Walpole School Newsletter

Happy New Year! We are excited to continue this amazing school year together and to keep providing our students with meaningful learning experiences that build on their interests and strengthen their skills.

As we move into the new year, this is an especially important time for families and community members to pay close attention to School Board and Budget Committee meetings. These groups are currently discussing the proposed budget for the 2026–2027 school year, which could include significant changes across the district. All meetings are recorded and posted on the district’s website, and we strongly encourage you to review them and attend when possible. The decisions being made may directly impact your student, and having a clear understanding of what the budget provides—for your child, for other Walpole students, and for students at the high school—is essential.

In addition, there will be numerous meetings and presentations related to the Walpole Withdrawal. Members of the Withdrawal Committee, Walpole Select Board, and School Board will be offering multiple opportunities for families and community members to learn more about their findings and what a potential withdrawal could look like if Walpole were to vote in favor of it. To make an informed decision, it is critical to have access to accurate information and opportunities to ask questions. This decision affects not only our students, but also our staff, families, and the broader Walpole community.

Being well informed will help you make the decision you feel is best for your student when voting in March. One particularly important opportunity for involvement is the Deliberative Session on February 2nd at the high school. This is where the proposed budget and warrant articles are discussed and may be amended. Your presence matters, and this is a key opportunity to have a voice in your child’s education and in the resources and programs provided.

There is a great deal happening over the next few months, and we understand it can feel overwhelming. However, staying informed and engaged in these conversations is vital. Your participation ensures you have the knowledge needed to advocate for your student and to make thoughtful, informed decisions that will help shape the future of our schools and community.

Happy New Year! We are so proud of our Pre-K students—they did an awesome job at their first concert! Pre-K had a very busy month in December. We began learning about holidays around the world and enjoyed discovering where many of our traditions began.

We made lots of fun projects and special gifts for our families. Students loved learning about gingerbread using all five senses! We spent a whole week reading different gingerbread stories and transformed our dramatic play area into a gingerbread kitchen. One of our favorite activities was tasting and decorating our gingerbread people!

It was a wonderful month, and we are looking forward to all the exciting things we will learn in 2026!

Kindergarten had a fun-filled month! We finished introducing all of our letters and sounds in Fundations with Echo. We are now using our letter knowledge to read short words and sentences—reading is so much FUN!

In math, we began learning about shapes in our world. We practiced by gathering different items in our classrooms that matched the shapes we were learning about. Did you know our water bottles are all cylinder-shaped?!

Both classes also enjoyed many fun, holiday-themed art and craft projects. Ms. Helfer’s class made elves, while Mrs. Bisson’s class made reindeer. Students also created special gifts for their families during the holiday season.

We ended the month with Spirit Week and holiday parties. We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and we can’t wait to see what the new year brings!!

December was such a fun-filled month! We made gifts for our families, enjoyed a pajama day, and wrote letters to the North Pole. We even heard back from some residents of the North Pole—which was VERY exciting!

We also hosted our Family Game Day, where students showed their families some of the games we’ve been playing to practice our math strategies. We had a blast, and it was so wonderful to see students teaching their family members how to play! We wrapped things up with a fun-filled day of Candy Cane Olympics. Stay tuned!

Wow— the first half of the year has flown by! The highlight of this month was definitely our Spirit Week, which wrapped up with students wearing their PJs and enjoying a movie along with some yummy treats. We hope everyone had a restful break spent with friends and family.

During our reading block (Wit & Wisdom), students have been working on identifying genre, understanding the central message, and recording key details. The writing that accompanies the texts students are reading has been nothing short of amazing! We are about to begin our second module and look forward to the continued growth they have already shown.

In math, students have continued to use diagrams and equations to make sense of story problems. We will keep building on addition and subtraction strategies as we begin our new unit on measuring length using standard units in both the metric and customary systems.

In December, students continued strengthening their multiplication fact skills through regular practice and by playing fun games. During Wit & Wisdom, we explored space more deeply and learned about Galileo, and both classes worked collaboratively to create a timeline based on The Starry Messenger. We also continued developing our spelling skills and applied new writing techniques in our daily work. To wrap up the month, students enjoyed working together to create wonderful crafts during Santa’s Workshop, making December both a fun and productive month!

This month in fourth grade, we continued working on Wit & Wisdom Module 2, Extreme Settings. Students researched mountain ranges from around the world, created informative posters, and shared their learning through group presentations, building both research and speaking skills.

In math, we explored addition and subtraction of mixed numbers, as well as using number lines to solve addition and subtraction with improper fractions. Students also worked on spelling with nasal blends and practiced improving sentence structure in their writing.

We enjoyed a wonderful field trip to Brookfield Farm with Mr. Gowdy, along with all the fun and festive holiday activities during the week before break. As we look ahead to the new year, we are excited to continue learning, growing, and working together!

I would like to wish everyone a healthy and Happy New Year! Hopefully, you all had a fun-filled holiday season and were able to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends.

