News & Notes: Cell Phones — Use Them & Lose Them
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PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Public Schools will be cracking down hard on students who use cell phones in classrooms and North Adams schools may be next.
Last week, the Pittsfield School Committee voted to give teachers permission to confiscate cell phones used during the school day. The new policy replaces one already in effect that limited confiscation of cell phones and other electronic devices to the principal of the school. Not any more.
The North Adams School Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. to take up the same question: should cell phones, iPods, MP3 players or handheld video game systems be banned from use during school hours? If they vote for the ban, it would go into effect on Sept. 3. The problem of cell phones and other electronic devices is not confined to just high schools but middle schools and even elementary schools.
Last Week of School Vacation
PITTSFIELD — This is it, the final week of summer vacation for most Berkshire County students. Labor Day is a week from today and most schools will open for business on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Pittsfield schools will open with two half-days on Sept. 2 and 3. Next Tuesday will be the first day of school for students in Grades 1 through 5, 6 and 9. There is a kindergarten parent orientation at the elementary schools but no school for kindergarten students. Wednesday, Sept. 3, all students will report to class for a half-day session. Full days begin on Thursday, Sept. 4.
State Primary Slated Sept. 16
PITTSFIELD — September is right around the corner and with the new month comes the primary election.
From the looks of it, the Sept. 16 primary will be anything but exciting. In fact, none of the four Berkshire state representatives, state senator or even the register of probate has any challengers this year from either the Democratic or Republican parties.
The only contests on the Democratic side will be between U.S. Sen. John Kerry and his challenger from Gloucester, Edward O'Reilly. On the congressional side, Democrat U.S. Rep. John Olver is being challenged for his 1st Massachusetts seat by Robert Feuer of Stockbridge. That's it.
Once the dust settles from the U.S. Senate primary, the winner will face Republican Jeffrey Beatty of Harwich. On the U.S. House side, the winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Nathan Bech. No Republicans are running against any of the Berkshire County delegation, who are all Democrats.
Monday Gasoline Prices
PITTSFIELD — Another Monday is upon us and that means a look at who has the lowest gasoline prices. There is no doubt that the lowest gasoline prices in the Berkshires are in Pittsfield, with $3.57 a gallon for regular gas seen Sunday on Merrill Road.
North Adams came in higher yesterday with the lowest price seen at $3.65 a gallon. Gas prices in Lee and Great Barrington continue higher then anywhere else in the Berkshires. Many motorists are wondering if gas prices will increase for the Labor Day Weekend but industry analysts don't seem to think so and predict that prices will continue to slide downward.
Provided by iBerkshires media partners WNAW and WUPE.
