Williamstown, MA – May 11, 2012 – Najla Nassar, a 7^th grader at Mt. Greylock Regional School, is the overall winner of the 30^th annual Berkshire County Writing Contest.  Her entry entitled, “A Powerful Force,” describes the experience and determination of a girl learning to play football in Physical Education class.  Nassar was one of 68 7^th grade students from Berkshire County to enter the competition this year, which was held at Nessacus Regional Middle School on April 27^th.

Mt. Greylock English Teacher Liza Barrett and Student Teacher Caitlin Powers organized a competition at Mt. Greylock in order to select students for the countywide contest.  Thirty-three Mt. Greylock 7^th graders entered this competition.  Anonymous entries from these students were read by another Mt. Greylock English teacher, and then seven Mt. Greylock students were chosen to go to the Berkshire County Writing Contest with Barrett and Powers.

At the Berkshire County Contest, students were prompted to respond in two pages or less to the topic “That Undeniable Desire,” by describing “a time when that desire inside you to explore new boundaries of your passion could not be thwarted.”  Six teachers from across Berkshire County judged student entries, which included fiction and non-fiction.  An excerpt from Nassar’s essay follows.

“The gym floor surrounded me as I curled my hair around my fingers.  I stared blankly at the ground and listened as a faint sound echoed in my head.  Abruptly, I glanced up to make sure I heard the word correctly.  ‘Our new unit is Football = America’s Sport,’ my teacher told us, excitement and joy spreading across his face.  Football.  I pondered the word.  I thought of muscular men in uncomfortable gear…I remembered that I had never cared for such a sport.  But as I rose up to start throwing, I told myself that I would give it my best effort….  My throw was terribly inaccurate and weak.  I sighed, my face rosy red, blushing from embarrassment.  But I knew that I would work on it; I knew that football had not seen the last of me.”

“There are so many competitions in academics, athletics, and the arts, but there aren’t many chances for students who love to write to get their voices out in a larger setting, apart from the Berkshire County Writing Contest,” Nassar’s English Teacher, Liza Barrett, said.  “I love taking students to this competition because this is their day to do what they love to do.”

On winning this competition, Nassar said, “I believe (this award) was a jump-start and sign that my writing will take me a long way in life.  This competition was a doorway that I just needed to walk through.

For more information, please contact Liza Barrett, 458-9582 x169. lbarrett@mgrhs.org.

On March 14^th, 2012, Mt. Greylock Regional School Latin students participated in the 35th Annual National Latin Exam.  Approximately 150,000 students took the exam, which is sponsored by the American Classical League.  The exam is administered throughout the U.S as well as in countries around the world, including Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, and Poland.

Students receive awards based on their achievement on the exam.  The highest honor available is a perfect paper, an honor limited to less than 1% of students who take the exam.  This year, three Mt. Greylock students earned this award.

The highest honors go to brothers Aaron Kleiner, Matthew Kleiner, and Ned Kleiner.  Aaron and Matthew earned perfect papers at the Intro level of the National Latin Exam.  Ned, a senior at Mt. Greylock, received a perfect paper at Level V.  They will all receive a special hand-lettered certificate from the National Latin Exam Committee.

Students earning the distinction of Summa Cum Laude include Katie Parks, Rose Shuker-Haines, Zach Armet, Andrew Whitaker, Derek Wood, Ned Kleiner, Aaron Kleiner, and Matthew Kleiner.

Students earning the distinction of Maxima Cum Laude include Dagny Albano, Cole Dudley, Jesse Cohen, Najla Nassar, Simon Kent, Dan Schiek, Gray Kaegi, Adam Hall, Noah Savage, Miranda Dils, Jake Foehl, Daniel Packer, Carter Stripp, Aaron Ziemer, Evi Mahon, Miranda Bucky, Alex Cheung, Thalia Rossitter, and Caleb Raymond.

Students earning the distinction of Magna Cum Laude include Melissa Swann, Petrea Mannello, Joey Gais, Gef Fisher, Christina Butcher, Julia Vlahopoulos, Pearl Sutter, and Emily Kaegi.

