Superintendent's Update: Spring Edition

CBRSD Superintendent's Update: Spring Edition Dear CBRSD Community, One of my takeaways from our ongoing Community Forums was that our district had to get better at telling our story and shining a light on the remarkable work that takes place in our classrooms everyday. This spring, we partnered with Dalton Community Television (DCTV) to create a brief 'documentary' about CBRSD. We hope this video highlights the student experience from PK through graduation and better informs our families, friends, and neighbors about who we are and what we do. We strongly encourage you to watch the video and share it widely!  Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools Central Berkshire Regional School FY27 BUDGET @ ANNUAL TOWN MEETINGS We are in the midst of Town Meeting season in Massachusetts and we are happy to announce that the FY27 Budget passed unanimously in Cummington, Dalton, and Windsor!  Thanks for all of the the district staff and families who have attended town meetings to date!  Regional school district budgets must be approved through Town Meeting votes and our budget must be approved by at least 5 of our 7 towns. Please plan on attending this year's Town Meetings so that you can vote on the future of our school district. We have four more town meetings to go: Attendance Matters: Let's Finish Strong As the weather warms up and the days get longer, we can all feel that end-of-year excitement in the air. It’s a wonderful time for our school community, but it also marks the beginning of what educators call the Spring Attendance Slide. We are reaching out to ask for your partnership in keeping our students focused and present through the final day of the school year. Every Day Still Matters It can be tempting to view these final weeks of May and June as "winding down," but in our classrooms, we are gearing up. Here is why being in school every day is vital right now: Teachers are wrapping up final units and helping students bridge the gap to next year’s curriculum. End-of-year projects and traditions build teamwork and provide closure for the academic year. Maintaining a routine helps students feel secure and successful as they transition into summer break. A Note on Seasonal Allergies We know that spring in our region brings high pollen counts, and many of our students are feeling the effects. While we always want students to stay home if they have a fever or a contagious illness, seasonal allergies are not a reason to miss school. If your child is struggling with itchy eyes or a runny nose, please consult with your school nurse or pediatrician about management strategies so they can stay comfortable and remain in class. Our Goal: 100% Until the End Every day of instruction is a building block for your child's future. Let's work together to ensure that every student finishes this year with momentum and confidence. Thank you for your continued support of your child’s education. 2026-2027 School Calendar The CBRSD School Committee approved the  2026-2027 School Calendar .  The first day of school for staff will be August 24, while the first full day for all students will be Wednesday, August 26 . The anticipated last day day of school will be June 11, 2027.  Orientation for incoming grades PK, K, 6 and 9 will be August 25. Details will be provided by school principals in August. The structure of the upcoming calendar is similar to the 2025-26 school year with students having extended breaks during Thanksgiving (Nov 23-27), Holiday Vacation (Dec 24 - Jan 1); Winter Vacation (Feb 15-19); and Spring Vacation (April 19-23). Based on the survey results we gathered from families this past winter, we will have the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving off and are partnering will local community partners to offer low-cost or free childcare at our elementary schools on those days. More information will be provided in the fall. Responsible E-Bike Use on School Grounds Recently, we have noticed an increase in use of e-bikes resulting in both injury to students and damage to our grounds. If your child rides an e-bike to school, we ask for your partnership in speaking with your child(ren) about safe riding practices, including: Always wearing a properly fitted helmet. Following all traffic laws and signals. Riding at safe speeds and being mindful of pedestrians. Ensure the bikes they ride are appropriate for their age and skill level. Further, e-bikes must be parked in designated bike racks. E-bikes are strictly prohibited from being ridden anywhere else on school property including playgrounds, sports fields, open grass, and the high school track.  We thank most students for following these expectations already. Any student found using an e-bike irresponsibly or in violation of traffic laws will face school discipline and will be referred to local law enforcement. Any damage caused to CBRSD property through the use of e-Bikes will be directly billed to families. Let’s work together to ensure our students arrive safely to and from school each day. The Dalton PD has provided the following information . Your cooperation will help keep our school community safe. April West Named Principal of BWES The Central Berkshire Regional School District is pleased to announce the appointment of April West as the new principal of Becket Washington Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026. West brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, the principal of BART charter school from 2013-2018, and as an instructional coach. Most recently, she served as a 6th grade teacher in a rural elementary school. West was the only finalist chosen from a round of initial interviews by a search committee composed of members representing teachers, administrators, and the Becket Washington community. During the interview process, West impressed the committee with detailed answers that included specific strategies for enhancing the school experience for students in a small rural school. As someone who was educated at a small, rural elementary school with multi-grade classrooms, she understands the unique benefits and challenges presented by low enrollment schools. West also participated in two meet-and-greets, one for staff and one for community members, which were designed to gather a final round of feedback from the community. A survey was provided to all attendees and respondents overwhelmingly felt that West was a great match for our district, noting her enthusiasm, her experience in similar districts, and her passion for collaborating around increasing the school’s enrollment. While her official start date is July 1, she will be working closely with Principal McCloskey during the spring to begin setting the stage for her leadership. A community meet and greet designed for April to engage with the entire school community will be scheduled in the early summer. Details will be communicated later this spring. Important Dates May 25: No School May 31: WRHS Graduation June 19: No School June 23: Half-Day / Last Day District Calendar Start and End Times: Elementary Schools: Breakfast: 8:15 Doors Open: 8:25 Classes Start: 8:40 Dismissal: 2:50 Half-day: 11:25 Nessacus MS: Breakfast: 7:35 Doors Open: 7:55 Classes Start: 8:00 Dismissal: 2:35 Half-day: 11:10 Wahconah HS: Breakfast: 7:20 Doors Open: 7:20 Classes Start: 7:52 Dismissal: 2:21 Half-day: 11:00 Important Documents MS/HS Code of Conduct ES Code of Conduct Bullying Prevention Plan 🥗Lunch Menus🍴 All students receive free meals. School Menus MySchoolBucks Account 🚌 Bus Routes 🚏 Bus Transportation Routes

