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Speech Vice President Nirjara A. attended Massachusetts Girls State, a one week long immersive experience that focused on empowering leaders of the future through a focus in government and advocacy.

At Girls State, after clearing county, party, and state elections, she was elected to be the MA Secretary of State. Additionally, she was chosen out of over 300 girls to represent Massachusetts as a Senator at Girls Nation: a week-long all-expenses-paid experience in Washington D.C. that focuses on legislature and advocacy.

Speech and Debate equipped her with the valuable skills needed in order to campaign, deliver speeches with confidence, and thrive in an environment that highly values public speaking.

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

• We are successfully in the rhythm of school and surprisingly, we are closing in on the halfway point of Term One.
• Back to School Night was held last Thursday. Parents had the opportunity to learn about their children’s curriculum by following their daily schedules.
• Wednesday Interventions offer college tours for students to stop by and seek information. Yesterday, there was an opportunity to talk with up to 10 schools.
• Fall sports are in full swing for the season. The varsity girls field hockey team has likely seen the most success as they stand at 6 wins.
• All teams are working hard and having an enjoyable season.
• Many clubs are back and new clubs have been added such as the Pickleball Club and the Investment Club.
• The Speech and Debate Club participated in a national circuit tournament at Yale University in New Haven, CT last weekend.
• The Drama Club is in the process of putting together their 2024 musical, Once Upon a Mattress, that will happen in December.
• Overall, Term One is going well and we look forward to another year of working hard and making memories.

1. Walpole Police Department Update - Chief Kelleher provided a Walpole Police Department update with respect to efforts related to substance use concerns, current trends, School Committee policies and school security. Officer Tommy Hart updated the School Committee on recent drills conducted at the schools. Chief Kelleher indicated the level of communication between the school department and the police has been, and continues to be, outstanding. Walpole Police Department feels fortunate to have a great and mutually supportive partnership with Walpole Public Schools.

2. Special Education Update - Dr. John Queally, Director of Student Services provided a Special Education update. Dr. Queally reviewed in-district programs, professional development and demographics for the Special Education Department. Dr. Queally also discussed the new Individualized Education Program (IEP) form, which has been implemented this Fall. Dr. Queally reported that the first SEPAC Meeting is being held on October 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Finance Committee Meeting Room at Town Hall.

3. Technology Update - Mr. Reeve discussed the new classroom technology at the middle school, including interactive projectors, portable Smartboard flat panel displays, wireless casting, staff computers and Chromebooks. The new middle school also includes computerized lighting and heating controls, digital signage, networked security and phone systems, and high-end theater technology. He thanked the technology staff for their for their hard work, their grace under pressure, and their outstanding efforts to helping our district move forward. Mr. Reeve said technology equipment from both Bird and Johnson was removed and installed in many of our other schools. New student Chromebooks were provided to all of grades 2, 6 and 9. He discussed all new software programs and a technology program offering interpretation services at open house events. By utilizing this program, family members can listen to the teacher presentations via a live interpreter stream on a devise using earbuds. He thanked the student volunteers at Walpole High School who have attended all open houses to date to assist families with this new tool.

4. Appoint Representative to Walpole Media TV Committee - The School Committee voted to re-appoint Mr. Brian Denitzio to serve on the Walpole Media TV Committee.

• Dr. Gough provided a report on her and Dr. Hahn's activities over the past ten days, which included attending Back to School/Curriculum Nights, participating in Walk with the Supers, visiting classrooms, meeting with principals, curriculum planning, and overseeing bus dismissals. As a reminder, DFP's Curriculum Night will be held next Monday, September 30th, and Fisher’s Open House is on Tuesday, October 1st. Please be reminded that middle school Back to School Night is scheduled for October 28th (Gr. 6) and October 29th (Grades 7 and 8) once the parking lot construction is completed.

• Please be advised that the Fales, Leach, Rogers, and Kunde Scholarship application will be available on October 1 through Thursday, October 31. The application will be found on the District Website or at the Superintendent's Office. Awards shall be to undergraduates at four-year accredited colleges. They will be eligible for scholarships each of their four years. 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

• Walk with the Supers is scheduled Oct. 18th from 8:30-9:45 a.m. at the WHS Track. This is designed to promote community engagement and wellness. Feel free to come for a portion or stay the entire time to walk and talk with Dr. Gough and Dr. Hahn This is open to all community members.

1. Second Reading of Policies: The School Committee voted to adopt Policy JIE (Pregnant Students). The policy will be updated on the district webpage here.

2. Middle School Building Project: A Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday October 30th at 4:30 p.m. As always, the community is encouraged to visit the webpage and reach out to the Middle School Project team with any questions or comments via email at middleschoolproject@walpole.k12.ma.us.

3. High School Project: The proposed high school renovation project was outlined in detail at the Community Forum held at 7:00 p.m. This Forum can be viewed here. A full list of Questions and Answers regarding this project can be accessed here.