Student Feature Friday: Isabella Ceresia

This week’s Student Feature Friday is senior Isabella Ceresia whose passion for the environment has led to many interesting and rewarding experiences. Isabella’s interest in animals started at an early age when she would receive books from her cousins and would spend long periods of time reading and learning about all kinds of animals. She also spent quite a bit of time at the aquarium when she was younger and in 9th grade, was invited to participate in ClimaTeens, a group of dedicated teens 14 to 18 years old who care about the oceans and want to contribute to a healthy future. Through her work in this program she was twice invited as a panelist to educate the public on the environment and the power of engaging youth.

Isabella’s passion and care for the environment extended to her own community of Holliston when she coordinated a large project with NHS students, New England Aquarium Live Blue Ambassadors and the Town of Holliston Conservation Commission to remove 9 different types of invasive species from the Holliston Rail Trail. To learn more about Isabella visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.

School Committee Reaffirms New School Start Times for 2020-2021 School Year

At their December 12th meeting, the Holliston School Committee unanimously voted (with one member absent) to reaffirm and move forward with the plan they previously approved in May 2019, to adjust the school hours for the Holliston Public Schools as follows:

• HHS:             8:10AM – 2:43PM
• RAMS:          8:10AM – 2:33PM
• Miller:            7:30AM – 1:53PM
• Placentino:    8:50AM – 3:15PM

Originally approved in May, these revised school hours generated concerns among some parents in the community. In response, the School Committee engaged with these concerned parents and held a public forum that outlined the science behind the changes and offered people the opportunity to ask the Committee and Superintendent Jackson questions about the change. An open debate also took place at October Town Meeting.

Following these events as well as numerous meetings that individual Committee members held with concerned parents, the Committee reviewed a set of 10 proposed alternative start times scenarios proposed by this group of concerned parents. At their November meeting, the School Committee publicly reviewed each proposed scenario and concluded that eight of the ten proposed scenarios were untenable and removed those proposals from further consideration. The Committee then directed the administration to review the remaining two scenarios and report back to the Committee on their impact and viability.

At their December 12th meeting, the Committee reviewed the comprehensive analysis prepared by the administrative team and agreed with their conclusion that the drawbacks associated with either scenario were significant, making both remaining alternative solutions unviable. Following that discussion, the Committee unanimously voted to reaffirm their originally voted plan.

With this decision reaffirmed, parents and staff are strongly urged to begin planning for the impact that these changes could have on your individual family routines.  At the same time, Holliston administrators will begin finalizing the detailed plans needed to implement these new school hours. In addition, the School Committee and Superintendent will discuss the process we will use to collect the impact of these changes and how we will use that data to see if refinements of this plan are needed in future years.  

In addition to planning already under way at each school, the administration has already reported that they have a plan to open up a number of spots in our Extended Day program next school year to meet the anticipated demand for additional before and after-school care  Holliston Extended Day is also planning to offer an 80-minute “gap” program to cover the time between the dismissal of Placentino students and Miller students, so that siblings might be picked up together. The Holliston Extended Day program will formally announce the availability of their options later this winter and share sign-up information.  Further, the Committee reached out to the “Y” in Hopkinton regarding availability in their program for after-school care and that effort is showing promise. Interested parents should contact the YMCA directly if they wish to learn more about their after-school programs. Finally, the School Committee has authorized a transportation audit to see if we can find ways to make our bus system more efficient and/or convenient. The administration will share the results of this audit with the School Committee at one of their upcoming meetings as soon as the review has been completed.

Student Feature Friday: Riley Robinson

This week’s Student Feature Friday is junior Riley Robinson whose positivity and joy for life is evident the moment your start speaking with her. Her participation in Best Buddies, Beautiful Minds Campaign, Culture Club and the Wellness Council are all connected by her compassion, kind heart and genuine desire to help others. She recently traveled to Kenya with her family to help build soccer fields and bring medical supplies to those in need. Her trip to Kenya brought together her love of travel, having visited several countries throughout the world, with her strong desire to make the world a better place.

