FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DRURY HIGH SCHOOL ONE OF FOUR SCHOOLS NAMED TO BARR FOUNDATION’S MOMENTUM SCHOOLS INITIATIVE
NORTH ADAMS, MA — Drury High School is pleased to announce it has been selected by the Barr Foundation as one of four schools in their new Momentum Schools Initiative (MSI) cohort to improve student learning experiences. The Foundation’s Momentum Schools Initiative is a multi‑year partnership with Springpoint, a top-quality education consultancy, to support the implementation and scaling of Transformative Learning Experience units. Momentum Schools Initiative will provide Drury with coaching, professional learning, and leadership alignment so practices that center student identity, equity, and agency can take root and spread across school systems and allow schools to grow and maintain rigorous, project‑based, multidisciplinary learning across classrooms.
Springpoint defines Transformative Learning Experiences as “purposeful, rigorous, standards-aligned project-based curricula that are deeply informed by culturally responsive pedagogy to center student engagement with learning that is deep and meaningful.” Transformative Learning Experiences include 6–8 weeks of rigorous, hands-on, project‑based units designed to make learning relevant beyond high school. Drury already incorporates Transformative Learning Experiences in the current program of studies by offering project-based learning and Early College coursework. As part of the MSI cohort, Drury will work with Springpoint and peer schools to design and implement Transformative Learning Experiences that focus on student voice, real‑world relevance, and equitable instructional practices. The initiative aims to build lasting capacity in coaches and leaders so students experience consistently challenging, meaningful work that develops both skills and agency.
“We’re highly dedicated to preparing Drury High School students for success beyond high school, as evident by our Early College and Healthcare and Social Assistance Innovation Pathway designation. The Momentum Schools Initiative partnership directly aligns with our existing work and we’re looking forward to seeing how this initiative bolsters what we already offer,” said Dr. Annie Pecor, Assistant Superintendent.
“Teachers and students at Drury are ready to engage in learning that feels purposeful and connected to the real world,” said Principal Stephanie Kopala. “The focus of the Momentum Schools Initiative on sustained coaching and collaborative design will fuel creative, rigorous units that lift student voice and build the skills our young people need. We’re grateful to the Barr Foundation and Springpoint for their partnership and investment in our work.”
Drury students’ recent TLE work was spotlighted by the Barr Foundation in 2025 at their TLE Conference and can be viewed here:
About the Barr Foundation
The mission of the Barr Foundation is to invest in human, natural, and creative potential, serving as thoughtful stewards and catalysts. As stewards, we nurture community assets that unite us, protect our environment, and inspire creativity. As catalysts, we spark change and champion bold ideas that can transform our collective future. Rooted in equity, empathy, and opportunity, we strive to help communities across our region become places where everyone can access their unbounded potential.
About Springpoint
Springpoint is a national nonprofit that partners with school districts to design and launch innovative high schools focused on student success in college and careers. Springpoint’s mission is to enable all students, regardless of environment or background, to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
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