222 TURNPIKE ROAD, MONTAGUE, MA 01351

Telephone (413) 863-7200     Fax (413) 863-0298

Loren Messina, Principal

Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We are excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and community together at Great Falls Middle School and Turners Falls High School.

This year, we are placing a strong focus on student engagement and building a positive school culture. We know that when students feel connected and involved—in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and in the larger school community—they thrive both academically and socially. We encourage every student to take an active role in their learning, and we invite families to partner with us in supporting that engagement.

Equally important is our commitment to communication and collaboration. Strong connections between home and school are vital to student success. We encourage you to reach out directly to your student’s teachers with any questions or concerns. Teachers are the first point of contact and an essential resource in ensuring that your child has the support they need.

As we look ahead, we are eager to work together to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every student can succeed. Please take time to carefully review the Student and Family Handbook, as it provides important information about our policies, procedures, and expectations. If you have any questions after reviewing the handbook, do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and community. Thank you for your partnership in making Great Falls Middle School and Turners Falls High School a place where every student can feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.

COVID Guidelines:

Students will not be required to wear masks. All students are certainly permitted to wear masks, and parents and guardians will be making that determination with their kids at home. Each family’s decision will be respected by all members of the school community.

Bus Transportation:

The bus routes are up on the website (gmrsd.org under the “parents” tab) as soon as possible. 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. The routes are being built according to our enrollment in each building, and once the routes are compiled, they will be posted on our website for families to view. Late bus service may begin the second full week of school, but more information on that will be coming.

Meals at School:

We are a CEP district (Community Eligible Provision) which means that all students at GMRSD will be able to participate in FREE meals for breakfast and lunch. This also means no eligibility applications are required by the food service department. 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. PayForIt.net can be used for purchasing a second lunch, but we will no longer be offering la carte items. All students will receive a bar code for their lunches. HS students can put them in the plastic holder for their ID’s. The menus will be online for community members to view.

Family Communication:

We will continue to utilize PlusPortals to support home-school communication. All of our communication will be managed through PlusPortals, so please be sure that we have the most current email address and phone number on file. Parents can access PlusPortals by using the link under the Parents tab on the district website, or by going directly to the web address, which is www.plusportals.com/GMRSD. If you need assistance in accessing your PlusPortals account, please call our main office at 413-863-7200. If you do not have internet access, please notify the main office so that we can provide you with paper copies of our communications. We will also be using our Facebook page and the website (gmrsd.org) to post information, updates, and photos. I will be in regular communication with families, and I would encourage families to reach out to myself, Ms. Messina with any questions or concerns.

School Supplies and Schedules:

• At TFHS, each teacher will let their students know what supplies are needed in class. For the first day, students are asked to bring something to write with and an assignment notebook or planner.
• Student schedules are on PlusPortals. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the School Counseling Office at 413-863-7203.

Supporting Your Child:

While we recognize and admire that our high school students are progressing towards independence, guidance and support by both family and school staff is essential to their success. To this end, 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, after the Add/Drop period ends and students’ schedules are settled. If you need to report an excused absence, please call 413-863-7200.

Please contact the school with any questions. 

With Appreciation,

Loren Messina

Principal