Riley is passionate about Wellness, nutrition and the mind-body connection. She is an active participant in the Wellness Council and is working hard to share her knowledge with others. Knowing how difficult it is to make consistent and sustained changes towards healthy living, she has found great support and comfort in her crossfit community. Future plans for her include becoming a dietitian and helping others change their lives for the better through wellness and kindness. To learn more about Riley visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's blog.

Adjustments to EEE Protocol for HS Athletics

As the HHS Fall season enters the playoff phase, we are pleased to have several of our varsity teams advancing to the playoffs with several teams being high-seeds in their respective brackets – high enough where HHS will be hosting at least three home playoff games during the first full week of November. In addition, because Daylight Savings Time ended on Sunday, November 3rd, sundown will be an hour earlier, requiring us to consider adjustments to our EEE protocol to allow for adequate time for our teams to practice and also host local tournament games. The Holliston Health Department has notified me that weekend lows reached levels that satisfy the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s advisory that “when temperatures between 27-29 degrees Fahrenheit have occurred over wide geographic areas, risk from mosquito-borne disease is considered to have ended inside that area.” However, because Holliston’s EEE level is officially set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and they have not updated community risk levels since October 28th, Holliston is still designated to be in the Critical risk zone. Until such time as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health officially lowers Holliston’s risk level, we will be implementing an adjusted EEE protocol. These adjustments have been reviewed and approved by the Holliston Board of Health.

Effective, Monday, November 4, 2019, we are lifting the prohibition of all HHS outdoor athletic activities after sundown. Teams may practice under the lights at Kamitian Field and playoff games will be scheduled, where necessary, without regard to the time of sunset.

Because the EEE threat level is still officially high, we are making the following adjustments to our safety protocols:

1. Student-athletes who will be outside after sunset will be expected to apply spray mosquito-repellent prior to the beginning of the practice or game. This expectation will be enforced by team coaches, our Athletic Trainer and the Athletic Director.
2. Spectators are STRONGLY encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. In addition, spray mosquito-repellent will be available, free-of-charge, at our ticket booths located at the entrance to Kamitian Field to all spectators who wish to apply it at any time during the game. This information will be announced to spectators at least twice during each game that is held at Kamitian Field.

This revised protocol will remain in place until the Massachusetts Department of Public Health informs the Town of Holliston that our EEE risk level has been lowered to normal.

HPS’ Triennial State Review Scheduled for Week of December 9th

During the week of December 9, 2019, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of Holliston Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview a member of the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite observations. Parents and other individuals may call Michelle Hennessy-Kowalchek, Public School
Monitoring Chairperson, at (781) 338-3704 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the Superintendent with a report with information about areas in which the district meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/reports/.

Student Feature Friday: Ryan Taylor

This week’s Student Feature Friday is senior Ryan Taylor, who is passionate about Robotics, Music, and the Vermont Adaptive Ski program. Giving back to others and mentoring younger students is what unites all three passions. Ryan is an active participant in band, playing Alto Saxophone, an instrument that his older brother introduced him to when he was a student in Holliston. Ryan is taking on the role of Vice-President Student Conductor this year and sees it as an opportunity to display his talents while supporting others in the band. In addition to HHS, he plays in the Blackstone Valley Community Concert band and the Lions All-State band.

When Ryan isn’t playing music he is heavily engaged in Robotics. As a Captain of the Robotics Team this year, he will be responsible for planning, scheduling and building a competition-ready robot with his team. The build season is intense and once they receive the parts to build the frame/chassis,  the team spends nights and weekends over a 6-week period to pull it all together. The team must follow strict guidelines with restrictions on the timeline, size, weight and even locations where they are approved to purchase additional parts for their design. This 6-week race to the finish leads them to competition and the excitement of seeing all their hard work come to fruition. Although Ryan will be graduating this year and pursuing engineering in the future, he hopes to come back and mentor a Robotics team one day and I have no doubt that he will make a significant difference to future generations. To learn more about Ryan visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.

