Brayton Elementary School - We Hold the Western Gateway

We are excited to share that Williams College will be holding two Special Olympics spring programs - a swim clinic (held for 3 weeks in April, two Sundays and one Saturday) and a one-day track event on Saturday, May 4th. Swim is limited to 10 athletes, registration is on a first-come, first serve basis. Both programs are for athletes ages 6 to 18. The track event is limited to 20 athletes and also on a first-come, first serve basis. Here are the registration pages and full details with the dates and times: Swim Registration: https://www.specialolympicsma.org/program/2025-williams-college-spring-swim-program Track Registration: https://www.specialolympicsma.org/program/2025-williams-college-spring-track-and-field-event

4/1 PTG cash calendar winner: Diane Collins

📚✨ Last week, some of our faculty and District Literacy Coordinator attended the Massachusetts Reading Association's 54th Annual Conference! The theme, Literacy & Language: Words Empower, Inspire, and Transform, set the stage for an inspiring few days of professional growth. At the conference, educators engaged in insightful workshops, explored the latest literacy research, and gained practical strategies to bring back to their classrooms. They connected with literacy leaders and discovered new ways to support diverse learners. We’re excited to implement what we’ve learned and continue empowering our students through the power of literacy! 📖✨

A message from mass.gov: Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit: With the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit (https://tinyurl.com/y7feawde), families may be eligible for $440 for each child under age 13, dependents who are age 65+ or have a disability, or a spouse who needs care. Families do not need to have earned income in 2024 or have a Social Security number to qualify. There is no income cap or limit to the number of dependents. This does not impact public benefits. FindYourFunds has outreach materials available in 11 languages to encourage families to file taxes this year. Learn more and find free tax help at findyourfunds.org/dese: (https://tinyurl.com/yhzkpyuf)

Summer programming at Sheep Hill! See flyer for details.

Upcoming Family Center programming.

On Friday, February 28th, Officer Mirante will be hosting a "Hero & Me" Dance at the American Legion.  This dance is for both Colegrove and Brayton students and their favorite adult.  Hero & Me Dance When:  Feb. 28th Where:  The North Adams American Legion Time:  5:30-7:30 Cost:  $10 -- includes child and adult. Tickets will be sold at the door. All proceeds from this event will go towards restocking our school closets with toiletries, clothing, shoes, boots, and other items that will be available to the school community.

Information about BCAC's Fuel Assistance Program

Exciting news from the North Adams Public Library!

Join MASS MoCA Museum Educators for a series of free workshops for all ages during school break, February 17-21! Workshops will take place in Kidspace at 11am and 1pm every day, with an additional workshop at 3pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and each will focus on a different art medium and process. Come be inspired, learn something new, and make a project to take home! The ArtBar will also be open for drop-in art-making throughout the day. RSVP encouraged but not required. (Note: Some workshops may be capped based on attendance, RSVPs will be honored before walk-ups.) Workshops are open to all ages, however younger children may need support from guardians. All children must be accompanied by an adult in Kidspace.

PreK applications and Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year are now LIVE! Visit our website for details: https://www.napsk12.org/page/prekapplicationandkindergartenregistration

The Northern Berkshire Youth & Family Collaborative, a group of 20+ family and youth serving providers in north Berkshire, have designed a short survey to understand parent/caregiver & youth engagement in the community and where parents/caregivers get their information on clubs, events, activities, groups, etc... in the community. This survey will take less than 5 mins to complete, it will help all our local organizations be more mindful of family engagement in our community and understand where we need to prioritize our efforts. Additionally, upon completion, each parent will be given a link to enter a raffle for 1 of 3, $500 Visa Gift Cards. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J8PLZ77

Upcoming community programming.

Upcoming programming at the Clark.

Upcoming community programming

Upcoming programming sponsored by the Family Center.

Join Our Team! We are looking for motivated individuals to support our schools as teacher assistants. Regular, school-day hours Paid federal holidays Union contract Additional pay for substitute teaching Health, dental, and life insurance options provided HOW TO APPLY: 1️⃣ Review the job description at www.napsk12.org/HumanResources and fill out the easy application form at napsk12.org/apply 2️⃣ Email your application to cvolff@napsk12.org 3️⃣ Complete hiring instructions and start work!

📢 New Substitute Pay Rates! 💰 We’re excited to announce updated pay rates for all substitute positions—whether or not you have a college degree or are a licensed/retired teacher working as a substitute! 🙌 ✨ New Pay Rates for Per Diem Subs ✨ 💼 Passed ParaPro/or 48 College Credits: $130/day 🎓 College Degree: $150/day 👩‍🏫 Retired or Certified Teachers: $170/day Whether you’re looking to earn extra income, gain experience, or continue making an impact in the classroom, North Adams Public Schools has a place for you! Why Substitute Teach? ✅ Choose the days you work ✅ Gain teaching experience ✅ Make a difference in students’ lives ✅ On-the-job training! HOW TO APPLY: 1️⃣ Fill out the easy application form at napsk12.org/apply 2️⃣ Email your application to cvolff@napsk12.org 3️⃣ Complete hiring instructions and start work! Apply today and start helping our students succeed! 📚

Join Our Team! We are looking for motivated individuals to support our schools as teacher assistants. Regular, school-day hours Paid federal holidays Union contract Earn between $100 and $125 per day depending on experience Additional pay for substitute teaching Health, dental, and life insurance options provided HOW TO APPLY: 1️⃣ Review the job description at www.napsk12.org/HumanResources and fill out the easy application form at napsk12.org/apply 2️⃣ Email your application to cvolff@napsk12.org 3️⃣ Complete hiring instructions and start work!

Adaptive Skating—Games on Ice! Thursdays 1– 3 p.m. December 19, January 16 February 13 & March 13 See flyer for details.