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
Here are some photos of the dynamic GT STEAM Academy that is taking place this summer at Peck School, thanks to a partnership with Teach Western Mass, Generation Teach, and UMass Amherst is in full swing. The GT STEAM Academy is a program founded by Generation Teach, “designed and led by career educators with over 40 years of experience with summer learning programs across the country.”
Over 150 middle school students from across our district are enrolled in this Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) academy that operates Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM until August 11th. Every day, students experience six core classes and choose two electives. The core classes include: reading, social studies, math, speech and debate, engineering, and fun fitness. The wide range of elective options for students include classes such as bucket-drumming, ultimate frisbee, computer science, Caribbean dance, Chinese, hip hop culture, crocheting, and chess. On Fridays, students participate in field trips such as touring UMass Amherst and Holyoke High School. To view video of this program in action, visit: vimeopro.com/user16098581/holyoke-public-schools-media-center-archive/video/226453900
What is unique about this experience is that teaching fellows, a diverse group of mostly local college and high-school students, are the academy instructors. In June, all fellows attended a two week training in preparation for the five-week academic acceleration program. The fellows are aspiring urban educators, who are observed and coached by professional teachers on a daily basis, while they build relationships with HPS students and develop them as learners and leaders.
This program serves as an important teaching pipeline to recruit and develop a diverse cadre of mostly local, diverse and passionate future educators. We hope to attract the most talented of these individuals to return to Holyoke to teach in our schools.
GT STEAM Academy, like all HPS summer programs, is free to eligible students. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation are provided based on district guidelines. In addition to the learning that has occurred at Peck this week, there are many other dynamic offerings for our students this summer. Visit: www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/families/summerlearning/ for more information about summer programming and the Summer Reading and STEM challenges at the Holyoke Public Schools.
Here are some photos of the dynamic GT STEAM Academy that is taking place this summer at Peck School, thanks to a partnership with Teach Western Mass, Generation Teach, and UMass Amherst is in full swing. The GT STEAM Academy is a program founded by Generation Teach, “designed and led by career educators with over 40 years of experience with summer learning programs across the country.” Over 150 middle school students from across our district are enrolled in this Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) academy that operates Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM until August 11th. Every day, students experience six core classes and choose two electives. The core classes include: reading, social studies, math, speech and debate, engineering, and fun fitness. The wide range of elective options for students include classes such as bucket-drumming, ultimate frisbee, computer science, Caribbean dance, Chinese, hip hop culture, crocheting, and chess. On Fridays, students participate in field trips such as touring UMass Amherst and Holyoke High School. To view video of this program in action, visit: vimeopro.com/user16098581/holyoke-public-schools-media-center-archive/video/226453900 What is unique about this experience is that teaching fellows, a diverse group of mostly local college and high-school students, are the academy instructors. In June, all fellows attended a two week training in preparation for the five-week academic acceleration program. The fellows are aspiring urban educators, who are observed and coached by professional teachers on a daily basis, while they build relationships with HPS students and develop them as learners and leaders. This program serves as an important teaching pipeline to recruit and develop a diverse cadre of mostly local, diverse and passionate future educators. We hope to attract the most talented of these individuals to return to Holyoke to teach in our schools. GT STEAM Academy, like all HPS summer programs, is free to eligible students. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation are provided based on district guidelines. In addition to the learning that has occurred at Peck this week, there are many other dynamic offerings for our students this summer. Visit: www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/families/summerlearning/ for more information about summer programming and the Summer Reading and STEM challenges at the Holyoke Public Schools.
Come meet Holyoke High School's new interim principal, Mr. Dana Brown! Tomorrow, July 25, from 3-4 pm in the Holyoke High School auditorium, Principal Brown will be saying a few words and taking questions to better prepare himself and his students for the upcoming school year. Light refreshments will be provided. #meetandgreet #interimprincipal #holyokehighschool #goKnights
Reminder to Kelly Zone Families - please join us at the Summer BBQ and Chat tomorrow, Tuesday, July 25th, 5-7 PM at Pina Park. Good food, great conversation. Read more.... www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Summer-Chats-Charlas-Kelly-Zone-7.25.2017-v2.pdf
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.