Wednesday, May 06 2026

Superintendent's Update: March Edition

CBRSD Superintendent's Update: March Edition Dear CBRSD Community, It's officially spring and I know we are all looking forward to the weather catching up with the calendar! As the weather improves, we encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities to engage with our school community by supporting our spring sports athletes. Here is a link to the  Spring Sports Schedule. We are also looking to increase community involvement at Town Meetings where our FY27 budget will be discussed and voted! Below please find the following: a detailed description of the FY27 final budget and a call to participate in Town Meeting votes a new take on Rural Aid advocacy The Addams Family @ WRHS Becket School Committee seat vacancy Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools Central Berkshire Regional School FY27 BUDGET I’d like to announce that the CBRSD School Committee has adopted an FY27 Budget that is a 2.99% increase over FY26. I believe that this budget reflects both our commitment to our students and the tough fiscal reality we are navigating. We are seeing increasing operational costs and state revenues that are just not keeping pace.  This budget protects the things most important to our mission: core K-12 instruction, consistent academic and extracurricular programming, and interventions that allow more students to succeed. However, keeping our year-over-year increases manageable also meant reductions. Every reduction was strategic and carefully considered so that we can remain committed to our goal of becoming the best regional district in the state.   FY 2027 - ADOPTED BUDGET  $37,740,005 FY 2027 Total Budget Variance Overall Increase Average Town Assessment FINAL 37,740,005 1,097,004 2.99% 6.74% Please understand that the school committee's FY27 adopted budget must now be approved by at least 5 of our 7 towns through Town Meeting votes . Ple ase plan on attending this year's Town Meetings so that you can vote on the future of our school district. Advocacy for Rural, Regional Schools Central Berkshire Regional Schools, more so than other rural districts, relies on Rural Aid in order to fully fund our operational budget. Next year, we have budgeted for an anticipated $1.45  million  from this revenue source to keep our schools running.   This money is not guaranteed and is dependent on yearly appropriation by the state.  We need your advocacy to help ensure equitable funding.  Recently, we participated in a statewide advocacy effort coordinated by Rural Schools Advocacy in Massachusetts during which Assistant Superintendent Aaron Robb and WRHS students created this video that was sent to the state house: Over the next two months, the Massachusetts state budget will be finalized, and this is the most important time to advocate for Rural Aid funding for our schools. In April, the House of Representatives debates and amends its budget, and in May, the Senate does the same before both versions are negotiated into a final budget. Because key decisions are made during these weeks, your voice can make a meaningful difference. We encourage families to contact our local legislators early and often—especially during April and May. Our State Senator, Paul Mark ( paul.mark@masenate.gov ),  and our State Representatives, Leigh Davis ( repleigh@gmail.com ) , John Barrett ( john.barrett@mahouse.gov ) , Lindsay Sabadosa ( lindsay.sabadosa@mahouse.gov ) are critical advocates for our region. In addition, contacting members of the House Ways and Means Committee in April and the Senate Ways and Means Committee in May can help elevate the importance of Rural Aid funding during budget deliberations. Here is a link to a letter I have sent to House and Senate leadership : Letter to Joint Committee on Ways and Means . WRHS Presents The Addams Family Musical Get ready to snap your fingers! The Wahconah Regional High School Drama Department is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical: High School Edition . This kooky, mysterious, and altogether "ooky" musical comedy will take the stage for three performances on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 2026. A Comedic Tale of Love and Darkness In this hilarious hit musical, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. To make matters worse, she confides in her father, Gomez, and begs him not to tell her mother, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s "normal" boyfriend and his parents. It’s a night of secrets, skeletons, and side-splitting comedy that explores the beautiful complexity of what it means to be a family. Showtimes Friday, March 27 @ 7:00 PM Saturday, March 28 @ 1:00 PM (Matinee) Saturday, March 28 @ 7:00 PM Ticket Information Tickets are available now and can be purchased in advance online ( https://our.show/wrhs/ )  for a discount or at the door on the day of the performance.  Day-of tickets sales are cash only. Vacancy: Becket Representative to the CBRSD School Committee The Cen tral Berkshire Regional School Committee is seeking a representative from the Town of Becket.  In accordance with the District Committee’s Agreement, “Vacancies which occur on the committee shall be filled by the remaining members of the committee and the appointee filling such vacancy shall serve the unexpired portion of the term .”    Any Becket resident and  registered voter may apply for the appointment to fill this term, which will expire in November of 2028.  Those interested should send a letter of application and proof of voter registration to be filed with the District Secretary, Dr. Michael Henault, Central Berkshire Regional School District, P.O. Box 299, Dalton, MA  01227, or may deliver that letter and proof of voter registration to the school department's office at 254 Hi nsdale Road.   Important Dates March 27-28:  Spring Musical April 3: No School April 20-24 : April Break District Calendar Start and End Times: Elementary Schools: Breakfast: 8:15 Doors Open: 8:25 Classes Start: 8:40 Dismissal: 2:50 Half-day: 11:25 Nessacus Regional MS: Breakfast: 7:35 Doors Open: 7:55 Classes Start: 8:00 Dismissal: 2:35 Half-day: 11:10 Wahconah Regional HS Breakfast: 7:20 Doors Open: 7:20 Classes Start: 7:52 Dismissal: 2:21 Half-day: 11:00 Important Documents CBRSD Code of Conduct (MS/HS) CBRSD Code of Conduct (ES) CBRSD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 🥗Lunch Menus🍴 All CBRSD students receive a free lunch and breakfast. There are no steps required to receive free meals. School Menus MySchoolBucks Account 🚌 Bus Routes 🚏 Bus Transportation Routes

Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Superintendent's Update: January Edition

CBRSD Superintendent's Update: January Edition Dear CBRSD Community, I hope the New Year has brought everyone energy, excitement, and hope for 2026. The new year brings budget season for school districts and I wanted to take this opportunity to invite everyone in to be active participants during our process.  We live in one of the wealthiest states, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world and each year I'm taken aback as districts and towns have to choose between what we know is best for our students and the provision of basic needs like drivable roads and public safety. But that's the reality we live in. It's also interesting to me that Massachusetts is the state that is both the birthplace of American public education and town-meeting democracy. What an opportunity for us to come together and collaborate on finding ways to make our schools the best they can be. Below please find the following: a detailed description of the FY27 budget process and timeline a form letter that can be used to advocate for fully funding Rural Aid information about upcoming Community Forums information about Kindergarten Registration registration details about a US Attorney's Office webinar on Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools FY27 BUDGET I’d like to share some information that will offer a clear look into the work that has been happening behind the scenes to create a budget that supports teaching and learning across our district.  Getting to an initial budget was a collaborative process. District administrators have held w eekly meetings with principals, assistant principals, deans, and directors beginning in September and will continue throughout the entire school year. It's through these meetings that we have found ways to be as efficient as possible with the resources we have, while also finding areas needing additional support. We also deepened our understanding of our classrooms. District administration conducted walkthroughs of over sixty K-12 classrooms over a three-month period, giving us further information about how to better support our students.  We encouraged our Instructional Leadership Team, comprised of about 30 CBRSD educators, to give building leaders specific input into their classroom-level budgetary needs. We held strategic budget planning meetings with building principals who followed a planning protocol that helped determine their specific needs. We discussed possible changes, additions, and decreases that could lead to better outcomes for our students. We then met  with the finance subcommittee to lay the groundwork for the prospective financial needs of the district in FY27. Our  initial budget  was presented January 8th to the School Committee. The initial budget does not yet include a full picture of the budget. We are waiting on state aid, revenue projections, and clarity on some high impact increases like insurances. But we have presented an initial budget that directly reflects our commitment to our students and our staff.  However, given the fiscal reality across our country and in our seven towns, it is unlikely that all of what we need will be included in the final budget. As we move through the budget process, the full school committee, the finance subcommittee, the public, and Greg, Aaron and I will provide input into the School Committee’s  tentative budget . This will be presented  February 12.  Then, as state aid and other revenues become clear and the budget’s real impact on towns can be determined, the School Committee will work on forming a  final budget , which will be presented on  March 12 . Advocacy for Rural, Regional Schools Central Berkshire Regional Schools, more so than other rural districts, relies on Rural Aid in order to fully fund our operational budget. We rely on 1.2 million dollars from this revenue source to keep our schools running.   This money is not guaranteed and is dependent on yearly appropriation by the state. We need Governor Healey to hear from you so that we can help ensure Rural Aid is fully funded for the upcoming budget year! The text below is a sample letter, which can be updated with personalized language, anecdotes and information and posted in the link below. Thank you for your advocacy! Governor Healey: I respectfully urge you to fully fund Rural Aid at the recommended level of $60 million, to fund Regional Transportation reimbursement at 100%, and fully fund the Circuit Breaker and Charter School line items in your FY27 budget. These commitments are critical to sustaining rural schools and upholding the Commonwealth’s promise of educational equity for all students. Fixed costs inherent to operating schools (like having buses pick up our students, or having principals run our schools) and our lack of access to economies of scale make our per-student costs 20% higher than our non-rural, non-regional counterparts. Here is our reality: we can not simply deflect rising costs by eliminating positions. We are already stripped down.  The loss of a single teacher in a small district results in a meaningful impact to class sizes or can force us to reduce or eliminate entire programs. We have lost most of our foreign languages, limited electives, increased class sizes K-12, eliminated most after school transportation, have scaled back intervention services, and are wondering how to afford the high quality curriculum resources our teachers and students need every day. Even given these reductions, the current Chapter 70 formula, when applied to our low-wealth, low-enrollment towns fuels a growing equity gap between rural and nonrural districts. Until this formula is fixed to include rural funding, we need Rural Aid to continue to operate. Help sustain our rural schools and fund them in a way that ensures our students have equitable access to high quality educational experiences.  Thank you for your leadership and continued commitment to Massachusetts public education. Sincerely, Submit your letter at:   https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office . CBRSD Community Forums We are continuing our commitment to meeting with Central Berkshire community members through a series of community forums. Our next forums are at Washington Town Hall, January 26 from 6-7PM and at the Dalton Senior Center on February 11.  We are collaborating with the Dalton finance committee to finalize a time for the Dalton forum. A flyer will be distributed as soon as the time has been finalized. Future meetings in other towns will be communicated as they are scheduled. Kindergarten Registration We are excited to announce that CBRSD Kindergarten Registration is now open! This is earlier than previous years, and we encourage families to register as soon as possible as our budget for next year takes shape.  P lease note that Central Berkshire Policy 6115 concerning the entrance age for kindergarten students states that a child  must reach the age of five before September 1, 2026,  to be eligible for kindergarten beginning September 2026. Click Here to download the letter regarding registration. This letter includes a checklist and a link to the registration form. We will contact you about scheduling screening which will occur prior to the start of the school year. Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online:  A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents .  The webinar will take place on the evening of  Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30 pm in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit. Advanced registration is required, and the capacity of the Webex webinar platform is 1000.   Use the link below to register. https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r83f7d49f6565b65bce8bb420f1cfef7c Important Dates Jan 19: CBRSD Closed Jan 22:  School Committee Meeting Jan 26:  Washington Community Forum Feb 11:  Dalton Community Forum Feb 12: Tentative Budget Feb 16-20 : February Break Feb 26: Public Hearing District Calendar Start and End Times: Elementary Schools: Breakfast: 8:15 Doors Open: 8:25 Classes Start: 8:40 Dismissal: 2:50 Half-day: 11:25 Nessacus Regional MS: Breakfast: 7:35 Doors Open: 7:55 Classes Start: 8:00 Dismissal: 2:35 Half-day: 11:10 Wahconah Regional HS Breakfast: 7:20 Doors Open: 7:20 Classes Start: 7:52 Dismissal: 2:21 Half-day: 11:00 Important Documents CBRSD Code of Conduct (MS/HS) CBRSD Code of Conduct (ES) CBRSD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 🥗Lunch Menus🍴 All CBRSD students receive a free lunch and breakfast. There are no steps required to receive free meals. School Menus MySchoolBucks Account 🚌 Bus Routes 🚏 Bus Transportation Routes

