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Meeting on the Future of Holbrook Public Schools!!!!

Dear HPS Families and Community Members:

On Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 7:00pm at the Junior-Senior High School Auditorium a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Permanent School Building Committee, Finance Committee, and Capital Improvement Committee will review and discuss the options of the future of Holbrook Public Schools building project, regionalizing Grades 9-12, and tuitioning-out students in Grades 9-12.

It is imperative that the Holbrook community come out for this community forum and discussion. It is the hope of the Permanent School Building Committee who requested this meeting that an honest discussion about the physical plant needs and the impact on teaching and learning be discussed.

Please consider attending.

Joseph F. Baeta
Superintendent
Holbrook Public Schools
781-767-1226

"John Squared"

Yesterday I received a postcard from Bill Marble endorsing John Callahan & John McMahon for the two school committee seats on today's ballot.  I am writing to ask that you  do NOT vote for them. 

 Their postcard said "We need to effectively explore regionalization and obtain balanced credible data on the associated costs."

Well, I have lived in Holbrook for over 20 years.  Regionalization has already been discussed, examined, studied and investigated several times.  This is not a new idea!

The postcard also said,"  Collaboration with other Boards in Holbrook, open forums for residents concerns and effective coordination with potential partners, will be the key to ensuring our decisions about regionalization serve the best interest of the students and taxpayers."

To this I say, THERE HAVE BEEN OPEN FORUMS AND DISCUSSIONS!  The school committee meetings, parent group meetings, the school building committee meetings, etc. are open to the public.  Have John McMahon or John Callahan ever attended any of these meetings?  Have they sent their children to any of the Public Schools?  When is the last time they have been inside or toured the public schools?  Have they met with teachers or administrators to hear from them what's right or wrong with our schools?  Have they attended any plays, concerts, games, graduations, National Honor Society inductions, art shows or anything else recently?

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and my opinion is that they are NOT he right people to serve on our School Committee.

Sincerely,

Karen Santorelli

Last Candidate's Corner before the election

Next Tuesday, you will decide which School Committee candidate to vote for. Barbara Davis is the ONLY candidate with the dedication, commitment, and knowledge to continue the improvement in the Holbrook Public Schools. Davis is the only candidate who believes in public education and submitted candidate’s corners to this paper discussing the issues and facts. She is the one candidate who will form her opinions based on fact and information rather than popular misconceptions and perceptions. She strongly believes that ALL of the children of the Holbrook Public Schools are entitled to a superior educational experience.

“I think it is extremely important to see first-hand the problems and issues affecting the schools in order to make intelligent decisions on choices that will directly affect what occurs in the buildings. Have the other candidates even been in the school buildings? During my tenure, I have always made decisions based on fact and what is in the best interests of the public school students of Holbrook. In the past three years our focus has been providing students with the high quality educational experience aimed at educating the whole child.”

People have had discussions about regionalization. I attended all the meetings. Abington does not want to regionalize with Holbrook. Abington’s reasons: there would be 250 more students in the hallways and in a building that also needs to be renovated.

Tuitioning out of the High School students is also being discussed. Abdication of our rights to educate our students at the expense of taxpayers who would have a new fixed cost of paying the bill is wrong and every other district that has done so is now trying to get out of it.

I will continue to utilize my leadership skills and knowledge of the community and its schools to work collaboratively with other school officials and municipal leaders to map out a plan for success for all students. I am the one candidate who has the dedication, knowledge, and commitment to continue to ensure that the children of Holbrook have access to challenging curriculum, highly qualified teachers and opportunities to realize their maximum potential as learners in preparation for the 21 century.

“I have always been an advocate for ALL the public school students of Holbrook and firmly believe that they are entitled to a high quality education. You will not find a more hard-working, visible elected official supporting the public school students of Holbrook and their families. Ask yourselves why other candidates are running. Do they have the best interests of the public school children at heart? Have they had children in our schools? Why have they not told you in the candidate’s corner section what they will do? Are they running because of an agenda?”

