WHS eNotes

Dear students, staff, and parents/guardians:

Walpole High School is in the process of gradually eliminating the CP2 course level. This phased transition will begin with freshmen classes and extend through all grades over four years, though departments will start at different times.

We began this process this year with freshman Physics and will eliminate Chemistry CP2 next year. For the 2025-2026 school year, Social Studies will remove World History CP2 and Math will eliminate Algebra 1 CP2. English and World Languages will follow in 2026-2027. Eventually, we will offer three levels: College Prep (CP), Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP).

Why This Change?

Equity and Inclusivity

Moving to a single College Prep level creates an inclusive environment where all students engage with rigorous coursework, promoting equity, academic growth, and long-term success. CP2 courses have historically disproportionately placed students of color, English learners, and those with disabilities in lower academic tracks, limiting opportunities and reinforcing misconceptions about their abilities.

Peer Learning Benefits

Research shows that students perform better in mixed-level classrooms, benefiting from diverse perspectives, collaborative learning, and peer support. Exposure to more advanced content strengthens comprehension, while struggling students gain insights from peers. This dynamic interaction enhances critical thinking and communication skills, creating a richer learning experience.

Skill Development for All

Differentiated instruction within a unified curriculum allows teachers to tailor support while ensuring all students engage with challenging material. Instead of isolating students in CP2, targeted interventions—such as tutoring and small-group instruction—help bridge learning gaps while keeping students integrated. This approach better prepares students for college and careers by developing problem-solving and analytical skills.

Building a Growth Mindset

Lower-level classes can reinforce the belief that certain students cannot succeed in rigorous coursework, diminishing motivation and self-confidence. By eliminating CP2, we set and reinforce high expectations, encouraging all students to develop resilience, confidence, and a belief in their ability to improve.

Commitment to Excellence

We have already seen positive results in freshman Physics, proving that these changes are effective. Our staff has been preparing for this transition for the past year, ensuring every student can reach their highest potential. We remain committed to supporting all students in CP classes and maintaining rigorous academic standards.

By eliminating CP2, we provide all Walpole High School students with access to a high-quality education, empowering them to succeed at the highest levels.

Have a wonderful weekend

Sincerely,

Stephen Imbusch

Principal

Attention Families of Juniors--is your student taking the SAT tomorrow morning? Please review the following guidelines with them, and make sure they bring:

• Photo ID
• College Board Username and Password
• A fully charged testing device with the Bluebook application installed. WHS Chromebooks already have Bluebook installed.

The Work Study Program is hosting a virtual information night on Tuesday, March 11th at 6:30 PM. This session is ideal for parents and students who are interested in learning more about the WHS Work Study Program. All are welcome and can join via Google Meet. Please see attached flyer for more information!!

Important Dates:

March 1 – Applications Open (on website or outside of room 1318)

March 4-13 – Work Study Presentations for Juniors during MyCAP seminar

March 11 - Virtual Info Night

March 31 - Applications Due

The World Language Department is offering students the opportunity to earn the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by a school

or district in recognition of students who have attained proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in two or more languages by high school graduation.

The Seal is awarded at two proficiency levels and can be used to communicate with academic institutions, employers, and the community that students are able to study, work, and engage with others in two or more languages. Students who meet the criteria for the Seal of Biliteracy will receive an insignia provided by the Department of Education to be affixed to their high school transcript. An application is now available for Juniors (Class of 2026) with testing dates in late March and April; the application is included in these enotes. Interested students can talk to their World Language teacher or see Ms. Kay (room 1321 inside the language lab). The deadline to apply is Monday, March 24, 2025.

Walpole Teachers Association

South Shore Health Nursing Scholarships

Mass. Assoc. of Women in Law Enforcement

Chief Carmichael Jr. Scholarship

Applications for the 2025 James Erker and Fiona Murphy XC/Track & Field Scholarships will be available beginning Friday, February 14. Any senior who participated in XC, Winter Track & Field, or Spring Track & Field during their high school career is eligible to apply.

