August 11, 2023
Dear Drury High School Families,
The Drury community extends a warm welcome to you and your students as we prepare to begin the 2023-2024 school year. Drury High School will reopen its doors on August 31st for 7th and 8th grade students, and on September 1st for students in grades 9 through 12. Both of these days will conclude with early dismissal at 11:00 AM, providing a gradual return to the school routine.
In anticipation for the new school year, our administrative team has been hard at work creating new programs aimed at enriching the learning experience for all students:
New Programs and Opportunities for Students:
Project-Based Learning: Drury is introducing Project-Based Learning, an approach designed to encourage collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking among students. This method will equip them with practical skills applicable beyond the classroom.
Crew Advisory: Understanding the significance of a supportive community, we have implemented a daily 30 minute Crew advisory. This advisory offers students a smaller, more intimate setting for mentorship and guidance, further promoting a sense of belonging among students and their school community.
Flex Block: The introduction of Flex Block acknowledges the diverse needs of our student body. This dedicated daily period allows for personalized interventions and enrichment opportunities, catering to individual academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
Early College: Last April, Drury was named an Early College High School by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Early College program at Drury-MCLA is committed to providing equitable access for all students to higher education, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue college-level coursework and graduate with 30 or more college credits at NO COST to the student or their families. The program begins by focusing on developing essential skills outlined in the Berkshire County Portrait of a Graduate (communication, personal responsibility, global citizenship, critical thinking, lifelong learning, and prepared individuals) competencies to ensure all students are prepared for college and career upon graduation.
Full Time Workforce Development and Internship Coordinator: We are excited to welcome a new full-time Workforce Development and Internship Coordinator. This role has been specifically designed to guide our students in the cultivation of skills that are directly applicable to their chosen career paths. The coordinator will collaborate closely with students, helping them develop skills that are not only relevant but essential for success in their selected fields.
One of the primary responsibilities of the Workforce Development and Internship Coordinator will be to establish connections with our local community members and businesses. By building these vital relationships, the coordinator will be able to secure meaningful internship placements for our students. These internships will provide students with invaluable opportunities to hone their workplace readiness skills, setting them on a trajectory towards future success.
Family Engagement Opportunity: Caregivers of 7th and 8th grade students are cordially invited to a mini open house on August 31st, from 7:45 AM to 8:45 AM. This event includes the opening student assembly, followed by an opportunity to meet and converse with your student's teachers. It will conclude with a Q&A informational session.
Save the Date: Drury’s full open house will be held on Thursday, September 14th from 5:30-7:30 PM and all caregivers and their students (grades 7-12 and those enrolled in special programs) are invited to attend. The event will kick off with a brief assembly in the auditorium and then caregivers will follow their student’s schedule to meet their teachers and learn more about the classes they are taking.
Your support continues to be invaluable to us as we embark on this new chapter of Drury High School. The staff and faculty remain committed to providing a conducive and engaging educational environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth.
We are excited for the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new ones. Together, we will contribute to a solid foundation for our students' future accomplishments. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and we look forward to seeing you at our open house!
Best regards,
Stephanie Kopala
Principal, Drury High School