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PLANET SERIES ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS DRAWS CRITICISM, PRAISE … FIRST IS FROM THE ADMINISTRATION, SECOND FROM A RECENTLY ‘FREED’ TEACHER

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY NOV. 15, 2021) — Our recent two-part series drew lots of comment and opened a lot of eyes about the current state of the Pittsfield public schools.

We received two letters not posted on THE PLANET but sent privately — freely, unsolicited, and with no mention of anything being off the record.

In the interest of transparency, we share them here. The first is from someone in the school administration. The second came from a teacher who recently left the Pittsfield system for another county school. Both sent them anonymously.

THE FIRST LETTER

Mr. Valenti

I don’t know who you’ve been talking to or what your so-called sources are up to, but the Pittsfield Public Schools come nowhere near what you depicted in your recent series.

True there have been a few isolated incidents but they are the exceptions. You are in the numbers game and publish stories to draw an audience with sensationalism but as far as responsible reporting goes, your series leave [sic] much to be desired.

We have an excellent teachers and staff, and we are grateful to have Supt. Curtis leading this department. Supt. Curtis has been professional from day one and he realizes the importance of the word team more so in my opinion than any department head in the city. I also commend the Pittsfield School Committee for the difficult work they did in vetting the candidates for the superintendent’s position.

We brough [sic] in several strong candidates but Joe Curtis was the clear choice in my view and most others despite the grandstanding by certain committee members. Ask anyone in Mercer and they will give you the same answer. Joe wasn’t “preordained” as your sources claim [sic] he was simply best for the job.

Public education is tough enough but the articles such as in your series make our job all that much more difficult which for spread falsehoods and half truths. When getting information from your “sources” in the Mercer building you should be very careful about who you talk to.

[Unsigned]

———- ooo ———-

THE PLANET responds: Dear Unsigned, we appreciated your comments. I see no need to defend THE PLANET‘s two-part series. The words are strong enough to stand on their own. The only other thing I would add is that your feedback, which again we welcome, strikes us as “doth protesting too loudly.”  And keep reading THE PLANET! It’s a good digestive!

———- ooo ———-

THE SECOND LETTER

Dan

Thanks for the great investigative piece on Pittsfield schools. I am a “recently gone” teacher. I left at the end of the school year in June. Part of the reason is to accept a position at a much better local district, which I won’t name because as you’ve pointed out it’s best to remain anon. in this city. Since Sept. the difference between Pitts and where I am now is dramatic. What irks me is that only [the] Planet has dared to look at what’s going on in Pittsfield. Why hasn’t the Eagle reported on this? Don’t they have an investigative team? The city is lucky to have your journalistic and investigative street cred. Anyways your series presented an accurate picture of the deteriorating condition in city classrooms. Glad to be out of it.

A Freed Teacher

———- ooo ———-

THE PLANET responds: Dear Freed,  thanks for the confirmation. We tried to get at what’s really going on in the halls and classrooms. Clearly, something is dreadfully wrong. Kids aren’t learning. District performance, especially when one filters out fudging of data (e.g., test scores, student performance in qualitative testing), the system is in free fall. Nearly everything the present school committee has done has served, in essence, as a grand coverup. Same with the school administration’s actions. I wonder what the school committee thinks? Thus far, they been as silent as rocks.

———- ooo ———-

The official silence from the school administration and school committee says everything about the accuracy our of series. They disputed not one of our revelations. Their silence says everything about THE PLANET‘s accuracy. In short, the bums have no defense. Once again, we caught them with the britches down, which is always the best position for a caning.

——————————————————————-

“Only in the Pittsfield Public Schools does gravity pull uphill” – Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

(c) 2021 By PLANET VALENTI & EUROPOLIS MANAGEMENT. All right reserved. The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information — hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.

 

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Pothole
Pothole
3 years ago

How can an anonymous letter writer use the word “I” within the text and expect any credibility? Sign your name and then this letter may mean something! As is it means nothing.

H Mudville
H Mudville
Reply to  Pothole
3 years ago

Dan was exposing a minority’s opinion for leaving his school committee duty. Remember it was rigged. He’s reporting facts I? Not opinions.

Name Witheld
Name Witheld
Reply to  Pothole
3 years ago

So post your name or your posts mean nothing.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Pothole
2 years ago

Is pothole your real name?????

Tony B
Tony B
Reply to  Pothole
2 years ago

LOL ok, Pothole! Or is it first name Pot, last name Hole?

Gobsig
Gobsig
3 years ago

The way the school committee election is conducted is a joke. It’s not much more than a popularity contest. If each ward had one representative on the school committee they would have to be more responsive and responsible..

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
3 years ago

It is totally indefensible that Pittsfield’s inner city public schools are rated Level 5 by the state in Boston. Another fact is that over 650 students per academic year choice out of Pittsfield Public Schools to neighboring public school districts. Yet another fact is that many Pittsfield Public School teachers either accept teaching jobs in neighboring public school districts or retire if they are eligible to do so. Mayor Linda Tyer and the Pittsfield School Committee are complete failures when it comes to public education in Pittsfield Massachusetts! Only the 23-year-old polluted PEDA debacle is worse off than the Pittsfield Public School District. Beacon Hill lawmakers systemically underfund public education in Massachusetts. Shitty, Trippy Country Buffet, Paul “Marx”, the former NA Mayor and Chrome Dome are scheduled to begin their 7-week-long taxpayer-funded vacation from Thursday, November 18th, 2021 to Tuesday, January 4th, 2022. Pittsfield’s students work harder than their vacationing politicians in Boston.

