School Committee Meeting 2/27/2025

Congratulations to Junior William F. on being awarded a scholarship by the National Spanish Exam to learn and volunteer in Costa Rica this summer! Laura Kaye, Foreign Language Department Chair, presented this recognition, highlighting the valuable opportunities made possible through the exam. Walpole Public Schools has proudly administered the National Spanish Exam for over 20 years, and the Foreign Language Department appreciates the continued support that allows students to access these incredible experiences. Well done, William!

Favor N., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:

• Academics & Future Planning: WHS students are exploring local and state scholarship opportunities as they plan for the future. Underclassmen have begun selecting their courses for the 2025-2026 school year, and the Class of 2026 can now sign up for SAT testing. Additionally, internship opportunities are available for students interested in medical careers through the Junior Laboratory Ambassadors Program, as well as for juniors interested in accounting professions.
• Athletics: Winter sports teams have entered the playoff season, with the boy's hockey team playing tonight and girls basketball competing tomorrow. We look forward to strong performances and the potential for championship titles.
• Clubs & Activities: The Drama Club is performing Power Line: The Story of Me, Mario, and Your Mom tonight and tomorrow. The Speech & Debate team has three national qualifiers or alternates and is preparing to host the state tournament. The Robotics Club recently attended a practice tournament in New Hampshire and is now preparing for regionals with hopes of qualifying for worlds. Tri-M is finalizing plans for Music in Our Schools Month, which may include themed spirit days. UNICEF Club is preparing for its Egg My Yard fundraiser and will focus on climate change awareness next month, providing resources for those interested in taking action.
• Music Department: The annual Spring Concert will take place on Wednesday, March 19th, at 7:00 PM in the WHS auditorium, featuring performances from the Concert Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Concert Chorus. Additionally, a memorial concert in honor of former WHS music educator Mr. Michael Falker will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, from 1:00-3:00 PM, with donations supporting the Mr. Falker Scholarships.
• Term Three is in full swing, with students staying busy and engaged in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities as they work toward the end of the school year.

1. Out of State Field Trips - The School Committee voted to approve three out of state field trips. WHS Robotics club - University of RI, March 13, 2025. WHS RoboticsTeam - Houston, Texas, April 15, 2025 - April 20, 2025. WHS National Honor Society - Rhode Island School of Design Art Museum, March 22, 2025.

2. Foreign Language Update - Laura Kay, World Language Department Chair at Walpole High School, delivered a Foreign Language curriculum update. In addition, Ms. Kay congratulated Will F. who was the recipient of the Seal of Biliteracy. The full report can be viewed here at time marker 19:44

3. WHS Competency Determination - In November 2024, Massachusetts voters approved Ballot Question 2, which removed the requirement for students to pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to graduate. However, students are still required to complete coursework that meets state standards. This requirement is known as the Competency Determination (CD).

According to guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), students must fulfill two key requirements to graduate:

1. Meet all local graduation requirements established by the district.

2. Satisfy the Competency Determination (CD) through a locally developed process that ensures students demonstrate mastery of core academic skills.

At a minimum, the CD must require students to show proficiency in 10th-grade English, Mathematics (including Algebra I and Geometry), and Science (Biology, Physics, or Technology and Engineering), as defined by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

In alignment with these new requirements, Dr. Hahn presented a proposed policy for the Walpole High School Competency Determination to the School Committee for a first read. This proposal will help ensure that Walpole students continue to meet rigorous academic standards while adapting to the updated graduation criteria.

We will keep the community informed as this policy moves forward for approval.

4. School Committee voted to Ratify the Memorandum of Agreement between the Walpole School Committee and AFSCME Council 93, Local 1957, Custodial and Maintenance (Union)

Dr. Gough reported the following:

• March promises to be a busy month with a multitude of school events, including winter sports playoffs, school plays, concerts, the middle school tenacity challenge, elementary conferences, and the commencement of spring sports. For detailed information, please consult the principals' enotes and district calendars. Additionally, MCAS dates are included in these resources. March 8th is an early release day. If the weather holds, the last day of school is Friday, June 13th.

• On Thursday, February 13th, the Legislative Breakfast was held at WMS. Several students from the WHS Superintendent cabinet delivered an excellent presentation that showcased their experiences and perspectives. It was a wonderful morning of collaboration and advocacy for our schools.

• Dr. Gough highlighted an article from The Searchlight, WHS’s newspaper, which featured members of the WHS Student Superintendent Cabinet and their efforts to revive the Green Team. She expressed pride in their accomplishments and looks forward to seeing their continued impact. The article can be viewed HERE.

• For the class of 2029 (current 8th graders) - 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 15, 2025. Students should contact their current technology teacher or Mr. Braccini at jbraccini@walpole.k12.ma.us with any questions.

• Thursday, March 8th @ 6:15 pm: 8th Grade Curriculum Night at WHS. This event will offer an overview of the scheduling process, a curriculum review by department chairs (who will also be available to meet with families and address individual questions). Additionally, there will be a presentation of specific information related to special education at 6:00 pm in the Library/Media Center.

• The WHS Winter Play, Power Line, will be performed tonight and tomorrow at 7:00 PM. In addition, the play will be featured in the preliminary round of the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild Drama Festival, with a competition performance on Saturday, March 1st, at 12:15 PM at Norwood High School. Dr. Gough wished the cast and crew the best of luck—break a leg!

• The M.A.S.S. Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for tomorrow morning with 49 districts and collaboratives participating. School Committee members are invited to attend. This event will provide an opportunity to discuss key priorities and challenges within schools, allowing superintendents to share these concerns directly with legislators for a clearer understanding of their impact on districts.

1. Budget Update -Mr. Buckley gave a budget update. He explained that after a number of productive conversations, spearheaded by Mrs. Gallivan and Ms. Denitzio, the leadership of the Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee meet earlier in the week and came to an agreement to allocate an additional $650,000 to the school budget at the Fall Annual Town Meeting.

This allocation of funds would cut the school budget deficit in half. Mr. Buckley outlined the many factors that contribute to the schools final revenue and budget number, including the possibility of receiving extraordinary Special Education Circuit Breaker State Aid in April and Chapter 70 Education Aid numbers in April and May from the State's budget process. He also noted the very productive and respectful negotiations ongoing with the Walpole Teachers Union which will have an effect on the budget number as well. The next budget meeting will be with the Walpole Finance Committee on Monday.

2. Middle School Building Project - Field work is expected to begin in late March and be completed in July. 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 - This week crews continued with footings and foundation walls for the new fieldhouse along with completing the re-routing of the sewer line. Information about the project can be found WHS Renovation Project webpage