Monday, December 10, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Lauren Salley
Labels:
Students
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Roy Mitri
This week’s student feature Friday is Roy Mitri who is currently a student at Holliston High School receiving post-graduate services. Roy has been developing many skills throughout his time at HHS and has found a strong passion for cooking. He has earned his ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, Food Equipment and Safety Training Certificate (Feast) and Mass Food Allergen Certificate. Roy just recently accepted his first paying job at Bertucci’s, working in the kitchen washing dishes and is looking forward to developing his role as an integral member of the team. In addition to working at Bertucci's, he works at the Residence at Valley Farm, an independent Living, assisted Living & reflections memory care facility, Framingham Union and TC Scoops.
Roy has worked hard to find ways to get to work without a license and has found the MWRTA, which he takes to and from the Residence, so he doesn’t have to rely on his family and friends. He enjoys working at the Residence because of the cooking he is able to do but more so because of the people he works with and the sense of accomplishment he feels from the work. To read more about Roy visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's blog.
Friday, November 2, 2018
MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey
To make sure we give the best possible education and services to children in Holliston, we want to learn about their attitudes and behaviors with regard to a variety of health issues. In order to accomplish this, students at Holliston High School are being asked to participate in a survey called the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey. The questions of the survey cover many topics including alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; violence and safety; nutrition and physical activity; sexual behaviors; online behaviors; and mental health. This project will help our district develop and enhance its health education and prevention services. We will be giving this survey to students in grades 9-12 on November 15th.
Completing this survey is voluntary. Your child’s grades in school will not be affected by participation. Your child can also decide not to take the survey or skip any question your child doesn’t wish to answer.
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment is a Federal Law that requires us to notify you ahead of time about the survey, and give you the chance to look at it, so you can let us know if you don’t want your child to take part. If you want to see the survey before deciding, a copy will be available at the main office from October 29th – November 13th.
If you DO NOT want your child to take part in the survey, please complete the Opt Out form below and have your child return it to the main office by November 13th.
Sincerely,
Nicole Bottomley, Principal
Holliston High School
Thursday, November 1, 2018
AP Exam Registration Now Open
Exam registration and payment will kick off Thursday November 1st.
This is a drastic change from years prior. Why? Beginning in 2019-2020, registration for AP exams will go directly through the College Board. College Board will require students with AP courses beginning in Semester 1 to register for the exam in November. Students enrolled in Semester 2 AP courses will be given the opportunity to register for AP courses in March. We are mimicking this change in our registration process this year so that the changes next year are not so surprising to the community.
AP Exam Registration is only intended for students in grades 10 through 12 who are enrolled in an AP course during the 2018-2019 school year.
For more information on the AP Exams in May 2019, click HERE for the 2018-2019 AP Bulletin for Students and Parents.
Below is a guide to the cost based on the number of exams a student plans to take.
Students can take an exam for a subject they have not taken a course in. In such a case, we recommend that a student review a practice exam before deciding to register.
Click HERE for the AP testing calendar. The testing dates can also be found on the high school calendar.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Ross at rossd@holliston.k12.ma.us.
For more information on the AP Exams in May 2019, click HERE for the 2018-2019 AP Bulletin for Students and Parents.
AP Exam Registration Window & Deadlines
- For courses beginning in Semester 1: November 1st - November 30th
- For courses beginning in Semester 2: March 1st - March 22nd (**applies to AP English Language & Composition and AP US Government and Politics only)
Cost
The cost of the exam in 2019 is $96. The College Board charges $94 - we have added $2 to the cost to help us cover the cost of proctors and other program related costs.Below is a guide to the cost based on the number of exams a student plans to take.
- 1 exam: $96
- 2 exams: $192
- 3 exams: $288
- 4 exams: $384
Late Registration Fee
In 2019-2020, the College Board will charge $45 as a late fee and a $45 cancellation fee for exams. This year, we are going to charge a $20 late fee.Financial Assistance
If a student / family requires financial assistance with the cost of the AP exams, please contact Mrs. Ross at rossd@holliston.k12.ma.us. Holliston is committed to ensuring every student can take an AP exam, and will work with families on adjusted fees or a payment installment plan.How to Register
The online registration site opens November 1, 2018. Register online at https://aptestservice.com/holliston/. You can pay by credit card (a small fee is charged), or mail in a check (no additional fee incurred).Why take the exam?