H Mudville
H Mudville
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
3 years ago

T B R is a non commercial educational radio station? You can sell books and interview the same political candidates all the time? Get back to the studio stooge.others have to.

Annulgas
Annulgas
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

I hear there are a bunch home schooling as well. Anyone have the numbers? Moms not happy with their kiddies being bullied.

(and Annulgas is my real name or at least that is what Mom always called me)

Jonathan A. Melle
Jonathan A. Melle
Reply to  Annulgas
2 years ago

School Resource Officers, Social Workers, Mental Health Services, Student Peer Support Groups, Anti-Bullying programs, and Politicians who actually care about Pittsfield’s public schools would be a start at reforming the city’s Level 5 public school system.

Shirleyknutz
Shirleyknutz
Reply to  Jonathan A. Melle
2 years ago

Looking for answers in all the wrong places, as is your usual. Learn and progress JM. Government is almost never the answer

Shirleyknutz
Shirleyknutz
3 years ago

I would like to thank both anonymous writers for their input today. The letter from the administration certainly explained why Pittsfield is still stuck, as JM says, as a level 5 school district. Both the administration and the school committee have no idea of the severity of the city’s schools. How can we correct this? Let’s start by closing and selling Mercer. This would force the administration to be placed in the schools during the day so they can walk the halls and see what is going on. I would even suggest rotating through different schools. Maybe this would help them see what is going on and it may also help them come up with a solution. I would also like to thank the administration for giving me a chuckle when they claimed the fix wasn’t in, obviously they are either lying or have never been part of a committee in “the Pitts “

Annulgas
Annulgas
Reply to  Shirleyknutz
2 years ago

They are in denial. They have to be because what they have done and not done is immoral. These kids deserve so much better.
Politics is what got these people on the school committee and politics is what keeps them there. And while there they took up seats that people who really cared about the children and had talent for such things could have been in. Politics blocked out the willing and able. But that’s Pittsfield, Ma for ya.
Get out if you can cuz it ain’t gonna get any better any time soon.

Gobsig
Gobsig
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

No one from the public spoke at the last SC meeting.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

and isn’t it super sad that after the taxpayers cough up seventy million dollars for the schools they then need to storm city hall and plead with them to do their damn jobs? If the specail interest folk sent their kids to school in Pittsfield you might see some semblance of action. But they are mostly opted out. Are there any Mercer employees who send their kids to school in Pittsfield and if so would they like to come forward and tell us how happy they are about it?

Money corrupts

Gobsig
Gobsig
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Part of the problem is that 600 or so parents have decided to send their kids out of Pittsfield. They are probably the ones most likely to speak out. However maybe there are enough folks left who would speak out. Dan, if you get responses at your email address perhaps we can get something going????

Annulgas
Annulgas
Reply to  Gobsig
2 years ago

Wouldn’t it be nice to know the demographics of the kids opting out? I mean are they the more well to do? Are they mostly children of teachers and school connected personnel who know exactly how bad things are? My guess would be that the parents with knowledge of the true inner workings of the system are the ones opting out.
How many more would if they could?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

“Pitchforks and torches optional.”

Dan, you’re so midevil, tar and feathers!!!

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
3 years ago

Dan, me thinks (sic) you forgot to sic your editor on the second to last sentence of the “unsigned” letter. Can’t quite understand it.

Mom Said No
Mom Said No
3 years ago

It’s not just Pittsfield, Pittsfield students have a long long reach. When some of these little delinquents choose or are forced onto other districts or schools it’s chaos.
Violence and sexual assaults are up even in the tony districts of Richmond and Lenox.
In Lenox sexual assaults are up dramatically, we choices out of Pittsfield for safety and the problems followed us to Lenox.
We were going to choice to Richmond and found out from my daughter’s friend Richmond middle school is a dangerous place. Why? Because of a couple Pittsfield kids who have switch over. As her friend said, Richmond is dangerous because the teachers don’t do anything.
The Pittsfield education system is a cancer on the entire county.

Lenox Works
Lenox Works
Reply to  Mom Said No
2 years ago

Stay away from Richmond! We pulled our daughter and went to Lenox. A teacher got hit so hard by a student in the middle school the teacher had to leave the school and go to the hospital. When our daughter gets together with her friends the stories of sexual abuse are heartbreaking. The school isn’t doing anything except telling the girls to stop reporting the assaults.
Richmond isn’t safe because no one at the school is doing anything about violent students!!!!!

JM74
JM74
Reply to  Lenox Works
2 years ago

The middle school ELA teacher Rachel Kanz got hit by a monster of a kid. When the girls get harnessed, the para Cindy Bartlett tells them not to say anything because it makes the school and the teachers look bad. That shit is fucccccked up! Richmond isn’t a place you want your kids. We moved back to Pittsfield and it’s a bad day when Pittsfield is better than Richmond

JM74
JM74
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

You might want to ask them about an upcoming meeting with 7th grade parents and lawyers and why that has had to happen. Students have been under siege for a year and a half. The principal says nothing can be done unless there are reports, then some of the staff tells the girls not to report things because it makes them look bad.
We don’t go there anymore and have moved to Pittsfield but the emails from parents detailing the horrors at that school are horrible.
The stat police were involved last year over child pornography at the school, racial bias attacks, and sexual assaults. Parents pull kids out on an ongoing basis because it’s not safe and the administration like Dan Weston and Peter Dillon are covering it up.
They say it’s a rumor mill and things can’t be verified and the staff disputes the accounts, those are lies. Just like when they said a teacher who was assaulted left the school for an prior appointment, it was a lie, she left because she looked like she got hit by a car and needed medical attention.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  JM74
2 years ago

That is the truth.Pittsfield has a good school system and a terrible Administration building.Those people are not good people.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  Mom Said No
2 years ago

This is true. A few years ago some little asshole hijacked the school bus routine in Richmond on a regular basis. The kid refused to sit on his seat so the bus could never leave on time and everyone was late. Turns out the parents were Pitts teachers who brought their family to Richmond to ‘escape the bad schools’ and they brought their bs with them. The Richmond principal didn’t have the backbone to ask this parent to collect their child from school. Instead everyone was subject to delays and melt downs. The teachers are all dumb and just as bad as the admin. The schools reflect the population, and that is that.

