Please share this newsletter with anyone looking for HiSET/GED support, college/career support, or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support.
AUGUST 23, 2024
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 entrance to our program is on the Porter Street side of the Armory building. It is the first door on the right side of the building. Please push the video doorbell (to the left of the door) in order to be let in.
Classes & Services We Offer
Basic Literacy Classes: Focuses on the foundational skills of reading and writing.
Basic Math Classes: Focuses on the foundational skills of math concepts.
High School Equivalent Literacy Classes: Focuses on key concepts and skills of reading and writing for academic success, including HiSET test preparation.
High School Equivalent Math Classes: Focuses on the application of math concepts for academic success, including HiSET test preparation.
Science/Social Studies Classes: Focuses on the application of science and social studies concepts for academic success, including HiSET test preparation.
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: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Conversation classes for Speakers of Other Languages to learn and improve 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, internet, email, & 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 are struggling with the most. Tutoring required the Program Director's approval.
Who Is My Student Advisor?
24-25 School Calendar
HiSET Testing Information
HiSET tests are FREE to all Massachusetts residents with a voucher code - ask your student advisor for the proper voucher code to use.
Please schedule an appointment with your student advisor to discuss HiSET testing options and ways to complete your HSE. We now offer testing options at the North Adams Armory, please ask your student advisor about testing with us, or 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
North Adams Location Office Hours: Tuesdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
85 Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Please feel free to attend any of the following events, or reach out to your student advisor with any questions! Pre-registration is required, call (413) 499 - 2220
Online Job Search Strategies Workshop - Mondays 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Learn online job search strategies and how to apply for jobs online.Job Club - Mondays 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Expand your network of contacts and serve as a support group throughout your job search process.Interview More Effectively - Thursdays 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Present a positive first impression, know what to expect, and be prepared for each interview stage. Plan answers for potential interview questions and develop self-confidence in the process.Youth Employment Strategies (YES) - Thursdays 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Helps young people search for employment, apply for jobs, and provides access to resources within the community. Hosted by Youth Employment Specialist, Kevin Rodriguez.
Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont would love to meet you.
Our career center is open on Thursdays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Please drop in and meet Kelly Brennan, Director of Mission Services, and learn how she can
help you prepare for a job, build your resume, or coach you for your interview.
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
8/25 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | North Adams Motorama Car Show
8/31 - 6:00 PM | Standout at North Adams City Hall
9/9 | First Day of Fall 2024 Classes
9/28 - 1:00 PM | Voices of Recovery at Noel Field
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 not available, 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
The Ecu Health Care office doors are open. Due to our office being in a medical complex, masks are required when you enter the building. If you or someone you know is looking for public health insurance options such as coverage through MassHealth of Massachusetts Health Connector we may be able to help. MassHealth not only provides health insurance coverage but may also provide “Premium Assistance” to qualifying individuals who are enrolled in employer plans. Ecu-Health Care provides a free public service and is available to assist with applications, annual reviews and renewals, plan selection, and enrollment, submission of requests for information, or just general information. Give us a call at 663-8711 to schedule an appointment with one of our Health Coverage Counselors. The Ecu-Health Care staff wishes you and your families all the best during this difficult time.”
Massachusetts Smokers' Helpline: Free telephone-based counseling and advice available in English and Spanish to quit smoking. 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 recently overdosed? Have you overdosed recently? We can help! NB EMS, in partnership with the Berkshire Post Overdose Program, will reach out to anyone who has recently experienced an overdose and/or is at risk for future overdose. We can provide wellness checks, overdose education, and naloxone kits, links to recovery support, harm reduction (including supplies), treatment resources, community engagement outlets, overdose safety plans. Find out more: 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 (right 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 understands that our schools are often called upon to assist in connecting families to key resources such as housing, health services, and access to food. To assist in helping to connect you with these resources I wanted to share the links to our Massachusetts Housing Resource Guide that is available in both English and Spanish. This guide is also available in hard copy by emailing ma_webmanager@hud.gov. The guide includes information on several different housing and homeless services that are available to assist families. All of this information and a fillable online form to request housing support is also available on the BCRHA website: https://bcrha.com
Housing Navigator MA, Inc. is a tech nonprofit that aims to connect housing, tech, and design. Working with owners and public sector partners, we’ve built a database of income-restricted rentals from all over the state. Our work aims to connect people to a place called home by expanding access to affordable rental housing in MA through our work with 40+ owners who list their properties with us. For more information or to explore the site please visit https://housingnavigatorma.org.
Mass Health has launched a new program called Mitigating the Cost of Housing Program (MATCH). The program will allow clients to receive funds to support moving into a new apartment. This would include all managed care plans (Berkshire Fallon, Tufts Together, Common Wealth Care Alliance, MBHP).
