Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School Principal’s Update – August 27, 2022
Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School
Principal’s Update – August 27, 2022
We look forward to seeing you all very soon. In anticipation of the start of the year, you will
find a variety of information below.
Important Dates:
• Thursday, September 1st - First day of school for all grades (7:45-2:25)
o GFMS students will report directly to the Theater from the buses, or drop-off
area, by using the main entrance to the building. GFMS staff will be positioned to
direct students to the theater and their grade-level seating area. Students will be
provided with a schedule of classes for the day, as well as locker assignments and
other necessary information. Teachers will be actively assisting our students in
becoming acclimated to the building and their schedules.
o TFHS students will report directly to A Block. We will be having a All School
Meeting that morning during GAP and an activity for all TFHS students during E
Block.
• Monday, September 5th: Labor Day, No School
• Tuesday, September 13th: Student Photo Day
• Wednesday, September 14th: Half Day, dismissal at 11:00am
• Thursday, September 22nd:
o GFMS Open House, 5:00-6:30pm
o TFHS Open House, 6:30-8:00pm
Entering the Building:
All students (TFHS and GFMS) will enter through the main entrance next to the main office.
Attendance:
Please be sure that your child is on time and prepared for school each day. We will be utilizing
our automated telephone system to call the primary number listed for a student who is marked
absent, unexcused, or tardy unexcused, each day before 10:00 a.m. Calls will begin in the
second full week of school. If you need to report an excused absence or an early dismissal,
please call 413-863-7300. You may also provide a written explanation for the absence or
tardiness of your child. By providing a note first thing in the morning for an early dismissal, this
will ensure that we have your child ready to leave when you arrive.
Cell Phones:
In accordance with the GMRSD policy, at TFHS and GFMS, we believe that the use of cell
phones and personal electronics by students during the school day is inconsistent with an
environment that is conducive to learning. Therefore, the use of cell phones and personal
electronics on school property is relegated to the following procedures:
• GFMS students must have their cell phones (and other devices) off and stowed in their
lockers at all times. Students are not permitted to carry their devices during the day,
and this includes lunch and recess.
• TFHS students:
o must have phones and other devices off and away in classrooms at all times.
o may use their devices during passing time and lunch, but they must have
headphones and be played at a volume which others cannot hear.
* Bluetooth speakers, or other similar devices, are not permitted on school grounds.
Sports:
We are offering a variety of sports this Fall; some are through a co-op with other schools, and
we encourage you to have your student sign up. It’s not too late, and a list of our offerings is
below. Please contact our Athletic Director, Adam Graves, with your interest.
Adam.graves@gmrsd.org
Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Field Hockey Middle School Soccer
Volleyball Golf Cheerleading
Meals at School:
Every student in MA who would like a school breakfast and/or lunch will receive meals at no cost
to their family. Families will continue to have the option to put money on student accounts
through PayForIt.net. Details can be found under the Parents tab on the district website.
Family Communication:
We will continue to utilize PlusPortals to support the home-school communication, so please be
sure that we have the most current email address and phone number on file. If you need
assistance in accessing your PlusPortal account, please call our main office at 413-863-7300.
COVID Guidelines:
As was the case during the second half of last year, students will not be required to wear masks.
All students are certainly permitted to wear masks, and each family’s decision will be respected
by all members of the school community.
Bus Transportation:
The bus routes will be finalized very soon and posted on the website (gmrsd.org under the
“parents” tab). There is no “sign up” for bussing, and students who attend TFHS and live at
least 1.5 miles from school will be included in the bus routes. Late bus service may begin the
second full week of school, but more information on that will be coming.
Thank you for partnering with the Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School
faculty and staff in providing our students with a great educational experience. Please contact
us if you have any questions or concerns and we look forward to seeing everyone on the 1st
.
Sincerely,
Christopher Barnes Kristen Schreiber
Principal of Secondary Education Assistant Principal
Christopher.barnes@gmrsd.org Kristen.schreiber@gmrsd.org