Welcome to Hopkins Academy in Hadley, Massachusetts. Founded in 1664, Hopkins is one of the oldest secondary schools in the United States, with a long tradition of excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Providing public education for Hadley residents (limited school choice openings are determined on a yearly basis) in grades 7-12, grades 7 and 8 function as a middle school, while grades 9-12 follow an alternating day, modified long block schedule. Instruction is provided by a staff of highly qualified professionals and support personnel in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.

Enjoy your visit, and please feel free to contact me at anytime with any questions or concerns.

Diana Bonneville, Principal

Words from the Principal

April 2008

Dear Students and Parents,

We survived the New England Schools and Colleges re-accreditation process a couple of weeks ago!  My heartfelt thanks to everyone that helped make the visit a success:  faculty and staff, students, parents, Dr. Young, School Council members, School Committee members, Bill Dwyer and the Board of Trustees, as well as the local businesses that helped us.  Devine Overhead Doors, Hadley Garden Center, North Hadley Sugarshack and Flayvors of Cook Farm generously donated items for our gift baskets.  Everyone pulled together to ensure a successful visit.  Thank you!  While the visit was busy and stressful at times, it reaffirmed what we all know- that Hopkins is a wonderful place to learn and grow.  The recommendations that were provided were insightful and helpful.  We will use those recommendations as a blueprint for future goals to help guide us.

Congratulations to Ms. Tina Plette, one of our high school English teachers!  She is the recipient of the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award for 2008.  The award was created to honor teachers in Western Massachusetts who demonstrate enthusiasm about and excellence in teaching.  Ms. Plette will be retiring in June after 27 years of service.  Also to be congratulated is Mr. Rick Berger, our Guidance Director and Athletic Director.  Mr. Berger has recently been named District F Athletic Director of the Year, and will be retiring after 31 years of service.  They will both be missed. 

Spring sports are in full swing!  It’s hard to believe that the first baseball game is less than a week away, and the snow is not completely melted.  The first softball game will be April 10^th.  Middle school spring sports started this week, and students are eager to play.  Even if your child isn’t a ball player, come out and show your support for our students!

Two important parent meetings will be held in April.  Seventh grade parent orientation will occur on April 15^th at 6p.m. for parents of incoming seventh graders.  We will discuss the differences between elementary and middle school expectations, transitions, scheduling, as well as answer any questions that you may have.  Students will lead tours for parents at the end of the meeting.  Parents of incoming 9^th graders are invited to an orientation on Thursday, April 17^th at 6p.m. to plan scheduling.  If you know of a family that is planning to apply for school choice next year, please inform them of these meetings in order for everyone to be better prepared for these big changes.

Prom time and graduation parties are right around the corner!  Our hope is for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time at these events.  Please reiterate to your student that drinking alcohol before these events is neither acceptable nor necessary to have a good time.  We want students to have a great time yet be responsible adults.  Let’s work together to get this message across to our students.  Remind your student that there will be consequences for the under age drinker, as well as for the adult who procures alcohol for minors.

Matthew Waskiewicz, an eighth grader, has been named Massachusetts Geographic Bee Semifinalist by the National Geographic Society.  He will compete at the state level on April 4^th with Mrs. Carolyn Johnson as his mentor.  Let’s wish him well!  I’d like to congratulate our latest Student of the Month winners:  Jennifer Kupras (12), Rebekah Lefebvre (11), Rachel Laprade (10), Nate Bombardier (9), Miranda Mooring (8), and Cassidy Peterson (7).  These winners were chosen for their contributions in the classroom, as well as for helping to make the school a kinder and better place.  Thank you!

Respectfully,
Diana Bonneville

Diana Bonneville - Principal
dbonneville@hadleyschools.org

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