Hoosac Valley Regional School District to Undergo Tiered Focused Monitoring Review

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CHESHIRE, Mass. — During the week of Jan. 6, 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring
Review of the Hoosac Valley Regional School District. 
 
This review is part of DESE's ongoing efforts to monitor and ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations concerning English Learner Education (ELE) programs.
 
The Tiered Focused Monitoring Review is a comprehensive process that examines various aspects of a district's ELE program. The review will focus on areas such as:
 
  • Student assessments for English learners
  • Identification and placement of English learners
  • Parent and community involvement
  • Curriculum and instructional practices
  • Student support services
  • Faculty, staff, and administration licensure requirements
  • Program planning, evaluation, and recordkeeping
 
The review is conducted every six years for each district and charter school to assess their adherence to relevant laws and ensure continuous improvement in serving English learners.
 
In addition to the onsite review, parent outreach is a critical component of the process. The Hoosac Valley Regional School District will distribute a survey to parents of students whose records will be
examined. The survey seeks feedback on key aspects of their child's English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and included in the final monitoring report.
 
Parents or community members who wish to participate further can request a telephone interview with the Review Chairperson, Samantha Kodak, by contacting her at Samantha.k.kodak@mass.gov.
 
DESE will also accommodate individuals who need assistance, such as translation services, to ensure full participation.
 
Following the onsite visit, DESE will issue a report within approximately 60 business days. This report will outline areas where the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements, as well as areas requiring improvement. 
 
The final report will be made publicly available at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ele/cpr/.
 
For more information or to participate in the review, contact Samantha Kodak at Samantha.k.kodak@mass.gov.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Adams Community, Co-Op Becoming 'Trailmark Bank'

ADAMS, Mass. — The combined Adams Community Bank and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank will be known as Trailmark Bank, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday. 
 
The new logo is the imprint of a hiking boot designed to reflect the unique character of the Berkshires, where a network of trails run throughout the entire county, connecting towns from Adams to Pittsfield to Great Barrington and linking communities across mountains, valleys, and scenic ridgelines. 
 
"The trails that weave through the Berkshires create shared experiences and remind us that every journey begins with a single step," said Julie Fallon Hughes, CEO of the combined institution. "Trailmark Bank reflects both where we come from and where we're headed. We are proud to be a bank built by people who believe in staying the course, investing in our communities, and helping our customers make their mark for years to come."
 
These paths — including the Appalachian Trail and countless local routes — have long served as both physical and symbolic connections across the region. They represent movement, resilience, and the shared experience of navigating forward together.
 
With nearly 300 years of combined service, Trailmark Bank will build on the legacies of Adams Community Bank and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. The new name honors that shared history while signaling a forward-looking future — one rooted in local decision-making, strong relationships, and continued investment in the communities it serves.
 
"As someone who grew up in the Berkshires, this name resonates deeply," said Gregg Levante, president. "Trailmark Bank reflects the character of this region — hard-working, resilient, and grounded in the outdoors and community. These trails have connected our towns for generations, and in many ways, that's what we’re doing here — bringing people together and helping them navigate their financial journeys."
 
In a message to customers, Adams Community stated there will be no immediate changes to accounts, services, branch locations, online banking, or debit cards. The two banks will continue operating separately until the planned merger later this year. Bank officials say they will communicate any future changes well in advance.
 
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