π±
Walpole High School Student Report
Victoria B., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:
- With Term 3 ending on April 2nd, and Term 4 off to a great start, students are working hard to dot their I's and cross their T's before break.
- Tomorrow Student Council (StuCo) is running a Rock, Paper, Scissor, Bead Battle to end spirit week. At the end of the day tomorrow, the person with the most beads wins a prize.
- Last week WHS offered solar eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse. Many teams and clubs took time out of their meets and practices to watch the eclipse.
- Walpole High School was notified on April 4th that we have officially been awarded designation for Innovation Pathways starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Innovation Pathways is an effort by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support industry, education, and workforce systems to collaborate to build systematic solutions to provide career opportunities in high-demand fields.
- National Language exams were held this week for language students who wanted to participate. The exam was offered to all student who take a language regardless of grade or class level.
- The StuCo Red Cross Club Blood Drive was held on April 10th. Students and faculty over the age of 17 (16 with parental consent) could donate a pint of blood to help those in need.
- StuCo and other clubs are also beginning to plan events for the class of 2024, they are currently working on coordinating senior sunrise, senior breakfast, and senior walk as well as the freshmen and sophomore semi formals.
- School Counseling has been meeting with students to help them plan the 2024-25 school year. Many course selections are starting to become finalized as we come closer to the end of the year.
- Counselors are also helping seniors prepare for their transition out of high school.
- Lastly, spring sports are just beginning with many of our teams having their first meets, matches, and games.
New Business
1. METCO Program - Founded in 1966, METCO is the METropolitan COuncil for Educational Opportunity. Currently, 33 school districts participate in welcoming thousands of Boston students each year into their learning communities dedicated to increasing diversity and reducing racial isolation.
Walpole has been a partner district with METCO since 1967 and started their first year with 8 students enrolled at the Boyden Elementary School in Grades 2 and 3. The second year (1968-1969) there were 16 students enrolled in the program. Today, our program consists of 37 students in grades K-12. The Walpole METCO Program is committed to making sure that each METCO student finds their intellectual identities while developing the social capital necessary to expand their horizons. Enrollment is based on annual program funding, available seating, and completion of the intake process.
2. Approval and Signing of Lease Agreements for installation of Solar Facilities at Fisher, OPR and Robbins Road Parking Lot - The School Committee reviewed and approved Lease Agreement for the installation of solar facilities to be installed at the Fisher and OPR schools and the Robbins Road parking lot.
3. Vote to Ratify Cafeteria/Teacher Aide 2024 - 2027 Memorandum of Agreement - The School Committee voted to ratify a Memorandum of Agreement between the Walpole School Committee and AFSCME Council 93, Local 1957, Teacher Aide and Cafeteria Unit effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Gough reported the following:
Walpole was one of 22 districts awarded new Innovation Career Pathway designations. Innovation Career Pathways provides students with work-based, applied learning experiences in high-demand industries.
WPS School Climate Survey: Please be on the lookout for an email asking families to take a WPS district-wide Family School Climate Survey to learn more about you and your childβs experiences in our schools. We have partnered with K12 Insight to administer the survey and compile the results. Walpole Public Schools values your feedback, and we thank you for continuing to be a valuable source of information as we work to create the best learning environment for our students.
Congratulations to WHS senior Jonah Van der Linden who was named National Merit finalist.
Please be reminded that the application deadline for the STEM Academy Class of 2028 is due May 17th. All information, including the online application, can be found by visiting WHS STEM Academy.
The District Art Show will be held May 1st (6:00-8:00 p.m.) at the Walpole Public Library. For those unable to attend, the library will continue to display WPS student work during the month of May.
Please remember to check your calendars for the many end of the year events. April School vacation is the week of April 15, through Friday, April 22.
Good luck to the Robotic Team as they compete in next week's 2024 World Championships in Houston Texas!
Old Business
1. Middle School Building Project - Mr. Breen reported that the project is 74% complete. The last approximately 8% would be the dismantling of the old building. Dr. Hahn reported that transition meetings and planning is in progress for all students and staff. Recent building photos and videos can be seen on the middle school webpage. The community is encouraged to visit the webpage and reach out to the Middle School Project team with any questions or comments via email at middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us.
2. High School Project - Mrs. Syrek reported things are moving along and that a permanent building committee has been established for this project. Potential dates have been discussed for community outreach.