Candidate's Corner - March 25, 2011

Barbara Davis, a candidate for re-election to the School Committee believes that one very important facet of a school committee is to advocate for the public schools and its students. “As a School Committee member and current Chairperson, I have always been an outspoken advocate of public education in Holbrook and the students and their families.”

Here are some comments from some public school parents on this issue:

“We are confident that Barbara has and will continue to make decisions based solely on what is best for the children of Holbrook.” Charles and Patricia Greely

“Barbara is at most if not all school functions. She does her homework and is always well informed. She goes the extra mile to help make the school a better place for our children.” Karen Delrosso

“Barbara Davis has worked tirelessly as a school committee member for years…the passion with which she discusses key issues affecting our schools… Barbara forms her opinions and makes decisions based on fact, rather than popular misperceptions, and she observes and listens with open ears and an open mind.” Robin Grant

And Jodi Kenneally says, “I realize how much she cares for the well-being of our schools and the children in it! She is highly visible at all activities, and often puts her own plans on hold to do what is best for the district. I have also witnessed her hard work in helping to change things up at the high school by working closely with the administrative staff to give the staff what is needed and as a result, the high school is a better place to be. I know that Barbara will get my vote on April 5th so that she can continue to fight for a school that has given so much to my children!”

Good schools mean higher property values and a lower tax rate. Poor and inadequate schools mean lower property values. Good schools mean having all the proper facilities for all the programs necessary to ensure success for all our students. The public school students of Holbrook have a right to a public school system which provides them with all the updated tools and facilities necessary to become productive members of society. Students in small towns like Holbrook deserve the same opportunities as students in more affluent communities. Our children’s quality of life will be affected by their school system. By investing in our schools, we are investing in our community. We, as a town, need to support this investment because it’s the right thing to do.

The public school students of Holbrook deserve someone who will advocate and fight for them. I will continue to ensure our students get the best education possible to allow them to compete successfully in the 21^st century.

Letter to the Editor from the Greely's

Dear Editor,

People don't come to Holbrook to work in a high rise office building. They don't come here to shop in a mall.
You won't see tourists or people seeking "night life" in Holbrook. What you will see in Holbrook is families.
Holbrook exists so you can raise a family. An essential part of raising children is ensuring that they
are properly educated so they can face the challenges that await them in the competitive technological society
they will live in.

Last year Holbrook High School was listed as one of the top ten most improved schools in Massachusetts in MCAS
results. Absenteeism, tardiness and disciplinary problems are all down from prior years. These improvements are not
the result of a "happy accident". We have in place now a proactive school administration that does not consider
the less than stellar results we've historically had "good enough". They are doing something about it. They are
doing this in spite of rising costs, shrinking state aid, and buildings that are not up to par.

During the coming election we have a chance to vote on the direction that we want the schools to take.
Right now, the schools are going in the RIGHT direction. Vote for incumbents Barbara Davis and Christine Ward
for school committee. Vote to continue the progress that's been made towards the quality school system
that Holbrook's children require and deserve.

Sincerely,
Charles and Patricia Greely

Holbrook schools may cut 30 positions-increase class sizes

Posted Mar 26, 2011 @ 06:19 PM

Holbrook —

Holbrook school officials may have to cut 30 staff positions due to a $2.1 million hike in mandated costs as well as to cover the loss of federal grant monies.

During a March 23 public hearing on the proposed 2011-2012 school budget, Superintendent Joseph Baeta said specific cuts would be determined in the coming weeks and that the loss of personnel would drive up class sizes.

“Of the 30 positions we are cutting, there would be 24 teaching positions cut and impact class sizes to 32-plus at the elementary level and 35-plus at the secondary level,” Baeta said. 

 Baeta said 14.7 positions that have been funded by the waning federal grants are to be eliminated.  

“There will be no saving positions in August as we have done in the past because all federal assistance is being cut,” he said. “This is because of the impact of losses of federal grants which this community relies on.”

The superintendent said the district could “live with a $1.2 million (increase) and have limited issues.”

He explained that the majority of the increase is for resources and staffing needs.

