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James Holmes' sixth-grade science class at Colegrove Park Elementary School invited second-graders to learn about waves.
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Colgrove Park Sixth-Graders Get to Teach Wave Science

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Sixth-grader Emily Cooper, left, shines a flashlight on a mirror for a demonstration on light waves as Zoe Ramsden explains the experiment.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Armed with Slinkys and a microphone, James Holmes' Grade 6 science class taught second-graders about waves.

Holmes said pupils planned their lessons from the ground up prior to Tuesday's class at Colgrove Park Elementary School.

"I just thought this was a neat way for them to start learning about waves, to have them physically plan a lesson," Holmes said. "We have some cool activities that demonstrate sound waves, light waves, and more."

The sixth-graders used Slinkys, coiled wire toys, to show the properties of waves. They decided to take a hands-on approach and invite the second-graders to the front of the class to experiment. The lesson was further entertaining since each child was also adorned with interesting headgear for "hat day."

They demonstrated the power of sound waves with a chime and the magic of reflection, refraction, and diffraction.

Sixth-grader Zoe Ramsden said she enjoyed being the teacher for a change and channeling her inner performer.

"It was really nice being the teacher because I'm used to sitting down and listening very carefully," Zoe said. "It is just a nice change of pace, and it's like I am in charge and I get to let out my inner actor."

Fellow sixth-grader Emily Cooper said she hopes that the knowledge imparted to her younger schoolmates will be helpful in their educational future.

"It is cool that they get to learn this stuff now so when they get older they already know about it a little bit," Emily said.

Holmes said the student-driven class came out of teacher workshops focusing on ways to "get teachers to talk less and have kids talk and interact more." He said this gives students a stronger grasp on the curriculum.

He added that the process is a learning experience for everyone.

"I am happy that the kids of stepped up to the plate," Holmes said. "This is really my first time trying this and I am not afraid to make mistakes ... this is kids teaching kids and it is exciting."


Tags: Colegrove Park,   school program,   STEM,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

 

 

 

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