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Catarina M., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:

• October was a busy month at WHS with various events and activities. Lifetouch picture retakes are set for November 2, and picture IDs are available in the main office. Additionally, the WHS Library Media Center announced that yearbooks dating back to 1939 are now digitized and accessible online for students, families, and alumni.
• The School Counseling Department continues to organize college visits during Intervention Block, including several visits on October 21 to help students explore post-secondary options.
• Student clubs are actively engaged in the community. The Community Service Club is holding a food drive for the Walpole Food Pantry through November 13, while the UNICEF and Red Cross Clubs are hosting their "Monsters on a Mission" Halloween fundraiser on October 24th at Bird Park. The Photography and Art Clubs also continue their weekly meetings.
• The Speech and Debate program continues to help students build confidence and refine their public speaking and performance skills through tournament competition and inter-school networking. Earlier this year, the program also expanded its reach by helping middle school students get involved in debate.
• Fall sports teams are wrapping up their regular seasons, including upcoming field hockey games against Natick and Norwood, and a football game against Braintree on October 23. Winter sports registration is now open.
• Reflecting on the variety of academic, athletic, and extracurricular offerings, Catarina emphasized how these programs foster student engagement and personal growth. Based on her own positive experiences, she noted the importance of these activities in helping students discover new interests and build strong connections within the school community.

1. Out of State Field Trips: The School Committee voted unanimously to approve the following out of state field trips.

• WHS music students to NAFME Festival in Providence RI - April 4 - 7, 2027
• WHS Basketball Team scrimmage in Warwick RI - December 12, 2026

2. Daniel Feeney Preschool Center Update: Julie Martin, Director of the Daniel Feeney Preschool, was present to update the School Committee on the opening of school and review the construction phase of the recently finished playground area. The full presentation can be seen here at time marker (8:26).

3. SSCE/ELE Director - Jill Kimball, Director of Student, Staff & Community Engagement and ELE Director, was present to update the School Committee on student, staff, and community engagement and the English Language Education program. Highlights included outreach to new families, student leadership opportunities, summer learning, and upcoming cultural events. The Committee thanked staff for their efforts to support multilingual learners and strengthen family connections. The full presentation can be seen here at time marker (17:22).

4. METCO Director - Atisha Winslow, METCO Director for Walpole Public Schools, attended the School Committee Meeting. The METCO program update focused on expanding academic support, after-school access, and opportunities for student leadership and connection. Highlights included late transportation, tutoring, college visits, and community events that help students feel included and engaged. Ms. Winslow's full presentation can be viewed here at the time marker (42:48)

5. Grant Update: The School Committee reviewed grants and earmarks supporting district staffing, school safety, building improvements, and student opportunities. Dr. Gough thanked staff for their efforts to secure these grants that provide our district with additional funding.

6. Vehicle Surplus Declaration: The School Committee unanimously approved declaring a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan surplus after it reached the end of its useful life. The vehicle will be offered for sale through the town’s bidding website or recycled if it does not sell.

7. Wellness Policy: The School Committee reviewed the revised Wellness Policy for a second reading, with no additional feedback received since its initial presentation. The policy was unanimously approved.

• Several WPS staff members, including our technology team, digital learning coaches, STEM teachers, and Tom Reeve, attended the MASSCue Conference, New England’s leading education technology event, held at Gillette Stadium Special thanks to Karen Wolff, who presented a workshop at the conference.
• Fall Town Meeting was held on Monday, October 19. Funding for Capital items was approved. These investments are essential for maintaining and enhancing the learning environment for our students. We are grateful to the community for their ongoing support.
• The Superintendent’s Cabinet held its first meeting this week with great energy and engagement. The group reviewed the Cabinet’s purpose, reflected on last year’s work, and identified priorities for the year. The team will meet again in two weeks to continue this important collaboration.

• Dr. Gough and Dr. Hahn provided an update on their first cohort of the WPS Education Leadership Academy.

• Friday, October 30 is the application deadline for the Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarships. Applications are available on the District website or at the Superintendent's Office. Awards will be distributed to undergraduates attending four-year accredited colleges.

• Please be reminded that there is no school for students on Wednesday , November 11(Veterans Day).

• Daylight savings begins November 1.

• In her latest Smore update, Dr. Gough featured an Alumni Spotlight, emphasizing that district pride in student achievement extends to WHS graduates and highlighting the importance of recognizing their ongoing accomplishments. Congratulations were extended to 2025 WHS graduate Sarah Mukkuzhi, currently a sophomore at Yale University, who was accepted into Yale Law School’s Inaugural Class of Justice Fellows, one of only 14 undergraduate students selected. Community members who know of recent WHS alumni doing great things are encouraged to submit their stories via email.

• Finally, as outlined in the letter shared with the School Committee and the WPS community on October 15, Superintendent Gough acknowledged her upcoming retirement at the conclusion of the school year on June 30. She expressed that serving the district and working alongside the Committee, dedicated staff, and students has been the privilege of her 35-year career. As referenced in the letter, the School Committee will reach out to the community in the near future regarding the process to select the next Superintendent, with confidence expressed that WPS remains well-positioned for continued success. Superintendent Gough noted that she looks forward to sharing reflections at the final Committee meeting in June, while emphasizing that her work is far from finished, and her full focus remains on supporting district operations through the end of the school year.

High School Renovation Project Update: Construction on the greenhouse is now complete, with only a few minor punch-list items remaining. Tours were provided prior to the Finance Committee Public Hearing, and an upcoming tour will be offered to the Walpole Council on Aging.