS Exams (2.5 credit odd day classes)

Thursday, June 10th - TFHS Exams (A & C even day classes); Students Dismissed at 11:00 a.m.

Friday, June 11th - ChromeBook Collection - all students; GFMS Whole School Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.; Middle School Award Ceremony, TBD; TFHS Exams (D & E even day classes); Students Dismissed at 11:00 a.m.; Community Newsletter Published

Monday, June 14th - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - HALF DAY - DISMISSED AT 11:00 a.m.; GFMS Whole School Meeting, 7:45-8:00 a.m.; 8th Grade Celebration, 9:30-11:00 a.m.; TFHS Make-Up Exams

Turners Falls High School

Great Falls Middle School

222 Turnpike Road

Montague, Massachusetts 01351

413-863-7200