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BHS In the Community

BHS Supports Conte School Initiative
CONTE COMMUNITY SCHOOL PROGRAM BENEFITS FROM BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS SUPPORT Berkshire Health Systems has donated $25,000 to the Conte Community School in support of its Connected for Success initiative, an after-school program providing academic and enrichment activities for Conte students. "The Conte community is very committed to the success of our students and our Connected for Success program offers expanded opportunities in academic support and enrichment activities,” said Donna Leep, Principal of Conte Community School. “Our partnership with Berkshire Health Systems has helped us to build and sustain the efforts to bring students experiences that bring learning to life and celebrate excellence. The Connected for Success focus on the arts, science, and careers gives students a reason for why we are coming to school every day. We thank BHS for helping us to continue to move this program forward." “As a not-for-profit healthcare provider, Berkshire Health Systems recognizes the significant financial challenges our schools face in developing and implementing innovative and much-needed programs like Connected for Success,” said David E. Phelps, President of BHS. “The Board of Trustees at Berkshire Health Systems is committed to supporting our community through such unique efforts. This program, in concert with other Conte initiatives, helps the young people of our community to realize their full potential.” Connected for Success is a grant funded program serving students with academic and social needs at Conte. The program offers academic assistance, enrichment and social skills training through hands-on, project based activities that accommodate a variety of learning styles. The staff to student ratio is one staff member for every six students, which allows for consistent attention to individuals student needs. The 32-week, three session program is offered to students in grades 1 through 5 at Conte and is held after school. Academic support is provided in math, reading, writing, science and homework. Enrichment activities include cooking, robotics, the arts, nature, paleontology, fitness and more. Connected for Success partner agencies include the Berkshire Theatre Festival, Berkshire Museum, Center for Ecological Technology and Youth Alive. Conte Community School is one of Berkshire Health Systems’ Partners in Education. Throughout the school year, BHS provides support for Conte and Reid Middle School programs and activities, including the Good Citizenship Awards – a quarterly award ceremony for select Conte students who visit Berkshire Medical Center, learn about the hospital’s programs and receive their framed awards in a luncheon program. The hospital and the school collaborate on numerous other programs, as well.