Monday August 13, 2012

PITTSFIELD -- It's almost time to grab those pencils, books and good looks and head back to school.

Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School in Adams will be the first school in a line of schools to welcome back students over the next four weeks. BART students begin Aug. 22.

"We already have teachers here," said Chris Hayden, the school's development coordinator.

This week and next, the teachers are doing professional development and training activities, including orientation for new teachers.

Many custodial staffs across the county have not taken a break this summer. They have been working on deep cleaning their school buildings and helping with renovation and improvement projects.

Throughout August, most schools and guidance offices are open on weekdays to help families register students for school, lunch and transportation programs.

Below is a list of some special back-to-school events and meetings:

n This fall, Pittsfield Public Schools will be launching an iPad program in tandem with its Advanced Placement (AP) course program. AP students and parents are required to attend an information session, either Aug. 20, 30 or Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.; or Aug. 22 from noon to 2 p.m.. All will be held in the Herberg Middle School auditorium. Visit www.pittsfield.net to register.

n The Family Resource Center of Northern Berkshire County is presenting

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a Sum mer StoryWalk for Kindergartners. Pages of the book "When You Go to " are being displayed in the store windows along Main Street in North Adams, starting at the Verizon Wireless store. The pages will be on display through Aug. 18. Pick up a map at the Family Resource Center or the North Adams Public Library, or call 413-664-4821 for more information.

n To help kids and families entering grades 1 through 6 in northern Berkshire County, The Family Place is hosting a series of back-to-school events. There, students and their parents can get a free backpack filled with school supplies and meet their school principal.

The event for families living in Florida and Savoy will be located at Gabriel Abbott Elementary School, 56 North County Road in Florida on Aug. 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Families living in Wil liamstown, North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams and Cheshire can visit The Family Place, 61 Main St., North Adams on Aug. 23 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Registration is required and can be done by contacting Sara McDonald or Amber Besaw at 413-663-7588 or sending an email to either smcdonald@nbccoalition.org or abesaw@nbccoalition.org by Aug. 20.