Superintendent's Memo
Hopkinton Public Schools
May 2026 Superintendent's Memo
Dear Hopkinton Families, Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As we head into May, it's one of the busiest stretches of the year across all of our schools, filled with events, field trips, performances, projects, and moments that really showcase the work happening every day in our classrooms.
It’s also hard not to think about our seniors, the Class of 2026, this time of year. In just a few short weeks, they’ll graduate on Friday, June 5. Before they take that final walk across the stage on the football field, they’ll participate in one of the most meaningful parts of their time in Hopkinton Public Schools—the Senior Capstone Project.
Throughout the month of May, our seniors step beyond the traditional classroom and into real-world learning. Whether through internships, independent projects, research, or community-based experiences, they are exploring their interests, building skills, and reflecting on what comes next. It’s a powerful way to close out their time with us.
I also want to extend an invitation to our entire school community to attend the Senior Capstone Presentations taking place on Wednesday, May 27th, in the athletic center at Hopkinton High School. This is a special opportunity to see firsthand the work our students have been engaged in and to celebrate their growth and accomplishments.
You can learn more about the Capstone experience here:
https://sites.google.com/hopkinton.k12.ma.us/senior-capstone-experience/home
Go Hillers,
Mr. Bishop
May 4: No AM Preschool
May 8: District-wide Early Release Day (Jr. Prom)
May 22: Elementary Early Release Day
May 25: No School (Memorial Day)
As a reminder, the last day of school for HPS is Wednesday, June 24th and the PreK last day is Wednesday, June 17th.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning/Chief Academic Officer - Sarah Ellam
We're pleased to share that Sarah Ellam will serve as our next Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning/Chief Academic Officer beginning July 1. Sarah brings 24 years of experience in Hopkinton Public Schools, most recently as an Assistant Principal at Hopkinton High School and previously as the English Department Subject Matter Leader. Throughout her career, she has led meaningful work around curriculum development, instructional improvement, and data-informed decision making, while also supporting students and staff through a strong, collaborative approach.
Sarah understands our district, our students, and our community, and she brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to this role. We're confident she will continue to strengthen teaching and learning across Hopkinton and help move our work forward in meaningful ways.
Marathon School Assistant Principal - Jen Taylor
Jen stood out throughout the process for her focus on school culture, student support, and strong relationships with staff and families. We're looking forward to welcoming her to Marathon and the Hopkinton community.
Host Families Wanted!
Hopkinton High School is looking for additional host families for the 2026-2027 school year. Host families are generously compensated at $1000-$1100 per month. Host families show international students the best that Hopkinton has to offer!
HHS International Students:
go through a rigorous application process
are registered HHS students in 10th-12th grades
meet English language requirements
come with spending money and health insurance
have local agency reps
are excited to learn and meet new people!
To learn more, please contact Mr. Andrew Longoria at alongoria@hopkinton.k12.ma.us or Ms. Pilar Ward at pward@hopkinton.k12.ma.us
Our Amazing Teachers!! Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8)
This month, we’re proud to shine our Top of the Hill spotlight on the incredible teachers across the Hopkinton Public Schools. The week of May 4–8 marks Teacher Appreciation Week, but the impact of our teachers is felt far beyond a single week. It’s something our students experience every single day, all year long.
We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated, caring, and talented professionals working with our students. Whether it’s through a small moment of encouragement, a thoughtful lesson, or going the extra mile to support a child, our teachers consistently show up in ways that make a lasting difference. They challenge, inspire, and care deeply about every student they serve, and they are a major reason why our schools continue to be such special places for learning and growth.
We encourage you to take a moment to reach out and share your appreciation. A quick note, a kind word, or a simple thank you can go a long way.
To all of our teachers: THANK YOU! We are grateful for you each and every day.
