Fall 2025

November reminds us to pause and appreciate the many positive things happening in our lives. I’m especially thankful for the relationships I continue to build with you and your children. Your support and involvement mean so much!

Please enjoy this month’s program updates and highlights. - Ms. Atisha

New President and CEO of METCO Inc.

Dr. Kandice Sumner has been named the next President and Chief Executive Officer of METCO, Inc., effective October 1, 2025.

Dr. Sumner is a third generation member of the METCO community and a proud alumna of the Weston METCO program.

Our elementary students both at Fisher and Boyden have had a busy couple of months since the start of the school year.

Students have become familiar with their new routines, they are enjoying passing level lifters in Math Fact Lab and reaching 20% (and beyond ) of their ST Math journey. Reading, writing, science and social studies blocks are filled with exploration and learning.

Highlights:

Fisher and Boyden School enjoyed PAC organized Fun Run. Boosterthon team got students and staff excited and motivated to walk, dance and run with great energy and spirit.
Boyden School students enjoyed a fun Mad Science assembly
Second graders at Boyden enjoyed visiting deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Boyden students enjoyed an obstacle course at recess.

Fifth graders participate in a docent lesson where they learned about Michelangelo and how he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

Second graders visit the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum

The METCO Room continues to be a valuable space for students — offering after-school academic support and a comfortable place to relax and recharge.

Our students have been spending extra time in the gym one afternoon each week, where they are enjoying friendly races and games together. It’s wonderful to see them having fun, staying active, and building friendships through play.

We also celebrated an important milestone: Term 1 officially ended on October 31, 2025! Students enjoyed a small celebration with snacks to mark their hard work.

Congratulations Ms. Charmaine!

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Charmaine, who has been honored with the 2025 Promising Practitioner Award from the National Association of Social Workers – MA Chapter. This is an incredible accomplishment and a well deserved recognition of her dedication.

We are so proud of you, Ms. Charmaine!

HBCU College Fair

Students in grades 10–12 were invited to attend the Building Bridges HBCU College Fair at the Reggie Lewis Center on October 16, 2025. During the event, students participated in small workshops focused on financial aid, enrollment procedures, and other important college-readiness topics. They also had the opportunity to speak directly with college representatives and ask questions.

This year’s fair included additional representatives from the Boston Police Department, local unions, fraternities and sororities, as well as the UNCF. Several seniors received on the spot acceptances, including one of our own, who was offered admission with scholarships to Delaware State University, Cheyney University, and Bethune-Cookman University.

I'm excited to announce that we will once again host the Walpole METCO & Friends Skating Event this year!

This special gathering brings together METCO students and Walpole resident students from both the middle and high school for an afternoon of fun, connection, and community building through skating and pizza.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Chez-Vous Skating Rink, Mattapan, MA
Cost: Free for all participants
Food: Pizza and refreshments provided
Transportation: Round-trip transportation will be provided from Walpole High School and Walpole Middle School to the rink and back for resident students. METCO students will need to be picked up directly from Chez-Vous at 2:00 PM.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/JKGvhSx3tmsYuh3Q7

Instagram: Please follow us on Instagram at walpolemetco

Bus Safety: We kindly ask families to review our bus expectations with their students to help ensure a safe and comfortable ride for everyone. Students must remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion, and there should be no switching seats. Seats are assigned for a reason, and Ms. Atisha will be monitoring the bus camera to ensure these expectations are being followed.

There is absolutely no eating on the bus, as some students have food allergies and we want to keep all riders safe. Students should also keep their hands to themselves and refrain from sharing electronics during the ride.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment on our bus.