As we turn our clocks back and bring the first quarter to a close, it's encouraging to see school spirit running high across our district. From students cheering on their classmates at playoff games to families and staff coming together through PTO fundraisers and other community events, there are so many examples of the ways we show up for one another. In classrooms, on the playing field, and beyond, students continue to support one another and make a positive impact each day. Thank you for the energy, commitment, and care you bring to our schools. These everyday efforts are what make the BHRSD community such a special place to learn, grow, and belong.

In keeping with tradition, students in grades pre-K through 4 sculpted pinch pots using earth clay. Once fired to ceramic, they transplanted a succulent—propagated by high school horticulture students—using soil supplied by the greenhouse. The project continued to grow beyond the art studio. Students illustrated instructional books in English or Spanish to learn how to care for their plants and share that knowledge with their families. “Excitement was palpable in the art studio as every student was able to see their personal artwork become a beautiful and useful item,” says Ali Boudreau, MBE art teacher, nodding to collaboration spanning multiple standards. Rumor has it many plants were also named...

Continuing a tradition 77 years in the making, approximately 90 BHRSD students from Monument Mountain Regional High School and W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School transformed storefront windows into works of (Halloween-themed) art. Over five hours, students used tempera paint, permanent markers and oil pastels to bring large-scale pencil sketches to life in 59 downtown locations. Coordinated by Krista Dalton, Danny O’Dell and Katie Malone-Smith, the project was sponsored by the Great Barrington Rotary Club with support from Onyx Specialty Papers in Lee who donated poster paper. The impact of this event goes deeper than the eye can see: “[Students] get to showcase their art and their efforts and be seen by the community,” says Dalton, who has helped coordinate the event for 26 years. Take a tour of the downtown installation with Mrs. Dalton, a recent guest on MMRHS graduate Denise DiGrogili’s podcast, here.

In mid-October, fifth graders in Paul Beling’s class explored local history and contemporary Indigenous experiences through two lessons presented by the Mohican Homelands Education Initiative at Williams College. Now in its second year, this community partnership brings curriculum-aligned lessons about the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans to schools across the region. Students learned about the Tribe’s history and current status and participated in a place-names project, deepening their understanding of the connections between people, place and history. Julian Arenas and Edan Zinn were “wowed by [students’] enthusiastic participation and really fascinating questions,” noting how much they, too, learned during the visit. The lessons—delivered on the heels of Indigenous Peoples Day—also highlighted the enduring connection between Monument Mountain and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, reinforcing the value of learning local history through meaningful community partnerships.

All treats and no tricks! Before the annual Halloween walk, Muddy Brook Elementary students gathered to celebrate the people who keep their school building running smoothly, 180 school days a year and then some. In recognition of National Custodian Day—observed on October 2—students showed their appreciation for Jeano Daigle, Adam Morelli, Dylan Buffoni, and Michael Baumber and the important work they do behind the scenes. “We are so grateful to our custodians for keeping our school clean, safe, and in tip top shape,” said Principal Cynthia Carey. A sweet way to recognize the people who make Muddy Brook a welcoming place to learn each day!

Four students were recognized for outstanding achievement at the October 8 School Committee meeting. Clay Steven, recipient of the MASS Superintendent’s Award, is the Class of 2027’s top-ranked student, an accomplished musician, varsity soccer player and dedicated student leader. Two students were honored with the National School Development Council Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning: Banyan Bourla was recognized for his academic curiosity, initiative and leadership on and off the soccer field; Jasper Livak was celebrated for their academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, compassion and leadership as captain of the swim team. Adalyn D’Aniello, recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award, exemplifies citizenship, dependability and quiet leadership through her involvement in Unified Basketball, CLEO and community service. “What a joy! We're super proud of you,” Superintendent Peter Dillon told the students. Read more here. 

As someone who enjoys working on cars, Sam Dignard ’27 found the automotive pathway a natural fit when he arrived at Monument Mountain. Earning college credit for completing the three-year, three-course sequence was an added bonus. Beyond learning to operate a lift, rotate tires, and replace brakes, Dignard appreciates the teamwork, problem-solving, and flexibility the auto shop demands. “I will take these lessons with me everywhere I go,” says Dignard, whose interests range from playing saxophone in the concert and jazz bands; serving as a TA in Mr. Kisiel’s biology class; and wrestling on the high school team—diverse experiences that call for thinking on his feet, not unlike popping the hood of a car and not knowing exactly what he’ll find underneath. After graduation, Dignard hopes to pursue pre-law or criminal justice, ideally in Boston. His advice to younger students? “Challenge yourself to take the tough classes, no matter what path you plan to follow after graduation.” And always wear your safety glasses in the auto shop.