School Committee Meeting Summary
September 15, 2022
Walpole High School Student Report
Grace R., Walpole High School student representative to the School Committee was present along with new student representative mentee Favor N.
- Grace reported that the school year is off to a great start, and students are settling into their classes. She noted that Seniors with parking spaces now have parking tags to ensure that the correct car is in the correct spot.
Next Thursday (9/22/22) is WHS Back to School Night where parents can meet their student’s teachers and learn about their classes.
- Fall sports are off to a strong start. Both field hockey and football are undefeated thus far. Boys soccer tied their first two games. Girls soccer and volleyball are working hard for their first win. Student support has been strong thus far as evidenced by the large student section at last week’s football game.
- Clubs at the high school are already in full swing. Latin Club, Community Service Club, UNICEF, Photography Club, and Art Club are having their first meetings this week. Additionally, the newly created Unified Basketball team had their first meeting.
- Lastly, Student Council has big plans for this year. Freshman are currently gathering signatures from their peers to support their running for Student Council. Freshman Orientation was a huge hit as Student Council volunteers guided freshmen around the school. Student Council is organizing a tailgate with food and games before tomorrow night’s football game.
New Business
1. Ratification of Custodial Memorandum of Agreement - The School Committee unanimously voted to ratify a Memorandum of Agreement between the Walpole School Committee and AFSCME Council 93, Local 1957, Custodian and Maintenance Union effective July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.
2. Out-of-State Field Trip Request - The School Committee approved an out-of-state field trip for the Walpole High School Cross-Country Team to travel to Warwick, RI on Saturday, September 24, 2022 to participate in an invitational meet.
3. Opening of School Reports - Each building Principal gave a brief presentation to the School Committee relative to the successful opening of schools and planned events at their schools. Each speaker indicated their gratitude to all staff, teachers, nurses, custodians, Department of Public Works employees, the transportation coordinator, and secretaries.
4. Capital Update - Mr. Friscia provided the School Committee with a Capital request update.
Superintendent Report
We welcomed students moving in from our neighboring towns and those who returned to WPS from charter, vocational, and private schools. We also welcomed families who moved to Walpole from other states, such as California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas, and from other countries, such as Brazil, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine.
Dr. Gough attended a conference presented by Norfolk District Attorney's office to learn about upcoming programs designed to target behavioral and mental health issues. She was joined by WPD Chief Kelliher, Officer Hart, WFD Chief Bailey, WPS Head Nurse Linda Anderson, and Walpole Health Director Melissa Ranieri. WPS has also joined the MA Schools Mental Health Consortium, which provides multiple student mental health supports and resources.
Please be advised that the Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship application will be available on October 1 through Monday, October 31. The application will be found on the District Website or at the Superintendent's Office. Awards shall be to undergraduates at four-year accredited colleges. They will be eligible for scholarships each of their four years. The primary criteria for awarding scholarships shall be scholastic ability, need and character of the applicant. To be eligible for these scholarships, the student must be a graduate of Walpole High School.
Don't forget to check out our great new resource for WPS families. The Online Safety Hub from @Linewize provides tools, resources, and expert advice on all the latest online
safety issues that families may be encountering. Go to https://walpole.onlinesafetyhub.io/Finally, Sept. 23rd and October 7th -8:30-9:45 a.m. at WHS Track: Walk with the Supers! This is designed to promote community engagement and wellness. Come for a portion or stay the entire time to walk and talk with Dr. Gough and Dr. Hahn. This is open to all community members.
Walpole Coalition for Alcohol & Drug Awareness Meeting - 9/27/22
Middle School Building Project
The community is encouraged to reach out to the Middle School Project team with any questions or comments via email at middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us and to visit the middle school project webpage here. The current construction look ahead schedule is also posted on this site.
High School Renovation Information
Mr. Ahern provided an update with regard to the high school renovation project. He indicated options are being reviewed, and the community will be informed of options in the future.
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