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

The School Committee voted that Walpole not become a School Choice District for School Year 2025-2026

Out of State Field Trip Requests: School Committee approved the following request:

• Walpole High School's teachers Sue Wick and Lindsey Reichheld requested permission for students in grades 9-12 to go to Rwanda on a service learning trip. The trip will take place from February 12, 2026 through February 21, 2026

2. Wellness Curriculum Update - Dave Wall gave a Health and PE update. Notable Highlights:

• OPR earned American Heart Association grants for consistent daily student activity.
• Continued success of district-wide field days and inter-grade collaboration.
• New gym space at WHS supports varied simultaneous activities and student choice.
• 8th-grade wellness class underwent structural tweaks to improve balance between health lessons and physical activity during winter months.
• Use of technology, smartboards, and creative movement programs is increasing.

3 & 4. Annual Appointments - The School Committee voted to appoint Dr. Gough to the Bi-County Collaborative (BICO) Board of Directors and to appoint Mrs. Gallivan to The Education Cooperative (TEC) Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 School Year.

5. Ratification of the 2025-2028 Teachers' Union Contract - The School Committee voted to Ratify the 2025-2028 Teachers Union Contract.

Dr. Gough reported the following:

• Dr. Gough reported the following:

  
  

  • Next week marks Teacher Appreciation Week. Dr. Gough, Dr. Hahn, and Mr. Friscia extend their gratitude to our incredible educators, who have dedicated their lives to helping students learn and grow. We thank them for their commitment to our students, families, and the Walpole Public Schools community. We also recognize other important contributors in schools: School Nurses Day (May 7th), and School Lunch Hero Day (May 2nd). Today is National Principal Appreciation Day. We thank our school leaders for their dedication tosafe and welcoming environment that focuses on providing teaching and learning opportunities for all students

  • Bus Applications for the 2025-2026 are now available on the WPS website . Please be aware of due dates. To avoid a late fee, please submit applications no later than June 13th. Bus applications received after July 1th will be placed on a waitlist in the order they are received.

  • The United States Attorney’s Office will be hosting a virtual: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online for Parents on Wednesday, June 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Assistant United States Attorney Luke Goldworm and Victim Witness Specialist Lauryn Mackey will be joined by Special Agent Andrew Kelleher from Homeland Security Investigations Child Exploitation and Digital Forensics Unit to present a Webex Webinar. A Q & A session will follow the presentation. The presentation will bring awareness to how predators are sexually exploiting children online and how to keep them safe.

    Advanced registration is required. You may register for the webinar at the link below:

    https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r4617269953953d7a4aaa839f6c3e110b

  • During the week of May 12th, please be on the lookout for an email asking families to take a WPS Districtwide Family Climate Survey. Families will receive an email inviting them to participate in the WPS district-wide Family School Climate Survey.

  • WPS continues to be busy with many end of the year transitions and events. May MCAS focuses on math and science, technology, and engineering (STE) and Civics.

  • Reminder: The District Art Show is back at the Walpole Public Library. Opening night will be held on May 7th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Artwork will continue to be displayed throughout the month of May. Dr. Gough will be selecting new artwork for her office. She thanked the students for having their artwork in her office this year. They will receiving notification shortly for picking up their framed artwork.

  • Congratulations to the the following educators who will be honored next month at the June 3rd Norfolk County Teachers Association's Annual Awards Banquet:

    • Rookie of the Year: Kristine Udahl, 5th grade teacher, OPR

    • Honor Award: Erica Curran, grade 3, OPR

    • Service Award: Marie Doherty , LTS WHS

1. Budget Update: The School Committee voted a revised budget to agree with the Town Administrators' budget of 57,955,945.

2. 2025-2026 School Year Calendar: School Committee voted to approve the 2025-2026 school year calendar. Click here to see calendar.

2. Middle School Building Project - Update. Final summer work on fencing, parking and athletic fields are underway. 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.

3. High School Project - Update: Construction continues and updates and Information about the project can be found WHS Renovation Project webpage