schools

Region One loses federal grant funding

FALLS VILLAGE — Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley told the Region One Board of Education at its May 5 meeting that the district lost federal funding for a part-time social worker/counselor at all regional schools. This is the first impact on Region One from recent changes at the federal level. The grant will end Dec. 31.

The superintendent said she would inform local school boards during their May meetings.

The grant is administered by EdAdvance, which is “submitting a request for reconsideration, exploring alternative funding sources, and assessing whether they can support the position internally,” Brady-Shanley reported.

HVRHS retains accreditation

Housatonic Valley Regional High School principal Ian Strever reported the New England Association of Schools and Colleges voted to continue Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s accreditation at NEASC’s March meeting.

Strever said that NEASC “commended the school for several strengths, including its bias incident reporting system, strategic curriculum planning, comprehensive agricultural education program, student assistance team, and alignment of its all-hazards safety plan with district protocols.”

The next accreditation cycle will begin in fall 2026 with the next visit in 2029.

schools

Latest News

Hayes addresses constituents' concerns, looks to 2026

Hayes addresses constituents' concerns, looks to 2026

U.S. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes of the 5th District chats with Tom Holcombe during her community meeting in Kent on May 27.

Photo by Ruth Epstein

KENT — Democratic U.S. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes began her community meeting May 27 with optimism. Speaking before a large crowd at the Community House, she said, “I don’t want people to think the sky is falling and we’re losing our democracy.”

She said she was there to hear from those in attendance, but first made a quick comment about how Congress spent so much time debating President Donald Trump’s “big beautiful bill.” Mention of the legislation brought loud boos from the audience. “Every day we realize how egregious it is,” she said.

Keep ReadingShow less
government

Foreign exchange students reflect on a year in the U.S.

Foreign exchange students reflect on a year in the U.S.

Charlie Castellanos, left, and Allegra Ferri, right, sitting in the HVRHS library to talk about their experiences in the U.S.

Anna Gillette
“I would say if you are thinking about doing the program, do it because you get out of your comfort zone and learn so many things...” —Charlie Castellanos

Every year, Housatonic Valley Regional High School welcomes foreign exchange students to attend classes through the AFS Intercultural Programs. This school year, two students traveled to Northwest Connecticut to immerse themselves in American life and culture. Allegra Ferri, a 17-year-old from Italy, and 16-year-old Charlie Castellanos from Colombia sat down to reflect on their experience at HVRHS. As the academic year is coming to an end, they shared a few highlights of their time in the U.S. and offered advice to prospective exchange students.

What has been your favorite part of your exchange experience?

Allegra: “My favorite part of this exchange year was coming here and experiencing an American high school.”

Keep ReadingShow less
people

HVRHS students bring back student newspaper

HVRHS students bring back student newspaper
From left, Ibby Sadeh, Anna Gillette, Nathan Miller, Maddy Johnson and Caitlin Hanlon proof the pages of HVRHS Today at the Lakeville Journal office while Shanaya Duprey teleconferences in on Thursday, May 29.
James H. Clark

Students from Housatonic Valley Regional High School wrote and produced the inaugural edition of HVRHS Today, a new publication by and for students in the Northwest Corner.

This inaugural issue of HVRHS Today marks the first student-led journalism effort at the high school in several years. The program is a collaboration between the Lakeville Journal, the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and the 21st Century Fund.

Keep ReadingShow less
hvrhs

Mountaineers take second place in WCLC

Mountaineers take second place in WCLC

WATERTOWN — Housatonic Valley Regional High School girls lacrosse played Watertown High School for the Western Connecticut Lacrosse Conference championship Wednesday, May 28.

The cold, rainy game went back and forth with three ties and three lead changes. Watertown was ahead when it counted and earned a 6-4 victory to claim the league title.

Keep ReadingShow less
hvrhs lacrosse