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WPS Superintendent Updates

WPS Superintendent Updates
WPS SuperintendentUpdates

A Message from Dr. Gough

September 12, 2025


Dear WPS Community,


As the crisp days of early September arrive, it has been a joy to see our classrooms come alive with energy, curiosity, and the excitement of a new school year. Thank you to our incredible staff for their dedication and hard work in preparing a smooth and successful opening. We have enjoyed our early visits to schools, connecting with students, families, and staff.


Student Handbooks are now posted on the district website. We encourage families to review the Student and Parent Handbook with their child, and to reach out to their principal with any questions. Familiarity with these guidelines helps ensure a successful school year, keeping our schools safe, healthy, and focused on teaching and learning.


Please check your individual school site for upcoming events. As a reminder, September 19th is an early release day.


Bridget A. Gough, Ed.D.

Superintendent

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Back to School/Curriculum Nights

Our Back to School Nights are a wonderful opportunity for you to get a first hand glimpse into your child's educational journey. These are informative sessions designed to bridge the gap between home and school. This is your chance to meet your child's teachers, gain insights into classroom routines, curriculum plans, and discover how you can actively support your child's learning experience.


A few reasons to attend:

  1. Meet the Educators: Connect with your child's teachers and learn about their teaching philosophies, goals, and the classroom environment. Establishing this personal connection sets the foundation for a strong partnership throughout the school year.

  2. Curriculum Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the subjects and topics your child will be exploring. Teachers will outline the curriculum and provide insights into how you can reinforce learning at home.

  3. Classroom Dynamics: Get a feel for the classroom atmosphere and routines. Understand daily schedules, expectations, and communication channels, ensuring a smooth and supportive learning experience for your child.

  4. Ask Questions: This is the perfect space to ask questions, seek clarifications, and address any concerns you might have. Open communication between parents and educators is crucial for your child's academic success.

  5. Community Building: Back-to-School Nights provide an opportunity to connect with other families in your child's class. Building a supportive network can enrich your family's school experience.

Back To School Night Dates

Daniel Feeney Preschool: Sept. 17

Boyden: Sept. 16

Elm: Sept. 25

Fisher: Sept. 10

Old Post Road: Sept.18

Walpole High School: Sept. 18

Walpole Middle School

Grades 6: Sept. 29

Grades 7 & 8: Sept. 30

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Thank You WMS Student Ambassadors

Walpole Middle School’s Grade 8 Student Ambassadors showed dedication, leadership, and support in welcoming incoming students. In their final days of summer, these students generously gave their time to guide school tours, share their experiences, and help new classmates feel comfortable in a new environment. Their enthusiasm and positive spirit not only made a difference for peers but also reflect the district’s commitment to fostering leadership, connection, and community. We are truly grateful for their efforts and the example they set for others.

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Scholarship Application to Open October 1st

Please be advised that the Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship application will be available from October 1 through October 31. The application will be posted on the district website and also available in the Superintendent's Office.


Awards are for undergraduates attending four-year accredited colleges. The primary criteria for awarding scholarships shall be scholastic ability, need, and character of the applicant. To be eligible for these scholarships, the student must be a graduate of Walpole High School.

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Reminder: Walpole Public School App

We encourage all families to download the WPS app. Going forward, SMS text messaging will be reserved for urgent alerts only. Non-urgent messages will be shared through the Live Feed feature in the WPS app. Our Technology Department will be sending a detailed email with additional information and instructions. Urgent alerts are defined as “must read right now” messages, such as school closings, late buses, absence notifications, and emergencies. Non-urgent alerts include reminders for spirit days, after-school events, and other general announcements.

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Private Lessons through the WPS Music Department

The Walpole Public Schools Music Department is pleased to announce the fall session for our Private Lesson Program for students in grades 4 - 12. If your child is interested in taking private instrument or voice lessons, here is your chance. Lessons are offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, guitar and voice. All lessons are taught by accomplished performers on their respective instruments. Some lessons are currently being taught virtually.

Session 1 will run September 22 to January 30. Registration is open until Wednesday, September 17th.

For more information and to register, visit:

https://sites.google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/wpsmusic/private-lesson-program/overview

For questions, email:

Tim Fleming (K-12 Music Coordinator) at tfleming@walpole.k12.ma.us

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Internet Safety Presentation

The US Attorney’s Office will be hosting a virtual internet safety presentation: “Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents” on Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30 pm. Advanced registration is required. You may register here for the webinar. The capacity of the Webex webinar platform is 1000. In the event we reach capacity, those who are unable to register can email USAMA.PSCOutreach@usa.doj.gov to be put on the list for the next webinar.

Additional information can be found here.

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Free and Reduced Meal Applications

While school meals are free for all students this year, it is still very important for families to complete the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2025-2026 school year if they feel they may qualify. 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 by calling 508-660-7200 x 5321.


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.

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2025-2026 School Year Calendar
2025-2026 Bus Routes

Click Here for Information on Meal Support for your Family Click Here for Information on Meal Support for your Family

Dr. Bridget Gough

Email: districtnews@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: www.walpole.k12.ma.us
Location: 135 School Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: 508-660-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walpolepublicschools/
Twitter: @PublicWalpole

Bridget Gough
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