WPS Superintendent Updates
Heads Up: Planning Ahead for World Cup Match Days
As a reminder, Foxborough will be hosting World Cup soccer matches this spring and summer. Two of these matches will take place during the school day on March 26 and June 16. As a result, increased regional traffic is expected to coincide with dismissal times. WPS is actively coordinating with the Walpole Police Department to increase presence during dismissal procedures, along bus transportation routes, and in areas of student travel to maintain safety and minimize disruption. Families should anticipate that dismissal on these days may not follow our typical routines, and delays are possible. We kindly ask families to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and be patient as we navigate heavier-than-usual traffic. We appreciate your flexibility and support in helping make these days run as smoothly and safely as possible.
MCAS Testing: Empowering Student Success
As we approach the spring season, we want to highlight the significance of the upcoming Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests for our students. These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating both individual student progress and the overall effectiveness of our educational programs. Participation in the MCAS is required by both federal and state laws and the results impact our district’s DESE accountability rating.
Why MCAS Matters:
Student Competency: MCAS serves as a key indicator of your child's understanding of the curriculum, helping to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
School Accountability: The results contribute to our district and school's accountability system, guiding enhancements in teaching strategies and resource allocation to better serve our students.
Student Opportunity: MCAS results are still used as a benchmark to qualify for state awards (i.e. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship & Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award) and the State Seal of Biliteracy.
Your Support is Vital: We encourage you to support your child(ren) to approach the MCAS with confidence and dedication. Here are some ways you can support them:
Promote a Positive Attitude: Encourage your child to view the assessment as an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills.
Ensure Rest and Nutrition: A good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast can significantly impact test performance.
Together, we can empower our students to excel in the MCAS assessments and continue their educational journey with confidence. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school principal.
Shining a Spotlight on Student Success
We are excited to introduce our new School Department digital display, located on the second floor of Town Hall. This display highlights school events and celebrates School Committee recognitions.
Recognitions will be featured beginning the day after the meeting at which they are announced and will remain on display until the next School Committee recognition, typically about two weeks. We invite members of our community to stop by, view the display, and join us in celebrating the outstanding accomplishments across our schools.
Spring Break Adventure: April Vacation Camp Registration Now Open
The Extended Day Program is offering an April Vacation Camp for the upcoming school break on Tuesday, April 21, through Thursday, April 23. The Camp will take place at Boyden Elementary School and is open to all Walpole students in grades K - 5. To register, please complete the online registration form by April 11.
New This Summer: Extended Day Pilot Program
Extended Day will be running its Summer Program for incoming students in grades 1 - 6, and registration is now open. The camp will run for 4 weeks at Fisher Elementary School.
Families may register for individual weeks or select all four weeks at a discounted rate. Morning and afternoon Extended Day options will also be available for families enrolled in the camp.
Click HERE to access Summer Camp information. Click HERE to register for the 2026 Summer Camp. You may also reach out to Dan Santangelo (dsantangelo@walpole.k12.ma.us) or Evan Storlazzi (estorlazzi@walpole.k12.ma.us) with any questions.
2025-2026 Massachusetts Scholastic Art Awards
The Scholastic Art Awards are the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. This is a remarkable achievement for our students, whose work was recognized by a panel of professionals as the most outstanding work submitted among their peers. Several WPS students were awarded Gold, Silver, or Honorable Mention awards Gold Key artwork is currently being reviewed at the national level, and national medalists will be selected at the end of the month. To view their artwork, click HERE.
The K-12 District Art Show’s opening reception will be held at the Walpole Public Library on May 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm, where several of our award-winning artists will be featured.
Encore! Our Musicians Earn Festival Honors
WMS and WHS are pleased to have a number of talented musicians representing our music department at various festivals this spring. These students were selected through a competitive audition process and will perform alongside other top student musicians from across the region and state. Their dedication, preparation, and musical excellence are a reflection of both their hard work and the strength of our music program. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations to these talented musicians on this well-deserved recognition
Reminder 8th Graders: WHS STEM Academy Applications
Walpole High School is currently accepting applications for the STEM Academy Class of 2029. All information, including the online application, can be found by visiting WHS STEM Academy. The deadline to apply is May 16, 2025. Students should contact their current technology teacher or Mr. Braccini (Unified Arts Department Chair) at jbraccini@walpole.k12.ma.us with any questions.
The Best News in Town? Newsies Jr. at Walpole Middle School!
Get ready to Seize the Day! Newsies Jr. tells the story of young newspaper sellers who unite to stand up against powerful publishers who are raising prices at their expense. Led by the charismatic Jack Kelly, the newsies rally together, discovering the strength of solidarity as they fight for fairness and justice.
Tickets for Newsies Jr. are on sale now and can be accessed using this link: Tickets for Newsies. Join us for an exciting performance on Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27 at 7:00 pm as our talented students bring this high-energy musical to life. Tickets are just $10 - don’t miss your chance to support our performers and enjoy a fantastic night of theater!
Kindergarten Registration Reminder
We still have families on the census who have not yet enrolled in Kindergarten. These numbers are essential for planning the 2026-2027 school year
To pre-register a kindergarten age-qualified* child, a parent or legal guardian must complete the online registration form (scroll down to kindergarten pre-registration).
If you are unable to drop off documents at your neighborhood school during the day, the Superintendents’ Office (135 School Street, Room 204) is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Tuesday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM and Friday 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
*Kindergarten age-qualified children are those who turn five (5) years old before September 1 of the school year for which they are pre-registering.
To find out more about registration, click here.
Walpole High School Project Information
Work continues to progress on the WHS renovation project. The team is currently completing the punch list for the Field House while construction moves forward in the music and multipurpose areas. The Permanent Building Committee recently voted to approve the FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) package for the music/multipurpose and counseling areas, as well as the technology for the new music lab. The project remains on time and on budget with a estimated project completion in August 2026. We are excited to see these enhancements take shape and appreciate your patience and support throughout the process.
For detailed information about the project, including FAQs and interior floorplans (some featuring QR codes for 3D interior modeling), please visit our project website.
Virtual Backpack
As a reminder, the Walpole Public Schools website has a link called the Virtual Backpack which is a great place to look for postings about community events and programs. Please visit the link above often to see what is currently happening in our community.
Free and Reduced Meal Applications
While school meals are free for all students this year, it is very important for families to still complete the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2024-2025 school year. Completing this form may entitle your child to other benefits such as waived or reduced fees for bus transportation, college applications, SATS, or other community programs. The application can be found here. Questions can be directed to Maria Hall, Food Services Director at mhall@walpole.k12.ma.us or calling 774-315-5640.
Additionally, families may consider applying for SNAP, the federal nutrition program that provides eligible residents with monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries. More SNAP information can be found here or by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.