RAMS News 11/11
Tina Cortis
- NEW - Conversations in the Middle
- Counseling Department Updates
- Upcoming 7th Grade "Mood Check" Screening
- NEW - Unified vs. Varsity Basketball Game
- Dog Therapy Night
- NEW - MetroWest Survey
- RAMS Book Fair
- Message from our Nurses
- Food Insecurity Resources
- RAMS Wrestling
- NEW - Holliston SEPAC Gives Back
- HMAPA Fall & Holiday Citrus Fundraiser
- Annual Fund Kickoff
- Holliston PTO & SEPAC Spirit Shop
- Ski & Snowboard Club
- Mark Your Calendars
- RAMS Think It Over
ConversationsintheMiddle
Join Us for Conversations in the Middle
Beginning in December, we’re launching a new opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect informally with Principal Karen Manning and with one another.
Conversations in the Middle is an open, relaxed space to share ideas, ask questions, and talk about middle school life in general — no set agenda, just conversation.
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When: Select Thursdays, 8:15–9:15 a.m.
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Where: RAMS Library (parking available in front and back of the school)
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Dates: 12/18/25, 1/15/26, 2/26/26, 3/19/26, 4/16/26, 5/21/26, 6/18/26
I look forward to connecting and learning together throughout the year.
CounselingDepartmentUpdates
Private School and Summer Camp Recommendation Process
We are pleased to offer our support for your private school and summer camp applications. To ensure an accurate and timely submission, we request that you observe to the following guidelines:
Recommendation Requests
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Before listing any staff member (from the Counseling, Special Education, Administration, English, or Mathematics Departments) on an application as a recommender, the student (or guardian) should notify the staff member directly. This step is crucial to confirm the appropriate individual is prepared and available to complete the necessary documentation.
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We request a minimum of two week notice for all recommendation requests. This lead time is essential to allow the staff member to meet with the student and thoughtfully prepare a comprehensive and supportive recommendation. Requests submitted with insufficient notice may not be processed by the application deadline.
Official Transcript Requests
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All requests for official transcripts should be directed to Ms. Lisa Ahronian in the main office. She can be contacted via email at ahronianl@holliston.k12.ma.us.
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Please submit transcript requests well in advance of your deadline. Requests received without adequate notice unfortunately cannot be guaranteed for processing by the required date.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding regarding these procedures. Any questions can be directed to Angela Gavan, Counseling Team Leader, at gavana@holliston.k12.ma.us
Upcoming7thGrade"MoodCheck"Screening
We are pleased to announce the 8th year of Mood Check, a mental health screening with students in grade 7. Dr. Tracy Gladstone, a licensed clinical psychologist from the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute at Brown University, has been conducting these screenings for the past 11 years.
This is a comprehensive mental health screening that serves Holliston Public School District students and their families by:
1. Surveying students for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thinking
2. Engaging adolescents and their parents/guardians in a discussion about mental health
needs and services
3. Connecting students and families to resources and providing follow-up
Please find more detailed information about Mood Check and how your student’s data may be
used as well as the opt out information in the following link:
Unifiedvs.VarsityBasketballGame
DogTherapyNight
Holliston High School students Anna Peterson and Chloe Rua Booth, as part of their Service Learning class, have been researching the topic of childhood mental health and its impact on the community. To support their project, they are hosting a Therapy Dog Night at the Holliston Public Library on Monday, November 24. This event aims to promote wellness and provide a comforting space for children and families to connect and unwind.
Click the link for more details!
MetroWestSurvey
Robert Adams Middle School will administer the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey to students in grades 6–8 on Monday, November 17, 2025. The survey is anonymous and voluntary, and it helps us improve health education and student support. Please see the attached documents to learn more about the following:
- Learn how Robert Adams Middle School gathers important insights about student health and well-being.
- Find out which grades will participate and when the survey will take place.
- See how the information collected helps shape programs that directly benefit RAMS students.
- Discover how student privacy is fully protected in this process.
