Hopedale Jr.-Sr. High School successfully held their first Open House of the new Innovation Pathways (IP) program on Wednesday Feb. 15.  

The event, at the Dennis Breen Academic Center, recognized students and businesses who have contributed to the program this school year. In addition, information about the Innovation Pathways program was shared with the entire community which included local legislators, families, school leadership, school committee, and business partners.

 Left Sophomore Maddie DiMaio who plans on going into the endocrinology field of medicine, demonstrated the human heart cardiac simulation to parent Becky Chan, a parent and physical therapist, who was very excited for the new Biomedical program .

Courtesy photos by Laura Ingemi  and Monica Phillip

One of the many highlights of this year’s Innovation Pathways in Business and Biomedical Science was the $85,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE). The grant application was submitted by the IP Team Planning Committee comprised of teachers and administrators: Derek Atherton (Principal), Anthony Beaudry (Unified Arts Department Head), Laura Ingemi (Internship & Capstone Coordinator and the new IP Coordinator), Tim Maguire (Science Teacher), Jill St. Martin (School Counselor), Talitha Oliveri (Business Teacher), and Kate Raspall (Science Department Head).  Kate Raspallo applied and was awarded a Massachusetts Capital Skills grant upon successful IP Designation for funding towards an Anatomage (virtual dissection) Table for additional $75,000.

Guests of the Open House were able to participate in table demonstrations led by students in the Biomedical Science IP program and Science Teacher Maguire.

Juniors Kelsey Evans and William Adamski, who both plan on going into the medical field, demonstrated the new 3D Anatomage Table, which is regarded as the most technically advanced anatomy visualization system. It is also a virtual library of human and animal cadavers. This table will be used as a clinical diagnostic tool and dissection platform for the school’s biology, physiology, and psychology classes.

Sophomore Maddie DiMaio, who plans on going into the endocrinology field of medicine, demonstrated the human heart cardiac simulation to Becky Chan, a parent and physical therapist, who was very excited for the new Biomedical program.

Biology teacher Maguire stated the device, worth $100,000, was funded by a grant from the Capital Skills grant program as well as a generous donation from the Hopedale Alumni Foundation.

Both Atherton and Ingemi shared information about Innovation Pathways with those in attendance (see picture). Hopedale’s new Innovation Pathways in Business and Biomedical Science will offer students a transformative experience, enabling them to develop essential skills, gain awareness of future career opportunities, and make informed choices about post-secondary education in promising fields.  

 

IP funding awarded will include many opportunities for students: academic advising, expansion of the MyCAP, career talks, job shadow days, field trips, networking, project-based learning, and work-based learning. In addition, monies from the grant will help to pay for curriculum, supplies, dual-enrollment courses with our local community college partners, costs associated with Advanced Placement coursework, and allow for some paid internships.  

Ingemi also thanked the support of Hopedale’s current business partners: MassHireCentral, the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation, the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Tri County Regional Chamber, Boston Children’s Hospital, and others. Families and students who are interested in learning more about Hopedale’s Innovation Pathways should contact Ingemi at [email protected] or visit Hopedale’s website.  

In addition, businesses who are interested in partnering with the school and students in this program should reach out to her as well.

Submitted by Laura Ingemi