News
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![Important School Budget Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1682081859/hollistonk12maus/rmn4owffuwirumcozchh/HLogo1.svg","width":375}])
- Superintendent
Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers and Community Members:
At last night’s School Committee meeting, the Holliston School Committee approved its Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. Holliston Public Schools is approaching a difficult budget year. While the Holliston School Committee's recommended budget may still change prior to the May 13th, 2024 Annual Town Meeting, Holliston Public Schools is likely to require significant cost reductions. The Holliston School Committee is committed to seeking measures to limit the impact on student learning and will keep the community updated as the budget process evolves. For details, please review our budget presentation from the Holliston School Committee's March 27 meeting attached, as well as a link to the video of the budget presentation from last night.
The Holliston School Committee will be holding its statutory budget hearing next week at our regularly scheduled meeting on April 4th, 2024 at 7PM in the Holliston High School Library.
Additionally, tonight (3/28), members of the School Committee will be holding office hours on Zoom at 7PM (Link). This is open to anyone interested.
Sincerely,
Daniel Alfred
Chair, Holliston School Committee
The Holliston School Committee
Daniel Alfred, Chair
Dawn Neborsky, Vice Chair
Amanda Bigelow
Sarah Fitzgerald
Minnie Gupta
Lisa Kocian
Cynthia Listewnik
- Budget
- School Committee
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RAMS Students of the MonthCongratulation to the Students of the Month for December! Grade 6
Team 1 Ryan Magoon
Team 2 Anya Hild
Team 3 Lilly Butterly
Unified Arts Claire Nielsen
WL Ella Bennett
Grade 7 Team 1 Vivian Frease
Team 2 Andrew Ferguson
Team 3 Liv Kerchner
Unified Arts Audrey McDaniel
WL Orson Daniels
Grade 8
Team 1 Gavin McGann
Team 2 Emily Crawford
Team 3 Gavin McElhinney
Unified Arts Joel Burgett
WL Sreenidhi Kandru |
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RAMS CARE - Unified Classroom FYIDear RAMS Families,
Staff at Robert Adams Middle School have been utilizing Unified Classroom Behavior Support via PowerSchool for much of this school year. This program refers to a comprehensive and collaborative approach to managing and promoting positive behavior in educational settings. The goal is to foster a positive school culture, enhance student well-being, and optimize learning outcomes. A very important piece to this approach is the regular recognition of positive student behaviors, and where appropriate, corrective feedback from staff to students. Students earn RAMS CARE points as part of this approach.
We are so proud of our students as they have collectively earned over 10,000 RAMS CARE points this school year for demonstrating our core RAMS CARE values of Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Effort.
We would also like to recognize the work our staff has done by incorporating this into their practice and writing so many kind and thoughtful notes to support our students.
Lastly, we would like to acknowledge that our use of Unified Classroom to support our core values here at RAMS is a work in progress and that work is evolving throughout this school year.
IMPORTANT - Before our next Newsletter, families will receive an email with individual log-in instructions for parents and caregivers to access the parent portal in Unified Classroom. There, families will be able to view the same feedback their students have been receiving from their teachers! |
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RAMS CARE T-Shirts & OrderingDear RAMS Families,
Earlier this school year, students took part in a RAMS CARE t-shirt design competition. We recently received those t-shirts and are ready to distribute t-shirts to students who previously requested them. The cost is $7 cash or check made payable to Robert Adams Middle School.
IMPORTANT - Any student that did not previously order a t-shirt, but has subsequently changed their minds and would like to order a t-shirt, will have the opportunity to do so over the next week.
Thank you. |
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RAMS New Band DirectorWe are pleased to announce the hiring of George Weithman as the Band Director at Robert Adams Middle School. Mr. Weithman is replacing Mr. Grina, who is moving to Nevada. We wish Mr. Grina the best in this next adventure, and are excited to welcome Mr. Weithman, who joins us from the Ferryway School in Malden, where he was a long-standing music and band teacher.
