Cheshire Woman Was Killed in Aug. 7 Crash

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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The victim of a fatal motor vehicle crash on Aug. 7 has been identified as Susanna Thomas, 47, of Cheshire.
 
Thomas was believed to be traveling at a high rate of speed on Partridge Road, which has a speed limit 35 mph, when she struck a tree. 
 
A neighbor reported hearing a large boom and called 911. There were no tire tracks on the road or sounds heard to indicate the driver had attempted to brake prior to the collision, according to authorities.
 
The accident was reported at about 1:10 p.m. and Lanesborough Police, Fire and ambulance were dispatched to an area in between 782 and 785 Partridge Road.
 
First responders were able to reach the scene within 90 seconds to find a Nissan Rogue had collided with a tree and was engulfed in flames. 
 
First responders extinguished the flames and found one individual located in the driver's seat later identified as Thomas. She had suffered severe burns and was declared deceased at the scene. 
 
Thomas was a graduate of Hoosac Valley High School in Cheshire and previously worked as pastry chef and at Greylock Elementary School in North Adams. She did volunteer work, including in the kitchen at Berkshire Pathways. 
 
Law enforcement response also included the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office and the State Police Crash Analysis and Reconstruct Section.

Tags: fatal,   MVI,   

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BArT Gets Federal Grant for Restorative Practices, Student Support

ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School has been awarded a $50,000 state grant through the Support Implementing of Updated Regulations Regarding Time-Out Practices initiative from the Healey-Driscoll Administration via the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
 
The grant supports BArT's school-wide implementation of updated state regulations related to time-out practices, emphasizing restorative approaches that reduce exclusionary discipline, strengthen student belonging, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities. 
 
Funding will facilitate data collection and analysis through Panorama, restorative practice supports, and school-wide, high-quality professional development, as well as summer planning and incentives that reinforce positive behavior and engagement.
 
"This affirms BArT's commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive," said Jonathan Igoe, Interim Executive Director. "By strengthening restorative practices and aligning with updated state guidance, BArT is reinforcing a learning environment where students feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed."
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