Students earning the distinction of Cum Laude include Ellie Williams, Matt Wiseman, Jasper Rosenheim, Caroline Carlough, Luke Park, Emma Culver, Sara Rudd, Eric Hirsch, Emily Rudd, Katelin Marchand, and Jonah Majumder.

Superintendent Rose Ellis commented, “Mt. Greylock has a long and illustrious tradition of quality Latin programming and instruction.  Marjorie Keeley, our Latin teacher, truly inspires her students.  Having nearly 50 Mt. Greylock students excel in the 35th Annual Latin Exam with three students attaining the highest honor among 150,000 students is amazing!  It speaks volumes to the exceptional language instruction, the engagement of our students and the dedication of our Latin teacher, Ms. Keeley.”

State Latin Convention

32 Mt. Greylock delegates will attend the State Convention this weekend (April 27-29) and join more than 600 delegates from all over Massachusetts at Barnstable High School in Hyannis, MA.

Nine student leaders and three co-chairs make up the executive board and run the Convention; they meet monthly to plan the events for the year.

Mt. Greylock’s Latin teacher, Marjorie Keeley, has been co-chair of the State convention for ten years, and two of the nine officers on the state executive board are Mt. Greylock students: Kim DiLego (historian) and Pearl Sutter (secretary).

Three Mount Greylock students are running for the state executive board for 2012-2013: Aaron Ziemer (treasurer), Katelin Marchand (2nd vice president), and Pearl Sutter (president).

“The Junior Classical League (JCL) is an incredible supplement and complement to any Latin program and has something to offer to everyone,” Ms. Keeley said.

Students agree.  10^th grader, Katelin Marchand observed, “The Classics are a phenomenal and fascinating subject and JCL is the bridge between it and the modern world.”

And, Pearl Sutter, also a 10th grader, said, “JCL is the most amazing organization I have participated in. It offers wonderful opportunities for everyone and proves that Latin is most definitely not a dead language!

The Mt. Greylock Latin Program will hold its annual Latin Awards Banquet (Parentalia) on Thursday, May 24^th at 6:30 in the Mt. Greylock cafeteria to honor these award winners, the winners of the National Mythology Exam, and the winners of competitions at this weekend’s Massachusetts State Convention.

For more information, please contact Marjorie Keeley, 458-9582, mkeeley@mgrhs.org.

Congratulations to Mt. Greylock 11th grader Crystal Haynes.  Crystal received an NBCC (Northern Berkshire Community Center)  Community Recognition Award – Young People Taking the Lead on May 2. This is in recognition of her support of Multicultural Bridge in the community. The ceremony took place at The Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue, 53 Lois St., in North Adams.

The Mount Greylock Principal Search Committee–consisting of 5 parents, 5 faculty members, two students, and two administrators, kicked off the search for a new principal with a first meeting on April 26th.  This Committee is an excellent representation of our school community and I look forward to working with them to plan all aspects of the search process.  It is exciting to anticipate a new principal and leader for MG–our school certainly deserves nothing less.

The Members of the Search Committee are:

Faculty:  Blair Dils, Liza Barrett, Bob Thistle, Matt Fisher, Shawn Flaherty
Parents: Carrie Greene, Karen Shepard, Mary Shine, Valerie Hall, Sheila Hebert
Students: Evi Mahon and Andrew Leitch
Administrators: Kim Grady and Rose Ellis

Thank you to those who volunteered to be on the Committee–we heard from parents and faculty members expressing an interest to participate in this important undertaking. A key part of the Committee’s search process will be to host two separate focus groups–one with faculty and one with MG parents.  You are invited to join the upcoming focus groups:

“Envisioning the Role of the New Principal”

Faculty & Staff Meeting – May 7, 2:30
Mount Greylock Meeting Room

Parents Forum May 8, 6:30

Mount Greylock Meeting Room

Please RSVP to vlphall@yahoo.com if attending.

Once we’ve conducted the focus groups, the Search Committee will meet to review the results and modify the process as needed.  Please join us in this opportunity to share your thoughts.

