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.
Student safety, learning environments a concern with resident use of school grounds
FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
The town is reminding residents to limit their use of outdoor school facilities and stay away from school buildings while classes are in session following an apparent uptick in foot traffic.
Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Evan Bishop issued a notice in the town manager’s newsletter last week urging residents to be mindful of being on school grounds during the school day. He stated in the notice that staff have observed an increase in people walking dogs or using the grounds while school is in session. Furthermore, Bishop requested residents refrain from using the turf fields at the high school and stay away from the school buildings until after school is out.
Via email, Bishop told the Independent that while there was no official count, school staff had noticed enough of an increase in pedestrian traffic that the district felt a reminder would be helpful.
“The purpose of the message is to reinforce expectations and address concerns before a problem occurs,” Bishop stated. He added that no specific incident had raised alarm, and that certain classes utilize outdoor space.
“We want residents to be mindful that these spaces are also active classrooms,” stated Bishop.
He went on to explain the safety concerns involved, as well as the need for staff to maintain focus on students while outdoors. The superintendent stressed the need to keep school entrances clear and the ability for staff to “easily identify anyone approaching our buildings during the school day.”
Bishop noted that through the School Committee’s authority, the district does have the capacity to control access to school property. There are plans to put signs up reminding residents to refrain from being on school property, and Bishop added that the district will coordinate with the town and public safety officials as needed.
“We value having residents enjoy our campuses,” Bishop clarified, “and Loop Road remains open to the public.”
Reiterated Bishop: “We continue to welcome community use of Loop Road while asking residents to keep the fields, school parking and areas around buildings available for students and staff during the school day.”
— NICK SCHOFIELD
Latest News
The Planning Board on Monday continued a hearing regarding an extension project for an office building on Hayden Rowe Street after representatives for the owners contested a town request for peer review.
At its meeting Monday night, the Planning Board met with the Select Board to review the status of private ways in Hopkinton and how the town can address accepting them as public streets.
This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on girls volleyball junior Kate Riesenberger, who has recorded 37 kills in nine matches and has “really found her groove,” according to coach Jessie Karner.
Patricia Paliulis, 72, passed away Oct. 4.
Ray Davis, 93, died Oct. 2.
Town meetings tonight include the Tax Relief Committee (7).
Photo of the Day
Luke Legendre, the overall winner of Sunday’s Baypath Paws & Claws 5K at Hopkinton State Park, poses for a photo with his running partner Pogue. Click here for more photos.
PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE
It would be nice if the town would make available a map of all property the school committee maintains & controls within their budget. If properties are maintained under parks and rec’s budget that would make them public property not governed by the school department.