While taking an AP exam is not mandatory at Holliston High School it is highly encouraged. HHS tends to produce high scores which can save many thousands of dollars at the college level. If you would like to explore the AP credit policies of colleges and universities, you can do so by clicking HERE. Taking the AP exam is also a part of the AP course experience and is good for helping students adjust to the type of exams they will experience in college.Students can take an exam for a subject they have not taken a course in. In such a case, we recommend that a student review a practice exam before deciding to register.
Click HERE for the AP testing calendar. The testing dates can also be found on the high school calendar.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Ross at rossd@holliston.k12.ma.us.
Labels:
Testing
Friday, October 26, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Will Flanagan
This week’s Student Feature Friday is senior Will Flanagan. Five minutes into our conversation it was hard not to be impressed by his maturity, genuine desire to improve his community and his love of learning. Will is currently the senior class president, athletic captain, club president, Eagle Scout, swim instructor and all around great person. Yet with all of these accomplishments he remains humble and ready to serve his community. Through tennis, which he describes as being introduced to by his grandfather when he “started walking”, gymnastics, and diving on the swim team he fulfills his need to be active and sees his constant improvement as incredibly rewarding. WIll’s academic focus is met through his rigorous courses, participation in Model United Nations and his membership in NHS.
Although his academic and athletic accomplishments are impressive, it is his drive to help others through community service that sets him apart. Will just completed his Eagle Scout project which focused on renovating the garage of a group home for autistic adults and turning it into a multipurpose room. To read more about Will visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's blog.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Jack Garvey
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Winter Sports Registration Now Open
Registration for 2018-2019 Winter Sports is now open!
Registration for HHS sports has three required pieces:
- Filling out the registration form at http://hhsathletics.holliston.k12.ma.us/registration
- Submitting an up-to date physical exam (requirements)
- Paying the athletics fee. You may pay on the Town of Holliston website or by check dropped off at/or mailed to HHS Main Office Checks must be made out to "Town of Holliston- Athletics" for $225.00.
Labels:
Sports
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Back to School Info 2018
Welcome Back to HHS! Our complete set of back-to-school forms and information has been posted on the website in the Back to School 2018 page. Check it out for:
- Required and optional forms
- First day bell schedule
- Technology information
- Band & chorus signups
- Sports try-out info
- and more!
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Chromebook Program for 2018-2019
Grade 9
HHS will provide a Chromebook device to all students in Grade 9. There is no annual fee for this Chromebook; however, we strongly recommend that families purchase the optional insurance plan for $40*, which protects against accidental damage.Chromebooks for freshmen will be ready for pickup at the 9th Grade Orientation event on Wednesday, August 22nd. Students not attending the Orientation should pick up their Chromebooks on the first day of school in the school library.
Grades 10 & 11
HHS will provide a Chromebook device to all students in Grades 10 & 11. There is no annual fee for the Chromebook; however, we strongly recommend that families purchase the optional insurance plan for $40*, which protects against accidental damage.Returning students should bring their Chromebook to school fully charged on the first day of school. Students who are new to Holliston High can pick up their Chromebooks and Technology Welcome Packets in the school library on the first day of school.
Grade 12
Seniors who opted-in and were issued school Chromebooks in 2017-2018 may continue to use them in the upcoming school year. Students who are new to Holliston High are also eligible for a Chromebook. There is no annual fee for the Chromebook; however, we strongly recommend that families purchase the optional insurance plan for $40*, which protects against accidental damage.The Class of 2019 will continue to have the option to “opt out” of Chromebook use, provided that they bring their own laptop device instead. Seniors who would like to "opt back in" should contact the HHS main office to be placed on a waiting list, until availability can be assessed in early September.
All seniors should plan to bring their charged Chromebook or personal laptop to school on the first day.
Form Due Dates
New in 2018-2019: Sign-off forms are no longer required in order to receive a Chromebook. Relevant "care and use" information will be provided as part of the back-to-school online updates.However, families participating in the Chromebook Insurance Program should submit their form and check to the main office on or before the first day of school.
*Students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch may waive the $40 insurance fee.
Thank you for your help in making our technology program successful and valuable for our students.
Labels:
Technology
Monday, June 18, 2018
Holliston Freshman Working Toward Strengthening Support for Food Pantries
Most people are happy to donate to food pantries and drop necessary items but except for an annual food drive, they are really not aware of shortages of certain items at their local pantries. So how about if they received a fortnightly or a monthly email with the list of items needed? Given that food pantries are run by volunteers, they do not have the personnel to send out such emails on a regular basis. Some food pantries do have a website that lists their inventories but do people actually go and check the website before their next shopping list? Holliston High School freshman, Akshara Shankar, is on a mission to find some solutions.