My Best,

Dr. Rose Ellis
Superintendent
Williamstown-Lanesborough Public Schools
(413) 458-9582

REPORTS TO:  Principal and Superintendent

POSITION: Full-time, 11/12 Months

QUALIFICATIONS:

a. Hold or be eligible for the MA Instructional Technology Specialist certification

b. MA Degree with technology specialization and experience teaching in the field of technology preferred

c. Advanced technology and media integration skills and demonstrated knowledge in reshaping the learning             process through cutting edge instructional practices aligned with CCSS (Common Core State Standards)

d. Leadership and instructional ability in program evaluation and high quality staff development that fosters             collaboration and continuity

e. Experience in collaborative group work focused on technology integration and media/information literacy

f. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills capable of forming a rapport with school staff and students

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Instructional Technology Specialist is responsible for supporting and mentoring instructional and administrative staff and students in the integration of appropriate media and technologies in the classroom and across the school. The ITS aligns the district educational technology objectives to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and to instructional practices that yield the highest standards of student achievement, instructional excellence, and community support for technology.

Essential Job Functions:

A.  Planning and Facilitating Application and Use of Technology

• Provides leadership/expertise and support in the school’s use of 
instructional technology resources
• Ensures technology is an integral part of the classroom, curriculum, and administration of the school building.
• Conducts professional development in areas of technology and media integration
• Collaborates with teachers and other instructional staff to develop curriculum materials and specific lesson plans that integrate technology and are aligned with CCSS
• Models the integration of technology and media in classrooms and in all curriculum areas
• Creates opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership skills in technology and media
• Remains current on emerging technologies in education and evaluates potential application
• Recommends procedures and policies to the superintendent on use of technology across the school

B. Planning and Facilitating Information Access and Delivery

• Implements best “and next” practices related to technology/media use in the school program based on 
research, pilot programs, and state/national standards
• Works with the principal and school leadership team to provide access to technology resources and services of the technology specialist at point of need
• Works with teachers and technology staff in the selection of resources that are compatible
with the school technology infrastructure
• Assists with planning the design of the technology infrastructure so that information resources are continually available to the school community
• Adheres to and communicates copyright as well as other laws and guidelines pertaining to 
the distribution and ethical use of all resources
• Serves as the district contact for selecting software and web-based programs
• Oversees and maintains existing web-based programs (Power School, PLATO, VHS, etc.)

B. Planning and Facilitating Program Administration

• Provides leadership and collaborates with tech staff and departments to develop, implement, and update a district instructional technology plan
• Collaborates with the district leaders, principal, teachers, library/media and technology staff, and students to evaluate and select technology and media resources addressing curricular needs and learning goals
• Plays a leading role in the districts’ budgetary process and seeks out relevant grants to ensure funding for the instructional technology program
• Prepares and submits reports as requested by the superintendent and school committee
• Carries out other duties as assigned and/or as needed by the superintendent

REPORTS TO:             Superintendent

Job Goal: To provide leadership and support in the development and continuity of implementing and coordinating the tri-districts’ K-12 curriculum standards, instruction and assessment through the use of data both formative/summative, qualitative/quantitative.

 Responsibilities:

1.  Coordinates development, implementation and evaluation of curriculum, instructional and assessment tools at MG and WES/LES that align with CCSS (Common Core State Standards)

2. Works with principals and teachers in organizing and coordinating grade level and departmental alignment with CCSS standards in instruction.

3. Reviews and upgrades existing curriculum documents and materials prepared by and distributed among the instructional staff.

4. Provides demonstration of best practices in instruction and curriculum review/alignment.

5. Researches, communicates and maintains on-line resources for distribution to staff.

6. Plans and conducts Professional Development for faculty and staff by working with elementary school and middle school/high school principals to set annual PD goals and demonstrated competencies.

7. Observes teachers in their classrooms upon request of teachers or administrators and offers recommendations to enhance teaching and learning.

8. Assumes responsibility for reviewing and evaluating results of school-wide summative and formative assessments, and other evaluative measures used across the schools.

9. Studies and evaluates, and as appropriate, recommends adoption of new instructional materials/methodologies, and on-line programs, and assists in budget preparation.

10. Interprets the curriculum and its philosophy to the school committee, the administration, the staff, and the general public.

11. Maintains liaisons and active participation with state and regional educational leaders in curriculum, instruction and assessment.

