While students are enjoying a well-earned break, the HPS Operations and Facilities team is hard at work managing a wave of improvements across district buildings, parking lots, and playgrounds.
This year, every school has at least one improvement project slated to be completed by the end of summer break. Among the highlights are a new playground at McMahon School that will be highly accessible for students of all abilities, along with new rooftop exhaust fans for all schools to help mitigate summer heat, and eco-friendly parking lot improvements at Sullivan and HHS North.
The new, green parking lot infrastructure for Sullivan and North is part of a larger Green Infrastructure initiative by the City of Holyoke to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff in the city's sewer systems. By tearing up and repaving segments of these parking lots with a porous foundation, stormwater will be filtered as it passes through the pavement and into the ground—or captured by the rain gardens, helping to reduce the amount or runoff that enters the City's sewer systems.
“By sending filtered stormwater runoff right to the watershed, this project will alleviate pressure on Holyoke’s sewer overflow system,” said HPS Director of Maintenance and Facilities Sean Sheedy.
In addition to the resurfaced parking lots, rain gardens will be planted at both schools that will absorb rain water to nourish the plants while also helping to direct runoff to the porous pavement.
“In addition to alleviating pressure on the city’s sewer overflow system, the garden will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students at Sullivan and North,” Mr. Sheedy explained.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency website provides a more complete explanation of how permeable pavement and rain gardens support stormwater management.
Districtwide: Installing new rooftop exhaust fans, servicing rooftop air units, and cleaning all air units.
HHS North: Remodeling a section of the parking lot for storm water overflow, adding a rain garden, and repainting the existing sign.
HHS Dean: Repairing sections of the upper parking lot, rebuilding the Main Street retaining wall, extending the air conditioning system to the café and airwalk, and air sealing the interior perimeter with insulation. The air sealing project is part of a larger Green Infrastructure initiative for the City of Holyoke.
HHS OA at Metcalf: Installing a new sign for “Opportunity Academy at Metcalf,” repainting the interior, installing new fire door hardware, and new classroom furniture that is suitable for high school and adult learners.
Sullivan: Installing a new heating system that includes a steam boiler, water heater, piping, and valves; installing a new HVAC system that extends air conditioning to the gym and cafeteria; remodeling a segment of the parking lot for storm water overflow; and adding a rain garden.
Peck: Progress continues at the Peck School construction site, with an on-time opening for students anticipated on August 25, 2025. More information can be found here.
Donahue: Installing a new ceiling in a segment of the hallways and installing a new doorway for the staff bathroom.
E.N. White: Repainting hallways, adding a wall and door to the copier room, converting an existing bathroom into a new office, and installing a new shade structure near the playground.
Kelly: Installing ADA-compliant ramps on exterior classroom doors, repainting segments of the interior, and installing graphic wall wraps.
Lawrence: Repainting office walls and installing a new fence along Maple Street.
McMahon: Installing a new accessible playground and repainting the library.
Morgan: Repainting and soundproofing some office spaces and installing a new outdoor amphitheater.