Mom Said No
Mom Said No
Reply to  Kermit Frog
2 years ago

That kid is still a spoiled little brat, only bigger now. Barely a day goes by he isn’t doing something.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Mom Said No
2 years ago

Ridiculous

Momma Bear
Momma Bear
Reply to  Mom Said No
2 years ago

From: Dan Weston
Date: Fri, Nov 12, 2021, 9:15 AM
Subject: A message from RCS Principal Daniel Weston and Superintendent Peter Dillon
To: staff , (Allie) (Rawson) , (Orth) Leah Herring , Abbey Hanley/Dinan , Alicia Ginsberg , Aline Laurin/Webster , Aline Silva/Monteiro , Alisha Deane/codwise , Allen Catalano , Allison Gemmel Laframboise , Amanda Hill , amanda rocca , Amity Winters , anthony dellea , Ashley Emiliano , Asma Abbas , Barber, Ann Marie , Ben Ragusa , Benjamin Daire , Benjamin Rickard , Borden, Carol , Brian grebeldinger , Bridget Ives , Brigid Naventi , Bruce Orth , Cara Peckham , Challis Adams , Chrissie Brisebois , Cindy Silvagni , Cory Smith , curletti , curletti , Darren Ovitsky , Dave Greer , David Harrington , David Lagerbom , Deni Evans , Diana Sadighi , doug bruce , Elise Webster , Ellen Asante , Emily Cohen , Emily Condry/Cadorette , Eric Smith , Erika Dubis/Rider , Erin Hanson , Erin Laundrey , Erin Laundry , Errin Roney , Friederike Grebeldinger , Gabriel Lloyd , Gabriel Yarter , Godfroy, Jessica , Heather Fletcher , hoskeer , Jaclyn Ragusa/Stevenson , Jaclyn Sinay , Jacob Rash , Jadrien Buckley , Jake Wright , Jalanna Jones , Jamie Webster , jennifer gregg , Jennifer Jennings , Jenny Rickard/Baltazar , Jesse Adams , Jessica Godfroy , Jessica Hoskeer , Jessica Pousada , Jessica Vargas/Allen Vargas , Jessy McMahon , Jim Fletcher , Jim Wojtkowski , Joe Borden , John ‘Max’ Rocca , John Hanson , josephine mcmahon , Josh Bennett , Julia Sabourin , Julie Samale/Potvin/Manion , Karis Condry/Tremont , Kate Rickard , Katherine nagymoody , Kathy Malumphey/Aylwin , Kellar , Kelly Jones , Kerry Dellea , Khloe/Levi Koldys , Kieth Brisebois , Kim Croce , Kim LaPlante , Kimberly Alvaro , Kimmie Leeco , Kramek , Krista Harrington , Kristin Leonard , Kristin Smith , Kyla McMahon , Lauren Quinto , Laurie Perreault , Leah Luczynski , Lucy Bruce , Mackenzie Greer , Mary Daire , Matt Barber , Matthew Cormier , Matthew Kulesza , Megan Rose/Broderick , Melani Mielke , Melissa Colvin/stevens/brown , Melissa Dimassimo , Melissa Fawcett , Melissa Hunter , Melissa Keiper , Melissa Lillie/McLaughlin , Micah Kanz , Michael Hayes , Michelle Smith , Mickie Audette , Mielke, Mel , Mitch Kellar , Mollie Desai , Molly Gillon , Morgan Kulchinsky Ovitsky , Nathan Hoogs , Nicola McMahon , Nicole Antil , Noelle Hunter , Patrick Hanavan , Paul Askew , Pennie Walsh , Penny Saupe , Perry Rash , Peter Antil , Phil Cohen , Piraino, Diane , Ruth Hanavan , Ryan McCravey/LaMont , Samantha Westwood , Sara Mae Consolati/geyer , Sean McLaughlin , Senzel , Shannon Smith , Shaun Laframboise , Shawn Schaffer/Stori , sheila stevens , Smith, Eric , Smith, Kara , Smith, Peter , Stover , Stover Jennifer , Susan Krantz , Susan Tremblay , Susannah White Long , Szymanski , Terry Sinay , Tina Gunther Askew , Tracy Conuel , Weider/Webster , William Leeco , Wright , Yevgeniy Yefremov , Yulia Bougouin

Dear RCS Families,

We are reaching out in the context of reports of concerns within our 7th grade class. While we cannot provide families with details about individual incidents that involve student records which is protected under FERPA, we can share an overview of how we proceed when an incident occurs.

As such, we are providing a general overview regarding the school process for investigating incidents and the legal process for providing discipline to students when necessary.

