OLLI at BCC Announces Winter 2026 Semester

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI at BCC) announced its Winter 2026 class catalogue, offering hundreds of courses, lectures, and events — online and in person — for adults seeking enrichment, connection, and community. 
 
Online registration is open at berkshireolli.org/winter2026.
 
Each winter, OLLI brings together a learning community from across the Berkshires. In Winter 2026, members may choose from a variety of classes, spanning literature, history, science, arts, current events and even practical topics such as self-defense and hiking.
 
Some highlights of the Winter 2026 offerings:
  • Whose Declaration?: Reflecting on the Meaning and Significance of the Declaration of Independence — a six-session online course exploring the creation, motives, and lasting meaning of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, part of OLLI’s Rev250 commemoration of the American Revolution.
  • A diverse array of courses including literature classics, modern political issues, creative arts, fitness & self-defense, theatre, music, and more — 40+ course titles listed for Winter 2026.
  • Outdoor-learning opportunities like Winter Hiking in the Berkshires, offered on Thursdays and Fridays in January–February for small, member-only groups.

Flexibility for busy schedules: many online courses are recorded, allowing members to access sessions at their convenience.

Winter semester fees are structured to encourage participation: $60 for a single course, $110 for two, and $150 for three or more courses. As always, membership in OLLI at BCC is required to register — a full-year membership is $75. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
 
 

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Summer Wrapping Up for Pittsfield, Berkshire Students

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Students in Pittsfield and beyond are enjoying their last days of summer before classes begin. 

Most Berkshire County teachers return to work this month, and students follow in late August and early September. 

For Pittsfield Public Schools, staff returns on Aug. 26 and students' first day is Aug. 31; pre-kindergarten and kindergarten begin school on Sept. 2. 

Labor Day is on Monday, Sept. 7. 

"The summer is pretty much done, and we will be ready and excited to open the doors in about two and a half weeks,” Superintendent Latifah Phillips told the School Committee on Wednesday. 

Phillips is returning this year as the permanent superintendent.  She was appointed the interim superintendent last spring, and the School Committee voted to hire her permanently in June

This year also brings the middle school restructuring, moving fifth grade to the middle school level, and the retirement of Morningside Community School. 

Welcome night for Reid Middle School students new to the building is on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.; Herberg will have a sixth-grade welcome night at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, and at the same time on Aug. 26 for fifth grade. 

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