Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Upcoming iPass/iParent Upgrade

During Winter Vacation, the Holliston Public Schools has scheduled a required upgrade to iPass/iParent. This upgrade has two changes which will directly affect you. The first is the appearance of iPass. The look and feel of iPass is getting a modern, more colorful look. iPass will still operate the same way and your username and password will remain the same, only the look is changing.

The second significant change to the iPass upgrade is that iPass will no longer be compatible with most versions of Internet Explorer or Apple Safari. You may be required to use the latest version of Firefox or Google Chrome to use iPass. This change may necessitate upgrading the version of Firefox or Google Chrome you are currently using.

During the upgrade, iPass will be unavailable on Wednesday December 23rd for several hours but will be up and running again when students and faculty return from Winter Vacation.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Homework-FREE Vacations

After much conversation through advisories and examining data regarding the need to reduce the stress students are feeling, and with overwhelming support from the faculty, Holliston High School is implementing three homework free vacations during winter break, February Vacation and April Vacation. 

As we approach the first of these vacations, HHS wanted to remind the community that no homework will be assigned for any classes in order to provide students an opportunity to rest, relax and reconnect with families. With the busy lives our students have, their participation in clubs, activities and athletics, as well as part-time jobs and other commitments, we hope that this change will have a positive effect on students and families.

Happy Holidays,

Nicole Bottomley
Principal
Holliston High School


Photo credit: Andres Nieto Porras via Creative Commons

Friday, December 18, 2015

Health Reminders

According to Holliston Public School Policy

All medications taken by students during the school day must be administered by the school nurse. Students are Not Allowed to carry any medication with the exception of emergency medications (e.g. epinephrine, asthma inhalers ) which must  have the proper documentation (Licensed Prescriber written order and signed parental consent  on file).M.G.L.105.CMR 210.00 – MGL C.30A S.8 C112.S.80B  

Student illness and/or injury during the school day must be reported to the school nurse. If a dismissal is warranted, the school nurse will contact the parent/guardian to make arrangements for dismissal. All students dismissed for illness/injury MUST be dismissed though the nurse’s office.

TO ALL Grade 10 PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS are required by Massachusetts Law, (M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 57). During the high school years, a physical is required for Grade 10 students. For the class of 2018, a physical performed between March 1, 2015 and June 1, 2016 is acceptable. If your student has had a recent physical exam, please send a copy to the HHS Nurse or please schedule a physical exam appointment for your child. All Grade 10 Physical Exams are due in the school nurse’s office by June 1, 2016.

Friday, December 11, 2015

HHS Placed on AP District Honor Roll


Holliston High School Placed on the College Board’s 6th Annual AP® District Honor Roll for Significant Gains in Student Access and Success

425 School Districts Across the U.S. and Canada Are Honored

Holliston High School is one of only 425 school districts in the United States and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 6th Annual AP® District Honor Roll for increasing access to Advanced Placement (AP) course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. AP courses are the most academically rigorous courses offered in US high schools and students who achieve a score of 3 or higher on the nationally-developed AP exam are eligible to receive college credit for the course.

Inclusion on the 6th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the examination of three years of AP data, from 2013 to 2015, looking across 34 AP Exams, including world language and culture. In order to receive this prestigious honor, a high school must:
  • Increase participation/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts, and at least 11 percent in small districts; 
  • While at the same time either: 
    • Increasing the percentage of students who passed the AP exam (received a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam); or 
    • Maintaining a pass-rate greater than 70% 
“We blew those numbers of out the water,” said Superintendent of Schools Bradford L. Jackson. “Between 2013 and 2015, Holliston High School increased our participation rate by 43% while our passing rate has stayed above 80%, far above the state and national average.”

According to Holliston High School Principal, Nicole Bottomley, “Increasing access to our most rigorous courses has been a goal of Holliston High School over the past several years. The faculty worked very hard to make adjustments to our course offerings and to encourage students who might be reluctant to challenge themselves. At the same time, our teachers maintained the high academic standards required of students who take Advanced Placement courses which resulted in HHS maintaining such a high passing rate.”

“That the committed teachers and administrators in this district have both expanded AP access and also helped their students achieve high levels of performance on AP Exams shows they’re delivering opportunity in their schools and classrooms, and it is a real testament to their belief that a more diverse population of young people is ready for the challenge of college,” said Trevor Packer, the College Board’s senior vice president of AP and Instruction. “Congratulations to these teachers and administrators, and to their hard-working students.”

Monday, December 7, 2015

Panther Spirit Wear Holiday Sales


HHS sweatshirts, hats, bags, and other items make great holiday gifts!

HABA is offering special opportunities for students and parents to purchase Panther Spirit Wear for the holiday season.