Seven ($500) scholarships will be awarded at graduation to seniors who have exemplified excellence in dedication, leadership, team spirit, sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect. Scholarship applications are available in the guidance office or can be accessed via the Boosters website link below. The deadline for completed applications is Friday, March 21. If you have any questions, please contact the scholarship coordinator at whs.track.scholarships@gmail.com.

https://sites.google.com/site/walpolexctrackboosters/scholarship

The School Counseling department will be offering three opportunities next week for parents to learn about the SCOIR program with a live, in depth demo. This is the program we use with students to help them research college and then submit school documents to college. Because it has historical WHS data, it is more accurate and helpful than any other college search website available to your student. Understanding this program will help parents/guardians assist with the search process as well as provide helpful reminders throughout the process.

Please sign up for the session you plan to attend (sessions will be similar, so just plan to attend one) so we can make sure your account is ready ahead of time. This account will link directly to your student's information. Keep an eye out for a SCOIR invitation. Links to virtual meetings will be sent ahead of time, as needed.

Scoir tutorial sign-up

If you haven't already encouraged your student to sign up for the SAT's, the Counseling Department recommends most students take the SAT or ACT one time in the spring and possibly a second time in the fall. There are no remaining spots in March at WHS, but many schools in the area will offer the test throughout the rest of the school year. Sign up at Collegeboard.com or act.org.

Students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program are eligible to take the SAT or ACT for free. Please contact your student's school counselor for more details. Students will also be able to apply to colleges for free next year.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Accounting Careers Leadership Institute (PwC ACLI) at Bryant University

PwC ACLI is a five-day, hands-on opportunity for rising high school seniors (current juniors) to learn more about the accounting profession and about the key role accountants play in society. Throughout the program, participants will work directly with Bryant University faculty, staff, and students, as well as professionals from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Except for transportation to and from Bryant University, there is no fee to participate in the program. The program will provide overnight accommodations, meals, planned activities, and educational materials.

To apply, students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) and completed at least Algebra 2 by the end of junior year.

Follow this link to access the official program brochure and to apply, click here. Please note that space is limited. The application deadline is set for Friday, April 11, 2025.

This is our final call 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

The Walpole High Dance Company will be performing two shows on Friday, March 21st and Saturday, March 22nd starting at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium.

Admission is Free

The Best Buddies Dinner Dance will be on Friday, March 21st from 6:00-8:30 pm at Conrad's Restaurant in Walpole and the theme is Glow Party. Tickets are $35 and are payable by cash or check made out to the Town of Walpole. You can purchase your ticket from Mrs. Donlan or Mr. Stampfl by Friday, March 14th. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Donlan at kdonlan@walpole.k12.ma.us or Mr. Stampfl at jstampfl@walpole.k12.ma.us

There will be a STEM Academy meeting on Thursday March 13th in room 1336 at 2:15PM. We will be checking-in with all members as well as discussing upcoming projects and their requirements for success. All STEM students should attend.

Please email Mr. Braccini directly if you are unable to attend.

The WHS Speech and Debate Team had a fantastic day at Shrewsbury’s Mardi Gras Tournament on 3/1! They made team history by placing 4th out of 35 schools- their best ranking at this tournament!

Congratulations to finalists:

Nirjara Akkole: 3rd in Radio and 5th in Oratory

Aaron Arora: 2nd in Duo Interp and 5th in Declamation

Bhakti Belle: 1st in Dramatic Performance and an honorable mention in Prose

Hemant Selvamurugan: 1st in Radio

Swara Sonchhatra: 2nd in Duo and semi finalist in Dec

Shayna Jain: 5th in Radio

Emeli Cruz: 6th in Group Discussion

Favor Nyende: 6th in Radio

Elaina Shobin: Top novice in Radio

The Walpole High School Community Service Club will be holding a fundraiser to raise awareness about mental health. This fundraiser will take place from March 3rd through March 14th. Students will be able to purchase green ribbons for $1.00 during all lunch blocks. Proceeds will be given to Morgan's Message to help their efforts in raising awareness and donating resources for mental health

We will be having a French Movie afternoon. Please email Madame Frattasio at kfrattasio@walpole.k12.ma.us if you are interested in attending this event on Monday, March 10th from 4-6pm. Madame Frattasio has the permission slips for you to grab.

