We are a committee under the Miscoe Hill PTO with a non-profit status committed to improvements at Miscoe Hill Middle School through creative fundraising and community involvement.
Miscoe Hill, formerly Nipmuc HS, is 65 years old and has seen many students and staff walk its hallways, many who are reading this post right now! We Care Miscoe was formed to make improvements to this aging school without costing taxpayers money.
Why? Because YOUR ENVIRONMENT truly MATTERS! Miscoe is home to almost 800 people who spend 7+ hours a day there! None of this would have happened without contributions by local organizations and companies, donations, volunteerism, and the MURSD. We Care Miscoe has been working on projects for 6 years now! Check out some work below!
Summer 2022~Lobby Project & Door Refresh
Lobby Project
In 2022, the Upton Men’s Club took on its biggest project yet—the Lobby Facelift! Funded by the club, supported by generous local donations, and powered by incredible volunteers, the project came to life. From painted doors to handmade benches and signage, people gave their time, tools, and talents—often working late into the night (and in the heat!). Huge thanks to our local businesses (Pelcs Painting, Koopmans, Chris Moran Design, ACE Hardware), dedicated individuals (Stacey Oliva, Joe Bonapace, Zach Pelc, Mark Machado, Lou Corriera, Dina & Mike Neveux, Steven Aubut, the Duncan family), and groups like the Scouts and St. Gabe’s Youth. It was a true community effort, in partnership with MURSD staff, custodians, and leadership!
2021 - Trophy Case Improvements
Athletic teachers Billy McInnis and Scott Glassman led the Athletics Lobby refresh—painting the display cases, reorganizing materials, adding logos and lettering, and reinstalling artifacts with pride. Done in Miscoe Green, the update brings school spirit and a cohesive look to the space.
2021 - SPED Office Makeover
Led by Stacey Oliva, this project transformed a cluttered conference & office space into a more functional, calming environment for SPED staff and parents. With input from staff, Stacey created a new floor plan, added thoughtful furniture, and introduced a cohesive color scheme. Volunteers and Miscoe custodians helped bring the vision to life. The result: a space that supports focused meetings and a positive work environment.
2019 - Men's Locker Room Improvements
This area at the rear of the school was in need of new storage and greater pride. The defunct shower stall in this space is often used for storage of unneeded equipment in the school which detracts from the overall space. We chose to address storage needs in the main locker area and Jeremy Stewart, MURSD parent and owner of Sawmill Construction, built and installed 10 new cubby units with a variety of storage options as well as a bat storage box. The result is greater pride and function.
2019 - Women's Locker Room Improvements
We began by tackling storage issues in the women's locker room, removing rusty shelves and rethinking the space. Mark Machado, a parent and skilled carpenter, built and installed 9 solid oak cubbies, a bench, and a hanging unit over the summer. We also added new Miscoe green and white curtains to the changing stalls. While there's more to do, the transformation has greatly improved both function and pride.
2019 - 6th & 7th Grade Bathrooms
Inspirational Murals – 6th/7th Grade Girls' Bathroom (Summer 2019)
Led by Troop 12806 of Mendon, this project brought inspiring messages and artwork to the bathroom stalls and walls. Under the guidance of troop leaders, the girls brainstormed and painted designs to create a positive, uplifting environment. The murals were sealed with polyurethane for protection, and as of 2022, they remain in perfect condition.
Inspirational Signs – 8th Grade Girls' Bathroom (Summer 2019)
Led by Miscoe teacher Heather McCourt, this project added motivational messaging and imagery to the space, transforming it into a place of encouragement and positivity.
2019 - Inspirational Mural in Cafeteria
Painted by Troop Girls Scout Troop 64528, Upton. With guidance from their troop leaders, 14 Girl Scouts planned the art work for the large rear wall in the cafeteria. Their goal was to promote inclusiveness, opportunity, diversity and a celebration of individuality. Their plan was approved by the principal and installed in June 2019.
2019 - Student Lounge
This multi-purpose space previously served as storage, overflow, and academic use—but often felt cluttered and lacked a sense of pride. Guided by interior designers Stacey Oliva and Michelle Rubin, the team consulted with administration and guidance staff to reimagine the space's purpose. Based on their feedback, a new floor plan was developed. Miscoe students, with support from gym teacher Bill McInnis, painted the room a calming blue. Frosted windows were added for privacy from the cafeteria, and new furniture and décor enhanced both function and aesthetics. Today, the space serves as a more welcoming and versatile area used for lunch overflow, small group work, academics, and as a calming retreat for students in emotional distress.
2019 - Landscaping Day
Led by teacher Laurie Holloway and local landscapers Chris Collins and Bryan Lewinsky, this project began with a grounds walk to identify key improvements. It resulted in relocating the recycling dumpster, supporting a MURSD parking expansion, and planning new landscaping.
With a generous discount from Weston Nurseries and donations from local gardeners, over 100 volunteers joined “WCM Landscaping Day” to plant, dig, and refresh the grounds. Muffin House and Dunkin' provided complimentary refreshments for the hardworking crew.
2019 - Teachers' Lounge
Our very first project aimed to show teachers we care about the spaces they work in. With classrooms in rough shape, we focused on transforming the teachers’ lounge into a calming, prideful retreat.
Led by interior designers Stacey Oliva (residential) and Michelle Rubin (commercial), the space was redesigned for better function and comfort. We added fresh paint, a Student Art Wall, cozy furniture for relaxing and small group use, and greenery to warm up the space.
The kitchen area was upgraded with a raised, expanded countertop, a larger sink, improved storage, and additional Keurigs and supplies. A mural and inspirational signs completed the transformation, creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for staff.