5th Grade Science

We finished our unit on Matter and Energy in Plants, and students were especially excited about our experiment growing beans in water without soil. We have now begun learning about ecosystems and how energy in animals—used for body repair, growth, movement, and maintaining body warmth—originally comes from the sun. Students will explore food chains and food webs, as well as the interactions and dynamics within them. In our next unit, we will examine how the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere interact.

5th Grade Math

Students are currently working on Unit 3, which focuses on multiplying and dividing fractions. Students will develop an understanding of fraction-by-fraction multiplication by examining side lengths and the area of rectangles. They will create models to visually represent and comprehend problems. Our goal is for students to confidently solve problems involving fraction multiplication and division. In the next unit, Chapter 1, students will continue working with multiplication through the study of volume.

6th Grade Math

Students are working on Unit 7: Rational Numbers, which focuses on negative numbers and absolute value. Students will interpret rational numbers and their absolute values and use both vertical and horizontal number lines to represent positive and negative values. They will compare rational numbers using inequality symbols and explore real-world situations in which negative numbers are used, such as temperature, elevation, and money.

Sixth Grade Writing

In sixth grade writing, students are working on a science fiction unit. As part of this unit, students are reading and analyzing stories by Ray Bradbury, including “A Sound of Thunder” and “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Students will also watch and analyze episodes of The Twilight Zone, including “To Serve Man” and “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?”

Students will complete a project based on “To Serve Man,” in which they may develop a sequel to the episode or create stories or social media profiles from the perspectives of the Kanamits (the antagonists in the story). To conclude the unit, students are working on their own original narrative science fiction stories.

Seventh Grade Writing

In seventh grade writing, students have been focusing on rhetorical devices and argument writing. Students completed a project showcasing the use of logos, pathos, or ethos in advertisements or other forms of media. They also practiced their argument writing and debate skills by discussing the “cringiest” gift to give or receive.

Next, students will analyze a variety of texts to craft an argument in response to a prompt suggesting that energy drinks be banned for anyone under the age of 16.

Eighth Grade Writing

In eighth grade writing, students are completing a digital research presentation focused on a decade of their choice from the 1900s. They are creating a timeline of important events from each year of their chosen decade, along with information about prominent figures, fashion trends, common professions, and wages or salaries from that time period.

Following their presentations, students will explore the historical fiction genre and craft their own narrative pieces.

We have loved working in classrooms from Pre-K through 7th grade, teaching lessons about agriculture, forestry, botany, soils, and environmental science. We have lots of fun lessons planned for the spring and have had a wonderful start to the school year.

Pre-K – Mr. G

Our Pre-K students crafted two bird feeders during our December lessons. The first was a simple staghorn sumac cluster, followed a week later by a pinecone birdseed feeder. We also learned about the birds we may see during the winter months. We will continue to discuss common birds, along with some of the mammals students may encounter during the snowy season.

Kindergarten – Ms. Greta

Kindergarten students wrapped up a December unit on Winter Animals and Adaptations. We learned about animals found in New Hampshire and how they survive winter conditions using three strategies: hibernation, migration, or adaptation. Students created a holiday ornament of a snowshoe hare—an animal found in New Hampshire that adapts by changing its fur color to blend into the snow.

In January, we will begin learning about animal tracks and plan to spend a good amount of time outside. Please make sure students come prepared for winter exploration!

Grade 1 – Mr. G

First graders spent their lessons learning about common evergreen trees in our area. We visited red pines, hemlocks, and white pines located around the primary school. One lesson focused on Christmas trees, where students examined cuttings for identification. Students also used pine needles to paint their own Christmas tree ornaments.

Grade 2 – Mr. G

Second graders wrapped up lessons on turkeys that began prior to Thanksgiving. Students learned about the parts of a turkey and used acorns collected from oak trees to create turkey crafts. I also joined some second graders and Mrs. Z during Santa’s Workshop, where we made 3-D Christmas trees. Our next unit will focus on birds of prey that soar around Walpole.

Grade 3 – Mr. G and Ms. Greta

Third graders learned about evergreen trees using cuttings from red pine, white pine, blue spruce, and others. Students created crayon rubbings for each tree variety and labeled their work. We also joined third grade during Santa’s Workshop to create 3-D trees. In the new year, we hope to begin learning about the Connecticut River Valley and the many critters that live in and around it.

Grade 4 – Mr. G

Fourth graders went on a chilly adventure to Brookfield Farm, where we met Chris Gowdy and learned about his organic dairy farm. Students toured the milking parlor and milk room, then headed outside to see manure piles and the machinery used for nutrient management. They observed the cows, heifers, and bulls that make up the Gowdy herd and even checked on Dram, the Jersey cow who visited the school earlier in the fall.

Grade 5 – Ms. Greta

Fifth graders wrapped up December learning about true hibernators before diving into a unit on bears—which are not true hibernators! Students learned about the eight bear species found worldwide, with a focus on the three found in North America and especially the North American black bear found in New Hampshire.

