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The Walpole High School Girls Lacrosse Team was recognized by the School Committee for capturing the first State Championship in the history of Walpole Girls Lacrosse. The team concluded an outstanding season with an overall record of 24–2. On June 13, 2025, they defeated Reading High School in the State Championship game with a final score of 14–8. The head coach attended the meeting and remarked that this team is “a truly great group of athletes.” The Committee congratulated the players and coaching staff on their remarkable achievement and offered best wishes for the upcoming spring season.

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

• Academics and student life continue to be busy, as Progress Reports are set to release early next week. Students are working diligently to complete assignments and prepare for upcoming exams. Additionally, Walpole METCO and Friends will host a Roller Skating with Friends event this Friday at 12:00pm following the half day of school.
• Clubs and student activities remain active, with the Speech and Debate Team earning several strong placements at their first meet; the Photography Club is launching its annual “bug’s eye view” contest, the Girl Up Club is beginning a feminine products drive on Friday, and the Humane Society Club is selling their 2025–2026 calendars.

• Community service efforts are ongoing, as the WHS Honor Society collects lightly worn coats and jackets for Coats for Kids and Families through December 23.

• The World Language Department announcing that students may now pursue the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating proficiency in two languages before graduation.

• Athletics are off to a strong start, with impressive early scrimmages in Women’s and Men’s Hockey, Basketball, and Wrestling, as teams prepare for their first official games next week.

1. Math Update: A math curriculum update was provided by Walpole High School Math Department Chair Jonathan Ridolfi, middle school teacher Jill Masterson, and elementary school teachers Sheila Rinaldi and Jen Torigian. The full report can be viewed here at time marker 5:30.

2. Special Education Reserve Fund: Mr. Friscia discussed the Special Education Reserve Fund. This fund will help manage unexpected special education costs, protect the budget, and ensure we meet student needs without disrupting other programs. The committee motioned to table the vote.

3. 2026-2027 School Year Calendar - First Reading: The School Committee was provided with a proposed draft calendar for the 2026-2027 school year.

4. 2026-2027 School Committee Meeting Calendar - First Reading: The School Committee was provided with a proposed draft calendar for the 2026-2027 School Committee Meetings.

Dr. Gough mentioned that some schools in our area are seeing an uptick in phishing scams targeting schools and parents. These scams pretend to be from a principal or school official advertising a "special offer." All authentic electronic communications from our schools and district will be delivered to you from our email addresses (someone@walpole.k12.ma.us, TalkingPoints, the Walpole Public Schools smartphone app or our Apptegy/Thrillshare texting platform.

• Dropped off at the main office of your elementary school from 9:30 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, Wednesday and Thursday, from 7:30am–4:00pm, Tuesday from 7:30am – 6:00pm or Friday from 7:30am – 2:00pm.

Walpole High School Competency Determination Policy: Dr. Hahn presented the updated Competency Determination Policy. The updated policy outlines the required coursework and mastery measures students must meet, beginning with the class of 2026, to demonstrate competency in ELA, Math, Science, and starting with the class of 2027, U.S. History. The Committee voted to approve the updates to the policy.

High School Project: Dr. Gough reported that building shutdown was successfully completed last week, and the addition received permanent power on Monday. The project team is now projecting Substantial Completion for January 2, 2026. Progress within the gym continues, with floor sanding currently underway and polyurethane scheduled for this weekend. The bleacher installation is scheduled to begin next week with gym floor striping and painting occurring concurrently. Sitework remains ongoing, particularly in the northwest corner of the property, where drainage and utility work is in progress. Excess soil from this area is being stockpiled and is scheduled for removal during the December holiday break. Updates to the project can be seen on the WHS project webpage here.