School Committee Meeting Summary

Grace Q., Walpole High School representative to the School Committee provided the following report:

• Winter sports are in full swing! Boys hockey is off to a strong start. Gymnastics had their second meet, while boys and girl’s basketball both had exciting wins against Weymouth for ALS night. Boys won 67 to 55 and girls won 57 to 29. This week, students and spectators are wearing red at sporting events to raise awareness for ALS.
• The Walpole High Speech and Debate team placed 6th out of 31 total schools at the “Natick Holly Festival”.
• Walpole High School is now undergoing construction, which will benefit various areas of the school. The parking lot has seen change, and the construction company is beginning initial steps on the field house. By the end of the construction, WHS will see advancements and upgrades to music, STEM, science, special education and counseling departments.
• The Student Council will host a charity raffle from January 21 to January 24, with prizes including two free prom tickets, a $50 gift card for prom flowers, and a $50 Chick-Fil-A gift card. All proceeds will be donated to Belle of the Ball, an organization that provides cleaned and distributed prom dresses to high school students in need. Additionally, on January 25, the Student Council will attend the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils’ annual Special Olympics Bocce Tournament at Middleboro High School.
• The Walpole Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications.
• IBM and the Work Based Learning Alliance are offering students opportunities for paid, 100-hour virtual internships in Cyber Security, Clean Energy, and CAD. Applications are now open for winter and spring cycle.
• The 1st semester wraps up on January 22nd.

1. ELA Update - An ELA curriculum update was provided by Walpole High School Department Chair Lauren Culliton, middle school teacher Jodi O'Rourke, and K-5 ELA Curriculum Coordinator Shannon Findley. The full report can be viewed here beginning at time marker 6:50.

2. Amendment to TEC Collaborative Agreement - The School Committee voted to approve an amended TEC Collaborative Agreement to expand membership to other school districts.

• Dr. Gough reported that she had the pleasure of attending several wonderful concerts at both the high school and middle school. It was truly remarkable to see the growth of our middle school music program (the orchestra has grown to 142 students), which is a testament to the talent and dedication of our music educators and students.
• She extended gratitude to our generous families, students, and staff organizations for their contributions of meals, clothing, and gifts to support families within the Walpole Public Schools community prior to the winter break. Additionally, we are deeply appreciative of the support from organizations such as the Junior Women’s Club, the Langley Foundation, Lions Club, and the Walpole Police Department, whose donations have made a meaningful and lasting impact. These acts of kindness exemplify the strength and compassion of our community.
• FY26 budget work continues. After additional budget meetings next week, total WPS school requests and Town Administrator recommended appropriation will be discussed at a future School Committee meeting.
• The Extended Day Program is excited to offer a February Vacation Camp for the upcoming school break, February 18 - February 20. The Vacation Camp is open to all Walpole Schools students in grades K - 5 and will be held at Boyden School. More information can be found HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Dan Santangelo, Director of Extended Day at: dsantangelo@walpole.k12.ma.us.
• It is time to register for Kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year. Please complete the online registration form. If you are unable to drop off documents at your neighborhood school during the day, the Superintendents’ Office (135 School Street, Room 204) is open on Monday and Wednesday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Tuesday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM and Friday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Kindergarten age-qualified children are those who turn five (5) years old before September 1 of the school year for which they are pre-registering.
• The date for the Tri-County Superintendent's Legislative Breakfast has been changed to February 28.

1. 2025-2026 School Committee Meeting Calendar - The School Committee approved the calendar for the 2025-2026 School Committee Meetings.

2. Middle School Building Project - Mr. Breen indicated there is not much to report on the middle school building project at this time. In the spring, any necessary or unfinished outside work will commence.

3. High School Project - Dr. Gough reported that construction is underway in the parking lot at Walpole High School, along with work on underground utilities. Further updates can be seen on the WHS project website here.