Mr. Weithman will be taking over all of Mr. Grina's classes, along with 6th-8th Band, and Jazz. |
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This is a webinar for parents/caregivers on 1/31/24 titled Executive Function Strategies for Creating Successful Students. |
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STAR Testing: Quick NoteSTAR Testing results will be mailed home early February. |
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It’s Time to Order a Yearbook for the 2023-2024 School Year!We’re excited to announce that yearbook ordering is open for the school year. Using this link on the school’s webpage, you can order a yearbook for your child. Yearbooks will be distributed in early June, and ordering closes at the end of April. Please don’t wait to order - we’d love to secure a yearbook for your child now. We will have a few copies to sell in person in June, but last year we ran out! The only way to guarantee one for your child is by ordering online by April 30th.
Any questions? Email Mrs. Schmid or Ms. Ditto |
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IMPORTANT Reminders about Electronics at RAMSDear Families, Please review the information below from our RAMS Student/Family Handbook about Use of Electronic Devices with your student. In recent weeks, there has been increased use of personal electronics at RAMS and it has been impacting teaching and learning. We kindly thank you in advance for helping us.
7. Use of Electronic Devices
Electronic devices, including phones, cameras, smart watches, and music-listening devices, may not be used in the common areas of the school (classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, school grounds, etc.) during the school day. Teachers will work with students to understand appropriate ways to utilize devices. Failure to comply with expectations may receive consequences. Electronic devices should be locked in student lockers during the school day. Due to privacy concerns and confidentiality issues, unauthorized use of video, cellular or audio equipment or taking still pictures is prohibited. Video or Audio recording of any individual without their knowledge and/or consent is strictly prohibited and against school policy. Such behavior may receive consequences, including possible suspension.
Should you need a copy of the handbook at your fingertips, it can be found by clicking HERE |
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Holliston PTO-Opportunities to Get InvolvedJoining the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a fantastic way for parents and caregivers to engage in their student’s education and school community actively. By becoming a member of the PTO, you can play a vital role in supporting various school initiatives, fundraising efforts, and educational programs. Moreover, it provides an excellent platform for networking with fellow parents, teachers, and administrators, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for opportunities to contribute your skills, joining the PTO allows you to have a meaningful impact on your child's school experience while working with other dedicated individuals who share a common goal – the success and well-being of our students. Please visit the district-wide, Pre-K through 12, Holliston PTO website.
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RAMS Clubs & ActivitiesPlease click the following link to see RAMS Clubs and Activities. All clubs will run on a designated day during the week from 2:30-3:25. Late Buses are available. Students are DEFINITELY encouraged to stay after school for academic help as well. |
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Mark Your CalendarJanuary 18 School Committee @ 7:00PM TBD School Committee @ 7:00PM--Principals midyear updates TBD School Committee-strategic initiatives 24 Middle of the Middle 31 PD day-district, no school for students
February 8 School Committee @ 7:00PM 12 Early Release: ½ PD day-building 19 Presidents Day/no school 20-23 February Vacation 29 School Committee @ 7:00PM |
Contents
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RAMS CARE - Unified Classroom FYIDear RAMS Families,
Staff at Robert Adams Middle School have been utilizing Unified Classroom Behavior Support via PowerSchool for much of this school year. This program refers to a comprehensive and collaborative approach to managing and promoting positive behavior in educational settings. The goal is to foster a positive school culture, enhance student well-being, and optimize learning outcomes. A very important piece to this approach is the regular recognition of positive student behaviors, and where appropriate, corrective feedback from staff to students. Students earn RAMS CARE points as part of this approach.
We are so proud of our students as they have collectively earned over 10,000 RAMS CARE points this school year for demonstrating our core RAMS CARE values of Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, Effort.
We would also like to recognize the work our staff has done by incorporating this into their practice and writing so many kind and thoughtful notes to support our students.
