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The Walpole High School Field Hockey Team was celebrated for their outstanding achievement in winning the 2024 Division 1 State Championship! Their dedication, perseverance, and teamwork made this victory possible. The team has demonstrated incredible determination and resilience. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and everyone who played a part in this extraordinary accomplishment!

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

• We are already just about half way through term two as we close in on December break.
• Walpole High has been as busy with various events and opportunities for students to pursue. Tonight, there is a virtual information session for juniors and their families as they prepare to think about the college application process.
• Seniors have also been working on their college application and admission process as multiple scholarship opportunities have become available, including the Walpole Scholarship Foundation and the AFL-CIO Scholarship Awards Program. Students who are interested in pursuing the trades had a hands-on training session this past Saturday and students interested in innovative career pathways can participate in the IBM and the Work Based Learning Alliance.
• In sports, we have officially made the transition from fall to winter sports. Many fall teams had successful seasons, especially our field hockey team who secured a back-to-back Division 1 Championship title.
• Clubs have also been very busy with many different events. The Drama Club hosted three successful shows of their musical Once Upon A Mattress on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening. They will now begin preparations for the play that will take place in the spring. The Speech and Debate team has had many students compete successfully at recent tournaments and is also in the midst of their annual holiday gift card raffle basket fundraiser where all proceeds go towards the success of the team. The Robotics Club is also hosting a holiday popcorn fundraiser until the 23rd, which includes cookies, candy, and other snacks. Tri-M will host its annual winter coffeehouse tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria where Walpole community members will enjoy a relaxing night of music performed by students as well as concessions provided by the club.
• Finally, the Walpole Music Department will be hosting its annual winter concert this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The Concert Band, String Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Concert Chorus will be featured and all Walpole community members are invited to attend.

1. Out of State Field Trips: The School Committee unanimously voted to approve the following two field trips:

• Walpole High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team to Bedford, NH on January 4, 2025.
• Walpole High School students to France from July 5, 2025 through July 21, 2025.

2. Math Update: A math curriculum update was provided by Walpole High School Math Department Chair Jonathan Ridolfi, middle school teacher Jill Masterson, and elementary school teachers Sheila Rinaldi and Jen Torigian. The full report can be viewed here at time marker 32.35.

3. 2025-2026 School Year Calendar - First Reading: The School Committee was provided with a proposed draft calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.

4. 2025-2026 Start/End Times: The four elementary schools rotate start and end times every three years. The 2025-2026 School Year represents year one of the next rotation. Consequently, Elm Street School and Old Post Road School will start at 8:55 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m. Boyden and Fisher Schools will begin at 8:25 a.m. and end at 2:55 p.m. The Daniel Feeney Preschool hours have been adjusted to accommodate the change in schedule.

5. 2025-2026 School Committee Meeting Calendar - First Reading: The School Committee was provided with a proposed draft calendar for the 2025-2026 School Committee Meetings.

Walpole Public Schools has been busy with many exciting events since the last School Committee meeting. Before the Thanksgiving break, it was great to cheer on the boys and girls Cross Country teams compete in the All-State Championship, and then watch the Field Hockey team bring home the championship. Other highlights included a meeting with the WHS Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, a performance by the WMS orchestra, and ongoing classroom visits. Please remember to check the calendar for next week’s events, including concerts at both WMS and WHS.

The budget process for the 2025-26 school year has begun. Throughout the month of December, both Mr. Friscia, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, and Dr. Gough are meeting with each member of the Leadership Council to discuss their operating budgets. The budget hearing is scheduled for January 21st.

Dr. Gough recently held the third Superintendent's Student Cabinet meeting of the year with WHS students, focusing on projects that aim to make a meaningful impact on the school community. Students had the opportunity to present their ideas, ask questions, and gather insights from several visitors, including Melissa Rainie from the Health Department, Donna Sherman and Mary McDougall from the Waste Reduction Commission (green initiatives), Mr. Connor (mentorship), Principal Ruggerio (8-9 transition), Principal Imbusch, and Dr. Hahn (academic initiatives). These discussions are helping to shape student-driven initiatives that align with district priorities.

The Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship Committee Meeting was held on December 9th. We are pleased to announce that a total of $117,500 was awarded. All students will receive notification letters regarding their scholarships. Special thanks to both the School Committee and Principal Imbusch for participating in this process.

Kindergarten pre-registration for the 25-26 school year begins on January 2nd - information will be sent out via principal e-notes, notice in newspaper, posted on the website, and mailers. Parents are able to provide the required registration documents to the school in the following four different ways:

• Dropped off at the main office of your elementary school from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Copied and mailed to the school

• Scan and email them to the school secretary

• If unable to drop off at main office of your elementary school, bring to Superintendent’s Office at Town Hall (Room 204) Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. or Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Finally, please be reminded that Friday, December 20th is a full day. Winter break runs through January 1st with a return on Jan 2, 2025.

Middle School Building Project: Mr. Breen reported that the project is almost done. He indicated contractors will return in the spring for any landscaping needs.

High School Project: Dr. Gough reported that site work has begun at the high school. Updates to the project can be seen on the WHS project webpage here.