Alumni Music Fest at BCC Draws 250 Attendees| 08:00AM / Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The inaugural Alumni Music Fest at Berkshire Community College (BCC), held in late November drew more than 250 attendees and raised $3,000 for the Eleanore Velez Scholarship. The scholarship supports students who are ineligible for federal aid due to their citizenship status. Such students include those who are undocumented, immigrants, refugees, or hold J-1 visas for exchange visitors. Performing artists included the Samba Trio with Tarcisio "Taz" Ramos dos Santos and Laura Cabrera, Grammy-nominated musician Matt Cusson, Billy Keane, Andy Wrba, Chantell McCulloch, Dave Brown, Gina Coleman and others. "We >> Read More |
Mildred Elley Recognizes Practical Nursing Program GraduatesBy Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:18PM / Sunday, December 17, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the first time since the pandemic, Mildred Elley held an in-person Pinning Celebration at the Italian American Club on Thursday for the graduates of the Practical Nursing Program. The school graduated 27 from the 18 month Practical Nursing Program, however, only three were able to attend the celebration. Department of Nursing Chair Dr. Patricia Newman explained the history of the pinning ceremony, a tradition dating back to the Crusades of the 12th century when the Knights Hospitallers tended to and cared for the injured and suffering Crusaders. "When new monks were brought into the Knights order they decided to >> Read More |
Wahconah High Senior Garcia Award Certificate of Academic Excellence| 05:03PM / Saturday, December 16, 2023 | |
 DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School senior Aiden Garcia is the recipient of this year's Massachusetts Association School Superintendent's Certificate of Academic Excellence. The award was presented by Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis at the Nov. 16, Central Berkshire Regional School Committee meeting. Garcia is the son of Susan and Andrew Garcia of Dalton and has distinguished himself by demonstrating high academic standings, comprehensive community service, and standout leadership endeavors throughout his educational career. "What I am most impressed with is Aidan's commitment to service within his community and the way he >> Read More |
BArT Announces Upcoming Enrollment Deadlines| 08:08AM / Friday, December 15, 2023 | |
ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Arts and Technology (BArT) Charter Public School is currently accepting applications for students in grades 6 through 10 for the 2023-2024 school year and the 2024-2025 school year. The first enrollment deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is Thursday, Feb. 29 at noon. The easiest way to apply is to visit https://bartcharter.schoolmint.com/. Use the teal button in the top right corner of the webpage to toggle to 2024-2025 (it will then appear orange). Interested families should note that the best way to secure a seat or a desirable waitlist spot for the 2024-2025 school year is to apply before the Feb. 29 deadline. The final enrollment >> Read More |
2023 Toyota Truck Donated to Taconic Automotive ProgramBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:31PM / Thursday, December 14, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School's automotive program now has a "Thundra" pickup that students can train on.
The School Committee on Wednesday accepted the donation of the 2023 Toyota Tundra for the high school's auto technology program. The truck is valued at more than $37,300 and will increase students' knowledge of Toyota maintenance and repair as part of the Toyota TECS, or Technician Education College Support, elite training program. "I've affectionally named this the 'Thundra,' not the Tundra, that's how we refer to it," Principal Matthew said, thanking all involved with the donation. The nickname is a nod to
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Departing Pittsfield School Officials, Mayor Thanked for ServiceBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:06AM / Thursday, December 14, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Departing members were thanked for their service to local education during the last School Committee meeting of the term. Alison McGee, Vicky Smith, and Mark Brazeau did not seek re-election and will turn their seats over in the new year.
Superintendent Joseph Curtis said they have been strong advocates for children and families, acting as much more than overseers.
"Your unwavering commitment to the betterment of our schools during what we all agree has been an unprecedented time in education has made a lasting impact on the Pittsfield Public Schools. Collaborating with my superintendent peers statewide, I have consistently admired the exceptional
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BCC Helps BCArc Provide Better Mouth Care Training| 11:02AM / Wednesday, December 13, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two Berkshire Community College (BCC) faculty members, assistant professors of nursing Julia Gallagher and Jennifer Charbonneau, recently offered "train the trainer" sessions at Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) highlighting the importance of oral hygiene in the population they serve. BCArc offers a broad range of community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism. Brandon Page, a training specialist at BCArc who worked with BCC to coordinate the training sessions, explained that BCArc trains staff on skills related to maintaining healthy boundaries and teaching individuals with >> Read More |
BCC to Benefit from New MassGrant Financial Aid Program | 08:17AM / Monday, December 11, 2023 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is one of 15 community colleges across the Commonwealth, plus state universities and the University of Massachusetts, that will benefit from a historic financial aid expansion recently approved by Governor Maura Healey's administration. With close to $62 million in new program funding supporting approximately 25,000 students, the MASSGrant Plus Expansion program will cover tuition, fees, books, and supply costs for Pell Grant-eligible students and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for middle-income students by up to half. "For so many Massachusetts residents, higher education can be the ticket >> Read More |
BCC Announces New Staff | 04:09PM / Sunday, December 10, 2023 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC) announces the addition of four staff members. Erica Barreto joins BCC as Coordinator of Student Diversity Programs and Belonging. Born to first-generation immigrant parents from Brazil and Portugal, Barreto grew up in the Hudson Valley, New York, before moving to the Berkshires. In 2019, she returned to her alma mater, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, to coordinate the MCLA Institute for the Arts and Humanities (IAH). In 2022, Barreto was awarded the BCC 40 Under 40 Award to commemorate her work with IAH. She is the vice president of the board of directors for WAM Theatre. In her free time, she likes >> Read More |
Governor Holds First Regional Cabinet Meeting in Amherst | 12:00PM / Sunday, December 10, 2023 | |
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration held their first regional cabinet meeting at University of Massachusetts Amherst to discuss the administration's priorities in Western Massachusetts. In an effort to promote statewide collaboration, the administration aims to hold a regional cabinet meeting in every region across the state. "Our state is made up of 351 cities and towns, each with their own unique sets of characteristics and needs. By hosting regional cabinet meetings, our administration is doubling down on our commitment to work for the entirety of Massachusetts," said Governor Healey. "Over the last year, we have made >> Read More |
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