School Committee Meeting Summary
April 14, 2022
New Business
Music Curriculum Update: Mr. Timothy Fleming, K-12 Music Coordinator, provided the School Committee with a music curriculum update. Mr. Fleming reviewed the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for the Arts. He also reviewed the music instruction at the pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary, middle school and high school levels.
Strategic Plan: The School Committee was provided with an updated 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. Changes to action steps were marked for the Committee to see. Thank you to all who were part of the strategic planning process and participating in our mission to educate all students to achieve success.
Walpole High School Feasibility Study: Last year, the Town voted to approve funding for a Feasibility Study at WHS. The study will examine the building related challenges that the high school currently faces and provide solutions for those challenges while also creating new spaces and opportunities for students and staff. The Feasibility Study aligns with Goal 4 of the District's Strategic Plan which highlights the importance of our schools being modern facilities that have the resources needed to support the delivery of 21st century curriculum. Through a rigorous interview process, Compass Project Management has been selected as the Owner's Project Manager and will be working with Tappe Architects who will be the designer for the project.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Gough read Colin M.'s Walpole High School report since Colin was unable to attend. Colin asked Dr. Gough to relay that he was not able to be in attendance because he is attending the Best Buddies dinner dance.
The last term for the year has begun.
Prom is being planned for juniors and seniors on May 14th. As in years past, it will be held at the Putnam Club in Gillette Stadium. Tickets are now on sale.
The Robotics Team is currently ranked 10th in New England. They are competing in the New England Championships today, Friday and Saturday. Next week, they will be traveling to the World Championship in Houston, Texas. We wish them the best and will be cheering them on. To virtually watch the Robotics competition, see information and links below:
Friday (4/15/22):
Qualification Matches from 8-6pm
Match Schedule: https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2022/NECMP1/qualifications
Rankings: https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2022/NECMP1/rankings
Saturday (4/16/22):
Alliance Selections from 8-9.
Playoff tournament begins at 9:30 and go until 12:30.
https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2022/NECMP1/playoffs
Grant finals begin at 2:00 p.m.
To follow the schedule, watch at the following blue alliance link below:
In an effort to support the people of the Ukraine, the National Honor Society held a bake sale and sold ribbons. They raised $1650 and gave $825 to Sunflower of Peace and $825 to RememberUs.org.
Weather is cooperating for our spring sports teams, which began this month. Colin reports that all Spring teams are seeing success so far into this season.
The members of the Film Festival are currently wrapping up their films. This popular event will be held on May 3rd and May 12th, with the latter being the red carpet event.
Dr. Gough provided a COVID update. The most recent COVID-19 data for Walpole shows a 4.08% positivity rate. There were 43 positive cases reported for the period 4/3-4/922. Cases are updated every weekend and can be found on the WPS COVID Data Dashboard, which also includes the Massachusetts Weekly Public Health Report.
Save the Date: The District Art Show is back at the Walpole Public Library. Opening night will be held on May 11th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Artwork will continue to be displayed throughout the month of May.
Walpole Public Schools has started the equity audit process with our partner, Mass Insight Education & Research. Throughout this process, Mass Insight will gather and analyze data and evidence around the ways in which students, families, community members, and staff experience the district’s core values and equity efforts. The audit identifies opportunities to expand equitable access to an excellent education and foster an inclusive and welcoming community. During these next two months, you will hear more about ways to participate in the equity audit and make sure that your voice is heard in the process. Surveys will be distributed to all families, community partners, school and district staff and leaders, and students. Mass Insight is also planning to hold focus groups for students, family groups, school and district staff and leaders, and partners. Throughout this process, everyone’s participation is critical to understanding the ways our district can continue to create a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning and work environment for each member of our community.
The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office held a contest for kindergarteners to name their new comfort dog. Sheriff Patrick McDermott announced that Ms. Graziano's class from Elm Street School and Ms. Vetrino’s class at Old Post School won the Comfort Dog naming contest! The Sheriff's Office received over 1,500 submissions from 35 Norfolk County schools. They are planning a visit for these classes to meet with Eddie and help him celebrate his new name! The Sheriff also recorded a video announcing Eddie’s new name and thanking the winning classes, which you can find here: https://youtu.be/lkE_yQSnHBU
Middle School Building Project
Mr. Breen reported the School Building Committee voted on April 5 to recommend the Select Board and Town Administrator negotiate a contract to secure Fountain Brothers, Inc. as the Construction Manager at Risk for the duration of the Walpole Middle School Building Project. He also reported that a Community Forum will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m.
To find out more information please visit the Middle School Project webpage here.
Any questions or comments can be sent via email to the Middle School Project at middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us.
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