Included in the school department’s proposed $13,350,889 spending plan for next year are $175,000 in total salary increases along with hikes in mandated special education costs and student transportation. The district must also cover $13,000 in Medicaid bills.

Other increases in the budget include $12,700 for administration and paraprofessional cost of living salaries, $30,000 for special education materials, $50,000 in various line items for professional development, a 2 percent hike in regular education transportation, and a request for a part-time maintenance worker.

Baeta has previously explained that the district must address an audit report by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that listed a number of issues.

Compounding the budget crisis this year is the loss of federal monies.

The district is losing $527,000 in federal grants that paid for a number of teaching and paraprofessional positions.

This year there is a request of $100,000 to purchase new textbooks and classroom supplies and materials.

Baeta has said the district is in dire need of new textbooks and that many date back to the 1980s and 1990s. He added that the school system has been putting off putting off purchasing new ones.

The superintendent has also noted that there is an increase in the number of English Language Learners in the district and that a fulltime teacher and a part-time teacher have been requested to address that as required by state law.

Administration salary increases range from 0 to $33,000. He has previously explained that for the first time administrators’ pay is based on merit.

The superintendent noted that some administration positions are shared.

For instance, Baeta oversees facilities and he and the business manager share grant writing duties. He said a proposal is being floated to share administrative duties with other districts to save money.

The proposed budget will go before the May 3 Town Meeting.

Read more: Holbrook schools may cut 30 positions - Holbrook, MA - Holbrook Sun http://www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/archive/x1608497677/Holbrook-schools-may-cut-30-positions#ixzz1HoRj6jUY

Let's meet

Tonight the Board of Selectmen Voted to Meet with the Permanent School Building Committee on Thursday April 14th  at the Jr/ Sr High School. This will be a joint meeting with the Fin Com (Finance Committee), the School Committee, and the Capital Improvement Committee.  Kudoos to BOS(Board of Selectmen) Chairman  Matt Moore for  getting this meeting set. This is a very important meeting to attend. There should be alot of discussion about the future of our public schools. Please mark your calendars. Maybe we can get some movie night/ babysitting  planned!

Contributors Wanted: Events, issues,documents, comments etc.

We encourage anyone to post information, etc on this blog,We need help posting meeting dates, community events, issues, documents,comments; anything that will make this site, current, relevant and useful. All  input is welcome.  The more information we can share with each other and the community, the more we can help the schools!Please send an email and we'll make sure you have access. If we all do a little the results will be great!

Candidates for School Committee

School Committee Candidates will speak Tuesday March 15th at the  HEPG meeting at 7:00 pm at JFK; (HEPG starts at 6:30) this is a good time to see what these candidates are all about for the upcoming elections. We will have voter registration forms on hand, too!

Invited candidates are:

Barbara Davis of 49 Summit Road

Christine Ward of 32 Sunflower Road

John Callahan, Jr. of 520 South Franklin St.

Thomas E. S. Haskins of 308 South Franklin St.

John McMahon of 345 Pine St

Let's give them a good turnout, and hopefully they will do the same for us!

Register to Vote!

Here is a link to download a form to register to vote: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elestu/stuidx.htm

Candidates Corner: Davis stresses highest possible quality of education for Holbrook

