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The School Committee voted to appoint Jennifer Geosits as Chairperson and Adrienne Rogers as Vice-Chairperson, for the 2025-2026 school year.

Kayla J. Backpack Awareness - The School Committee wishes to recognize Kayla for her leadership and initiative in launching the Backpack Awareness Project. Her efforts have brought attention to an important health issue and reflect a thoughtful commitment to the well-being of her peers.

Kayla is currently pursuing the Gold Award, the highest honor awarded by the Girl Scouts, through this impactful project. Her work demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility, service, and a desire to make a lasting difference in her community.

The Committee is proud of Kayla’s dedication and commends her for being an inspiring example of youth leadership and civic engagement.

James P., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:

• Walpole High School is down to its final 11 days of the school year. Seniors finished on May 21, with their dinner and yearbook distribution was held the evening before. Graduation is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, and parents may hang posters starting Saturday, May 31.
• Student artwork is on display at the Walpole Public Library through the end of May. The Yearbook Committee is collecting spring event photos for the Spring Supplement—students can upload them via Classroom or the yearbook site.
• The School Counseling Department recently took students to a college fair at Bridgewater State University. Summer program brochures are out, and students who need summer school will be notified after June 13. Summer reading sign-ups are due by June 6.
• The Walpole PAC held a staff appreciation lunch on May 16. Pops Night, held May 23, raised funds for the Michael Falker Scholarship Fund. The Hilltop literary magazine is now available.
• Enrollment is open for the Rwanda Service Learning Trip.
• Families are encouraged to complete the district-wide Family School Climate Survey.
• WHS now has a second Innovation Career Pathway in Manufacturing, alongside Information. Interested students should contact their counselor or Ms. Silk.
• Clubs are winding down, and spring sports have ended with playoffs beginning. Track teams will compete at Westfield State during graduation weekend.
• SAT registration for the 2025–2026 school year is open.

1. Bullying Data Reporting Update - Dr. Hahn provided an update regarding the Bullying Report Data. His full presentation can be seen on the Walpole Media You Tube Page. (29:44)

Dr. Gough reported the following:

• We are now officially 11 school days away from the last day of school, with early release scheduled for June 13th.

• As the WPS Art Show wraps up, selected student artwork will be proudly displayed in the Superintendent’s Office. Mrs. Breen will be notifying families whose children’s work has been selected.

• It was a pleasure to attend the WHS National Honor Society and recognize our Senior members and Junior inductees. These students exemplify the four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The event also honored educators, coaches, and mentors, as seniors shared brief tributes recognizing individuals who made a lasting impact on their journey.
• The next two weeks will be busy with several concerts and end of year events. Please be reminded that WHS graduation is on Sunday, June 1st at 1:00 p.m. (WHS field).
• Best of luck to our Spring Sport teams (boys and girls lacrosse, softball, baseball, and boys tennis) as they compete in their postseason play

• In terms of chronic absenteeism, currently, 4.35% of WPS students have 18+ absences. If this rate holds, WPS will have cut our Chronic Absenteeism rate in half compared to last year. A special thanks to Mr. Connor for his leadership in this area.

• Registration is now open for the 52nd Annual Walpole Labor Day Road Race on September 1st.

1. Capital Budget Update - Mr. Friscia reviewed the Capital Budget with the School Committee for approval. The School Committee made a motion to approve the Capital Budget as presented by Mr. Friscia.

2. Middle School Building Project - Field work continues with anticipation of completion by the start of school in the fall. 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. Walpole High School Building Project - Construction continues. Steel detailing continued and is substantially complete, pending final inspection. The Masons continued with the backup wall. Roofing materials were delivered. Phase 2 science renovation is scheduled to begin on June 16th.

Updates and Information about the project can be found at WHS Renovation Project webpage