LIE LIE LIE LIE
Whenever an incident is reported to an RCS employee, the School always takes reports seriously. The first step in the process at RCS is for an administrator to conduct an investigation into the incident to gather more information and determine what occurred. This could include talking to witnesses, looking at school surveillance footage, and gathering relevant information about what may have occurred.

If at the end of the investigation process, there is evidence that a student may have violated the RCS handbook, law, or school policy, then RCS starts the disciplinary process as outlined within Massachusetts laws. The exact process is determined by the nature of the violation. In all cases, RCS follows the legal process that affords due process rights to students who the school intends to suspend or expel, as required by law. We are attaching some flow charts to show what the legal process looks like.

THEY TOLD THE GIRLS TO STOP REPORTING INCIDENTS OF HARASSMENT BECAUSE IT MAKES THE SCHOOL LOOK BAD AND THE GIRLS LOOK LIKE COMPLAINERS
It’s important to note that what’s reported from individual students, other families, and/or the rumor mill may not represent what actually happened. That’s why we conduct formal investigations and get several statements from as many people as possible.

Please feel free to reach out to Dan or Peter with follow up questions. We continue to work hard to support students, staff and families in being safe and treating each other with respect and decency.

Dan Weston, Principal

Peter Dillon, Superintendent


Daniel Weston, Principal
Richmond Consolidated School
dweston@richmondconsolidated.org

Richmond Consolidated School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  Mom Said No
2 years ago

Richmond has a great school. Sounds like a bunch of bs. Got any facts?

Mom Said No
Mom Said No
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
2 years ago

They had a great a great school the school administration has made it garbage.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
2 years ago

Momma Bear is right, you are wrong. The TAs are like Winged Monkeys trying to protect a perceived good reputation of the school which anyone who knows better, knows better. And this guy is the third principal in three years so …

Last edited 2 years ago by Kermit Frog
Momma Bear
Momma Bear
Reply to  Mom Said No
2 years ago

Dear 7th Grade Families,

LIE THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. THE SCHOOL KNEW BEFORE THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. PARENTS WARNED THE SCHOOL.
The safety, health and well-being of Richmond Consolidated School students and staff are always our priority.

This afternoon there was an incident that occurred in a classroom between two seventh graders. A teacher intervened in to deescalate the conflict. In the process, one student made physical contact with the teacher in attempt to get past them. This was of great concern to many of our students. That staff member left school shortly after the incident for a previously scheduled appointment. LIE THE TEACHER LEFT BECAUSE SHE WAS INJURED. SHE TOLD A GROUP OF STUDENTS HER DOCTOR SAID SHE LOOKED LIKE SHE WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT.

The students who were not involved in the conflict were moved to a nearby classroom so that the school staff could continue to deescalate the students involved.
THEY HAD TO SHELTER IN PLACE BECAUSE OF A RUBBER BAND AND THE HYPER AGGRESSIVE ATTACK.

We have zero tolerance for physical aggression at the Richmond Consolidated School. We follow progressive discipline measures that are consistent the RCS Code of Conduct.
THEY DON’T FOLLOW THE LAW THEY HAVE NOT DONE THEIR JOBS AS MANDATED REPORTERS AND HAVE NOT FILED 51A’s!

We will continue to hold students to high standards of behavior. If you have concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to me by email or phone (413-822-2056). I am available Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and Saturday afternoon after 2:00 p.m.
LIE THEY’VE TOLD GIRLS TO STOP REPORTING INCIDENTS. A PARA CINDY BARTLETT OF BARTLETT’S ORCHARD SAID IT MADE THE STAFF LOOK BAD. THEY SHE FORCED THEM TO DO A GROUP HUG. THE STUDENT ADJUSTMENT PERSON DOUG WENTWORTH FORCE A VICTIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT TO SIT WITH HER AGGRESSOR TO WORK THINGS OUT.
THEY RE-VICTIMIZE THE VICTIMS
Sincerely,

Dan Weston

Annulgas
Annulgas
3 years ago

Dan, you say you wonder what the school committee thinks. My guess is that they think the same as you and I do but would lose their jobs if they spoke out. When you have an enormously bloated budget such as this school system sometimes priorities get a little lost. I have a very hard time believing that education is the first and foremost objective for this budget in Pittsfield. And it is quite sad if children are being used.
School committees should not be political such as it is in Pittsfield. It does not just hamstring the intended goals but rather kneecaps it entirely.

Jumpin Joe Curtis
Jumpin Joe Curtis
2 years ago

I too left PPS a few years ago and never looked back. The differences between PPS (specifically one of the high schools) and the new district I found myself working in are night and day. It’s amazing how much you can enjoy teaching when you have actual support from administration, kids are held accountable and your colleagues aren’t egotistical and clique/open to collaboration.’

Is it worth the longer commute? Absolutely.

Trust me, more “accountability coordinators”, VP of “teaching and learning” and all the diversity coaches in the world isn’t going to save this Level 5 district

Last edited 2 years ago by Jumpin Joe Curtis
Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Jumpin Joe Curtis
2 years ago

My spouse did the same thing (left the PPS), and completely agrees with your comments.

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
2 years ago

In response to the first letter from someone in the Administration. I don’t recall Dan disparaging the teachers of Pittsfield public schools. He only pointed out how hand cuffed they are and out of touch the eggheads at Mercer have been.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Major U.S. Research University Discovers New Element!!!!!
 
The heaviest element known to science was recently discovered by
investigators at a major U.S. research university. The element,
tentatively named Administratium, has no protons or electrons and
thus has an atomic number of 0.
 
