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Congratulations, Riane Nash, Pioneer Valley Excellen...
Riane Nash , Mountain View School's PK-2 School Adjustment Counselor, has been selected by the Easthampton Public Schools as a 2026 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award Winner. For students in PreK through Grade 2, Nash is more than an educator. She is a steady presence, a trusted advocate, and for many, their safe person at school. Her impact cannot be quantified. While she provides direct services to specific students, her reach extends far beyond any roster. Nearly every young learner knows her by name and understands that if they are struggling, she will listen and she will act. Colleagues note that she is often the first to notice when a child may be facing challenges and the first to raise concerns so that supports can be put in place. Students feel secure in her care because they know she will ensure they receive the help they need. Nash consistently goes beyond the traditional scope of her role. She visits every kindergarten classroom to deliver Social-Emotional Learning lessons and collaborates with teachers across grade levels to provide targeted supports as needs arise. Her door is always open to students and colleagues seeking guidance, encouragement, or help navigating conflict, reflecting the trust and respect she has earned throughout the district. Creativity is one of Nash’s defining strengths. She tailors lessons, conversations, and interventions to meet each student’s unique needs, often balancing multiple perspectives at once. She also reconnects students who may feel disengaged by involving them in kindness-based initiatives, such as creating hearts for Kindness Week or organizing Cereal and Toy Drives. These efforts give students pride, belonging, and a meaningful role in their school community. Beyond her work with students, Nash serves on the School Culture and Climate Committee and contributes to the Sunshine Fund, supporting staff and fostering a positive, caring environment. In Easthampton, this award carries special meaning because nominees are put forward by their fellow educators. Peer recognition in a school setting is no small distinction. Teachers know firsthand the daily demands, quiet victories, and behind-the-scenes commitments the profession requires. By honoring all nominees, the district recognizes that these educators are viewed by their colleagues as professionals who consistently go above and beyond for students, contribute positively to their school communities, and exemplify collaboration and leadership. Among this year’s nominees are both newer educators and veteran teachers, a reflection that excellence in teaching is defined not by longevity, but by impact. In addition to Nash’s recognition, Easthampton Public Schools proudly honored all district nominees for the 2026 award. Each nominee received a certificate of recognition and a personal thank you from the Superintendent in acknowledgment of their dedication and outstanding service to students and the school community. The district’s 2026 nominees are: Jodi Alatalo, PK-5 Literacy Coordinator & Interventionist Dr. Sofia Checa, High School Mathematics Teacher Ryan Copeland , 5th grade Teacher Albert (AJ) Evans-Perez , Middle School Social Studies Teacher Jessica Falcon , Elementary Special Education Inclusion Teacher Mary Franke , 2nd grade Teacher Carey Goldenberg , PK-12 Occupational Therapist Molly Jacobson , High School English Teacher Diane Niedzwiecki, 1st grade Teacher Shawn Sheehan , High School Science Teacher Jessica Sico , Kindergarten Teacher Meghan Smith , High School Special Education Program Teacher Megan Walker , High School Mathematics Teacher Nash will be honored at a celebratory banquet at The Log Cabin, where award recipients from across the region will gather for an evening recognition ceremony celebrating excellence in education. The program will feature an awards presentation honoring the winners, who will each receive an engraved plaque and monetary award in recognition of their achievement, along with generous tuition incentives and scholarships offered by the following colleges and universities in the region: American International College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Springfield College, Western New England University, Westfield State University, and University of Massachusetts Amherst. Winners also receive a 3-month membership at one of the six regional YMCAs or a 1-month membership at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. The Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards program, now in its 23rd year, is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation and supported by American International College, Smith College, Arrha Credit Union, Country Bank, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka. “Our teachers serve not only as educators, but also as mentors, community leaders, role models and innovators. They play a fundamental role in supporting families and building communities. It is a great privilege to recognize and honor outstanding teachers in the Pioneer Valley.” Michelle Moon, Director, Excellence in Teaching Awards at the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation.
Friday, Feb 27 2026
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2-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
Dear Families, Due to the ongoing weather conditions, Easthampton Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. All school start times will be delayed by two hours, and school buses will run two hours later than their regular pick-up times . Please note: Morning preschool is canceled on Tuesday. Afternoon preschool will run as scheduled. We encourage families to use caution when traveling, and we will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day. Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation. Please stay tuned to https://www.epsd.us/students-families/news for updates.
Monday, Feb 23 2026
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MVS Snow Day Tomorrow 2/23?
Hi Mountain View Families! Tomorrow's weather looks pretty snowy! Will tomorrow be a snow day? Click here or watch the video below to find out!
Sunday, Feb 22 2026
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EHS Snow Day?
Hi EHS Students, Families and Staff! The weather looks messy! Is it a snow day tomorrow, February 23? Click here for an update!
Sunday, Feb 22 2026
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Easthampton Celebrates Black History Month!