Student Feature Friday: Nico Doyle

This week’s Student Feature Friday is Nico Doyle, a fantastic senior who is involved in many facets of HHS. Not only is he an integral part of the morning Jam Band at HHS, but he is using his musical talent to bring joy to others. When we sat down to chat about his interests, I asked him why he was involved in music and part of the band. He responded, “ Watching other people do what they love is contagious.” This humble attitude to supporting others and respecting the unique talents that each individual contributes to the world is a direct reflection of the character that Nico exhibits on a daily basis.

Nico is the type of person who is curious about life, seeks solutions for problems to improve the environment for all and isn’t afraid to step out of his comfort zone. He is a founding member of the Rowdy Repair Shop, a student-led (with the assistance of Mr. Calais) group who honed their skills in construction technology and are now fixing broken or rundown furniture for teachers throughout the building. After presenting this group to the entire Faculty, he is hard at work fielding requests. Nico stated that, “There is no reward better than doing something for someone else and seeing that smile.” Although helping others provides a sense of reward, it is his love of rock climbing, hiking and guitar that keeps him motivated and happy on a daily basis. His future goals include finding a career that can combine these three passions while continuing to help others and I have no doubt that he will have a big impact on his community. To learn more about Nico visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.

Winter Sports Registration

Registration for 2019-2020 Winter Sports is now open!

Registration for HHS sports has three required pieces:

1. Filling out the registration form at http://hhsathletics.holliston.k12.ma.us/registration
2. Submitting an up-to date physical exam (requirements)
3. 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.

The due date for all forms, physical exams, and payment is November 22, 2019.

HMAPA Kicks Off Citrus Fundraiser

It’s fresh citrus time! The Holliston Music and Arts Parents Association (HMAPA) is kicking off its annual Fall Citrus Fundraiser on October 15th with orders due by November 4th. Brochures will be distributed to all high school and middle school band, chorus, theatre, and art club students and Miller band students beginning on Tuesday, 10/15, so parents, please ask your art student about the sale! This year’s fruit selection includes navel oranges, juicing oranges, pink grapefruit, mandarin oranges, and Washington apples, plus mixed cartons.

If you don’t know a selling student, or if you prefer, you may order online by going to http://www.floridaindianrivergroves.com/ and using Organization ID #155966. All orders will be delivered to the Holliston High School Cafeteria. Online customers must pick up their order from the HHS Cafeteria on the delivery date. Don’t eat fruit? You can also donate fruit to the food pantry and have it delivered by us - see the fundraiser instruction sheet or, if ordering online choose “donate item.”

The fruit will be delivered by truck directly to the Holliston High School cafeteria on an evening between Tuesday, 12/3 and Thursday, 12/5. We will notify all sellers and online customers when we have a definite date from shipper - about one week in advance.

If you have any questions about this fundraiser, please contact Alison Quinan at quinans@yahoo.com or (508) 429-2347.

Thank you for supporting the fine and performing arts in our schools by supporting HMAPA!

School Start Times Public Forum

The Holliston School Committee voted to hold a public forum on the new school start times for the 2020-21 academic year. The forum will be held Thursday, October 10, 2019, in the Holliston High School auditorium, at 7:00 p.m. It is open to the public.

Judith Owens, MD, MPH, Director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston Children's Hospital and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, will present on the science of pediatric sleep. There will be a Q+A so that members of the public may ask questions of Dr. Owens, the School Committee, and Dr. Brad Jackson, superintendent of schools.
For more information on the issue of School Start Times in Holliston, please review the information on the School Start Times website.

>> Event Flyer

Substitute Teachers Are Still Needed!

Thanks to our very successful Open House for Substitutes we held on September 5th, we have seen an increase in our daily Substitute Teacher pool.  But we can ALWAYS use more!! 

