WHS eNotes

Dear students, staff, and parents/guardians:

As many of you are aware, there has been an increase in physical altercations at our school this year. The videos circulating on social media are deeply concerning and have understandably prompted significant worry among students, parents, and staff. I want to assure you that your concerns have been heard, and I share them wholeheartedly. I also want to thank those of you who have reached out with suggestions and support as we work to address this issue.

We are taking active steps to address these incidents. Measures already in place include:

• Increased staff presence in hallways during passing times and during Snacktime to deter conflicts.

• Enhanced police presence on campus.

• Strict enforcement of consequences for those involved in fights, adhering to the fullest extent of the law.

• Conflict resolution support for students involved, helping them learn healthier ways to manage disagreements.

Additionally, students who are found videotaping these incidents may face disciplinary consequences. This behavior not only fails to help resolve the situation but also increases the likelihood of further harm by escalating tensions and distracting those who could intervene.

Some have suggested permanently removing Snacktime or instituting a schoolwide ban on cellphone use throughout the day. While I understand the rationale behind these suggestions, I believe these measures would unfairly penalize the vast majority of students who consistently make positive choices. Unless absolutely necessary, I am not inclined to take such steps.

What deeply concerns me, however, is the behavior of students who choose to stand by and watch—or even record—these incidents instead of intervening or seeking help. This raises an important question: What has happened to our commitment to raising upstanders, individuals who step in to support those in need, instead of bystanders who passively observe? Where are the leaders who can guide our school culture in the right direction?

Let me be clear: I take ultimate responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of everyone at Walpole High, and I am committed to taking any steps necessary to address this behavior. However, this issue extends beyond the high school. As a community, we all need to be part of the solution:

• Students must take accountability for their actions and understand that physical violence is never an acceptable way to resolve conflicts.

• Parents could engage in conversations at home about the importance of empathy, respect, and leadership. Also, monitoring your children’s exposure to violent content on social media is highly recommended, as it can normalize harmful behaviors.

As I mentioned in my recent eNotes, we can and must do better, Walpole. The overwhelming majority of our students, staff, and families are kind, respectful, and committed to our shared values. Let’s ensure that positivity and integrity continue to define our school and community. Together, we can continue to provide a safe, supportive, and uplifting environment for all.

Thank you for your partnership in this effort.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope you are able to find time for some rest and relaxation, and you get to enjoy some quality time with friends and family.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Stephen Imbusch

Principal

Please click HERE to access the 2024 Teacher Conference Site. It is easiest to view on a computer.

If you are using a phone, click the three lines in the upper right corner, and select "Click HERE for the list of Teachers".

This will open a page with links to a spreadsheet listing all teachers. Please sign up with individual teachers for 5 minute conferences.

Information and presentations about our Work Study and Innovation Pathways programs will also be available in Room 1318. Stop by to learn more about these amazing programs that we have to offer our students!

A Free Virtual Workshop for Parents and Professionals, Wednesday, December 4th.

Flyer Attached.

All graduating seniors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are seeking a college degree or job training are eligible to compete. Scholarship awards this year total over half a million dollars. To qualify, students must be a senior in high school, fill out the online application and then take our exam. Applicants must register in advance at //www.massaflcio.org/scholarships. We will be accepting applications through Friday, December 20, 2024. The deadline is firm, and no late registrations will be accepted. The exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions and one written essay. All questions will be selected from the information in the study guide. Exams will be administered online, at WHS during the first week of February. Further testing instructions will be sent in the last week of January. All study resources including the study guide, flashcards and quizzes are available by visiting www.learnlaborhistory.com.

Attention senior families:

The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year is now available!

Please click here for FAFSA info and more updates from the School Counseling office

IBM and the Work Based Learning Alliance are offering students opportunities for paid, 100-hour virtual internships in Cyber Security, Clean Energy, and CAD. Any student interested in participating can register here, the application is now open for the Winter & Spring cycle. Spots are very limited and time commitment is required. Learn more from the internship informational flyer and the student information video. Any student who is interested in learning more about Innovation Career Pathways, please see your school counselor, Assistant Principal or Mr. Connolly.

Tickets for WHS Drama’s production of the hit musical “Once Upon A Mattress” are now on sale! Head to https://walpoledrama.ludus.com to get yours!

Bonjour! The WHS French club is organizing a trip to France this summer from July 5 to 21st. The trip will include 2 weeks of French classes, home-stays with French families, and a three night excursion to Paris. An informational meeting will be held Monday 11/25 from 6:30-645pm in room 1334. The trip is open to all French students.

Contact Mr. McCluskey (jmccluskey@walpole.k12.ma.us) if you have any questions.

The nurses will begin postural screening for all freshmen starting November 6. If you would like to opt your student out of screening, please email either Kim Byda (kbyda@walpole.k12.ma.us) or Heather White (hwhite@walpole.k12.ma.us).