Lastly, we would like to acknowledge that our use of Unified Classroom to support our core values here at RAMS is a work in progress and that work is evolving throughout this school year.
IMPORTANT - Before our next Newsletter, families will receive an email with individual log-in instructions for parents and caregivers to access the parent portal in Unified Classroom. There, families will be able to view the same feedback their students have been receiving from their teachers! |
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RAMS CARE T-Shirts & OrderingDear RAMS Families,
Earlier this school year, students took part in a RAMS CARE t-shirt design competition. We recently received those t-shirts and are ready to distribute t-shirts to students who previously requested them. The cost is $7 cash or check made payable to Robert Adams Middle School.
IMPORTANT - Any student that did not previously order a t-shirt, but has subsequently changed their minds and would like to order a t-shirt, will have the opportunity to do so over the next week.
Thank you. |
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RAMS New Band DirectorWe are pleased to announce the hiring of George Weithman as the Band Director at Robert Adams Middle School. Mr. Weithman is replacing Mr. Grina, who is moving to Nevada. We wish Mr. Grina the best in this next adventure, and are excited to welcome Mr. Weithman, who joins us from the Ferryway School in Malden, where he was a long-standing music and band teacher.
Mr. Weithman will be taking over all of Mr. Grina's classes, along with 6th-8th Band, and Jazz. |
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|
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This is a webinar for parents/caregivers on 1/31/24 titled Executive Function Strategies for Creating Successful Students. |
||
|
|
||
It’s Time to Order a Yearbook for the 2023-2024 School Year!We’re excited to announce that yearbook ordering is open for the school year. Using this link on the school’s webpage, you can order a yearbook for your child. Yearbooks will be distributed in early June, and ordering closes at the end of April. Please don’t wait to order - we’d love to secure a yearbook for your child now. We will have a few copies to sell in person in June, but last year we ran out! The only way to guarantee one for your child is by ordering online by April 30th.
Any questions? Email Mrs. Schmid or Ms. Ditto |
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IMPORTANT Reminders about Electronics at RAMSDear Families, Please review the information below from our RAMS Student/Family Handbook about Use of Electronic Devices with your student. In recent weeks, there has been increased use of personal electronics at RAMS and it has been impacting teaching and learning. We kindly thank you in advance for helping us.
7. Use of Electronic Devices
Electronic devices, including phones, cameras, smart watches, and music-listening devices, may not be used in the common areas of the school (classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, school grounds, etc.) during the school day. Teachers will work with students to understand appropriate ways to utilize devices. Failure to comply with expectations may receive consequences. Electronic devices should be locked in student lockers during the school day. Due to privacy concerns and confidentiality issues, unauthorized use of video, cellular or audio equipment or taking still pictures is prohibited. Video or Audio recording of any individual without their knowledge and/or consent is strictly prohibited and against school policy. Such behavior may receive consequences, including possible suspension.
Should you need a copy of the handbook at your fingertips, it can be found by clicking HERE |
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RAMS History Project AnnouncementHello RAMS Families and Community,
We need your help! We want our middle school students to continue to build a sense of self and pride in their community and school. To help accomplish that goal, we are in the process of building a “History of RAMS, history of education in Holliston” display. Ultimately, we would like to create a dedicated space here at RAMS which displays various artifacts, pictures, and personal vignettes about schooling here in Holliston. We feel this will not only help our students appreciate Holliston’s past, but also illustrate an important perspective as they walk through the halls of our school today.
We recently connected with the Holliston Historical Society who have been wonderful in sharing some resources and ideas with our team here at RAMS.
