BCSD Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Director of MTSS Mr. Thomas Olsen tolsen@berlincentral.org
Berlin CSD Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) District Coordinator Mrs. Samantha Higgins shiggins@berlincentral.org
At Berlin Central School District, our focus is on maximizing the diverse talents and aspirations of our students and developing successful, responsible, and contributing members of our 21st Century society. We provide a challenging curriculum that meets or exceeds NY State’s common core standards and our well–trained faculty are dedicated professionals, coordinating efforts among the school, family, and community to foster high expectations and provide the best opportunities for our students to succeed. Thanks to our supportive community, Berlin Central School District students enjoy a hands-on, interactive approach to learning in modern, updated facilities with access to the latest learning technology.
A multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and support students social, emotional, and behavior needs from a strengths-based perspective. MTSS offers a framework for educators to engage in data-based decision making related to program improvement, high-quality instruction and intervention, social and emotional learning, and positive behavioral supports necessary to ensure positive outcomes for districts, schools, teachers, and students. The MTSS framework is comprised of four essential components: screening, progress monitoring, multi-level prevention system, and data-based decision. – Center on Multi-Tiered System of Supports at the American Institutes for Research
Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Mr. Thomas Olsen, tolsen@berlincentral.org
What does a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) look like?

MTSS News
Berlin CSD STARS Program Shines Bright
On June 11th, the Berlin CSD STARS Program, which stands for Students Taking Action and Responsibility for Success, held a Family BBQ at the Stephentown Fire House as part of the Friendly STARS initiative. Read on and find highlights here.
Mountaineer Artists Take Center Stage at Legislative Exhibit
On May 19th, New York State legislators viewed and experienced the 36th New York State Art Teachers Association Legislative Exhibit, a student exhibit connecting aspiring artists, educators, and families from across New York. Berlin CSD had the distinction of having two Mountaineers selected to represent New York State’s youth and share their personal perspectives on art during the formal presentation, with BMHS art educator Mrs. DeCelle co-chairing the event, and six Mountaineers’ artwork exhibited. Read more about the event and the spotlight on the Mountaineer community here.
Let’s Go Mountaineer Unified Basketball!
Tonight 5/14, our Berlin Unified Basketball team will play their final home game of the season at the Berlin Elementary School, in a semifinal matchup against Cambridge! Game time is 4:15 pm. Come out and root on this great team of Mountaineers! Next stop for the Mountaineer team is the MVP Arena!!! Read on here.
Notice From the BCSD Counseling Department Regarding Summer Camps & Programs
It’s a good time to look into planning for summer camp opportunities. If you have a summer program to share information about, please email BMHS Counselor Mr. Shaw at jtaylorshaw@berlincentral.org. This page will continue to get updated as information comes in.
School Resource Officer Deputy Alex DaLessio Honored with 2026 CASDA’s Friends of Education Award
Berlin Central School District is pleased to announce that School Resource Officer Deputy Alex DaLessio was selected to receive the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA) Friends of Education Award. Read on here.
BCSD STARS to Host Autism Awareness Spirt Week 4/20 – 4/23
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Berlin Elementary, Middle, and High School STARS classrooms will be hosting an Autism Awareness Spirit Week! Learn more here.
BMHS Physical Education Staff Present at Annual NYS AHPERD Conference
This week, the Middle and High School Physical Education staff are attending and presenting at the annual NYS AHPERD (Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) conference. Read on here.
BMHS First Quarter Character Education Awards
Congratulations to this quarter’s Berlin Middle High School Mountaineers who showed perseverance! Please find a list of the students who have been awarded for showing great perseverance at the beginning of our school year here.
BMHS Family Survey and Important Upcoming Programs
At Berlin Middle High School, we strive to continually strengthen our connection with families and ensure that we are meeting the diverse needs of our community. Your feedback plays an essential role in helping us make thoughtful, informed decisions for the future. Please find an important message from BMHS Principal Mr. Bernsley and Assistant Principal Mrs. Reynolds here.
Berlin CSD Winter Weather Communication 2025-2026
Please find a communication regarding Berlin CSD’s winter weather plans for the 2025 – 2026 school year here. If you did not receive the email regarding winter weather, which was sent home to all families on November 3, 2025, please update your information with your school building’s main office.

2022-2023 Berlin CSD MTSS Plan

