Dear HPS Families and Friends,

As we welcome the new year, we are setting ambitious goals to cultivate community-minded initiatives that highlight the importance of kindness. At the heart of our mission is our commitment to fostering a strong sense of community through family and community partnerships. We are dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of kindness and service. To kick off these efforts, the PTO will be undertaking the following initiatives early this year:

1. We're hosting a PreK-12 Family Service Night on Tuesday, February 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Holliston High School. If a snowstorm cancels school, the event will be rescheduled for Wednesday, February 5, at the same time and location.
2. We are excited to introduce a K-12 kindness-based PTO fundraiser called Raise Craze! This initiative invites our students and families to focus on serving our community rather than selling products.

Together, we can spread kindness and make a meaningful impact. We hope to see many of you join us in this heartfelt journey, creating ripples of compassion that will uplift our community. Your involvement makes a difference!

Warmly,

Your Holliston PTO Board,

Barbara, Beth, Stacey, Evie, Michele, May & Sarah

Save The Date! You’re invited to our PreK-12 Family Service Night on Tuesday, February 4, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Holliston High School.

• Join us for a districtwide Family Service Night, an evening dedicated to giving back, spreading kindness, and making a difference in our community! This event is open to all families to come together, participate in meaningful activities, and support causes that matter to our students and neighbors.

What to Expect:

• Hands-on table activities focused on acts of kindness and community service.
• Opportunities to create positive messages and crafts to brighten someone's day.
• Ways to support local charities and student-led initiatives.
• Time to connect, collaborate, and build each other up as a school community.
• If a snowstorm cancels school, the event will be rescheduled for Wednesday, February 5, at the same time and location.

Get Ready for Raise Craze!

Our largest fundraiser of the school year is about to start.

• The district-wide goal is to raise $30,000 from January 29 - February 14 to support the programs and financial assistance our teachers and students rely upon.
• The PTO will use the Raise Craze fundraising platform to enable families to set up secure, custom websites where they request donations via email, text, and/or social.
• During the fundraiser, students pay those donations forward by completing self-chosen Acts of Kindness or service to others—a great way to learn the value of gratitude and to spend time serving, not selling.
• The PTO is excited to bring the fun and give away prizes along the way, with a detailed lineup to be announced in late January. Watch for a PTO Raise Craze flier to be sent home with your student in late January for additional details. We also have a dedicated Raise Craze fundraiser page on our website under the fundraising menu that provides all the information you need to get started and stay connected.

Plea for Placentino Culture Connection Volunteer:

Help! We are looking for a volunteer to help Placentino with bringing in assemblies/programs. This volunteer will work with Mrs. Cordero and teacher leaders to coordinate 2-3 programs per year. Mrs. Cordero and teachers will share programs of interest to them, or you can generate ideas to share with them, as well. Email hollistonpto.elementary@gmail.com for more information or to volunteer.

Your Donations at Work:

The Holliston PTO recently purchased new lost-and-found clothing racks! This is just one way your PTO donations help our schools. Thank you to our parent volunteer who quickly used them and organized both the Placentino and Miller areas, making it much easier to identify and claim items. Check out the pictures and tell your kids to go find all their lost sweatshirts, coats, water bottles, etc.

Your PTO in Action

In December, we hosted an Under the Sea-themed all-school party that was attended by over 300 middle schoolers, and the students had a blast! A big thank you to our 41 parent and teacher volunteers who made this night possible!

Thank you to everyone who stepped up to volunteer to chaperone - these events could not be held without you!

Save The Dates:

• Wednesday, January 15: RAMS PTO Meeting 8:15 am at RAMS in the Teacher's Dining room. We will meet with administration to discuss upcoming events, programs, and volunteer opportunities.
• Friday, March 7th: 6th Grade Glow Party

Your Donations at Work:

In December, the Holliston PTO came together to support the high school counseling office’s “Day of Warmth” event. This initiative offered a comforting space for students to explore the importance of self-care and slowing down during the busy holiday season. With a focus on social-emotional learning, attendees were reminded to take time for themselves and enjoy a warm cup of cocoa in a nurturing environment.

Dates are subject to change - check the school calendars for the most up-to-date information.

January

10 Grade 7 Middle of the Middle Dance Party - PTO sponsored

15 HHS After School Study Hall

17 PD Day-District, No School for Students

20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No School

22 HHS After School Study Hall

23 School Committee

27 Preschool Information Night 6:30-7:30

28 Preschool Registration Begins; RAMS & Miller Band Concert @ HHS 7 PM

29 HHS After School Study Hall; Raise Craze Fundraising begins!

CONNECT