OPR Weekly Update
May 8, 2026
Dear OPR Families,
This month, OPR is celebrating Decorate a Door Month! Throughout the school, students and staff are transforming classroom and office doors into vibrant displays that celebrate the diversity of our community and country. Each design highlights the unique backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and positive contributions. These doors not only brighten our hallways, but also serve as meaningful reminders of the importance of respect, inclusion, and celebrating one another. A few of the decorated doors are featured below, and we look forward to sharing more throughout the month in future OPR Weekly Updates.
Please watch the latest OPR Video News.
Friday, May 15th is an early release. Dismissal is at 12:25 (beginning at 12:19).
Have a great weekend!
David N. Barner, Principal
dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
Contact OPR Office (Secretaries and Nurse): oproffice@walpole.k12.ma.us
Highlights for the Week Ahead
Mrs. Barczys, Beekeeper is visitng first grade to present on Tuesday.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Grade 5 Science MCAS takes place. Don't be absent!
Friday is an early release. Dismissal is at 12:25 (beginning at 12:19).
Friday is the Student Council Spirit Day: Dress Like a Teacher Day and Teachers Dress Like Students Day!
Friday is the Grade 4 Senior VIP Day.
Saturday is the OPR PAC Fun Run (9:30) and Festival (10:00).
WPS Bus Registration for Next Year
Please see the link below regarding bus registration for the upcoming school year.
If you prefer to register by mail, please visit the transportation page on the district website for the bus application.
Sign up now for the bus for the 2026-2027 school year: WPS Bus Registration
Music with Ms. Yee
SEL (Social Emotional Learning) with Mrs. Convey & Mrs. Murray
The school year is flying by! Our OPR students continue to work hard and practice the skills they learn through our SEL lessons. During the month of May, classes have been focusing on a variety of important skills including teamwork, friendships, understanding feelings, problem-solving, perseverance, and coping strategies.
May is a busy month filled with reviewing the topics we have learned throughout the year and practicing them in a variety of fun and engaging ways. Some grades enjoyed exciting Jeopardy-style review games, while others participated in interactive outdoor activities. These experiences have been a wonderful way for students to put their SEL skills into action and demonstrate all they have learned throughout the school year!
News from the Nurse
Is it Allergies or a Cold?
We have been seeing more signs of seasonal allergies lately. It can be tricky to tell the difference between a common cold and seasonal sniffles. For a quick guide to help you decide if your child should stay home or head to class, check out this helpful resource:
Is It a Cold or Allergies? How to Tell the Difference
Contact your pediatrician for guidance please!
Footwear & "Just-in-Case" Clothing
Safe Play: Please ensure students wear sneakers or comfortable closed-toe shoes to avoid injury, especially during recess.
Spare Clothes: Our health office has very limited spare clothing. To keep your child comfortable and in class after a spill or accident, please send a labeled Ziploc bag to keep in their locker containing:
Socks & Underwear
Pants & a Shirt
Having a personal kit on hand prevents a phone call home for a dry change of clothes!
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe and healthy!
Bonnie Kowalsky, RN bkowalsky@walpole.k12.ma.us
2026 MCAS Testing Schedule
Below is the schedule for the remaining MCAS that will take place soon. Please mark these dates in your calendar and help ensure that your child(ren) are present for each testing session for their grade level.
Grade 5
STE Session 1: Wednesday May 13
STE Session 2: Thursday May 14
OPR PAC MEETING
Wednesday, June 3rd
7:00 PM
Held in the STEM Lab or connect virtually via link:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/jca-jkrh-nmz
Hi Families,
Want to get even more involved? Consider joining the PAC Board of Officers! Elections will take place during the June PAC meeting.
To participate in the Fun Run on Saturday, May 16th:
To volunteer at the Spring Festival:
Sign Up Genius: 2026 Spring Festival Volunteers
Upcoming PAC Events:
- Fun Run (9:30 am) and Spring Festival (10am) - Saturday, May 16th
- Lifted Fitness and Performance Fundraiser - Thursday, May 28th
- Restaurant Night at Jake and Joes - Sunday, May 31st
- June PAC Meeting - Wednesday, June 3rd at 7pm
- Field Day - Friday, June 12th (Raindate: Monday, June 15th)
Thanks again,
OPR PAC Board 2025-2026
PAC Board of Directors Officer Descriptions:
Elections are at the final monthly meeting of the school year (Wednesday, June 3rd)
Officers serve a term equal to one (1) school year (July 1st to June 30th) and are eligible for re-election
President - develop agendas for and preside over meetings, oversee PAC financial affairs, be responsible for the general PAC management, ensure that all decisions of the quorum shall be implemented, serve as the main liaison with the principal
Vice President - assist the president in developing agendas for all meetings, overseeing the financial affairs and general management
Treasurer - responsibility for the funds, keep full and accurate accounts of the financial records, oversee the financial affairs employing regular electronic account balance alerts, deposit all monies, disburse approved funds, make monthly financial reports, report on the execution of the annual budget, complete and file taxes, the annual report and any other required filings
Secretary - responsibility for all record keeping and correspondence, officially record and distribute the minutes of all proceedings of the meetings and actions, provide notice of all meetings, maintain the archive of meeting minutes and by-laws, distribute the mail
Textile Bin Donations
Massachusetts no longer allows clothing to be disposed of in the trash. Clothing must be donated or recycled. RECYCLE your clothing and textiles in the OPR Collection Bin and OPR receives money. The collections resulted in the following:
2024 Calendar Year Total - $1182.30
January 2025 - $210
February 2025 - $108.60
March 2025 - $128.40
April 2025 - $88.20
May 2025 - $192.00
June 2025 - $111.60
July 2025 - $174.60
August 2025 - $196.80
September 2025 - $134.10
October 2025 - $192.30
November 2025 - $151.50
December 2025 - $100.80
2025 Calendar Year Total - $1788.90
January 2026 - $205.50
February 2026 - $132.60
March 2026 - $103.50
April 2026 - $190.80
Walpole Public Schols 2026-2027 Calendar
OPR ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
WPS ELEMENTARY STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK/CODE OF CONDUCT
Walpole Elementary School Homework Guidelines
On this site you can find links to forms (i.e. medication administration, over the counter medication consent forms), medication policies, and information regarding illnesses, concussions and injuries.
About Us
OPR Mission Statement
The Old Post Road School community educates all students to excel and become productive citizens.
OPR Vision
OPR students will be motivated to learn in a supportive and safe environment. The faculty will foster self-confidence in the students and encourage them to make positive choices. Students will learn to accept responsibility for their behavior and will mature into responsible citizens and lifelong learners. All students will appreciate that they are part of a diverse, global society.
Instagram: OLDPOSTROADSCHOOL_WALPOLE
Email: dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
99 Old Post Road
East Walpole, MA 02032
508-660-7219
Arrival: 8:50-9:00 AM
Tardy Bell is at 9:00 AM. (Students must be signed in at the office by an adult if tardy.)
Early Release Dismissal: 12:25 (Dismissal begins at 12:19)
Dismissal: 3:30 PM (Dismissal begins at 3:24 PM)
If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please call the OPR office before school (508-660-7219) and press 1 for the absence line. The automated attendance verification system is in use. Those students marked absent and who have not called in will receive an automated phone call.
