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Program Coordinator Linda Cernik updates waste district commissioners last week on recent inspecctions.

North Berkshire Waste District Transfer Stations Pass Inspection

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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ADAMS, Mass. — Transfer stations in the Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District have passed their inspections with flying colors.
 
"The inspections went well, very well actually some of the towns that had some issues last year, they were really impressed by the progress they made," Program Coordinator Linda Cernik reported. "They were happy. There were small infractions but nothing major."
 
Although there was no quorum last Thursday, Cernik still updated the commissioners who were present on the late October inspections conducted by a third party hired by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
 
She will share the full report with all the district members.
 
The waste district covers transfer stations in Adams, Cheshire, Florida, Hancock, Hinsdale, Monroe, Peru, Savoy, Williamstown and Windsor and recycling drop-offs in Lanesborough and New Ashford.
 
While the transfer stations passed state inspection, they will have to become compliant with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
 
"That is new and it is coming and I am sure we are going to hear more," Cernik said. "I will tell you more when I know more."
 
In other business, Cernik said the district will order Earth Machine composters for interested residents.
 
"We are not in it to make money … and it is a great way to highlight earth day," she said. 
 
The units hold 80 gallons and cost $43. She said they are off the state bid so can be purchased cheaper.
 
The district will soon advertise the program throughout the region, so residents can register. 
 
Cernik said she also plans to order a 20-yard container for the towns to share. The unit will store plastic and glass.
 
It will cost $7,277 off the state bid and each town will kick in $500.
 
"So that is the rate that is the state contract, so I will be ordering it," she said. "We will order that and then invoices will be going to the towns."
 
Cernik said the district also has begun overhauling its website.
 
"We are going to do a whole revamp on it and it should be really nice when it is done," she said. "It will take a little time, but it will be done so I am happy."
 
The commission will review the new website before it goes live.

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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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