Holbrook Sun-

Barbara Davis, candidate for re-election to the school committee, said, “I want to ensure that the public school students of Holbrook receive the highest quality of education as possible.
“I take my job as a member of the school committee very seriously. I am visible in the schools. I attend many school events, from football and basketball games to concerts and drama productions. I visit the classrooms in all three buildings on a regular basis and touch base with the principals often. I also speak with teachers and staff frequently.
“We need to expand our course offerings at the Junior/Senior High School level so that students have more options. We need to make sure that all our students take challenging courses so that they are prepared for college and life after high school while fulfilling the Common Core Curriculum at the same time. We currently have six advanced placement courses, more than a couple of the local private schools combined. We need to ensure that students continue to have these options, as well as those of Virtual High School, which we joined this past year.
“We need to implement a full day kindergarten program. The state is strongly encouraging this implementation. Studies show that the earlier we are able to reach a child, the more likely it is that the child will be successful in school.
“We also need to continue our work in lowering and maintaining class sizes. Schools with students who are most successful on standardized tests typically have lower class sizes. This is critical, especially in the earlier grades.  Holbrook ranks near the bottom of the list of communities in Massachusetts for regular education per pupil expenditures and in the percentage of school versus non-school expenditure.
“We need to strengthen our arts programs. Courses like art, music, and drama, rather than being frills in a school curriculum, are a necessity. Studies show that schools with strong arts programs have students who perform better on standardized tests such as the SATs or the MCAS. Music making develops students with better math skills, better reading skills, and better social skills. In short, making music makes you smarter. In order to expand our arts programs, we need space to have art and music areas in each building.  In addition, the Junior/Senior High School doesn’t even have any music practice rooms or a decent rehearsal hall, items that have existed in most area high schools for decades and which are necessary to run a good quality music program.
“There have been many positive improvements over the past several years in the Holbrook public schools, but there is still much more to be done. I want to continue working towards our goal of making the Holbrook public schools a model for academic excellence and innovation. I want to ensure that all our students receive a challenging, well-rounded curriculum that will enable them to be prepared with all the tools they need to be successful after high school.
“In conclusion, I believe that students in small towns like Holbrook deserve the same opportunities as students in more affluent communities. I will continue to work hard to make that happen.”
To find out how you can help, contact Campaign Manager Alex Mann at alexandermann@yahoo.com or Barbara Davis at barbarapdavis@gmail.com.

Read more: CANDIDATES CORNER: Davis stresses highest possible quality of education for Holbrook - Holbrook, MA - Holbrook Sun http://www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/archive/x904832385/CANDIDATES-CORNER-Davis-stresses-highest-possible-quality-of-education-for-Holbrook#ixzz1GJcpEViP

Candidates Corner: Davis stresses importance of firsthand knowledge of Holbrook school issues

Holbrook Sun—

Barbara Davis, candidate for re-election to the school committee, said, “I have been a visible presence in the community and continue to be passionate about making the Holbrook public schools an exceptional school system. Students, staff, and parents need to feel supported by the school committee, and one way of doing that is by being visible and available at the schools and events. Visiting the schools, I speak with everyone about issues and concerns. Attendance at school events helps me to get a better understanding about what is needed and what the issues are.
“Being on the school committee is more than attending two meetings a month. It is very important to see firsthand the problems and issues affecting the schools. The committee makes decisions on items that will directly affect the buildings, staffing, supplies, and other important matters.
“I have worked hard to ensure that all of Holbrook’s public school students receive the best education possible. I am committed to continuing to work diligently to help make the improvements necessary so the Holbrook public schools can become an exceptional school system. In the past two years, the public debate over renovations or regionalization have finally come forward. I have been involved at every meeting in and out of the district on these matters. I am the only candidate who can say that.
“A school committee member should be an advocate for the children of Holbrook. I am a visible presence in the schools and work hard to ensure that all of Holbrook’s students receive the best education possible. I continue to work toward adding staff to reduce class size and maximize student potential, and wish to move forward on a building project, seek out alternative revenues to offset the rising costs of underunded mandates, and encourage students and parents to continue at the Holbrook schools.
“The residents of Holbrook have a right to a school committee member who cares enough to go into the school buildings regularly and see what goes on firsthand. I form my opinions and make decisions based on facts, rather than popular misconceptions, and I listen with open ears and an open mind.”
To find out how you can help ensure Davis continues her work in improving the education of the Holbrook public school students, email her at barparapdavis@gmail.comor campaign manager Alex Mann at alexandermann@yahoo.com

Read more: CANDIDATES CORNER: Davis stresses importance of firsthand knowledge of Holbrook school issues - Holbrook, MA - Holbrook Sun http://www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/archive/x1174962483/CANDIDATES-CORNER-Davis-stresses-importance-of-firsthand-knowledge-of-Holbrook-school-issues#ixzz1GJcAS1qM

 

