Holliston School Committee Meeting Review

Thursday night’s last School Committee meeting of the academic year began with the reappointment of the Chair, Lisa Galeaz, Vice-Chair, Erica Plunkett, and Secretary, Cheryl Kelly.  Sub-committee assignments will likely be discussed at the next meeting.  Superintendent Jackson wished everyone a very happy and safe summer and urged Holliston’s older students, who are enjoying more freedom, to act and drive responsibly, as well as respectfully reminded parents that these same children still need supervision.  Assistant Superintendent Tim Cornely congratulated the class of 2009 and told the upcoming classes that the seniors set a nice model for them.

The first presentation of the evening was the annual reports by the parent groups in town.  Ric Morant, outgoing President of the PTSA, stated that the PTSA is really looking to increase membership and volunteerism in the upcoming year. There is an effort is underway to look at consolidating some of the organizations, while still maintaining autonomy at the school level.  The PTSA Auction, the biggest fundraiser of the year, brought in over $34K this year, exceeding last year, and the PTSA was delighted to be able to award almost $30K in grants.

Donald Gray, presenting for Jayne Jones, President of the Holliston Education Foundation, also reported on a terrific year, with highlights including the community-wide Spelling Bee (which may morph next year into a Trivia Bee), the Spotlight on Excellence Teacher Awards, and the introduction this year of a Teacher Intensive Study Grant.  This summer, one of Holliston’s Elementary Art teachers will be studying how to create and install a student-designed mosaic.  Three HHS science teachers will be heading to the Amazon to participate in an expedition with Earthwatch. The goal is to have students take part possibly as soon as next year.

Karen Berg, outgoing President of the recently renamed Holliston Music and Arts Parents Group, spoke of the newly designed website and calendar which are aimed at increasing communication with the entire community.  The list of fundraisers included the membership drive, the citrus sale, the pizza and cookie dough sale and the Pops concert concessions.  Money raised goes to support teacher grants, and student scholarships.  The list of events this year is even more impressive: Pep Band; Bye Bye Birdie; Celebrate Holliston and Memorial Day performances; school-based concerts; Pops concert; Up the Down Stair Case, Art Saves Lives; and, an evening of Jazz.  All these events are open to the whole community and our fine and performing arts students love to share their talent.

Heather Scaringella and Dianne Durkee, outgoing President and Secretary of Holliston Elementary Parents Organization, reported that the organization’s volunteer base is strong and organized.  HEPO has over 25 committees, ranging from fundraising to enrichment, appropriations to social and family events.  This year, HEPO raised over $44K through 14 different fundraisers.  Next year, HEPO hopes to increase awareness and participation in the SCRIP program, as well as focusing on community outreach and marketing, with a re-postured website and newsflash participation.  Teacher grants from HEPO included: science engineering kits; color scanner; fine motor kits; Response to Intervention training; numerous books; and Jurassic sand. 

Reporting on behalf of the Middle School Parents Group Executive Board, Patty Osten, Dawn Wadde