However, it does have one neutron (Joe), 125 assistant neutrons, 75 vice
neutrons, and 111 assistant vice neutrons. This gives it an atomic
mass of 312.
 
These 312 particles are held together by a force that involves the
continuous exchange of meson-like particles called morons. It is
also surrounded by vast quantities of electron-like particles called
peons (teachers).
 
Since it has no electrons, Administratium is inert. However, it can
be detected chemically as it impedes every reaction it comes in
contact with. According to the discovers, a minute amount of
Administratium causes one reaction to take over four days to
complete when it would have normally occurred in less than one
second.
 
Administratium has a normal half-life of approximately three years,
at which time it does not decay, but instead undergoes a
reorganization in which assistant neutrons, vice neutrons, and
assistant vice neutrons exchange places.
 
In fact, Administratium sample’s mass actually INCREASES over
time, since with each reorganization some of the morons inevitably
become neutrons, forming new isotopes.
 
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to
speculate that perhaps Administratium is spontaneously formed
whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This
hypothetical quantity is referred to as “critical morass.”

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
levitan
levitan
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

There are lots more at Haarvard.
They just haven’t been discovered”

What molecule may result from its association with Bureaucratium and Pouron? It’s inert, but does it have catalytic properties?

Last edited 2 years ago by levitan
Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
2 years ago

The last superintendent left for a reason. And he left in a hurry, mid contract. I am sure he would never disparage his old school system out loud but one can just read the tea leaves for clarity.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

He wouldn’t disparage, as he wouldn’t get a favorable reference.

He shouldn’t have been hired, at new school, for his incompetence at head of the Pitt.

Thomas More
Thomas More
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

He left because the job was open and he did not leave in mid-contract.

What’ IzUp
What’ IzUp
Reply to  Thomas More
2 years ago

Was he offered that other job or wasn’t selected.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Thomas More
2 years ago

not mid but before it was up

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Thomas More
2 years ago

He wanted to exit early from his contract, but the school committee forced him to stay per contract terms.

Getmeouttahere
Getmeouttahere
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

and why would someone with such a lucrative deal and unheard of benefits want to leave a job right away, this minute?

Two Cents
Two Cents
Reply to  Getmeouttahere
2 years ago

Because his new employer wanted him on job in advance of the new school year.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Food prices up 12% since October.

^^^^^^Biden/Democrats did that!!!^^^^^^^^^ : (

What’ IzUp
What’ IzUp
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Suicide,crime,opiod use,joblessness,taxes,food,gas heatingf cost,indpflation.

the 5th Dentist
the 5th Dentist
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Trap,
You spoiled Trumper. Like I bet you want to eat everyday, I bet somedays you want to eat two or three times a day. You are aware if you eat that many times a day at our global summits we just might run out of hummingbird tongues and toast points. Yes you have to pay more for food and everything else. You must be insane to think you don’t owe it to me and my ilk I mean hell Yachts are not cheap. Pay your fair share of my bills. You know what it costs for Joe to keep that loafing artist son and his spawns laying about? You think food has gone up have you seen the prices on hookers and strippers? Paternity suits? or maybe child support? Even if you get your child support in Arkansas by Ukrainian energy conglomerates Er ah Care givers it isn’t cheap
LGBFJB

What’ IzUp
What’ IzUp
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

A bigger one mt gasoline up 50%.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  What’ IzUp
2 years ago

heating oil too

LGBFJB!!!

Knutcase
Knutcase
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Wth Joe?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Knutcase
2 years ago

He’s in Delaware basement sleeping. Jill has the red phone.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Great economy,Trump would always measure the economy by Wall street.Chevk your 401k since Biden was certified as the President of the United States of America. Go Brandon Go More jobs than workers.Unemployment at 4.3. Wage are going higher.Trump was a mess and traitor.

Dynamic Vibrator
Dynamic Vibrator
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

It’s always good to hear from the saloonatic.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Lots of jobs, no workers, as workers don’t want a forced experimental drug injections.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

(plus now with all the maryjane stores everywhere and legal pot they cannot pass a drug test) Insurance companies do not want business s with buzzing employees driving around on fork lifts

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

It’s an industry A Nuciforo started, The stench on Tylet St is Anderea’s foul spoor……..

He’d jail ya for a j!oint of weed, but now he’s letting NE go up in smoke.

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
Gary Wood
Gary Wood
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

That didn’t work out very well in nyc with his high ass holiness the mayor

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

No, the pandemic did that. If Trump were in office, inflation would be the same. Take an economics course and stop spreading garbage.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Look at prices 1 year ago, when Traitor Joseph Stolen was not installed

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

McDonough it’s clear you don’t understand Economics either. Try again.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

No McDonough you can add failure of economic standing to your failure of legal understanding

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Hated Taxpayer
2 years ago

“Failure of economic standing”? There’s that pesky Berkshire County public education rearing it ugly head again.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Ohh spell check McDonough. You know what is awful. Your kids had to deal with ridicule at school. Pathetic

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Hated Taxpayer
2 years ago

Spell check? You do not know how to write or think for yourself.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

The everlasting effects of Trumps 4 years.Trump had a smooth sailing economy when Obama handed it to him on a silver platter….losers always lose.They don’t know how to win.

Shhhh
Shhhh
2 years ago

Teachers have no support from administration. Even elementary schools have huge behavioral problems and teachers are not getting assistance with these students so they can actually teach the others. Kids are disruptive and disrespectful to teachers and other students. No accountability. Positive covid cases on the rise in the schools. Less and less covid precautions.

