One learns a great deal about a school by talking with students. Recently, several students at the Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School participated in conversations about their school. Their stories were compelling and the themes were consistent. Even though the nearly 250 students at BArT come from communities throughout Berkshire County and have interests, passions, and challenges that are uniquely their own, the same core values resonate strongly with each of them. Nearly all of the students who participated in these discussions felt they received much more personalized or one-on-one attention from their teachers. They related how BArT teachers, many of whom the students consider "friends," ensure that each student has a solid handle on each lesson. "If you don't get it, they'll explain it," says Mallorey. "They help me better understand concepts," remarks Luke. "They care about you," reflects Sabrina. "They won't let you fall behind." This "care," on the part of teachers, seems to be fostering a love for learning among BArT students. "They have a fun way of teaching us. Instead of just offering straight information, they provide us with a fun way of learning. We learn without realizing it!" says Kelsey. She's not alone in that thought: "I like how they teach. They make class fun," remarks Mallorey. "This is a good learning environment," says Nate, "and I like learning. I didn't enjoy it before." A child's physical and emotional well-being is a critical responsibility of any school; but providing a safe environment pays off academically as well. "It helps with learning if you're comfortable," notes Luke. "They want to make sure you're safe," says Amanda. "It makes me feel good." This sense of security rang clearly in other comments. Some students mentioned past difficulties in other schools. "There's no harassment," relates Matt. "The students here are like brothers and sisters. I feel safer." "There's a sense of belonging, from the students and the teachers," says Mallorey, describing what students labeled a feeling of community. "It's different from other schools," offers Mary. "More like a family." Echoing this thought was Brittany, who said, "It's like having a second family." Sabrina found herself opening up to the warm reception she received from her fellow students: "Everyone here is so friendly; we care for each other. Everybody is willing to help you. We all try to pitch in and make it a nice, positive, safe place." Amanda finished the thought: " It's really hard to have a bad day here. Someone's going to make you smile." Another familiar, and most welcome, topic of conversation was how the school instills a desire for furthering one's education and works to prepare its graduates for college. "This is a college prep school. Everyone is working toward that as the end part of our high-school education," says Luke. Explains Mary, "We get to take college courses and internships, not like other schools. It prepares us for the future." Amanda spoke of teachers who helped her make her way through a college fair, and Christopher applauded the school's college-prep curriculum, which "prepares all of its students for college." Common themes emerged in these conversations. But it is the students' individual stories that paint the bigger picture; it is their accomplishments, their hard work, and their dreams that inspire the staff and faculty of the school each and every day. To read the students' individual stories, click on their photographs below.
Matt, 9th Grade	Amanda, 10th Grade
Mallorey, 9th Grade	Christopher, 7th Grade
Nate, 8th Grade	Luke, 12th Grade
Mary, 12th Grade	Brent, 8th Grade
Sabrina, 11th Grade	Kelsey, 6th Grade
Brittany, 8th Grade