Feel free to pass this newsletter to anyone seeking support with HiSET/GED, college and career guidance, or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We’re here to help!
JANUARY 31, 2025
Contact Us!
Annie Pecor, Ed.D.
Program Director
Northern Berkshire Adult Education
Email: apecor@napsk12.org
Phone: (413) 412 - 1118
Website: napsk12.org/o/aep
Address: North Adams Armory
206 Ashland St., North Adams, MA 01247
The program entrance is on the Porter Street side of the Armory building, first door on the right. Please push the video doorbell to the left to enter.
Classes & Services We Offer
Basic Literacy Classes: Focuses on foundational reading and writing skills.
Basic Math Classes: Focuses on the foundational skills of math concepts.
High School Equivalent Literacy Classes: These classes focus on key concepts and skills in reading and writing for academic success, including preparation for the HiSET test.
High School Equivalent Math Classes: Focuses on applying math concepts for academic success, including HiSET test preparation.
Science/Social Studies Classes: These classes focus on applying science and social studies concepts to academic success, including preparing for the HiSET test.
Self-Paced Adult Education Classes: High School Equivalent online self-paced math, science, literacy, and social studies to prepare you for the HiSET test.
ESOL Classes: We offer beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Conversation classes for speakers of other languages who want to learn and improve their English speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
Digital Literacy: Bring your technology skills into the 21st century and prepare for today's world, including computers, smartphones, the Internet, email, and Google.
Transition to College: Students who have completed their HiSET/GED can receive assistance with transitioning and applying for college.
Tutoring: Individualized One-on-One support in the area(s) you struggle with most. Tutoring required the Program Director's approval.
Who Is My Student Advisor?
24-25 School Calendar
HiSET Testing Information
We invite you to schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore HiSET testing options and discover how you can complete your HSE.
Exciting news! The North Adams Armory is now an official HiSET testing site. Don’t hesitate to ask your student advisor about testing with us, or feel free to contact our Assessment Coordinator, Debbie White, at (413) 412 - 1118 or dwhite@napsk12.org.
Job Fairs, Trainings, & Post-HiSET Options
MassHire - Berkshire Career Center News
Click HERE for the MassHire Events Calendar
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm,
85 Main St, North Adams, MA 01247.
Events (pre-registration required; call (413) 499 - 2220):
- Online Job Search Workshop: Mondays 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Learn to apply for jobs online.
- Job Club: Mondays 1:00 - 2:00 pm - Network and support each other's job searches.
- Interview Effectively: Thursdays 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Prepare for interviews and build confidence.
- Youth Employment Strategies (YES): Thursdays 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm - Assists young people with employment resources. Hosted by Kevin Rodriguez.
Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont invites you to visit our career center, open Thursdays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Meet Kelly Brennan, Director of Mission Services, to get help with job preparation, resume building, or interview coaching.
Useful Websites
413Cares
A community platform that connects residents of Western Massachusetts to the services they need.
Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC)
MassHire Berkshire Career Center
Molari Employment & HealthCare Services
CareerOneStop - Job Info & Training
North Adams Public Schools Website
Community News & Events
Dial 211 for general information about programs that may be available, or visit mass211help.org
Save the Date! Upcoming Events
BRTA will be free from the end of November until September 2025! The announcement is here.
Mental Health
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire CountyWarm Line,
413-445-1136 call center accepts calls until 8 PM. If operators are unavailable, callers will receive a callback within 24 hrs. Information is confidential.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 24/7 to be connected with a Crisis Counselor via text. All information & communication is confidential.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/
Health Care
Ecu Health Care is open. If you or someone you know needs public health insurance options like MassHealth or Massachusetts Health Connector, we can help. MassHealth offers health insurance and may provide premium assistance for eligible individuals with employer plans. Ecu-Health Care offers free support for applications, reviews, renewals, plan selection, enrollment, and general inquiries. Call 663-8711 to schedule an appointment with our Health Coverage Counselors.
Massachusetts Smokers' Helpline: Free telephone-based counseling and advice on quitting smoking are available in English and Spanish. 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
This Is Quitting: This is a free and confidential texting program for people who smoke or vape. Text "VapeFreeMass" to 88709. In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Message from Northern Berkshire EMS: Know someone who overdosed? We can help! In partnership with the Berkshire Post Overdose Program, NB EMS will assist those who have experienced or are at risk for overdose. Services include wellness checks, overdose education, naloxone kits, recovery support links, harm reduction supplies, treatment resources, community engagement, and overdose safety plans. More info: 413-398-9155 or aoneil@northadamsambulance.com
Have Hope Peer Recovery Center
Have Hope Peer Recovery Center is Open. Our hours are 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. We are located at 37 Main St., Suite 201 (above Berkshire Bank) in North Adams, MA. My phone number is (413) 346- 8896 cell or (413) 398-1388 office.
