HHS Humanitarian Club: Political Debate

The HHS Humanitarian Club is hosting its first political debate/discussion! See the poster for more details!

Sign-up Link: https://forms.gle/RRMMminJMboyqxPR9
 

Winter Sports 2020-2021 Registration Due Dec. 9, 2020

 

Winter athletics registration is now open!  Registration will be open for a very short window of time and will close on Wednesday, December 9th. We recognize that this is a quick turnaround but decisions have to be made soon about the viability of the season based on potential participation and health data. As a reminder, all paperwork, including an in-person physical exam within the last 13 months, must be up to date in order to participate in tryouts.  However, payment will not be due prior to tryouts and will instead be due after teams have been selected.  If you have chosen to rollover your Spring 2020 payment, no action will be required. 

Per the MIAA, the start date for the Winter athletic season is Monday, December 14th. Indoor Track and Swim & Dive have been moved to the Fall 2 season. Winter Cheer & Wrestling have been moved to the Spring season. We are accepting registrations for the following sports: Basketball (Boys & Girls) and Ice Hockey (Boys). Our Co-op programs are under advisement as it pertains to Covid-19. However, we are asking students interested in participating in our Co-op Gymnastics & Co-op Girls Ice Hockey programs, based out of Medway HS, to register for planning purposes only. No decisions regarding Co-ops have been made yet and there are several factors to consider regarding the availability of Winter Co-ops.   

Please be aware that no final decisions have been made regarding Winter athletics. Updated health & safety data for the school and the community will be reviewed once registration is closed before any final decisions are made. 

Registration is open to all HHS students in any cohort, including those following a full-time remote schedule.

Information regarding sport specific tryout schedules will be posted on the HHS athletic website as it becomes available. These dates and the status of our Winter athletic season are all subject to change as we monitor COVID-19.  Thank you for your patience as we all navigate these unprecedented times.

If there are any registration questions, please contact Georgina Heaslewood in the HHS main office at heaslewoodg@holliston.k12.ma.us (508-429-0677).  Athletic related questions can be directed to Athletic Director, Matt Baker, bakerm@holliston.k12.ma.us (508-429-0677 x1118) or the head coach of your sport. 

Thanks and Go Panthers!

>> Winter Athletics Registration

Registering for HHS sports has 2 important requirements for Winter 2020-2021:

1. Complete the online form. Students will need their Holliston email address and Student ID number, as well as insurance and emergency contact info

2. Be sure the school  has a copy of the student's latest physical exam. Copies of physical exams can be dropped off at the HHS main office to Georgina Heaslewood or sent via email to Georgina Heaslewood at heaslewoodg@holliston.k12.ma.us 

Transition Roundtable Scheduled for Dec 8, 2020

 

Virtual Transition Roundtable Event

on Post-Secondary Transition Options from Local and State Adult Service Providers

Presented by Holliston, Natick, and Newton Public Schools

https://youtu.be/ig01xa00kus

HHS To Be Fully Remote on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020

HHS will follow a fully remote schedule on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. 

Please see the letter from Dr. Kustka sent to families via BrightArrow for more information.

HHS (Remote) Open House, Oct. 14, 2020

UPDATE: Opening Remarks (passcode: j^^drj6y) | Recordings of teacher sessions

This fall's Open House will begin remotely at 6:30 pm with a presentation by Ms. Bottomley. Parents and guardians can then follow their students' schedules to meet the teachers via Zoom or Google Meet, beginning with A Block at 7 pm. Parents and guardians do not need to attend Advisory.

• 6:30 pm Principal's Address
• 7:00 - 7:10  Block A
• 7:15 - 7:25  Block B
• 7:30 - 7:40  Block C
• 7:45 - 8:00  Block D

For security, Zoom and Google Meet links will be emailed to families during the afternoon before the event, so please check your email inbox for links from hpsinfo@holliston.k12.ma.us.

