HCSS High School

Celebrating Our Student Work Through The Digital Portfolio Showcase!

On Saturday, June 6th, the Science and Social Studies Departments hosted the Digital Portfolio Showcase, where students presented semester-long work and digital artifacts to judges.

Over 160 students were eligible to participate to present their findings. What made this event truly special was that all judges were HCSS High alumni.

We’re so grateful to the 17 alumni who returned to mentor, evaluate, and celebrate our students.

Congratulations to the winners of the Portfolio Showcase!

HCSS Parent Activity Club gathered on Sunday, June 7, for a fun and active bike ride along the beautiful Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.

The group started at the Shaker Farms Country Club entrance and rode to Congamond Cafe in Southwick before making the return trip. The approximately two-hour ride provided a wonderful opportunity for parents to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and connect with fellow members of the HCSS community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success. We look forward to more Parent Activity Club events in the future!

On June 2nd, the Hampden Charter School of Science community gathered for a momentous occasion: the official commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026. The historic event took place at the prestigious UMass Fine Arts Center, providing a beautiful and grand backdrop for our graduates to take their final steps as HCSS students and their first steps into the future.

The auditorium was filled to capacity with proud families, dedicated faculty, classmates, and friends who gathered to honor the graduating class's incredible achievements, resilience, and dedication. The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from student leaders and administrators, reflecting on the shared memories, late-night study sessions, and personal growth that defined their time at Hampden Charter.

These diplomas represent years of hard work, rigorous academic focus, and a commitment to excellence. We are immensely proud of the Class of 2026 and have no doubt they will continue to achieve great things as they head off to college and future careers. Congratulations, graduates!
You can view, download, or buy all the high-resolution photos from the commencement ceremony by visiting the link below.
https://www.anovik.com/Other-Work/Hampden-Charter-School/2026-Hampden-Charter-School-Graduation/n-FBbkF5

Last week, the HCSS Counseling department held its annual career speaker day!

This year, we had speakers from professions including engineers, educators, medical professionals, therapists, an astrophysicist, financial and business professionals, and many more. Many of our speakers this year were proud HCSS alumni going all the way back to our first-ever graduating class!

It was a great day and a great experience for everyone. We are looking forward to next year's event already!

Springfield, Mass Civic Showcase!

Several of HCSS High students were nominated by their Social Studies teachers to participate in DESE's Springfield, Mass Civic Showcase that was held on Wednesday, May 26th at the MassMutual Center. The selected group of students presented their Civics projects to a number of community advisors including the Department of Education Commissioner, Pedro Martinez. In doing so, students were given the opportunity to present and celebrate their civic projects, engage in meaningful dialogue about their work, emphasizing process over product to the local community. We’re so proud of their dedication and how they used their voices to drive change.

We also made it to the local news! Here is the link: https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/students-showcase-civic-engagement-at-massmutual-center-event/

We remember…

We are so very proud of our graduating seniors as they celebrate their last days with us. We will miss them but know they are off to make the world a better place.

✨ What a Night to Remember! ✨

Our students danced the night away and made unforgettable memories at Prom 2026! From the amazing outfits to the laughter, music, and smiles, it was truly a magical evening. 💃🕺

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the night so special: staff, organizers, families, and of course, our incredible students. We are so proud of this amazing group and cannot wait to see what their future holds!

Attention HCSS Alumni!

Are you looking for a great way to get involved with Hampden Charter and earn some extra money? We are looking for motivated alumni to join our team through our newly initiated "Alumni Paraprofessional Support Program". If selected you would work a flexible schedule of 8-19 hours per week, here at HCSS, supporting students throughout their day.

This position pays $25 an hour and is perfect for current college or graduate students. If you are interested in education, human services, helping students, or just want to stay involved, you should fill out the application below.

Feel free to reach out to Mr. Lewis ([email protected]) with any questions

https://form.jotform.com/260983551691062