The Holyoke Public Schools community marked the bittersweet retirement of 13 district employees during the 2025-26 school year. Collectively, these 13 employees have provided 295 years of service in support of HPS students, their families, and our schools:
Harold Casey, HHS North paraprofessional, 21 years of service
Mark Cipriani, Dean automotive and diesel teacher, 11 years of service
Cathleen Foley, Dean English language arts interventionist teacher, 29 years of service
Jessica Giroux, Peck interventionist reading teacher, 31 years of service
Suzanne Gorman, McMahon paraprofessional, 19 years of service
James Hobert, Opportunity Academy English language development teacher, 30 years of service
Mary McAndrew, Kelly expert teacher in English language arts, 30 years of service
Peter McAndrew, HHS North social studies teacher, 31 years of service
Norma Palacios, Dean Tech school clerk, 12 years of service
Wayne Robbins, Sullivan junior custodian, 3 years of service
Maria Rodriguez Reyes, E.N. White paraprofessional, 6 years of service
Ana Suarez, HHS North school clerk, 39 years of service
Mary Wright, Donahue ELD teacher for grades 1-3, 33 years of service
The HPS school community also shared their retirement best wishes with Holyoke Police Officer Manny Rivera, who served as a long-time school resource officer within the district.
“While each career is unique, they share a common commitment to education, service, and making a difference in the lives of others,” said Holyoke School Committee Chair Dr. Yadilette Rivera-Colón. “Thank you for your dedication, your impact, and the legacy you leave behind. We appreciate you more than you will ever know.”