New Items:

  • Fleece/Nylon Double-Sided Sports Blanket
  • Long Sleeve Tee with Panther Chest Logo

Where can I buy merchandise?


Cash, checks and credit cards accepted    

>> Holiday Bazaar 2015 flyer

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Panthers Football Wins D-IV Championship



Congratulations to the HHS Panthers football team for defending their D-IV State Championship title!

The Panthers defeated Chicopee Comp 27-6 at Gillete Stadium on December 5, 2015. The Panthers were cheered on by hundreds of fans, students, and the HHS Band and Cheerleaders.



This victory represents back-to-back state championships, after wins in the State Superbowl in both 2014 and 2015.

Photo courtesy of Annie Maroon / MassLive.com
You can get the full recap and tons of great photos at highschoolsports.masslive.com!

Congratulations Panthers!


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

HHS Returns to the Superbowl!

Holliston High School will be participating in the Superbowl at Gillette on Saturday, December 5th.

The game is scheduled for 1:30 pm and, after a coin toss with the captains of each school yesterday, we are identified as the Visiting Team. As a result, our fans will be seated in sections 110-112 with our band occupying section 113.

Tickets are available for purchase the day of the game, starting at 8:00 am from the Gillette Stadium Ticket Office or ahead of time through Ticket Master. Prices are $17.00 for adults and $14.00 for students and seniors.

Please keep in mind that we are following all rules and procedures set by the MIAA and Gillette and therefore no tailgating in the parking lot is allowed.

We look forward to supporting the Panthers on Saturday!!

Thanks
Matt Baker
Interim Athletic Director

Winter Sports Night

For all students who are participating in Winter Athletics and their families:

Matt Baker, Interim Athletic Director, is hosting a Winter Athletic Night on Monday, December 7th at 7:00pm in the high school auditorium. This evening is an opportunity to meet Mr. Baker, hear from our Athletic Trainer, and meet the winter coaches.
 
Winter Sports Night
When: Monday, December 7th, 2015 @ 7pm
Who: ALL Winter Sports Athletes MUST Attend with a Parent/Guardian
Where: HS Auditorium
 
Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer and Coaches will discuss all aspects of the Winter Sports Program. See you there!

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Yearbook Cover Art Announced


In case you missed the dramatic reveal of this year's Yearbook cover at last Wednesday's Pep Rally, the cover can be viewed in all its glory here! 

Remember to "Make Waves" & join The Red Sea by buying a yearbook here!  There is a limited supply, once they're gone, they're gone. Order yours today!

Friday, November 20, 2015

Grade 10 Physical Exams

Physical examinations are required by Massachusetts Law, (M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 57). During the high school years, a physical is required for Grade 10 students. A physical exam performed between March 1, 2015 and June 1, 2016 is acceptable. 

Students who have had recent physical exams should please send a copy to the HHS Nurse.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Pep Rally Half Day Info

Wednesday, November 25th, is a half day for students. We will have four 30 minute classes after which is the annual HHS Pep Rally! 

During the Pep Rally, all students attend and cheer in the bleachers with their grade. Each class has a different color that they wear: 
  • 9th graders wear gray
  • 10th graders wear white
  • 11th graders wear black 
  • 12th graders wear red. 
On Wednesday, students will wear their color t-shirts to school to represent the school spirit we continue to foster at HHS. 

Students will be dismissed at the end of the Pep Rally and buses are scheduled to depart the high school at 10:50am.

Monday, November 16, 2015

PTSA Ski & Snowboard Program

The Holliston PTSA is planning another exciting year of skiing and riding on the slopes of Wachusett Mountain!

Please read through the registration materials carefully and submit completed forms by Tuesday, December 1, 2015. Avoid late fees --- submit before the deadline!

Where

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area  978-646-2300 | www.wachusett.com

When

Sunday evenings, SIX weeks: January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14.
Students should arrive at the HHS Parking lot by 3:45 pm to board buses and take attendance. Buses depart at 4 pm and return by 10:15 pm.
Parents: Please don't be late for the 10:15 pick up. Students will be waiting in a cold parking lot!

Registration

Complete the two part online registration:

  1. Bus fee:  www.hollistonptsa.org/ski-and-snowboard
  2. Lift pass: www.wachusett.com/schoolgroup Group HLSTN
A late fee of $10.00 will be charged for registrations received after December 1, 2015.
Review the cancellation policy from Wachusett Mountain. Ski Badges are not transferable.

Questions? 

Email HollistonHighSki@gmail.com or call the coordinator, Andy Ferland, 508-479-5980 (mobile)

The Ski & Snowboard Program is sponsored by the Holliston Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and is not an official school-sponsored trip.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Fall Musical Tickets: Into the Woods


HHS Theatre 370 presents
Into the Woods
A modern mashup of the Grimm's Fairy Tales in a musical setting. 

