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Congratulations to the extraordinary cast and crew of the recent Walpole High School production of "Annie." The cast’s hard work, dedication, and talent beamed on the stage, creating a truly magical and memorable experience for everyone in the audience. The performance was spectacular, bringing characters to life and infusing them with emotion, humor and authenticity. The School Committee also recognizes the behind-the-scenes heroes – the dedicated crew. They played an integral role in the success of the production, and their attention to detail and professionalism were instrumental in creating a visually stunning and smoothly run show.

A moment of silence was held for former Walpole teacher of outdoor education Mr. Phil Preston. Mr. Preston taught in the early 1970’s and sadly passed away on November 16th. The School Committee and Administration conveys its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Preston’s family.

Victoria B., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:

• With a little over a week until winter recess, students are reaching the midway point of the second term.
• Progress reports will be out early next week.
• This past Friday, Spanish Club, French Club and PM Club took a trip into the Boston Seaport District to visit the Snowport Holiday Market. They learned about different foods and holiday cultures, as well as enjoy time with each other and form new friendships. This trip was a great opportunity for multiple clubs to collaborate with each other.
• The Photography Club is running its annual photo contest with this year's theme being ¨shadows¨.
• The Community Service Club is finishing a project to help provide care packages for senior citizens for the holidays.
• NHS is holding a coat drive to provide families with warm, gently used jackets.
• STUCO just had their annual lock in. Science Olympiad,
• Math Team, and Speech and Debate are all doing great in their meets as well.
• Winter sports are just starting this week with many of our teams beginning their first practices, games, and meets. So far their seasons are looking good! Girls and Boys Basketball both won their first games of the season.
• Girls Hockey had The National Anthem sung by the Boston Bruins’ own Todd Angilly for a fundraiser to benefit the Olivia Knighton Foundation Toy Drive. The Olivia Knighton Foundation was founded in honor of the late Olivia Knighton, an 11 year old girl from Attleborough MA, who tragically passed away in a boating accident. This Foundation was created to protect animals and promote child welfare.
• Overall, the school year is moving smoothly and more great things are to come!!

1. Math Update - A math curriculum update was provided by Walpole High School Math Department Chair Jonathan Ridolfi, middle school teachers Julie Chin and Jill Masterson, and elementary school teachers Sheila Rinaldi and Jen Torigian. The full report can be viewed here at time marker 26.33.

2. Tappe Architects - Walpole High School Project - Mr. Chris Blessen of Tappé Architects and Mr. Brian Kelley and Ms. Kate Schroth of Vertex Project Management were present at the meeting to discuss ranking of high school design development priorities. This discussion can be viewed here at time marker 1:54:35.

3. 2024-2025 School Year Calendar - First Reading: The School Committee was provided with a proposed draft calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The draft 2024-2025 school year calendar proposes that teachers will return to school on Monday, August 26; students in grades 1 through 12 will return to school on Wednesday, August 28, 2024; PreK and Kindergarten students will return to school on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. The last day of school for Grades K- 11, without snow/emergency days would be Friday, June 13, 2025.

4. 2024-2025 School Committee Meeting Calendar - First Reading: The School Committee was provided with a proposed draft calendar for the 2024-2025 School Committee Meetings.

Walpole Public Schools has been busy with many events since that last School Committee meeting. Prior to the Thanksgiving break, it was exciting to watch the Field Hockey team take home the championship at WPI and then watch the Cross Country Championship meet in the afternoon at Ft. Devins. Dr. Gough and Dr. Hahn also attended an amazing performance of Annie the following Sunday afternoon. On December 1st, they also witnessed overwhelming fan support for our WHS football team, who made it to the Superbowl at Gillette Stadium (first time in 15 years). Both the football and field hockey teams will be honored at the upcoming January School Committee meeting. Other events included a second meeting with the WHS Superintendent Student Cabinet and continued classroom visits. Please be reminded to check calendars for next week’s events. This includes concerts at BMS, WHS, and Fisher.

The budget process for the 2024-25 school year has begun. Throughout the month of December, both Mr. Friscia, School Business Administrator, and Dr. Gough are meeting with each member of the Leadership Council to discuss their operating budgets. The budget hearing is scheduled for January 18th.

The Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship Committee Meeting was held on December 5th. We are pleased to announce that a total of $108,500 was awarded. All students should have already received notification letters regarding their scholarships. Special thanks to both the School Committee and Principal Imbusch for participating in this process.

Kindergarten pre-registration for the 24-25 school year begins on January 2nd - information will be sent out via principal e-notes, notice in newspaper, posted on the website, and mailers. Parents are able to provide the required registration documents to the school in the following four different ways:

• Dropped off at the main office of your elementary school from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

• Copied and mailed to the school

• Scan and email them to the school secretary

• If unable to drop off at main office of your elementary school, bring to Superintendent’s Office at Town Hall (Room 204) Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. or Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Finally, please be reminded that Friday, December 22nd is a full day. Winter break runs through January 1st with a return on Jan 2, 2024.

Middle School Building Project: Mr. Breen provided an update to the Middle School project. He indicated the project is still on-time and on-budget. Mr. Blessen of Tappé Architects also commented that the project is running very well. A project timeline and three-week look ahead schedule can be located 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