Legal Expert
Legal Expert
2 years ago

Idiot Harrington playing the blame game. It’s her job to secure the evidence from police departments when there is a case pending.
It’s basic chain of custody.

Also they could try and secure the search records and LUDs from the phone company and google.

There is a pattern with her, any case she will lose or css as by pleaded out, she blames someone else.

It was a purposeful destruction of evidence. We no longer have the phone. We no longer have the evidence, which is really the key for us in having to dismiss this charge.”

— Andrea Harrington, Berkshire district attorney, on why her office dismissed a rape charge against a Dalton man“

Juan Alvarez
Juan Alvarez
Reply to  Legal Expert
2 years ago

The best part is they are trying to make Coe the scapegoat. According to the Eagle in speaking with an officer over the weekend telling him he wouldn’t have to testify, the officer disclosed having to alter his report at the direction of Coe. Is this the same officer assigned to doing their phone cases? If so, that is the same officer that contacted a blog turtleboy sports asking them to write articles on Coe. If he was so honorable why not bring this to light years ago? Not sure it is the same but would be one hell of a coincidence.

kuckeliku
kuckeliku
Reply to  Juan Alvarez
2 years ago

They change the names. Wonder if there is a stipend for being the scapegoat!

https://youtu.be/toL1tXrLA1c

Been There Done That
Been There Done That
Reply to  Juan Alvarez
2 years ago

Maybe the ADAs in her office should speak with witnesses prior to 2 days before trial. Where’s all her concern about victims now? A rape victim with her case dismissed and today with a defendant getting the deal of a lifetime on a home invasion case. How’s that victim? What about Nick Carnevale and his family? Everything they have gone through with this office. She’s 0 for 3 in the last 2 weeks! Good going DAs Office! I hope everyone that wanted change is happy now! It’s disgraceful.

LegalEagle
LegalEagle
Reply to  Legal Expert
2 years ago

This is spot on, Expert. Every day there is another convenient reason why Harrington’s office can’t go to trial and risk losing another case. As you point out, it is always someone else’s fault. Rape, baby killer, drunk driver, murder. When will it end?
Dismissing this case is not necessary. They could have asked that the judge order the officer to write a report now on how it went down. Maybe the judge would rule it admissable, maybe not.
What consideration is given to the victim for getting justice for what happened? No mention of them. Harrington does not have the capability to fight for justice because she is incompetent. She has to go.

Victim
Victim
Reply to  LegalEagle
2 years ago

Victim advocate is a mirage, I stand, alone. And no one believes me.

Legal Expert
Legal Expert
Reply to  LegalEagle
2 years ago

Harrington approves a deal that NO COMPETENT DA would have offered.

This is just going to encourage more crime.

“Second defendant in 2018 Adams home invasion enters plea, gets ‘deal of a lifetime’”

“ Jordan Hawkins-Darden, 25, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of larceny under $1,200 and was sentenced to one year in the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction by Judge John Agostini. The sentence was in line with a recommendation from Assistant District Attorney Andrew Giarolo. It also matched the sentence given to co-defendant Jacob Galipeo this year.

“Neither one of them had any adult record; they were both equally culpable in this matter,” Giarolo said, adding that “the principals of equity and equality mandate” that Hawkins-Darden receive the same penalty as his co-defendant.

Trial set to begin in 2018 home invasion, and the case hangs on a witness seeking immunity
Trial set to begin in 2018 home invasion, and the case hangs on a witness seeking immunity

“We have several young people who made an extremely poor decision, and in doing so they truly scared” the two victims, Giarolo said, calling the facts of the case “extremely serious.”

When does the prosecution advocate for the criminals? In DA Andrea Harrington’s world. They don’t have any adult charges because past violent crimes were committed while being juveniles.
Look at the crimes they’ve committed since.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
2 years ago

“CNN and MSNBC did not air the defense’s closing arguments today in the Rittenhouse case, only the prosecutor’s. This is why their ratings are in the toilet. Because they’re full of shit and they’re domestic enemies of America that want Kenosha destroyed.”

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

“No matter what happens with the verdict…

Joseph Rosenbaum will never sodomize a child again.

Anthony Huber will never attack an old lady or burglarize a house again.

Gaige Gosskreutz will have to jerk off with his left hand.

And for that I’m thankful to Kyle.”

Knutcase
Knutcase
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Rotten house will make a fine defense attorney one day. Oh, by the way Chuck my real name is knutcase on here, haven’t I proved that on here.

12 Gauge
12 Gauge
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Gaige can still zoom with Jeffrey Tubin.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Thinning the herd is what it’s called. Two less dirtbags to suck off taxpayer tit.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Prosecutor needs to be disbarred like that felon McDonough who posts here

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Hated Taxpayer
2 years ago

McDonough wasn’t disbarred. What is it with you and this guy McDonough? Did he represent you? Did you lose a case to him? Did you work with him?

Get a life.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Maybe you could give Gaige Gosskreutz “a hand”.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

And how would you know this McDonough. Christ you are a bad lawyer. Stop pretending no wonder you never made partner

Bleak House
Bleak House
Reply to  Hated Taxpayer
2 years ago

Look it up.

Hated Taxpayer
Hated Taxpayer
Reply to  Bleak House
2 years ago

Right McDonough like you would oh d know where. Busted again. Too easy with you. Try harder

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

I agree with you Mad. And I hope Kyle sues the networks for slander. I’d want Kyle on my team any day.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

Yes, the kid they/MSM slandered in Va got $250 million.