- Learn how families can review the survey in advance or opt out if they choose.
- Learn how to opt out of the survey.
BookFair
We are so excited that our Scholastic Book Fair will be taking place in the RAMS Library from Monday, November 17 - Friday November 21st. Students will be able to shop and can purchase books and supplies using cash, credit card, or the Scholastic e-wallet. Teachers are signing up for individual shopping times and will be able to let you know when your student's class will be attending. More information will be forthcoming regarding an after school sale for families to come purchase books for their students. Please reach out to Mr. Golder with any questions.
MessagefromourNurses
After-School Activities Reminder
If your RAMS student will be participating in any after-school activity (e.g., sports, clubs, etc.) and has a prescribed rescue medication (such as an EpiPen, inhaler, or seizure rescue medication), please contact both the supervising adult for that activity and the school nurse as soon as possible to establish a plan for after-school hours.
Please note that a nurse is typically not on-site after regular dismissal, and we are often not notified which students will be staying for activities.
We strongly encourage all students to carry their own EpiPens and/or inhalers. However, a current self-carry consent form must be on file with the school nurse each academic year.
Even if this information has already been provided to the school, we ask that parents/guardians directly inform the supervising adult of their student’s medical condition and any necessary rescue medications to ensure appropriate awareness and preparedness.
Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Amy Piselli and Stephanie Leeber
FoodInsecurityResources
Holliston Youth and Family Services has compiled a list of local food pantries and organizations that provide supplemental food support for Holliston residents. These programs are available to assist individuals and families who may be experiencing food insecurity. Please see the flyer below for contact information and eligibility details for each resource.
RAMSWrestling
Attention Middle School Wrestlers:
Registration for wrestling will be opened October 27th @ 8am. The schedule for the winter season is listed below along with the link to our athletics website where registration is. If you have any questions please contact Sarah Doiron, our athletic coordinator: doirons@holliston.k12.ma.us
HollistonSEPACGivesBack
HMAPAFall&HolidayCitrusFundraiser
The HMAPA will soon begin it's fall/holiday Citrus Fundraiser! The fundraiser operates online from November 10 through December 12 and all proceeds provide direct support to teachers and students in the form of scholarships and grants for music/arts programming. Items purchased via the fundraiser are shipped directly anywhere in the US.
Key information can be found in the flyer attached. Please note the QR Code in the flyer will activate on the start date of November 10th.
AnnualFundKickoff
Behind every great school district is a strong PTO. Our 2025-2026 Annual Fund is officially underway! Click the link to track our progress and donate today!
HOLLISTONPTO&SEPACSPIRITSHOP
HOLLISTON PTO & SEPAC SPIRIT SHOP — Now Open All Year! Click Here to Shop Now!
Shop your favorite Holliston gear anytime through our year-round online store:
- Free shipping on orders $100+ OR Local pickup in Holliston at Fitted Laundry (84 October Hill Rd)
- Try before you buy — visit the facility to check sizing
- On-demand production — items are made in-house. Please allow up to 30 days before shipment
- Seasonal refreshes — new looks throughout the year will be announced
Best part: 10% of every purchase goes straight back to Holliston PTO or SEPAC. Shop local. Give back. Wear it with pride!
HollistonPTOSki&SnowboardClub
Registration Opens October 28th, 2025
Does your RAMS student have free time on Thursday nights this Winter? Get them out on the Nashoba slopes for some fresh air and sweet turns! The Holliston PTO offers transportation and passes as well as rentals and lessons for all abilities. All information and the registration can be found here.
MarkYourCalendars
November
17 MWAHS-Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey
17-21 Book Fair
18 Unified vs. Varsity Basketball Game
26 Turkey Trot
26 Early Release Day/Thanksgiving
27 Thanksgiving - No School
28 No School
December
1 Term 1 ends
11 School Committee
16 RAMS Band Concert @ HHS 7 PM
17 Chorus Concert @ HHS 7 PM
24-31 Vacation
RAMSThinkItOver
