BArT Awarded State STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant

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ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School (BArT) is the recipient of the Healey-Driscoll Administration's Massachusetts Life Science Center's (MLSC) STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program. 
 
$60,515 has been awarded to BArT to expand life sciences education and enhance STEM career pathways for students. Plans underway include augmenting the AP science course offerings, upgrading lab equipment, and providing enhanced professional development for the science team.
 
"The life sciences are a cornerstone of our economy, and the industry's continued growth depends on cultivating the next generation of talent across every region of the Commonwealth," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "These grants strengthen the connection between STEM education and industry needs, ensuring Massachusetts remains a leader in life sciences workforce development for years to come."
 
The MLSC is awarding more than $3.3 million for 49 projects through the STEM Equipment and Professional Development Grant Program. This funding will serve nearly 56,000 students at 131 schools and provide professional development opportunities for more than 320 teachers. The program prepares students for life sciences careers by enabling schools to purchase lab equipment, materials, supplies, and technology, and provide teachers with professional development opportunities that support the implementation of advanced curricula and standards alignment.  

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Adams Couple Found Guilty in Foster Child's Death

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An Adams couple have been found guilty in the 2020 death of their 10-month-old foster child.
 
Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment in the death of Kristoff Zenopolous on Feb. 18, 2020.
 
A Berkshire County Superior Court jury returned the verdict on Monday. Assistant District Attorneys Andrew Covington and Stephanie Jimenez prosecuted the case as special prosecutors from the Northwestern District Attorney's Office because of a conflict of interest with the Berkshire DA's Office. 
 
Evidence presented at trial showed that the child died after the defendants failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he required care, according to the DA. The medical examiner determined that the child died from complications of a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema, a condition in which pus accumulates in the lungs and chest wall. 
 
Medical experts testified at trial that these conditions are routinely treatable with timely medical care. The six-day trial included testimony from 14 witnesses. After approximately 2 1/2 hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts against both defendants on charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment. 
 
Kellie Beaulieu served as the victim-witness advocate. 
 
The Tuckers were indicted by then District Attorney Andrea Harrington in 2021 but the charges were dismissed the following year by Superior Court Judge John Agostini, who found the evidence too circumstantial. His findings were overruled by the Supreme Judicial Court in 2023. Current Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue recused himself because he had consulted with the Tuckers as a defense attorney. 
 
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