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Superintendent Robert Putnam poses with Adams Selectwoman Christine Hoyt, who presented him with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the town.

Adams-Cheshire Says Goodbye to Retiring Superintendent Putnam

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Monday was the superintendent's last official meeting. 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Superintendent Robert Putnam was bid farewell with wishes for a happy retirement at Monday's Adams-Cheshire Regional School Committee meeting. 

At the beginning of the meeting at Cheshire School, Adams Selectwoman Christine Hoyt presented him with a certificate and thanks from the town.

"We just wanted to thank you for serving our district for these last two years and I know it hasn't always been easy, but we do appreciate all have you have done," Hoyt said. "So thank you very much and I wish you all of the best on behalf of the board."

Putnam was hired in summer 2016 as an interim leader after the previous superintendent, Kristen Gordon, abruptly resigned. The former chief of the Central Berkshire Regional School District was only onboard until a new superintendent could be found — it turned out to be him and he was offered the full-time position in early 2017.

He announced his retirement this past December after two somewhat tumultuous years as the regional district sought to right its financial ship and chart a new course. Those plans necessitated the closing of one the district's two elementary schools, and Putnam oversaw the controversial closure of Cheshire Elementary. 

The committee offered some kind words and members Peter Tatro and Paul Butler recalled how Putnam had come into the district during a contentious period.

"You certainly came into this district during a time of great disarray and we needed some direction and that you did give us, certainly not without controversy at times," Butler said. "You had a vision of where we needed to go, and you stuck to that vision and I think the district is in way better shape than it was two years ago."

In addition to budgeting and closing the school, Putnam was also critical in implementing a turnaround plan and hiring needed interventionist teachers to help struggling students.

School Committee member Adam Emerson said Putnam has left incoming Superintendent John Vosburgh, who takes over next week, with a solid path forward.

"Thank you for doing this work that has gotten the district on the right tracks," he said. "Your vision is now in John's very capable hands."

Putnam said he did not see his vision of the future of the district as his own but as a collaborative effort between the School Committee, faculty and the communities and said he would have liked to have seen this vision to completion but it was time to enter the next phase of his life.

"There are so many things that have yet to be completely realized but I have great confidence in Dr. Vosburgh to take this vision we have built over the past two years," Putnam said. "There is a small bit of regret not being able to see this to the end ... but it is time for me to explore other opportunities …

"I was lucky to be here at a time when people wanted to make a change."

Putnam added that he is happy to be able to end his career in education at Adams-Cheshire.

"I really wouldn't have wanted to do anything else on the planet during my last years of work and this has actually given me an opportunity I have never had before," he said. "Something needed to be done so I dug in and tried to do it and I am thankful for the opportunity to end my career here."


Tags: ACRSD,   retirement,   superintendent,   

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Hoosac Valley High School is Moving and Shaking

There have been some major shifts within the Hoosac Valley Regional School District recently, all of which have focused on enhancing the student experience to make it a place where ALL students can find their path.
 
In 2023, Hoosac Valley High School was designated an Innovation Pathway School by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and has since restructured the Program of Studies, utilized creative scheduling, and expanded internship opportunities. Part of this transformation includes participating in a "Portrait of a Graduate" cohort alongside four other Berkshire County schools to determine a collective vision for student success, in partnership with the BARR Foundation.
 
The Innovation Pathways at HVHS are designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as technology, engineering, healthcare, or life sciences. Currently, Biomedical Science & Healthcare and Environmental Studies have received official state IP designation. In addition to the IP designated pathways, HVHS offers programs in Engineering & Technology, Business & Entrepreneurship, Arts & Entertainment, Education, and Sports Medicine. The result is that students have an opportunity for a transformative experience – enabling them to build essential skills, gain awareness of future career opportunities, and make informed choices about post-secondary education in promising fields.
 
Principal Colleen Byrd notes, "What makes our program special is that entry into the Pathway of your choice allows a student to access Advanced Placement and dual enrollment college courses, as well as internships in the community to set them up for success after high school."
 
The Portrait of a Graduate initiative consists of a team of Hoosac educators and students who exemplify the essential skills, practices, and beliefs that define learning experiences across the district. They work to outline the competencies, values, skills, and knowledge that define our vision for student success – keeping in mind that not every student's pathway will look the same. The District's goal is to ensure that all students graduate as responsible people, prepared individuals, lifelong learners, global citizens, critical thinkers, and thoughtful communicators.
 
Another recent change district-wide in grades K-12 is the "Crew" culture. Teachers and students now have time each day to create positive connections and build authentic relationships with one another. Through Responsive Classroom at the elementary school and Crew at the middle and high schools, students and staff gather for 30 minutes each day to engage in meaningful experiences rooted in mutual and shared interests. 
The Crew block is a prioritized structure that allows staff to support all students socially, emotionally, and academically – anchoring them and promoting the Portrait of a Graduate competencies. Crew takes many forms at the high school, such as gardening, bird watching, yoga, and sports talk with visits to college games.
 
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