Collaborative for Educational Services

Juneteenth (June 19) is one of the oldest known commemorations related to the abolition of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth National Independence Day was signed into law as a national holiday on June 17, 2021. The word “Juneteenth” is a Black English contraction, or portmanteau, of the month “June” and the date “Nineteenth.” Juneteenth celebrates the date of June 19, 1865, when enslaved people of African descent located in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom from the slavery system in the United States. Freedom was granted through the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. Texas was the farthest of the Confederate states, and slaveholders there made no attempt to free the enslaved African Americans they held in bo***ge. You'll find some resources at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/moments/juneteenth) and the National Park Service (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/juneteenth.htm).

At Mount Tom Academy, students are supported in a small, personalized learning environment where their strengths, talents, and goals guide the path forward.

If you have students who would benefit from individualized support, credit recovery opportunities, or a different approach to learning, we're here to help.

Now enrolling for Fall 2026. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.collaborative.org/mount-tom-academy/

Introducing the CES Special Education Leadership Suite

One subscription. Multiple supports. Measurable impact.

At a time when special education leaders are balancing capacity, compliance, and care for students and families, the Special Education Leadership Suite from Collaborative for Educational Services offers connection, expertise, and practical support for the 2026–27 school year.

Membership includes:
• Transition assessment support
• Parent training sessions
• On-demand consulting hours
• Communities of Practice memberships
• Conference seats at the Annual Legal Issues Update and IEP Summit
• Monthly Special Education Updates for IEP Team Leaders and 504 Coordinators

Investment: $12,000 (September–June)

Learn more:
https://www.collaborative.org/consulting/special-education-consulting/

Or contact Angela Burke at [email protected]

Strong schools start with strong leadership.

Our Mentorship for New and Aspiring Principals program (SY 2026–27) is designed to support and grow emerging school leaders.

The principalship is complex and demanding—and too often, leaders step into the role without enough support. This program brings new and aspiring principals together in a focused, high-impact experience led by experienced facilitators Albert Johnson-Mussad, Gwen Agna, and Mark Jackson.

Participants gain practical tools, a clear leadership framework, and a trusted network of peers—leaving not just inspired, but equipped to lead with confidence.

Enroll by July 6th in order to attend the Summer Retreat on July 14-15!
Learn more: collaborative.org/principal-mentorship
Or contact Angela Burke at [email protected]

"You have the kind of soul that the world needs more of."

At HEC Academy, we see the strengths in every student.

Our trauma-informed, relationship-centered approach combines individualized academics, clinical support, and opportunities for students to build confidence, social skills, and community connections.

Now enrolling rising 8th graders and students in grades 9–12.

HEC Academy is a DESE-approved therapeutic public day special education program in Northampton, MA for students with IEPs who benefit from a smaller, supportive learning environment.

To learn more or explore a referral, contact [email protected], or visit our website at https://www.collaborative.org/hec-academy

📅 Save the Date: March 13, 2027

Rooted Together: Our Strength Is Each Other

Join us for the fifth biennial Transforming Education for Social Justice Conference at Easthampton High School. This intergenerational conference is a day to be among nearly 300 educators, students, families, and leaders from Western Massachusetts and beyond who share a commitment to schools truly built for all.

As public schools face mounting challenges—from fiscal pressures and attacks on inclusive education to the uncertainties of climate change and technology—we know that none of us can carry this work alone. Our greatest strength has always been each other. Come for the joy and friendship. Stay for the strategy, tools, and people. Leave rooted, ready, and connected.

We're saving you a seat.

Congratulations to the HEC Academy Class of 2026! 🎓

Today, we celebrated eight graduates from school districts across Western Massachusetts as they reached this important milestone and prepared for the next chapter of their journeys.

The ceremony featured keynote speaker Karen Foster, Executive Director of All Out Adventures, and recognized student achievements through several special awards and scholarships.

We are proud of the perseverance, growth, and accomplishments of this year's graduating class and look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future.

Join us in congratulating the HEC Academy Class of 2026!

On June 6th, from 4-8pm we'll be raising funds at Chipotle in Northampton for Strong Foundations for Young Children.

Strong Foundations for Young Children (SFYC) offers free support for families of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who reside in Hampshire or Franklin County, MA. Our goal is to provide support to parents to enhance their children’s social and emotional development. Learn more here -->https://www.collaborative.org/youth-and-families/early-childhood-programs/strong-foundations/

Use code 4AQCWN7 in store or online when ordering, or show the flyer linked here -->https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Cj5zpVbzvBn9kDkBhPp-g_8Cf7JfLd0/view?usp=drive_link

Congratulations to the Mount Tom Academy Class of 2026! 🎓

Yesterday, we celebrated nine graduates from sending schools across Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties. We are proud of all they have accomplished and grateful to have been part of their educational journey.

As CES Deputy Director Karen Reuter shared:

"At Mount Tom Academy, each student has not only learned our values — they have lived them. Today, we celebrate a class that truly embodies the pinnacle of what we stand for: Prioritization, Respect, Expansive Perspective Taking, Perseverance, and Passion. These graduates are more than students; they are the reflection of our mission in motion, ready to shape the world with purpose and principle."

Congratulations to all of our graduates—we can't wait to see what comes next.

June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, honor the ongoing work toward equality, and help create spaces where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported.

Pride Month is also an opportunity to listen, learn, and amplify LGBTQ+ voices in our schools and communities. Educators looking for classroom resources and support can explore materials from The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/pride/ and the United Federation of Teachers: https://www.uft.org/teaching/classroom-resources/culturally-responsive-curriculum-resources/pride-teaching-resources