Celebrating Black History Month February 3, 2026 Easthampton Public Schools: Celebrating Black History Month 2026 Tuesdays, during the month of February, we will be sharing links celebrating Black History Month using art, videos, and digital museum resources to share and learn together. All families are encouraged to learn something new! This week, check out this animated music video for "Black History (It's Yours)" - an original rap anthem that celebrates African-American icons and heroes from Rosa Parks to Kendrick Lamar, written and performed by Children's Educator Idris Goodwin. Then, visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture's Searchable Museum to read about important stories, historical events and biographies. https://www.searchablemuseum.com/constellations/ We encourage you to explore these resources with your children! For continued learning: Join the National Museum of African American History and Culture @NMAAHC this month to celebrate Black History Month theme of A Century of Black History with a focus on how movement and place has shaped the African American experience. https://nmaahc.si.edu/blackhistorymonth Coming up: Easthampton Public Schools Family Cultural Engagement February 3: Celebrating Black History Month February 10: Celebrating Black History in Visual and Performing Arts February 17: Celebrating Black History in the Sciences February 24: Celebrating Black History, Youth Educators, and Librarians
Tuesday, Feb 03 2026
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A Note on School Closure Today 1/27
Dear Families, Thank you for your flexibility as we had to pivot from a 2 hour delay to a full day closure. We know this impacts family schedules, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding. We are working to address our syncing issue with ParentSquare as soon as possible to ensure that our communication is streamlined and effective in the future. Thank you for your continued support of our schools and staff. Warmly, Dr. Michelle Balch Superintendent
Tuesday, Jan 27 2026
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School is CLOSED
Dear Families, We regret to inform you that school will be closed today due to an insufficient number of available bus drivers. Without adequate staffing, we cannot safely transport students to and from school. We know this impacts family schedules, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding. The safety of our students must come first, and we are actively working with our transportation partners to address this issue. Thank you for your continued support of our schools and staff. Warmly, Dr. Michelle Balch Superintendent
Tuesday, Jan 27 2026
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2-Hour Delay on Tuesday January 27
Easthampton Public Schools – 2-Hour Delay Tuesday, January 27th Dear Families, Due to the ongoing weather conditions, Easthampton Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 27th. All school start times will be delayed by two hours, and school buses will run two hours later than their regular pick-up times . Please note: Morning preschool is canceled on Tuesday. Afternoon preschool will run as scheduled. We encourage families to use caution when traveling, and we will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day. Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation. Please stay tuned to https://www.epsd.us/students-families/news for updates.
Monday, Jan 26 2026
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School Closure Notice 1/26
Easthampton Public Schools, including the District Office, Mountain View School and Easthampton High School, will be closed on Monday, January 26 due to the forecasted storm. Any in-person childcare programs or activities scheduled to take place in our buildings on that day are cancelled. Monday, January 26th is scheduled as a professional development day for staff, which will now happen virtually. For school closure updates, and other announcements, please visit: https://www.epsd.us/students-families/news ===== Las escuelas públicas de Easthampton, incluida la Oficina del Distrito, la Escuela Mountain View y la Escuela Secundaria Easthampton, permanecerán cerradas el lunes 26 de enero debido a la tormenta prevista. Se cancelan todos los programas y actividades de cuidado infantil presenciales programados para ese día en nuestros edificios. El lunes 26 de enero está programado como día de desarrollo profesional para el personal, que ahora se llevará a cabo de forma virtual. Para obtener información actualizada sobre el cierre de las escuelas y otros anuncios, visite: https://www.epsd.us/students-families/news
Friday, Jan 23 2026
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Warming Center Information & Safety Updates
With temperatures forecast to drop significantly over the next few days, the City of Easthampton will have a warming center open to support anyone in need of a safe, warm space during extreme cold conditions. Warming Center Location and Hours: Saturday, January 24, 2026, through Monday, January 26, 2026 The Easthampton Public Safety Complex, located at 32 Payson Avenue, will be open 24 hours as needed during this period. **The Easthampton Public Safety Complex will always be available for anyone as a warming center outside of these posted hours*** ===== Ante la previsión de un descenso significativo de las temperaturas en los próximos días, la ciudad de Easthampton abrirá un centro de acogida para ayudar a cualquier persona que necesite un lugar seguro y cálido durante las condiciones de frío extremo. Ubicación y horario del centro de acogida: Desde el sábado 24 de enero de 2026 hasta el lunes 26 de enero de 2026. El Complejo de Seguridad Pública de Easthampton, situado en el número 32 de Payson Avenue, permanecerá abierto las 24 horas del día durante este periodo , según sea necesario. **El Complejo de Seguridad Pública de Easthampton estará siempre disponible para cualquier persona como centro de acogida fuera del horario indicado***. City of Easthampton Facebook Updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FAMVYAKhg/
Friday, Jan 23 2026