Wahconah Regional High students Ashlyn Roch, Grace Radzick and Ella Reardon were recognized last with certificates from the Green Committee for their logo design work.
Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis, Green Committee member Antonio Pagliarulo, Grace, School Committee Chair Richard Peters, Ashlyn, Ella, art teacher, Bonnie Capogna and Principal Aaron M. Robb.
DALTON, Mass. — Green Committee member Antonio Pagliarulo presented the three Climate Action Plan Logo contest winners with a framed letter of recognition in front of the Central Berkshire Regional School Committee.
The letter was signed by the Green Committee Chair David Wasielewski and Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson.
The logo helps reflect Dalton's past, present, and future environmental climate status. The committee called for logo submissions out to Wahconah Regional High School students and received 24 logo submissions.
"Congratulations and thanks to your class and teachers for providing this lasting legacy of artwork for our project," Pagliarulo said.
The climate action plan consultant, Blue Strike, had its graphic designer narrow the submission down to the three most compatible options that can be turned into a logo.
During a November meeting, the committee voted to select Ashlyn Roch's submission for its Climate Action Plan logo. However, several members also liked elements of the other two runners-up — Grace Radzick and Ella Reardon.
Following the selection, the town's CAP consultant, Blue Strike, had its graphic designer convert Roch's drawing into a usable logo for the town.
During the meeting, Pagliarulo provided committee members with black-and-white versions of the three students’ drawings but said this version doesn't do justice to the colorized versions.
The Wahconah Regional High School's art teacher, Bonnie Capogna, highlighted how this competition was an amazing experience for the students, especially since the town will use the design.
The committee is developing a climate action plan to achieve net-zero by 2050 by seeking strategies to decrease the town's dependence on fossil fuels for homes, businesses, municipal facilities, and vehicles.
The logo development process aims to enhance community engagement by informing residents about the climate action plan, collecting their input for its formulation, and addressing any questions they may have.
Blue Strike's graphic designer and committee members previously highlighted how Roch's design had clear and organized elements that would be a good concept for a logo.
They also liked how Roch's logo showcased the Town Hall and incorporated the environmental element with the leaf growing from the bottom of the building.
Radzick's submission was selected for second place because "it is even more simplified and would make a solid logo."
During the November meeting, committee member Laurie Martinell also highlighted how she liked that the logo incorporated the text "Green Dalton Committee" in it.
Reardon's submission was given third place because committee members liked the "exceptional artwork" but felt it was too complex to be converted into a logo.
Blue Strike’s designer highlighted the keyhole shape, which is uncommon, unexpected, and clever for a CAP project.
Although, Radzick’s and Reardon’s submissions were not selected as the climate action logo the committee would like to showcase the work somewhere else.
"Your submission was outstanding among many submissions, as it uniquely represents our efforts to create a sustainable future for this community. We are proud to incorporate the efforts of one of our younger citizens into a document that represents our concern for future generations," Pagliarulo said reading Radzick’s and Reardon’s letter of recognition.
"Although, your submission was not chosen for this project. We would like to hold it for possible future projects."
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Pittsfield Extends Interim School Superintendent Contract
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips' employment has been extended to 2027.
Last week, the School Committee approved an employment contract that runs through June 30, 2027. Phillips was originally appointed to a one-year position that began on July 1 and runs through the end of the fiscal year in June 2026.
"You didn't ask me simply to endure challenges or struggle to prove myself. Instead, you believe in me, you've given me the space to grow, the encouragement to stretch, and the expectation that I can truly soar," she said earlier in last Wednesday's meeting when addressing outgoing School Committee members.
"You question, you poke, you prod, but not to tear anything down, but to make our work stronger, grounded in honesty, integrity, and hope. You've entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and welcomed me into the heart of this community. Serving you and leading our public schools has been, thus far, a joyful, renewing chapter in my life, and I want to thank you for this opportunity."
Chair William Cameron reported that the extended contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase in the second year and more specific guidelines for dismissal or disciplinary action.
Phillips was selected out of two other applicants for the position in May. Former Superintendent Joseph Curtis retired at the end of the school year after more than 30 years with the district.
The committee also approved an employment contract with Assistant Superintendent for CTE and Student Support Tammy Gage that runs through June 30, 2031. Cameron reported that there is an adjustment to the contract's first-year salary to account for new "substantive" responsibilities, and the last three years of the contract's pay are open to negotiation.
The middle school restructuring, which was given the green light later that night, and the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, have been immediate action items in Phillips' tenure.
A 700-square-foot outdoor water attraction is planned for the 2.1-acre park at 30 John Street. City officials hope to have it operational by summertime.
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Jewish Federation of the Berkshires President Arlene Schiff opened the festivities with a recognition of the victims of Sunday's mass shooting in Australia and praise for a hero who helped stop the killing.
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