Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

HYFS promotes webinar on gap years for neurodivergent students

Graduates toss their caps in the air after receiving their diplomas at Hopkinton High School’s 2021 commencement ceremony. PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

Is taking a year off after high school a good decision — particularly for neurodivergent students?

This question is the focus of an upcoming webinar promoted by Hopkinton Youth & Family Services. The webinar is free and will be held on Feb. 4.

Hosted by the online magazine ADDitude, the webinar will “provide a basis for caregivers, school counselors, and young people themselves to decide if taking a year off after high school or after a year or two of college is right for their family.”

The program will focus on topics including the benefits and drawbacks of taking a gap year, what current research indicates about gap year students, caregiver considerations and other concerns. It also will outline the types of gap year programs most appropriate for neurodivergent students.

“A gap year can provide a teen with the opportunity to work, volunteer, study, travel, and generally take some time to grow and develop,” the webinar description states.

Those interested in learning more and signing up for the webinar can visit the registration page here.

Latest News

Representatives from the New England School Development Council joined the School Committee on Thursday to discuss timelines, recruitment and outreach in the search for a replacement for retiring Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh.

A tractor-trailer carrying scrap metal overturned in the area of 226 Wood Street Friday morning. Authorities believe speed may have been a contributing factor.

The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday at the Hopkinton Public Library.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Health (5:30), the Sustainable Green Committee (6) and the Planning Board (7).

Photo of the Day

Paw prints track across the snow on a resident’s deck at Legacy Farms on a recent day.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE