Latest News
District
May 6, 2022
Dear Families, Caregivers, and Staff,
We are very excited to begin our new 2022-2027 Strategic Pan that was voted on at last night’s school committee meeting. Please see below a link to the presentation given by the fabulous strategic planning team members, as well as a link to the actual draft strategic plan, which will soon be linked on our website. We have a lot of exciting work to do in our quest for equity and with our vision statement of, “Embark on Your Journey: Personal. Local. Global.”
Strategic Plan
Take a moment to peruse our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and last night’s presentation summarizing some key point’s of the plan.
COVID-19 Updates
In the most recent full week through May 4th, HPS was notified of a total of 38 positive cases. This is included in a total count of 87 positive cases district-wide in the two-week look back from April 21st- May 4th, as is updated on the HPS COVID Dashboard. We are likely seeing the uptick from travel and events over the April vacation. Please be diligent with pooled testing and at home testing, as we have seen an uptick in cases recently; and we have also embarked upon allergy season and common cold symptoms can mimic COVID, too. Students may be enrolled and staff may still consent to All COVID Testing.
Holliston Schools Good News
- 21-22 S&S Community Ed Series _ Bullying_Screen Time.pdfPlease join Holliston PTO, Holliston Public Schools, Holliston MindShare, Holliston SEPAC, and the Diverse Holliston Education Committee as we welcome Bridgewater State College, MARC center (Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center) as they share with our families a presentation on: SCREEN USE, ANXIETY, and SOCIAL CHALLENGES.
Enjoy the weekend!
Yours,
Susan E. Kustka, Ed.D.
Dear Families, Caregivers, and Staff,
As we notice daffodils and tulips bursting through the soil all around town, it is a sign of warmer weather and brighter days to come. Field trips and school events are increasing in number and athletic events are well underway. This is wonderful to see, but still we continue to focus on the important teaching and learning taking place each and every day, throughout the school district.
Strategic Planning Update
Please join us on Cinco de Mayo while we present our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan at 7:00 pm at the school committee meeting in the HHS Library.
COVID-19 Updates
In the most recent full week through April 29, 2022, HPS was notified of a total of 40 positive cases. This is included in a total count of 59 positive cases district-wide in the two-week look back, as is updated on the HPS COVID Dashboard. Please be diligent with pooled testing and at home testing, as we have seen an uptick in cases recently; and we have also embarked upon allergy season and common cold symptoms can mimic COVID, too. Students may be enrolled and staff may still consent to All COVID Testing. Students who are opted-in received two tests which will allow them to test prior to the return from the break as well.
Holliston Schools Good News
- On Wednesday, I attended the Miller Transition Night where families of incoming grade three students were welcomed and learned about what to expect for their children as they enter a new school in September.
- We are very excited to start “Building BridgesTogether” as students and staff ready to, “Embark on Your Journey: Personal, Local, Global” @ Holliston Public Schools through our work on the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan PreK-12+.
- HHS seniors will be attending Gillette Field Day on Friday, May 6, 2022 as a thank you and apology for having to reschedule the Senior Prom due to the Garth Brooks Stadium Tour change.
- It was so nice to see our 3rd grade students making candles and Johnny Cakes, attending class, etc. on the Holliston Historical Society Field Trip last week. Their excitment and enjoyment were very apparent to this onlooker.
- HHS students attended a Teen Truth assembly and follow-up discussions with staff last Thursday while a group of 50 students attended a leadership summit following the assembly. This work is important as we strive to support the social-emotional well-being of our students.
Have a good night!
Best regards,
Susan E. Kustka, Ed.D.
April 14, 2022
Dear Families, Caregivers, and Staff,
I hope families and staff get an opportunity to relax and enjoy a safe, productive, and rejuvenating April Vacation week. We will look forward to seeing everyone back to school on April 25, 2022.
Strategic Planning Update
The Strategic Planning Committee met for a final, follow up meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 to vet the drafted Strategic Initiatives. I cannot thank this incredible group of dedicated individuals enough, and I am excited that we will be able to present the 2022-2027 Strategic plan, focusing on improvements in the four arch areas of: Communication Practices, Social and Emotional Well-being, Teaching & Learning, and Talent & Resources. Join us on Cinco de Mayo at the HSC Mtg at 7pm as we present our 2022-2027 HPS Strategic Plan.
COVID-19 Updates
The most recent full week through Thursday, April 14, 2022, HPS was notified of a total of 33 positive cases This is included in a total count of 69 positive cases district-wide in the two-week look back, as updated on the HPS COVID Dashboard. Please be diligent with pooled testing and at home testing, as we have seen an uptick in cases recently; and we have embarked upon allergy season and the common cold symptoms can mimic COVID, too. Students may be enrolled and staff may still consent to All COVID Testing. Students who are opted-in received two tests which will allow them to test prior to the return from the break as well.
Holliston Schools Good News
● The Understanding Teen Depression Virtual Workshop Holliston Youth and Family Services and Holliston Public Library presentation is being held tonight, Thursday, April 14th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm Registration info for the Zoom session is on the linked flier.