Friday, Jan 16 2026

Superintendent's Update: December Edition

CBRSD Superintendent's Update: December Edition Dear CBRSD Community, As we head into the Holiday Season and settle into our New England winter, I wanted to recognize that this time brings forward many different emotions in our students, staff, and their families. For some it's a season filled with joy, celebration and treasured traditions. For others, it brings busy schedules, financial stress, and the weight of memories and grief. And for most of us, it's a mixture of all of those things. I bring this forward because over the next few weeks, no matter how your family is experiencing this season, the Central Berkshire Regional School District is here to support, care for, and educate your children right up through the Holiday Break.  While we embrace the energy and excitement of the season, we are also dedicated to maintaining strong routines and keeping students academically engaged. I wish everyone a wonderful December and a Happy New Year and will send out another update in January. Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools School Calendar Family Impact Feedback We are gathering feedback to understand how this year’s school calendar, with the addition of full-day professional development days and fewer early release days (half-days) has impacted families. Your responses will help us plan future calendars that best support students and families. Thank you for participating. Click here:  https://forms.gle/yUioMWFyrYGwHSkJ6 Central Berkshire Families for Belonging On November 10, 2025, a dedicated group of parents, staff, and community members gathered for the  Central Berkshire Families for Belonging  meeting to review our mission and identify areas where our district can better support our families. While we reviewed our previous work regarding school supply accessibility, our conversation quickly shifted to address current demographic data and achievement gaps, before landing on the problem of food insecurity. The statistics shared at the meeting highlight the urgency of this issue and to address these challenges and ensure our resources are accessible to all seven towns, we have outlined several actionable goals for the coming months: We will explore community partnerships including looking for ways to collaborate with Berkshire Health Systems as we look for ways to support our entire CBRSD community. We are exploring the feasibility of "share tables" in our cafeterias and reviewing regulations regarding leftover lunches to better harness food resources. We also discussed ways in which we can increase school-family partnerships. One action step that was determined was to expand the use of  virtual Parent-Teacher conferences for all schools to improve accessibility for families. We invite you to join us in this vital work at our next meeting on  January 12, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the WRHS Learning Commons . We will send out an agenda closer to the meeting date. Upcoming Community Forums The CBRSD Admin team is in the process of scheduling a second series of community forums that will be focused on getting our messaging around the FY27 budget into the community, communicating some preliminary Entry Plan Findings, and gathering feedback on upcoming improvements linked to the ongoing implementation of our  2025-26 District Improvement Plan . While we are currently working on scheduling events in all of our towns, the first two have been scheduled as follows: Dalton Community Forum : January 13, 6-7 PM, Nessacus Regional Middle School Library Becket Washington School Community Forum : January 14, 6-8 PM, Becket Washington School Future dates for other community forums will be coming soon. Advocacy for Rural, Regional Schools I have recently submitted a testimony to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. A group was formed to collect input on the Chapter 70 formula, which is the mechanism by which public school funding is distributed across our state. If you would like to read my testimony, it can be found here:   CBRSD Chapter 70 Local Contribution Testimony . The simple summary is that the outdated formula creating a growing equity gap between rural and nonrural districts. While adjusting the formula will likely be a multi-year process, we can also push for some short term fixes such as urging the governor to fully fund Rural Aid for FY26 through her H2 budget using money from the Fair Share Amendment. And also fully funding Rural Aid, at its 60 million dollar recommended levels, for the FY27 budget. You can email the governor by clicking on this link:   https://www.mass.gov/info-details/email-the-governors-office#email-the-governor--lt-governor-using-this-form Holiday Break Reminder Holiday Break Begins with Early Release on December 23 There is NO SCHOOL December 24 - January 2 We Return to School on Monday, January 5 Important Dates Dec 23: Half Day Dec 24-Jan 2:  Holiday Vacation Jan 13:  Dalton Community Forum Jan 14:  Becket Washington School Forum District Calendar Start and End Times: Elementary Schools: Breakfast: 8:15 Doors Open: 8:25 Classes Start: 8:40 Dismissal: 2:50 Half-day: 11:25 Nessacus Regional MS: Breakfast: 7:35 Doors Open: 7:55 Classes Start: 8:00 Dismissal: 2:35 Half-day: 11:10 Wahconah Regional HS Breakfast: 7:20 Doors Open: 7:20 Classes Start: 7:52 Dismissal: 2:21 Half-day: 11:00 Important Documents CBRSD Code of Conduct (MS/HS) CBRSD Code of Conduct (ES) CBRSD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 🥗Lunch Menus🍴 All CBRSD students receive a free lunch and breakfast. There are no steps required to receive free meals. School Menus MySchoolBucks Account 🚌 Bus Routes 🚏 Bus Transportation Routes

