Holyoke Public Schools welcomed 133 new employees during a new staff orientation on Monday, August 19—ushering in a new school year with an inspiring and interactive program designed to acquaint participants with both the City of Holyoke and the inclusive, equitable school community that HPS is building.
Superintendent Anthony Soto kicked off the morning program by sharing his leadership story and the vision mapped out in the district’s strategic plan. From there, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steven Moguel offered an energizing overview to the district’s equity commitments, while encouraging new employees to focus on the whole student regardless of their own specific roles within the district.
After a day of listening, learning, sharing, and getting to know one another, the 133 new employees set off on a scavenger hunt to locate many of Holyoke's attractions and key locations within the city including the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, City Hall, Wistariahurst Museum, Nick’s Nest, the School Department, Holyoke Public Library, and the Children’s Museum at Holyoke, before winding down their tour with snacks at Fame Holyoke Lounge and Eatery.