Drury High School - We Hold the Western Gateway

DDS Neurodiversity EVENT May 23, 2024 The Statewide Autism Team is excited to present the next training in the Neurodiversity Training Series. Unmasking the Hidden Struggles: Navigating Autistic Burnout and Masking Date/Time: Thursday, 5/23 at 12 pm Registration Link: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMocuGorzwpGNzxz8d7YFR2Q5Aq6orF1sTQ#/registration Presenter: Megan Anna Neff, PsyD She/They, Website: www.neurodivergentinsights.com Description: Join us for a 90-minute discussion that sheds light on the intertwined realities of Autistic masking and burnout, significantly impacting the lives of Autistic adults. Hosted by Dr. Neff, an Autistic clinical psychologist and author, this talk is set to illuminate the often-overlooked “invisible end of the spectrum.” As awareness of autism without co-occurring intellectual disability grows, an increasing number of adults are seeking supportive services. However, historically, the field has not fully grasped their presentation or needs. This talk aims to demystify by exploring and defining a few key features: • The lost generation of Autistic adults • Autistic masking (not what you think it is) • Autistic burnout We will delve into the concept of "masking" — the innate drive for safety that leads many Autistic people to repress Autistic traits and mimic neurotypical norms, examining its deep connection to Autistic burnout. This state of physical and mental exhaustion can lead to severe consequences for quality of life, including an increased risk of suicidality. By engaging with the latest research, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the current support system, despite its good intentions, may inadvertently exacerbate these challenges. This training is set to challenge the status quo, advocating for a shift towards more neuro-affirming approaches in therapy and support services. It questions long-held assumptions about the needs of Autistic individuals. Bio: Dr. Neff is a neurodivergent Psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. Dr. Neff is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People. Additionally, she has published in several peer-reviewed journals.

Massachusetts has a new IEP Form!  The new form is written in easier-to-understand language and is designed to increase collaboration among IEP Team members.  Centering on student’s strengths and vision, a goal is to help students take an active part in the IEP planning process.  Come to our virtual Introduction to the New IEP Form presentation to learn what has changed!  This workshop is free and open to all families, educators, and administrators in current MassPAC member communities. Date: Wednesday, May 8th Time: 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Presenter: Leslie M. Leslie, MassPAC Project Director Please register to get the Zoom link to participate: https://fcsn.org/event/new-iep-may-8/ Questions? lleslie@fcsn.org

Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED Certification Training See flyer for details

SAVE THE DATE! Drury High School's semi-annual End of Semester Showcase & Student Recognition Event June 7th from 10:45am to 2:20pm Doors open at 10:35 Four different showcase locations: gym, library, and band and theatre classrooms. Student Recognition Ceremony will begin at 1pm in the auditorium

The Greenhouse Program is holding its Spring Open House on Thursday, May 9th from 9am to 6pm. See flyers for additional hours they will be open and pricing.

Teen Writing Workshop Showcase See flyer for details!

Today, we’re celebrating our School Lunch Heroes! School meals are the building blocks for creating supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. Thank you to all who provide healthy, nutritious meals to our students every day!

Our 21st Century Afterschool Program showered our School Lunch Heroes with some love! Thank you to all of our School Lunch Heroes for everything you do, including all the work that goes into serving our delicious dinner program that our Afterschool students get to enjoy! Don't forget to thank your School Lunch Hero today!

Please join us in congratulating our students from Drury High School who participated in the Special Olympics event earlier in the week at Monument Mountain High School. The DHS team won 5th place in the banner competition. Students took home 7 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals for various events in which they participated. We would also like to extend a sincere word of thanks to our staff for working diligently for our students and advocating for their participation in this Nationally recognized event. It is wonderful to see such collaboration and dedication to a population of students, who so often go unrecognized. Small steps are huge gains for some, and we are thrilled to celebrate and congratulate them for their accomplishments.

Upcoming programming at ROOTS Teen Center. See flyers for details.

UMass Extension 4-H Career Exploration Series See flyer for details.

Sheep to Shawl Festival at Sheep Hill See flyer for details.

Free credit success workshop with Wayfinders. See flyer for details.

Safe Neighborhoods: Bike Safety Event Saturday, 4/27, from 12-3 pm NAPD will be giving out FREE bike helmets (all ages). There will be hot dogs & chips, an opportunity to tune up your bike and raffles. Free and open to all!

8 Drury High School students will be participating in the event, "How Shall We Live Climate Visions of Berkshire Youth Artists III" which is being held at the Stationary Factory from April 29 - May 12. The selected works in the show are by the following Early College Art & Society students: Abby Bailey Rachel DeCoste James Dupre-Harris Jake McAllister Daphne Catelotti Link Domenichini Olivia Patenaude Evette Sumner Congrats to all involved!

Camp MASS MoCA 2024 Camp details can be found here: https://massmoca.org/event/camp-mass-moca/ One full scholarship per camp is available for students from North Adams Public Schools and North Berkshire School Union, as well as Hoosac Valley, Morningside, Conte, and Capeless Elementary Schools. Email campmm@massmoca.org with your child’s name, age, school, camp week(s) preference, and contact information by April 30 to enter the scholarship lottery. To ensure your spot in camp regardless of receiving a scholarship, register and you will receive a refund if selected.

Upcoming North Adams Mobile Food Bank and SNAP Information

Youth Works is a PAID internship program, serving eligible youth ages 14-25! Applications are located at: MassHire Berkshire Career Center 160 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 (3rd Floor) Walk-in application assistance is available !!! April 12th to May 30th Youth Employment Counselors are available on the following dates and time! NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED · Mondays: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM · Tuesdays: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM · Fridays: 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Reminder! The Hero and Me Dance is this Friday, 4/12/2024, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Brayton Elementary School. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Western MA See flyers for programming options and information on how to get involved. BB/BS of Western MA is a newly merged organization that brings together the existing programs in Franklin and Hampden counties and is working to re-launch Big Brother/Big Sister services in Berkshire County. There is a Berkshire County Advisory Committee that has been meeting to work on what this will look like for the county. If you are interested or would like more information please feel free to reach out to Executive Director David Bertune at dbeturne@bigbrothers-sisters.org.