A Pathway for Every Student
1,500
new laptops purchased for students
7
percentage point increase in English Language Arts proficiency
400%
increase in Dual Enrollment
Please see message from Superintendent Zrike: "Happy summer vacation to all our students and families. Thank you for a terrific school year and we wish you all a happy, safe and restful summer vacation! It is not too late to register for our free, high-quality Summer Learning Programs and credit recovery that begin on July 10th. Breakfast and lunch will be provided based on district guidelines. Please call your school or (413) 534-2000 x 1404 for more information.
Parents, help your children continue learning and gaining skills this summer with our Math Work for all grades, and the Summer Challenges in Reading and in STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. You can get copies at your school or from our website. Students who complete the challenges will be eligible to enter raffles to win awesome prizes at the beginning of the school year. Enjoy the summer!" www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/families/summerlearning/
Attention HPS staff: while we recognize our extraordinary teachers each year with Pioneer Valley Teaching Excellence Awards, in recent times we have not recognized other outstanding staff across HPS. It is our plan to recognize outstanding paraprofessionals, nurses, clerks, custodians, crossing guards, food service workers and/or bus drivers who exemplify our core values of-
* Encouraging bold thinking
* Engaging in meaningful feedback
* Empowering school teams to impact change
* Embracing all students and families as our own
* Exploring all possibilities for students success
Please nominate someone by June 30th. We will recognize winners as part of a ceremony in August or September.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-YzMJl4tRr1cz6amnmvRJv-M36fUEHTFFcF9tyFUkK-VJsA/viewform
Monday, June 26th is the last day of school and students have an early release that day. Visit the calendars page on our website for early release times.
Please check your child’s backpack for information about the Summer Math work for grades Kinder through 11th and for the Summer Challenges for students at all grade levels in Reading and in STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. You can also get copies at your school or from our website on the summer learning page www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/families/summerlearning/. Students who complete the challenges will be eligible to enter raffles to win awesome prizes at the beginning of the school year.
It is not too late to register for our free, high-quality summer learning programs and credit recovery. Visit the summer learning page on our website for more information.
Enrichment for Every Student
HPS is taking learning outside the classroom. Thanks to partnerships with many local and national organizations we have doubled enrichment opportunities each week to engage and inspire students. The full school day in our elementary and middle schools provides expanded opportunities for students to explore their interests in the sciences, the arts, sports, and local and world cultures
Access to Technology
Today’s students are tomorrow’s engineers, scientists, researchers and programmers. Through new technology and online programs, we’re connecting students with the opportunities that await them beyond high school. This summer, in partnership with MIT and NASA, HPS middle school students learned to program their own SPHERES- miniature satellites located inside the International Space Station.
Improved High School Experience for All
HPS’ redesigned high school experience focuses on providing real-world learning opportunities for every student. We’ve quadrupled the number of college courses HPS high school students can access on and off campus through partnerships with HCC, Westfield State and UMass.
9th grade students have the opportunity to explore a range of college and career pathways. In 10th-12th grade, students focus on their interests and develop plans for success beyond HPS. We welcome and support overaged and under credited students back to school with new pathways to the diploma.
Expansion of Choice Programs
At HPS, we understand that each student has different strengths and interests. We’ve expanded choice programs, including dual language immersion, the health sciences, and P3, a personalized learning program for middle school students at Peck; to ensure that every student has a chance to explore their interests. Free Preschool programs are now in every neighborhood school and boast family friendly scheduling options
High Quality Teaching and Learning
We’ve invested in recruiting and retaining top quality educators who inspire bold thinking, recognize student potential, and encourage all students to work towards their goals. The full school day increases time for teacher planning and development. New curriculum materials in math and ELA along with a laptop for each teacher will support engaging instruction.