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 Basketball Court Named for McMahon

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DALTON, Mass. – The Community Recreation Association last week dedicated the newly renovated gym floor in honor of Dan McMahon.
 
The CRA’s program director for more than three decades was recognized in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by about 60 people on Friday night, just before the start of the youth basketball season.
 
“[McMahon] has created programs that have had a lasting impact, including the Mark Galusha Baseball League, the Just for Kicks Soccer Tournament …, adaptive programs, Just Play Summer Basketball and countless others that continue to define the CRA today,” CRA Director of Operations Dustin Belcher said at the ceremony.
 
“Dan has always led with his heart, putting the families and kids we serve first. He has spent thousands of hours in this building running the Leaders Club, drop-in after school programs, tutoring and family events. The gymnasium has been at the center of his work, whether teaching gym class at St. Agnes Academy, hosting Halloween fun Houses, penny carnivals, summer camp, snow days or school vacation camps. Every child and family who uses this space going forward will feel the impact of his dedication to the community.”
 
McMahon did the honors in cutting the ribbon to formally open the court. He was joined by his family at the ceremony.
 
“Families need to know they can rely on the people guiding these programs, and Dan provided trusted, steady leadership for decades” Belcher said. “It is because of his dedication that the CRA has been able to grow, thrive and serve so many families.”
 
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