Monday, Dec 08 2025

Central Berkshire Resources for Local Food Assistance

Good afternoon CBRSD Families, Many Central Berkshire families are facing the challenges of increased food insecurity as the result of the loss of SNAP benefits starting November 1. Below is information regarding locations for local food assistance. If you are in a position to donate food, location-specific information has been included as well. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank Held at the Dalton CRA 400 Main Street Dalton 413-684-0260 Food Bank at 413-419-0079 4th Wednesday of each month, 11:00 am – 12Noon Rain or shine No proof of eligibility required Information to donate CRA Link Becket Federated Church Parish House 3391 Main Street Becket 413-841-1701 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month 9:00 am – 11:00 am For Becket, Washington, and the surrounding Hilltowns (413) 623-5217 Food can be donated at The Becket Federated Church, located at 3381 Main Street, Becket. Leave donations on the porch.   Please do not donate any outdated food items.  Dalton United Methodist Church 755 Main Street Dalton 413-684-0521 Tuesdays 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Berkshire County Residents  Food can be donated at the Methodist church on Monday between 2 pm and 3 pm at the red side door, located on the right side of the building. Tuesday between 12 and 2. Or call 413-553-7440 to arrange a time.   Please do not donate any outdated food items.  Hinsdale Food Pantry  Link to info:  Hinsdale Food Pantry 371 Old Dalton Road Hinsdale 413-212-7067 Thursdays 10:00 am – 11:00 am For families in Hinsdale, Peru, Middlefield, Washington, and Worthington Contact information for donations: Hinsdale Food Pantry  PO Box 126 Hinsdale, MA 01235 hinsdalefoodpantry@gmail.com   Please do not donate any outdated food items. St. Agnes Church 489 Main Street Dalton 413-684-0125 Thursdays 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm For Dalton and Hilltown residents only Donations can be left at any entrance inside the Church.  A basket is available at each of these locations to accept gifts.   Please do not donate any outdated food items.  For updated, additional resources across Western Massachusetts here is a link to the Western MA Food Bank Take care, Mike Henault ​

