Brayton Elementary School - We Hold the Western Gateway

Registration is OPEN for the annual Back-packed for Success event! Each child will receive a free backpack to fill with school supplies and books. You can register at this link: https://bit.ly/nbcc_back-packed or call the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC) at 413-663-7588. Register: Monday, July 24 through Friday, August 4. Sign up soon!

The University of Massachusetts Amherst 4-H Youth Development Program will be offering a day of leadership, learning, and fun for Massachusetts teens, aged 14-18. Teens from across the Commonwealth are invited to spend time on Saturday, August 19, 2023, delving into leadership, communication, decision-making, and getting along with others. This very hands-on day will be from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Berkshire County 4-H Fairgrounds in Pittsfield. All workshops will be led by UMass Extension 4-H Educators. The cost of the program is $50 per participant. Limited scholarship funds are available. The fee will include a T-shirt, lunch, snacks, a certificate, and a one-year 4-H membership.

This message is for 21st Century Summer Camp families who live on Brooklyn Street. As a result of the recent storm, the City of North Adams has closed Brooklyn Street. Due to this unforeseen event, the summer camp school bus will not be able to access Brooklyn Street. Students can get picked up/dropped off by bus at the corner of Brooklyn and Houghton Street or you can make alternative arrangements for your child. For more information, please visit: https://www.napsk12.org/page/bus-routes. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Adult ESOL Summer Conversation Classes All languages, All levels welcome When: Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00am - 12:30pm July 18 - Aug 23 Where: David & Joyce Milne Public Library 1095 Main Street Williamstown, MA 01267 413-458-5369 Free! Class Enrollment Open! Call (413) 412-1118 or email apecor@napsk12.org today!

We're seeking feedback from all North Adams community members! Please complete this survey for our upcoming school building project! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2QCR97J More information can be found here: https://www.napsk12.org/article/1165027

North Adams Mobile Food Pantry Friday, 7/7 10-11 am Brien Center (American Legion Drive) FREE Produce and grocery items are provided by the Food Bank of Western MA. All are welcome! There are no eligibility requirements to participate. WIC will be handing out the WIC's Farmers Market checks to participants at the Farmer's Market in North Adams on Saturday, July 8th between 9-1. For questions and additional information please visit: https://www.mass.gov/locations/north-adams-wic-program

“Hive” is an installation piece that is currently located at 3 Eagle Street. Check it out while you can! The work of art will be up for another month and then moved to the atrium at Brayton Elementary School. This was part of Brayton's school show in the spring titled “Brayton Blooms”.

​Brayton Elementary students received a warm send-off last week! Have a great summer, everyone! We look forward to seeing you in the fall. https://youtu.be/zd7AGxD3CXY

Did you know!? North Adams Public Schools will be attending the Berkshire United Way Volunteer Fair! See flyer for details. Hope to see you there!

Last night, families and district leaders enjoyed the annual Kids 4 Harmony Gala at Tanglewood. In addition to their wonderful performance, our Superintendent, Barbara Malkas, and Joseph Curtis, Superintendent of Pittsfield Public Schools were honored as supporters of equitable access to the arts. It was a special evening for all attendees!

The Food Bank of Western MA hosts SNAP Coordinators that can assist folks in applying for and using SNAP benefits: https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/snap-outreach-enrollment/ WIC has also updated their income guidelines. For local contact information: https://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/programs-and-services/community-wellness/wic-program/

North Adams Mobile Food Bank Friday, 6/16 from 10-11 Brien Center (American Legion Drive) There are no eligibility requirements to participate. All are welcome! List of food pantry sites: https://5il.co/1vqur

The NBEMS Club Presents: SAFETY CAMP 2023! Limited spaces for 30 children entering first, second, third, and fourth grade in the fall of 2023, in Northern Berkshire County and Stamford and Readsboro, VT. Cost is $30 per child. The session will run July 17-21, 2023 at St. Elizabeth’s Church Parish Center, 70 Marshall Street, North Adams, from 9 am –noon, each day. Parents/guardians are responsible for drop off and pick up. No transportation is provided. Days will include safety lessons, games, crafts, visits from First Responders, a possible walking field trip, a t-shirt, and a daily snack. Registration is open until June 23, 2023. To register, please go to: https://northadamsambulance.enrollware.com/schedule

The NBEMS Club Presents: SAFETY CAMP 2023! Limited spaces for 30 children entering first, second, third, and fourth grade in the fall of 2023, in Northern Berkshire County and Stamford and Readsboro, VT. The session will run July 17-21, 2023 at St. Elizabeth’s Church Parish Center, 70 Marshall Street, North Adams, from 9 am –noon, each day. Parents/guardians are responsible for drop off and pick up. No transportation provided. Cost is $30 per child Days will include safety lessons, games, crafts, visits from First Responders, a possible walking field trip, a t-shirt, and a daily snack. Registration is open until June 23, 2023. To register, please go to: https://northadamsambulance.enrollware.com/schedule For more information: https://5il.co/1w9vx

Summer programming at Sheep Hill!

This week, the 4th graders at Brayton got a tour right in their own backyard. Students walked around North Adams and visited many departments and offices that keep our city operating daily. They began at City Hall and met with Mayor Macksey. They visited many of the administrative offices and saw where the district's central office is. They then walked to the Library where they heard about many of the summer programs and offerings. Every student walked away with their own library card! Chief Bailey showed the kids around the new North Adams Police Station and talked about the work they do to engage with the community. Fire Fighters Cooke, Maselli, Reidy, and LaMarre let the kids check out the trucks and equipment. They even gave a demonstration of how the fire pole works. The students took a trip out to the DPW where they met with Commissioner Lescarbeau who talked about all of the different trucks and vehicles that work year-round. The students finished at the UNO Park community gardens with Jen Munoz who talked about all that the gardens provide for the community. What a fantastic look into our wonderful community!

Some more fun during Walk-to-School Day at Brayton Elementary School!

Raiche with Jasmine Janai (Presented by the Berkshire Black Economic Council) Saturday, June 17th, 7pm The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) invites you to celebrate Juneteenth weekend at MASS MoCA with a special homecoming performance by singer-songwriter Raiche, with support from Jasmine Janai.Tickets for Raiche’s show can be purchased online at massmoca.org/event. FREE Juneteenth Eve Concert: A Celebration of Black Music Appreciation Month Sunday, June 18th, 12-3 pm MCLA Church Street Center

I AM AFRO: A STREET FAIR FOR ALL THE PEOPLE Saturday, June 17th, 11am-5pm "I Am Afro: A Street Fair for All the People" in North Adams! Hosted by BBEC and the First Congregational Church of North Adams (FCCNA), for this free Juneteenth celebration on June 17, 2023. The event will feature performances, pop-up booths, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. No registration required-everyone is welcome! “I Am Afro” is proudly supported by BBEC’s Black Arts Council, a dedicated and inclusive group fostering an arts sector that serves the needs of the Black community. By partnering with FCCNA, we continue to promote Black artists, entrepreneurship, and culture in the Berkshires.No matter your background, ethnicity, or heritage, we invite you to join us for a day of cultural exploration, fun, and unity. Let’s celebrate Afro artists and performers together in the vibrant streets of North Adams!

Kids 4 Harmony Concert Friday, June 9th 4:00pm Brayton Elementary School Enjoy a free concert performed by afterschool participants!