Join our SEPAC!
(Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
Interest Meeting:
Wednesday, January 14th
5:30 PM, Brayton Library
RSVPs welcome but not required!
SEPAC@napsk12.org
What is a SEPAC?
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a volunteer organization of parents and caregivers focused on ensuring the best education for our students with disabilities
The SEPAC provides connection, education, and empowerment for caregivers to advocate for improved services
Why join the SEPAC?
Connect and share experiences, knowledge, and support
Stay informed about special education policies, strategies, and resources
Collaborate with other caregivers, educators, and professionals on practices that benefit all North Adams Public Schools students
(Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
Interest Meeting:
Wednesday, January 14th
5:30 PM, Brayton Library
RSVPs welcome but not required!
SEPAC@napsk12.org
What is a SEPAC?
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a volunteer organization of parents and caregivers focused on ensuring the best education for our students with disabilities
The SEPAC provides connection, education, and empowerment for caregivers to advocate for improved services
Why join the SEPAC?
Connect and share experiences, knowledge, and support
Stay informed about special education policies, strategies, and resources
Collaborate with other caregivers, educators, and professionals on practices that benefit all North Adams Public Schools students
Adult Culinary Arts Program
A partnership between the North Adams Public Schools Adult Education Program and McCann Technical School
Begins January 13th
OSHA-10 Certification
ServSafe Certification
Allergen Training
GED Prep
FREE Evening Program
Program meetings take place:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:30 PM-7:30 PM
Class Orientation: Thursday, January 15th
Class begins: Tuesday, January 20th
Contact Kate Merrigan at 413-412-1118 or at kmerrigan@napsk12.org to enroll!
A partnership between the North Adams Public Schools Adult Education Program and McCann Technical School
Begins January 13th
OSHA-10 Certification
ServSafe Certification
Allergen Training
GED Prep
FREE Evening Program
Program meetings take place:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:30 PM-7:30 PM
Class Orientation: Thursday, January 15th
Class begins: Tuesday, January 20th
Contact Kate Merrigan at 413-412-1118 or at kmerrigan@napsk12.org to enroll!
The Adult Education Program, as part of North Adams Public Schools, is seeking community volunteers to support the HiSET testing center. This opportunity includes a 1–3 hour time commitment per session proctoring the administration of HiSET exams.
Selected volunteers must complete the required training to become testing proctors. Trained proctors are also required to pass a CORI/SORI check and be fingerprinted.
Those interested in becoming a HiSET volunteer can contact Kate Merrigan at kmerrigan@naspk12.org or at 413-412-1118.
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Selected volunteers must complete the required training to become testing proctors. Trained proctors are also required to pass a CORI/SORI check and be fingerprinted.
Those interested in becoming a HiSET volunteer can contact Kate Merrigan at kmerrigan@naspk12.org or at 413-412-1118.
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What: Adaptive Ice Skating in North Adams
Where: Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink, 1267 South Church St, North Adams
When: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dates: December 18, January 15, February 12, & March 5
Cost: Free (entry & equipment are free-of-charge); AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Equipment: They will have helmets, skates, Yaktrax (ice grippers), skate walkers and ice sleds available but you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Participants can even go on the ice in their wheelchairs!
Who can attend? This program is for individuals with disabilities, their families, staff, and friends. This is an inclusive program, and all family members and staff are encouraged to join on the ice to help support (they will fit you with Yaktrax in the lobby if you can’t skate).
Participants must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) and current Program Attendance Guidelines. You can meet the EEC on your own or with the help of a caregiver (family member, friend, PCA)
Groups: Maximum size is 15, including staff.
Pre-Registration is Required! Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot. You must request to register by noon the day before the program.
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online at alloutadventures.org, call (413) 584-2052, or email programs@alloutadventures.org.
Winter 2025-2026 Adaptive Program Schedule:
For a complete list of UAP’s accessible recreation opportunities across the state, visit them online and download our Winter 2025-2026 Program Schedule.
Where: Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink, 1267 South Church St, North Adams
When: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dates: December 18, January 15, February 12, & March 5
Cost: Free (entry & equipment are free-of-charge); AOA suggested donation—$5/person
Equipment: They will have helmets, skates, Yaktrax (ice grippers), skate walkers and ice sleds available but you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Participants can even go on the ice in their wheelchairs!
Who can attend? This program is for individuals with disabilities, their families, staff, and friends. This is an inclusive program, and all family members and staff are encouraged to join on the ice to help support (they will fit you with Yaktrax in the lobby if you can’t skate).
Participants must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) and current Program Attendance Guidelines. You can meet the EEC on your own or with the help of a caregiver (family member, friend, PCA)
Groups: Maximum size is 15, including staff.
Pre-Registration is Required! Participants may sign up for a one-hour timeslot. You must request to register by noon the day before the program.
Questions & To Register: Register with AOA online at alloutadventures.org, call (413) 584-2052, or email programs@alloutadventures.org.
Winter 2025-2026 Adaptive Program Schedule:
For a complete list of UAP’s accessible recreation opportunities across the state, visit them online and download our Winter 2025-2026 Program Schedule.
Upcoming community programming.
🌟 Last week at Colegrove's assembly, we celebrated some truly outstanding students! 🌟
👏 Respectful Role Models who show empathy, support their peers, and create a positive learning community by listening, encouraging, and leading with kindness.
🎯 Responsibility Stars who demonstrate strong work ethics, manage their time and resources wisely, and set clear goals to achieve their best.