Friday, Oct 31 2025

Superintendent's Update: October Edition

CBRSD Superintendent's Update: October Edition Dear CBRSD Community, As we settle squarely into fall, our school year is in full swing. We are still celebrating that our district  is  one of only 13 districts across Massachusetts  (out of over 400) recognized by DESE for meeting or exceeding pre-pandemic achievement levels in both ELA and Math for students in grades 3–8!! We are also celebrating that Nessacus Regional Middle School has been named a 2025 DESE School of Recognition ! I want to recognize our K-8 teachers, staff, and administrators for embracing the work we have done updating our curriculum and instructional practices to meet the demands of today’s learners. Your hard work and dedication to our students' success is paying off! Whil e we all know that MCAS and Accountability data aren't the only metrics that matter, in the words of Secretary Tutwiler, the progress we have shown is praiseworthy!  This fall we have been making strides to intentionally connect with and grow our sense of community. In September, to support our initial roll out of our Elementary Code of Conduct, student leaders from Wahconah went to all three elementary schools to teach about sportsmanship, recess etiquette, and how to treat each other with respect. It was a great success, and we are planning to continue with these visits in the future! Community Forums The district admin team has also been hosting  Community Forums  as part of our "Listening and Learning Tour." We have met with community members and elected officials throughout the district and this week will be stopping in Dalton (6pm, Wednesday at WRHS) and Hinsdale/Peru (6pm, Thursday at KES) Please join us! As we continue to walk through our schools and observe our classrooms, we are excited buy the work your children are engaged in every day! We encourage everyone to have conversations with your children about what's happening in their classrooms! Science lab at WRHS! Learning math at KES Thank you again for all you do and please continue to stay engaged with your child(ren)'s schools by communicating regularly with their teachers and building administrators, and attending school sponsored events. Conferences with teachers to discuss your child(ren)'s progress have been scheduled in November and the dates can be found under "Important Dates" on the right.   Below you will find important updates about our Central Berkshire Families for Belonging  advisory group and the  2025 District Improvement Plan . I wish everyone a wonderful October and will send out another update as we head into Thanksgiving Break, which will span the entire week of November 24 - 28 for students. Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools Central Berkshire Families for Belonging In previous years, the district folded the Parent Advisory Committee and DEIB Committee into one group, the CBRSD DEIB & Parent Caregiver Advisory. This year, we are rebranding as  Central Berkshire Families for Belonging .  We believe that when students feel that they belong, they engage more deeply, learn more effectively, and thrive both academically and socially. Research shows that a strong sense of belonging is linked to higher motivation, better attendance, improved mental health, and stronger academic outcomes.  If you are committed to making Central Berkshire Regional a place where all students feel connected, please sign up by below. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen relationships among families, staff, and student.  Here are the dates: November 10, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11.  All meetings will be at 6:30 in the Learning Commons at Wahconah Regional High School. District Improvement Plan We have created the 2025-26 District Improvement Plan to align with the current CBRSD Strategic Plan. In many ways, this plan continues the work already underway as we set the foundation for Central Berkshire to become the best regional school district in Massachusetts. It is an ambitious plan, with clear actions, supports, and timelines that, in its simplest form, focuses on three core strategic objectives. A first objective aims  to provide equitable learning opportunitie s by adopting high-quality instructional materials (HQIMs), implementing a comprehensive K-12 assessment system to measure student progress, and improving Tier I instruction. A second objective focuses on  establishing support systems through the redesign of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)  through the Student Support Team model that ensures we have the academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions and supports we need. Finally, the plan details strategies to expand and strengthen family and community partnerships through intentional public relations that celebrates achievements and a series of "Listen and Learning Tour" forums designed to gather stakeholder feedback for future strategic planning. Here is the current draft of the  2025-26 District Improvement Plan . Thanksgiving Break Reminder Thanksgiving Break is  Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28 This year there is NO SCHOOL for students during that week. A future survey will measure the impact of this change Important Dates Nov 5:  PM Conferences, NRMS Nov 6:  Half Day, Afternoon Conferences for all schools Nov. 6 - PM Conferences, all Elementary Schools Nov 11:  No School, Veterans Day Nov 12:  PM Conferences, WRHS * Nov 24: No School for Students *Nov 25: No School for Students *Nov 26-28: Thanksgiving Break Dec 23:  Half Day Dec 24-Jan 2:  Holiday Vacation District Calendar Start and End Times: Elementary Schools: Breakfast: 8:15 Doors Open: 8:25 Classes Start: 8:40 Dismissal: 2:50 Half-day: 11:25 Nessacus Regional MS: Breakfast: 7:35 Doors Open: 7:55 Classes Start: 8:00 Dismissal: 2:35 Half-day: 11:10 Wahconah Regional HS Breakfast: 7:20 Doors Open: 7:20 Classes Start: 7:52 Dismissal: 2:21 Half-day: 11:00 Important Documents CBRSD Code of Conduct (MS/HS) CBRSD Code of Conduct (ES) CBRSD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 🥗Lunch Menus🍴 All CBRSD students receive a free lunch and breakfast. There are no steps required to receive free meals. Elementary School Menu NRMS and WRHS Menu MySchoolBucks Account 🚌 Bus Routes 🚏 Bus Transportation Routes

