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Senator Adam Hinds congratulates Morris Elementary School Principal Carolyn Boyce for Morris’ designation as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School.

Morris, Williamstown Elementary Schools Honored at State House

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BOSTON, Mass. — Sen. Adam Hinds welcomed Morris Elementary School Principal Carolyn Boyce to the Massachusetts State House on Feb. 1 to celebrate Morris' designation as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School.

During the ceremony, Williamstown Elementary School was also named a 2016 Massachusetts Commendation School.

The two Berkshire County schools were among 51 schools honored for high achievement, narrowing achievement gaps between groups of students or making strong progress. The schools were recognized as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools, state-designated Commendation Schools or National Title I Distinguished Schools.


"I'm proud that our Massachusetts K-12 education system is one of the best in the country, and I thank the educators and communities across the Commonwealth who are leading the way and providing high-quality educational opportunities for their students every day," said Governor Charlie Baker. "It's an honor to recognize these schools, their students and their families for all of their success and hard work toward closing achievement gaps in Massachusetts."

Morris was recognized as one of three 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools: Each year, the U.S. Department of Education asks the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to nominate a small number of schools for consideration as National Blue Ribbon Schools. The program recognizes schools whose students achieve at very high levels or schools that make significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

Williamstown Elementary School was one of 46 schools honored as a Commendation School; Morris also received this award. Each year, a subset of Level 1 schools is recognized as Commendation Schools for their academic accomplishments. A school can be commended for demonstrating very high achievement, showing strong progress overall, and/or for making strong progress toward narrowing proficiency gaps.


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Marionette Shows At Ventfort Hall for Children

LENOX, Mass. — The puppeteer Carl Sprague will return to Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum in Lenox with Rapunzel for two holiday vacation week marionette performances. 
 
The dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Dec. 29, both at 3:30 pm. The audiences will have the opportunity to meet Sprague after.
 
Sprague, who has appeared annually at Ventfort Hall with his "behind the scenery" mastery, has been a puppeteer since childhood.  He inherited a collection of 60 antique Czech marionettes, each about eight inches tall that were assembled by his great-grandfather, Julius Hybler.  Hybler's legacy also includes two marionette theaters. 
 
Also, Sprague has been a set designer for such motion pictures as "The Royal Tenenbaums" and Scorcese's "The Age of Innocence," as well as for theater productions including those of Shakespeare & Company. 
 
Admission to the show is $20 per person; $10 for children 4-17 and free for age 3 and under. Children must be accompanied by adults.  Ventfort Hall is decorated for the holidays. Reservations are required as seating is limited and can be made on line at https://gildedage.org/pages/calendar or by calling (413) 637-3206. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. The historical mansion is located at 104 Walker Street in Lenox.
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