TFHS/GFMS Community Newsletter

As Principal, I will be holding two Principal Chats a month to communicate with the community at large. When I was interviewing, it was expressed to me by multiple community members the need to have one off-site as well as having one at school each month. These Chats are to share what positive changes we are making, what events have been happening, and to share examples of student learning opportunities.

For September's off-site Principal's Chat, I partnered with the Brick House to host us. This Principal's Chat was held on Friday, September 27th from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. I thank them for their willingness to welcome us. In addition on Monday, September 30th, I will hold a Principal's Chat in the TFHS/GFMS Auditorium from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. I hope to see many of you there!

October's on-site Principal's Chat will be held on Wednesday, October 16th from 9-10 a.m. in the TFHS/GFMS Auditorium. October's off-site will take place later than this date and will be announced in the next Community Newsletter.

Our high school and middle school Open Houses were held on September 25th. We thank all students and families that came to check out classrooms and meet teachers.

TFHS students participated in the annual Source to Sea Cleanup on Saturday.

High school art students completed their work outside on gorgeous day last week.

The field hockey team hiked Mt. Toby together.

With the new administrative team, we have redefined roles for this year.

Dean Rebel McKinley (rebel.mckinley@gmrsd.org) is working with all grade 7, 9, and 11 students and families.

Dean Mike Duprey (mike.duprey@gmrsd.org) is working with all grade 6, 8, 10, and 12 students and families.

Please reach out to them with any attendance or disciplinary concerns.

Mr Smith's 'Environmental History' (2019 Spring) class studied the influence of the Connecticut River on the environment, culture and economy of the valley. Prior to teaching, Mr Smith was a boatbuilder in New York and the North Shore of Mass. In April, the class visited the Connecticut River Museum in Essex CT, sailed aboard the historic Dutch vessel 'Onrust' and learned traditional shipbuilding methods such as rope making and caulking planks. Afterwards, we began an 8 week process of building a traditional wooden boat that would have been seen on the river in the 19th century. Pictured is a 12.5 foot dory/skiff built by students. We learned how to build parts of the boat from architect's plans (lofting), and made great progress in creating the stem, transom, bottom and planking. Next year, we hope to offer another course that features an inter disciplinary boatbuilding project that requires cooperation and team work. (In the last three photos pictured are Mr Smith and his son Mason).

Work was completed on the entrance to the football stadium.

MakerLab students upgraded the 2nd floor concession stand. Both artwork and electronics were worked on by our students.

Please remember that three days in October are either half days or no school:

-Wednesday, October 2nd is a half day due to Professional Development

-Monday, October 14th is NO SCHOOL due to the observance of Columbus Day

-Wednesday, October 23rd is a half day due to Professional Development

Every Monday, our Student Council greets everyone with music and smiles! It is a wonderful way to start our week together. Please note that the students are dressed for Booster Week.

To get a raffle ticket, students need to show Ms. Martinelli their public library card. She will draw the winner October 25th during Middle School Morning Meeting.

As you can see from the pics, this is one helpful dinosaur.

Please download the MIAA app to receive the most up-to-date changes in all sports schedules.

On September 26th, a bus load of middle and high school students attended the Cultural Appreciation Day that was held at the Franklin County Justice Center. Together we celebrated the rich tapestry and diversity of our communities across the Commonwealth.

We have been hard at work on our Secondary School Improvement Plan (SIP) at the administrative level. After it was presented, feedback was given by our Curriculum Coordinators and staff and then appropriate adjustments were made to the plan. I then presented it to the School Committee.

Here is the link to the PowerPoint presentation I made to the School Committee.

At Friday's middle school Morning Meeting, four students were recognized with the honor of Student of the Week. Congratulations to all! We are proud of your hard work and good choices!

Please note we were unable to post everyone's picture due to permissions given.

All interested middle school parents/family members are invited to the first PTO meeting which will be held on Monday, September 30th. The meeting will be immediately after the Principal's Chat in the Auditorium beginning at 6:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

On Friday, September 27th, it was a Great Falls Middle School Blue & White Spirit Day. Many students showed their school pride!

Pictures could not be posted, as many students were in them that do not have permission. We would love to post more going forward, so if you have changed your mind please just contact the office. Note that students' names will never be included!

Here are this year's daily themes:

Monday, September 30th: Soccer Mom & BBQ Dad Day

Tuesday, October 1st: Decades Day

-9th grade: 2000's

-10th grade: 1980's

-11th grade: 1990's

-12th grade: 1950's

-Staff: 1960's and 1970's

Wednesday, October 2nd: Crazy Hair Day

Thursday, October 3rd: TBA

Friday, October 4th: Class Color Day

Whole School Pep Rally

Homecoming: October 5th, 7-10 p.m.

Monday, September 30th:

TFHS/GFMS Community Newsletter published

TFHS Booster Week - Soccer Mom & BBQ Dad Day

5:00 p.m. - Principal's Chat - Auditorium

6:00 p.m. - GFMS PTO meeting - Auditorium

Tuesday, October 1st:

TFHS Booster Week -Decades Day

-9th grade: 2000's

-10th grade: 1980's

-11th grade: 1990's

-12th grade: 1950's

-Staff: 1960's and 1970's

6:00 p.m. - District School Council Informational Meeting - Auditorium

Wednesday, October 2nd:

TFHS Booster Week -Crazy Hair Day

Half Day - Professional Development

Thursday, October 3rd:

TFHS Booster Week: TBA

Friday, October 4th:

TFHS Booster Week: Class Color Day

130 p.m. Whole School (TFHS/GFMS) Pep Rally

Saturday, October 5th:

7-10 p.m. - Homecoming - Thomas' Golf Course

Friday, October 11th:

Community Newsletter published

Today during the Morning Meeting, Student Council announced how the middle school will now be included in Pep Rallies! The first Pep Rally of the year will be held this Friday at 1:30 p.m. during our Booster Week.

Turners Falls High School

Great Falls Middle School

222 Turnpike Road

Montague, Massachusetts 01351

413-863-7200