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Speech and Debate:

Congratulations to Speech and Debate Team members Sarah M. and Shayna J. who will represent the New English District at the NSDA National Tournament in Iowa this June.

Congratulations to Nirjara A. who qualified in Original Oratory and will compete at the NCFL Nationals in Chicago this May. We wish all of these students the best and congratulate them on these well-earned recognitions.

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

• It is the last stretch of the school year with only 5 weeks to go and there are many things to look forward to at Walpole High School.

• The Walpole High School Annual Film Festival is taking place both tonight and next Thursday, May 16. Films that have been worked on by several student crews will be featured.

• The Junior-Senior Prom will take place next Friday, May 17.

• On May 24, the Walpole High School Music Department will be hosting its final performance of the year at the annual Pops Night fundraiser. This year’s theme is “Enchanted Melodies: Disney at the Pops.”

• Academically, students have been working hard during this AP Exam season and final exams will be coming in June.

• Many spring sports teams are experiencing a successful and enjoyable season. In particular, the varsity baseball team is excelling and has a winning record. The boys’ and girls’ varsity lacrosse teams, the varsity girls golf team, and the varsity softball team also have winning records. As the season draws close to the end of the month, all athletes are continuing to work hard.

• WHS clubs have many great events in progress. The Humane Society is collecting donations for local shelters, including towels, pet food, and more. The WHS Speech and Debate team, in collaboration with Walpole Chipotle, is hosting a restaurant fundraiser this Saturday from 5:00-9:00 PM. WHS Drama Club is hosting their final performance for this year, which is their annual Cabaret fundraiser that will take place tomorrow at 7:00 PM. The theme will be “To Broadway, With Love.” Additionally, the National Honor Society is collecting eyeglasses that will go towards the Walpole Lions Club’s Recycle for Sight Program.

• Overall, it has been a busy, yet enjoyable year. Summer is becoming closer by the day and the rest of the year promises additional events, studies, and memories.

1. Out of State Field Trip Requests - the School Committee approved the following out-of-state field trips:

• Walpole Speech and Debate to New Haven, CT from September 20 to September 22, 2024
• Walpole Speech and Debate to Chicago, IL May 23 to May 27, 2024
• Walpole Speech and Debate to Des Moines, IA from June 15 to June 22, 2024
• Bird Middle School and Johnson Middle School Grade 8 to Salem, NH on June 5, 2024
• Walpole High School Grades 9-12 to Chile and Argentina from February 14 to February 23, 2025

2. Unified Arts Update - Walpole High School Unified Arts Department Chairperson Joseph Braccini provided the School Committee with a Unified Arts Curriculum update. Mr. Braccini's presentation can be viewed here at time marker 32:30.

3. Extended Day Fee Restructure -The Walpole Extended Day program provides care to 477 students both before and after school, as well as during school vacations in the four elementary schools utilizing 30 staff members who provide care for the growing number of students. Our Extended Day program has experienced significant expense increases due to labor, inflation, supply cost increases, vendor fee increases and reduction in funding. Fees have been maintained for many years to allow all families to continue to access this vital service. Mr. Friscia presented the proposed increase to after school Extended Day fees only. He explained the proposed fee increase still keeps Walpole below the costs in neighboring towns. After discussion, the School Committee approved the proposal to implement a small yearly increase to the Extended Day after school fees to be implemented over the next two years.

Dr. Gough reported the following:

• This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and School Nurses Day was recognized on May 3rd. We extend our gratitude for the incredible work of our educators who have dedicated their lives to helping students learn and grow. We thank them for their commitment to our students and families.
• Families will receive or should have received 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.
• The 2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form is now open to families. Please complete the form in order to enroll your current K-5 student(s) in the program. Please note: you will need to complete a separate form for each child you are enrolling. Be sure to pay attention when entering your student’s grade level and school. All enrollment forms must be completed by Tuesday, May 29th. Due to high demand and limited staffing, some grades and sessions may be limited on a first come first serve basis. If there are any questions please contact Jill Masterson, WPS Summer Learning Program Coordinator @ summerlearning@walpole.k12.ma.us.
• Bus registration for the 2023-24 school year is open. ALL parents and caregivers who want their students to ride the bus MUST register for school bus transportation. Register online at www.myschoolbucks.com. Bus applications received after July 7th will be placed on a waitlist in the order they are received. 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. If you have questions, please contact Kim Poirier, Transportation Coordinator, at wpstransportation@walpole.k12.ma.us or 508-660-7200, Ext. 5276.
• WPS continues to be busy with many end of the year transitions and events. She commented on a great turnout and performances at WHS TriM Coffee House on Friday evening, and the District Art Show was also well attended. Yesterday was the last Superintendent Student Cabinet of the year. She thanked the students for their commitment, collaboration, and engaging discussions.
• Dr. Gough was pleased to announce that the WPS budget was passed at Monday's Town meeting. She thanked the School Committee and administration for their work, as the budget process begins as early as October.
• Dr. Gough congratulated the following educators who will be honored next month at the Norfolk County Teachers Association's Annual Awards Banquet:
• Rookie of the Year: Meredith Lorusso, 6th grade Social Studies, JMS
• Honor Award: Judith Folan, grade 3, Boyden School
• Service Award: John Kane, custodian, Elm Street School

1. Middle School Building Project - A nostalgic farewell to our beloved Bird Middle School is being held on Friday, June 14th from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Members of the Walpole community and former students are all welcome. It will be one last opportunity to stroll through the hallways and classroom and reminisce and celebrate the memories made within the school. Mr. Breen affirmed that the project is progressing according to schedule and within budget. Recent building photos and videos can be seen on the middle school webpage. 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.