Pittsfield Public Schools Awarded Civics Teaching and Learning Grants

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is awarding nearly $890,000 in Civics Teaching and Learning Grants to 28 school districts to expand high-quality civics education for students across Massachusetts.

The funding will support educator professional development, strengthen civics curriculum, and give students more opportunities to put what they learn into action through student-led civics projects, local and statewide showcases, and other hands-on learning experiences.

"Civics education gives students the chance to learn about the issues that matter to them and understand how they can make a difference," said Governor Maura Healey. "These grants will help more students take what they learn in the classroom and put it into action by working together, hearing different perspectives and getting involved in their communities. Those are skills that will serve them throughout their lives."

In Berkshire County, Pittsfield Public Schools was awarded $26,000.

The Civics Teaching and Learning Grants are funded through the state's Civics Project Trust Fund and support high-quality civics education in schools across Massachusetts. The grants help schools strengthen civics instruction and provide students with opportunities to complete the student-led, nonpartisan civic action projects required under state law.

This summer, the administration announced Teaching for Civic Empowerment, a new professional learning initiative designed to strengthen civics instruction. The new statewide effort aims to provide free, high-quality professional learning opportunities to 6,000 educators over five years to increase educator confidence and expertise with civics instruction.

This also follows the administration's recent release of final recommendations for a statewide high school graduation framework designed to ensure every Massachusetts student graduates prepared for college, careers and civic life. The recommendations emphasize civic knowledge and skills through coursework and hands-on learning, including Civics Action Projects.

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.