Panther Pulse

This past week, we celebrated National School Counseling Week, a time to recognize and thank our incredible school counselors for the many ways they support our students every single day.

Our counselors play a vital role in the life of Holliston High School. They work closely with students to support academic planning, social and emotional well-being, college and career readiness, and everything in between. They are often the steady voice during stressful moments and strong advocates for students as they navigate both challenges and opportunities.

Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day in classrooms, hallways, and conversations that help students feel supported, understood, and empowered. We are incredibly grateful for their professionalism, care, and commitment to putting students first.

Please join me in thanking Ms. Andrews, Ms. Calais, Ms. Hale, Ms. Harwich, Ms. Mont, Ms. Powers, Ms. Taylor for all that they do to make Holliston High School such a supportive and student-centered community.

Although parking is generally allowed on the streets around Holliston High School, the Holliston Police Department has shared that, due to the buildup of snow, there will be no parking allowed on the streets surrounding Holliston High School for the time being.

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, February 6th - Student Directed One Acts - 7:30pm HHS Auditorium

Saturday, February 7th - Student Directed One Acts - 3:00pm & 7:30pm HHS Auditorium

Tuesday, February 10th - Opportunities Night 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Friday, February 13th - Seal of Biliteracy Test - 8:15am - HHS Library

Wednesday, February 25th - Semester 2 Open House - 6:30 - 7:30

The Seal of Biliteracy Exam has been rescheduled for Friday, February 13th. Students will take their exam in the HHS Library and the exam will begin promptly at 8:15.

Our Student-Directed One Acts are a powerful example of student voice and creativity in action. In this experience, students take the lead by directing a one-act play they have either written themselves or thoughtfully selected, learning firsthand what it means to bring a production from concept to curtain. Students are immersed in the full directing process; casting, blocking, rehearsal planning, collaboration, and performance all while developing leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills along the way. Throughout the journey, they are guided and supported by our amazing Theatre Director, Becky Smith, whose mentorship helps students push their ideas further while holding them to high expectations.

One of the performances during our Saturday Matinee will proudly feature our actors from the Unified Stage program, celebrating inclusive theatre and the power of storytelling that brings students of all abilities together on stage. If you would like tickets to any of the shows, please click here.

Holliston Families,

Discover what makes Holliston High School a vibrant, engaging place to learn and grow! Holliston High School Opportunity Night is an exciting chance for students, parents, and community members to explore the full HHS experience.

Join us to learn from students, teachers, counselors, and administrators about how students get involved through hands-on learning, clubs, internships, and enrichment opportunities. Whether you’re planning for the future, supporting a student, or simply curious about what HHS has to offer, this welcoming event will give you a clear picture of the opportunities, support, and community that define Holliston High School.

Tuesday, February 10th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Holliston High School Auditorium

Can’t attend in person? A Zoom option will be available and the link will be shared on Tuesday morning, and the event will be recorded for future viewing, so everyone can participate.

Come see how HHS prepares students for college, career, and life, and most importantly, why it’s a place where students thrive.

Grades 9-11

• January 29th & March 6th - Course and Level Recommendations
• February 10th - Opportunities Night (6 pm @HHS)
• March 9th - 13th - Class Meetings to Review the Course Request Process (During DSB)
• March 16th - Program of Studies Night (7 pm @HHS)
• March 17th - 31st - Course Selection Portal Open
• April 6th - Overrides Due to School Counseling

The HHS School Counseling Office is excited to kickoff the college application process with our grade 11 students on Monday, February 9th during DSB in the Auditorium. All students have been scheduled for this assembly in Adaptive Scheduler. Please let your counselor know if you are unable to attend for any reason.

Additionally, we will be hosting our juniors in small groups after break:

• Wednesday, February 25 OR Thursday, February 26 - Junior seminar #1 - to be scheduled in Adaptive Scheduler
• Monday, March 3 OR Tuesday, March 4 - Junior seminar #2 - to be scheduled in Adaptive Scheduler

These small groups will dive a bit deeper into the process and provide an opportunity for students to get specific questions answered. We are also hoping to offer process-specific workshops (essay brainstorming and resume development) later this spring - stay tuned for more information and dates.