Akshara has been working on her project, ‘ManyHands’ with the support of the MIT Leadership Training Institute’s mentorship program. Akshara has worked to design the website, contacted over 20 food pantries of which 11 have already registered on her site including the Holliston Pantry Shelf. She has received lists of the most essential items and is now working to get the community to sign up on her website to receive alerts about items required by food pantries. Holliston High School students, parents and teachers who would like to receive alerts about what your local pantry needs can sign up on www.manyhandsfoodpantry.com
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Fall 2018 Sports Registration Now Open
Registration for 2018 Spring Sports is now open!
Registration for HHS sports has three required pieces:
- Filling out the registration form at http://hhsathletics.holliston.k12.ma.us/registration
- Submitting an up-to date physical exam (requirements)
- Paying the athletics fee. You may pay on the Town of Holliston website or by check dropped off at/or mailed to HHS Main Office Checks must be made out to "Town of Holliston- Athletics" for $225.00.
Labels:
Sports
Monday, May 28, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Nandini Mandaloju
Since she was 6 years old, Nandini has practiced one of the classical styles of Indian dance called Kuchipudi. By her 4th or 5th year, she was developing her talent and love for dance. She describes being on stage as “acting as different characters, allowing her to express her emotions in new ways.” In addition, Nandini is an avid singer of classical Indian music. “Singing and dancing allow me to stay closer to my heritage by singing in multiple Indian languages. It’s a culture blast and lets me feel closer to my ethnicity.”
For more information about Nandini visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Senior Events Calendar 2018
May 18th
JUNIOR-SENIOR PROMMechanics Hall
6:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Buses Leaving HHS at 5:00pm
May 23rd
SENIOR PICNIC(Last Day of Classes for Seniors) 1:00 p.m.
May 24th
SENIOR EXAMS - A and B blocks 7:30 a.m.
May 25th
SENIOR EXAMS - C and D blocks 7:30 a.m.
May 29th
CLASS TRIP
Brownestone Exploration and Discovery Park, Portland, CT
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Brownestone Exploration and Discovery Park, Portland, CT
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
May 30th
GRADUATION PRACTICE (Mandatory)
8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
May 30th
SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT
High School Auditorium
7:00 p.m.
High School Auditorium
7:00 p.m.
May 31st
GRADUATION PRACTICE (Mandatory)
8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
BACCALAUREATE CELEBRATION
A non-school sponsored interfaith service
Temple Beth Torah at 7:00 p.m.
A non-school sponsored interfaith service
Temple Beth Torah at 7:00 p.m.
June 1st
IN-SCHOOL GRADUATION
Students & Faculty Only
Students & Faculty Only
June 3th
GRADUATION
High School Field House
1:00 p.m. – Graduates arrive at HHS 2:00 p.m. – Graduation begins
High School Field House
1:00 p.m. – Graduates arrive at HHS 2:00 p.m. – Graduation begins
All Night Graduation Celebration at Forekicks
A non-school sponsored event
A non-school sponsored event
Labels:
Events
Monday, May 14, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Jayden Seto
It is very apparent from talking to Jayden that he has a clearly articulated plan for the future, a plan that he has worked hard to create. As soon as a conversation with Jayden begins, it is hard to miss the maturity and self-awareness he exudes. Jayden is a self-described conversationalist and has found a path that will leverage his strengths and love of interacting with people, combined with a passion for politics. Next year he plans to attend Norwich University, participate in the ROTC program and major in political science. After graduation he looks forward to law school and feels that his time spent working with Mr. Marsden during his senior internship this year has solidified his decision to practice law.
For more information about Jayden, please see the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Andrew Balestieri
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
8th Grade Orientation Night Presentation Posted
Labels:
Events
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
HHS Students Win Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Congratulations to the HHS students who won awards in the 2018 National Scholastic Art & Writing contest!
National Awards
- Juliette Plante: two Gold Medals for sculpture and a Silver Medal for art portfolio
- Kelsey Logan: Gold Key for writing
- Juliette Plante: six Gold Keys and an Honorable Mention for art, and one Silver key for writing
Labels:
Awards
Monday, March 19, 2018
HHS Students Building a Tiny House!
HHS students are working on building a tiny house!
Work on the house teaches life skills such as home maintenance, problem solving, and professionalism, while touching upon many parts of the curriculum from woodshop to physics to art.