Schools Closed on Thursday, October 8th

 Dear Families:

Due to power outages and roads remaining blocked with trees and wires down, school will be closed today. Eversource indicating many houses are out of power, so we will not be able to be remote. We were hoping power might be back overnight, but I am hearing that roads are not cleared and power has not been restored. Sorry for the late notice. Stay Safe!

Dr. Susan E. Kustka

Interim Superintendent

Welcome Back!

We are so excited to start the school year, and I know I speak for all teachers when I say that we have missed our students and are looking forward to seeing them via Zoom! An email was sent out in the morning on Tuesday, September 15th through student's grade level Google Classrooms containing the Google Classroom codes for each individual class. Once students log on to their Google Classroom they will see a zoom (in a few specific cases a Google Meet link) link to access their remote classes tomorrow.

To clarify, there are two calendars students/families should pay attention to for the school year.

The first calendar is the cohort calendar which shows Cohort A on Monday/Tuesday & alternating Wednesdays and Cohort B on alternating Wednesdays and Thursday/Friday. That calendar represents the hybrid model and the days of the week that students will be attending in-person classes. Since creating the cohort calendar, the high school in-person start date changed and in-person classes are now scheduled to begin on the 29th. Until then, all students will attend their classes virtually unless contacted by high school personnel.

The second calendar is the Day Rotation Calendar. Holliston High School follows a 4 day rotating calendar. This calendar reflects the rotation schedule to show if it is an A day, B day, C day or a D day. For example, tomorrow is an A day and class will begin at 8:10am with A block, followed by B block and so on. To see the bell schedule with the times for each block please click on the following link: Daily Block Bell Schedule. Students will also see this bell schedule with their classes when they log in to their PowerSchool Unified Classroom accounts (reminder instructions were sent in the email over the weekend).

Although most students will not begin in-person classes until the 29th, we wanted to share a quick video our students made to orient everyone to the building. Over the next week we will be sending out additional information about the logistics for navigating the building and the various procedures geared towards health and safety. Here is a quick snapshot of HHS: Welcome to HHS 2020.

We will be sending out more information about band, chorus, clubs, activities and athletics over the next several days. For now, please concentrate on getting set up with google classroom and zoom links for tomorrow!

Parents/Guardians, if you have not already done so, please complete the annual verification forms for the start of the school year. If you are having any difficulty with the forms, please contact Patty Sundquist at sundquistp@holliston.k12.ma.us

Thank you for your support and we are excited to start the year!!

HHS Administration
Principal - Nicole Bottomley
Assistant Principal Grades 9 & 11 - Ms. Karen Archambault
Assistant Principal Grades 10 & 12 - Mr. Chris Cook
Student Services Administrator - Kim Condon
Athletic Director - Matt Baker

Yearbooks Orders

 

It's time to order your HHS Yearbook for the 2020-2021 school year!

The special "early-bird" price is only available until the end of September, so order your yearbook at the best price today!

More information about the yearbook, including online ordering, pricing, and ad deadlines, can be found on the HHS website.

School Start Date Update (September 12, 2020)

September 12, 2020 

Dear Families: 

Starting on Wednesday, September 16th, PreK-3 will begin a staggered start towards daily, in-person instruction. Grade 2 and Montessori Ages 6-8 at Placentino and Grade 3 at Miller will begin in-person instruction on September 16th. Grade 1 will begin in-person learning on Thursday, September 17th. Kindergarten will begin in-person learning on Friday, September 18th and Preschool will begin in-person instruction on Monday, September 21st. 

In grades PreK-1, while they await to begin in-person instruction, students will meet with their teachers remotely for a series of activities and virtual orientations. Teachers will start the day at 8:45 for a whole class meeting and will then virtually meet with smaller groups of students throughout the day to orient them to the classroom, review arrival procedures, and to explain what they should expect for their first In-person day. The purpose of these interactions is to help orient students to the classroom and school environment while also building relationships with their teacher and classmates. 