Parents and School supporters in all precincts:Please consider a write-in campaign

from Holbrook Sun -

Because of a lack of candidates in certain areas, 15 of the 95 Town Meeting members voters will elect less than five weeks from now will be determined by tallying write-in votes.
The deadline to submit nomination papers to the board of registrars for certification was Feb. 15, and there are a sufficient number of candidates for 20 three-year Town Meeting seats in only two of Holbrook’s four precincts. There are 24 candidates in Precinct 1 and 20 in Precinct 2, but only 17 in Precinct 3 and 14 in Precinct 4.
Three are four candidates for three Precinct 2 Town Meeting seats for one year to fill vacancies; only four candidates for six Precinct 3 Town Meeting seats for two years to fill vacancies; one candidate for one Precinct 3 Town Meeting seat for one year to fill a vacancy; only one candidate for four Precinct 4 Town Meeting seats for two years to fill vacancies; and no candidates for one Precinct 4 Town Meeting seat for one year to fill a vacancy.
Voters will also choose 14 town officials in the April 5 election.

Read more: Not enough Town Meeting candidates in Holbrook - Holbrook, MA - Holbrook Sun http://www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/archive/x855579219/Not-enough-Town-Meeting-candidates-in-Holbrook#ixzz1EstysHWG

 

 

Massachusetts School Building Authority Process Flow Chart

http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/building

Boston Globe Editorial

This past Sunday, there was an editorial by Boston Globe Staff supporting regionalization, and Holbrook was one of the schools mentioned.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2011/02/21/to_promote_regional_schools_state_must_give_stronger_nudge/

CANDIDATES CORNER: Davis: know all facts about regionalization

This weeks Holbrook Sun
Barbara Davis, candidate for re-election to the school committee, said, “Some candidates for the school committee have been promoting the subject of regionalization as if it were a new idea. Since the 1970s, Holbrook has debated the issue of regionalization versus building a new school. It is extremely important to have all the facts before making a decision of that magnitude.

"A committee to investigate the feasibility of setting up a rgional planning board with Abington was set up at the request of the Massachusetts School Building Authority last spring. This committee consisted of the superintendents and business managers of both districts and school committee members from both towns, as well as several other representatives.

“After several months of meetings and the information gathered and discussed in great detail, the committee found the following:  a 9-12 regional district would have increased start-up costs due to legal requirements under Chapter 71, Section 42B for such things as teacher salaries and benefits which would have to be negotiated with the new district and increases in transportation because we do not provide bus transportation at that level. 

“In addition, in a regional school district, if Holbrook is the smaller district, it would have less of a say in the running of the new regional district and in the proposed budget for the new district. As an example of how this would work, just look at the Blue Hills Regional budget when it comes before Town Meeting every year. Once the regional budget is allocated, whatever is left over is what would be available to the K-8 district. Can Holbrook afford another fixed cost? 

“This cost does not include two key issues for Holbrook: the continued issue of a need for a new building and additional staff for Grades 7-8 because of staff shared between the junior high and senior high schools. These costs also do not factor in that Holbrook would lose over $1 million in Chapter 70 education money for these students and that money would go directly to the regional district.

“Without incentives from the state, this seemed too great a burden to place on the taxpayers of Holbrook at this time. It is possible that regionalizing the high school could, in the future, be the best solution for declining enrollments in Holbrook.  The committee did not think the potential benefits outweighed the large initial costs to the taxpayers and voted last Nov. 9 to accept the Joint Abington-Holbrook Regionalization Study Committee report as well as the recommendation to not regionalize at this time.

“I have been the chairperson of the school committee for two years.  In that time, the committee has done more than any board to solve this issue.  As a community, we have discussed this since the 1970s. I will keep all our options open and continue to look at these possibilities with an open mind.

“In the meantime, we need to provide the public school students of Holbrook with a quality education, which means supporting the schools at an appropriate level, as required by law. 

“I want the Holbrook public schools to be moving forward to provide our students with a world-class education. I am the candidate with the qualifications and commitment to do so.

“To find out how you can help, contact Campaign Manager Alex Mann at alexandermann@yahoo.com or myself at barbarapdavis@gmail.com.”

