Easthampton schools to adopt concussion policy

EASTHAMPTON - A proposed concussion policy that puts the city schools in line with new state regulations is on track to be approved by the School Committee Feb. 27. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the policy on its first reading Feb. 13.

State recommends charter renewal for Chinese Immersion school

HADLEY - A state review of the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School gives it high marks, leading the education commissioner to recommend a renewal of its charter, but he also wants the school to improve its governance.

Until it does, he is recommending against the school's requests for permission to increase enrollment and to add a high school.

Local schools ignite Lego fever to harness the energy of 'natural engineers'

WILLIAMSBURG - John Heffernan believes that 21st-century education can be fun. For the past decade, the Conway resident and former software engineer has been leading a quiet revolution to embed Lego robotics in classroom teaching in the early grades. Heffernan, who is technology director for the Williamsburg schools, has helped expand the use of Lego robot kits in many local schools. Two years ago, he got a $200,000 state grant to train teachers across western Massachusetts to use the kits for hands-on engineering instruction.

• Click here for Kids Engineer!

School Lunch Menu

MONDAY: No school

TUESDAY: No school

Notes of apology at Amherst Regional High offer soul-searching sentiments

AMHERST - "I'm sorry I laughed when you said you liked me," wrote one student. "I'm sorry that I can be very sarcastic toward you. I don't mean it," said another. "Everyone tries to be who they aren't. It's stupid!" said a third. These comments were among hundreds posted on the walls in and around the cafeteria at Amherst Regional High School this week as students opened up in public introspection. The flood of emotions was spurred by four seniors, members of an anti-bullying group called School Climate Control, who turned the Valentine's Day practice of writing love notes on its head by asking students to write an apology to someone instead.

• Related story: More apologies, responses

More apologies, responses from Amherst Regional students

AMHERST - Here are some notes of apology written by students at Amherst Regional High School and posted in the cafeteria this week as part of an exercise sponsored by the anti-bullying group called School Climate Control.

I'm sorry for being rude and selfish.

I'm sorry I tripped you while skiing.

Frontier Regional school district cuts four middle school teachers from budget

DEERFIELD - Frontier Regional Schools' budget for next year eliminates four middle school positions to offset rising special education costs.

The Frontier Regional School Committee incorporated the changes in its tentative budget of $9,388,834, a 3.55 percent increase over this year.