Fall 2024

Welcome to our Walpole METCO Fall 2024 Newsletter Edition. November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our lives. One thing I am thankful for, is the relationships that I continue to build with you and your children. Please enjoy our program newsletter. - Ms. Atisha

On Tuesday, December 3rd we have "Dessert With the Director". Please come to meet new staff, eat some desserts and discuss the Walpole METCO Program. The meeting will be held at ABCD Parker Hill/ Fenway 714 Parker Street Roxbury MA 02120 5-6pm

Walpole Public Schools is thrilled to announce the appointment of Naomi Austin, M.Ed., as the new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Mrs. Austin brings over seven years of experience in fostering inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive educational environments. With a strong commitment to advancing these initiatives, she has a proven track record in curriculum design, district policy, professional development, and student engagement.

Mrs. Austin is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and student empowerment. Her experience also includes leadership roles in DEI committees, developing culturally responsive instruction for both students and staff, and she was a second and third grade elementary teacher. Mrs. Austin has successfully piloted student mentorship programs, expanded student affinity groups, and led multi-day workshops to support school equity teams

Our fifteen students at Boyden and two students at Fisher have made a nice transition back to school. At both schools, students attend Extended Day, a walk or visit to the gym gives everyone a chance to move and get ready for the school day.

From working on puzzles on ST Math, learning trick words in Kindergarten and First grade. Understanding the food web in Science and exploring a brand new reading and writing program in 5th grade. There is so much to learn and discover.

Our four Fifth graders are prepping for middle school as they navigate switching classes for Science and Social Studies. This academic year is a stepping stone for middle school years and beyond. They are also active participants in school activities and along with their peers are part of the morning announcements team at Boyden.

We are so proud of our student council member who along with other students from fourth and fifth grade was voted for this role by students. Student council members meet with Mr. Dearborn to plan school wide spirit days and community service projects. Way to go!

Thank you to all the parents who have been in touch with their children’s teachers for parent teacher conferences. Ongoing communication and collaboration will promote a positive culture, one based on team effort.

School Success Starts with Attendance

From the desk of Mrs.V

As of Wednesday, October 23, 2024, we now have a Walpole METCO Middle School Academic Liaison. Mr. Courtney Sanders previously worked in Walpole as the Middle School Bridge Transition Coach. Mr. Sanders assisted in transitioning students returning to school from extended absences for various reasons ranging from illness, hospitalization, injuries, etc.
Before working in Walpole Mr. Sanders worked for Boston Public Schools in various roles such as substitute teaching, tutor, para, and lead teacher, and he was the Dean of Students for two years at City On a Hill Charter School.
Mr. Sander will work closely with middle school students in the METCO program to achieve academic excellence.

Congratulations to our eighth grade student who received the Core Value Award for Resilience!

And congratulations to our two eighth grade students (E.G & Y.T) who received the honor roll.

In the new Walpole Middle School, we have a beautiful METCO Space on the third floor. In this space, students can come after school three days a week and receive homework help, play board games, and socialize with their peers before boarding the METCO bus home to Boston.

METCO Directors Association Youth Leadership Conference this year was held at Bentley College on November 8, 2024. The keynote speaker was Dr. Kandice Sumner. The theme was, Empowering students to acknowledge their history into who they are and how they see themselves. Five students from Walpole attended with Ms. Atisha and Mrs. Austin.

Students from the high school attended an HBCU College Fair on October 17th at the Reggie Lewis Center. The event was sponsored by Building Bridges.

Students in the Walpole METCO Program and resident students come together twice a month to form the Multicultural Alliance Group run by Ms. Atisha.

During November, the students came together to bring awareness to the METCO Program. Posters with facts about METCO and the Walpole METCO Program were displayed throughout the high school. During the week of November 18th students read some of those facts during the morning announcements from the production studio at Walpole High School.

Walpole METCO hosted a Walpole & Friends Skating Event at Chez Vous Roller Rink in Dorchester. The event allowed middle and high school students in the METCO program and middle and high school resident students to gather outside of the school, having fun skating and eating pizza while continuing to build organic relationships that will last a lifetime. This event serves as the stepping stone towards bridging the gap between communities. Fifty students attended the event. Special thanks to Boston Bridges Initiative for supporting this great event.

Saturday, October 26th at the Berkshire Boys and Girls Club on Talbot Ave, many METCO Districts came together to highlight and showcase their community.

Asst. Superintendent Dr. Hahn, DEI Director Naomi Austin and METCO Director Atisha Winslow attended the METCO Leadership Retreat hosted by METCO HQ at Gillette in October.

Instagram: We now have an Instagram account. Please follow us on Instagram at walpolemetco

Walpole METCO Parent Advisory Board: The goal is to have two (2) Parent Representatives for each school.