As the new school year begins, the Academics Department mobilized all its resources to reengage students in the learning process, stimulate their minds, and position them for a sustained year-long effort to boost academic excellence.

Through engaging science-based games and a reward-driven Jeopardy challenge, the Academic prefects captured students’ attention and reminded them how fun and rewarding learning can be, helping students look forward to their return to school.

This campaign was a super fun way to start off the school year! The science games and
Jeopardy game were so much fun, and getting rewards was such a great motivation booster. It was a great way to catch up with friends, compete against each other, and get back into the school mindset. Academic Arena left me feeling reenergized and motivated for the new school year! - Yehia Radwan 12A

The SLO Academics Department organized a series of Shadow Teachers Soft Skills Training sessions for shadow teachers supporting students in Grades 5–12. These sessions were designed to strengthen essential professional skills, including effective communication, active listening, teamwork, empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving. Through interactive discussions, practical examples, and collaborative activities, participants explored strategies for building positive relationships with students, supporting their academics, and working effectively with teachers. The training sessions provided valuable opportunities for shadow teachers to share experiences, reflect on best practices, and enhance their ability to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students across all grade levels.

The Soft Skills Training sessions were extremely beneficial and gave me practical strategies that I can apply every day when working with students. I learned how effective communication, patience, and empathy can make a significant difference in supporting students' growth and confidence. The sessions also allowed us to learn from one another's experiences, which helped me feel more prepared and confident in my role as a shadow teacher. Hamza Hassan Grade 11 

During the week of April 13, 2026, our school community came together for a special DEAR Week (Drop Everything and Read), transforming the last ten minutes of each school day into a calm and inspiring moment dedicated to reading. As the day came to a close, students, teachers, and staff set aside their tasks and picked up books they had brought along, creating a shared atmosphere of focus and reflection.

It was truly heartwarming to see the entire school united in this simple yet powerful habit, encouraging a love for reading and highlighting its importance in our daily lives. These quiet moments offered a peaceful pause in our busy schedules and helped foster a culture where reading is valued, enjoyed, and celebrated by all.

During the online learning, the Grade 11 Academic Department organized a series of online support sessions focused on solving past papers to enhance students’ exam readiness. These sessions covered AS Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and SAT, offering guided practice, targeted problem‑solving strategies, and opportunities for students to address challenging concepts. The initiative strengthened subject mastery and boosted student confidence ahead of upcoming assessments. It is worth noting that the Grade 11 Academic Department Prefects took full ownership of planning these sessions, including selecting qualified mentors, preparing session materials, and organizing the overall schedule, demonstrating strong leadership and initiative.

As part of the Let’s Read campaign and Step into Science, Grade 1 students participated in a hands-on activity inspired by the story “My Kite and the Wind.” After reading the story, students created their own kites, connecting reading with a simple science concept related to wind and movement. This activity encouraged creativity, engagement, and a deeper understanding of the story through practical learning.

On Friday January 9, our school community was transformed into a quiet sanctuary of stories during the DEAR Day (Drop Everything and Read) event. For the final ten minutes of the last period, the usual end‑of‑week hustle came to a complete stop as students, teachers, administrators, and staff set aside their tasks and reached for a book. It was truly inspiring to witness the entire campus uniting around a single activity, proving that no matter how busy our schedules become, there is always room to embrace the joy of reading. This brief yet meaningful pause offered a calm and reflective end to the school week and reminded us all of the magic that lies within the pages of a book.
 

Student: "It was the most relaxing ten minutes of my week. Usually, the last period is so loud and hectic, but seeing everyone—even my math teacher—just reading quietly was really cool."

Staff Member: "I loved that the administration joined in. It sent a strong message to the kids that reading isn't just a 'school assignment,' but something everyone can enjoy for life.”

Administrator: "Stepping away from the emails and paperwork to dive into a chapter was exactly what I needed. The silence across the building was truly inspiring."

On Friday, November 7^th, 2025, Holyoke Community Charter School kicked off its School-Wide Reading Challenge with some very special guests, the Springfield Thunderbirds, our local professional hockey team from Springfield, MA.

Students showed off their creativity by dressing up as their favorite book characters for our annual Book Character Day, filling the halls with excitement and imagination. During the Student Life Period, everyone got an extra surprise, a visit from Boomer, the Thunderbirds’ beloved mascot! Boomer made his way through the school to greet students, take pictures, and get everyone excited about reading and the upcoming challenge.

The Reading Challenge runs for six weeks, giving students the chance to complete a reading log and earn a free ticket to the Thunderbirds game on January 9^th. Even more exciting, our school choir will perform “America the Beautiful” before the game begins! This partnership aims to inspire our students to discover the joy of reading and build a lifelong love of books.

