Dear HCSS Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,
It’s with great excitement and optimism that I welcome you back to the start of a new school year at Hampden Charter School of Science! While the spring of 2020 challenged us to explore unique approaches to learning, connected us in new ways, and profoundly impacted our daily lives, we are looking forward to beginning the school year — Monday, September 14th — with a fresh perspective and a revamped Online Learning program.
It was all hands on deck all summer long as our academic team, teachers, and support staff were busy reimagining their classrooms and planning an exciting and productive year for our students. Our teachers participated in a variety of virtual Professional Development courses in order to prepare for Online Learning. Our Directors have once again worked tirelessly to prepare the HCSS buildings, IT infrastructure, transportation, and food services for the start of the new school year. Although we will start the year with a Virtual School model, our buildings will be ready for Hybrid education. All we need are our terrific HCSS students!
Throughout this process, my appreciation has only grown stronger for the expertise our staff brings to HCSS, and the ways in which our students continue to work hard to learn, grow and cherish the little things in life, whether it’s a high five, a hug, or simply an opportunity to be together. Maybe what I like most about HCSS is that we are still a strong learning and caring community, even in situations we have never encountered before. “Normal” is such a simple word, but it is our goal at HCSS to not only find our “new normal” but to use this moment as a learning experience that will forever impact the learning environment of HCSS. Our teachers have been piloting new learning experiences, many of which will continue to be used well into the future. Our fall may not be “normal,” but our learning will not only continue, it will prosper.
With this new and unusual school year, I am fully aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I also know, however, that our dedicated, talented and hard-working staff ensure that every child has positive and meaningful interactions and high-quality learning experiences.
I know that our partnerships with our families and our society will enable us to provide our students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to succeed and be responsible in our society.
Together, our remarkable flexibility and resiliency will keep us moving forward. I, along with the staff here at HCSS and at the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, remain committed and passionate about meeting the needs of all our students and families for their journey ahead.
I look forward to sharing our successes and achievements with you!
Sincerely,
Tarkan Topcuoglu
Superintendent/CEO