Performances: 
  • Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 pm,
  • Friday, November 20 at 7:30 pm,
  • Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Tickets will be sold at Fiske's and Coffee Haven (cash or check only). Tickets will also be sold at the door 90 minutes before each showtime (debit and credit cards accepted).  Tickets are not available online for this production.  

Seating will be general admission.

Tickets are $15/adults, $10/students & seniors.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

SAT Testing Announcement

Attention students taking the
SAT Saturday November 7, 2015


You must present a photo id and admission ticket to be admitted. No photo, no admission ticket = no test!

Cell phones should be left at home. If a cell phone makes any noise at any time during testing, scores will automatically be cancelled by the College Board.

Don't forget your calculator with new batteries and two number two pencils.

SAT subject test takers: If you are taking a subject test with listening, you must bring a cd player.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Annual Mattress Sale

The Music Dept is doing its annual Mattress Sale on Sunday November 1, 2015 from 10-5 at the HHS cafeteria.

There will be a wide variety of sizes, quality levels (basic through top of the line) and brands of mattresses. If you are looking at a mattress for yourself, your guest room, your child's room or a guest house, there is something for everyone.

The mattresses are ordered by you the day of the sale and then made to order and delivered to your door.

The Music Dept. is happy to offer the opportunity to the community again (this will be its third sale). Please email at brittons@holliston.k12.ma.us if you have any questions.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Trick or Treat for the Holliston Food Pantry

On Thursday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m., members of the National Honor Society from Holliston High School will "trick-or-treat" throughout Holliston for canned goods and other packaged foods. All collected items are donated to the Holliston Food Pantry.

If a volunteer is unable to get to your house, items can be dropped off at the High School. Please check expiration dates and thank you for your support.

Any questions or comments can be sent to HollistonNHS@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Salvation Army USA West via Creative Commons

Monday, October 26, 2015

Winter Sports Registration Now Open

Students interested in participating in HHS Winter Sports should register online using our Sports Registration System. Registration is open from now until November 18, 2015.

All student athletes must have a current physical exam (details) on file in the school nurse’s office in order to try-out, practice or play athletics.

Friday, October 23, 2015

ACT Instructions

Attention students taking the ACT October 24, 2015:You must present a photo id and admission ticket to be admitted. No exceptions!

 Cell phones should be left at home. If a cell phone rings at any time during testing, scores may be cancelled. 

Don't forget your calculator with new batteries and pencils. We will begin admitting students at 7:45am

Friday, October 9, 2015

Senior Auction 2015!

Join us on MONDAY, OCTOBER 12th 9 am - 2 pm in the Holliston High School field house.

$5 General Admission at 9 am OR
$25 Early Bird Admission at 8 am

LIVE AUCTION starts at 9:30 am
SILENT AUCTION bidding until 1:30 pm
YARD & BAZAAR all day

Furniture, Housewares, Sporting Equipment, Toys and Games, Books, Baked Goods and More!

>>> Money raised will go toward Senior expenses <<<

Official Flyer

Friday, October 2, 2015

Term 1 Progress Reports

Term 1 Progress Reports are now available through iParent for all students.

During advisory today, students in grades 9, 10, and 11 received paper copies of their progress reports to discuss with their advisors. Seniors will not receive paper copies (seniors have privileges to leave and do not attend advisory) but will be able to view their grades through iParent.

Progress reports are a check-in to see how students are progressing with their learning, with plenty of time remaining in the term to continue improving their comprehension of the material and grades. Students who are struggling are encouraged to meet with their teachers to develop strategies to increase their comfort with the material and their understanding of the course. Guidance counselors are also available for any students or parents/guardians who want to discuss progress in courses.

For families who do not yet have an iParent account, please sign up here.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Class Ring Info

Mr. McCann, from Herff Jones, will be at Holliston High School taking orders for class rings for the Class of 2018.


He will be at Holliston High School on Monday October 6, 2015 from 4pm to 6 pm to meet with parents to answer questions and collect order forms. He will also be available to answer students’ questions and collect orders from students on Monday & Tuesday, October 6th and 7th, during all 3 lunches.


Students received class ring order forms during an assembly on Thursday, Oct.1. Please contact Mr. Reeve, Sophomore Class Advisor, at reevet@holliston.k12.ma.us, for additional information or order forms.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

College Financial Aid Night

HHS will host a College Financial Aid evening next Wednesday, October 7, at 7:00pm in the HHS auditorium. 

A representative from the Massachusetts Education Finance Authority (MEFA) will explain the financial aid process and give an extensive explanation of the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms. All are welcome.


Photo credit: Lending Memo

Monday, September 28, 2015

Yearbook Sr,. Portraits, Grids & Art Contest

Senior portraits, baby photos, and grids are due October 1, 2015!  Don't miss your chance to get your senior yearbook photos and info just you way you want it! Head over the the yearbook page for the forms and more information!

