Can you believe it's already Back to School season in the Berkshires? Summer is fading fast, and before you know it, those school buses will be back on the roads.
But no worries! Berkshires Macaroni KID is here to help you kickstart the 2024-2025 school year with our ultimate guide! As you hit the stores for backpacks and pencil cases, keep this guide handy. We've compiled a bunch of helpful resources, including upcoming recreational activities for your kids, like dance, music, art, after-school programs, educational resources, and even some fun ways to celebrate your kids' return to school. Make sure to mention you saw it on Berkshire MacKID — we're all about connecting our community!
Oh, and don't miss out on our advice and tips for dealing with that first-day anxiety, awesome printables to make those first-day pics memorable, and even some lunch-packing ideas! And mark your calendars for all the fantastic Back to School events happening over the next couple of weeks to celebrate our students' return to school!
If you're interested in having your business listed in our Back to School Guide, there's still time! Shoot us an email at taylors@macaronikid.com to get signed up. Let's make this Back to School season the best one yet!
This Guide is sponsored by Terpsichore Dance Center, where dancing is our passion.
Terpsichore Dance Center
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Come learn with the best at Terpsichore Dance Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Offering classes in various styles for ages 1.5 to adult. Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tumble, Creative Movement, Modern/Jazz, Jazz Pop! and a competitive dance team program under the name of All Berkshire Dance. Whether your focus is technique, flexibility or you’re just looking for a fun activity, you can find it at Terpsichore.
395 North St., Pittsfield
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Berkshire Art Center, formerly known as IS183 Art School, is the leading provider of high quality, hands-on instruction in the visual arts year-round at sites throughout Berkshire County. Founded in 1991 as a place where “people who love art, regardless of age or ability, can gather to experience creative expression,” Berkshire Art Center has evolved to reach over 2,500 students each year through studio-based classes, artistic events, and out-of-school engagement programs. Berkshire Art Center’s classes provide opportunities for our community to feel what it’s like to create the art seen in our local museums, to connect with local artists, and to be empowered to make something with their own hands.
13 Willard Hill Road, Stockbridge & 141 North Street, Pittsfield
Berkshire Music School has a complete schedule of private lessons, group classes, workshops, and performances for musicians of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
30 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield
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Berkshire Pulse is a dynamic nonprofit center for creative arts whose mission is to build and strengthen community life through diverse and accessible programming including dance, movement, theater, music, and performance. Registration for fall classes opens on Thursday, August 22nd.
420 Park St, Housatonic
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Ready Set Play is the perfect place for little ones to explore, play, and imagine. Ages 2-12 can let loose and have fun at the Berkshires only indoor playground and birthday party venue!
675 Merrill Road, Pittsfield
Nourish your creativity with Second Nature Arts! Our multidisciplinary K-12 and adult workshops are offered at schools, libraries, and community centers. Each program fuses playful art practices with thoughtful reflection to evoke wonder and delight in each participant. Experience the joy of experimenting, igniting your imagination, and learning new techniques!
Great Barrington, MA
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Berkshire CHP Family Services offers bilingual parent education, open playgroups for parents and children, breastfeeding support, referral services, a lending library, and children’s clothing exchange. We are a hub of activity and a knowledge base – stop by or check out the calendar for more information.
442 Stockbridge Road (Route 7), Great Barrington
Central Berkshire Music Together
The Music Together program is internationally recognized as a leader in early childhood music education. Each week families come together to sing, dance & jam together. Very young children learn best through play and we foster an enjoyable, non-performance oriented atmosphere, where adults, regardless of their own musical ability, can relax as they play musically with their children. We hope to inspire music-making in your everyday family life!
110 South Street, Pittsfield & 66 School Street , Williamstown
NEW! Preschool Program @ Kittredge Elementary
The Dalton CRA has announced Open Enrollment for a NEW Preschool program located at Kittredge Elementary School in Hinsdale. The program features a developmentally appropriate curriculum, play-based learning and outdoor play.
Maple St., Hinsdale
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South Berkshire Kids is one of the coolest community organizations in the beautiful Berkshires. These folks are all about supporting families and kids through free, FUN playgroups, storytimes and literacy events throughout the area. They also offer a series of parenting workshops.
310 Greylock St, Lee
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Ready Set Learn is a private Preschool and Pre-K and located in the heart of Pittsfield. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience for your child. Our school offers a safe, nurturing environment that encourages children to explore their interests and develop new skills while having fun!
133 Dalton Ave & 41 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield
| Local School Information |
- Berkshire County First Day of School Schedules
- Back to School Tips from Local Parents/Teachers
- BackPACKED Berkshires: Local Back to School Events
- Gearing Up for Kindergarten (Great Barrington)
- Berkshire Public Schools
- Berkshire Private Schools
| Articles to Help the Back to School Transition |
- 10 Books to Ease Back to School Fears
- 8 Things to Do Before Going Back to School
- 5 Ways Parents Can Support Their Neurodivergent Children In School
- Coping with Back to School Anxiety
- Back to School Printables
- 8 Tips For School Year Success From An Experienced Mom
Morning Hacks to Make Back-to-School Stress Free - A Handy Checklist Makes After School Time Easier
| Back to School Snacks |
- Orange Pumpkin Snacks
- No-Bake Peanut Butter, Oatmeal & Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
- Apple Nachos
- Yogurt Covered Blueberries on a Stick
- MacKid Mama's Favorite Banana Bread
- Sweet Treat Cookie Dough
| Easy Week Day Dinners |
