WHS eNotes

Dear students, staff, and parents/guardians:

You may have seen the recent article “Something Big Is Happening” by Matt Shumer which has sparked nationwide conversations about the rapidly changing world of work. In it, the author describes how advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are accelerating so quickly that many jobs, even ones that once seemed secure, may be transformed in the very near future. His central idea is that this technological shift is not far off or theoretical - it’s already underway and will shape how we live and work over the next few years.

As principal, I want to affirm that our core mission remains the same: to prepare every student to be a successful, productive citizen who is ready for their future. Part of that preparation is recognizing that the landscape of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. AI tools are already capable of performing many complex tasks and will continue to change how people contribute in nearly every field.

Rather than fearing change, we believe in empowering our students with the skills to adapt, innovate, and thrive in environments where lifelong learning, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration matter more than ever. It is our responsibility to ensure that our graduates are not only strong in core academic knowledge but also ready to understand and engage with emerging technologies.

We will continue to integrate relevant learning opportunities that help students build real-world skills, including those needed to understand and work alongside intelligent technologies. Together with our dedicated staff and supportive families, we will prepare our students not just for the jobs of today, but also for the opportunities of tomorrow. I encourage everyone to read through the article linked above.

Have a wonderful February vacation! We look forward to welcoming all students back to school rested and rejuvenated on Monday, February 23.

Sincerely,

Stephen Imbusch

Principal

Attention junior students and families:

If you are registered for the March 14 SAT @ WHS, we're about a month away. Please see attached for some free resources to help you get ready for the exam.
If you are not yet registered and you would like to, log in to your College Board account to save your seat and register today. The regular registration deadline is Friday 2/27.

If it's easier to work with a link than a PDF, here's the link

Learn about WHS course selection at the next PAC meeting - Wed, Feb 25th, 7:00pm - WHS Media

Guidance Counselor Lisa Vigneau will provide insight into the WHS curriculum for each grade and the course selection process. Please join us to learn about:

• Academic requirements

• Course levels, prerequisites, teacher placements, and waivers

• Electives offered to all students

All parents/guardians are encouraged to attend to get a better understanding of how you can support your students during course selection. We look forward to seeing you for this engaging and informative session.

2026 PROM INFORMATION:

The Walpole High School Prom will be on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Gillette Stadium Route 1 Foxboro from 6 pm - 10:00 pm. Mandatory attendance until 9:30 pm.

Tickets will be on sale starting Monday, February 23rd until Friday, March 6th. Students must fill out the prom info form PRIOR to purchasing their tickets. The ticket price is $100 each.

If students are bringing a guest to the prom who DOES NOT go to Walpole High School, you must fill out a guest permission slip form. The guest permission slips are in the main office, in the cafe during lunch sales, or in the prom info form. The guest permission slip must be filled out completely with all required signatures and returned, along with a photocopy of the guest’s I.D. showing date of birth, to your assistant principal for approval or your guest will not be admitted to the prom. Guest Permission Slips will be due by Friday, March 13th.

We will also be accepting prom table requests during all lunches.

Please get a table form during lunch from the prom committee. Fill out and return by Friday, March 6th.

You may write up to ten names on the table form. If you wish to sit next to another friend's table, please write that person's name at the bottom of your table request form. Only one student per group needs to pass in a table request.

If you have any questions about prom, please contact Ms. Allison at: sallison@walpole.k12.ma.us

James Erker and Fiona Murphy XC/Track & Field Scholarships

Applications for the 2026 James Erker and Fiona Murphy XC/Track & Field Scholarships will be available beginning Friday, February 13. Any senior who participated in XC, Winter Track & Field, or Spring Track & Field during their high school career is eligible to apply.

Seven ($500) scholarships will be awarded at graduation to seniors who have exemplified excellence in dedication, leadership, team spirit, sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect. Scholarship applications are available in the guidance office or can be accessed via the Boosters website link below. The deadline for completed applications is Friday, March 27. If you have any questions, please contact the scholarship coordinator at whs.track.scholarships@gmail.com.

https://sites.google.com/site/walpolexctrackboosters/scholarship

Attention Seniors: The following scholarships are now available.

The Larry Rooney Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Mass Broadcasters Association

Big Y Foods, Inc. Scholarship

Bright Bridge Credit Union

Student-View Scholarship Program

Please check the scholarship google sheet found in your SCOIR drive for the details.

This is a great opportunity for students graduating this year as they head off to college or other independent opportunities (or juniors who will be the following year). This program will give young women more confidence, teach serious self defense skills and your parents will find comfort in knowing you can defend yourself (kick butt) through various situations.

The dates are Mondays: March 23, 30, April 6 & 13
The times are: 4:30pm to 7:30pm

Register through Walpole Rec Dept

Fee: $25 resident / $30 non-resident

Maximum 25 participants

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. R.A.D. is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training.

The program runs in four (4) three-hour classes taught by our certified R.A.D. Instructors, all Walpole Police Officers, and will be closed to those not enrolled. The program is held here in town, in a private classroom environment.

Attention Walpole community! WHS is holding a Career Day for students on the morning of Friday, March 13th. If you or someone you know would be interested in speaking to students about your career, please fill out this form.

If you have any questions please reach out to James Connolly (jconnolly@walpole.k12.ma.us)

Thursday, March 12th @ 6:30pm

Innovation Pathways Info Night (virtual):

Monday, March 16th @ 6:30pm

The team is extremely excited to share our results from the National Catholic Forensic League qualifiers this past Saturday 2/7.

The Photography Club will meet again after February break on March 5, 2026. The theme will be vacation photos. Whether you are lucky enough to get to the warm weather and the islands, heading to ski in the mountains, or staying home in this cold weather and possibly the snow we'd love to see some amazing pictures of your vacation you'd love to share with the group. We hope you have a wonderful vacation and take lots of pictures!

If you would like more information contact jdagostino@walpole.k12.ma.us

Follow our instagram to see the pictures from the club: @photography_whs123

Timber Talk for the Winter Season!

Check out the latest episode right here:

https://youtu.be/7TQogxMWSAU

YouTube channel:

WHS Timber TV - YouTube

FamilyID is open for spring sports registration. It will close on Friday, March 13th, at 3:00pm and will not reopen until Monday night after the first day of practices.

A reminder that physicals must be dated within the last 13 months. Please turn in an updated copy to the Athletic Office or the Main office.

Baseline ImPACT Testing will be administered at WHS before the spring tryouts. The dates for ImPACT Testing will be March 2nd - 5th from 2:05pm - 3:30pm in the Media Center.

Physical forms, proof of completion of the concussion course, baseline ImPACT testing, and registration must be completed before a student can attend practices. Please turn this into the main or Athletic Offices.

Athletic fees are due for all sports before receiving a uniform. You can pay online or by check. Please wait until after tryouts before paying if you are trying out for a cut sport.

Fee Schedule:

Spring Athletic Fees - $275 for all sports.

The Athletic website is located on the High School homepage. On this page, you will find forms, registration instructions, online payments, Twitter information, coaches' contact information, and an athletic calendar with the daily game schedules.

David St. Martin

Athletic Director

Walpole Timberwolves apparel check out the link below.

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/massachusetts/walpole/walpole-high-school

For a list of upcoming events please click on the following link: https://sites.google.com/a/walpole.k12.ma.us/athletics/

Email: dstmartin@walpole.k12.ma.us

Phone: 508-660-7257
Twitter: @WalpolehighADSM

Email: simbusch@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.walpole.k12.ma.us/o/whs
Location: 275 Common Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 660-7257
Twitter: @WalpoleHS

Instagram: @WalpoleHighSchool