Mill Town Foundation, Pittsfield Public Schools Core Impact Awards

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mill Town Foundation, in partnership with Pittsfield Public Schools, announced the return of the Core Impact Awards.
 
According to a press release, the district-wide initiative recognizes educators and school staff members who are making a "meaningful difference in student learning, innovation in education, and community engagement." 
 
Now in its second year, the Core Impact Awards will honor full-time teacher or staff member from each of the 14 schools in the Pittsfield Public School District. 
 
"The Core Impact Awards are about more than recognition — they're about building a culture where educators feel valued and supported," said Andy Wrba, program director at Mill Town Foundation. "While we celebrate individual honorees, the broader message is for every teacher and school employee across Pittsfield: your work matters, and this community recognizes the impact you have." 
 
Pittsfield Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Stokes emphasized the importance of spotlighting educators' contributions. 
 
"Great teachers don't just teach lessons - they change lives," Stokes said. "The Core Impact Awards shine a light on the educators who make students feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they ever imagined. Watching last year's honorees experience that recognition — the pride, the joy, the emotion — was a powerful reminder of how important it is to celebrate the people who give so much of themselves every day." 
 
The nomination period will be open March 2-15, 2026. Community members, students, parents, and colleagues are invited to submit nominations highlighting an educator's:  
  • Student Impact: Evidence of inspiring or improving student outcomes. 
  • Innovation in Teaching: Creative approaches to instruction and learning. 
  • Community Engagement: Meaningful involvement within the school and broader community. 
  • Nomination Quality: Thoughtfulness and clarity of the submission. 
An independent community Selection Committee will review all nominations. 
 
Recipients will be announced in April and formally honored at a community celebration in May. Each honoree will receive a recognition package celebrating their contributions to education and the Pittsfield community. 
 
Nominations are open. They close on March 15. To submit a nomination, visit www.milltownfoundation.org

Tags: mill town,   Pittsfield Public Schools,   

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Berkshire Concrete Fined, Ordered to Restore Digsite

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — After more than a year of residents demanding action, it appears that pressure is finally being placed on Berkshire Concrete.
 
On March 2, the Board of Health issued a $5,000 fine to Berkshire Concrete, a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, for creating a public nuisance by allowing sand and dust to leave the property and for failing to submit an adequate dust mitigation plan despite numerous orders. Future violations may result in fines of up to $10,000 per infraction.
 
"The Board expects that you will submit a comprehensive dust mitigation plan forthwith including immediate action plans and long-term action plans to remedy the ongoing dust impacts from the property," the notice said. 
 
"Strict compliance with the mitigation plan will be necessary to avoid future fines and/or court action." 
 
Berkshire Concrete has a right to appeal the decision by requesting a public hearing before the board within 14 days of receiving the notice. The next available meeting date for such a hearing will be April 14. 
 
In addition to being fined, the building inspector has issued a zoning order to restore the unauthorized digsite on parcel No. 105-16, following the Zoning Board of Appeals decision that it violated zoning bylaw 350-61 Section E. Restoration.
 
Berkshire Concrete is required to submit by March 15 a written plan and timeline of no more than a 30-day window to complete this work to avoid being issued a violation notice and a fine.
 
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