Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto surprised five students in their classrooms on Friday with news that they received awards for participating in the district’s Summer Reading Challenge presented in partnership with the Holyoke Public Library. Hierianna Wiley, Catalina Stallings, Ramona Provost, Lorena Berroa, and Jackson Pennant each took home a tablet or scooter, a new T-shirt, and a certificate to celebrate their outstanding summer reading.
It’s International Translation Day! 🥳
Language translation and interpretation services in school aren’t just helpful — they’re essential! Families have a right to equal access to education, which includes having someone available in the language that you speak during meetings, school-wide events, conferences, and more. When one of our 150 qualified interpreters perform this work, barriers between families and school are removed.
At HPS, we aim to have as many interpreters as possible in each of our buildings by helping teachers, FACE coordinators, counselors, and more become certified interpreters. If you are a current staff member who speaks English along with Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Portuguese, or Arabic, this free program might be for you.
Learn more and register: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGFIvYInYU/cwdrRl64ynnrm8vObW357Q/view?
Language translation and interpretation services in school aren’t just helpful — they’re essential! Families have a right to equal access to education, which includes having someone available in the language that you speak during meetings, school-wide events, conferences, and more. When one of our 150 qualified interpreters perform this work, barriers between families and school are removed.
At HPS, we aim to have as many interpreters as possible in each of our buildings by helping teachers, FACE coordinators, counselors, and more become certified interpreters. If you are a current staff member who speaks English along with Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Portuguese, or Arabic, this free program might be for you.
Learn more and register: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGFIvYInYU/cwdrRl64ynnrm8vObW357Q/view?
Hey families, check this out! 👇
Student voices www.youtube.com/@hpsmediacenter
Holyoke High School North seniors Jaydasen Otero, Avery Feliciano, Julia Guzik, and Jyzaha Perez introduce themselves and share their experiences in the inaugural episode of the Herald’s podcast “Unscripted.”
Holyoke High School North seniors Jaydasen Otero, Avery Feliciano, Julia Guzik, and Jyzaha Perez introduce themselves and share their experiences in the inaugural episode of the Herald’s podcast “Unscripted.”
We invite you to attend the Holyoke SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) and Holyoke Public Schools' Introduction to SEPAC and the 2025-26 elections on October 1, from 6-7 PM . Read more: https://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/article/2447619
A strong start to the new school year, ribbon cutting at Peck, and school open house dates in this edition of Together for Holyoke: https://holyokepsma.edurooms.com/engage/holyoke-public-schools/newsletters/together-for-holyoke-september-9-2025
www.youtube.com/@hpsmediacenter
With the ceremonial ribbon officially cut, the new Dr. William R. Peck Middle School has opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in Holyoke’s commitment to educational excellence.
Back-to-school excitement, attendance support, and how to keep in touch with HPS in this edition of Together for Holyoke: https://holyokepsma.edurooms.com/engage/holyoke-public-schools/newsletters/together-for-holyoke-august-18-2025
Can you believe school resumes this month? 📝
The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is Monday, August 25, and is a full day of school. PreK and kindergarten begin on Wednesday, August 27.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another year of discovery, play, and growth at HPS!
See you soon! 👋
The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is Monday, August 25, and is a full day of school. PreK and kindergarten begin on Wednesday, August 27.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another year of discovery, play, and growth at HPS!
See you soon! 👋
Some summer meals sites are CLOSED today due to weather: Pouilot Pool, Heritage Park, Peck Field, McMahon. ~~~ These summer meals sites are OPEN today, July 31: Library Park, Community Field, Springdale Park, Carlos Vega, and Holyoke Hills Tokeneke
It’s not too late to make progress on your summer reading log! Students in grades K-8 who read for 30 minutes a day can submit their reading log at the start of the school year for the opportunity to win a prize. Older students and adults have options, too: The Holyoke Public Library is running reading challenges throughout the summer.
Peck Middle School is closer to completion!
Dr. William R. Peck Middle School, a new facility for 550 students, will open this year!
School Committee members discuss their return to local governance on July 1, 2025
🎓 Watch the full Opportunity Academy "Class of 2025" Graduation 🎓
www.youtube.com/@hpsmediacenter
@hpsmediacenter
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!
