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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Bell, Ogle Win at May Day Race in Dalton

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DALTON, Mass. -- Stefan Ogle was the top male 5-kilometer finisher and Lindley Bell the top female 5K finisher at the 2026 Community Recreation Association May Day Races on Sunday at Nessacus Middle School.
 
Ogle’s winning 5K time was 19 minutes, 7 seconds, Brady Payson was second in 19:41, and Lake Kittler third in 19:43. Bell’s winning women’s time was 23:56, followed by Kristy MacWilliams in 24:22 and Chelsea Smith in 29:20.
 
Girls led the Splatter Sprint mile race, with Payton Anastasio, age 11, the top overall finisher in in 8:07, 12-year-old Breelin Touponce second in 8:44 and 11-year-old Brooklyn Renderer third in 8:45. The top three boys were Jace Esposito in 8:54, Michael Londergan in 10:15 and Samuel King in 10:38.
 
In the kids’ Obstacles & Popsicles half-mile race for ages 6-8, 7-year-old Henry King was first in 4:00, 8-year-old Jake Vosburgh finished second in 4:01, while 7-year-old Maisey Reed was third in 4:31. Evan Vreeland was third among the boys in 4:41, while Cecelia Polson was the second-place girl in 4:37 and Harper Phelps was third in 4:40.
 
In the 5-and-under race, Jack Barbour was first among the boys in 4:38, Jackson Lavierdiere was second in 5:05, and Mae Cimini third in 5:10. Kennedy Phelps was the top girl in 5:14, while Laura Vosburgh was second in 5:57 and Olivia Shea third 5:58. 
 
5K Race
1. Stefan Ogle, 19:07. 2. Brady Payson, 19:41. 3. Lake Kittler, 19:43. 4. Brian Ducey, 19:46. 5. Chaz Mahar, 21:35. 6. Philip Malm, 21:50. 7. Benjamin Ward, 22:48. 8. Bret Matthews, 23:11. 9. Robert King, 23:28. 10. Noah Aldrich, 23:50.
 
Kids' Splatter Sprint 1 Mile Race
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