In the past, we have found that many of our most-effective and supportive Substitutes are Holliston residents who are either seeking part-time, school-year employment; are looking to ease back into the workforce; or are looking for ways to actively support their community and their schools. Regardless of your motivation, being a Substitute Teacher is an excellent way to work with Holliston’s great teachers and school staff and, of course, our remarkable students.

Please check out our Information Packet for more information.

HHS Open House Tonight, Sept. 19, 2019

Tonight's Open House will begin at 6:30 pm with a presentation by Ms. Bottomley. Parents and guardians can then follow their students' schedules to meet the teachers, beginning with A block at 7 pm. Parents and guardians do not need to attend Advisory.

• 6:30 pm Principal's Address
• 7:00 - 7:12  Block A
• 7:17 - 7:29  Block B
• 7:34 - 7:46  Block C
• 7:51 - 8:03  Block D

For your convenience, your student can download this printable schedule to fill in teachers' names and room numbers.

UPDATE: Watch a recording of the opening presentation

HHS Art Program Featured in SchoolArts Magazine

The HHS Art Department was featured in an article "It Takes a Village" in the September 2019 issue of SchoolArts Magazine.

Authored by HHS department leader and art teacher Mr. Doug Lack, the article outlines last year's collaborative project to construct a model city made of recyclable materials, enlisting staff and students from all over the district. The article also highlights how the project was an exemplar of project-based learning.

"It Takes a Village" has been posted with permission of SchoolArts Magazine.

Become a Substitute Teacher in Holliston - Open House 9/5/19 at 7PM

This year, Holliston, like all near-by school districts, is facing a critical shortage of Substitute Teachers.

In the past, we have found that many of our most-effective and supportive Substitutes are Holliston residents who are either seeking part-time, school-year employment; are looking to ease back into the workforce; or are looking for ways to actively support their community and their schools. Regardless of your motivation, being a Substitute Teacher is an excellent way to work with Holliston’s great teachers and school staff and, of course, our remarkable students.

The Holliston Public Schools is hosting an Open House for those who want to learn more about this exciting opportunity. Join us on Thursday, September 5, 2019, at 7 PM in the Holliston High School Library to learn more!

Please share this information with your neighbors and friends.

Hope to see you there!

Chromebook Program 2019-2020

Holliston High is excited to begin Stage 4 of our one-to-one Chromebook program. Chromebooks are low-cost, cloud-centric laptops that allow students and teachers to participate in collaborative, interactive, digital learning experiences. We have seen tremendous success with our Chromebook program during the first three years, and are looking forward to completing the transition in 2019-2020.

Note: The 2019-2020 school year marks the end of the former "BYOD" program at HHS. All students should plan on using their school-owned Chromebook in their classes. Personally-owned laptops and Chromebooks are not an appropriate substitute, unless needed for a special project.

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 21. Students not attending the Orientation should pick up their Chromebooks on the first day of school in the school library, beginning at 7 am.

Grades 10-12

HHS will provide a Chromebook device to all students in Grades 10-12. 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, beginning at 7am.

Form Due Dates

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.

Freshman Orientation Aug. 21, 2019

All incoming 9th graders are reminded to attend the 9th Grade Orientation on Wednesday, August 21st from 9:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. 

Students will be provided a printed copy of their schedule. They will have a chance to tour the school, find their lockers and classrooms and meet many of the 11th grade Student Advisory Leaders (SAL's) who will help with the transition to the high school. Freshman will also receive their 2019-2020, school-issued Chromebook at the end of the orientation. Students who are not able to attend the orientation can pick up their Chromebooks on the first day of school in the Library. There is more information listed on the Holliston High School website regarding the technology program and the Chromebook Loan Agreement. 

Parents/Guardians, this orientation is for students only so enjoy dropping off your students and taking a nice two-hour break for yourselves.

