 Pittsfield Plans School Transition Activities Ahead of RestructuringAs the district prepares to restructure its middle schools in the fall, administrators are considering transition activities that will best meet the needs of Pittsfield students. Pittsfield School Board See Update on Middle School RestructuringThere has been a focus on strategic scheduling that amplifies district priorities, encourages best practices in teaching and learning, heightens student engagement, encourages equity, and does it all in a cost-effective manner. Pittsfield Teachers Get Bereavement Leave for Pregnancy LossPittsfield Public Schools educators can now use bereavement pay for a loss of pregnancy or a stillborn child. Most of Pittsfield School Committee Bids FarewellThe School Committee will look much different after inauguration day, as Daniel Elias is the only member who will return. Pittsfield Middle Schools to Restructure Next FallThe city's middle schools will restructure next fall to give all students equitable access to education and take fifth grade out of the early elementary level. Pittsfield Middle School Restructuring to Alter Bus, Bell TimesIf the School Committee decides to proceed with the middle school restructuring in the fall, students will see changes in bus schedules and, in turn, bell schedules. Pittsfield Schools Falling Behind on AttendancePittsfield Public Schools' "scary" attendance rates fall below the state average, and the district is trying to determine the root causes so they can be addressed.  Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Offered Year's Contract ExtensionThe School Committee has voted to offer interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips a yearlong contract extension.  Pittsfield Schools Plan Special Meeting Before Middle Restructuring VoteThe school district is approaching its progress point that will determine if the middle schools will restructure next school year. Additional HR Staff, Streamlined Investigations Recommended for Pittsfield SchoolsOn Wednesday, the School Committee received a presentation from the Collins Center for Public Management, which was contracted to review the district’s HR, hiring, and retention processes. Pittsfield School Building Committee Preps for Crosby/Conte Feasibility StudyLast week, members mapped out a path forward as the city approaches a possible feasibility study for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on the West Street site.  Eagle Education Academy Open House Focuses on Student SuccessThe public alternative school serves students from Grades 6 through 12 who benefit from more individualized support.  Stearns Not Currently Included in Pittsfield's Crosby/Conte ProposalStearns Elementary School was not included in Crosby/Conte planning documents sent to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Pittsfield Public Schools Awarded CPPI GrantA coalition of community organizations was central in designing the vision for this grant and will continue to play a role in its implementation. Plan for Merging Pittsfield's Elementary Zones TabledThe School Committee is not ready to adopt an elementary school reorganization plan that moves Stearns students into the proposed Crosby/Conte building.  Pittsfield School Building Commission Welcomes New SuperintendentThe academic year has begun with a new superintendent of the Pittsfield Public Schools and the same focus on a couple of big projects. Pittsfield School Committee Updates Social Media PolicyThe school district updated its staff use of social media and personal cell phones policy.  Pittsfield Superintendent Bids Farewell to District After 32 YearsSuperintendent Joseph Curtis bid farewell to the School Committee on Wednesday, as he enters retirement on Monday.  Two Educators Charged in 2024 Drowning of Herberg StudentTwo educators have been charged with "preventable and reckless oversights" that preceded the drowning of a Pittsfield Public School student last summer.  Pittsfield School Committee OKs Middle Grade RestructuringThe School Committee has decided that now is the time to move forward with restructuring the city’s middle schools.  Pittsfield School Committee to Vote on Middle School RestructuringThe School Committee will take a historic vote on the structure of Pittsfield Public Schools on Wednesday.  Pittsfield Taps Internally for Admin PostsOn Wednesday, Nicole Shepardson was appointed interim assistant superintendent of instruction, assessment, and educational engagement, and Melissa Brites was appointed the interim special education director.  Core Impact Awards Highlight Pittsfield EducatorsA teacher or staff member from each Pittsfield Public School was recognized last week for their hard work and dedication. Pittsfield School Committee Will Soon Vote on RestructuringBishop reported that the biggest concern for families is the "logistical unknowns," such as transportation and scheduling. Parents also want to ensure that students will be safe.  Latifah Phillips Selected as Pittsfield's Interim SuperintendentCommunity members and officials overwhelmingly favored Latifah Phillips for the next interim superintendent, citing her vision, vibe, and experience as tools that can make positive change. |
