Masks Now Optional in Pittsfield Public Schools

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Come Monday, mask-wearing will be optional in Pittsfield Public Schools.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis posted a communication with an update of the policy on Friday.  

This was a decision that students and families were anticipating after Curtis' Feb. 18 update that stated the mask mandate would be lifted in the first or second week of March.

"Since March of 2020, all members of the PPS community have endured a school and work life that never could have been envisioned just over two short years ago. Constant changes in schedules, routines, and practices have tested our resiliency, strength, and flexibility. I will now call on each of you to show those characteristics brighter than ever before as we begin what I hope is one of our final transitions in getting back to a life that we once knew all while co-existing with our peers and colleagues respectfully and peacefully," he wrote.

"During the week of February 28 through March 4, all schools have remained open with safe staffing levels. The 21-22 Pittsfield Public Schools Confirmed Case Report and Case History currently shows 10 active cases, with only one new case reported today. As a result, masks will be optional in all district, schools, programs, and buses beginning today at 5 p.m. Masks will still be required while using any School Health Office."

"Honoring choice means that we recognize that individuals have differing reasons for their choice and are entitled to make that choice in either direction, either to wear a mask or not to wear one," Curtis wrote.

While the mask policy is lifted, pool testing and at-home testing programs will remain. Public health officials are still advising that those with compromised immune systems or who are not vaccinated wear masks while indoors. 

Students and staff showing symptoms of COVID-19 are still asked to stay at home and self-test. If a person does test positive, they must follow the state's quarantine guidance that includes wearing a mask outside of the home for five more days after quarantining regardless of vaccination status.

The district's other protocols to stop the spread of the virus such as distancing, sanitizing, and air circulation will remain.

ServiceNet Cuts Ribbon on Vocational Farm to 'Sow Seeds of Hope'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:30AM / Saturday, May 18, 2024

Lori Carnute plants flowers at the farm and enjoys seeing her friends. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Smiles were all around as farmers, human service workers, and officials cut the ribbon Friday on ServiceNet's new vocational farm on Crane Avenue.

Whether it is planting flowers or growing fresh produce, the program is for "sowing seeds of hope" for those with developmental disabilities.

"What Prospect Meadow Farm is about is changing lives," Vice President of Vocational Services Shawn Robinson said.

"Giving people something meaningful to do, a community to belong to, a place to go every day and to make a paycheck, and again, I am seeing that every day from our first 17 farmhands the smiles on their faces. They're glad to be here. They're glad to be making money."

Prospect Meadow Farm Berkshires held a launch event on Friday with tours, music, snacks, and a ribbon cutting in front of its tomato greenhouse. The nonprofit human service agency closed on the former Jodi's Seasonal on Crane Avenue earlier this year.  

It is an expansion of ServiceNet's first farm in Hatfield that has provided meaningful agricultural work, fair wages, and personal and professional growth to hundreds of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since opening in 2011.

Eventually, the farm will employ 50 individuals with developmental disabilities year-round and another 20 to 25 local folks supporting their work.

The pay is a great aspect for Billy Baker, who is learning valuable skills for future employment doing various tasks around the farm. He has known some of the ServiceNet community for over a decade.

"I just go wherever they need me to help," he said. "I'm more of a hands-on person."