HCSS High School

“School’s out for the summer!!” 😀😀

HCSS District staff came together today to celebrate another great year in education. Best wishes to all that are moving on and we’ll see everyone else in August!

HCSS Students and Staff Give Back at IRONMAN Western Massachusetts Weekend!

This past weekend, students and staff from Hampden Charter School of Science High School proudly volunteered at two exciting community events: IRONKIDS on Saturday and IRONMAN Western Massachusetts 70.3 on Sunday.

Our HCSS volunteers played an important role in supporting athletes throughout the weekend. On Saturday, they welcomed and encouraged young participants while working at the IRONKIDS finish line. On Sunday, our team staffed Run Aid Station #4, providing hydration, nutrition, and motivation to more than 1,600 of athletes including our very own CEO, Mr. Topcuoglu as they completed the challenging 70.3-mile race.

Volunteering at these events allowed our students to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, community service, and school spirit while making a meaningful impact on the success of both races. We are incredibly proud of our volunteers for their dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to support our local community.

Events like these showcase the HCSS commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement beyond the classroom.

Thank you to all of the students, staff, families, and community members who represented HCSS so well throughout the weekend!

HCSS High Athletes Honored at Spring Sports Banquet.

At the Spring Sports Banquet, we honored the student athletes who participated in the following sports.

Baseball, Softball, Boys & Girls Tennis, Boys & Girls Track, and Boys Volleyball.

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…