Monday, Oct 20 2025

Superintendent's Update: September Edition

CBRSD Superintendent's Update: September Edition Dear CBRSD Community, Thank you all for making the start of the 2025-26 school year successful! Parents and families play a large role in the success of our district and we appreciate all of the support!  The CBRSD faculty and staff kicked off the year with a fantastic performance by Wahconah's rock band, Blood Type: Blue. They energized our entire staff and set the tone for the first days of school! Teaching and learning started on day one in our classrooms and as I've toured our buildings I've been amazed by our staff and students as the beginning-of-year buzz has been harnessed into student engagement!    While our school year has started off smoothly, the world around us has continued to be scoured by deep political divisions that elicit strong emotions from all sides. As your superintendent, I urge you to encourage open, respectful dialogue. In our schools we must ensure that all voices are valued. We aim to equip students with the skills to engage in productive, informed discussions while respecting all students' rights. Our schools must remain a sanctuary of learning where respect, kindness, and community prevail. I believe America can be a place where emotional, high-stakes topics can be discussed, debated, and disagreed upon without devolving into violence. It's inevitable that our students will question, wonder, and worry about the world around them. They will be looking to the adults in their lives for support and guidance. If you feel like your child(ren) could use support, please reach out to our team of school adjustment counselors. If you are looking for ways to support your child(ren) at home, here are some books that parents can read for guidance:   Something Bad Happened: A Kid's Guide to Coping with Events in the News or When the World Feels Like a Scary Place: Essential Conversations for Anxious Parents and Worried Kids. Thank you again for all you do and please continue to stay engaged with your child(ren)'s schools by communicating regularly with their teachers and building administrators. Below you will find  important updates about e-Bike safety and restrictions on school property, d etails around my entry planning process, which will help shape the future direction of our district,  and a note about this year's Thanksgiving Break calendar. I wish everyone a wonderful September and will send out another update in mid-October. Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools Responsible E-Bike Use on School Grounds  Recently, we have noticed an increase in use of e-bikes resulting in both injury to students and damage to our grounds. If your child rides an e-bike to school, we ask for your partnership in speaking with your child(ren) about safe riding practices, including: Always wearing a properly fitted helmet. Following all traffic laws and signals. Riding at safe speeds and being mindful of pedestrians. Ensure the bikes they ride are appropriate for their age and skill level. Further, e-bikes must be parked in designated bike racks. E-bikes are strictly prohibited from being ridden anywhere else on school property including playgrounds, sports fields, open grass, and the high school track.  We thank most students for following these expectations already. Any student found using an e-bike irresponsibly or in violation of traffic laws will face school discipline and will be referred to local law enforcement. Any damage caused to CBRSD property through the use of e-Bikes will be directly billed to families.   Let’s work together to ensure our students arrive safely to and from school each day. The Dalton PD has provided the following information . Your cooperation will help keep our school community safe. Superintendent Entry Planning Throughout the summer I have been busy transitioning to my new role as your Superintendent. I have been busy connecting with students, staff, family members, community members, town administrators, and anyone else who has wanted to talk about our schools. I enjoy learning about our history, your experiences with our schools, and thinking ahead about our future.  During the next few months, I will be formally embarking on a Listening and Learning tour across our community in order to collect data for my Entry Plan. I hope to learn more about our District and our communities in order to assess the current state of our school system and to identify areas for future development and growth. Developing an entry plan will also give our faculty, staff and community to get to know me in a different capacity. In the upcoming weeks and months, I will be interviewing students, staff, parents and municipal leaders in a combination of individual meetings and scheduled focus groups. I also have open office hours so members of the community can stop in to talk about their perspectives. You can schedule a meeting with me by following this link:  Book an appointment with me .  During these meetings, my main role will be to listen, observe, learn and ask questions. The details of this plan can be found in the accompanying pages of  this document . Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in this entry plan process.  November Calendar Thanksgiving Break is  Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28 This year there is NO SCHOOL for students during that week. A future survey will measure the impact of this change Important Dates Sept. 15:  NRMS Open House  Sept. 16:  WRHS Open House Sept. 17:  CES Open House Sept 18:  KES and BW Open House Oct 13:  No School *Nov 24: No School for Students *Nov 25: No School  for Students Nov 26-28: Thanksgiving Break *New for this school year District Calendar Start and End Times: Elementary Schools: Breakfast: 8:15 Doors Open: 8:25 Classes Start: 8:40 Dismissal: 2:50 Half-day: 11:25 Nessacus Regional MS: Breakfast: 7:35 Doors Open: 7:55 Classes Start: 8:00 Dismissal: 2:35 Half-day: 11:10 Wahconah Regional HS Breakfast: 7:20 Doors Open: 7:20 Classes Start: 7:52 Dismissal: 2:21 Half-day: 11:00 Important Documents CBRSD Code of Conduct (MS/HS) CBRSD Code of Conduct (ES) CBRSD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan 🥗Lunch Menus🍴 All CBRSD students receive a free lunch and breakfast. There are no steps required to receive free meals.  Elementary School Menu NRMS and WRHS Menu MySchoolBucks Account 🚌 Bus Routes 🚏 Bus Transportation Routes

Sunday, Sep 14 2025

Superintendent's Update: Back to School Edition

CBRSD Superintendent's Update: Back to School Edition Dear CBRSD Families, The time is fast approaching that our students will walk into our schools for the 2025-2026 school year. The CBRSD team has been working hard over the summer so that we can give our students the very best and I can’t wait for the schools to come alive again!  As we transition to a new year, we wanted to put some of the most commonly requested resources in one place. The links below are a starting point for families to explore the 2025-26 school year, including bus routes, starting times, and lunch menus.  As the new school year begins, please remember that you can help us ensure your students have a successful school year. Please stay connected to our schools by attending school events, collaborating with our staff, and reinforcing on-time school attendance. You can also stay informed throughout the school year through the ParentSquare App and by following us on Instagram . While you enjoy the last few days of summer vacation, please take a look at the following back-to-school updates. If you have any questions, your principal will be happy to answer any questions you might have related to the opening of school. You will be hearing from them directly early next week. I can't wait to kick off this school year, Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools  🚌 Bus Routes 🚏 If your child is riding the bus with us this year, please reinforce the following expectations: Bus Stop I will arrive 5 minutes early at my bus stop. I will always walk in front of the bus when getting on and off. I will wait to cross the street, until the bus driver signals it is safe to cross. I will stand away from the bus until it stops and the door opens. Bus Ride I will remain seated until the bus has stopped and it’s my turn to get off. I will keep hands, feet, and objects to myself. I will use kind words (respectful language toward bus drivers and monitors). I will not eat on the bus, and if I bring a drink it must be water. Click Here for Updated Bus Transportation Routes. 🥗Lunch Menus🍴 All CBRSD students receive a free lunch and breakfast. There are no steps required to receive free meals.  A second meal can always be purchased at the full price of $4.38 (lunch) or $2.73 (breakfast). If you need to pay for additional meals, please follow this link to create an account or add money to an existing  MySchoolBucks account . Elementary School Menu - Aug / Sept NRMS and WRHS Menu - Aug / Sept ⚕️Health Updates from Head Nurse Galliher 🩺  As we begin the new school year, keeping our school community healthy remains a top priority. Please ensure physical exams and immunizations are up to date and submitted.  You'll be receiving an emergency card within the first few days of school which will need to be completed and returned as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, concerns or would like to discuss healthcare needs, please reach out to your building nurse.  School nurses will be available in schools on August 26th. Kindergarten and Grades 6 & 9 Orientation - Tuesday, 08/26/2025 Kindergarten We are excited to welcome this years Kindergarteners to CBRSD! School buses will be running for students taking bus transportation. Student drop off will begin at 8:25. Parents are welcome at drop off, but will be encouraged to separate from their students as soon as possible. Classroom time will begin at 8:40. Dismissal will be at 11:00.  Grade 6 Welcome to middle school! Busses will be running at regularly scheduled times. The day begins at 8:00am when students will get a chance to meet their teachers, explore the building, and learn how to open their lockers! No lunch or breakfast is served on this day. Dismissal is at 11:10.  Grade 9 Welcome Wahconah Class of 2029! The day will begin at 7:50 a.m. Lunch will be served (or bring bagged lunch). Buses will run during their normal time in the morning and will depart Wahconah at 11:00 a.m. Ninth graders will... learn about Student Handbook and Code of Conduct expectations. meet their homeroom teachers. get their locker assignments.  learn about extracurricular activities. experience a School Scavenger Hunt (school tour). and receive their Chromebooks and a FREE Class of 2029 t-shirt! Important Dates Aug. 26: K, 6, and 9 Orientation Aug. 27: First day of School Sept. 1: No School (Labor Day) Sept. 15:  NRMS Open House  Sept. 16:  WRHS Open House Sept. 17:  CES Open House Sept 18:  KES and BW Open House District Calendar Start and End Times: Elementary Schools: Breakfast: 8:15 Doors Open: 8:25 Classes Start: 8:40 Dismissal: 2:50 Half-day: 11:25 Nessacus Regional MS: Breakfast: 7:35 Doors Open: 7:55 Classes Start: 8:00 Dismissal: 2:35 Half-day: 11:10 Wahconah Regional HS Breakfast: 7:20 Doors Open: 7:20 Classes Start: 7:52 Dismissal: 2:21 Half-day: 11:00 Important Documents CBRSD Code of Conduct (MS/HS) CBRSD Code of Conduct (ES) CBRSD Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan

