Panther Pulse

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.

Wednesday, October 28th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Holliston High School Auditorium

Can’t attend in person? We will provide a Zoom link closer to the event 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.

As was introduced during Open house here is survey link where you can share feedback regarding the shift in the schedule. We also encourage families of 9th grade students to fill this out as it will also give us insight to your child's experience through the first quarter of the year. You can access the survey here.

AP exam registration is open - please see below for instructions!

HHS Students who are enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam.

Please use the Google Doc linked below for important information regarding AP Exam registration for the 2026–2027 school year.

This information applies to students currently enrolled in AP courses through Holliston High School. If your student is not enrolled in an AP course this year, no action is needed.

A few key highlights:

• Registration requires TWO steps:

• activating your exam in MyAP (College Board), and

• submitting the $101 exam fee through the APTS website.

• Registration opens on October 1, 2026.

• Registration closes on:

• October 31, 2026 for full-year AP classes, including those online through TEC taken either semester

• February 28, 2027 for second-semester AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

• Financial assistance is available for families for whom the exam fee is a barrier.

• Self-study students should stop by the School Counseling Office for separate registration information.
  

Please visit 2026–2027 HHS AP Exam Registration Information for complete details and registration links, including step-by-step instructions.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the School Counseling Office.

Click Here or use the QR code to order your yearbook.

As the school year is underway, so is the 2026-2027 Yearbook! As we know, many parents like to purchase a yearbook, we wanted to make you aware that sales for the 2026-2027 yearbook are now live. As of now, yearbooks are $80.00, and prices will increase on 10/1/2026 and again on 2/1/2027. 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 (Kevin Rafter).

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

Additionally, here is the important information sent over the summer for Seniors!:

• Senior pictures are due Friday, 10/24/2026, NO EXCEPTIONS

• Take your pictures over the summer!

• If you take pictures with Henry Studios, they will send us your photo

• Otherwise, please email your senior photo to yearbook@holliston.k12.ma.us

• Photos should be 4” by 5” @ 300dpi jpg format

• Senior Baby photos due by Friday, 11/7/2026

• Please email to yearbook@holliston.k12.ma.us with the subject “STUDENT NAME- baby picture”

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 to Mr. Rafter at rafterk@holliston.k12.ma.us with any questions. We are looking forward to creating a great yearbook!

Join Chorus this fall! It's not too late to start singing! All students are welcome. Our next rehearsal is Wednesday, September 16th at 3:15pm. Rehearsals are weekly, on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 3:15-4:00 pm in the chorus room (112). Join the Google Classroom with code jcn6z3m to stay up to take a look at some of the music we will be singing this semester. Email Ms. O'Grady (ogradyh@holliston.k12.ma.us) with any questions!

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

Winter High School Athletics Registration

Winter 2026 - 2027 High School athletics registration is now open! Please click on the registration tab on the HHS Athletics Webpage or go directly to the HHS ArbiterSports registration link: Winter 2026 -2027 Sports Registration. Please click here to view the HHS 2026 - 2027 athletic information sheet.

Any questions about athletics should be directed to Matt Baker, Athletic Director. BakerM@holliston.k12.ma.us

We hope everyone is having a healthy and happy school year! Just a few important reminders from the Health Office:

Medications & Medical Documentation: If your student requires an EpiPen, inhaler, daily or as-needed medication, please make sure all required paperwork, including medical provider orders and parent/guardian consent, is completed and submitted to the Health Office. This documentation is essential for your student's safety while at school and for participation in school-sponsored activities, including field trips and dances.

All medication orders and permissions must be renewed each school year. Forms can be found on the Holliston Public Schools Health Office website within the Medication Administration Packet.

Annual Verification: Please remember to complete the medication permission section of your student's annual verification form. This allows us to administer certain over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, without needing to call home for permission.

Grade 10 Physicals: Massachusetts requires all 10th-grade students to have an updated physical examination on file. Please email a copy to the Health Office or have your student drop one off.

Concussions: With fall sports underway, we have seen an increase in concussions. HHS has a thorough concussion protocol in place to support students during their recovery. If your student is diagnosed with a concussion, please submit all medical documentation, including diagnosis and recommended accommodations, to the Health Office as soon as possible.

We recommend 48 hours of initial brain rest following a concussion, with a gradual return to school as symptoms allow and in accordance with medical recommendations. Upon returning to school, students should report directly to the Health Office for a symptom assessment and to develop a plan for the day based on their symptoms and their medical provider's recommendations.

As always, please reach out with any questions or let us know how we can best support your student!

