Holyoke School Receiver launches virtual Town Hall series; will meet parents Dec. 9
Dennis Hohenberger | Special to The Republican
HOLYOKE – Holyoke School Receiver Alberto Vazquez Matos will host virtual Town Halls starting with parents and guardians Dec. 9 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Vazquez Matos' forums will focus on his Entry Plan.
Vazquez Matos will meet with students Jan. 13 from 1 – 2 p.m. and the community Jan. 20 from 6 – 7:30. Reservations are required for the online events, which are limited to 180 attendees per session.
Holyoke Public School staff met with Vazquez Matos Dec. 2. In July, Vazquez Matos replaced outgoing state receiver Stephen Zrike, who became superintendent of the Salem Public Schools.
The pandemic has limited or prevented Vazquez Matos from meeting with district staff, students and parents. He releases the weekly 'Dr. V's Top 3' videocast to update families and the public on the latest information.
Vazquez Matos said his predecessors spent summers introducing themselves at community events like block parties, parades and festivals. The online Town Halls gives him a chance to start the outreach process.
In a letter to the community, "Vazquez Matos wrote, "To identify the school district's critical needs and priorities, I have engaged with a broad range of stakeholders,"
He added, "The findings from these conversations and the review of data and reports about the district will help me continue to chart a course for the future of the Holyoke Public Schools."
Vazquez Matos said the Entry Plan aligns with the district's strategic priorities, a "Pathway for every student," ensuring schools have the "resources, support and focus needed to develop and implement a highly effective School Strategic Plan."
He also identified six key areas that reflect the school district's core functions," which include student achievement, communications and engagement, human capital and leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, budget and finance, and facilities and operations.
To register for the Town Halls, visit the Holyoke Public Schools weekly newsletter webpage.