The World Language Department is offering students the opportunity to earn the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school

or district in recognition of students who have attained proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in two or more languages by high school graduation.

The Seal is awarded at two proficiency levels and can be used to communicate with academic institutions, employers, and the community that students are able to study, work, and engage with others in two or more languages. Students who meet the criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy will receive an insignia provided by the Department of Education to be affixed to their high school transcript. An application is now available for seniors only with testing dates in January; the application is included in these enotes. Dates for juniors will be upcoming in the spring. Interested students can talk to their World Language teacher or see Ms. Kay (room 1321 inside the language lab).

The Walpole High School Science Olympiad team is teaming up with Double Good Popcorn to raise money to support the team! 50% of all sales go directly to support the team. Sales will take place for 4 days only, from November 21st at 5pm - November 25th 5pm. Please use this link to shop and support the team: https://s.dgpopup.com/pj22xt12

Avoid the Monday morning Chromebook crisis! Take a few minutes to charge your device before you relax for the weekend.

There will be a STEM Academy meeting on Thursday December 5th in room 1336 at 2:15PM. We will be checking-in with each member as well as discussing upcoming projects and proposals. All STEM students should attend. Please email Mr. Braccini directly if you are unable to attend.

Best Buddies will be playing kickball on Saturday 11/23 from 12:00-1:30 in the WHS gym. Join us for a fun game and some treats! Please respond to the form on Google classroom ASAP so we know how many to expect.

National Honor Society is organizing a winter coat drive through Coats for Kids & Families to help ensure all community members have warm clothing for the colder months. Please consider donating gently used coats, hats, scarves, and gloves in all sizes. Collection bins will be located in the school lobby from 11/19 to 12/20. Your generosity will make a difference—together, we can keep our community warm this winter!

Congratulations to speech team finalists who competed at the Gracia Burkill Memorial Tournament at Natick High School on 11/16:

Swara Sonchhatra tied in 1st place in Radio Broadcasting, 1st in Multiple Reading, and 4th in Duo Interpretation

Aaron Arora placed 4th in Duo and 1st in Multiple Reading

Hemant Selvamurugan tied in 1st place in Radio Broadcasting

Vanshi Shroff placed 4th in Novice Oral Interpretation

Elaina Shobin placed 5th in Radio Broadcasting

Damien Black placed 1st in Multiple Reading

Kaylee Ebb placed 1st in Multiple Reading

Shaurya Panchal placed 1st in Multiple Reading

Josie Speer placed 1st in Multiple Reading

Recognition Ads are now on sale

If you would like to congratulate your senior with a recognition ad in the back of the Yearbook, purchase a recognition ad at this link:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=1065365

Yearbooks are on sale for Underclassmen

See flyer attached for how to order a book. Yearbooks must be ordered by February 28, 2025. Seniors receive their book with their Class Dues.

The Spanish Club will be meeting on Monday, November 25th @ 2:15 pm in Room 1332.

Catch up with what the robotics team in the month of October. The Timberwolves and Pup Cups have been very busy this past month. Take a moment to read all about what the team has been doing. The team kicked off its “Mock Build” for the fall training session and Lego teams are up and running. The team went to the STEM teacher fair at Gillette as well. Take a moment to read about it in our latest edition of Wolf Tech Monthly.

https://secure.smore.com/n/newxr-wolftech-monthly

The WHS Humane Society is once again running the Pets of Walpole High Calendar fundraiser. Submit photos of your pets and purchase a calendar that celebrates all of our fur babies! All proceeds are donated directly to local animal shelters. Calendars will be available before December break. All animals are welcome and encouraged!

Photos and orders can be submitted here: Pets of Walpole High 2025 Calendar

There is no meeting next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with their families. But we still have a theme for the week. It is FOOD! Take pictures of all your turkeys, side dishes, stuffings, potatoes, vegetables, and pies so we can see everything. Make them pictures you'd see in a food magazine. Have a great week and restful weekend. Follow our instagram to see our club pictures: photography_whs123

Winter registration will close on Wednesday, November 27th at 11AM and will not reopen until Tuesday, December 3rd at 7AM. All paperwork must be turned in prior to leaving on Thanksgiving break. No paperwork will be accepted during Thanksgiving break. Please do not scan any physicals.

All event information is listed in the link below. We look forward to seeing you at the games.

Walpole Timberwolves apparel check out the link below.

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/massachusetts/walpole/walpole-high-school

For a list of upcoming events please click on the following link: https://sites.google.com/a/walpole.k12.ma.us/athletics/

Email: rdowd@walpole.k12.ma.us
Phone: 508-660-7257
Twitter: @WalpoleAD

Email: simbusch@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: http://walpolewhs.ss5.sharpschool.com/
Location: 275 Common Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 660-7257
Twitter: @WalpoleHS