WPS Superintendent Updates

In early May, families will receive an email inviting them to participate in the WPS district-wide Family School Climate Survey. The purpose of the survey is to learn more about you and your child’s experiences in our schools. We have partnered with K12 Insight to administer the survey, compile the results, and analyze feedback. Walpole Public Schools values your feedback, and we appreciate your ongoing contribution as we strive to cultivate an optimal learning environment for our students.

Congratulations to Sarah Mukkuzh and Shayna Jain who qualified and will compete at the National Speech and Debate National Tournament in Des Moines in June. We also congratulate Nirjara Akkole who will compete at Nationals in Chicago this May.

We wish them good luck!

We would like to congratulate the following educators who will be honored at the 40th Norfolk County Teachers Association's Annual Awards Banquet:

• Rookie of the Year: Meredith Lorusso, Grade 6 Social Studies, JMS

• Honor Award: Judith Folan, Grade 3, Boyden School

• Service Award: John Kane, Custodian, Elm Street School

Bus registration for the 2024-25 school year is open. ALL parents and caregivers who want their students to ride the bus for the 2024-25 school year MUST register for school bus transportation. The transportation fee is $300 per student with a family cap of $600. Register online at www.myschoolbucks.com. Registrations received after June 13th will be assessed a $25.00 late fee per rider. Registrations received after July 1st will be assessed a $50 late fee per rider. Routes will be posted on the district website a week prior to the start of the school year.

If you prefer not to register online, please complete the registration form and mail it to Walpole Public Schools, 135 School Street, Walpole, MA, 02081, Attention Transportation Office. Please make checks payable to the Town of Walpole.

Students in grades K-6 who live over two miles from their attending school (list of eligible streets can be found HERE) and students who qualify for free and reduced lunch are eligible for free bus transportation. Registration is required for all students, including those who qualify for free transportation. If you have questions, please contact Kim Poirier, Transportation Coordinator, at wpstransportation@walpole.k12.ma.us or 508-660-7200, Ext. 5276.

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 (Unified Arts Department Chair) at jbraccini@walpole.k12.ma.us with any questions.

Finally, the last weekend in May provides us with an opportunity and much needed time to get together with family and friends. As many of us look to this weekend as the unofficial kick off to the summer, it is also a time to pause and honor military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I am proud to be part of a military family. My grandfather, Marine Corps Sgt. Major, fought in WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, my uncle, Navy Veteran, fought in Vietnam, and my father was a Navy Corpsman. Fortunately, they all made it home after the completion of their service. I continue to visit those family members at Arlington National Cemetery and Bourne National Cemetery and to pay my respects to those who never made it home. On Monday, May 27th, please take the time to salute our fallen and honor our heroes.