Earlier this week, 60 members of the HPS Facilities team gathered for a thank-you celebration—a rare opportunity for all of them to leave their school buildings at the same time to gather for fellowship and appreciation.
“Oftentimes, when we think about education, we think of teachers. However, there are so many more people that really make a school run well,” HPS Superintendent Anthony Soto said during their celebration on Monday, October 30. “This past summer was like no other in Holyoke. Not only did the facilities team need to get schools ready through cleaning and routine maintenance just like any traditional summer, but this year many of our teachers and classroom materials moved to different schools as we transitioned to separate elementary and middle schools and redrew school boundary lines.”
It was an enormous undertaking.
“One of the things I’m most proud of in my time at HPS is the work we’ve done with facilities,” Mr. Soto said. “When I came to Holyoke eight years ago, the buildings were not well taken care of. Since then, there has been an incredible shift. Our entire facilities team cares about the work that we do. Our buildings have never been cleaner. We’ve never invested as much in our facilities and learning environment.”
HPS teachers, staff, students and families deserve a healthy and clean learning environment, Mr. Soto said. “The work of our facilities team makes this possible every day.”
On the same day, Assistant Facilities Director Oscar Williams was featured on the district’s Facebook and Instagram pages:
Have you met Oscar Williams and his family? Oscar moved to Holyoke when he was 7 years old and attended HPS schools (ENW, Kirtland, Sullivan, Peck, and HHS). Nearly 20 years ago, he joined the HPS facilities team and is now the Assistant Director of Facilities & Maintenance. He is known for providing high-quality, friendly service to all colleagues, families, and staff. He says, "Working at HPS is rewarding. I like helping out in my community and being a part of something bigger than me." When he works on important projects--like installing 50 new water fountains/bottle filling stations--he knows he is helping his neighbors, as well as his wife and daughter! His wife Maggie teaches at McMahon, where his daughter also attends PreK! Check out this awesome family picture before heading to school!
The outpouring of appreciation for Oscar and his family on social media was incredible. His story received nearly 250 likes and nearly 50 comments in less than 24 hours. Among those comments were the following:
“He is such a hard worker and has a tremendous work ethic. HPS is so lucky to have such a positive role model. Oscar, thank you for the joy you bring to HPS.”
“He is a rock star. Says what he means and means what he says. Always gets the job done. Professional and kind and always has what's best for students on his mind. Thank you Oscar for choosing HPS.”
“Awesome family! Oscar is always smiling and problem solving, and I am so thankful to now work with Maggie who is always thinking of her students’ needs in such a calm and caring way.”
“Oscar and Maggie are amazing! And now that I see that he attended Kirtland, Peck and HHS, it all makes sense. Great pathways!”
“Amazing family. It's been a pleasure working with Oscar and now Maggie. Ella is a great addition to the McMahon family also. 