Central Berkshire Earns Recognition for Student Gains

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DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School District (CBRSD) announced that it has been named one of only 13 districts across Massachusetts recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for meeting or exceeding pre-pandemic (2019) achievement levels in both English Language Arts and Mathematics for students in grades 3–8.
 
Superintendent Michael Henault and Assistant Superintendent Aaron Robb joined state education leaders and fellow honorees at a celebration held on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at Ottoson Middle School in Arlington during the official release of the 2025 MCAS and Accountability data.
 
This recognition underscores hard work of staff in embracing the improvements the district has made including updating the ELA and math curriculum materials and refining evidence-based instructional practices, stated a press release. Reaching the pre-pandemic performance shows the power of high-quality instruction, collaborative professional learning, and an unwavering focus on every child, every day.
 
The district also thanks families who have been partners in successful efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism. 
 
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Dalton CRA Tournament Crowns Six Champions

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DALTON, Mass. — The 30th annual CRA Just for Kicks Soccer Tournament delivered an outstanding weekend of youth soccer, featuring exciting competition, dramatic finishes, and an incredible showcase of talent from teams throughout the region.
 
With more than 140 games played over the weekend, the tournament once again demonstrated why it has become a special tradition for youth soccer in the Berkshires and surrounding communities.
 
The weekend featured competitive matchups across eight divisions, with several championship games providing unforgettable moments. Both U14 Dan McMahon Cup championships were decided by penalty shootouts, with the U14 Girls final going all the way to the ninth shooter before a champion was crowned. The U12 Girls Division 1 championship was equally dramatic, as Dalton Blue scored an incredible goal in the final minute to capture the title.
 
The champions and runners-up for the 30th Annual CRA Just for Kicks Soccer Tournament were:
 
U12 Boys Division 1: Champion – Northampton; runner-up – Williamstown
U12 Boys Division 2: Champion – Williamstown; runner-up – Dalton Warriors White
U14 Boys Dan McMahon Cup: Champion – Northampton; runner-up – Pittsfield Soccer Club
U12 Girls Division 1: Champion – Dalton Blue; runner-up – Williamstown
U12 Girls Division 2: Champion – North Adams; runner-up – Pittsfield Soccer Club
U14 Girls Dan McMahon Cup: Champion – Lenox Soccer Club; runner-up – Dalton
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