Mock Digital Storefronts in Printmaking Class

In Mr. Shiff's Printmaking class, students were challenged to create a website that would simulate an online screen-printed apparel or prints marketplace. They had to invent and produce the necessary writing for their own digital storefront identity. While some of the brand stories might be fabricated, the products the students made that are featured here are real.

Leah Keys -
https://sites.google.com/students.holliston.k12.ma.us/slothcloths

Jack Seymour -
https://sites.google.com/students.holliston.k12.ma.us/lake-winni-tees/home


Arianna Patel -
https://sites.google.com/students.holliston.k12.ma.us/printsinbloom/our-commitment-to-quality


Spencer Benoff -
https://sites.google.com/students.holliston.k12.ma.us/website-spencer-benoff/home


Maddie Iarussi -
https://sites.google.com/students.holliston.k12.ma.us/thelongneckmission/home


Taylor Sofoul
https://tnsofoul.wixsite.com/worldlythings/about


Hunter McElhinney
https://sites.google.com/students.holliston.k12.ma.us/float-shirts/home


Nathaniel White
https://sites.google.com/view/outsidein/


Hannah Wolfgang
https://sites.google.com/students.holliston.k12.ma.us/reminiscink/home

Chromebook Insurance Renewal

We are pleased to be able to enter the final stage of our transition to a 1:1 Chromebook program at Holliston High School, allowing us to retire the older BYOD program. Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, all HHS students will be provided with a school-issued Chromebook, allowing for much better consistency and equity in digital access.

Current HHS students in Grades 9-11 who will be attending Holliston High next year can keep their Chromebooks with them for use over the summer. Students may find this useful for a number of different digital activities, including AP summer work, research into colleges and post-secondary programs, communication with peers and teachers, and continuing to develop their 21st-century skills.

Current Grade 8 students who will be attending HHS in the fall will receive information over the summer about receiving their Chromebooks at Freshman Orientation.

Holliston Public Schools highly recommends that families purchase the optional Chromebook Insurance. The current plan expires on the last day of school, June 18, 2019. For safety and peace-of-mind, we recommend that families renew their insurance before then, to cover accidental damage that may occur to the Chromebooks over the summer and 2019-2020 school year.

To renew or begin Chromebook Insurance, please return the Chromebook Insurance Form and a check to the Holliston High School Main Office before the end of the school year. The new coverage will cover Summer 2019 and the 2019-2020 school year, beginning on the day the insurance form and check are turned in.

Note: In past years, there was also an additional form, sometimes called the Chromebook Loan Agreement form. Last fall, in order to help reduce paperwork, the Chromebook Loan Agreement form was made a part of the annual start-of-school forms that are signed digitally in PowerSchool. You will see a Chromebook consent question, along with the Student-Parent Handbook sign-off question and other routine questions and forms, mid-summer in time for the start of the new school year. The only paper form needed at this time is the recommended Chromebook Insurance form, due by the last day of school, in order to maintain insurance coverage over the summer months.

If you know that your student will not be returning to Holliston High School next year, please have them turn in their Chromebook to the HHS Library during final exams.

Thank you for your continued support of our technology program, as we work to provide equitable access to digital resources for all of our students.

ImPACT Testing for Rising 11th Grade Fall Athletes

Athletes that will be juniors in the fall need to take a new baseline ImPACT test. The test is required prior to tryouts for Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Field Hockey and Cheer.

If you are unsure if you need to take it, please see Ms. Siglin in the Athletic Training Room.  Baseline tests are required every 2 years.

Fall 2019 Sports Registration Now Open!

Registration for 2019 Fall Sports is now open!

Registration for HHS sports has three required pieces:

1. Filling out the registration form at http://hhsathletics.holliston.k12.ma.us/registration
2. Submitting an up-to date physical exam (requirements)
3. 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.

The due date for all forms, physical exams, and payment is August 16, 2019.

