Latina314 Grateful for Grants, Collaborative Work

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Latinas413, an organization dedicated to empowering and representing Latina women, extends heartfelt appreciation to Milltown Capital for supporting the Earth & Fire Initiative, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for Arts & Culture programs, & reaching a third year of sponsorship from Lee Bank Foundation for the bilingual Mentoring Program. 
 
"These grants will enable us to continue making a positive difference in the lives of countless Latina individuals, helping them unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams," Board Chair Liliana Atanacio said. 
 
Latinas413 collaborates with a number of local organizations to expand culturally diverse programming in the Berkshires.  In their third year of partnership with Jacob's Pillow, Latinas413 is proud to highlight its dedication to establish standards of Language Justice & inclusive programming. In another innovative collaboration Latinas413 is joining forces with Artist at Work & Luiza Follegati for the project "Immigrant Mothers & Daughters,"  Berkshire Busk for supporting immigrant talent, and WAM Theatre for "Devising Theatre in Spanish."  
 
"These grants & partnerships strengthen our leadership and amplify impact to expand programming, providing courageous spaces and advocacy for Latina individuals striving to achieve their goals and flourish in the community," said Atanacio. 
 
Through initiatives such as Bilingual Mentoring for entrepreneurs, Rest & Reading Circle (Book Club), Earth & Fire (Outdoors), and Arts & Culture, Latinas413 is committed to fostering a community where Latina women are celebrated, empowered, and encouraged. 
 
"With our funding partners supporting our mission, we will continue to build a brighter, more equitable future for all," said Atanacio.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield School Committee Updated on Middle Restructuring, Morningside Closure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Pittsfield Public Schools will have a different middle-level structure and one less elementary school in the 2026-2027 school year. 

On Wednesday, Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips delivered updates on these efforts.

"We've got a lot of change happening in our school district, a lot of work happening leading up to the end of the school year and over the summer," she explained. 

Late last year, the former committee voted to restructure Pittsfield's two middle schools in the fall, with Grades 5 and 6 attending Herberg Middle School and Grades 7 and 8 attending Reid Middle School. 

One of the top priorities for middle school restructuring is staff assignments.  Phillips reported that the Human Resources department has taken a "tremendous" effort to support teachers with their grade 5-8 assignments. 

"The teacher is the most impactful school-based input in student success, and so I really want to make sure that as we support our students, we're also supporting our staff as we make plans for next school year," she explained. 

Classrooms also need to be packed and physically moved, and the district has communicated with families about move-up ceremonies for upcoming fifth graders. 

Start and end times are also important factors, as well as student visits to Herberg and Reid.  Phillips said it is important to give students another opportunity to visit the schools now that a decision has been made to restructure in the fall, and that they meet principals before the first day of school. 

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