Innovation Career Pathways (ICP) are designed to expose students to coursework and experiences in specific high-demand industries. In an ICP students are required to take two technical courses, two advanced courses, and complete a 100 hours internship or capstone project in their chosen pathway field. The separate course sequences also expose students to career options, coursework, and industry recognized credentials and certifications before they graduate high school.
Current Innovation Pathways at WHS
After taking the suggested introductory Media Literacy course, students in this pathway engage in deeper courses in a wide variety of Media Arts related fields including choosing from technical and advanced courses in Art, Business, Technology, and Communications. These courses help prepare students for future education and careers in the Media Arts and Information sectors.
The media arts sector comprises establishments engaged in the following processes: (a) producing and distributing information and cultural products, (b) providing the means to transmit or distribute these products as well as data or communications, and (c) processing data. The main components of this sector are the publishing industries, including software publishing, and both traditional publishing and publishing exclusively on the Internet; the motion picture and sound recording industries; the broadcasting industries, including traditional broadcasting and those broadcasting exclusively over the Internet; the telecommunications industries; Web search portals, data processing industries, and the information services industries. (DESE)
After taking the suggested introductory Tech Exploration course, students in this pathway engage in deeper technical and advanced courses in a wide variety of related fields such as Product Manufacturing, Marketing, Technology, and Design. These courses help prepare students for future education and careers in the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing sector.
The Engineering sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. Establishments in the Engineering sector are often described as plants, factories, or mills and characteristically use power-driven machines and materials-handling equipment. However, establishments that transform materials or substances into new products by hand or in the worker's home and those engaged in selling to the general public products made on the same premises from which they are sold may also be included in this sector. Manufacturing establishments may process materials or may contract with other establishments to process their materials for them. Both types of establishments are included in Engineering. (DESE)
After taking the suggested introductory Psychology course, students in this pathway engage in deeper technical and advanced courses in a wide variety of related fields including choosing from courses in sociology, public speaking, child and adolescent development, and/or APs in the subject area they are interested in teaching in. Students can go on to do internships at the local elementary and middle schools or other opportunities. These experiences help prepare students for future education and careers in the Education sector including as a teacher, counselor, or social worker.
After taking the suggested introductory Entrepreneurship course, students in this pathway engage in deeper technical and advanced courses in a wide variety of related fields including choosing from courses in marketing, accounting, economics, and finance. Students will learn about owning and operating businesses and working within the financial sector. These experiences help prepare students for future education and careers in the finance and business sector including as accountant, auditor, financial analysts, cost estimators, creditor counselors, human resources specialists, loan officers, financial advisors, and management analysts.
The World Language Department offers 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 English and an additional language by high school graduation. Students may test in one of the languages offered here at WHS or in their home language. 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 earn a successful score on the test for the Seal of Biliteracy will receive an insignia provided by the Department of Education to be affixed to their high school transcript. Testing is offered in December for seniors and the spring for Juniors. Students who complete up to level five in a language are often successful on this test.
The Senior Work-Study Program seeks to provide students with an opportunity to simultaneously combine fulfilling their academic requirements for graduation with gaining valuable work experience. The ultimate goal of this program/course is to allow students the ability to transfer their academic knowledge, skills, and concepts gained throughout their educational career to the workplace. Interested students should schedule an appointment with their respective School Counselor and Assistant Principal for an application. Participation in this program will be determined via faculty panel review. Students participating in this program are strongly encouraged to find their own internship/worksite or else they will be matched with available openings. Additional requirements include: regularly meeting with a mentor, keeping a work experience journal and logging worksite hours. Lastly, students will fulfill all academic, civil & social expectations in order to remain eligible for on-time graduation, or be subject to removal from the program.
The classroom leader program is designed for the highly motivated, capable student who wishes to work with a classroom teacher as a teacher’s assistant. Students should have earned at least an 88 in the subject and have the recommendation of a teacher in the department.
The Independent Study Program is designed for the highly motivated, exceptionally capable student who wishes to pursue studies beyond the courses presently offered in our curriculum. Specifics of the program are listed below.
PROGRAM ADMISSION: Permission for Independent Study must be obtained from the appropriate Department Chairperson a minimum of two weeks prior to semester registration. In all cases, students must have earned an "88%" average or above in courses taken in that academic department. A student must also have exhausted the school's most advanced course offerings in that subject area. Applications must be made using the Independent Study Application Form (available in the guidance office). Four copies of each application will be submitted: one for the student, one for the department chairperson, one for the student's Independent Study advisor, and one for the student's school counselor.
When a student is admitted into the Independent Study program, the amount of credit to be received and the advisor will propose the academic level, with the final approval granted by the principal.
PROGRAM LENGTH: The Independent Study will last for a specified length of time (either one semester or two semesters). The maximum number of semesters allowed will be two (2), unless a waiver is granted by the building principal. All Independent study will begin and end based on the high school's academic semester(s).
Dual Enrollment offers students an opportunity to take enrichment courses at local state colleges and universities and earn both high school and college credits. The Dual Enrollment Program was authorized by the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993. Qualified public high school juniors and seniors who meet state and Walpole High School qualifying criteria will be allowed to enroll in any appropriate college course(s) except those offered in the Walpole High School Program of Studies. Only students with a minimum of a 3.0 average are eligible to apply. Students must be carrying a minimum of 25 Walpole High School academic credits in order to be eligible for the Dual Enrollment program. Grades earned through Dual Enrollment are included on student transcripts but are not incorporated in class rank calculation. Interested students should meet with their school counselor for further information. Students are expected to cover the costs associated with this program.
Walpole High School is a member of the "TEC" Regional Consortium of school districts. Through this broad collaboration, Walpole High School students have access to unique and valuable educational opportunities. Please see added information in another section of this program book or visit www.tec-coop.org
Should a student elect to enroll in TEC, one period per semester may be reserved in the schedule. In most cases, students may not take a course online that is already offered by Walpole High School. Students are responsible for paying tuition prior to the start of the course. The cost of the TEC CL courses are $100 per semester. Students who wish to receive credit for a TEC CL course must complete an application and receive approval prior to course registration.
This is a certificate program for highly motivated students who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. WHS S.T.E.M. Academy requires a four (4) year commitment as well as successful completion of all essential S.T.E.M. courses, activities, and projects (see advisor). Interested students may begin to apply for enrollment towards the end of their 8th grade of study.
Students electing to take courses beyond the traditional sequence of the Walpole High School curriculum may do so by either enrolling at a course at a local college/university or via an accredited online course provider. Should a student elect to enroll in an online course, one period per semester may be reserved in the schedule. Students may not take a course online or at a local college/university that is already offered by WHS, unless a conflict created in the master schedule has occurred. Students are responsible for paying tuition prior to the start of the course.
Students who wish to receive credit for an online course or a course at a local college/university must complete an application and receive approval prior to course registration. The Credit Request Form for Non-WHS Classes is available in the School Counseling Office. While a course may be approved for credits, it will not be included in a student’s GPA calculation. Approved courses will be noted on the student transcript with the numeric grade earned at the completion of the course. Outside courses cannot be used for advancement.