1st Annual Bill Wechsler 5K

Holliston High School’s National Honor Society will be hosting the 1st annual Bill Wechsler 5K Walk/Race to Find a Cure for ALS in memory of Bill Wechsler, who passed away earlier this year. 

Join us Saturday May 11th at 9:30 A.M. at the Adams Middle school for a fun community event that will benefit Massachusetts General Hospital! 

Register at https://events.eventzilla.net/e/the-bill-wechsler-als-5k-walkrace-to-find-a-cure-2138750405 Sports teams that register together will get $5 per person!

Theatre370 Presents Puffs

Theatre 370 is proud to present this hilarious, two-act play in our blackbox MAY 2, 3, 4, 2019! Tickets will be available at the door, Coffee Haven (SOON) and online at https://puffs370.bpt.me NOW!

An international hit, currently playing Off- Broadway, Puffs tells the story of Wayne Hopkins, another boy who goes to the magical school with which we have all become familiar. With his friends and his Puffs crew beside him, they tackle school subjects (Herbology is the best!) dating ( we Puffs need to talk about the birds and the bees too!)Oh, and a certain boy wizard is there too with all the trouble he brings year after year.

PUFFS is recommended for wizards, witches, Mug-Borns, sorted and unsorted 12 years old and up. It does contain mild language, discussion of teenage themes (ahem, birds and bees as previously stated) and mildly sad and occasionally comedic violence. If you wouldn't let your little one read all of the very famous, very long books about a boy called Harry, then you might want to make an inquiry.

Above all, PUFFS is a show about what it means to be the hero of your own story, even when your story is not what you were expecting it to be. Deep down, we all are a little bit Puff, aren't we?

Please note: This is presented in our blackbox format so seating is limited. We are trying our best to bring you, the audience, into our tale so actors will be among you, sometimes with bubbles. Also, there are some loud noises and Soul Sucking Security Guards, but your Narrator will help you with those.

"PUFFS" (Two Act Edition) is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French INC., a Concord Theatricals Company

PTO Mindshare Event, Apr 30: Recovery Advocacy & Addiction Awareness

FREE EVENT – OPEN TO ALL
Middle School and High School students encouraged to attend

Breaking the Stigma: Recovery Advocacy & Addiction Awareness

Tony Hoffman, Former BMX Pro, U.S. Olympic Coach & Recovering Addict

Tuesday, April 30th, 7pm at Robert Adams Middle School,

323 Woodland Street, Holliston

Mindshare is proud to introduce a free seminar with Tony Hoffman, former addict of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and Oxycontin.

His substance abuse led him to commit a crime that resulted in a prison sentence. Tony is a Former BMX Elite Pro and is currently ranked #2 in Masters Pro class. He is a 2016 Rio Olympic Games Coach, with Women’s BMX PRO, Brooke Crain, in his line-up. Join us to hear Tony’s story of redemption as he recounts some of the highest highs, and the lowest lows.

This event is sponsored by Mindshare, Connecting the Community with Education.

Mindshare is Holliston PTO’s parent education program For more information, please contact Anne Buckley at parentedevents@gmail.com

Student Feature Friday: Tristan Beck Torres

This week’s Student Feature Friday is junior Tristan Beck Torres who has a love for Crossfit and music. When Crossfit Firewall opened in Holliston, Tristan was the only teen there for the first few months but he persevered and has found a love of the techniques and the community. He loves seeing everyone in their own domain and appreciates being able to see his physical and mental strength as he progresses. He is hoping to partner with Mr. D’Avanzo for an internship next year to further develop his own skills, as he likes the idea of being a Crossfit coach. He describes Functional Fitness and Nutrition as an important class for him because it taught him how to adopt a lifestyle that really resonated with him.

