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The Mock Trial Team received well-deserved recognition for their successful competitions during this school year. Mock Trial involves three individual trials where students compete against other high schools, presenting arguments for hypothetical cases in a courtroom setting. This competition not only deepens their understanding of laws, court procedures, and the legal system but also sharpens their analytical, listening, and speaking skills. Walpole High School achieved an impressive third place in their division. In the recent competition against Nobles at Wrentham District Court, the team not only secured high marks but also garnered praise from the presiding Judge.

Additionally, acknowledgment goes to six Walpole High School students who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy, an award recognizing proficiency in two or more languages before high school graduation.

Walpole takes great pride in recognizing and celebrating the dedication and commitment to excellence exhibited by these students.

Colin M., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:

• The crews for the Film Festival began shooting their movies over the February break and are hopeful for a strong turnout at the Film Festival in May.
• Best Buddies has a meeting scheduled for next Monday, March 4th. The week before the break, Best Buddies organized a board game day, featuring a variety of games.
• The Boys track team emerged victorious, securing the Division 3 state championship with an impressive total of 48 points.
• Winter sports are gearing up, with boys' and girls' hockey kicking off tournament games yesterday.
• The Humane Society is currently collecting donations for local shelters. A donation box will be placed in the front lobby of the high school. They are seeking items such as towels, paper towels, unopened dog/cat food, gently used collars and leashes, gently used toys, dog beds, sanitizing wipes, and other pet supplies.
• The Photography Club held a meeting today, showcasing pictures taken during the February break.
• Seniors, if you have additional candid photos from your childhood for the yearbook, please submit them as soon as possible! Photos can be uploaded to https://images.jostens.com/0u3nAkgOHQWoXDlbRureFKw
• Congratulations to Izzy Adams for scoring her 1,000th point at the tournament basketball game last night vs. Archbishop Williams High School!

1. Out of State Field Trips - The School Committee voted to approve two out-of-state field trips for the Old Post Road School Hot Hoppers Jump Rope Team to competitions in New Hampshire on March 9, 2024 and June 1, 2024.

2. Foreign Language Update - Laura Kay, World Language Department Chair at Walpole High School, delivered a Foreign Language curriculum update. The full report can be viewed here at time marker 16:12.

3. Student Opportunity Act - Dr. Gough provided the School Committee with an update regarding the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) which DESE enacted in 2019. An aspect of the SOA is the Student Opportunity Plan, a legislative requirement mandating districts to develop a 3-year plan, regardless of the of the increase in Chapter 70 funding received. This plan supports the implementation of strategies and resources to close gaps for identified targeted student groups.

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.

• For the class of 2028 (current 8th graders) - Walpole High School is currently accepting applications for the STEM Academy Class of 2028. All information including the online application can be found by visiting WHS STEM Academy. The deadline to apply is May 17, 2024. Students should contact their current technology teacher or Mr. Braccini at jbraccini@walpole.k12.ma.us with any questions.

• The Student Superintendent Cabinet took place yesterday afternoon. A special thanks to JMS Counselor Sarah Scales for leading the first session of training on the newly updated Bullying and Cyberbullying Training. In two weeks, the group will engage in the second half of the session. The goal is to reinforce the understanding that we are all integral parts of a community, thus sharing in the responsibility for what transpires within that community. The focus for session two will be on learning how to be effective responders.

• WHS Planning for Success representatives Sarah Mukkuzhi and Dillon O’Connell led grade 5 student council leaders from all four elementary schools in the Envisioning the Future protocol. Our high school student leaders will synthesize the work from the session and present it to the larger Strategic Planning group next week.

• Thursday, March 7th @ 7:00 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 6:30 pm in the Library/Media Center.

• Next week, Dr. Hahn and Dr. Gough will be guest readers at Daniel Feeney Preschool.

1. Budget Update - Dr. Gough and Chairperson Denitzio provided an update regarding the Walpole Public Schools FY25 budget outlook. Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on March 25 to vote on town budgets.

2. Middle School Building Project - The Middle School Building Project is still on-time, on-budget and moving along very well. Recent 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 - Mrs. Syrek provided an update on the high school project. She indicated a meeting was held recently and design development options and potential phases of the project were reviewed.