Transition to WMS Newsletter

Dear Incoming Sixth Grade Families,

Welcome to Walpole Middle School! We are so excited to welcome you and your students into our school community.

While it may feel early, it is only February, please know that our team is already thoughtfully planning and preparing to ensure a smooth, successful transition for our incoming sixth graders. Beginning middle school is an exciting milestone, and it often brings a mix of anticipation, curiosity, and nerves for both students and families. At Walpole Middle School, you are joining a caring and supportive community where relationships, communication, and student growth are at the heart of everything we do.

We believe in educating the whole child. In addition to strong academic instruction, we prioritize social-emotional learning, belonging, and student voice. Through our dedicated teachers, counselors, support staff, and programs such as Flex Time and MTSS, we work to ensure that every student is known, supported, and appropriately challenged to grow.

We also deeply value our partnership with families. Open communication and collaboration are essential to student success, and we look forward to working closely with you throughout the year. You can expect regular updates, opportunities to connect with staff, and ongoing ways to stay involved in your child’s learning.

As principal, I am fortunate to work alongside two phenomenal assistant principals who will be key supports for your students throughout their time at WMS. Mr. John O’Leary supports students with last names A–Ko, and Mr. Conor Cashman supports students with last names Kr–Z. Together, we are committed to ensuring that all students feel welcomed, supported, and set up for success.

Over the coming weeks and months, you will receive additional information about schedules, orientation opportunities, and important dates. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

As part of our transition process, students will have several opportunities to experience Walpole Middle School firsthand before the start of the school year. Our transition activities are already underway. Recently, fifth-grade students from OPR and Fisher attended our drama production, and students from Elm and Boyden will attend our spring musical. In addition, members of our middle school chorus, band, and orchestra will visit elementary schools to introduce students to the exciting musical opportunities available next year.

As we move into June, our middle school and elementary counselors will continue working closely together to ensure students are well prepared for this next step. During the week of June 1, our Walpole Middle School counselors will visit all fifth-grade classrooms to talk with students about what to expect in middle school. This visit will give students the opportunity to ask questions, learn about daily life at WMS, and begin building connections.

We invite all parents and caregivers to attend our Walpole Middle School Information Night on May 26 at 6:00 PM. This adults-only event will provide important information about expectations, academics, supports, and opportunities at the middle school.

Students will then visit Walpole Middle School on June 3 for Move-Up Day, when they will tour the building, meet teachers, and learn more about their new learning environment. On June 5, some of our middle school staff will also participate in the townwide Grade 5 Field Day, giving students another chance to connect with familiar faces in a fun and relaxed setting.

As summer approaches, we will offer a “Sneak Peek” into middle school life on August 25. By this time, students will have access to their team assignments and schedules, allowing them to become familiar with their day-to-day experience before the first day of school.

At Walpole Middle School, students are part of a team model that fosters strong relationships, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. This structure helps ensure that every student receives the academic and social support needed to thrive.

We are confident that this comprehensive transition plan will help students feel comfortable, confident, and excited as they begin their middle school journey. More details will be shared in the coming months, and we look forward to partnering with you throughout this important transition.

Warm regards,

Carrie Ruggiero
Principal, Walpole Middle School