Growing Together at Berkshire Middle Elementary School

By Jessica Villeneuve, Camille Koosmann, and Gavin Roddy

When I think about what a lasting partnership looks like, Berkshire Middle Elementary School always comes to mind. Since 2021, Starling Collaborative has had the privilege of walking alongside this incredible school community—learning, experimenting, and growing together.

From the very beginning, our work with Berkshire has been guided by curiosity and collaboration. What started as a grant-funded partnership has evolved into something much deeper: a shared commitment to helping students and adults thrive together. Over the years, funding has come and gone, but creativity and commitment have carried us through. Each year, we’ve built on what came before—layer by layer, relationship by relationship.

Coaching Leadership from Strength

Last year brought a new dimension to our partnership. After completing the Brown University Coaching Program, Jessica began working with Berkshire’s principal, Gavin Roddy, using a strengths-based coaching approach. Instead of focusing on what needs fixing, we explore what is already working—and how to build from there.

That shift created a ripple effect. As Gavin began leading from his strengths and relying on his values for decision-making, the tone of collaboration in the school grew stronger, too. Teachers and staff felt more supported and connected, and the work of nurturing a healthy, caring school culture gained new momentum. Coaching, at its best, isn’t about giving answers—it’s about asking the right questions and helping people see the creativity they already hold. In the past year, I’ve seen that truth in action at Berkshire.

A Winter Celebration of Wellness and Wonder

Sometimes, opportunities come along unexpectedly. Late in the fall, Berkshire received a Winter Wellness grant, and together Gavin and Jessica dreamed up a way to make it something special. The idea was simple: celebrate well-being and learning through joy.

The resulting event was pure magic. The day included sugar on snow, Abenaki snow snake competitions and storytelling, puppet-making, and plenty of outdoor play. There was laughter, creativity, and the unmistakable sound of students discovering new ways to connect—with each other, with their teachers, and with the natural world.

It was more than a fun day; it was a reminder that wellness and belonging grow from shared experiences. The event reflected the heart of Berkshire’s philosophy: that joy, culture, and community are not extras—they’re essential ingredients for learning.

Centering Youth Voice

Another bright spot over the last year has been the continued growth of Berkshire’s Youth Voice team, led by Camille in collaboration with Gavin and middle school teachers.

From the start, educators at Berkshire have championed this work, giving students space to lead and to see the impact of their ideas. The transformation has been remarkable. Students are showing up without reminders, crafting their own agendas, and bringing forward topics that matter to them. They’re not just participating—they’re taking ownership.

In meetings, you can feel the energy shift. There’s pride, laughter, and a growing sense of purpose. Students are seeing that their voices can shape their school and that their ideas matter. Adults, in turn, are learning how to listen in new ways—how to share power, trust the process, and celebrate student leadership as it unfolds.

Building Over Time

Partnerships like this don’t happen overnight. They’re built slowly, through trust, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning together. Berkshire’s story shows what’s possible when schools and partners commit to the long haul. Each year, the work has deepened—from foundational implementation strategy and coaching to joyful community events and authentic youth leadership.

It hasn’t always been simple. Because the partnership has relied on grant funding, there have been moments of uncertainty. But those challenges have also brought creativity—pushing us to focus on what matters most and to find innovative ways to sustain the work.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on our journey with Berkshire Middle Elementary School, what stands out most is the sense of shared ownership. This isn’t “our” work or “their” work—it’s truly our work.

Jessica’s coaching has helped strengthen leadership from within. Camille’s support of the Youth Voice Committee has empowered students to lead. The school’s staff and principal have championed these opportunities with openness and heart. And the students have shown us all what happens when young people are trusted to shape their own community.

Each season brings new energy and new ideas. Each year builds on the last. And every step along the way, we’re reminded that meaningful change doesn’t come from a single program or event—it grows out of relationships, creativity, and the courage to keep showing up for one another.

Berkshire continues to be a model of what’s possible when adults and youth work with each other, not just for each other. It’s been a joy to grow together, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.