Numbers Game
Numbers Game
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

I’m looking for 44

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

How dare you disparage TSC , source of false news. Secondly, those scum bags you referred to are “Heroes “ according to the prosecution. FJB comments on the trial too.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

But it was on channel 47 HLN Very impressed with Rittenhouse. I hope he walks free and the sooner the better. But mostly I hope he stays away from groups who are sure to try to recruit him and use him. The press should apologize for their early characterization of him as an extremist and hopefully he will not move forward and prove them right. He could have a bright future ahead of him. if he stays away from politics.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

Thumbs up Fizze!

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Oh wow man! gonna frame that one

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

Not the first or third , or……time Fizze, I speak the truth.

You did good.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

One of the prosecutors has no clue regarding gun safety…..

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/11/15/rittenhouse-thomas-binger-gun-safety-ar-15/

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Most liberals don’t. That’s a generalization, but most are just stupid about gun safety, types of guns and their use, hunting, and the 2nd amendment.

Alec Baldwin come to mind. If he had checked the pistol, he would have seen it loaded, with a LIVE round. Then he did THE MOST irisponsible thing concerning firearm safety, he pointed at a person, then pulled the trigger.

Alec deserves manslaughter at the least.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

He/it/thingy does not have a clue, period.

Gun safety he/it /thingy is lost in space.

Gary Wood
Gary Wood
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

If they make a movie about this trial Alec Baldwin can portray Thomas Binger.

Malfeasance
Malfeasance
2 years ago

How about if they start by checking the board members resume. The board of health director refused to release a copy of their resume, because the resume is not on file at town office, it is not subject to public records request. In a nutshell the director of the board of health is not qualified.

Secondly, how about if tax assessments for those operating a commercial enterprise, via commercial real estate are assessed per the commercial tax rate not the residential tax rate, this way it is fair & legal.

Third, how about if the board of health adhere to code enforcement, even when their developer cronies violate the Massachusetts sanitary code.

They do not know the basic definition of “commerce” & it is imperative that they know.

No More Grant Money. No more achievement awards.

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/central_berkshires/more-money-for-local-health-boards-massachusetts-lawmakers-are-working-on-it/article_4872b4c4-463d-11ec-989e-8fb6ec115d6b.html

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Malfeasance
2 years ago

I agree. The current Board of Health members appear ignorant of science. No more money.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

Wearing a mask, to filter a virus, is like a chain link fence around your yard for mosquitoes.

Think about it sheeple……

Last edited 2 years ago by Mad Trapper
Victim
Victim
Reply to  Mad Trapper
2 years ago

Dude, I fu ki g heard you the first time. The virus is a lie, other things are real.

Last edited 2 years ago by Victim
laughingstock
laughingstock
2 years ago

Dan, Can you call the AG’s office and find out of this reward from the DA’s office is legal? Is it ethical to offer a reward for one case? I’m just wondering because some of us would like the same opportunity the next time the DA is grandstanding and trying to distract us from her incompetence.
https://theberkshireedge.com/berkshire-das-office-family-offer-15000-reward-for-information-on-kim-benoit-homicide/

Juan Alvarez
Juan Alvarez
Reply to  laughingstock
2 years ago

She always has to come out with a headline to distract people from fumbles, IE the last three cases dropped

gotcha22
gotcha22
Reply to  laughingstock
2 years ago

You think you will get a straight answer? This is only in the last two weeks and only the cases we can see in the news about the most incompetent DA in the history of the commonwealth.

Rape Case Dropped
Lenox man acquitted of second offense drunken driving
Accused of trying to kill her baby, a Pittsfield woman is free 

Shooting Trial Postponed over Credibility of Prosecution Witnesses

Been There Done That
Been There Done That
Reply to  laughingstock
2 years ago

She’s unbelievable. Look for a pricey fundraiser to be coming soon.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

The Biden/Obama admin has nominated communist Saule Omarova to be Comptroller of the Currency. Vote is Thursday. Omarova has advocated for:

Abolishing private bank accounts
Bankrupting America’s oil & gas industry
Giving unprecedented power to the Federal Reserve
Massively expanding the federal govt’s role over the economy

She is from the former USSR & is promoting a Marxist-Leninist agenda. Call your senators TODAY to reject Omarova’s nomination!

Senator Warren 617/565-3170
Senator Markey 617/565-8519

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Calling Marlarkey and Lieawatha Warren is a waste of time.

^^^^^^^You did that, Democrats^^^^^^^

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Johnatollah Kerry likes her! He likes Iran. He shot himself in the foot for a medal……

How’s gas/oil/heating fuel prices doing? AND FOOD?

Stay warm or eat?

^^^^^^^ Democrats did that!!!!!^^^^^^^^^

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
2 years ago

New opioid article in the Journalistic Excuse. More “look over there not over here” obfuscation. Hinsdale and North Adams have more opioid deaths per capita. Nice diversion. Nice graphs and such for the overall picture. But apparently Francesca is not allowed to come right out and say THIS is the number of opioid deaths in Pittsfield for 2020 and so far in 2021. Pittsfield, home of the Journalistic Excuse, is NOT to be highlighted in ANY negative fashion whatsoever. While many poor souls did overdose and die in Pittsfield, we would rather you kinda think of all the bad things that happen OUTSIDE of Pittsfield so as not to shine a negative light on tourism or anybody who may be in charge of anything.

gotcha22
gotcha22
2 years ago

John Barrrett is a bully. This is news to anyone?