We are asking families and community members who might have some old pictures or artifacts of their time at RAMS or Flagg School (or even prior to that, LOL) and would be willing to donate them to this endeavor to please contact:
Jesse Conant - conantj@holliston.k12.ma.us |
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Holliston PTO-Opportunities to Get InvolvedJoining the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a fantastic way for parents and caregivers to engage in their student’s education and school community actively. By becoming a member of the PTO, you can play a vital role in supporting various school initiatives, fundraising efforts, and educational programs. Moreover, it provides an excellent platform for networking with fellow parents, teachers, and administrators, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for opportunities to contribute your skills, joining the PTO allows you to have a meaningful impact on your child's school experience while working with other dedicated individuals who share a common goal – the success and well-being of our students. Please visit the district-wide, Pre-K through 12, Holliston PTO website.
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RAMS Still Need ParaprofessionalsRobert Adams Middle School is seeking paraprofessionals. At RAMS, paraprofessionals will work with students, individually or in small groups, to provide instruction, supervise, and share positive energy. The impact paraprofessionals have on the educational system is immeasurable, and we at RAMS greatly value our paraprofessionals.
Interested applicants can apply using the following platform: SchoolSpring
If you are curious, please connect with us. You may know a new retiree, a recent college graduate, or a caring and positive person who would love to work with students. Contact David Jordan (jordand@holliston.k12.ma.us) or Karen Manning (manningk@holliston.k12.ma.us) |
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RAMS Clubs & ActivitiesPlease click the following link to see RAMS Clubs and Activities. All clubs will run on a designated day during the week from 2:30-3:25. Late Buses are available. Students are DEFINITELY encouraged to stay after school for academic help as well. |
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Mark Your CalendarJanuary 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day-no school 18 School Committee @ 7:00PM TBD School Committee @ 7:00PM--Principals midyear updates TBD School Committee-strategic initiatives 24 Middle of the Middle 31 PD day-district, no school for students
February 8 School Committee @ 7:00PM 12 Early Release: ½ PD day-building 19 Presidents Day/no school 20-23 February Vacation 29 School Committee @ 7:00PM |
![See Something Say Something Logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1702308504/hollistonk12maus/lp2m2zvugmt2zlbrg69b/See-Something-Say-Something-Website-Resources-Google-Docs.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1702308504/hollistonk12maus/lp2m2zvugmt2zlbrg69b/See-Something-Say-Something-Website-Resources-Google-Docs.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1702308504/hollistonk12maus/lp2m2zvugmt2zlbrg69b/See-Something-Say-Something-Website-Resources-Google-Docs.png","width":622}])
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RAMS Students of the MonthCongratulations to the following Student of the Month winners for October:
Grade 6 Team 1 Oliver Martin Team 2 Gabi Boucher Team 3 Michael Skaf Unified Arts Megan Haley WL Duda Trindade
Grade 7 Team 1 Kaiya Ferranti Team 2 Abby Mandeville Team 3 Allie Barrett Unified Arts James Negri WL Eli Boggess
Grade 8 Team 1 Colin Doherty Team 2 Abbey DiChiara Team 3 Max Coletti Unified Arts Lili Donlan WL Caroline Waryas |
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Toys for TotsPlease help if you can. |
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Holliston SEPAC Gives BackAnnual grant opportunity for Holliston SEPAC. |
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Class of 2024-Senior AuctionSenior Auction happening this week! |
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Class of 2027-Corner Market FundraiserThank you for your support! |
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Start with Hello @ RAMSHello RAMS Families! Members of the 8th grade Peer Leadership Team have been working hard building a Start with Hello Campaign here at RAMS. Start with Hello is a key element to the Sandy Hook Promise. Start with Hello “Is a prevention program that teaches children and teens how to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other. Students, educators, parents, and other community members who interact with children can take steps in class, lunchroom, and/or other times in their day to be inclusive and connected.” Our 8th grade peer leaders shared this presentation with their fellow RAMS students and led different activities with our students to help inform and engage their peers on the importance of “starting with hello.” For more information about the Start with Hello and the Sandy Hook Promise, please view the following link. |
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RAMS History Project AnnouncementHello RAMS Families and Community,
We need your help! We want our middle school students to continue to build a sense of self and pride in their community and school. To help accomplish that goal, we are in the process of building a “History of RAMS, history of education in Holliston” display. Ultimately, we would like to create a dedicated space here at RAMS which displays various artifacts, pictures, and personal vignettes about schooling here in Holliston. We feel this will not only help our students appreciate Holliston’s past, but also illustrate an important perspective as they walk through the halls of our school today.