Ain't NO Stoppin' Us Now!

We're on the move!
Apparently we are on the move! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26-AippA-vs Record numbers of parents are running for Town Meeting. Now we need to mobilize a voter registration drive!
Go Parents, Go Kids, Go Holbroook Schools!

The Ballot may be closed, but you can still register ......

......to V O T E !!
We will have voter registration forms at every possible event. You can also stop by Town Hall any time until March 16th (the Day before St. Patrick's Day) ://www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/topstories/x172499827/Selectmen-Chairman-Moore-seeks-re-election-in-Holbrook  "The final day for residents to register to vote in the election is March 16, when the town clerk’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m"
Let's show themwhat we are made of!!! Let's make our kids proud!

Understanding Your Child's Behavior

Please join us from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM at Holbrook Schools Central Office (245 South Franklin)

Ann Poppenga M.S.Ed., BCBA will present successful strategies to help with your child's behavior at home.

RSVP to: Chris Godino, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, 781-767-1226

School Committee Meeting

The School Committee meets Wed night ( Feb 16th) at  H-Cam studios at 6:30pm
http://holbrookma.gov/Pages/HolbrookMA_MeetingsCal/S01696E72-01696E8B?formid=161

Citizen concerns is a time, at the beginning of the meeting when you can ask questions or make comments that pertain to anything under the purview of the school committe (such as....
Are the mcas effective? Are our lunches healthy? How can I run for school committee? Why does it cost money to participate in sports? Et cetera et cetera et cetera . Please attend if you can. Even just for half an hour.
Also, the School Building Authority meets Thursday night http://holbrookma.gov/Pages/HolbrookMA_MeetingsCal/S01699DF6-01699E29?formid=161

Eloquent

Check this out!
Ann has expressed what so many of us felt at the Fin com!
http://www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/topstories/x1864250181/COMMENTARY-I-have-this-dream-for-Holbrook

Running for office 101 -From the Holbrook Sun

"... appearing on the ballot will be candidates for 20 three-year Town Meeting seats from each of the town’s four precincts; three Precinct 2 Town Meeting seats for one year to fill vacancies; six Precinct 3 Town Meeting seats for two years to fill vacancies; one Precinct 3 Town Meeting seat for one year to fill a vacancy; four Precinct 4 Town Meeting seats for two years to fill vacancies; and one Precinct 4 Town Meeting seat for one year to fill a vacancy.
     Nomination papers must be submitted to the board of registrars for certification in the town clerk’s office by Feb. 15 at 5 p.m.
     The final day for residents to register to vote in the election will be March 16, when the office will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m."

Tonights Fin Com Meeting

Great turnout tonight!
Under the leadership of Mr Baeta, with the help of the school committee members and Chair Barbara Davis, the Schools presented the budget for the next fiscal year. Lots of information was shared, the presentation was excellent, with lots of discussion.  Try to catch it on H-Cam!
Many parents, community members and committee members were on hand.  Support was overwhelmingly for the schools. How that plays out is up to us. It is the beginning of a long haul, but we are strong, passionate and smart. And we love our kids!  There is so much to discuss and learn, and so far to go. However,  the schools are making great strides, and there are lots of community members committed to a brighter future for our public schools.  So yes, Mr Yunits, we will dream, big! And we will work together toward the day we all our kids can proudly graduate from a great school, here in Holbrook Public!

School Committee Meeting Postponed

No school committee meeting tonight, due to the storm. All items will be moved to the February 16th meeting.See you then!

New Holbrook High School Debate Team This Year

This story in the Holbrook Sun show more good things happening in our schools.  

 

http://www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/topstories/x925302196/New-Holbrook-high-school-debate-team-this-year

 

We need a showing of concerned parents/ school supporters

Finance Committee meets with Holbrook Public Schools on 

Monday, January 31, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Just show up to show your support.

Let's make our kids proud!

Town Hall, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 50 North Franklin Street

Let's all run....

...for Town meeting! All you have to do is be a registered voter (just go to Town Clerks office to do that) and then ask to get "Nomination papers to be a town meeting member".  You then get 10 registered voters from your precinct Holbrook to sign your nomination papers, and return them to town hall by February 15!