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  gotcha22
2 years ago

No. Everybody knows that including mayor who waited till he had one foot out the door to go public. No balls and too late to cry now. As Dan writes, politics is brutal.

RNtoo
RNtoo
2 years ago

Here is a list (not complete) of elected officials who endorsed Andrea Harrington. Maybe someone could ask hem to defend their choice. We’ll wait.
Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, Maura Healey, Adam Hinds, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Paul Mark, Smitty Pignatelli, John Barrett, Linda Tyer, Peter Marchetti, Peter White, Congressman Neal. 

Nakifd And Unafrade.
Nakifd And Unafrade.
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

Ad the biggest Bootlicker. Puke neck.

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

She had the (D) covered, just not the (Q). Qualified. Of course that is not important to that unqualified bunch of political puppets.

Lacking Integrity
Lacking Integrity
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

Puppet tits

Been There Done That
Been There Done That
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

And then she turned on Markey and Neal. She doesn’t know loyalty, she is selfish and narcissistic and only cares what will be in it for her.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

And now Hinds is running for Lt. Gov? He’s a liberal, do-nothing hack. When will his seedy past be exposed? Oh wait, this is Dem country – all that stuff gets swept under the rug!

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  RNtoo
2 years ago

RINO gov Baker

[sic]
[sic]
2 years ago

I am unable to receive any satisfaction

Shhhh
Shhhh
2 years ago

11 new covid cases today at morningside school. Email sent to parents. Do u think the mayor or superintendent will address the rising numbers. I doubt it.

Been There Done That
Been There Done That
Reply to  Shhhh
2 years ago

DESE won’t let them do anything

Annulgas
Annulgas
Reply to  Shhhh
2 years ago

Anything that is embarrassing to the mayor will be downplayed if it is addressed at all. She runs a tightly covered ship.

smoke and mirrors
smoke and mirrors
Reply to  Shhhh
2 years ago

And those are only the ones that they disclose publicly…

Shirleyknutz
Shirleyknutz
2 years ago

Just wondering if any School Committee member, City Councilors or someone from the Mayor’s office have a comment on the crisis in the PPS (Pittsfield Public Schools, in case they didn’t understand the abbreviation)? It seems like they have put their heads in the sand and pretending nothing is wrong! Great leadership going on in the city, very comforting.

Annulgas
Annulgas
2 years ago

Is it true that this thread is scrolling across a large monitor over at the Mercer building? And is it true that several employees have been given the task of tuning in and posting down thumbs???

Well, it is Pittsfield

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
2 years ago

In the United States, people believe the most frequently washed part of the body in 2021 were the hands, in fact it was the brain.

Rileyed
Rileyed
2 years ago

Armed Home Invader Snags Same Sentence as Hale Bale Man Thanks to Incompetent Andrea Harrington – “Deal of a Lifetime” for out of town dirtbag with more armed cases pending

PITTSFIELD — A defendant in an Adams home invasion took a plea deal Tuesday, making it an early day for the jury that had been convened to weigh his case.
Jordan Hawkins-Darden, 25, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of larceny under $1,200 and was sentenced to one year in the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction by Judge John Agostini. The sentence was in line with a recommendation from Assistant District Attorney Andrew Giarolo. It also matched the sentence given to co-defendant Jacob Galipeo this year.
“Neither one of them had any adult record; they were both equally culpable in this matter,” Giarolo said, adding that “the principals of equity and equality mandate” that Hawkins-Darden receive the same penalty as his co-defendant.

A jury has been seated to hear the case of a Springfield man accused in an armed home invasion in Adams. And the key witness in the case has signaled that he intends to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
“We have several young people who made an extremely poor decision, and in doing so they truly scared” the two victims, Giarolo said, calling the facts of the case “extremely serious.”
A weapon that Giarolo said authorities have “every reason to believe” was a BB gun was brandished during the home invasion.
Prosecutors dismissed two counts each of armed robbery and home invasion. The latter charge carries a minimum sentence of 20 years of incarceration, defense attorney Joshua Hochberg said.
Hawkins-Darden admitted to facts sufficient for a finding of guilt on daytime felony breaking and entering and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges will be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for two years.
The same deal was on the table before Hawkins-Darden decided to proceed toward trial, Giarolo said.
Hochberg said he “pushed hard” to have Hawkins-Darden go to a jury trial because prosecutors had a “weak case.” On Monday, Giarolo indicated that the state planned to seek immunity for Jacob Blanchard, its “critical essential witness.”
Agostini said the case was a difficult one for prosecutors to try because of a “confluence” of factors, and noted the involvement of weapons, and the elements of larceny and preplanning involved in the crime.
Given as much, Hawkins-Darden “got a deal of a lifetime,” Agostini said.
Agostini said Hawkins-Darden has a separate assault with a firearm case pending in Massachusetts, and other charges pending in Texas, where, his defense lawyer said, he has been living for about the past two years.
Four men went to a Jordan Street residence Oct. 18, 2018, to confront the resident about a “past dispute,” Giarolo said. Had the matter gone to trial, the resident’s girlfriend, who was home at the time, would have testified that Galipeo knocked on the door and her boyfriend answered, Giarolo said.
According to Giarolo, Blanchard would have testified that Hawkins-Darden, who also is known as “Facts,” punched the resident in the face, and along with an individual identified only as “Rell,” he entered the home with a BB gun before making off with a “quantity of marijuana,” as well as the resident’s cellphone and cash.
Jury selection was completed Monday, but Hawkins-Darden opted to take the plea before opening arguments.

Free Bird
Free Bird
2 years ago