Social isolation taking toll on students in Easthampton
Pepin School in Easthampton. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Students outside Easthampton High School GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 1/17/2021 9:28:51 PM
EASTHAMPTON As Easthampton Public Schools near the one-year mark of almost entirely remote learning, more students at the high school many of whom fall into more vulnerable groups are failing classes and citing social isolation as a major struggle in their education.
At a Tuesday night School Committee meeting, administrators from the city’s public schools gave progress reports on metrics such as student attendance and grades. While unexcused absences have remained low across the schools, largely due to more absences being accepted as excused, Easthampton High School Principal Bill Evans reported that the number of students failing at least one class rose from 6% in fall 2019 to 16% during this same period in 2020.
Mill revival cheered: 1 Ferry St. overhaul seen as ‘capstone’ project in Easthampton’s Mill District
With support from the city, developer Mike Michon is transforming the dilapidated Ferry Street mill complex, one building at a time. STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
1 Ferry St. in Easthampton STAFF PHOTO/CAROL LOLLIS
Modified: 1/8/2021 11:13:41 PM
EASTHAMPTON A site long recognized for its abandoned, dilapidated mill buildings is on the rise as a private developer continues renovations of the 1 Ferry St. mill complex while the city makes road and utility upgrades to the area.
The $45 million project to redevelop the 310,000-square-feet mill complex at 1 Ferry St. bolstered by the city’s improvements to the area’s roads “completes the Mill District,” said Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. “It’s kind of the capstone of the Mill District.”
NORTHAMPTON As Congress met on Wednesday to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win, with violent supporters of exiting President Donald Trump storming the U.S. Capitol, a group of friends and neighbors stood in downtown Northampton to demand that.
Easthampton City Council OKs tax break for developer at 1 Ferry St.
Easthampton Municipal Building GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Modified: 1/7/2021 9:47:29 AM
EASTHAMPTON The 1 Ferry Street mill renovation project is a step closer to receiving a 30-year tax break after a City Council vote on Wednesday night.
The council’s vote enables Mayor Nicole LaChapelle to send a report on the project back to the state, which must enact its own review and approval.
Under the agreement, the One Industrial Lofts, LLC, project will be subject to an alternative tax payment for 30 years, which will create a scheduled rate ultimately resulting in the developer paying less in taxes to the city.
Westhampton Elementary School stays with hybrid learning after COVID case
Westhampton Elementary school playground Saturday afternoon. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 1/5/2021 3:50:17 PM
WESTHAMPTON A member of the Westhampton Elementary School community tested positive for COVID-19, but students are continuing with a hybrid learning model this week as the school rolls out cleaning and quarantine protocols.
On Saturday, the Westhampton School Committee and its COVID-19 subcommittee convened to discuss metrics in the county and at the elementary school, according to Principal Deane Bates, as the community had met two metrics that prompt discussion with the teachers union.
“We’re seeing an increase in COVID cases around our area … so we’re really trying to make sure that we’re making thoughtful choices for staff and students, trying to keep them safe,” Bates said.