OA graduation, summer programming, and celebrating district accomplishments in this edition of Together for Holyoke: https://holyokepsma.edurooms.com/engage/holyoke-public-schools/newsletters/together-for-holyoke-june-16-2025
During today's monthly central office birthday and anniversary celebration, we realized something exciting...
One of today's celebrated employees is Bill Welch. Mr. Welch is a help desk computer technician who has been at HPS for 43 years! With a few upcoming retirements, Mr. Welch will be the most senior employee at HPS during the 2025-26 school year. Thank you for choosing Holyoke Public Schools, Bill. Congrats!
Our four-year graduation rate has increased significantly: from 62% in 2015 to 77.1% last year. 🎓 Among Hispanic/Latino students, the rate has increased even more: from 55.6% to 76.2% during the same period.
✨ Excellence Award Spotlight ✨
Superintendent Soto paid a visit to McMahon School to award fifth grade student Stayesh Sayedi, who was honored with the Superintendent’s excellence award after being nominated by seven different McMahon staff members. We could barely fit everyone who wanted to celebrate Stayesh in one photo!
Teachers and staff members commend Stayesh’s dedication to learning, her kind demeanor, and how welcoming she is to everyone she meets. Her positive attitude, even when working through challenging situations, is a positive example for students and staff alike. She also volunteers with second grade students, going out of her way to make new students feel welcomed and supported.
Congratulations, Stayesh!
Summer is just around the corner! ☀️
Before you hit the beach, make sure the following important dates are in your calendar:
• Thursday, May 29: HHS Dean graduation
• Friday, May 30: HHS North graduation
• Friday, June 13: OA graduation
• Wednesday, June 18: Last day of school!
The last day of school will follow the regular Wednesday schedule.
Academic celebrations, budget planning, and neuroscience at Kelly School in this edition of Together for Holyoke: https://holyokepsma.edurooms.com/engage/holyoke-public-schools/newsletters/together-for-holyoke-may-19-2025
Scenes from the Western Massachusetts Unified Track meet 📸 This week, 11 Unified Track and Field teams met at HHS North for their sectional competition. Students of all abilities competed in events such as the 100 meter dash, javelin throw, 4x400 relay, and long jump.
It's staff appreciation week! 🍎 Lawrence School staff appreciate Shakira Colon, who works on the TIP team. Every day, Ms. Shakira writes a new inspirational message on the whiteboard in the main office to brighten the day of her co-workers. Her positivity is infectious—and appreciated, this week and every week!
It’s staff appreciation week! 🍎 Morgan School students took the time to shout their appreciation, saying “thank you”s to teachers, paraprofessionals, and Nurse Camille Lopez.
Follow along on social media throughout the week as we share more video shout outs from students and staff.https://youtube.com/shorts/X5dpgDHNO0I
Rocket into Reading, language access updates, and Holyoke’s future chefs in this edition of Together for Holyoke: https://holyokepsma.edurooms.com/engage/holyoke-public-schools/newsletters/together-for-holyoke-may-5-2025
Holyoke educators join the B-U-Z-Z! 🐝
Five teams of Holyoke educators participated in Homework House's 10th Annual Adult Spelling Bee at the De La Luz Soundstage on May 1. While none of the HPS teams made it to the winner’s circle, they all had a lot of fun participating in the good-natured competition while also helping to raise funds to support Homework House’s free tutoring and mentoring programs.
HPS’s teams included:
🐝 The Beech Boys: Aaron Morris, Danny Loughlin, and Carlos Quiles
🐝 Bee Afraid, Bee Very Afraid: Stephen Mahoney, Jackie Glasheen, and Shaena Gubala
🐝 BeeFit: Amy Burke, Amy Piedra, and Abigail Serrano
🐝 Un-Bee-Lievable Wildcats: Katie Bourque, Siobhan Brennan, and Caitlin O’Hare
🐝 The McMahon Cheetahs: Melissa Robert, Erik Spracklin, and Katie Plasse
Hey families! You’re invited to the Transition Resource Fair on Thursday, May 1 🦋
This event, sponsored by the Holyoke/Chicopee Department of Developmental Services (DDS), will showcase local services and supports for students transitioning out of special education. It is open to students ages 14-21, their families, and special education professionals. Thursday, May 1 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Portuguese American Club, 149 Exchange St., Chicopee.
A deep dive into STEM Beats, the new Peck School logo, and end of year dates in this edition of Together for Holyoke: https://holyokepsma.edurooms.com/engage/holyoke-public-schools/newsletters/together-for-holyoke-april-14-2025
Wrestling coach—and HHS Dean assistant principal—Vincent Silano was surprised today with a visit from TWO state senators! 🎉
Senator John Velis, who represents Holyoke, and Senator Adam Gomez, who represents Mr. Silano’s home district, came to HHS Dean to celebrate Mr. Silano’s outstanding recent achievement: He was recently named the MIAA Division 2 West Wrestling Coach of The Year 🥳
The senators presented Mr. Silano with an official Massachusetts State Senate Citation to commemorate the achievement, and celebrated with Dean staff and members of the wrestling team. Congratulations, Mr. Silano!
Head to the Holyoke Public Library on Saturday, April 12, from 9:30-3:30 to play 18 holes of miniature golf for FREE inside the library and "Human Foosball" outside! ⛳️📚
A new bike for Mia!
The Hampden County Sheriff's Office and Deputy Sheriff Robert “Bob the Bike Guy” Charlan surprised Lawrence third grader Mia McDonald with a brand new bicycle, helmet, bike lock, and first aid kit after her bike was stolen. They also had stuffed toys and Legos for her classmates, so each student went home with something new.
“I just want to say thank you and you’re all good people,” said Mia to her class. Thank you, Deputy Charlan!
April Acceleration Academy: Enroll today! ⏰
HPS has scheduled FREE Acceleration Academies for Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25, designed to provide enriching learning experiences as well as math support for elementary, middle, and high school students during April break. Families of interested students can enroll online. Space is limited so families are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to ensure their children can participate. For assistance with enrollment, please call (413) 534-2000, option 1. https://enrollholyoke.schoolmint.com/login
Excellence award spotlight ✨ Morrison Duffy, a sixth grade student at Metcalf School, recently received a surprise visit from Superintendent Soto. Morrison was nominated by school adjustment counselor, Mauricio Tobar, for his outstanding critical thinking skills and connectedness with his peers, especially newcomers. He genuinely cares about and shows interest in the backgrounds of his peers, while also being very proud of his own.
Congrats, Morrison!
