School Committee Meeting Summary
MAY 26, 2022
RECOGNITIONS
Walpole High School Student Report
Grace R., Walpole High School student representative to the School Committee, gave a report as follows:
The school year is officially wrapping up, and Term IV progress reports were sent out last week.
Teachers are beginning their last units of the school year.
Sophomore Math MCAS took place last week and Freshman will take the Science, Technology, and Engineering MCAS next week.
Foreign Language awards were held yesterday.
The Juniors and Seniors had a great time at the prom, which was held on May 14th at Gillette Stadium.
Seniors last day was Tuesday, May 24. Finals will be held May 25 through May 31.
Senior events are also beginning to take place. A breakfast was held where seniors showed off their college, military, or job gear. The Senior dinner will take place on June 1. Graduation rehearsal is scheduled for June 2 and will be followed by senior field day. Graduation is Sunday, June 5 (followed by the celebratory parade).
In athletics, our teams are approaching playoffs. Softball and girls' lacrosse each only have one loss. Track and field postseason has already begun and athletes have divisionals this weekend. Congratulations to the Unified Track team for winning Division 2 last week! Finally, congratulations to the boys' tennis team, who won the Herget division of the Bay State Conference for the first time in 25 years!
The National Honor Society Induction took place last Tuesday. Senior members and their educators were honored. The junior members were inducted and took the Honor Society oath.
The Music Department put on their annual “Pops Night” last Friday which was a huge hit.
Best Buddies held a field day where they enjoyed sports and a variety of games as well as an ice cream truck!
The Searchlight is currently shipping out their May newspaper.
Student Council elected its new Executive Board. The Council will be hold other elections in the coming weeks. Student Council is also organizing the Freshman and Sophomore semi-formal at the high school on June 10 and 11.
New Business
Out-of-State Field Trip Request - The School Committee unanimously approved an out-of-state field trip request for the Walpole High School Cross-Country Team to travel to Warwick, RI to participate in the Ocean State XC Invitational on September 24, 2022.
School Nutrition Update - Maria Hall, School Nutrition Director provided the School Committee with a School Nutrition update. The School Committee thanked Maria Hall for her leadership, professionalism and commitment. Mrs. Hall indicated she is grateful to all of her incredible and dedicated staff/team behind the scenes - without them the accomplishments could not be possible. This presentation can be viewed here at time marker 25.25.
ARPA and Capital Funding - Chairperson Buckley outlined the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funding available to Walpole. He outlined the funding previously received by the Town and how those resources are being utilized. He discussed additional funding available and provided suggested projects for those funds. The School Committee discussed the recommendations and voted to approve the suggested allocation of the ARPA funds.
Mr. Friscia discussed the Capital Fund requests, some of which will include ARPA funding. The Capital requests with ARPA funds include additional funding to support the WHS Building Study and HVAC installation. It also includes a traffic signal installation at the Elm Street School. Capital funding requests include a three-year technology plan and HVAC installations at Boyden, Fisher and Old Post Road Schools.
Superintendent Evaluation - Chairman Buckley summarized the full School Committee evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Gough by saying Walpole Public Schools has a strong leader who rises above with her work ethic, attention to detail and professionalism. Dr. Gough is an excellent role model who demonstrates compassionate educational approaches to high quality education. From the School Committee’s perspective, she exceeded expectations.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Gough opened her report by extending her sympathies to the families and community in Uvalde Texas. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Gough sent a letter to our WPS families Tuesday evening about this tragic event. She stated like many of our School Committee members, Dr. Hahn, Mr. Friscia, and she are parents of school aged children, and keenly understand the trust parents place in school leaders to keep their children safe. This is a responsibility we take very seriously and are grateful to partner with our families, Walpole Police and Fire Departments, and our Walpole community to ensure the well-being of all children within our schools. Principals have been sharing information regarding our safety protocols and/or resources for families. If anyone has specific questions, please feel free to contact your child’s principal.
Dr. Gough provided a COVID update. The most recent COVID-19 data for Walpole shows a 10.10% positivity rate. There were 55 positive cases reported for the period 5/15-5/21. Cases are updated every weekend and can be found on the WPS COVID Data Dashboard. At this time, there are currently 25 reported cases this week.
Please be reminded that Summer Learning Program enrollment forms are now due. Enrolled families will receive further communication by the week of June 6. Summer Learning Program 2022 Enrollment Form
Dr. Gough stated that it was a pleasure to attend the WHS National Honor Society and recognize our Senior members and Junior inductees. The music department knocked it out of the park at WHS Pops Night, we are already looking forward to next year, which is the 50th anniversary. Senior Walk was held on Monday, in which our pending graduates visited their former elementary schools and were recognized by the elementary students and staff. Next week will be busy with JMS move up day, middle school concerts, and WHS graduation is on Sunday, June 5 at 1:00 p.m. (WHS field). Since Dr. Gough's son is graduating from high school on the same day, Dr. Hahn will be donning his doctoral robe and handing out diplomas.
Finally, Dr. Gough provided a reminder about Memorial Day:
This weekend will provide us with an opportunity to get together with family and friends. As many of us look to this weekend as the unofficial kick off to the summer, it is also a time to pause and honor military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I am proud to be part of a military family. My grandfather, Marine Corps Sgt. Major, fought in WWI, WWII, and the Korean war, my uncle, Navy Veteran, fought in Vietnam, and my father was a Navy Corpsman. Fortunately, they all made it home after the completion of their service. I continue to visit those family members at Arlington National Cemetery and Bourne National Cemetery and to pay my respects to those who never made it home. On Monday, May 30th, please take the time to salute our fallen and honor our heroes.
Middle School Building Project
Mr. Breen reported that the Middle School Project is moving along. He mentioned that this summer there will be preconstruction at the site and that the community is encouraged to reach out to the Middle School Project team via email at middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us. A future Community Forum is in the planning stages for the near future. Valuable information will be gained by attending this Forum as well as a question and answer session. To find out more information please visit the Middle School Project webpage here.
High School Renovation Information
Mr. Ahern discussed the high school renovation project being explored. He indicated the building is being assessed to enhance the facilities and determine creative options for space. The team is working to create efficiencies with limited resources that are available. As indicated at the last School Committee Meeting, HVAC quotes to add air conditioning to the older parts of the building are being sought. Once quotes are received, information will be shared with the School Committee. If HVAC units are installed, the project would qualify to receive an incentive rebate from Eversource. ARPA funds are available for use on these potential high school HVAC renovations. The School Committee will work with the Town Administrator to secure funding.
Walpole Public Schools
Website: www.walpole.k12.ma.us
Location: 135 School Street, Walpole, MA 02081
Phone: 508-660-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walpolepublicschools/
Twitter: @PublicWalpole