WPS Superintendent Updates

As we approach the spring season, we want to highlight the significance of the upcoming Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests for our students. These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating both individual student progress and the overall effectiveness of our educational programs. Participation in the MCAS is required by both federal and state laws and the results impact our district’s DESE accountability rating.

Why MCAS Matters:

• Student Competency: MCAS serves as a key indicator of your child's understanding of the curriculum, helping to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.​

• School Accountability: The results contribute to our district and school's accountability system, guiding enhancements in teaching strategies and resource allocation to better serve our students.​

• Student Opportunity: MCAS results are still used as a benchmark to qualify for state awards (i.e. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship & Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award) and the State Seal of Biliteracy.

Your Support is Vital: We encourage you to support your child(ren) to approach the MCAS with confidence and dedication. Here are some ways you can support them:

• Promote a Positive Attitude: Encourage your child to view the assessment as an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills.​

• Ensure Rest and Nutrition: A good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast can significantly impact test performance.​

Together, we can empower our students to excel in the MCAS assessments and continue their educational journey with confidence. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school principal.

On February 28th, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the allocation of Innovation Career Pathway grants to 29 school districts across Massachusetts. Among the recipients, Walpole High School has been awarded $75,000 to enhance its career pathway programs, providing students with coursework and hands-on experiences in high-demand STEM industries, including health care, technology, manufacturing, life sciences, and environmental sustainability.

This grant represents a significant investment in student opportunities, preparing them for successful careers in growing industries. The funding will be used to develop and implement high-quality pathway programs that offer students real-world learning experiences, internships, and college-level coursework. Click HERE or more information on Walpole High School’s Innovation Career Pathway programs.

Walpole Middle School special education teacher Christine Crawford has been selected by the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) to receive the prestigious Master in the Middle Award. This honor recognizes Ms. Crawford’s passion for middle-level education, leadership, advocacy, and dedication to mentoring colleagues. She exemplifies best practices in instruction and builds strong relationships with students and families. We are proud to recognize Ms. Crawford for this well-deserved achievement.

We are excited to announce that Extended Day will be running a Pilot Summer Program this upcoming summer and registration is now live. We are anticipating registration to fill quickly and will do our best to enroll as many waitlisted students as possible.

This year, the camp will run for 4 weeks at Fisher Elementary and offer an Extended Day PM option for families. Registration will be open for incoming first through sixth graders. Registration will be available for individual weeks and families will have the option to register for all 4 weeks at a discounted rate.

Click HERE to access the Summer Camp Information and Registration Information for the Summer of 2025 or reach out to Dan Santangelo (dsantangelo@walpole.k12.ma.us) or Evan Storlazzi (estorlazzi@walpole.k12.ma.us) with any questions.

We still have families on the census who have not yet enrolled in Kindergarten. These numbers are essential for planning the 2025-2026 school year.

To pre-register a kindergarten age-qualified* child, a parent or legal guardian must complete the online registration form (scroll down to kindergarten pre-registration).

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 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Tuesday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM and Friday 7:30 AM - 2:30 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.

To find out more about registration, click here.