Starting on September 21st, Grades 4-12 hybrid students will begin a staggered start towards daily in-person instruction. The district is aiming to begin in-person instruction by cohort in Grades 4 & 5 and Grades 6-8 on Monday, September 21st. Then on Tuesday, September 29th, we will aim to begin in-person instruction by cohort at Holliston High School in Grades 9-12. In order to reach this timeline, the district will be doing everything in its power to recruit and hire for open positions, and to deploy administrators and other non-teaching staff to support supervision and safety needs in creative ways. Below you will see additional detail by grade level start dates. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as we forge ahead during uncharted times in education. 

However, should staffing needs not be resolved so that proper safety protocols are able to be ensured, it may be necessary to delay the in-person start dates for grades 4-12 a bit longer, but this is not our intention at this time. Should this need to occur related to safe staffing needs, we will communicate this to families as early as possible. We are not alone, as many school districts are competing to find additional staff for safety positions and/ or to fill positions created from late resignations or leaves of absence related to Covid-19. 

 As you know, we have asked for parent volunteers to support the in-person start dates, and there are still about 25 open school positions and many bus monitor openings. These are available for new hires to apply for or volunteers to temporarily fill, to aid this process. Here is the survey link for volunteers and the Schoolspring link to apply for a position. As stated the other night, “It takes a village to raise our children/ educate the students” of HPS, and they/we need you. 

Sincerely, Dr. Susan E. Kustka 

Interim Superintendent 

Full In-person Wednesday, September 16th: In-Person Learning Schedule: 

• Grade 2 and Montessori Ages 6-8 will begin in-person instruction at Placentino. 

• Grade 3 will begin in-person instruction at Miller. 

 

Thursday, September 17th: In-Person Learning Schedule

• Grade 2 and Montessori 6-8 will continue with in-person learning 

• Grade 3 will continue in-person instruction at Miller. 

• Grade 1 will begin in-person learning 

 

Friday, September 18th: In-Person Learning Schedule 

• Grade 2 and Montessori 6-8 will continue with in-person learning 

• Grade 1 will continue with in-person learning 

• Grade 3 will continue in-person instruction at Miller. 

• Kindergarten will begin in-person learning 

 • Preschool will continue to meet with their teachers remotely as described. 

 

September 21st: 

• Preschool will begin In-person learning (joining grades K-2) 

Hybrid Model Grades 4-12 

Wednesday, September 16 - Friday, September 18 

• Grades 4-12 would all begin hybrid remotely 
• Grades 4 & 5 hybrid would be remote for the first 3 days 
• Grade 6-8 would be remote for the first 3 days 
• Grades 9-12 would be remote for the first 3 days 

Monday, September 21 

• Miller Grades 4 & 5 and RAMS Grade 6-8 hybrid will aim to begin in-person learning by cohort. 
• Holliston High would remain remote for the week. 

Tuesday, September 29 

• Holliston High School in grades 9-12 will aim to begin in-person learning by cohort. 
• All schools are in full hybrid mode.

Reopening Q&A Sessions

 

Recordings of our recent Q&A sessions have been posted online. Please use the links below to view the full recording of each session:

• August 26, 2020 - 12:00 noon
• August 26, 2020 - 6:00 pm

New Chromebook & Device Loan Agreement and Insurance Program

Holliston Public School has updated its Device Loan Agreement and Insurance Program, including a new online payment option. Please read the flyer for more information about this important program. 

Draft Fall Reopening District Plan (8-3-2020)

Translated Versions 

         hulistun 'iieadat fath muqtarih almashrue al'awal 8/3/2020 

        Primeiro esboço da proposta de reabertura de Holliston 8/3/2020   

         Holliston возобновление предложения 1-й проект 8/3/2020

         Propuesta de reapertura de Holliston 1st Draft 8/3/2020

. 

HHS Summer Assignments Posted

Summer Assignments for summer 2020 have been posted. Check out the listing for assignments, listed by course and teacher.

Fall 2020 Sports Registration

Registration for 2020 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 $225 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.  SPECIAL for FALL 2020: Do NOT submit payment for registration fees immediately. We are waiting for confirmation of the fall sports schedule.  Once confirmed, HHS will contact you about payment.