Eligible families can receive up to $5,500 per member of their family. This means a family of four could get as much as $22,000
To qualify you must be entering the community:
Renting an apartment that is not currently in your name (just moving in/new lease)
This could include new members of the community
People house sharing
People just getting out of Rehab, Prison, or a Psychiatric Hospitalization
Homeless and moving into an apartment
For more information and to review eligibility criteria please visit MassHealth's MATCH website.
Louison House, Inc. For all Housing needs contact Louison House at 413-663-6323, ext. 3 during regular hours. Ext 4 has staff on duty 24/7 for after-hours. Louison House assists individuals with their immediate housing needs to support them in obtaining and/or maintaining safe affordable housing. Email kkeeser@louisonhouse.org to be added to our newsletter list.
Food
The Berkshire Food Project is now hosting indoor dining on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 to 1 p.m. We have two highly experienced food service professionals on staff with chef credentials, and the food is amazing. Come and see! All are welcome!
Saturdays 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | North Adams Farmers Market
The market is BACK in our summer home at the St. Anthony parking lot (corner of St. Anthony Dr./ Marshall St.). Join us every Saturday through October, rain or shine, to shop local farms and food producers for fresh local veggies, fruits, eggs, breads, baked goods, meats, honey, syrup, jams, jellies, pickles, and more, plus a rotating variety of local crafters. The market PROUDLY accepts HIP, WIC & Senior Coupons, and SNAP and we DOUBLE SNAP 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 Street, North Adams. For Emergency Pantry please call 413-663-7987. Deliveries on Wednesdays.*Call 413-663-7987 on Tuesdays 10:00am-noon to schedule a delivery. For North County residents only.
WEDNESDAYS, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM for In-Person / THURSDAYS, 9:30 AM-Noon for Delivery | PANTRY Al Nelson Friendship Center 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, 413-664-0123. Go to the First Baptist Church (Eagles St. entrance) for intake and menu completion. Those who cannot physically come to the pantry may call 413-664-0123 on Wednesday from 9:30 am-2:00 pm to set up a delivery for Thursday between 9:30am-Noon. Boxes are pre-packaged based on household size for Thursday deliveries. Please specify cans or no cans. Due to COVID rates, we can no longer offer rides home. We will post updates on FACEBOOK. IF UNVACCINATED, PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
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 new charitable organization in Williamstown, MA., offers basic life necessities to those in need, free of charge. Room B4 of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street.
Remedy Hall plans to offer non-food necessities, such as personal hygiene items, winter clothing (hats, scarves, mittens, jackets), kitchenware, towels, blankets, etc. We will also stock tents and sleeping bags for those in the most dire of situations. We welcome tangible donations from the community. If we don’t have something that satisfies an urgent need, we will work to find it.
Our hours are 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday (subject to expansion as we get going). For those with urgent needs, we are always available and can be reached through phone/text and Facebook Messenger. 413-884-3051.
Family
The Family Center, a program of Child Care of the Berkshires, is offering virtual and in-person parent and child groups. Open to the public. Families can call The Family Center to access our FREE Children's Clothing Exchange with sizes 0-10. We can still provide diapers or formula through contactless pickup. Please contact the office by calling 413-664-4821. Visit the Family Center's Facebook page and Instagram page for updates on programming. FREE and open to northern Berkshire families with children under age 8.
Want to learn more about your child’s development and different activities to help your child learn? Take our free Ages and Stages Questionnaire! Answer questions about your child’s development here: ASQ Online. One of our team members will follow up with your child’s results and different activities you can do to keep your child learning while playing! 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.
You will learn:
-Why children misbehave and how to redirect them
-Nonviolent discipline that works
-How to build courage and character in your child
-Opening up the lines of communication with your children
-How to prevent problems with drugs, alcohol, violence, and sex
-How to stop scolding and start smiling with your kid again
Contact us to register at 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org
Activities
Downtown Bike Around: Mondays, 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm, Meeting at the Armory, 206 Ashland Street, North Adams (check FB for weather closures). Join us for the return of the Downtown Bike Around, a free, weekly, community group bike ride, suitable for all ages. Meeting at the Armory garage lot. Weather permitting. Bikes are available if needed. Call us at 413-663-7588 or jbyrne@nbccoalition.org
nbCC Bike Collective Open Hours: Wednesdays, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Bring your bike or work on a bike at the bike collective. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from other community members on basic bike fixes, or team up with more experienced bike mechanics to rebuild a bike. Tools and stands are provided. All NB residents are welcome! For more info, call us at 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
ADA & Technology Coordinator
(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
Angela Denault,
Culinary Instructor
adenault@mccanntech.org
Jessica Tatro,
ABE Instructor, Humanities/Math
jtatro@mccanntech.org
