TMS The Week Ahead 9-28-25

Posted Date: 9/28/25 (5:00 PM)

TMS The Week Ahead

9-28-25

Principal's Update

Dear Trottier:

I want to thank our staff and students who engaged in meaningful conversations this week around our theme of Words Matter. These sessions highlighted for students the importance of being mindful of biased language, avoiding jokes that center around the identity of others, and engaging in thoughtful conversations about race, culture, religion, and identity. We met with our sixth- and eighth-grade students, and I was thoroughly impressed with their thoughtfulness, seriousness, and insights around these dynamics. I hope this serves as a building block for future work and continues to promote our vision of inclusivity and a supportive environment here at Trottier. We will meet with our 7th grade next week.

I am also excited for our sixth graders as they embark on Nature’s Classroom. This is an important milestone in the Trottier experience, and I greatly appreciate the sixth-grade team for their planning, preparation, and hard work. I look forward to hearing the stories and reflections from their time away. A special thank you as well to SOS for their financial support—these experiences would not be possible without their partnership.

Looking ahead, we are excited for our Welcome Back Dance on Friday evening and the annual Titan Games hosted by the district, which promises to be another great community event. Fall is always a busy but exciting time of year at Trottier

Let's make it a great one!

Calendar of Events

September 29 – Nature’s Classroom

September 30 – Nature’s Classroom

October 2 – Yom Kippur NO SCHOOL

October 3 Dance

October 3 – Trottier SOS Meeting

October 7 – DC Parent Orientation

October 10 – Fun Run (Rain Date 10/17)

October 13 – No School (Columbus Day)

October 20 – Diwali (No School)

October 24 - 7th Grade Field Trip Boundless Adventure

November 3 – Picture Retake Day

November 5 – 8th Grade Washington, DC Trip

Nature's Classroom Monday!

6th Grade Families:

Our trip to Nature’s Classroom in Great Barrington, MA is on Monday! The staff and I are very excited to share this experience with your child. For those who are not going, we will have a typical day, the best we can, so attendance in school is still expected. For those who are attending, please review the following.

A few reminders:

Check the weather on Sunday!
I encourage parents to pack extra socks and a small range of attire in case the weather is colder or hotter than predicted.
Closed-toed shoes with velcro or laces are required.
You may pack an extra morning snack before we depart from the campus.
No money, no smart watches, no cell phones.
Basic toiletries (towel and flip flops if they choose to shower).
Refillable water bottle and cinch bag.
Help your child pack!

Thank you so much!

Mr. Kittelson

Washington DC Orientation Save the Date

Dear Trottier Families,

Please save the date for our Washington, DC, Trip Orientation on Tuesday, October 7, from 6:00–7:00 PM in the Trottier Auditorium.

During this meeting, we will:

Review the trip itinerary
Discuss expectations for students
Answer any family questions to help prepare for the trip

We strongly encourage all families of students attending the DC trip to join us for this important orientation.

If you have any questions in advance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to seeing you on October 7.

Assabet High School and Private School

Attention all students applying to private school for next school year: Please see your Guidance Counselor before the Thanksgiving weekend to discuss the private school recommendation process. For more detailed information, please visit the Trottier Guidance Website or Canvas page. Trottier has several forms that private school applicants must complete. Regardless of the private school's application deadlines, the deadline for all Trottier forms is FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's Guidance Counselor.

8th grade students interested in attending Assabet Valley Regional Technical/Vocational High School: Trottier is hosting Assabet during the school day on Friday, October 3 as they present an informational session for all 8th grade students. Those students who are interested in applying to Assabet, are encouraged to go on a tour of the school on Wednesday, October 29 from 8:30-11:30. Permission forms are required for students planning to go on this tour. Further information about Assabet is located on the Assabet website.

Community Service

Trottier Parents and Students,

Community service has always been an important tradition at Trottier. Each year, students are asked to contribute their time and talents to making a difference in the community. Sixth graders are expected to complete 2 hours of community service, seventh graders 4 hours, and eighth graders 6 hours. We are grateful that so many of our students regularly go above and beyond these expectations, and we encourage families to support their children in finding opportunities to give back.

Announcements about possible service projects are often shared during morning announcements and posted on the school’s community service bulletin board. Still, students are encouraged to pursue their own opportunities outside of school.

Although the government has currently paused the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program, Trottier will continue our tradition of recognizing students’ outstanding efforts. Students who complete 50 or more hours of documented community service during the current school year will still be honored with a Trottier Service Award. Students with 50 hours will qualify for a Bronze Award, 75 hours for a Silver Award, and 100 or more hours for a Gold Award. In addition, 8th graders with the highest cumulative hours will be considered for the Jean Ivers Award, presented at the end of the year. To receive recognition, students must submit the attached Community Service Tally Sheet (signed by a parent to verify hours) to the Trottier office no later than May 15th.

Community Service Guidelines

You cannot be paid for your time or count unpaid time spent with a for-profit business.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs do not qualify.
School activities such as drama, sports, or band do not count as community service.

Examples of Community Service

Volunteer with organizations such as Special Olympics, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Cradles to Crayons, Project Unify, or the Southborough Food Pantry.
Visit a nursing home to read, play games, or spend time with residents.
Assist a neighbor in need by shoveling, mowing, raking, or doing other helpful tasks.
Lend a hand at your local library, police or fire station, or hospital.
Support town or faith-based events and fundraisers.

Remember- Be helpful, but always be safe! Check with your parents first before starting any community service activity. Thank you for helping us keep this tradition alive and for supporting your students’ efforts to make a difference in our community. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Mrs. Scorzelli