Submitted by Karen Crebase, Superintendent of Schools

As we prepare to embark on another exciting school year, we want to extend a warm welcome to all of our students, families, and staff. The summer break has provided us with an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the new academic year. Now, we’re thrilled to open our doors once again and welcome our families back into our hallways.

Our dedicated team has been hard at work all summer, ensuring that our schools are ready to provide the best possible learning environments for our students. From refreshing classrooms to updating lesson plans, every detail has been carefully considered.  We are excited to share some of the significant improvements made across our district facilities.  

We’ve completed the additional installation of air conditioning units at Memorial School.  This ongoing project is nearly complete and has been done in stages because we have been applying for huge rebates during each stage of implementation.  This has allowed us to complete this project with minimal cost to the schools and town. This upgrade will ensure a more comfortable and conducive learning environment for our students and staff, especially during the warmer months.

The Adin Street parking lot at Memorial School has been fully repaved, providing a smoother and safer space for drop-offs and parking. This improvement enhances both the functionality and appearance of our school.  We are excited to welcome our bus students in our newly paved bus loop.  In addition, the town paving project on Adin Street is nearing completion and our students who walk to school will have safe and accessible sidewalks as they arrive at Memorial.

The cafeteria at Memorial School has been freshly painted, giving it a bright and welcoming new look. We know this space will be enjoyed by students and staff alike during meal times and gatherings.  In addition, with monetary support from PACE and through private donations, we have been able to accelerate our plans to update the Memorial Playground.  We are thankful to all of the town departments and family volunteers who have offered to assist with this major undertaking. 

We are in the beginning stages of a much-needed renovation of the Junior-Senior High School auditorium. We are appreciative to the town for providing capital funding to support this project as it will transform the space into a beautiful venue for performances, assemblies, and community events, benefiting students and the entire Hopedale community.  Our facilities team has been hard at work this summer doing a great deal of the preparation work so that our auditorium will be ready for installation of the new seating when it arrives in November.

As we kick off this new school year, we are filled with excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our commitment to excellence in education remains steadfast, and we are confident that the work we’ve done over the summer will have a positive impact on our students’ and families’ experiences.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will make this school year one of growth, achievement, and success for all of our students.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!