The due date for the form and physical exam is August 10, 2020.

Art Saves Lives 2020

There are two great ways to check out HHS fine arts and performances online!

First, the annual tradition of Art Saves Lives is moving online this year! Starting at 4 pm on May 21, portfolios for HHS seniors are being displayed via Instagram @ArtSavesLive2020 and Facebook @Holliston.ArtSavesLives.7. You will have the opportunity to “LIKE” and Comment on their superb work.

Second, visit the HHS Fine Arts Blog. It is continually updated with art, music, and various entertaining and provocative videos. The vast majority of this work by students and teachers was created during distance learning. This blog will be continued as we move forward, and will change and morph to suit the needs of our artistic community. Portfolios for underclassmen can be found on the Underclassmen Portfolios page of the Blog.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY!!!

>> Art Saves Lives 2020 via Instagram or via Facebook, beginning 4 pm May 21

>> HHS Arts Blog

HHS Scholarship Applications

The 2020 Holliston High School Scholarship Applications are now available online. HHS Seniors who would like to apply for scholarships for their post-secondary education should carefully read all instructions and complete the applications by April 6, 2020 April 27, 2020 at 3 pm.

Any questions about the Scholarship program can be directed to the HHS Counseling Office.

>> 2020 Scholarships

Video: Program of Studies and Scheduling Night

The full recording of the Program of Studies and Scheduling Night presentation is now online on the new HHS Videos YouTube channel.

This presentation was designed for parents/guardians of incoming ninth graders, but may be useful to any HHS students and families who have questions about the scheduling process for next year.

You can find the video, along with copies of slideshows and other useful scheduling forms, on the PowerSchool: Scheduling page of the HHS website.

Student Feature Friday: Lindsey Franco

This week’s Student Feature Friday is Freshman Lindsey Franco, whose smile and positive attitude light up any room she enters. Lindsey is a dedicated athlete and musician and feels that these activities help her thrive. She has participated in Special Olympics gymnastics for the last 7 years. Each year she has competed at the state games at Harvard University and has won over 29 medals during her career. Although her gymnastics accomplishments are impressive, Lindsey’s favorite sport is basketball. Lindsey has needed to overcome many obstacles in her life and she describes basketball as the sport that makes her a stronger person and takes her mind off of her disability. She was thrilled this year to join the first Unified Basketball team at Holliston High School and can’t wait to play again next year.

Lindsey is a great advocate for her disability, Williams Syndrome, which is a genetic condition that can be characterized by medical problems, developmental delays and learning challenges. In 2018 Lindsey began partnering with Team Impact, an organization that pairs kids with disabilities with a college sports team. She was drafted by the Framingham State University Softball Team and she feels such a sense of pride as a member of the team. What is most striking about Lindsey is how strong she is and how much she cares about others. She is truly an inspiration and it is exciting to think about the impact she will have on HHS during her high school years. To learn more about Lindsey, visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's blog.

Student Feature Friday: Matt Perera

This week’s Student Feature Friday is junior Matt Perera whose enthusiasm for life and general positivity is contagious. Matt is involved in so many activities, both at HHS and outside of school, yet he manages to achieve a healthy balance, while still striving to improve in all aspects of his life. Since picking up the trumpet in 4th grade he has been an avid musician, making it into Districts each year since 8th grade. Last year he earned the top trumpet spot in the CDMMEA Central District Festival. In addition to his participation in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Claflin Hill Orchestra, T-Tones & Act II, he has petitioned to take on an independent study this year writing his own music for the trumpet. His goal is to write music that brings more energy and melody to the trumpet. In other words, he wants to write music that will “get stuck in people’s heads and they can sing or hum along to.”

Matt is always looking for ways to step outside of the box and pave the way for others. He is a captain of the frisbee team and Vice-President of the class of 2021. He works hard to make sure others feel included and sees that as a huge responsibility of a leader. To learn more about Matt, visit the Student Feature Friday section of the Principal's Blog.

2020 Spring Sports Registration is Now Open

Registration for 2020 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 9, 2020.