Franzoni Named New Brayton Principal

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John Franzoni

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Pupils at Brayton Elementary School will see a new face at the helm when they head back to school in two weeks.

But not too new.

The new Brayton principal is John R. Franzoni, who spent last couple years as assistant principal and dean of students at Greylock and Sullivan elementary school. Franzoni has also been the Drury High School girls' basketball coach since 2002.

"Mr. Franzoni is a dedicated professional with a proven track record as an administrator who, I believe, will provide consistent and supportive leadership for our Brayton community," said Superintendent of Schools James Montepare in making the announcement on Wednesday.

Franzoni, who has 23 years experience in education, replaces Principal Sarah Madden, who left after three years to become principal of R.K. Finn Ryan Road School in Northampton.



He is a 1982 honors graduate of Drury High School and earned his bachelor of science in business administration from Bryant University in 1986 and his master of education in curriculum and teaching from Fitchburg State University in 2013, graduating with honors from both universities.

He is certified as a principal and assistant principal for Grades prekindergarten through 12 and is also certified for teaching mathematics for Grades 5 through 8. Franzoni is currently completing his superintendent certification.

"For those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Franzoni, I am providing you with a listing of his experience and what he will bring to the table," wrote Montepare.

  • 2012-2013: Assistant principal at Greylock and Sullivan Elementary schools
  • 2010-2012: Dean of students at Greylock and Sullivan Elementary schools

  • 2005-2011: School district liaison to the Berkshire Juvenile Court in North Adams
  • 2005-2011: Athletic director at Drury High School


Franzoni's awards, activities and achievements include:

  • Member of the city's Park and Recreation Committee from 2006 to 2012
  • Member of the School Building Committee
  • Drury varsity girls basketball coach since 2002
  • Served on MIAA Baseball and Sportsmanship state committees
  • District G Athletic Director of the Year for 2009-2010
  • Recipient of the WBEC/TD Bank North Sports Caravan Coach of the Year for Berkshire County Sports three consecutive years - 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 - and the only coach in the 50-year history of the award to be so honored
  • Awarded the MIAA Division 2 State Sportsmanship Award in 2013

Tags: Brayton School,   principal,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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