Do something today that your future self will thank you for.
✨ #Motivation #ThursdayThoughts

NORTHERN BERKSHIRE ADULT EDUCATION AND MCCANN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL TO CONTINUE 16-WEEK CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM FOR ADULT LEARNERS
The Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program of North Adams Public Schools is pleased to continue the partnership with McCann Technical High School to offer a MassSTEP Culinary Arts cohort beginning January 20th, 2026, with a mandatory training on January 13th.
Through a grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, MassSTEP leverages collaborations among education, job training, and employers to build innovative concurrent education and workforce development opportunities for adult learners.
This 16-week Culinary Arts program will allow participants, seeking their GED/HiSET, to graduate from the program with an OSHA-10 certification, ServSafe Food Handler Certification, as well as ServSafe Allergen training. Students will have two nights of hands-on culinary training and one evening of adult education class, with workforce readiness and digital literacy skills as part of the program.
To enroll, call Kate Merrigan, Program Director, at 413-412-1118. Space is limited, so call today to join the cohort of students. Participants must be seeking a high school credential, be at least 16 years of age, and not currently enrolled in a high school.

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!

NORTHERN BERKSHIRE ADULT EDUCATION AND MCCANN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL TO CONTINUE 16-WEEK CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM FOR ADULT LEARNERS
The Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program of North Adams Public Schools is pleased to continue the partnership with McCann Technical High School to offer a MassSTEP Culinary Arts cohort beginning January 20th, 2026, with a mandatory training on January 13th.
Through a grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, MassSTEP leverages collaborations among education, job training, and employers to build innovative concurrent education and workforce development opportunities for adult learners.
This 16 week Culinary Arts program will allow participants, seeking their GED/HiSET to graduate from the program with an OSHA-10 certification, ServSafe Food Handler Certification, as well as ServSafe Allergen training. Students will have two nights of hands-on culinary training and one evening of adult education class, with workforce readiness and digital literacy skills as part of the program.
To enroll, call Kate Merrigan, Program Director, at 413-412-1118. Space is limited, so call today to join the cohort of students. Participants must be seeking a high school credential, be at least 16 years of age, and not currently enrolled in a high school.

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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#FeelGoodFriday #CareerSuccess

#ThoughtfulThursday #WorkforceDevelopment

#WellnessWednesday #WorkLifeBalance

CTRL+C (copy), CTRL+V (paste), CTRL+Z (undo).
#TipTuesday #WorkforceSkills

What’s your dream job?
#MotivationalMonday #CareerReady

#FeelGoodFriday #LifelongLearner

#ThankfulThursday #SupportMatters

#WisdomWednesday #LifelongLearning

#TipTuesday #Progress

What skill are you excited to build this week?
#MotivationMonday #KeepLearning

You might recognize me from my past work with BART Charter Public School, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC), or my time on the North Adams City Council. Also, even though it closed 20 years ago, people are often more likely to recognize me from my years working behind the counter at the Appalachian Bean Café. I’ve been lucky to have these roles that I’ve loved in which I’ve been able to work with people in our region to improve their lives and our community. I’m passionate about making people feel seen, heard, and taken seriously and equipping folks with the resources and support they need to thrive.
A lifelong resident of North Adams and graduate of North Adams Public Schools, I’m thrilled to now be working with NAPS as the Director of Northern Berkshire Adult Education and 21st Century Programming! I’ve heard many wonderful things from Annie, our outgoing Director (and new NAPS Assistant Superintendent!) about the work of NBAE and the people involved.
So far, everyone I’ve met has been warm and welcoming and I am grateful for it. I look forward to meeting more of you soon as well as being reconnected with old friends along the way!
-Kate Merrigan

Let’s finish the week by lifting each other up. 🙌
#FeelGoodFriday #AdultEducationCommunity

✨ Imagine where you’ll be a year from now if you keep going!
#ThankfulThursday #CareerGoals

💬 What motivates YOU to keep going?
#WellnessWednesday #AdultEducationWorks

#TipTuesday #StudySmart

