School Under Evaluation

WINSTED — Northwestern Regional Middle School hosted a team from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) this week to complete the second step of a three-phase process to earn accreditation from the association.

NEASC is the nation’s oldest regional accrediting association. The organization’s mission is to establish and maintain high standards of education at all grade levels in six New England states. The group has also accredited schools in more than 70 nations.

"We believe that we are a good school," said Principal Candy Perez. "We’re going through the process to look at strengths and areas we need to improve on."

Over the course of four days, 15 educators from throughout New England visited to evaluate the middle school on seven standards, providing feedback as to how the school is preparing students for high school. The team will also offer recommendations on what the school should do to better educate the student population in the final phase of the accreditation process.

For middle schools, the accreditation process is not necessary, but can be done on a voluntary basis.

"We get the accreditation to affirm what we are doing," said Perez, "and also because we want to stay ahead of the curve."

The accreditation process is particularly important for high schools because colleges take accreditation into consideration for applicants.

Northwestern Regional Middle School will be the 16th school in the state to receive accreditation once the process is complete. The high school has already earned accreditation and recently passed a five-year evaluation.

Latest News

Paul Winter to celebrate the winter solstice at Saint James Place

Seven-time Grammy winning saxophonist Paul Winter, with the Paul Winter Consort, will return to celebrate the Winter Solstice on Saturday, Dec. 21, with sold out shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Saint James Place, 352 Main St., Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

A uniquely intimate solstice celebration, in contrast to the large-scale productions done for many years in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York, it promises to deliver everything audiences have come to love and expect.

Keep ReadingShow less
Developers withdraw application to expand Wake Robin Inn

Wake Robin Inn is located on Sharon Road in Lakeville.

Photo by John Coston

LAKEVILLE — Aradev LLC has withdrawn its application to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a special permit to redevelop the Wake Robin Inn.

In a letter submitted to P&Z Chair Michael Klemens on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17, law outfit Mackey, Butts & Whalen LLP announced its client’s withdrawal.

Keep ReadingShow less
North Canaan antique mall fills resale niche

The 403 Group is located at 403 Ashley Falls Road, where the old This N’ That for Habitat used to be.

Photo by Robin Roraback

NORTH CANAAN — The 403 Group Antique Market is “A hidden secret, a little off the beaten path, but worth the drive,” said Carey Field, who has a booth called “Wild Turkey” there.

“It’s a really fun group of dealers,” Field said. “A really eclectic group of antiques and the prices are reasonable.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Shooting the breeze with Christopher Little

Martin Tandler

Little with his dog, Ruby.

"What I really feel lucky about is having had the chance to meet and photograph so many people who had a real impact on our lives,” said Christopher Little whose new memoir, “Shooting the Breeze: Memories of a Photojournalist” was just released. The book is as eclectic and colorful as the man himself and offers an intimate look into Little’s globe-trotting career spent behind the lens, capturing some of the most iconic figures, events, and human stories of the past half-century.

In 2021, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas acquired Little’s photographic archive.

Keep ReadingShow less