Students created phenology wheels showing bear behavior and food sources throughout the year, learned about the bear life cycle, and discovered fun bear facts. To finish the month, students created ornaments representing our final two units—owls and bears. In January, we will focus on winter birds and plan to take bird walks around the school. Please ensure students are prepared for outdoor bird exploration.

Grade 6 – Ms. Greta

Sixth graders wrapped up a long botany unit that began at the start of the school year. Throughout the unit, students studied flowering plants, cone-bearing plants, and trees, including hands-on tree identification in the schoolyard. To conclude the unit, students created leaf-print holiday cards and holiday swags to take home before break.

In January, we will begin an Earth Science unit on rocks before transitioning into wetlands and ponds in the spring.

Grade 7 – Mr. G

Seventh graders have been learning about glaciers as winter set in. We even built a small model glacier in the middle school garden to observe how glacial ablation changes landscapes. Students used geospatial data from NH GRANIT, the state’s GIS clearinghouse, to explore how glaciers shaped our valley.

Before vacation, students made evergreen door swags using a variety of cuttings. We will begin the new year with a short lesson on stone walls and use geospatial data to explore the many miles of stone walls scattered throughout our area.

My name is Katie Hattie and I am going to be the new student teacher at Walpole schools for the spring semester. I am a senior majoring in Physical Education Teacher Licensure Program K-12 at Keene State College. Physical fitness has always been an important part of my life. I have discovered how important exercise and activity is for a healthy and happy life and it is my desire for students to learn that as well.

I enjoy playing sports and have experience in soccer, track, dance, and gymnastics. I have continued my soccer career at the collegiate level and played at Keene State College for the last four seasons. Being physically active has enhanced my life in a myriad of ways and I want to teach children that exercising can be not only important, but enjoyable. Beyond academics, I have experience in leading summer camps and will be working at the YMCA in Keene for an after school program this semester. I am very excited to apply what I have already learned, along with educating myself more through the semester.

I am very excited to be joining such a supportive school community. I have already been impressed by the energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitudes of the students. I am looking forward to building strong relationships with them and supporting their growth both in and out of the gym.

Sincerely,

Katie Hattie

Welcome, Winter!

As I write this, we are really feeling the snowy, wintry weather—having just come in from a two-hour delay. 😉 The most exciting thing for me about officially being in winter is that we are now on the other side of the shortest days of the year, and our daylight hours are gradually getting longer. That means more riding time and, eventually, spring and summer horse shows! In the meantime, Eloise, Beatrice, and Matilda are loving their time playing in the snow.

SEL Classes This Month

5th Grade

Fifth grade continues working with the Second Step program and has begun the final unit on Problem-Solving Steps. Be sure to ask your student about the STEP song!

6th & 7th Grade

Sixth and seventh graders are participating in the CharacterStrong program, which includes lots of fun games and interactive activities. For more information, visit: https://characterstrong.com/

8th Grade

Eighth grade students are now learning about the transition to high school. Lessons focus on goal setting, what to expect in high school, and specific information about Fall Mountain. While not all students will attend Fall Mountain, we want everyone to be familiar with the process—just in case—including course selection at FMRHS.

Important Dates for 8th Grade Families

• January 28 @ 6:30 PM – Online 8th Grade Scheduling Presentation

• February 4 – WES 8th Graders Tour FMRHS

• February 6 – JROTC Presentation to 8th Graders at WES

• February 17 – 8th Graders Meet with High School Counselors for Scheduling

More information about these events will be coming home soon!

Stay warm and enjoy the snow! ❄️

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful holiday break. We are excited to begin the new year with MCVP taking over my SEL classes. We will be welcoming back Ms. Gianna and Ms. Rachel, educators from MCVP, who will be teaching our students about healthy relationships, emotions, and body boundaries.

While Ms. Gianna and Ms. Rachel lead the classes, I will be supervising each session and preparing for the New Hampshire Statewide Assessment, which will take place in April. There is a great deal that goes into preparation for each testing season, including training staff to serve as proctors, reviewing any updates or changes to testing protocols, assembling proctor folders, meeting with special educators to determine testing accommodations, reporting those accommodations to the New Hampshire Department of Education, obtaining staff signatures for testing confidentiality agreements, completing paperwork for waivers or emergency exemptions, planning testing spaces within the building, and notifying staff of any schedule changes. Parents of third- and fourth-grade students will receive a letter later this year with information about testing dates and procedures.

Believe it or not, it’s already time to start thinking about summer camp registrations! If you are interested in enrolling your child in an outdoor camp experience, you may be eligible for scholarships through our Outdoor Education Committee. To be considered, parents must provide proof of registration that includes the week(s) of camp, the cost of the camp, and the camp location or type. Some camps that have been approved in the past include Stonewall Farm, YMCA Camp Wakonda, and YMCA Meeting Waters. Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like more information or have any questions.