12. Will pursue and oversee grant opportunities to supplement the financial resources supplied by the annual school department budgets.

13. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned by the Superintendent.

Please apply be submitting a letter of interest, resume, three letters of reference, copies of academic transcripts, and verification of eligibility of MA certification to:

Office of Dr. Rose Ellis, Superintendent, c/o Nancy Rauscher

1781 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown MA 01267

email to: nnrauscher@mgrhs.org

(413) 458-9582 ext. 155

Principal

Middle School/High School

Grades 7-12

Mount Greylock Regional School District serves the towns of Williamstown and Lanesborough with a combined population of 11,000 residents.  Located in the Berkshires, a county in Massachusetts with long-standing academic, cultural and artistic traditions, Mount Greylock Regional School District enjoys local resources that include Williams College, MCLA, the Sterling Francine Clark Art Institute, the Williams College Museum of Art, and the Williamstown Theater Festival.  Williams College, the museums, the theater, and the natural beauty of an environmentally-rich area enhance curriculum opportunities for teachers and students.

• Middle School/High School, 600 Students (Grades 7-12)
• Two K-6 elementary schools serve as feeder schools
• 96% of Graduating Students Attend College
• Newsweek (2010) Ranking as One of the Nation’s Top High Schools
• Educational partnership with Williams College
• Comprehensive Performing and Visual Arts Programs
• Strong Athletic Programs
• Supportive Community and Active Parent Groups
• Situated in Idyllic Setting with Views of Mount Greylock

 Leadership Qualities

To help lead our efforts to yield the highest standards of student achievement and instructional excellence, we are seeking an exceptional Administrator who demonstrates:

• Outstanding future-focused leadership skills committed to results,
• Extensive experience with Curriculum Development and Instructional Methodologies,
• Advanced Computer Literacy Skills including integration of teaching and learning technologies,
• Strong organizational, writing, and speaking skills,
• Commitment to Champion a School Culture Focused on the Best Interests of Students,
• Interpersonal Skills that Promote Collaboration, Professionalism, and Relationship Building, and
• Administrative Experience Preferred.

 Starting date: July 1, 2012

Competitive salary and benefit packages.  Please apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, three letters of reference, copies of academic transcripts, and verification of eligibility of MA certification by May 21, 2012 to:

Dr. Rose Ellis, Superintendent

District Office: Mt. Greylock Regional School District, 1781 Cold Spring Road, MA 01267.

Inquiries may be directed to nrauscher@mgrhs.org  413-458-9582, Ext 155.

Visit our website at http://wlschools.org/.

The mission of Mount Greylock Regional School District is to prepare all students to achieve their full potential as learners in an ever-changing world.

Mount Greylock Regional School District (EOE)

Mr. Thistle teaches in the math department and Mr. Fisher teaches English at Mt. Greylock.  The instruction in the SAT course is divided according to their respective fields, with half of the students studying math for the first hour while the other half studies English.  The students then switch subjects for the second hour of each work session.

The course includes a lecture period, group problem solving, and timed testing – components that are designed to help students develop strategies for taking the SAT.

“The goal of the course is to offer an affordable option for all students to prepare for the SAT,” Mr. Thistle said recently.  “I started a similar course at Pittsfield High School, and it grew to the point where it was opened up and offered to students from other schools as well.”

Mr. Fisher taught an SAT review class for four years at Hingham High School where he worked prior to coming to Mt. Greylock.

“Almost every study that has been taken on SAT-success shows that students who take an SAT preparatory class do better, on average, than those that do not,” Mr. Fisher noted.  “I am thrilled to be a part of an effort to bring this type of advantage to all students at Mt. Greylock by teaching, with Bob, a class that is both high in quality and low in cost.”

Superintendent Rose Ellis commends this program.  “This is a terrific, affordable opportunity for our students preparing for the SAT, and I am so proud of Mr. Thistle and Mr. Fisher for their dedication and their willingness to collaborate as a team,” Ellis said.

Thistle and Fisher plan to offer the course again next year, once in the fall and once in the spring in the weeks leading up to the SAT test.

For more information, please contact Robert Thistle, rthistle@mgrhs.org, or Matthew Fisher, mfisher@mgrhs.org.