Happy Vacation!
Best regards,
Susan E. Kustka, Ed.D.
Please Support the School Budget!
We ask for your support to continue funding schools that provide an excellent education for Holliston children. The School Committee’s recommended budget (both operating and capital) will go to Town Meeting, which starts Monday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m., at the High School auditorium. As with all local budgets, the school budget is decided by voters like you at Town Meeting, which has the final say on where our money goes.
OPERATING BUDGET
Our recommended FY23 operating budget, which aligns with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Kustka’s budget request, is predominantly about providing what we call “level services” —that is, the amount of money we need to pay for the same staff, programs and services we are providing in the current school year without any cuts.
We are pleased we were able to settle multiple contracts this year, but because personnel costs make up the majority of the school budget (which is true across districts in Massachusetts), we have to spend more to keep our valuable staff. Personnel costs will account for about an estimated 81 percent of the budget for FY23. That means most of our costs are fixed.
We are requesting a budget of $39,004,314, which represents a 5.14 percent increase over the current fiscal year. Here’s the breakdown:
New Costs: $ 109,035 (0.29% increase)
Level Services: +$1,796,756* (4.85% increase)
= FY23 Increase $1,905,791 (5.14% increase)
*It’s important to note that our estimate of what it will cost to provide level services has more unknowns this year than in the past. The cost of oil and gas is impossible to predict, and the schools have been impacted by increased competition for new hires. In past years, we have been able to count on favorability when we have to replace someone leaving the district mid-year. Usually when that happens, we are replacing a veteran teacher with an entry-level new hire, with a commensurate difference, or favorability, in the salaries. Because of the competition for new hires, that’s not frequently the scenario these days. With such a large budget, that favorability has been key in past years when we have unexpected additional costs. We can’t count on that for next year.
We tried to budget for only new costs that were essential and they reflect a 0.29% increase to our level service budget:
- We are asking for one additional full-time school psychologist so that we have a psychologist at each school. The School Committee and superintendent agree this addition is necessary to address the increased needs of students and the higher number of psychological assessments required at each building. Mental health issues have been more prevalent as a result of the pandemic, and we know that without support, students will miss out on learning.The cost is estimated at $83,295.
- We are recommending an additional 20 hours for an emergent bilingual tutor (ELL tutor) at Placentino. Over the past three school years, Placentino has seen a significant increase in the number and complexity of needs of students learning English. The additional services are required to meet state guidelines. The cost is estimated at $22,140.
- Finally, we are requesting funding to continue Seesaw, an app that allows families to be part of their student’s learning. This was a tool Placentino started using during the pandemic and we feel it has been a vital resource in supporting home-school communication. The cost is estimated at $3,600.
CAPITAL BUDGET
The initial FY23 Capital Budget request totaled $580,000 and included technology infrastructure updates, custodial/landscaping, track resurfacing/replacement as the last resurfacing occurred seven years ago with a life expectancy of five to seven years. Cognizant of the community-wide requests, we reduced the Holliston Public School capital requests by approximately 50%. We seek $295,000 for the following prioritized FY23 needs:
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Indoor Security Cameras
Unfortunately, our district, similar to other districts, has experienced an increase in hate speech and vandalism. We lack an indoor security camera system to deter and aid in the investigation of vandalism, theft, hate speech and other negative behavior and to promote safety. Surrounding districts have installed similar security camera systems for deterrence and investigation. The installation of indoor security cameras at the high school and middle school is estimated to cost $20,000.
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Technology Infrastructure Updates
We are in need of technology infrastructure updates to maintain reliable internet connectivity in support of digital instruction for our HPS community of over 2,800 students and staff in four buildings. The network infrastructure updates include replacing fiber cabling (+20 years old) at all schools, replacing and adding switches (seven to 10 years old) to maximize fiber connections, replacing core switches at Miller and HHS, consolidating and replacing servers and batteries, upgrading the phone system and purchasing a digital radio repeater for communication between HHS and the Woodland campus. HPS will obtain a grant via E-Rate, a federal program, for 40% of the total costs to replace switches, cabling, batteries and the wireless management system. The total cost of the technology infrastructure upgrades is $387,846, but this is reduced to $278,307.60 due to the 40% E-Rate reduction.
High School Update: Seeking to Partner with the State to Fund a Feasibility Study
Holliston High School opened in 1969. The last renovation project occurred 21 years ago and did not include an upgrade or replacement of the septic system installed 53 years ago. Current short-term infrastructure needs are approximately $11 million and include: (1) septic system replacement; (2) single-pane window replacement; (3) roof replacement; (4) roof HVAC unit replacement; (5) installation of second turf practice field; (6) renovation and repair of field house walls, bleachers and track; (7) renovation and repair of auditorium; (8) boiler replacement; (9) kitchen equipment replacement; (10) replacement of Kamitian field bleachers; (11) installation of tennis courts; (12) track replacement; and (13) air conditioning installation for second floor classrooms and library/media center. Holliston High School has outdated, inadequate science labs, classrooms, student and teacher collaborative spaces and athletic facilities. The Holliston community will incur substantial repair costs over the next few years.
