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HPS students who will be in grades 6-8 are reminded to enroll soon in the Generation Teach Summer Learning Academy. Space is limited. Go to www.enrollholyoke.com!
Holyoke students, teachers, staff, and families will be performing random acts of kindness on Friday, May 26 as part of Shine-on Day to honor the memory and lasting legacy of former SHINE student Genesis Silva. One way to participate on Friday is to wear pink, green, or purple—Genesis’ favorite colors. Whatever you do to celebrate Shine-on Day, please consider sharing photos with communications@hps.holyoke.ma.us so we can share the light with others through the district’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Learn more in this video from 2018 when Shine-On Day first launched: bit.ly/3IEvaZM
Today's middle school flag football practice is cancelled because of rain.
Dinosaurs once roamed the earth, and there's visible proof right in Holyoke! Take a short hike on the Dinosaur Footprints trail and see them for yourselves, from now until November 30 when the park closes for the season. Free admission! Learn more in this "Only in Your State" news article: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/walk-along-dinosaur-tracks-ma/
McMahon School hosted parent-teacher conferences last week alongside their Spring Showcase. During the Showcase, student work was showcased for parents to browse.
Holyoke Public Schools offers a wide range of employment opportunities for job candidates who are committed to encouraging bold thinking, exploring all possibilities for student success, embracing all students and families as their own, empowering school teams to impact change, and engaging in meaningful feedback. For more information or to apply, please visit our TalentEd job portal here https://bit.ly/3KKOEuA. There are numerous teaching, paraprofessional, and substitute positions available. Sign-on bonuses and/or relocation assistance may be available.
MassHealth families need to renew their coverage this year and update their contact information and report household changes. COVID-19 coverage protections will end soon, and MassHealth will return to standard annual eligibility renewal processes. More info at https://bit.ly/3mvJk7E.
With feedback received from families, staff, and community residents, HPS leaders will continue their work refining the district’s strategic plan and focus areas for the coming year. To provide your feedback on the strategic plan and future priorities, please complete this brief survey by April 20 http://bit.ly/3G9fSLG.
Holyoke Public Schools is celebrating World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day today, Monday April 3. Officially recognized on April 2 each year, this year’s recognition fell on a Sunday. Our students and staff are wearing solid or multi-colored rainbow shirts as part of our awareness efforts. Throughout April, our schools will be engaged in Autism Acceptance Spirit Week activities to highlight our students and programs. We can all play a role in making our schools and communities more accepting and inclusive for everyone. Check back soon for photos of our different celebrations.
Families can now use the Enroll Holyoke portal to enroll their children in kindergarten or submit lottery applications for preschool or dual language programs for the 2023-2024 school year. Enroll now at https://www.enrollholyoke.com.
Help HPS! There's still time to complete our Panorama survey by March 21. Please complete one survey for each school where you have a child attending. Survey in English https://bit.ly/3SFYF1q. Survey en español http://bit.ly/3m0Brqk.
Volunteers are needed to carry signs during Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 19. Organizers say it’s a fun way to be a part of a community-wide experience, and a chance to earn $20 you can donate to a good cause of your choice. Sign carriers must be at least 12 years old; adults are also welcome to participate. At the conclusion of the parade, sign carriers will be mailed checks for $20 that can be donated or kept for themselves. Organizers say this is a great opportunity for clubs and sports teams to raise funds and for students who are looking to fulfill volunteer hours. Interested participants should complete this form https://bit.ly/3SSrYO9.
Acceleration Academies at Donahue, Morgan, HHS North and Dean campuses have been canceled for tomorrow, Thursday, February 23, due to weather conditions.
Offices will be open. Facilities staff should report at their regular time. Year-round staff have a two-hour delayed arrival. Staff may take a personal or vacation day with the approval of their supervisor.
