School board to meet May 4
Holyoke School District Re-1J Board of Education will meet Tuesday, May 4, at 7 p.m. in the board meeting room at HJHS, room No. 218.
School
College news
Julia Ralston, who is currently enrolled in the master’s program in sociology at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, was recently inducted into the honors program with a 4.0 GPA.
Ashley Clayton digs in to help out other staff members during tug of war at Spring Fest olympics. Having played and coached a variety of sports, she knows the importance of teamwork and perseverance, and she is always quick to acknowledge the work of her colleagues in helping Holyoke students navigate their circumstances to be successful. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Who’s excited for seventh grade? Who’s nervous? Who’s excited and nervous? Ashley Clayton tells sixth graders that it’s fine to be both as she passes out papers with questions she will use to get to know them so she can help them smoothly transition to junior high. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Ashley Clayton, at right, hands seventh grader Marcelo Chaparro his honor roll certificate Tuesday, Jan. 12. That day, Clayton passed out certificates to the 175 students who were on the 4.0, superintendent’s and principal’s honor rolls for the first semester. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Pictured from left and showing their Dragon pride in 1990s era HHS track attire during a twin-themed dress-up day are Summer Maloney, Heather Bieber, Ashley Clayton, Jade Goldenstein and Desiree Mosenteen. Recent Spring Fest activities and dress-up days were put on at HHS since COVID-19 prevented a normal homecoming week in the fall. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Up to the challenge
When talking about leadership and Ashley Clayton, it can be difficult to know just where to begin.
There’s a smile behind her mask, and custodian Juana Ruiz can often be found waving and saying hi to students and staff. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Hardworking, positive, bright and selfless are some of the words staff members use to describe Juana Ruiz, custodian at Holyoke Elementary School. She is pictured with the Dragon mascot in the school gym earlier this month. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Holyoke Elementary School custodian Juana Ruiz maneuvers some heavy equipment as she cleans the floors in the hallways of the school. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Holyoke Elementary School custodian Juana Ruiz’s list of responsibilities has increased this year, from disinfecting tables and chairs to cleaning bathrooms multiple times a day to checking in students every morning. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
With Juana Ruiz, cleaning duties can be fun! Why not throw in a little dance while vacuuming around a cafeteria table? — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Ruiz tackles a big job with a big heart
For someone small in stature, Juana Ruiz certainly demonstrates what it means to have a big heart.
From left, Kinley Sporhase and Sadee Mosenteen follow along with Kari Vasa on a laptop during a fifth grade technology class. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
From left, fifth-graders Emma Benson and Alexis Nelson look on as Kari Vasa guides them through a difficult step in their digital escape room project Thursday, April 1. Thanks to Vasa’s innovation, the technology classes are held in the elementary library. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Kari Vasa, in back, takes a closer look at a technology project with fifth grader Nahun Moran Olivas, in center. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
During the pilot year for the Promethean Panel, Kari Vasa, at left, demonstrates the interactive screen to Kyle Goldenstein and her dad, Luke, at a school open house in March 2020. — The Holyoke Enterprise | Johnson Publications
Innovation + Creativity = Kari Vasa
“When I think of an innovator, I think of someone who is willing to take risks, someone who is anxious to try something new, someone who embraces change, someone who will not back down from a chall