Friday, Aug 15 2025

CBRSD Summer Meals Program Starts July 8, 2025!

Good morning, We are excited to start our Summer Meals Program next week. Please find all the details regarding the program on the flyer below. To insure we have enough meals prepared, please complete the form to show your interest. You do not need to respond to the form to pick up meals.

Thursday, Jul 03 2025

Superintendent Newsletter

Superintendent Newsletter News and updates from around CBRSD July 1, 2025 To the CBRSD community: Before we head into the Fourth of July Weekend, I wanted to take some time to formally introduce myself as your new Superintendent of Schools! I have been a Berkshire County educator for the past 18 years. My time in and around our schools has strengthened my belief that the American public school system is the most important institution in our country. As I enter this new role with Independence Day on the horizon, I can’t help but think about the roles our schools play in shaping our country’s future. My grandfather was a WWII veteran and I was always awestruck by his generation’s courage and what they sacrificed to protect the promise of democracy. I think a lot about my role in shaping student’s ideas about freedom, citizenship, and civic responsibility. I am deeply committed to the students of our seven towns and the educators that serve and care for them. While I live in Cheshire, I am one of the many parents who choose to send their children to Central Berkshire schools, as I find that our educators are unmatched in supporting our students’ needs.  As a proud product of a rural school district, I am committed to ensuring all of our students have access to the same high quality educational opportunities as their peers in urban and suburban areas of our state. I accepted this position because I believe Central Berkshire is on a pathway to become the best rural district in Massachusetts and I want to be the person to lead us there. I am excited to strengthen our community relationships, build off our track record of rigorous academic excellence, continue to move forward with updating our high quality curriculum resources, and improve our support systems for the academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs of our students. I would like you to know that under my leadership CBRSD will continue to be a district where every student is respected, cared for, and educated to the highest possible standards. As I begin my Superintendent Entry plan, where I will formalize my vision for our future I would like to encourage anyone to set up a meeting with me during my open office hours here: https://calendar.app.google/E1QXEkjGq5XT3NQSA Whether I see you in one of our schools or out in the community, I invite you to please introduce yourself and have a conversation about your experiences with our district. Again I am excited for the opportunity to lead the district. I truly believe that together we can achieve great things for our students and the community. I look forward to meeting each of you and working together to continue the success of CBRSD. Have a great Fourth of July Weekend and a wonderful July! My next newsletter will be in August and will include Back to School information for the district. Respectfully, Dr. Michael Henault Superintendent of Schools Central Berkshire Regional School District (413) 684 - 0320 ext. 1000 Schedule a meeting with me mhenault@cbrsd.org   In this issue: Free Summer Meals Program! We are anticipating DESE approval for our FREE summer meals program, which should begin on July 8. All students ages 5-18 can enjoy FREE meals! Bagged breakfasts and lunches (with 7 days worth of food and a gallon of milk!) will be available for pickup Tuesdays @ Nessacus Middle School from 8-12 and Wednesdays @ Becket Washington Elementary School from 8-12. Please visit Central Berkshire Food Service website for more information! WRHS Principal Search The search for the next principal at Wahconah Regional High School continues with interviews the week of July 7th. A detailed update will be sent out to Wahconah families the week of July 14th. Mr. Robb will continue as the acting principal until the position has been filled. CBRSD Leadership Article This iBerkshires article does a nice job highlighting our community-centered approach and introducing Mr. Robb and I as the new central office leadership team: "New CBRSD Leadership Emphasizes Community" Superintendent's Community Forums Beginning in August Mr. Robb and I will be hosting community forums throughout or district in order to listen to community members, answer questions about the district, and talk about our vision for the future of CBRSD. Dates and locations will be announced in August.     Contact information If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: Follow us on Instagram Call: (413) 684-0320 Email: mhenault@cbrsd.org Book a meeting with me

Tuesday, Jul 01 2025