February break is a great time for HPS staff, students, and their families to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. Some local vaccine sites are offering $75 gift cards next week—and you can even get a free meal from CRAVE Holyoke at one vaccine site. Here are the details:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is offering free, family-friendly “Get Boosted” clinics where anyone ages 6 months and up can get a COVID-19 vaccine or updated booster. As part of a special promotion, Massachusetts residents who get vaccinated (first dose, second dose, or booster) at participating Get Boosted clinics will receive a $75 gift card while supplies last.
Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St.
February 21—3:30-6:30 p.m. Outside in the CRAVE Food Truck! Pre-registration requested: http://bit.ly/3lLbafJ Everyone receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or booster during this clinic can also receive a free meal at the food truck. Additional meals can also be purchased.
Vaccine clinics will also be held at Holyoke Health Center, 267 High Street, Call (413) 420-2200 for information or walk in during operating hours. No appointment is necessary. Handicap-accessible entry through the High Street main door.
February 21—9 a.m.-12 noon, 1-4 p.m., and 4:45-6:30 p.m.
February 22—9 a.m.-12 noon, 1-4 p.m., and 4:45-6:30 p.m.
February 23—9 a.m.-12 noon and 1-4 p.m.
February 24—9 a.m.-12 noon and 1-4 p.m.
February 27—9 a.m.-12 noon, 1-4 p.m., and 4:45-6:30 p.m.
February 28—9 a.m.-12 noon, 1-4 p.m., and 4:45-6:30 p.m.
Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive a $75 gift card in February! The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is offering free, family-friendly “Get Boosted” clinics during the February break. Anyone ages 6 months and up can get a COVID-19 vaccine or updated booster. Contact your school building nurse for more information or walk in to one of the clinics in Holyoke. Protect yourself and your loved ones while also getting a gift card!
Members of the Community Attendance Task Force held their first meeting at Enlace de Familias to begin deep-dive discussions around the challenges and obstacles to ensuring that students are in school on time every day.
The Task Force is part of Holyoke Public School’s recently launched attendance campaign—Asiste Hoy, Triunfa Mañana/Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. Task force members include HPS Family and Community Engagement (FACE) coordinators, school leaders, and community partners. They will meet monthly to design system solutions and tighten coordination of student and family support around student attendance.
HPS Special Education Parent Advisory Council invites you to their SEPAC Open Forum on Tuesday, February 28 via Zoom. Register here http://bit.ly/3kJqwRv to participate! | El Consejo Asesor de Padres de Educación Especial de HPS (SEPAC) lo invita a su Foro Abierto el martes 28 de febrero a través de Zoom. ¡Regístrate aquí http://bit.ly/3kJqwRv para participar!
Holyoke Public Schools has established the following timeline to prepare for the transition to separate elementary (PreK-5) and middle schools (grades 6-8) and to redraw school boundary lines for fall 2023:
Late January: Letters were mailed to families with their child’s school placement and transportation eligibility
February: Conduct family surveys for input
February-May: Host school tours for new families
March: Announce SY23-24 calendar, school start and end times, and uniform decisions
March 1-31: Open Priority Zone Appeal application
May 15: Host School PD day with new school teams
Mid-to-Late August: Host Back-to-school celebrations, orientations, tours, etc. AND release student-teacher assignments and bus routes
Ongoing: Upgrade facilities (especially Sullivan, Metcalf)
Holyoke students can develop their skills and have fun playing football and soccer thanks to community programs offered in partnership with Holyoke Public Schools. The programs are free, and no equipment is needed. No need to register; students can just show up to participate!
Don't let the flu and COVID-19 catch you off guard this winter, join us for a Flu & COVID Vaccination Clinic happening on Wednesday, February 15, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Care Center (247 Cabot Street). Vaccinations and boosters will be available for those six months and up, bring your insurance card for the flu shot and be prepared to stay for a 15-minute observation after getting vaccinated. Registration is encouraged but optional; you can register at https://bit.ly/3HfbXg6. And as a bonus, get a $75 gift card for COVID vaccines while supplies last!
Take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself and your loved ones from these serious illnesses.