PTSA May Newsletter Highlights

Message from the President

I am writing to you with an urgent request. The changing of the guard is inevitable and the PTSA is no exception.

We have had a large group of volunteers who have dedicated many years of service to support the programs of the PTSA, programs our children enjoy such as Culture Connection, Ski and Snowboard Club, and the Reflections Art program, to name a few. These and other programs are at risk. We need new volunteers to step up or these programs will be cut.

We cannot continue our services with a skeleton crew. If your children enjoy these and other programs, then volunteer and get a friend to volunteer with you. 

I cannot stress enough that unless we have new volunteers there will be no Culture Connection, Ski and Snowboard, Reflections Art, and other programs.  A list of volunteering opportunities will be sent home in June so that you can consider how you would like to help. Currently only 1% of the Holliston Schools families are volunteering in the schools. That simply is not enough.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to a few volunteers who are moving on to new endeavors. Their dedicated service to the Holliston Schools, our children, and our teachers takes my breath away. Please join me in thanking Lisa Zais, who has served as Culture Connection coordinator at the Adams Middle School for 10 years, many of those when she no longer had children in the system; Pamela PinterParsons, our Miller School Culture Connection coordinator and Culture Connection program chair, who has served for many years and worn many hats; Robin Perlow, our newsletter editor for many years, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every i was dotted and t was crossed; Sally Calhoun, who has worn many hats in service to the PTSA and was always available with a helping hand; Jayne Jones, who has given so many volunteer hours at all levels of the PTSA as well as at HEF,  Mary-Lou DeStefano, who has successfully guided our grant and scholarship committees for many years always with efficiency and a welcoming sense of humor; and Andy and Amy Porter, kind and generous supporters of the PTSA, who have always given from their hearts.

As I write this letter I am reminded of one particular volunteer who has spent immeasurable time volunteering for our schools. Donald Gray has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of our school system. Donald, we wish you a speedy recovery; we miss your smiling face and hearty laugh.

Thank you,

Annalisa Michielli, President, Holliston PTSA

News and events

Fresh off their success in the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild’s 2012 High School Drama Festival, Holliston High School Theatre 370 will present one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, Twelfth Night, on May 3, 4, and 5. There will be a 7:30 p.m. show each evening along with a 3 p.m. matinee on May 4.

On May 12, our High School musicians will generously share their time and talents for the benefit of others as they sponsor a concert for the Relay for Life program of the American Cancer Society. This concert is also sponsored by the National Honor Society and will take place in the HHS auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. Community members of all ages are invited to perform.

Holliston art students have been scooping up awards left and right! Check out the HMAPA Web site for details on Isabel Rummelhoff’s “Best of Show” award in the Congressional Art Show and Aaron Wells’s selection to Art All-State. To see the work of more Holliston students, please come to the annual art show, Art Saves Lives, to be held at the high school on Thursday, May 17, 4–8 p.m. This show features the work of graduating seniors but also includes art created by students in grades K–11. This year a special event follows at 7 p.m.—a benefit concert for high school art teacher Doug Lack. Community members are encouraged to participate in and/or attend this concert.  If you would like to perform in either benefit, please contact Stu Britton or see.