According to student Timothy Strang,
"The Tiny House Project is a school-wide, student-powered effort to design, construct, and sell a fully functional tiny home right out of the high school workshop. The idea goes that the project will be an annual event, offering each generation of students a unique opportunity at hands-on learning that will be applicable and relevant when they complete their education and enter the real world. Hopefully, in tiny homes to come, the previous year’s sale will fund the expenses of the next project, but in order to establish this cycle the first iteration will be entirely dependent upon community donations."
If you would like to donate, or if you’re just curious to see the progress as it comes together, check out the official Holliston Tiny Home website here: https://sites.google.com/holliston.k12.ma.us/tinyhouseholliston/home
Upcoming Transition Fairs
7:00-8:30pm Natick High School Cafeteria
Hosted in Collaboration by Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Wellesley Public Schools
Students and families are invited to learn about a variety of postsecondary options beyond typical 4 year colleges. There are a variety of opportunities and this can be difficult to navigate. A student's transition to adulthood is individually
based on interests, preferences, aptitudes and skills - there is no one size fits all!
Participants may include the following post-graduate programming
- College Associate and Certificate Programs
- Labor Union Apprenticeships
- Vocational and Training Programs
- Gap Year Options
- Military Culinary
- Cosmetology
- Massage Therapy Schools
- Automotive and Technical Schools
April 5, 2018 - Metrowest Regional Transition Fair
6:30 - 8:30PM Natick High School Cafateria
Hosted in collaboration with: Natick, Holliston, Hopkinton, Wayland and Needham Public Schools, MWCIL, MWRTA, DDS, MRC, DMH, MCB, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, and ACCEPT Collaborative
Providing information for students, their families and professionals on resources within the local community.
Featuring local resources in the areas of :
- State agencies
- Social/Recreation
- Mental Health
- Housing
- Transportation
- Camps/Clubs
- Community Resources
- Employment
speakers on the topics of:
- Mental Health
- Lessons Learned from Parents
- Peer Panel
For more information or to register
please visit:
https://sites.google.com/natickps.org/metrowestregionaltransitionfai/home
Or contact Kathryn Seyfarth
kseyfarth@natickps.org
Labels:
Events
Friday, March 9, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Madeline Cerulli
This week’s Student Feature Friday is junior Madeline (Maddie) Cerulli. Maddie is an active participant in Best Buddies and is currently the Best Buddies chapter president, a responsibility she takes very seriously. She helps to match Buddies, looking for common interests that will develop into strong, dedicated 1:1 friendships. She also organizes events for the group including a basketball clinic with the Holliston Boys Basketball team, bowling events, and trips to the aquarium. This month the group is planning several events surrounding the “spread the word to end the word” international movement, focused on ending the use of the “r” word, instead choosing “respect” and acting respectful without judgment. Maddie is truly a caring a remarkable person who is leading by example. For more information about Maddie Cerulli and her work with Best Buddies, please visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's blog.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
HHS Students at All-State Chorus
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Kelsey Logan
This week’s Student Feature Friday is sophomore Kelsey Logan whose maturity and varied writing experiences far surpass her age. Kelsey is clear that she wants art to be a part of her life now and in the future and is currently focused on exploring various forms of writing. After being introduced to poetry in 6th grade, she realized the complexity and ability to dissect the poetry was something that she loved and she continues to develop her own style by taking classes at HHS and online through other organizations.
In April, Kelsey will be competing with her team in the Louder Than A Bomb poetry competition. After taking a slam poetry class she auditioned for the competition by reading two of her pieces and was chosen to compete on a team with 3 other individuals from the Boston area. Kelsey gravitates towards free verse poetry because it provides the most mobility in her writing.
Kelsey is impressive in her ability to intentionally step outside her comfort zone and participate in other experiences that push her to develop her skills, challenge her thinking and grow as a person. Her goal as next year’s co-editor in chief of Enigma Literary Magazine is to highlight all different art forms, thus allowing her to highlight the work of so many different students. There is no doubt that the literary magazine is in good hands. For more information about Kelsey, visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Girls Winter Track Athletes in State Championship
Good luck to the HHS Girls Winter Track athletes participating in today's D4 State Championship at the Lewis Center!
Labels:
Sports
Monday, February 12, 2018
Spring Sports Registration Now Open
Registration for 2018 Spring Sports is now open!
Registration for HHS sports has three required pieces:
- Filling out the registration form at http://hhsathletics.holliston.k12.ma.us/registration
- Submitting an up-to date physical exam (requirements)
- Paying the athletics fee. You may pay on the Town of Holliston website or by check dropped off at/or mailed to HHS Main Office Checks must be made out to "Town of Holliston- Athletics" for $225.00.
