BCC Continues Series of free MassReconnect Information Sessions | 04:00PM / Friday, October 13, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) continues its series of special community college information sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 5 pm and Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5 pm. The Nov. 1 session will be held in Room G-12 on BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. The Nov. 30 session will be held online. Both sessions are free. To register for either session, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/massreconnect. Financial aid, admissions and advising staff will be on hand. The event is part of MassReconnect, a program that pays the full costs of community college for adults 25 and older who do not already >> Read More |
Central Berkshire Approves Cell Phone Policy By Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
03:17PM / Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | |
DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School District approved its updated phone policy during its School Committee meeting last month. The goal of the policy change is to ensure that the use of cell phones or other electronic devices by students and staff does not interfere with learning. The policy states that cell phone use is prohibited during school hours and to accomplish a cell phone free learning environment the district will utilize Yondr pouches in the middle and high schools. During its meeting in August, the School Committee approved a $20,000 grant to cover the first year costs of implementing Yondr pouches. The >> Read More |
Herberg Students Acknowledge Mohican Land with PlaqueBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:22AM / Monday, October 09, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Herberg Middle School students have collaborated to honor the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans in a long-lasting way.
Last week, a land acknowledgment plaque was installed on the school just in time for Indigenous Peoples' Day. The effort stemmed from an eighth-grade civics project and has spanned over a couple of years.
"When students are exposed to unjust history they really want to contribute to reparations. Additionally, our middle schoolers are civically minded and looking for opportunities to be involved in our local community," social studies teacher Jen Jaehnig said.
"Last year they collected money for Damar
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Planners Present Possible Solutions for Pittsfield Public Schools RestructuringBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:13PM / Saturday, October 07, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A decline in Pittsfield's population has planners reviewing the size and number of the city's elementary schools, their grade configurations and the curricular offerings of the middle and high schools.
Tuesday's update to the School Building Needs Commission from DRA architects on the restructuring study included information about demographics and enrollment; zoning and environmental mapping; Massachusetts School Building Authority guidelines; and grade span and alignment options. "It's a lot to think about," committee member Kathy Amuso said.
An online survey on the school's physical and educational needs garnered
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BCC to Host Fall Open House on Oct. 21 | 10:30AM / Thursday, October 05, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold an open house on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. The open house will be followed by a financial aid workshop at 11 a.m. The event takes place in the SBA Lounge on BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. Prospective students and their guests are invited to meet one-on-one with BCC representatives from various offices. Participants can speak with faculty about the programs that interest them, take a campus tour and learn about paying for college, transferring to a four-year school, internships and career opportunities. A light breakfast will be served, and all attendees >> Read More |
MCLA Announces Theatre, Music Productions for 2023-2024 Season | 02:00PM / Wednesday, October 04, 2023 | |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Theatre and Music departments announced the 2023-2024 season of performances with four productions including visiting performing artists, guest directors, and student directors in addition to two student concerts. The fall season opens on Nov. 3 with a MainStage production titled "Antigone by Sophocles" translated by Anne Carson and guest director Rudy Ramirez. The show is scheduled to run on Nov. 3-4, 10-11 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. in Venable Theatre. Rudy Ramirez, Benedetti Teaching Artist in Residence, is a director, writer, and teaching artist specializing in >> Read More |
Central Berkshire Officials Pass Policy Mandating RecessBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
02:54PM / Monday, October 02, 2023 | |
DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School District approved a controversial wellness policy during its meeting on Thursday night that mandates recess time. There have been times when elementary teachers have used the time for extra study. The policy passed 8-5 after a discussion focused mainly on Section 3 that covers policies around physical activity and recess. Some School Committee members argued that the language surrounding recess was vague making it easy to misinterpret. The policy states that students are required to have a 20- to 30-minute break of " unstructured free-play" to optimize social emotional >> Read More |
Pittsfield School Committee Calls for Shorter-Term Maintenance SolutionsBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:41AM / Monday, October 02, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — School Committee members want to see shorter-range planning to address the condition of Pittsfield Public Schools.
Earlier this month, there were complaints of excessive heat in the some of district's classrooms and calls for the immediate implementation of air conditioning. Around this time, it occurred to Chair William Cameron that there is no plan for the maintenance and upgrading of school facilities, as it is done on an as-needed basis.
PPS is currently undergoing a restructuring study to address its educational and physical structure.
"The municipality for whatever reason has not, I think, addressed the problem of the condition of our
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Governor Celebrates Permanent Universal Free School Meals | 09:52AM / Saturday, September 30, 2023 | |
QUINCY, Mass. —Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll hosted a press conference earlier this month at Snug Harbor Elementary School in Quincy to celebrate her administration delivering permanent universal free school meals for K-12 students in Massachusetts. The Governor was joined at the celebration by House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, Chair Aaron Michlewitz, bill sponsors Representatives Tackey Chan and Bruce Ayers, and Erin McAleer, the President and CEO of Project Bread, all of whom highlighted the impact the program is expected to have in addressing hunger and advancing equity for students across the state. "We're making >> Read More |
Miss Hall's School Names Dean of Teaching and Learning| 08:00AM / Thursday, September 28, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Miss Hall's School has named Meghan Smith as the School's inaugural Dean of Teaching and Learning. Meghan comes to Miss Hall's with more than 20 years of teaching and administrative experience, demonstrated success in designing and implementing curriculum, and a background in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-focused leadership. Prior to Miss Hall's, she worked since 2005 at Lawrence Academy, in Groton, serving in several roles, including Latin, History, and English Instructor; Language Department Chair; Director of the 9th grade interdisciplinary program; and Director of DEI Professional Growth and Practice. "I am >> Read More |
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