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A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of Dr. Robert (“Bob”) Couture, who fulfilled the role of Walpole Interim Superintendent from 2001 to 2002. Dr. Couture's compassionate leadership, pragmatic counsel, and steadfastness were invaluable during that time. A lifelong advocate for education, he possessed the talent to bring people together for the greater good. The enduring influence of Dr. Couture has significantly enriched the local public schools.

The School Committee voted that Walpole not become a School Choice District for School Year 2024-2025.

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

1. Seniors at the high school are in the process of committing to colleges, finding jobs in the workforce, or looking apprenticeships.
2. The Walpole Robotics Team attended the World Championship in Houston, TX over April vacation after their stellar performance as finalists in both of their qualifying events. The Team won the Innovation in Controls award.
3. A PAC meeting was held at WHS yesterday in which they introduced a State-funded program called Innovation Pathways that is designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
4. WHS Tri-M will be hosting their Spring Coffee House tomorrow, April 26th in the WHS Cafeteria. Come hear the musical talent of the WHS student community and enjoy a variety of refreshments for sale. Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are $5.
5. The Walpole High School Film Festival held its annual fundraising drive on Saturday, April 13th, and it was a great success.
6. A STEM Academy Meeting for all STEM Juniors and Seniors was held today at 2:10 to discuss project deadlines and expectations.
7. Photography Club met today with the theme being outfits and whether they are party, fancy, or just casual outfits.
8. Spring sports are underway and are having successful seasons.

1. Walpole High School Students Mental Health Awareness Initiative - Morgan's Message - Walpole High School students Maran Gallivan, Abby Poirier and Becca Schmidt have undertaken a mental health awareness club to highlight mental health issues. The students discussed “Morgan’s Message,” a national program that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health with respect to student-athletes and the need to equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. Morgan’s Message promotes the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. Morgan’s Message is structured around an ambassador system and these students are Ambassador representatives for Walpole.

2. Wellness Curriculum Update - Mr. David Wall provided the School Committee with a Health Curriculum update. This presentation can be viewed here at time marker 19:20.

3. & 4. Annual Appointments - The School Committee voted to appoint Dr. Gough to the Bi-County Collaborative (BICO) Board of Directors and to appoint Mrs. Gallivan to The Education Cooperative (TEC) Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 School Year.

Dr. Gough reported the following:

• Bus Applications for the 2024-2025 are now available on the WPS website and can be found HERE. Please be aware of due dates.

• At the Boston Athletic Association Youth Relay on April 14, students from Bird and Johnson Middle School raced in multiple relays on Congress Street next to Government Center as part of Boston Marathon Weekend. They took home 3rd Place overall for the third year in a row. Congratulations to all athletes!

• WPS School Climate Survey: In early May, families will receive an email inviting them to participate in the WPS district-wide Family School Climate Survey. The survey aims to learn more about you and your child’s experiences in our schools. We have partnered with K12 Insight to administer the survey and compile the results and analyze feedback. Walpole Public Schools values your feedback, and we appreciate your ongoing contribution as we strive to cultivate the optimal learning environment for our students.

• The Leadership Council is busy with end of the year transitions and events. Summer program planning has also begun. May MCAS focuses on math and science, technology, and engineering (STE). Senior students and families received the senior packet, which includes a calendar of all senior activities.
• The final full team Strategic Planning will meet on May 2nd (to be held at The Education Collaborative).

• Reminder: The District Art Show is back at the Walpole Public Library. Opening night will be held on May 1st from 6:00-8:00 pm. Artwork will continue to be displayed throughout the month of May.

1. Athletic Fee Vote - In recent months, the School Committee, administrators, and Athletic Director have engaged in discussions with Booster Organizations regarding the Athletic Budget. Additionally, comparisons with neighboring towns' athletic user fees were conducted. After nine years of fees remaining static, the School Committee voted to raise fees on a tiered basis. The new fee structure is meant to address the varying costs for particular sports, as well as inflationary increases to expenses, such as transportation, facility rentals, officials' fees, and equipment replacements. The new fee structure will also permit the schools to assume the costs of school owned uniforms and to fund additional coaching stipends. These fee adjustments will be phased in over the next two years, with a review scheduled thereafter. Written communication regarding the details of the increases will be provided to families by the end of this school year.

2. Middle School Building Project - Mr. Breen affirmed that the project is progressing according to schedule and within budget. Administrators are working with the project manager to arrange community/alumni walk-through of the current Bird Middle School prior to it being demolished. Information will be distributed once details have been finalized.

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. High School Project - Mrs. Syrek reported there is no new information at this point. The next meeting is scheduled for next week. Potential dates have been discussed for community outreach webinar in June. Information will be distributed once details have been finalized.