We recently connected with the Holliston Historical Society who have been wonderful in sharing some resources and ideas with our team here at RAMS.
We are asking families and community members who might have some old pictures or artifacts of their time at RAMS or Flagg School (or even prior to that, LOL) and would be willing to donate them to this endeavor to please contact:
Jesse Conant - conantj@holliston.k12.ma.us |
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Holliston PTO-Opportunities to Get InvolvedHere is the latest signup. We welcome and need your help. Lunchroom - Nov-Dec https://www.signupgenius.com/
Joining the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a fantastic way for parents and caregivers to engage in their student’s education and school community actively. By becoming a member of the PTO, you can play a vital role in supporting various school initiatives, fundraising efforts, and educational programs. Moreover, it provides an excellent platform for networking with fellow parents, teachers, and administrators, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for opportunities to contribute your skills, joining the PTO allows you to have a meaningful impact on your child's school experience while working with other dedicated individuals who share a common goal – the success and well-being of our students. Please visit the district-wide, Pre-K through 12, Holliston PTO website.
We are very excited about this project and look forward to hearing from families who may be able to play an important role in this work! |
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RAMS Academic RecommendationsEighth-grade math and science are the only courses at RAMS that are leveled. Please see the attached link for a detailed description of our courses and placement criteria: SY23-24: G8 Math and Science Course Descriptions and Placement Criteria. This information has also been sent directly to 7th-grade families. One criterion 7th-grade teachers consider for students' 8th-grade placements is the STAR Math and Reading Assessments through Renaissance, which are comprehensive benchmark assessments conducted during math and ELA classes and given three times per year (beginning, middle, end) to provide teachers with useful data to track student growth and target areas for improvement in both student skills and instructional practices. Students have completed their STAR assessments and all families, grades 6-8, should have received STAR reports in the mail as a way to keep families abreast of student performance and progress. |
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RAMS Still Need ParaprofessionalsRobert Adams Middle School is seeking paraprofessionals. At RAMS, paraprofessionals will work with students, individually or in small groups, to provide instruction, supervise, and share positive energy. The impact paraprofessionals have on the educational system is immeasurable, and we at RAMS greatly value our paraprofessionals.
Interested applicants can apply using the following platform: SchoolSpring
If you are curious, please connect with us. You may know a new retiree, a recent college graduate, or a caring and positive person who would love to work with students. Contact David Jordan (jordand@holliston.k12.ma.us) or Karen Manning (manningk@holliston.k12.ma.us) |
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RAMS Clubs & ActivitiesPlease click the following link to see RAMS Clubs and Activities. All clubs will run on a designated day during the week from 2:30-3:25. Late Buses are available. Students are DEFINITELY encouraged to stay after school for academic help as well. |
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Mark Your CalendarDecember 1 RAMS Tropical Paradise Dance 7 School Committee @ 7:00PM 12 Chorus Concert @ HHS @7:00pm 13 Chorus Concert snow date 19 Band Concert @ HHS @ 7:00pm 20 Band Concert snow date 21 School Committee @ 7:00PM
January 1 New Year’s Day observed 4 School Committee @ 7:00PM 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day-no school 18 School Committee @ 7:00PM TBD School Committee @ 7:00PM--Principals midyear updates TBD School Committee-strategic initiatives 24 Middle of the Middle 31 PD day-district, no school for students |
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RAMS Think it Over“What is the bravest thing you've ever said?” asked the boy. “Asking for help isn't giving up,” said the horse. “It's refusing to give up.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse |
