Dear Drury Students and Caregivers,
At Drury, we believe the students of North Adams deserve the best education possible and it is this belief that has motivated me to help create the Drury of today: a school that is more equitable, with higher expectations, higher standards, and one that is full of support so that all students have what they need to reach their greatest potential. As principal, I plan to keep the momentum of growth and positive change moving forward.
One of the exciting changes to the school this year is our partnership with MCLA. Drury was recently named a Massachusetts Early College High School by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Having the Early College designation means we now provide all Drury students with college courses offered right on the Drury campus alongside a growing list of MCLA campus opportunities, at no cost to our students and their families. In addition, Drury has partnered with Paper, a 24/7 on-demand, and free to Drury students, tutoring service. This service will provide all students with wraparound services by allowing them to access highly qualified tutors whenever and wherever they need assistance. This year, we also welcomed a full time Internship and Workforce Development Coordinator to help our students explore their passions beyond the walls of Drury through internships in our local community. More information about these exciting partnerships will be available throughout the school year.
Finally, Drury is continuing our implementation of the Berkshire County Portrait of Graduate competencies to help our students become more ready for wherever life takes them after graduation. To prepare students, we have redesigned what our courses look like to include more hands-on, project-based learning opportunities. In these new courses, students learn through real-world experiences and develop real-world skills. These courses, in conjunction with our new advisory model, Crew, helps students develop their Portrait of a Graduate competencies (communication, problem-solving, lifelong learning, how to be a responsible person, a critical thinker, and a global citizen). Together, students and teachers are embarking on more meaningful learning opportunities, through signature experiences, where student voice and choice are at the forefront of their learning.
The future of Drury is here and I am excited for you to join us on our journey of transformational education.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Kopala, M.Ed, CAGS
Principal