Kim Marsden, BSN, RN

marsdenk@holliston.k12.ma.us

Erica Olson, BSN, RN

olsone@holliston.k12.ma.us

HHS Theatre 370 presents Disney's The Little Mermaid as our Fall Musical. Based on one of Hans Christian Anderson's most beloved stories and the classic Disney animated film, this colorful and fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs. Theatre 370 tackles this timeless tale of finding your part of the world with passion and honor, and can't wait to share it with you November 19th, 20th, and 21st at 7:30 plus a matinee at 2:00 on November 21st. Tickets are now available at Theatre370.ludus.com. Reach out to SmithR@holliston.k12.ma.us with any questions!

Showtimes:

Thursday, November 19th @ 7:30 pm - Tickets

Friday, November 20th @ 7:30 pm - Tickets

Saturday, November 21st @ 2:00 pm - Tickets

Saturday, November 21st @ 7:30 pm - Tickets

To purchase tickets please use the following link.

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, November 19th - 5:00 pm - Holliston High School Main Office

Thursday, December 17th - 8:00 am - Holliston High School Main Office

Thursday, January 14th - 8:00 am - Holliston High School Main Office

Thursday, February 11th - 5:00 pm - Holliston High School Main Office

Thursday, March 18th - 8:00 am - Holliston High School Main Office

Thursday, April 15th - 5:00 pm - Holliston High School Main Office

Thursday, May 13th - 8:00 am - Holliston High School Main Office

Holliston High School is seeking parents or guardians to serve on our School Council. Established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 59C, the School Council is an advisory group that brings together the principal, parents and guardians, teachers, community representatives, and students to support ongoing school improvement.

If more than three parents or guardians express interest in serving on the School Council, representatives will be selected through an election conducted by our recognized Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). All parents and guardians of students attending Holliston High School will be eligible to vote. We welcome candidates who are interested in learning more about HHS, contributing thoughtfully to school-wide conversations, and representing the perspectives of our families. (Please note that these are open meetings and you do not have to be an elected member to attend)

In accordance with Massachusetts law, the School Council meets regularly to:

• Contribute to the development of the annual School Improvement Plan.
• Review the student handbook each spring and consider potential changes to disciplinary policies for the following school year, as outlined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 37H.

The School Council serves in an advisory capacity and provides an important opportunity for families, educators, students, and community members to share perspectives and support the continued growth of Holliston High School. We encourage interested parents and guardians to consider becoming involved and helping us strengthen the educational experience of all HHS students. If you are interested please reach out to David List at listd@holliston.k12.ma.us.

With our growing community of multilingual students, Holliston Public Schools is proud to launch our English Learner Parent Advisory Council (EL PAC) this school year! The EL PAC offers parents and guardians a meaningful way to advise district leadership, share feedback on language programs, and connect with other multilingual families. Our first meeting will be in December via Zoom and is open to anyone!

Thank you to the 80+ students and family members who joined us last week for our Multilingual Learner Welcome Event! It was wonderful introducing our district EL teaching team and Dr. Karen Bourn, Director of Teaching & Learning, as well as sharing our introductory presentation, En Español and Em Português.

We already have several wonderful parent volunteers, but we are seeking a few more families for our council.

If you would like to participate or serve as a parent leader, please contact Dr. Karen Bourn at BournK@holliston.k12.ma.us.

Best,

Dr. Karen Bourn

Director of Teaching and Learning

Hello HPS Family and Friends,

Fall is officially in full swing at HPS!

October is always a fun and busy month, and there’s plenty happening across our schools! From the Pumpkin Stroll and Glow Party to the Elementary Read-a-Thon and engaging new assemblies, there are lots of ways to join in, lend a hand, and be part of the fun.

These fall traditions and experiences are possible because of your support, and we’re so grateful to our donors and volunteers who help bring them to life for our students and school community.

We’re looking forward to a great October!

Warmly,

Your PTO Executive Board

Stacey Raffi, Beth Leach, Michele Scarcelli, Tatyana Drobov, Erin Stanek, and Emily Knup

The PTO Ski & Board Club will be open for registration starting October 1st, 2026 and until December 1st 2026! Get our kids outside this Winter for six weeks of adventure at Wachusett starting January 3rd, 2027. Buses leave from the High School at 4pm and return before 10pm on Sundays.

Please visit https://hollistonpto.org/hhs-skisnowboard for more information and contact HollistonSkiClub@gmail.com for any questions.

The HMAPA believes the arts should be accessible to everyone, which is why we’ve made membership open and completely free.

Whether you’re a parent of an arts student, a student yourself, or simply someone who loves and supports the arts, you’re already part of our community.

Registering your membership simply helps us stay connected with you. Registered members are among the first to hear about upcoming events, ticket sales, volunteer opportunities, meetings, and other HMAPA news and opportunities.

And the best part? Registering is completely FREE! There’s no cost and no obligation—just an easy way to stay informed and connected with the arts community.

Join us, stay connected, and help us continue making the arts accessible to all!

• Sunday, 11/1: Butterfly Reunion @4-6 PM, Fatima Shrine - sign up!
• Take Building Bright Brains!
• Submit a loved one's name for the Remembrance Tree