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.

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.