To wrap up a day full of reading fun, families gathered after school for our Bingo for Books event. Students played bingo, won free books, and spent quality time together in a joyful, literacy-filled evening.

It was truly a wonderful day celebrating the power of reading and community at HCCS.

Boomer made me laugh and made reading sound fun!

To encourage student’s curiosity and interest in science, develop research and presentation skills, and provide a platform for showcasing scientific creativity and innovation, the Science fair was organized by the Student Life Organization.

Students worked on their science projects with the guidance of their teachers, who provided ideas and support throughout the process. The science department helped finalize the projects, which students then brought to school. Parents were invited to witness their children’s work, as students confidently presented and explained their projects. It was a true team effort, fostering collaboration, public speaking skills, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Ms. Fatima (Science Teacher ); The science fair was a great idea to encourage students and motivate them to come up with scientific ideas and explain them in a way that captured their interest. This is what made them excited to participate.

Hassan's Mother (Student G4); thank you Cadmus International School for their dedication to students and their commitment to education.

Hade’s Father (Student G1); We enjoyed the Science Fair and appreciate your efforts in fostering our children’s skills and confidence. Wishing you continued success.

As final exams crept closer and stress levels started buzzing, the Study Hive flew in to save the day—one study session at a time! Designed as a warm, supportive space for students to prepare for their exams, the Study Hive quickly became a hub of motivation, focus, and just the right amount of academic chaos. Whether you were struggling with a tricky equation, a concept that just wouldn’t stick, or simply needed a quiet place to revise, the Hive had your back. It wasn’t just about hitting the books—it was about hitting those goals with confidence.
The study hive is a collaborative initiative done by the academic department by students to aid others in studying for their final exams. Each grade from grade 8 till 12 had its own designated tutors for each subject for each of the three consecutive days the hive was for. The students went over the material, exam questions, and possible misconceptions. The study sessions took place afterschool in the SLO or in classes that required the presence of a digital board (IWB), with the students having the option to either study independently, or in groups with others, or get tutored.
Our amazing tutors were the real bee-nefactors of this initiative. Always kind, patient, and incredibly resourceful, they turned frustration into clarity and helped students break down tough material with ease. Their presence was like having a secret academic superpower—ready to swoop in with a whiteboard marker and a pep talk, and by the end of the Study Hive, students walked away feeling ready, steady, and just a bit more scholarly.
At the end of it all, the Study Hive proved that with teamwork, good vibes, and a little buzz of belief, even final exams

Just as the SLO is powered by students for students, academic support also lies between students wether it being in the form of peer to peer tutoring or power study sessions. its a completely different experience learning from a like minded student than it is learning from a teacher, and while both are essential for academic success, tutoring between students not only gives the tutee a more like minded teacher, but it also gives the tutor a chance to excel in their own academic achievements. – Celena Bou Ghannam

It was truly enjoyable being a part of the study hive as it allowed me to help tutor other students. – Maya Massad

Tutoring in the study hive is not a one way street as people may think; I learn the concepts while I teach them, benefitting my friends as much as myself.– Rahaf Rammal

The University Fair is an event for juniors and seniors to learn more about universities abroad. University representatives come from various countries, such as the US, UK, Europe, Canada, and other prominent countries. Students get to inquire not only about the university’s educational programs but also about campus life, living and studying abroad, and a better understanding of the country itself.

Last Thursday afternoon, Edvoy and some of the universities they are partnered with came to the school to help organize the University Fair. Grades 11 and 12 students attended the event and met representatives of different universities, some of which were the University of Otago, the University of Leicester, Bangor University, and many more.

Grade 12 student Taha Syed Muhammad said the following about the event: The University Fair was an event that has truly enlightened my knowledge. Seeing all the universities from UK to US and even New Zealand was very informative and something I will definitely reflect on and benefit from

Laith Abu Mowis stated: even though I still have an extra year for my university application, I am glad I attended this event since it made me realize how much hard work and effort is required to enter such high-level universities. 

Yousef Al Jorf: the event offered a great opportunity for students to improve themselves in certain aspects such as academics, extracurricular, etc… in order to get into good universities. 

To develop problem-solving skills, enhance mathematical knowledge, boost confidence, and promote teamwork, we have designed an engaging activity. Each team begins by selecting a number. The teacher then reads out a question, and the leader of each group promptly announces their team's answer as soon as it is computed. This structured approach encourages active participation and collaboration among students.

The competition was exciting! Some were nervous and others were confident. They learned to embrace the challenge, prepare thoroughly and stay positive. But most importantly they learned to manage their time and focus on their own performance and avoid comparing themselves to others.