DESE Office of School Monitoring to Visit MGRSD

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — During the week of May 13, 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Mount Greylock Regional School District. 
 
The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.
 
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child's special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations.
 
Parents and other individuals may call Michelle Hennessey-Kowalchek, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at (413) 314-6709 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.
 
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the district with a report with information about areas in which the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.
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District Meeting, Fire Station Open House on Tap in Williamstown

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A busy week for the town's Fire Department gets underway on Tuesday evening.
 
The annual Fire District elections and district meeting are scheduled for that night in the Williamstown Elementary School gymnasium.
 
The week will wrap up with a dedication and open house at the district's new fire station on Main Street.
 
Polls for the election are scheduled to open at 4 p.m. and will be closed at 7 to allow for returns to be counted prior to the start of the annual meeting at 7:30.
 
There are two positions on the ballot this spring: a three-year term on the Prudential Committee and a three-year term for moderator.
 
Incumbent Moderator Paul Harsch is the only person running for his position. Michael Noyes is the lone candidate for the Prudential Committee seat currently held by longtime member John Notsley.
 
The Prudential Committee, analogous to the Select Board at town hall, manages the fire service and supervises its one full-time employee, the fire chief.
 
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