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.

Berkshire Athenaeum Seed Library Open for the Season

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:55PM / Thursday, March 27, 2025

Adult services staff Olivia Bowers and Tom Jorgenson cut the green ribbon on the seed library, opening the program for the season.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum hosted a ribbon cutting for the seasonal opening of its seed library on Saturday.

 

The athenaeum has had a seed library since 2018 and last year had 217 program members.

 

"It always gets really great membership," Adult Services and Programming Supervisor Olivia Bowers said, "but we really want to advertise that it's available. It's a resource for free seeds to grow healthy vegetables, grow flower gardens and really enjoy nature in the Berkshires."

 

The seed library is funded by the volunteer organization Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum, which raises funds for the library programming and needs.

 

People who want to get seeds must have a library card to sign up. 

 

Members are able to sign out up to 10 seed packets for the season but are also encouraged to exchange seeds from what they grow or get.

 

"The idea is that, yes, it actually is a library, you can take things but we also encourage you to bring seeds back to us and we can use those again for next year," Bowers said.