Fridays 10:00 AM-12:PM & 12:30-3 PM at the Brien Center,
144 American Legion Drive, North Adams.
Same-day Sick Visits, blood pressure checks, vaccines for flu and COVID-19, primary care referrals, nutrition services, health screenings, insurance help, food security, family services + WIC.
More information: https://chpberkshires.org/medical/mobile_health_units/mobile/ or
413-528-0457
Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recognizes that schools help connect families to vital resources like housing, health services, and food. Here are links to our Massachusetts Housing Resource Guide in English and Spanish, also obtainable in hard copy by emailing ma_webmanager@hud.gov. The guide offers information on housing and homeless services to assist families. A fillable online form to request housing support is available on the BCRHA website: https://bcrha.com.
Housing Navigator MA, Inc. is a tech nonprofit that connects housing, tech, and design. We’ve built a database of income-restricted rentals statewide by working with over 40 property owners and public sector partners. Our mission is to expand access to affordable rental housing in MA. For more information, visit https://housingnavigatorma.org.
Mass Health has launched the Mitigating the Cost of Housing Program (MATCH) to help clients with funds for moving into new apartments. The program covers all managed care plans (Berkshire Fallon, Tufts Together, Common Wealth Care Alliance, MBHP).
Eligible families can receive up to $5,500 per member, totaling $22,000 for a family of four. $22,000
To qualify, you must be:
Renting an apartment not in your name (new lease)
- A new community m
ember
- House-sharing
- Exiting Rehab, Prison, or a Psychiatric Hospital
Homeless and moving into an apartment
For more information and to review eligibility criteria, please visit MassHealth's MATCH website.
Contact Louison House at 413-663-6323, ext. 3, during regular hours. For after-hours support, reach ext. 4 (24/7). We assist individuals with immediate housing needs to secure safe, affordable housing. Email kkeeser@louisonhouse.org to join our newsletter list.
Food
The Berkshire Food Project hosts indoor dining on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Our experienced chefs serve amazing food. Everyone is welcome!
Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM | North Adams Farmers Market
The market is BACK at the St. Anthony parking lot (corner of St. Anthony Dr./Marshall St.). Join us every Saturday through October, rain or shine, for fresh local veggies, fruits, eggs, breads, meats, honey, syrup, jams, jellies, pickles, and more, along with various local crafters. We accept HIP, WIC & Senior Coupons, SNAP, and DOUBLE SNAP for up to $30!
https://www.facebook.com/NorthAdamsFarmersMarket
TUESDAY, Noon - 3:00 PM for In-Person / (*WEDNESDAYS, Noon - 2:00 PM for delivery) | PANTRY The Salvation Army Gateway New Life Center 393 River St, North Adams. For the Emergency Pantry, call 413-663-7987. Schedule Wednesday deliveries by calling 413-663-7987 on Tuesdays from 10:00am-noon. For North County residents only.
WEDNESDAYS 10 AM - 2 PM for In-Person / THURSDAYS 9:30 AM-Noon for Delivery at Al Nelson Friendship Center, 45 Eagle St, North Adams. Go to First Baptist Church (Eagles St. entrance) for intake and menu completion. If you can’t come, call 413-664-0123 on Wednesday 9:30 am-2 pm to arrange Thursday delivery. Boxes are pre-packaged by household size; please specify cans or no cans. We no longer offer rides home due to COVID rates. Updates will be posted on FACEBOOK.
Berkshire Food Project MEAL SITE | MON./WED./THURS./FRI. 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378. * Now returned to in-house seated dining.
First Baptist Church Community Soup Kitchen MEAL SITE | SATURDAY, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Eagle Street Entrance, 131 Main St., North Adams, 413-652-7619.
Personal Items
Remedy Hall, a charitable organization in Williamstown, MA, provides basic life necessities free of charge. In Room B4 of First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street, Remedy Hall offers non-food items like hygiene products, winter clothing, kitchenware, towels, and blankets. We also accept tents and sleeping bags for those in dire circumstances and welcome donations from the community. Our hours are 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and we are available for urgent needs via phone/text and Facebook Messenger.