💪 Resilient Learners who finish what they start, ask for help when needed, support others positively, stay fully engaged, and take risks to grow.
📅 Plus, a big shoutout to all students who have shown incredible determination by attending school every single day since the start of the year!
We are so proud of your hard work and positive spirit! Keep shining, Colegrove! ✨
👏 Respectful Role Models who show empathy, support their peers, and create a positive learning community by listening, encouraging, and leading with kindness.
🎯 Responsibility Stars who demonstrate strong work ethics, manage their time and resources wisely, and set clear goals to achieve their best.
💪 Resilient Learners who finish what they start, ask for help when needed, support others positively, stay fully engaged, and take risks to grow.
📅 Plus, a big shoutout to all students who have shown incredible determination by attending school every single day since the start of the year!
We are so proud of your hard work and positive spirit! Keep shining, Colegrove! ✨
Upcoming programming from Berkshire Nursing Families (BNF). See flyers for details.
Upcoming event for Brayton Families:
Passport to Reading!
Date: November 13th
Place: Brayton Elementary School
Time: 5-6:30 PM
More about this event:
Food, prizes, literacy activities, and more!
Grab a passport and get ready to learn and have some fun!
5:00-5:30 PM: Dinner
5:30-6:15 PM: Literacy Activities
6:15-6:30 PM: Raffle and FREE Books
Hope to see you there!
Passport to Reading!
Date: November 13th
Place: Brayton Elementary School
Time: 5-6:30 PM
More about this event:
Food, prizes, literacy activities, and more!
Grab a passport and get ready to learn and have some fun!
5:00-5:30 PM: Dinner
5:30-6:15 PM: Literacy Activities
6:15-6:30 PM: Raffle and FREE Books
Hope to see you there!
Car seat checkups hosted by the Northern Berkshire EMS. See flyer for details.
Drury Performing Arts Center To Perform “Radium Girls” Weekend Of November 14–15
The Drury Performing Arts in collaboration with the 21st Century Afterschool Program is pleased to announce performance dates for its production of “Radium Girls" by D.W. Gregory.
In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire.
Performances will take place on Friday, November 14th at 7PM and Saturday, November 15th at 2PM and 7PM. All performances will take place in the Drury Performing Arts Center, 1130 South Church Street, North Adams. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets will be sold at the door.
“Radium Girls" is directed by Liz Urban and features the creative talents of over 35 Drury students in grades 7–12.
"Radium Girls" is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
The Drury Performing Arts in collaboration with the 21st Century Afterschool Program is pleased to announce performance dates for its production of “Radium Girls" by D.W. Gregory.
In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation, but with her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire.
Performances will take place on Friday, November 14th at 7PM and Saturday, November 15th at 2PM and 7PM. All performances will take place in the Drury Performing Arts Center, 1130 South Church Street, North Adams. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets will be sold at the door.
“Radium Girls" is directed by Liz Urban and features the creative talents of over 35 Drury students in grades 7–12.
"Radium Girls" is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
Upcoming programming from the Family Center.
Upcoming Mental Health Literacy Training for Parents/Caregivers hosted by the MA School Mental Health Consortium.
Last week, teachers across the district came together for professional development focused on trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and effective lesson planning — all to better support the needs of every learner!
Our final day of #StartWithHello Week may be tomorrow (Friday), but we encourage welcoming school communities all year long! Let's "Celebrate Kindness" together!
Dress Up:
Wear yellow or green—the colors of inclusion
Act of Kindness:
Community Welcome Day!
Daily Ice Breaker:
Say hi to someone who likes to dance
Upcoming programming from Berkshire Dance Theatre!
"Nobody Eats Alone Day" is tomorrow (Thursday) as part of #StartWithHello week!
Dress Up:
Wear pink for compassion and care
Act of Kindness:
Eat with a new friend!
Daily Ice Breaker:
Say hi to someone whose favorite season is different than yours
Dress Up:
Wear pink for compassion and care
Act of Kindness:
Eat with a new friend!
Daily Ice Breaker:
Say hi to someone whose favorite season is different than yours
Let's "Let Kindness Shine" on Wednesday! #StartWithHello Week
Dress Up:
Wear neon, shiny, or brightly-colored clothing
Act of Kindness:
Compliment day—give one, get one!
Daily Ice Breaker:
Say hi to someone who goes by a nickname
Dress Up:
Wear neon, shiny, or brightly-colored clothing
Act of Kindness:
Compliment day—give one, get one!
Daily Ice Breaker:
Say hi to someone who goes by a nickname
#StartWithHello Week continues tomorrow (Tuesday) with "Let's Reach Out and Connect" Day!
Dress Up:
Wear your school colors
Act of Kindness:
Make up a new handshake with someone!
Daily Ice Breaker:
Say hi to someone with the same birthday month as you
Starting Monday, North Adams Public Schools will celebrate #StartWithHello Week! This special week is all about creating a welcoming community through connection, kindness, and inclusion — empowering all learners to reach out and make new friends.
We encourage everyone in our community to participate!
Monday is "Hey Day!"
Dress Up:
Wear your favorite shirt
Act of Kindness:
Say hi to someone new!
Daily Ice Breaker:
Say hi to someone with the same favorite animal as you
This week, two of our educators joined other Massachusetts Behavioral Analysis professionals at the BABAT conference focused on REACH: sharing knowledge and elevating practice. They attended sessions on key school topics like social-emotional learning, trauma, and inclusion to bring valuable insights back to our community.