Holliston has the opportunity to partner with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (funded by the state sales tax) to obtain a grant contribution of 31% to 50.16% of the cost of a new or renovated Holliston High School by submitting a Statement of Interest (Dr. Kustka’s presentation). With the support of the Select Board, Holliston has submitted an SOI for the last four years. In 2021, 118 SOIs were submitted state-wide, and only four school districts (Hopkinton, Lynn, New Bedford and Newton) advanced forward with a feasibility study based on their SOIs.The Massachusetts School Building Authority’s grant program considers the urgency and needs of all school districts’ SOIs, and a school district may be required to resubmit over several years. Holliston’s SOI costs nothing to submit, and there is no obligation to move forward. The SOI must be authorized by the School Committee and the Select Board. Holliston School Committee supports the 2022 Statement of Interest submittal in light of the substantial, current infrastructure needs and the pursuit of adequate classrooms, science labs, collaborative spaces and athletic facilities.
Strategic Planning Update
The Strategic Planning Committee has concluded its work! A 21-person team consisting of Holliston stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and members from town boards, has been meeting monthly since September to develop a Mission Statement, Vision Statement, a set of Core Values, and, most importantly, a set of Strategic Initiatives based on a comprehensive review of multiple sources of data from the town. Our initiatives fall under what we determined to be four essential categories: Communication, Social and Emotional Well-Being, Teaching and Learning, and Talent and Resources. The initiatives defined in the plan will be implemented and reviewed over the next five years. Please join us for a more detailed presentation of the Strategic Plan at our May 5 School Committee meeting.
Feel free to contact any School Committee committee member with questions or comments:
Cynthia Listewnik, Chair ListewnikC@hsc.holliston.k12.
Dawn Neborsky, Vice Chair NeborskyD@hsc.holliston.k12.
Stacey Raffi RaffiS@hsc.holliston.k12.ma.us
Lisa Kocian KocianL@hsc.holliston.k12.ma.
Catherine Savard SavardMC@hsc.holliston.k12.ma.
Minnie Gupta GuptaM@hsc.holliston.k12.ma.us
Amanda Bigelow BigelowA@hsc.holliston.k12.ma.
Placentino ES
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2022-2023 Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration Checklist
If you are interested in kindergarten or preschool registration please contact the Placentino office at 508-429-0647.
Click the link below to view the March 28th Information Session:
Given the impending winter storm arriving later today into tomorrow, Thursday, 12/17/2020 will be a remote learning day for all students. Students will follow their typical school-day schedule within the remote learning platform. Additional information has been or will be provided from the building administration at each building with specific details necessary for tomorrow.
While the remote learning platform may present with challenges, we need to be prepared to switch to remote instruction for all students at any time related to COVID-19 cases. By providing this notification to caregivers, families, and staff early in the day, this will allow everyone to be better prepared for this shift tomorrow. Students will soon be heading into an eleven-da vacation break from school, and we are hoping to minimize additional disruption to teaching and learning in this manner.
Should the storm result in significant power outages leading to a different decision, you may hear from me again. However, at this time, staff and students will be remote tomorrow. Thank you all for your patience and understanding!
Sincerely,
Susan E. Kustka, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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Miller ES
Adams MS
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1S8HA1KwHQCV3d0j9nhg4jWceDLlfgXO8RQx7_08TlzQ/edit#slide=id.gdf80f76bef_0_497
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Holliston HS
- Announcements
- Events
- Students
- Announcements
- School Counseling
Hello from the HHS Social Workers/Adjustment Counselors, otherwise known as the “SWAC” team! We want to reach out to you to support you in the work you are doing each day to raise your teens. We seek to share little pieces of wisdom and resources (see virtual calming rooms) that we have found interesting and helpful along the way, for ourselves, our students, and our own children. We are constantly learning so much, wishing we had known more in our efforts to raise our own kids. So we are also working on having the grace to forgive ourselves for the places we could have done better. Please join us in that important work!
- Publications
- Students
Enjoy the Spring 2021 issue of the HHS literary magazine Enigma!
This beautiful all-digital issue highlights 158 pages of original stories, poetry, and art, and represents a labor of love by the Enigma club!
- Performances
- Students
Enjoy The Misdirected, an original play written and performed by HHS Theatre370 students, now available online on the HHS ArtSavesLives YouTube channel!
The Misdirected was written from Nov. '20-Feb '21 via Zoom sessions, and was created in response to the question, "How will people in the future mythologize us?"
This was the only show Theatre370 was able to rehearse in the theatre so two groups were cast for this project, Cast A and Cast 1. Each group able to make their own choices about their characters. Back in May, the play was performed live, non-stop, and captured on film by students in the opposite cast. Both recordings are available on YouTube.
This is a science fiction play, containing loud noises such as screams and gunshots, as well as some violence and death.
Enjoy the show!