Photo Credit by Henry Studios

Equally enjoyable for him is music, and in particular, music production. He began playing the clarinet in fourth grade and has since added piano and tenor saxophone to his repertoire. Participating in Districts in 7th and 8th grade alongside other talented musicians further solidified his interest in music. He is excited about his upcoming independent study with Mr. Bilodeau, where he will concentrate on music production and distribution. He loves recording music and sees it as a way to express himself, describing his style as “video game” music. Tristan shows a maturity and self-confidence that will serve him well in his future endeavors. To learn more about Tristan, visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal’s blog.

Student Feature Friday: Ashani Kurukulasuriya

This week’s Student Feature Friday is Junior Ashani Kurukulasuriya whose maturity and compassion for others is truly remarkable. When it became clear to Ashani that the school did not yet have a club to meet her needs, she partnered with a recent graduate from Harvard University to establish a chapter of Vision:Global Health at HHS. In addition to creating the club at HHS, Ashani and other members will be presenting at the Harvard Global Health and Leadership Conference this April. She is excited to attend the conference to learn more about food insecurity and human trafficking and how it affects local communities. Although the club is just beginning, they are already working with nearby food pantries to see what needs exist and researching speakers who can bring awareness to concerns about human trafficking.

Ashani just attended her first meeting of a seventeen week program with Youth in Philanthropy (YIP), which “...is an experiential leadership development program designed to empower and educate local youth to become our community’s next generation of philanthropists–those who give their time, talent and treasure for the common good” (https://yipmetrowest.org). This program will further develop her passion for community service and provide opportunities for her to learn more about obtaining grants and funding for causes that she feels strongly about. To learn more about Ashani, visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's blog.

Spring Sports Registration Now Open

Registration for 2018-2019 Spring Sports is now open!

Registration for HHS sports has three required pieces:

1. Filling out the registration form at http://hhsathletics.holliston.k12.ma.us/registration
2. Submitting an up-to date physical exam (requirements)
3. 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.

The due date for all forms, physical exams, and payment is March 8, 2019.

Student Feature Friday: Samantha Paquette

This week’s Student Feature Friday is senior Samantha Paquette whose limitless academic potential is matched by her unbounded compassion for others. Her recent starring role in Footloose highlighted her beautiful singing voice and her strong acting talent. Samantha began participating in theatre at Prana summer camp when she was 4 or 5 and has found a noticeable difference to her happiness when she is on stage. When speaking about singing, a large smile comes across her face and she says, “chorus lifts me up.” From the moment she started performing she was able to bring the characters to life through song in a way that allowed her to connect the words with the underlying message and share her talent with the world. Whether it is performing for large audiences or at small parties for young children, she is at home in the world of music. To learn more about Samantha, visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.

Public Forum: The Future of Holliston High School

The Future of Holliston High School: A Community Conversation

Tuesday, January 15, 2019, 7 pm, HHS Auditorium

Originally designed in 1965 and opened in 1969, Holliston High School has served our community well for almost 50 years. Although it received a cosmetic renovation in 2000, now, 18 years later, the administration estimates that there are an estimated $10,000,000 in building infrastructure repairs and infrastructure replacements that we can reasonably expect to see in the coming decade. Understanding that our students’ classroom experience has changed significantly from 50 years ago and before investing such a significant amount of money in a 50-year old building, the School Committee asked the administration to review the building’s usefulness and effectiveness as a 21-century learning center. That review revealed a significant number of areas where the physical plant did not support the technology-rich, collaborative instructional model used today.

Given the significance of the anticipated costs over the next decade to maintain the building and the design deficiencies that impede our ability to provide our students with comparable 21st century learning environment available in most MetroWest communities who have already modernized their high school, the School Committee feels that it is time for Holliston to begin a serious conversation as a community regarding the High School and options moving forward.

To begin this discussion, the School Committee is holding a public forum, The Future of Holliston High School: A Community Conversation, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at 7 pm in the Holliston High School auditorium. This forum is open to all members of the public. The decisions our community face are important and will likely impact our students’ high school experience for the next several decades. Your attendance and participation as we begin to explore these issues is strongly encouraged.