Mt. Everett Regional School 491 Berkshire School Road, Sheffield, MA 01257 (413)229-8734

Every other Monday, students in grades nine through twelve amass in Mount Everett’s auditorium before first period. The seating partnerships change, students moving between social groups week to week. The atmosphere is homey and relaxed. Applause is frequent and laughter encouraged. Students stand to make announcements. Instructors and activities advisors step forward to make reminders.

The school has raised over ten thousand dollars for tsunami relief. A senior, back from a jazz ensemble trip, took first prize for solo among over one thousand participants. A student organization sent several thousand cookies to American troops abroad. Another student organization is holding a fundraising breakfast to raise awareness of destructive decisions and to encourage wise choices. A freshman athlete has returned from an invitation-only state tournament. An instructor announces a new summer camp. Volunteers are called to work on a team art project. The Madrigal Feast will need assistance with set preparation. Faculty and students are invited to audition for a talent show. Two instructors have received prestigious grants to study during the summer. Several graduating seniors have been accepted at their first-choice colleges; many have received scholarships.

Principal Devoti leads from the front of the auditorium; calls on students by name; thanks individuals and groups; praises efforts; reads letters and commendations received; acknowledges responsibilities; sends everyone to class with a double wave of his arms.

This is Mount Everett.

Students disperse to their classrooms. In one class, students sit in impassioned give-and-take around a conference table. In another, students scan the text of a civil rights movement speech while an audio recording echoes powerfully. Many class sizes are small. All classes are dynamic. One teacher speaks from front and center; another looks over the shoulder of a team of four, examining their shared progress; still another listens quietly, appreciatively, as the students become teachers. A blend of labs, student-directed projects, lectures, small team conversations, large team projects and discussions creates an ever-changing environment of increasing responsibility, reliance and respect.

This, too, is Mount Everett.

When classes end the day is only half undertaken. Teachers open their doors to study groups, appointments or drop-bys. Locker rooms teem with activity before scrimmages, practices and games begin. A small gathering of students meets for the first time to establish a new club. Aspiring journalists gather to discuss their first newspaper. The auditorium rings with song, hammering, laughter and dramatic readings. A student who is performing well meets with her parents and teachers to learn what additional opportunities can be gained. Other teachers meet to discuss a student they want to ensure sees and explores his individual potential.

This play after work is Mount Everett – and everyone gets to play.

Ask current students what they appreciate about Mount Everett, and the responses are enthusiastic: the size, teachers, opportunity to create an environment, and ability to have a face and name and role within a dynamic family. Ask the faculty, and the responses are equally enthusiastic: size, students, opportunity and the ability to make a difference.

Size does matter. As Principal Devoti says as he prepares to dismiss kids to class from the TAC-PAC, “When you’re small, you have to be disciplined, you have to work harder, and you have to work together.” This is Mount Everett’s greatness.