Family
The Family Center in the Berkshires offers virtual and in-person parent-child groups open to the public. Families can call to access our FREE Children's Clothing Exchange (sizes 0-10) and request diapers or formula via contactless pickup. For updates, visit our Facebook and Instagram pages. The services are FREE for northern Berkshire families with children under 8.
Learn about your child’s development and find activities to support their learning with our free Ages and Stages Questionnaire! Fill out the form here: ASQ Online. Our team will provide your child’s results and suggest activities for learning through play. Questions? Email mbelanger@ccberkshire.org
Berkshire Community Diaper Project: We would be willing to bring diapers to sites for families who need them. Please contact us by email (daltreyt@gmail.com) or call me at 413-446-5038
Childcare Vouchers are available from Seven Hills Foundation by calling 413-236-5890 or contacting Jean at 508-796-0270, jburris@sevenhills.org, or Mabel at 508-796-0271, mcimini@sevehills.org.
Tuesdays, 10 am-12 pm: Free breastfeeding support, hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families Staff in the Family Center playroom at 210 State Street North Adams. Call (413) 344-2800 for more information.
ROOTS Youth Board is looking for new members to join! Participants need to be between 15 and 21 years old. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, contact Youth Board President Alexa Macdonald at rootsybpresident@gmail.com
Active Parenting Mondays, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
nbCC, 61 Main St., Suite 213, North Adams.
Learn to:
- Redirect children's misbehavior
- Use effective nonviolent discipline
- Build courage and character in your child
- Communicate better with your kids
- Prevent issues with drugs, alcohol, violence, and sex
- Replace scolding with positive interactions
Contact us to register at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org
Activities
Downtown Bike Around: Mondays, 5:30 - 6:00 pm, at the Armory, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams (check FB for weather updates). Join us for a free weekly bike ride for all ages. Meeting in the Armory garage lot, weather permitting. Bikes are available if needed. Call 413-663-7588 or email jbyrne@nbccoalition.org.
nbCC Bike Collective Hours: Wednesdays, 4-6 pm, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Bring your bike to learn basic fixes or rebuild with experienced mechanics. Tools provided. All NB residents are welcome! For info, call 413-663-7588.
Faculty & Staff
Admin Team
Martha Beattie, M.Ed.
Student Advisor
(413) 412 - 1117
mbeattie@napsk12.org
Zachary Houle, M.Ed.
Head Student Advisor;
Remote Program Coordinator;
ADA & Technology Coordinator
Book a Meeting With Me
(413) 412 - 8655
zhoule@napsk12.org
Annie Pecor, Ed.D.
Program Director
(413) 412 - 1118
apecor@napsk12.org
Deborah White, M.Ed.
Enrollment, Assessment, & Attendance Coordinator;
Outstation Coordinator
(413) 412 - 1117
dwhite@napsk12.org
Elizabeth Whitman, MAPL
ESOL Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
(413) 662 - 3255
ewhitman@napsk12.org
Instructional Team
Timothy Case,
ABE Instructor, Math
tcase@napsk12.org
Dawn Daniels,
ABE Instructor, Humanities
ddaniels@napsk12.org
Dedee Durham,
ESOL Instructor, Conversation
edurham@napsk12.org
Leah Franke,
ESOL Instructor, Intermediate/Advanced
lfranke@napsk12.org
Mary Leon-Sweeney,
ESOL Instructor, Beginner;
Program Translator
mleonsweeney@napsk12.org
Molly Magavern,
ABE Instructor, Humanities/Math
mmagavern@napsk12.org
Madeline Rehm,
ESOL Instructor, Beginner
mrehm@napsk12.org
Ann Scott,
ABE Instructor, Humanities
annscott@napsk12.org
Leisa Superneau,
ABE Instructor, Math
lsuperneau@napsk12.org
Danielle Taylor,
ABE Instructor, Humanities/Math
danielletaylor@napsk12.org
Instructional Support Team
Giovanna Demers
ABE Tutor
gdemers@napsk12.org
Erin Lenski,
ESOL Tutor
elenski@napsk12.org
Sarah Schmidt
ABE Tutor
sschmidt@napsk12.org
Elena Sprague,
ABE Tutor
esprague@napsk12.org
MassSTEP Team
Patrick Cariddi,
Culinary Instructor
pcariddi@mccanntech.org
Jessica Tatro,
ABE Instructor, Humanities/Math
jtatro@mccanntech.org
