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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Williams Community Chest Looking Forward to Centennial

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Williamstown Community Chest is making plans to celebrate its centennial anniversary this year. 
 
"We are planning some big celebrations around this milestone," said board President Matt Carter at the nonprofit's 99th annual business meeting on Tuesday morning, unveiling the logo to be used this year "to look back on the history of the community, and to celebrate with all of you and the work that you do over this 100th year."
 
The 100th annual meeting will be held on March 10, 2027, the Community Chest's birthday (there will be cake, he promised) and a gala will be held at the Clark Art Institute on Sept. 25, 2027. 
 
"We're going to try to use this year to highlight the great work that everyone does. It's usually a custom for someone to say, well, we couldn't do this work without you, but you are the work," he said to the gathering at the Williams Inn. "We really exist to support you in doing this work."
 
The local Community Chest supports 19 agencies, awarding $318,500 in allocations, as well as $62,200 in grants in 2025 to local organizations. 
 

Executive Director Anne Singleton thanks the many volunteers and businesses that support the Community Chest and its 19 agencies.
thanked the chest's many supporters, including MountainOne for sponsoring the annual Fun Run, Williams College for hosting is Penny Social and Nonprofit Fair.
 
"I'd like to extend that thank you to our local businesses that support all kinds of events for us. They provide prizes for the Penny Social and they do this for many, many organizations and fundraisers," she said. 
 
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