PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Silvio O. Conte Community School was recognized by MassDOT's Safe Routes to School program.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), through its Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, held its annual awards ceremony to recognize the program's partner schools, community champions, stakeholders, and crossing guards who have made contributions within their communities by strengthening, promoting, and improving safety for students walking, biking and rolling to school.

Silvio O. Conte Community School was one of the 273 school partners, community champions, and crossing guards recognized. The school was named an Exemplary Program of Western Mass.

This recognition is awarded to schools that set a "great example" by crafting a new or existing Safe Routes to School Program through innovation, creativity, and engagement.

Berkshire Bike Council were also recognized with a Community Collaboration award. This acknowledgment is awarded to an alliance partner organization that demonstrates the importance of collaborating among schools and community stakeholders and furthered the mission of Safe Routes to School

"We are thankful to all the school communities and the advocates whose input through the Safe Routes to School Program helps us identify the specific strategies, resources and tools needed to better protect our school children," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "Their dedication makes a meaningful difference, and these awards are a token of our appreciation not just for the winners whom we congratulate, but for everyone who has contributed to the important mission of keeping all road users safe."

 

This year's Awards Ceremony honored 273 schools across Massachusetts that completed SRTS activities and events qualifying them for partner level awards of Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Awards for Exemplary Program were presented to four schools (with three Honorable Mentions). The Community Collaboration and Nikki Tishler Memorial awards were also presented.

Other schools recognized in Berkshire County:

For the fourth year, the Program recognized the important role Crossing Guards have in supporting families' safety as they access schools and neighborhoods across the Commonwealth. Over 500 Crossing Guard nominations were submitted for consideration from 48 statewide communities.