The signers can be in your spouse, family, neighbors, friends, new acquaintances, whomever! Your name will then be on the ballot and we will all vote for you!

This is how it works: Holbrook has four "Precincts". They are based on where you live. Each precinct elects 60 members, each to a three year terms. That makes for a 240 person voting body. Right now lots of people don't show up to Town Meeting, and MANY of those that do are in big family voting blocks. The schools are typically underrepresented, but many of the already elected members DO believe in quality Public Education. Our schools need you to be there too!  

New friendly faces who care about our schools can vote for issues important to the schools, and our future as a community!

Holbrook is among the smallest towns in Massachusetts to require an elected body; this is called a "Representative Town Meeting". In Holbrook, not every registered voter can vote (but they CAN speak).It all started in 1973, but that is another story. For more on Town Meetings go to http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cistwn/twnidx.htm 

In the meantime, head up to Town Hall and run for Town Meeting!



The Good Stuff

The following appears with the author's permission and appeared in the

Holbrook Sun on January 19, 2011 

 

Heartfelt thanks to everyone

To the editor:
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who lent a hand in the community volleyball game at the high school. The Lady Bulldogs were awesome, and it was wonderful to see the alumni players return with such class and grace.  Holbrook teachers were amazing. They all get an A.  Community team, what can I say?  You are the reigning champs. Hope the muscles aren’t too sore.
Larissa Belezos, thank you for lending your beautiful singing voice to the evening.  Brendan Monahan, you were a wonderful master of ceremonies. Mr. Hayward, the tournament ran so smoothly because of your expertise on the court. Karen Santorelli, Liz and Maggie Brady, you did a wonderful job at the busy raffle table.  Tom Harless and Sarah Haley, the concessions were well managed by you both.  Shannon Capidilupo, Peg Comer, Meaghan Comer, and Marissa Clougher, you did a great job checking the crowd in.  Ms. McDonough, thank you for your expertise with the sound system. Robert Golden, many thanks for all the help at home loading and unloading the car, filling coolers with ice, hauling waters.
 Thank you also to the many businesses that allowed signs to be posted in their locations to publicize the event.  Most special thanks to those who donated raffle items:  student artists Victoria Sarmento and Courtney Kerr, athletic director Lauri Thorne, Holbrook teachers Marina Selby and Suzy Twiss, the Holbrook Music Parents, the Hair Cafe, Holbrook House of Pizza, Maria's Pizzeria, Corner Grille, and the Lobster Barn.  Generous donations from Stop and Shop, Walmart, and CVS were most appreciated as well.   Apologies to anyone I may have missed.
Most of all, thanks to the many spectators who filled the stands.  Your support of Holbrook’s kids is remarkable.  This is a great town and nights like this remind us of that.

Christine Golden

School Calendar Link

http://www.holbrook.k12.ma.us/www/holbrook_district/site/hosting/Policies,%20Forms%20and%20Documents/DistrictCalendar.pdf

How easy is that!

From the school website, Thank you!

School Committee Meeting this Wednesday

Wednesday, January 26
School Committee Meeting
7:00 PM
H-Cam Studios
140 North Franklin Street

If you have any questions, comments or concerns you would like addressed, or just want to show up to show your support for the schools. Meetings are open to all, and provide a nice way to get a handle on what is going on!
Hope to see you there!

The members of the School Commitee are as follows:

Barbara P. Davis, Chairperson: davis@holbrook.k12.ma.us
Ann Poppenga, Vice Chairperson: apoppenga@holbrook.k12.ma.us
John Flanagan: jflanagan@holbrook.k12.ma.us
Louis Pransky: lpransky@holbrook.k12.ma.us
Christine Ward: ward@holbrook.k12.ma.us

School Budget Info

Here is a link to some of the budget information the superintendent has on the website. Please have a look and post your thoughts, ideas?

http://www.holbrook.k12.ma.us/site_res_view_template.aspx?id=fd729ca6-2bed-4fb4-82f4-e13e4d66c390