Back-to-school is always a special time of year in Hopedale. While the first day of school marks the official start of a new year, the excitement and preparation begin well before students walk through the doors. Across Hopedale Public Schools, administrators, educators, staff, and student leaders collaborated to create welcoming opportunities for students and families to connect, become familiar with their schools, and begin building relationships before the first day.

At Hopedale Junior-Senior High School, the administrative team, including Mr. Atherton, Mr. Johnson, and several faculty and staff members, welcomed incoming Grade 7 students and their families to an orientation session. Students new to JSHS were also invited. Families received key information about the transition to the Junior-Senior High School and what students could expect as they began this new chapter.

Following the informational session, members of StuCo welcomed students to the annual Lock-In. Student leaders led students through a series of small-group activities designed to help them become familiar with their new school, connect with their peers, and begin building relationships with other members of the Hopedale Junior-Senior High School community. The enthusiasm and leadership our student leaders demonstrated helped create a positive, welcoming start for our newest junior high students.

Memorial Elementary School also created several opportunities to welcome its newest students. Incoming kindergarten students and their families first gathered for an ice cream social hosted by PACE. The event provided a relaxed, fun setting for children to meet future classmates, for families to connect with one another, and for the Memorial Elementary School administrative team, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Pittorino, to welcome them.

On Sept. 1, Memorial hosted kindergarten orientation, offering students and families the chance to practice riding the bus, meet their teachers, visit classrooms, and become familiar with the school before the first day. These experiences help ease the transition to kindergarten and help our youngest students start the school year feeling comfortable, confident, and excited.

At the Bright Beginnings Center, Principal Poisson welcomed students and families to “Popsicles with the Principal.” On a beautiful summer day, families gathered on the playground as our youngest learners met new friends, explored their school environment, and began to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Families also attended orientation on Sept. 1, offering another opportunity to learn more about the school and prepare for the year ahead.

The time and thought our schools put into these welcoming events reflect what is at the heart of Hopedale Public Schools: “Every Student. Every Opportunity. Every Day.” A strong sense of belonging begins before the first day of school, and these events gave students and families opportunities to connect, ask questions, build relationships, and start the year as members of their school communities.

Submitted by Hopedale Public Schools