8-17-18 Holyoke Update - August 17, 2018 Dear Families, Partners, and Colleagues, I would like to share information with you about the following Read More
Letter for families whose children receive transportation services 8-13-18 - Dear Families of students who qualify for transportation services - We are looking forward to welcoming your children back Read More
Back to School Information – Letter to Families from Dr. Zrike - Dear Holyoke families, Welcome to the Holyoke Public Schools for the 2018-19 school year. We are eager to open our Read More
Back to School Information for high school students and families - We hope that you can join us on August 23rd for Holyoke High School North and Dean Campus Building Tours. Read More
Learn about our theme-based academies!
Holyoke High sophomores will be the first class to participate in Holyoke’s redesigned high school experience featuring four theme-based linked-learning academies (Community and Global Studies; Technology, Engineering and Design; Performing and Media Arts; Medical and Life Sciences) designed to prepare them to acquire 21st-century skills such as thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration.
Learn about the importance of school attendance.
44%
decrease in dropout rate
400%
increase in Dual Enrollment
7.8%
increase in graduation rate
All first year teachers took part in nine days of training this summer which is part of the Holyoke Public Schools New teacher Induction Program. This is a year long process that has proven to be successful in giving new teachers the support they need in the classroom.
As part of the 9th Grade Transition Academy students were able to take a culinary class. They enjoyed cooking (and eating) while learning about many aspects of high school life.
Don't miss out on today's - August 18, Back to School Event – THIS EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE - organized by Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative - from 2-6 pm at McNally Field, behind Kelly School. The first 2,000 Holyoke students who attend will receive a backpack with school supplies.
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.
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, STEM. and P3 (a personalized learning program). 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.
