Holyoke Public Schools recently released an update for the district’s Strategic Plan, which documented recent progress in some key areas and the path forward from here.
“Although we still have much work to be done to ensure all students develop the skills and access the opportunities to graduate high school prepared for life, career, and college, we have much to be proud of as we gain momentum in our improvement efforts,” Superintendent Anthony Soto said In his opening letter for the Strategic Plan update.
The following key accomplishments were noted in his update:
HPS now has a 74.6% graduation rate, which reflects significant increases for students who are multilingual learners and students with disabilities.
Among students in grades 11-12, more than half (56%) enrolled in advanced coursework, including dual enrollment, advanced placement, and internships.
The HHS Dean Tech campus is now fully enrolled, with a waiting list of prospective students interested in pursuing their studies at the district’s career vocational technical education campus.
HPS has seen increases in the percentage of students performing at or above grade level in early literacy (up 29 points), language arts (up 7 points), and math (up 9 points) on the STAR assessment from the beginning to the end of the school year.
More students who are English Learners are reaching or making progress towards English proficiency and are closing the gap between their non-EL peers on STAR assessments.
The dual language program is now serving 22.5% of students in grades PreK-8 (approximately 750 students. The program has been expanded to include students at HHS North.
Since 2015, HPS has seen an 18-point increase in the number of teachers of color, now reaching 31%.,
HPS broke ground and is making steady progress on construction for a new middle school with anticipated completion in summer 2025.
The district has made more than $100 million in infrastructure investments in its existing schools since 2015.
“Most importantly, these accomplishments showcase the talent, passion, and commitment of our students, educators, and families,” Superintendent Soto said. “Our strategic plan, Moving Forward Together, continues to build on the strengths of our past, while serving as a call to action to dramatically and urgently accelerate student learning.”
HPS has identified three key focus areas for the 2024-25 school year:
Delivering high-quality lessons so all students are supported in developing grade-level skills and knowledge, with a focus on early literacy for grades K-2;
Using instructional feedback and student data to identify what students know, what they need, and to adjust planning accordingly; and
Executing schoolwide systems and classroom strategies to promote student connection and positive learning behaviors.
“I look forward to continuing to partner with our students, staff, families, community and the School Committee to achieve the ambitious goals and important benchmarks outlined in this plan,” Superintendent Soto said in the conclusion of his letter.