WHS eNotes

November 8, 2024

Message from Mr. Imbusch

Dear students, staff, and parents/guardians:

This Monday, November 11th, is Veteran's Day. It is a time for all of us to pay respect to those who have served in our military. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those family members who have served, for your patriotism, your love of country, and your willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

As we move firmly into Term 2, I want to remind you that Term 1 report cards will be available next week on X2 Aspen. We encourage parents to remain actively involved in their child’s academic journey by reviewing these reports and setting clear expectations to support their success.

Students face a variety of challenges that can affect their academic performance, especially in their social lives. Many are grappling with the pressures of social media, amplified by unregulated cellphone use. Unfortunately, in rare cases, this stress has led to physical confrontations among students. Reasons for this behavior can vary, including difficult home situations, feelings of powerlessness, or challenges managing anger, among other things.

As the adults in our students' lives, it’s our collective responsibility to foster a supportive environment that promotes open communication and provides help for those who may be struggling. Through empathy, early intervention, and constructive alternatives, we can help steer our students away from conflict and towards positive resolutions.

Additionally, we’re concerned by instances where students record these altercations and share them on social media. This behavior reflects a desensitization to violence and encourages a culture of sensationalizing harm. Sharing such videos is damaging, dehumanizing, and something we all must work to discourage. Posting fights for views and clicks is not the culture we want to cultivate at Walpole High, and could involve disciplinary consequences.

Together, we can all do better—it truly takes a village. Let’s work as a community to make Walpole High a safe, positive, and productive environment where everyone can thrive.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Stephen Imbusch

Principal

Message from the Nurses

The nurses will begin postural screening for all freshmen starting November 6. If you would like to opt your student out of screening, please email either Kim Byda (kbyda@walpole.k12.ma.us) or Heather White (hwhite@walpole.k12.ma.us).

From the Office of Student Support & Attendance

Dear families,

Please read this month's newsletter. It contains links to the WPS Health Services Department and other helpful sites you can use when making decisions about whether or not you should send your child to school based on symptoms of illness.

"What if my child is sick?" - https://secure.smore.com/n/9ga8n

The newsletter is also posted on the Walpole Public Schools website.

Walpole Food Pantry Food Drive

Please bring in non perishable items (canned goods, dry goods etc) to help support our local food pantry. Provisions can be put in the box in the main lobby and the deadline for sharing goods is Friday November 22nd. Many thanks for your generosity!

WHS Latin Club Trip to Sicily

There is still time to sign up for the April WHS Latin Club trip to Sicily (April 2025)! If you are interested, all of the pertinent information regarding the itinerary and how to sign up can be found here -- https://www.paideiainstitute.org/walpole_high_school_2025. Contact Mr. Gabriel Bakale (gbakale@walpole.k12.ma.us) if you have any questions.

Yearbook Announcements for the Class of 2025

Recognition Ads

Recognition Ads are now on sale. If you would like to congratulate your senior with a recognition ad in the back of the Yearbook, purchase a recognition ad at this link:

https://www.jostens.com/apps/jcom/router.mvc?affiliateId=1065365

Early Bird pricing is available until the end of November. All recognition ads are due by January 31st

Candids:

We are looking for candid pictures of the graduating class. Share your favorite pictures from childhood through today. The more pictures we receive, the more personal the Yearbook will be. Upload your pictures here: https://photos.jostens.com/4NDFVZ

WHS Speech and Debate Team

Congratulations to our very small but mighty representation of our team at the 11/2/24 tournament at Revere High School:

Swara Sonchhatra: 1st in Radio Broadcasting and 3rd in Duo Interpretation

Aaron Arora: 2nd in Declamation and 3rd in Duo

Ramu Muthukaruppan competed in VLD but placed 5th at the Averill Invitational on 10/26/24!

These sophomores have competed the most out of anyone on our team this year! A huge thank you to their parents, Muthu Annamalai and Jigs Sonchhatra for judging and driving!

WHS Robotics Team

Catch up with what the robotics team in the month of October. The Timberwolves and Pup Cups have been very busy this past month. Take a moment to read all about what the team has been doing. The team kicked off its “Mock Build” for the fall training session and Lego teams are up and running. The team went to the STEM teacher fair at Gillette as well. Take a moment to read about it in our latest edition of Wolf Tech Monthly.

https://secure.smore.com/n/newxr-wolftech-monthly

WHS Humane Society

The WHS Humane Society is once again running the Pets of Walpole High Calendar fundraiser. Submit photos of your pets and purchase a calendar that celebrates all of our fur babies! All proceeds are donated directly to local animal shelters. Calendars will be available before December break. All animals are welcome and encouraged!

Photos and orders can be submitted here: Pets of Walpole High 2025 Calendar

Photography Club

Photography Club will meet Thursday November 14th. Halloween is over and this week we are going back to some regular photography. Let's go in and out of doors, gates and entryways. Find your most interesting doors, gates and entryways and take a picture to show off to the club. Some doors, gates and entryways can be very interesting, colorful, or have some beautiful architecture. Follow our instagram to see some of our pictures from the club. whs_photographyclub123 Anyone wanting more information on the club please contact Mrs. D'Agostino: jdagostino@walpole.k12.ma.us