Youth Sign Connect Returns to Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires is bringing back Youth Sign Connect, a program offering members the chance to learn and engage with American Sign Language (ASL).

Weekly sessions begin Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 5 to 6 p.m.

The interactive program is free for Club members, but advance registration is required due to limited spots. Open to both beginners and returning participants, Youth Sign Connect aims to enhance communication skills and promote inclusivity.

Parents and guardians can register online at bgcberkshires.org.

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Ex-Miss Hall's Head Indicted on Child Endangerment

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A retired leader of Miss Hall's School was indicted Wednesday in Berkshire Superior Court for one count of reckless endangerment of a child related to an investigation into sexual abuse allegations against a teacher. 
 
Jeannie Norris, now living in North Carolina, was head of school at the girls' boarding/day school from 1996 to 2012.
 
Based on evidence collected throughout the active investigation in allegations of abuse that occurred at Miss Hall's, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office alleges she was aware of inappropriate relationships between a teacher, Matthew Rutledge, and students attending the school. Evidence demonstrates that she received numerous reports of Rutledge's alleged inappropriate conduct, according to the indictment. 
 
Rutledge, 63, was arraigned on rape charges in April of this year. Several women came forward publicly to accuse him of grooming them as teenagers and raping them. The charges also prompted the passage of a bill, authored by state Rep. Leigh Davis, to close the consent loophole by making sexual contact between a person of authority and individual under age 18 a crime. 
 
"Today's indictment is a result of the continued, active investigation into the allegations of abuse that occurred at Miss Hall's School," said DA Timothy Shugrue. "My team of prosecutors, including Massachusetts State Police Detectives and victim witness advocates, are actively working on this case thus far indicting both Matthew Rutledge, a former teacher at Miss Hall's School, and now Jeannie Norris. 
 
"Once again, I encourage anyone with information about potential abuse that occurred at Miss Hall's School to please contact our State Police Detectives."
 
He said his office understands that survivors might be hesitant to speak with law enforcement and share extremely difficult personal experiences. For those who feel hesitant, contact the tip line at 413-449-5055, or BerkshireSPDUtips@mass.gov. Callers can speak with Trooper Dana Clement to simply learn about the process. She, along with her partner Trooper Kyle Jolin, will answer any questions for victims trying to determine if they want to officially move forward or not. 
 
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