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Mondays are late-start days

And 5 other things you need to know before school starts

    Whether your household likes it or not, it’s back-to-school time in Holyoke School District! The first day of school is next Thursday, Aug. 17.
    The biggest change for this school year is that the late-start days have been moved to Mondays. Every Monday there will be a staff meeting beginning at 7:30 a.m.
    At Holyoke JR/SR High, the school day will begin at 8:55 a.m. on Mondays. At Holyoke Elementary School, students will start at 9 a.m. on Mondays.
    On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, both schools start at 8:05 a.m. The JR/SR high dismisses at 3:37 p.m., while the elementary lets out at 3:40 p.m.
    About once a month, Holyoke staff will use a full day for an inservice. This year, those will usually be held on Mondays.
   

1. Back-to-school night is next Wednesday
    Students at both the elementary school and JR/SR high have an opportunity to prepare for school at back-to-school night next Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 5-6 p.m.
    Kids can visit with teachers and principals, get activity passes and lunch tickets, pay fees and practice opening their lockers. The night is especially helpful for younger students, who can locate classrooms and unpack school supplies.
    School supply lists have been mailed to students, are available online at www.hcosd.org and can be found at local retailers.
    At back-to-school night, parents can also gather important information about the upcoming year, such as attaining a login and password for the Parent Portal to access grade and attendance information from home.
    
2. New website, app keep parents informed
    Holyoke School District has launched a new website at www.hcosd.org.
    The district has also introduced an app, available for free on smart devices. Search “Holyoke School District, CO” in the app store.
    The school’s digital presence combined with a computerized calling system will keep parents and students informed throughout the year.
    The calling system will be the primary method of communication for school closures and other announcements. Parents will also be notified when their children are absent or have a low lunch account balance. Parents are encouraged to inform the school secretary of which method they want to be informed through the system by filling out a complete registration packet.
    Late-starts may be called on occasion due to inclement weather. In these instances, school will begin two hours later than normal, with buses running two hours later than the regular pickup time.
    The local radio station (Star 92.3) and the school website will also announce school closures and late-starts.
    A detailed community calendar sponsored by the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Holyoke School District and area businesses will be made available at back-to-school night as well as at local businesses and in the school offices starting Aug. 17. Since school activities are subject to change, check the school website for updates.

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Holyoke Enterprise

970-854-2811 (Phone)

130 N Interocean Ave
PO Box 297
Holyoke CO 80734