Midweek Minute (temporary replacement for the Fast ...

 “Likes, Followers, and Feelings: Understanding the Impact of Social Media” With the ever increasing concern about mental health and emotional complexity of the times, our district has been reviewing different documentaries to better understand the impact of social media mediums such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.  For those that don’t know, Trenton Public Schools joined the nationwide lawsuit against Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other social media platforms - specifically Case No. 22-MD-3047-YGR in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in 2023. The lawsuit asserts that social media companies targeted minors to maximize profits despite knowing the severe detrimental effects excessive social media use causes to minors. See #1 - parents, please consider watching two extremely informative videos: The Social Dilemma (Netflix - 2020) and The Unknown Number (Netflix - 2025). Par ental discretion is advised prior to viewing any segment(s) of either documentary.     The Social Dilemma | Official Trailer | Netflix   Unknown Number: The High School Catfish | Official Trailer | Netflix (The Unknown Number contains explicit sexual content - not appropriate for children under 18). If you want to read more about social media and the corresponding impact on mental health, click here:  https://deconstructingstigma.org/guides/social-media  or here:  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/social-media-and-mental-health-in-children-and-teens .  As parents and guardians, you play a vital role in helping students navigate their online experiences. We encourage families to discuss the themes  explored in these documentaries together — including how social media influences self-image, relationships, and emotional well-being. Asking open-ended questions such as  “How does social media make you feel after spending time online?”  or  “What are some positive ways we can use technology?”  can help students reflect and build healthy digital habits. The challenge in front of you isn’t trying to break you,  it’s trying to build you (Aaron Golub). P.S. Remember to turn your clocks back this weekend!

Wednesday, Oct 29 2025

Community Outreach - Comprehensive Offerings

Dear Trenton Community, I recently came across an article that made me pause and reflect on something we often overlook in public education —  the end game. Too often, success is measured primarily by college-prep tests like the SAT or ACT. While these assessments are important, they don’t tell the full story of every student’s strengths or potential. When the focus stays on one type of outcome, our resources and attention naturally follow — leaving fewer supports for students whose goals lead them down different, but equally valuable, paths. This is a challenge for all districts. Schools are often criticized both for students’ standardized test scores  and  for not offering enough diverse opportunities. Here in Trenton, we take that feedback seriously and continue to look for new ways to support every learner. We’re proud to offer  seven Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs  (Auto Shop, Woodshop, Horticulture, Graphic Arts, Marketing, Criminal Justice, & Digital Media) and give students access to  27 additional programs through our regional consortium.  At the same time, because of the emphasis on college readiness, we provide  17 Advanced Placement (AP)  courses through our  AP Capstone program. We also know our community wants even more opportunities for students — and we agree. That’s why we’re continuing to build partnerships with local organizations like  Dean Transportation, Gorno Ford, Bradley + Co,  and others to expand real-world experiences in  electric vehicle technology, marketing and graphic arts, and automotive technology. Our mission remains clear: to ensure every Trenton student has access to a path that fits their individual goals, whether that means college, career, or something uniquely their own. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to prepare our students for success in every form it takes. See the pictures from our Mr. Monaco’s field trip to Alta Material Handling in Romulus and our DCTC student visit to Anderson today where our 5th graders learned about Welding, Construction, as well as Digital Media, Teaching, Health Occupations, and a myriad of other programs.  Yours in Learning,  Doug Mentzer, Superintendent (Mr. Monaco and our students at Alta today) (High School Students from our CTE consortium at Anderson today)

Wednesday, Oct 15 2025