WHS eNotes

Dear students, staff, and parents/guardians:

Today is the last day of term 1. One measure of student progress in high school are academic grades. We pay close attention to term 1 grades so that we can be laser-focused on those students who need academic interventions to help them improve, and avoid any failing grades at the end of the course. In many cases, however, the correlation between failing grades and chronic absenteeism is quite compelling. Absenteeism then lessens or negates the benefit of our academic interventions....and the cycle continues!

Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10 percent of days enrolled (for instance, 18 days absent if enrolled for a typical school year of 180 days), regardless of the reason for the absence. On a positive note, it appears that as a State we are finally making some positive progress since the pandemic (see chart below):

Parents and families can have a significant impact on student attendance. They can reinforce the importance of regular attendance, set routines, and provide the necessary encouragement that students need to attend school everyday. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on students' academic progress.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stephen Imbusch

Principal

Starting in November the Nurses will be conducting Postural Screenings for 9th grade only. If you would like to opt your student out, Please call the Health Office or email the nurse's

Kbyda@walpole.k12.ma.us

Hwhite@walpole.k12.ma.us

The MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey will be administered to students in grades 9-12 on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 1:03-2:05.

On Veterans Day, November 11th, at 11 AM there will be a service for our Walpole veterans downtown at the flagpole. All students and families are welcome and encouraged to support our veterans.

Picture retakes will be November 6th. You can order on http://mylifetouch.com/ using picture ID EVTHN9SS6.

See the attached document below regarding Class Dues. You may also send payment in with your student.

Class Dues

The first Prom Committee meeting will be held on Monday, November 6th right after school in room 1146. Any students who wish to help organize the Junior-Senior prom please attend.

All Algebra 2 students have recently received information about this new course offering. During Conferences, there will be information sessions for families of juniors on Thursday 11/16 at 5:00 and 6:45 and on Monday 11/20 at 4:00 and 5:30. Each session will last about 15 minutes, with time for questions. All students who have completed Algebra 2 can experience success in this course and potentially earn college credit.

The following scholarships are now available:

AFL-CIO Scholarship- due by 12/22/2023

massaflcio.org/scholarhips

Big Y Foods, Inc. Scholarship- due by 2/1/2024

bigy.com/community/scholarships

Walpole Historical Society Scholarship- available for students pursuing studies in history, library science, archaeology, historical anthropology and any field pertaining to conservation, restoration or preservation of historical materials.

Application can be found in the School Counseling Office

Science Olympiad had a great showing in October at our regional event at Acton Boxborough High School!

Seniors Ari Kreuzer, Rex Blakely, and Paul Donlan competed in Optics and placed 3rd overall out of 20 teams!

In their first showing, Freshmen Ramu Muthukaruppan, Kai Greer, Anson Hung and Sophomore Kieran McLaughlin came in 5th overall in Write it Do It!

We're looking forward to our November event at Dover Sherborn High School and to hosting at WHS in December!

The Searchlight has published their first newspaper of the year! Staff members mailed the newspapers this week and they should be arriving to families soon. This publication covers new staff members, WHS's Special Olympics recognition, resume building, the Eras Tour movie, and more! You can read the October issue here. If you are interested in advertising in an upcoming issue of the Searchlight, please visit our website for pricing and information. Keep up to date with new Searchlight articles online and on Instagram; new stories and updates are published every week!

The WHS Humane Society is excited to announce the 2024 Pets of Walpole High Calendar fundraiser. Please submit photos of your pets (all types of animals are welcome and encouraged!) and purchase a copy of the calendar of your own. Calendars will be in before the Holiday break and all submissions and orders should be submitted by the end of November. All proceeds are donated to local animal shelters. Last year's calendar raised $800 for needy animals! We can't wait to show off your fur babies! (See Flyer Attached)

Come out and support Walpole Hockey with an evening of laughs!
Comedy Scene at Gillette (See Flyer Attached)
Thursday, Nov 9th @ 8PM

Click here to by tickets: http://thecomedyscene.club/

There is a Best Buddies Meeting on Monday, November 6th, 2:10-3:00pm in the Health room (A246)

The Community Service Club is running a food drive to benefit the Walpole Food Pantry! Collection boxes will be in the front lobby starting Wednesday, November 1st, and running through Friday, November 17th. Some products we’re looking for include: canned goods; pasta; rice; paper products such as napkins, paper towels, plates, bowls, and toilet paper; and hygiene products such as soap, hand sanitizer, and toothbrushes. Any contributions are greatly appreciated– Thank you so much!

WHS Drama will be presenting its fall musical, "Annie" on November 17th and 18th at 7:00 PM, and November 19th at 2:00 PM in the Walpole High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit https://our.show/whsdrama/annie-2023. We hope to see you there!

Photography Club will meet Thursday November 9, 2023 right after school. The theme is Close Up pictures. Get in real close to your objects and take a close up photo. Find something that will look good really really close. Anyone that wants more information on the Photography Club can contact Mrs. D'Agostino. As always follow our instagram: photography_whs123

Thanks for all the baby picture submissions.

The final deadline for the senior pages is the Senior Survey. This needs to be completed by the graduating senior.

If the senior wants to include activities, a memory, or a senior quote, they MUST complete the senior survey by November 10th.

The link to the survey can be found on the Yearbook Classroom page.

The Walpole Speech and Debate Team meet every Monday right after school until 3 PM in room 2124. If you are interested in public speaking, acting, or debating, please come to a meeting or contact Mrs. Murray at emurray@walpole.k12.ma.us

Walpole Timberwolves apparel check out the link below.

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/massachusetts/walpole/walpole-high-school

For a list of upcoming events please click on the following link: https://sites.google.com/a/walpole.k12.ma.us/athletics/

Email: rdowd@walpole.k12.ma.us
Phone: 508-660-7257
Twitter: @WalpoleAD

Walpole High School

Email: simbusch@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: http://walpolewhs.ss5.sharpschool.com/
Location: 275 Common Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 660-7257
Twitter: @WalpoleHS