Also, the Yearbook is holding an yearbook cover art contest ! If you have an artistic eye and inspiration for this year's theme Significant 16, check out the contest details on the yearbook blog!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Open House - Thursday, Sept. 14, 2015

Open House will begin at 6:30 in the HHS Auditorium. Parents can have their students fill out the form for the complete schedule. See you then!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Art Gallery Exhibits: "Full Circle"

This school year, the HHS Art Dept. will be featuring works from Holliston Alumni in our high school art gallery, STUDIO370. These former students create work in varied media which include, Fine Art, Photography, Printmaking, Video, and Sculpture. 

This month we are showcasing the work of Emily Mansfield. She graduated in 2006 and then studied at Savannah College of Art and Design.

We hope you will be able to drop by. and enjoy some amazing art from our talented alums!

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

College Mini-Fairs

On Thursday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 30, the Holliston High School Guidance Dept. will host College Mini Fairs.  Approximately 75 college representatives will be available on each date to talk with students. The Mini Fairs will be held in the library during the lunch block.

Scheduled colleges

  • Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
  • Alfred University
  • Anna Maria College
  • Assumption College
  • Bay Path College
  • Bay State College 
  • Becker College
  • Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
  • Boston College
  • Bridgewater State University
  • Cape Cod Community College
  • Castleton University
  • Coastal Carolina University
  • Columbia College Chicago
  • Curry College
  • Dean College
  • Dickenson College
  • Drew University
  • Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Elms College
  • Elon University
  • Emmanuel College
  • Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
  • Flagler College
  • Framingham State University
  • Franklin University Switzerland
  • Hampshire College
  • High Point University
  • Hofstra University
  • Keystone College
  • Mass Bay Community College
  • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
  • Massachusetts Maritime Academy
  • Mount St. Vincent College
  • Newbury College
  • New England Institute of Technology
  • Nichols College
  • Northeast Catholic College
  • Pine Manor College
  • Plymouth State University
  • Providence College
  • Quinnipiac University
  • Radford University
  • Regis College
  • Rivier University
  • Salvi Regina
  • Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Siena College
  • Simmons College
  • Springfield College
  • St. Joseph's College
  • The Pennsylvania State University
  • Universal Technical Institute
  • University of Albany (SUNY)
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Hartford
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Maine at Farmington
  • University of Maine at Orono
  • University of Mary Washington
  • University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • University of Massachusetts - Boston
  • University of Massachusetts - Lowell
  • University of New Haven
  • University of Rhode Island
  • University of Scranton
  • University of Southern Maine
  • University of Saint Joseph
  • Wheaton College
  • Worcester State University
  • Xavier University

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Reminders from Nurse Coleman

According to Holliston Public School Policy
  • All medications taken by students during the school day must be administered by the school nurse. Students are Not Allowed to carry any medication with the exception of emergency medications (e.g. epinephrine. asthma inhalers ) which must have the proper documentation (Licensed Prescriber written order and signed parental consent on file).M.G.L.105.CMR 210.00 – MGL C.30A S.8 C112.S.80B
  • Our School MD has written orders for standard dosages of Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen and an antacid (e.g. generic tums) which may be administered after school nurse assessment. Written parental consent for these medications must be on file in the nurse’s office. Please return Pink Emergency Information Forms to the Main Office ASAP.
  • Student illness and/or injury during the school day must be reported to the school nurse. If a dismissal is warranted, the school nurse will contact the parent/guardian to make arrangements for dismissal.
  • Fever is a symptom of illness and not an actual diagnosis. Fever usually indicates that the body is battling an infection. A student with a fever greater than 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit needs to stay home from school until the fever is gone for at least 24 hours without taking any –fever reducing medications
  • A student with vomiting, with or without diarrhea, needs to stay home from school until the symptoms have stopped and the student is able to tolerate a regular diet. In addition, please contact your physician and keep your child home if they have a persistent disrupting cough or copious green or yellow nasal secretions.
  • A student returning to school after an accident, operation, or serious illness must present a doctor’s certificate stating that he/she may resume a full program including athletics or that he/she requires a modification of her/his school program to meet her/his physical needs. A student returning to school after a communicable disease must present a doctor’s certificate stating that the student is free from the disease in its communicable form. Any student diagnosed with a concussion must provide a medical note from their own physician stating the diagnosis and any accommodations that may be necessary.

Monday, August 31, 2015

Back to School Info

Welcome back! It's the start of another amazing year at HHS!  

We've posted the usual list of forms and information on our Back to School Info page! Be sure to check it out for copies of the forms you may need, and the schedule for the first day of classes! 

See you Tuesday!