We were also thrilled to see so many families join us for our flagship college planning event, Be Admitted, in January. The small group seminars being held in late February and early March will cover much of the same content more in-depth. Slides from Be Admitted are included here. We are looking forward to working with you throughout this exciting process! Be sure to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

The vision and the commitment of the HHS School Counseling Office is to empower students to embrace their potential by understanding and managing their emotions, setting and achieving positive goals, feeling and showing empathy for others, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and making informed decisions and healthy choices. Information regarding counselor caseloads, scheduling, and post-secondary planning can be found on the School Counseling website: School Counseling Office.

Dear AP Students and Families,

This message is a reminder about AP Exam registration for Spring Semester courses (Term 3/Semester 2) of the 2025–2026 school year.

Students enrolled in AP courses that begin Term 3/Semester 2 must complete AP Exam registration by February 28, 2026.

Late Registration for Fall AP Courses:
If you are enrolled in an AP course that began in the fall and did not meet the fall registration deadline, you may still register for the AP Exam. Please note that a College Board–imposed late fee of $40 will be added to the exam registration fee.

Important: AP Exam registration requires two steps, and both must be completed by the deadline for the exam order to be valid:

1. Students must activate their exams in MyAP

2. Payment must be submitted through the APTS website

Full details and step-by-step instructions are included in the attached document:
HHS - AP Exam Registration Information 2025–2026

Please review the information carefully and be sure to complete registration on time.

Additional information about AP Exams can be found here as well as on the College Board website.

Note: Students will not be permitted to take an alternate exam due to conflicts with Senior Prom. AP Environmental Science (AM exam) and AP Computer Science A (PM exam) are both scheduled for Friday, May 15. We will make every effort to conduct testing as efficiently as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this important information.

Click the links below for the most up to date athletic information

HHS Athletics Webpage

Games Schedules, Rosters & Results

Please follow @HollistonAD on X and @HollistonAthletics on Instagram

Spring sports registration is now open through March 6th, click here to register.

Each month I invite parents and caregivers to join me at Holliston High School to learn more about the experience of our students and to answer questions. In order to accommodate schedules, I hold these coffee hours both in the morning and the early evening. Below are the dates of coffee hour meetings for the year.

Thursday, March 5th at 5:00pm in the main office

Thursday, April 2nd at 8:30am in the main office

Thursday, May 7th at 5:00pm in the main office

As the school year is underway, so is the 2025-2026 Yearbook! As we know, many parents like to purchase a yearbook, we wanted to make you aware that sales for the 2025-2026 yearbook are now live. Yearbooks prices will increase on 2/28/2026. We wanted to make sure seniors/parents/guardians know and get their books purchased early at the discounted price. Last year, the books sold out, and some people were not able to purchase a book, so the earlier you buy, the better!

You can purchase the yearbook at www.yearbookforever.com (search for Holliston High School). If you need financial assistance, please contact the administration, and they will contact the yearbook advisor (Joel Stembridge).

Business Ads → We also offer space in the yearbook for local businesses to advertise! If you would like to purchase an ad for the yearbook, please see the pricing below. All ads can be created at www.yearbookforever.com

Business Ad:

Full page: $250

1/2 page: $185

1/4 page: $60

1/8 page: $40

Family Ads → If you would like to purchase an ad for the yearbook please see the pricing below. All ads can be created at www.yearbookforever.com

Personal/Family Ad (for seniors)

Full page: $230

1/2 page: $165

1/4 page: $80

1/8 page: $40

Please reach out with any questions. We are looking forward to creating a great yearbook!

The class of 2029 is excited to announce the launch of our first fundraiser! Please use the link below to purchase custom Holliston hats and blankets. Items will be sold from now until February 17, 2026 and will be delivered after February break.

Class of 2029 Pop Up Store

Please reach out to the class officers or advisors if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Chloe Balejko, President

Avin Hemaratne, Vice President

Nicholas DiPippo, Secretary

Reese Burnham, Treasurer

Mrs. Diamandis and Mrs. Hale, Class Advisors

Hello fellow parents of SENIORS!!

Please save the date for our upcoming DANCE PARTY/ fundraiser. We’re hoping to reach every parent and caregiver of our senior class so save the date and SPREAD THE WORD for a fun night out. Proceeds will go towards prom night and graduation celebration expenses for our kids and their classmates.

Tickets on Sale Now!

PTO JAN NEWSLETTER LINK --> Hello from the Holliston PTO - The January Update