The Walpole UNICEF Club is hosting our annual Easter fundraiser where we distribute packaged eggs to families in Walpole! See the flyer below. Be on the lookout for more information soon about how to sign up.

UNICEF works to ensure that children, no matter who they are or where they live, have access to the vaccines they need to survive and thrive.

Currently, about 25 million children are missing out on life-saving vaccines every year, placing them at risk of preventable diseases like measles due to things such as violent conflicts, displacement, COVID-19 related disruptions, and vaccine misinformation. Additionally, the marginalized and poor children, often the most in need of vaccines, continue to be the least likely to them.

However, vaccines are estimated to be one of the most cost-effective ways to advance national welfare. They have safely reduced the scourge of diseases like polio, measles and smallpox, for the last two centuries, helping children walk, play, dance and learn without fear of diseases.

To combat the largest sustained backslide in childhood vaccination rates in three decades, UNICEF works with governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and other United Nations (UN) agencies to engage communities, procure and distribute vaccines, keep supplies safe and effective, and facilitate affordable access for even the hardest-to-reach families. Through these efforts, UNICEF is able to reach almost half of the world’s children, supplying them with life-saving vaccines every year.

To learn more about immunization and UNICEF’s work, check out these links!

UNICEF Immunization Overview: https://www.unicef.org/immunization

UNICEF Immunization Roadmap to 2030: https://www.unicef.org/documents/unicef-immunization-roadmap-2030

Vaccine Misinformation Guide: https://vaccinemisinformation.guide/

Photography Club will meet Thursday March 13th. The theme is "Signs of Spring". The weather is FINALLY turning warmer and hopefully we can find some signs of spring outside. Go out and see if you can find some flowers sprouting, maybe some birds in the trees, some green grass and sunshine, and maybe a bud on a tree? Anything that tells us the cold is gone and the warm weather is upon us for good.

The Robotics Team has been in high gear getting ready for their first couple of competitions which happen this month. The Timberwolves and Pup Cups travel to URI on March 13-15 and WPI on March 21-23. They are very excited to start competing but have been extremely busy building their robots to play the game Reefscape. The robotics teams have been building two robots, one for Team 1119, our Freshman/Sophomore team and one for Team 1153 the Junior/Senior teams. They have been working very hard and trying to finish before our first competition. It's always crunch time this time of year. Reefscape is a water themed game. It's a lot of fun to watch. The teams have to put PVC pipes called "coral' on the "Reefs" which are pipes in the middle of the field which reach as high as 6 feet. They also have a 16 inch diameter rubber ball called "algae" to either place into a low goal or shoot into the high goal called the "barge" over 8 feet tall. The last part of the game is the climb on the "cage". It's very exciting and fun to watch and you can read so much more about the robots and the game in our latest newsletter below. We have a fundraiser happening right now and we are selling 3D printed "Pup Subs" that you can purchase, featuring Timmy, the Pup Cups mascot, all student designed, that will help our team out. So please take a look at the newsletter, there is so much happening in robotics this month.

January/February Wolftech Monthly

All event information is listed in the link below. We look forward to seeing you at the games.

Walpole Timberwolves apparel check out the link below.

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/massachusetts/walpole/walpole-high-school

For a list of upcoming events please click on the following link: https://sites.google.com/a/walpole.k12.ma.us/athletics/

Email: rdowd@walpole.k12.ma.us
Phone: 508-660-7257
Twitter: @WalpoleAD

Email: simbusch@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: http://walpolewhs.ss5.sharpschool.com/
Location: 275 Common Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 660-7257
Twitter: @WalpoleHS