Mill Town Foundation, Pittsfield Public Schools Core Impact Awards

Print Story | Email Story
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,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Utility Pole Collision Closes East Street in Pittsfield

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — East Street north of Junction Road was closed off Monday afternoon after a vacuum truck apparently pulled down wires and at least one utility pole. 
 
The accident occurred just before 3 p.m. near J.H. Maxymillian Inc. and involved two other vehicles. 
 
Truck, branded to Maxymillian, apparently caught on a utility pole, pulling it down on top of cars. A second pole may also have affected. 
 
According to scanner reports, one of the poles "completely snapped" with a vehicle underneath it and wires were down in two locations.
 
A Hyundai Tucson's roof was smashed in at the rear and the back window broken. A Honda apparently hit or was hit by a pole based on the damage to its front end. 
 
The bottom of the pole was hanging near the Honda and the top appeared caught on the suction boom of the vacuum truck in the other lane. 
 
The Fire Department initially responded but cleared the scene about a half hour later. Both Verizon and Eversource responded to the scene. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories