Dear HPS Families and Friends,


The start of a new year is always a mix of fresh energy and full calendars, and this January is no different. As we settle back into routines, the PTO is gearing up for a busy and exciting stretch that helps keep so many of the things our school community values up and running.


The next couple of months include our largest fundraiser of the year, along with events designed to bring families together in meaningful, feel-good ways. We’ve worked hard to make participation simple, flexible, and family-friendly, while still making a real impact for our schools.


You’ll see more details below, but whether you’re able to participate a little or a lot, every bit helps us stay on track and continue supporting the programs, enrichment, and experiences that make Holliston schools such special places.


Your PTO Executive Board,

Stacey Raffi, Beth Leach, Evie Thibault, Michele Scarcelli, Michelle Nauss, and Jess Ommen

 
 

Featured News

 


Family Service Night is Back! You’re invited to our 2nd Annual PreK-12 Family Service Night on Tuesday, February 3, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Holliston High School.


This is a relaxed, drop-in event and families may arrive and leave at any time. This is not a drop-off event; children should attend with a parent or caregiver.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and participation we saw last year, Family Service Night is returning! Students of all ages and their families are invited to come together for an evening of giving back, spreading kindness, and strengthening our community. 


What to Expect:

  • Hands-on kindness and service activity tables for all ages
  • Creative projects that spread joy, from cards and crafts to collaborative art
  • Opportunities to support local animals, and neighbors in need
  • A shared, feel-good experience that brings families together across all schools

What to Bring:


  • Snow date: Wednesday, February 4, same time and location.


Get Ready for Raise Craze!


Remember last February, when our students logged thousands of Acts of Kindness and our community came together in such a meaningful way?


Raise Craze is our largest fundraiser of the school year, but it’s different from traditional fundraisers. Instead of selling products, families ask for donations, and students “pay it forward” by completing Acts of Kindness or service for others. It’s a simple, positive way to support our schools while reinforcing gratitude, generosity, and community connection.


From January 28–February 14, our district-wide goal is to raise $50,000 to support the programs and financial assistance our teachers and students rely on for the rest of this school year.


Families use the Raise Craze platform to create secure, personal fundraising pages and share them with friends and family via email, text, or social media. Along the way, students earn entries toward fun prizes (details coming soon).


Registration information will be sent home with students later this month!

PD Day Volunteers Needed!


On Friday, January 16, our kids don’t have school but HPS faculty and staff do! Help bring a little joy to the day by setting up or cleaning up treats at each school.

ALL are Invited to HHS's Opportunity Night on Tuesday, January, 27th!


Discover what makes Holliston High School a vibrant place to learn and grow. Students, families, and community members are invited to explore academics, clubs, internships, and enrichment opportunities while hearing from students, teachers, counselors, and administrators.


Tuesday, January 27

6:00–7:30 PM

Holliston High School Auditorium


A Zoom option will be available, and the event will be recorded.


Join us to see how HHS prepares students for college, career, and life—and why students thrive here.

 

Elementary News

Reminder: Elementary Family Movie Night is THIS Thursday!

Kick off the long weekend with a fun and FREE Family Movie Night for our Placentino and Miller Families! Bring your blankets or camp chairs and enjoy a movie on the big screen! Doors open at 6pm for pizza, snacks, and pre-show activities, followed by our feature film, Zootopia at 6:30pm. **Entry is free and concessions will be for sale.** We are still looking for some volunteers to help! RSVP's are appreciated but not required!

The PTO Pool Party is THIS Saturday, 3:15-5:15 @ Goldfish Swim School in Milford!

Burn some cooped up winter energy while having fun with friends in Goldfish's 90 degree, shiver-free pool! Cost: $10/swimmer, but no more than $40 per family, with all registration fees going directly to the Holliston PTO thanks to the generous donation of Goldfish Swim School! Registration is required. Please click the graphic to sign-up. This is NOT a drop-off event!

RAMS News

The 7th Grade Middle of the Middle Party is January 23rd!

The 7th Grade Dance Party, celebrating the middle day of the middle school experience, is on Friday, January 23! Tickets are $20 and will be available online and during lunch the week leading up to the party. Families will receive the ticket link directly from RAMS administration. We still need more volunteers to help the night run smoothly - click the graphic to see available roles.

RAMS Yearbook Orders are due April 30th!



Remember to order yearbooks before April 30! See the latest RAMS Newsletter for details, or you can order here.

Introducing: Conversations in the Middle with Principal Manning!

Principal Manning would love to see parents and guardians more often, so she’s hosting a “Conversations in the Middle” one Thursday each month in the RAMS library. The next one is this Thursday, January 15, from 8:15 am to 9:15 am. There’s no set agenda, just conversation, so come chat!

HHS News

Chat with Mr. List on 2/5 @ 8:30

Each month Principal List invites parents and caregivers to join him to learn more about the experience of our students and to answer questions. If you can't make it this this time, below are other upcoming dates:

Thursday, March 5th @ 5:00pm Thursday, April 2nd @ 8:30am

Thursday, May 7th @ 5:00pm


The HHS School Store is NOW OPEN!



The School Store is now open and staffed by students during lunch block. Check it out!


Community Partners

Help Raise Funds for Arts in the Holliston Schools!

Join the Holliston Music and Arts Parents Association (HMAPA) for trivia, games, and fun at Rushford & Sons on Thursday, February 12th from 6-10 PM. There will be a raffle at 8 PM. Entry is FREE and Rushford & Sons has generously offered to donate a portion of their sales to the HMAPA in support of HPS arts programs.

Upcoming Events for Students at the Holliston Public Library



HHS Study Break, 1/15 @ 3:30PM

Yoga Story Time, 1/16 @11AM

*STEM Story Time, 1/17 @ 11AM

*Science Saturday, 1/17 @ 12PM

HHS Study Break, 1/21 @ 3:30PM


*STEM Story Time is hosted by HHS's Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) Club


View all events here!

January is Mental Wellness Month!



Holliston Youth and Family Services has some tips and resources for your family this Mental Wellness Month including a FREE virtual event TOMORROW, 1/14 to help students with special needs think about what they want to do after high school, how to get there, and what supports and services can help them along the way.


Read the HYFS newsletter here.

Key Dates

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


January

15 - PTO Family Movie Night @ Placentino

16 - No School, PD Day

19 - No School, MLK Jr. Day

21 - HHS Service Learning Celebration, 6-8 PM @ HHS Library

22- School Committee Meeting

23 - 7th Grade Middle of the Middle Party, 6:30-8:30 @ RAMS Gymnasium

26 - Preschool Info Night @ Placentino Cafetorium

27 - Programs and Pathways Night 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm @ HHS Auditorium

28 - Miller Band & Chorus Concerts, 5-10 PM @ HHS Cafeteria


February

3 - Science MCAS (HHS)

3 - PTO Raise Craze Family Service Night, 6:00-7:30 PM @ HHS Cafeteria

4 - Snow Date: PTO Raise Craze Family Service Night, 6:00-7:30 PM @ HHS

6 - Miller School Spirit Day

11 - 8th Grade Moving Up Tours @ HHS

16 - February Break Begins

 

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