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Vanya S., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:

• Happy Fall! We’re well into the first term, and progress reports were released this week.
• On Friday, October 10, all WHS sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT during the school day. Freshmen will participate in a Career Fair, team-building activities, and hear from a guest speaker, while seniors are encouraged to focus on post-secondary planning, including college visits or applications. Recent visits have included representatives from the University of Vermont, UMass Amherst, UMASS Boston, and Suffolk University.
• The Speech and Debate Team had an excellent showing at the Yale Invitational in September, with 13 students competing. Aaron A. and Swara S. reached the semi-finals, finishing 8th overall, and Vanya S. advanced to the Octofinals.
• WHS has launched its first HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter, offering students opportunities to explore healthcare careers and develop leadership skills. Another new club, Girl Up, connects students to a global UN initiative promoting gender equality and empowerment.
• Finally, the Best Buddies Club will host its annual Halloween dance later this month — a fun and inclusive way to celebrate the season!

1. ELE Update - Jill Kimball, ELE Coordinator, presented an informative update of our English Language Education for Multilingual Learners program. She also reminded the community about the upcoming MLPAC Family Meet and Greet Dinner being held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Walpole Middle School Cafeteria from 5:30-6:30pm. Her full presenttion can be seen here:(6:25)

2. Vote on Town Meeting Articles - Fall Town Meeting Article 2 requests a FY ’26 adjustment for items including Medicaid reimbursements, McKinney Vento funds and student parking receipts. As part of the annual budget process every year, the School Department estimates the reimbursement of Medicaid, McKinney Vento, and parking fee amounts based on the current year’s expenses and reduces their appropriated budget request for the following fiscal year by that amount. Article 5 requests the town appropriate available funds to implement a Capital Improvement Program to improve or modify capital equipment and physical infrastructure including municipal buildings, facilities, parking lots, fields and other properties. The School Committee voted to approve these Articles.

3. Grants Update - Mr. Friscia provided a FY ’26 grants update and included types, amounts and descriptions of all grants.

4. Superintendent Goals - Dr. Gough reveiwed her 2025-2027 goals which included student learning, district, and professional practice. These goals are aligned with the Distict's Strategic Plan. The School Committee voted to approve the Superintendent's Goals.

5. Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy (CTE) - Dr. Hahn presented the policy to the School Committee for approval. In accordance with 603 CMR 4.00, Walpole Public Schools maintains this policy to ensure that all middle school students are made aware of, and gain exposure to, career technical education (CTE) schools and programs available to them. This policy affirms the district's commitment to equitable access to information, exploration opportunities, and postsecondary planning resources. The School Committee voted to approved the policy.

• October 1 enrollments were distributed. The total WPS enrollment is 3,646. Enrollment numbers will be updated as students register.

• Dr. Gough provided an update on the work of the Leadership Council related to the District Plan, which included spending the summer refining the WPS District Plan through the Planning for Success process. The team analyzed progress, identified key themes, and developed strategies and action steps to advance district goals. They also created action plans outlining benchmarks and early indicators of success to help monitor progress and measure impact.

• Dr. Gough provided the School Committee with the WPS School Improvement Plan, which is consolidated into one document to ensure consistency in expectations and formatting across all schools. She thanked the educators, parents, principals, and community members who serve on School Councils and contribute to these plans.

• The WHS Student Superintendent Cabinet has been formed. The first meeting is on October 22nd. Dr. Gough is excited to collaborate with these students as they voice their ideas, work to improve our schools and district, and develop their leadership capacity.

• Student MCAS performance reports were delivered to the district. The reports will be mailed out this month.
• The Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship applications are due October 31st. The application can be found on the District Website or at the Superintendent's Office. Awards shall be distributed to undergraduates at four-year accredited colleges. To be eligible for these scholarships, the student must be a graduate of Walpole High School.
• National Principals Month: October is National Principals month. This is a time for us to celebrate and honor our principals for their leadership and dedication to the students and school communities they serve.
• Reminder: Town Meeting is Monday, October 20th.
• Please be reminded that tomorrow, October 10th is an early release day. There is no school on Monday, October13th, School and district offices will be closed.

High School Project: Dr. Gough stated that the field house and green house exteriors are on schedule. The field house and gymnasium interiors are also on schedule. The green house structure is complete and waiting on the glass to be installed. Crews have started the prep work for sidewalks, stairs and lighting. Overall, the project is on time and on budget. All community members are encouraged to visit the WHS project webpage by clicking here.