Dear Trottier
It’s hard to believe we are only one month into the school year, given how much has already taken place. At Trottier, we know how important it is to provide middle school students with a variety of outlets to support both their academic growth and social success. I could not be prouder of the hard work and dedication of our staff in making this happen.
I want to take a moment to highlight just a few of the wonderful events and efforts so far:
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Nature’s Classroom (Grade 6): Thank you to our sixth-grade team for the thoughtful planning, preparation, and supervision of this trip. The weather in Great Barrington was beautiful, and our students had a fantastic time. These experiences would not be possible without the dedication of our teachers. I encourage you to join me in reaching out to thank them—their efforts make all the difference.
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Welcome Back Dance: Over 200 students joined us for our first dance of the year! For many of our sixth graders, it was their very first middle school dance, and it was wonderful to see students socializing, laughing, and having fun together. Many thanks to our staff members who generously volunteered their Friday evening to chaperone.
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Titan Games: Last Friday, the district hosted the Titan Games, giving our student-athletes an incredible opportunity to come together in the spirit of teamwork, success, and inclusion. Thank you to our staff and student volunteers who helped bring this memorable event to life.
Looking ahead, this Friday we will hold our annual Fun Run. Students can choose to run or walk, and it promises to be another wonderful day for our school community.
Let's make it a great one!
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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
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Homework Club Update
We are excited to be offering our Homework Club again this year! Students who are registered for this club bring all of their homework materials to the school library right after school on their registered days. The library provides a consistently quiet, structured, and resourceful environment in which students can work on their assignments. Supervising teachers are available each day to get students set up, monitor productivity, and answer questions that students may have. In addition, students are allowed to return to their lockers for forgotten materials, attend extra help sessions with their teachers (when they are available), and take a snack break. While Homework Club is not a tutoring session and students must be able to work independently, many find the quiet and consistent structure to be helpful.
If you are interested in registering your child for Homework Club this year, please fill out this pre-registration Google form: HW Club Link
If you have any questions about Homework Club for your child, please contact Stephanie Palmer at spalmer@nsboro.k12.ma.us.
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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.
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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..
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As the first month of school ends, we want to remind everyone of the importance of consistent attendance. As you know, consistent attendance at school is a key factor in a child’s overall learning success and overall social-emotional well-being. Being at school, on time, every day matters.
Some absences are necessary, such as student illness, medical conditions, or appointments, religious observation, or family emergencies. Absences such as family vacations or taking time off from school for reasons unrelated to illness, medical conditions, or appointments, religious observation, or family emergencies are considered unexcused.
Students who miss just two days per month (18 days across the year) are considered chronically absent. This amounts to nearly 10% of the school year—a significant loss of learning time. It’s also important to note that tardiness and early dismissals can add up. Arriving just ten minutes late every day equates to over 30 hours of missed learning across the year.
The Department of Education monitors student attendance and considers any student who has been absent for 10% of the school year to be chronically absent. Please click on this link from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for more information about the importance of school attendance and some ways that you can help maintain a healthy habit of school attendance for your child.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Mr. Hreschuk & Mr. Kittelson
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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
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