Labels:
Sports
Friday, February 9, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Morgan Perry
This week’s Student Feature Friday is senior Morgan Perry who exemplifies leadership skills in both the academic and athletic settings. Morgan is a mature, responsible, kind and caring person who believes in the importance of strong, positive role models. She goes out of her way to assist others and works hard to create an open and welcoming atmosphere. As a result of her patience, compassion and competence she was promoted to “Chief of Early Learning” at Kumon in Natick. Morgan works with 3-7 year olds instructing them with carefully designed individualized programs. Her face lights up when she describes the rewarding experience of working with these students and knowing that she is helping them progress at their own speeds. For more information about Morgan, visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's blog.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Sarah Kennedy
This week’s Student Feature Friday is senior Sarah Kennedy whose passion for music has become a major part of her life. In addition to singing, Sarah plays flute, guitar, piano and ukulele. She is a member of the band, participates in Act Two & Harmonics, and for the second year in a row, is representing Holliston at the All-State Festival. She enjoys expressing herself through music and being able to put emotion to the notes. To Sarah, singing in the choir is the best feeling because it allows for everyone's voices to come together to make one big, beautiful sound. She looks forward to continuing music in college and is thankful for the teachers who have strongly encouraged her to pursue her musical interests and talents. To read more about Sarah, check out the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.
Friday, January 26, 2018
Student Feature Friday: Nathan Rutberg
This week’s Student Feature Friday is junior Nathan Rutberg who has found a passion for architecture and city planning. Nathan sees architecture as a tool to solve problems and describes it as tying art and function together in a cohesive way. His term project in Stress Management and Psychology focused on the connection between parks and mental health (his project can be seen below), specifically how city parks decrease the stress levels of individuals residing in the city.
In addition to pursuing his passion for architecture, Nathan is involved with music, sound engineering and running sound for school performances. Nathan is able to marry his love of architecture and design with his work in theatre. His theatre teachers states that, “He combines technical and analytical thinking with his creativity, which is perfect for the areas he works in at Theatre 370.” His sketches and set designs for the theatre Festival were, “well thought out, addressing the needs of the show, the feel of the piece and also trying to incorporate some historical architectural touches!”
For more information about Nathan, or to see his term project, please check out the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.
Friday, January 12, 2018
AP Exam Registration 2018
AP exam registration begins Monday January 15th.
AP exam registration ends March 5th.
Registration website: http://aptestservice. com/holliston
Registration is not complete until payment is received. Payment will NOT be provided to the guidance office this year.
The cost of the exams this year is $95.
All registration and exam questions can be found on this comprehensive website created exclusively for Holliston High School.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: If a student / family requires financial assistance with the cost of the AP exams, please contact Mrs. Ross at rossd@holliston.k12.ma.us. Holliston is committed to ensuring every student can take an AP exam, and will work with families as needed on adjusted fees or a payment installment plan.
WHY TAKE AN AP EXAM? HHS tends to produce high scores which can save many thousands of dollars at the college level. $95 for the possibility of saving anywhere from $1000 - $4000, depending on the college's per credit fee.
WHAT COLLEGES TAKE AP CREDIT? If you would like to explore the AP credit policies of colleges and universities, you can do so by clicking HERE. Taking the AP exam is also a part of the AP course experience and is good for helping students adjust to the type of exams they will experience in college.
SIGN UP for 2018 AP EXAM REMINDERS: Students and parents can sign up for text message reminders regarding the 2018 AP exams. To sign up text @gd7c9h to the number 81010. We will be selective in the information sent via text, but it is one way to ensure timely updates or reminders are received by students.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Ross at rossd@holliston.k12.ma.us.
Labels:
Testing
Student Feature Friday: Gemma Sampas
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Two-Hour Delay for Friday, Jan 5, 2018
Holliston Schools will have a two-hour delay on Friday, Jan 5, 2018. Because of the shortened schedule, there will be NO Advisory period.
A-Day: 2 Hour Delay
Block Start End Duration
Period A 9:30am 10:10am 40 Minutes
Period B 10:14am 10:53am 39 Minutes
Period C 10:57am 12:42am 77 Minutes
1st Lunch 10:57am – 11:22am
2nd Lunch 11:36am – 12:01pm
3rd Lunch 12:14pm – 12:42pm
Period D 12:46pm 2:03pm 77 Minutes
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
No School Thursday Jan 4, 2018
Due to the forecast of snow, Holliston Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, Jan 4, 2018! Stay warm and safe!
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