Dear WPS Community,
As we welcome November, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible students, educators, staff, and families who make Waltham Public Schools a special community. Each day, I am reminded of the dedication, care, and commitment that our school community brings to ensuring every student feels known, valued, and supported.
This month, as we reflect on the importance of gratitude and giving back, I encourage us all to celebrate the many ways our students and staff demonstrate kindness, perseverance, and a sense of belonging. Our theme this year, “One Waltham. Every Story Matters,” reminds us that our greatest strength lies in the diverse experiences, perspectives, and voices that make up our community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for all that you do to support our schools.
Best,
Dr. Mendonsa
|
November 3rd - No School - Professional Development day (Staff only)
November 4th - School Committee Meeting (617 Lexington Street) @ 7pm
November 11th - No School - Veteran's Day
November 18th - Early Release Day (1pm dismissal) for Elementary Schools only. (*Full day for all WHS / VHS and MS students)
November 18th - School Committee Meeting (617 Lexington Street) @ 7pm
November 23rd - WHS New Schedule Parent Forum (open to all WPS families/students) @ 6pm
November 25th - Half Day (Dismissal - 10:45am for WHS & VS / 11:15am for KMS & MMS / 11:45am for elementary schools). *No Preschool
November 26th - 27th - No School - Thanksgiving Break
*Looking ahead - WPS' 8th Annual Parenting Awareness Conference ~ now called Caregivers Connect ~ will take place on Saturday, March 13, 2027. Stay tuned for more info.
|
On Wednesday, November 18th from 6-7pm, Waltham High's CTE Dept. will host its monthly virtual family forum. This month's forum will highlight the Electrical program.
|
~ We are happy to announce our Library Strategic Plan has been formally accepted by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
~ Our library teachers created book displays for STEM Week, 10/19-10/23. What a great way to showcase some of the great STEM books we all have while supporting our STEM teachers and all their hard work with our students.
~ The Waltham Public Library Book Mobile comes to WHS! Students and staff can get a library card which enables access to their library book collection as well as all of their online resources!
|
STEM Week - STEM learning doesn't stop at school! Encourage your children to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through fun, everyday activities like building with household materials, experimenting with paper airplanes, or solving creative challenges.
You don't need special equipment, just curiosity and imagination! Ask questions, explore together, and celebrate learning through trial and error.
Looking for ideas? Explore fun, hands-on STEM activities from Waterford.org
Let's keep the excitement of STEM Week going all year long!
|
Please make sure to review the district's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines and share them with your student(s). The Guidelines can be found here on the district's website or on all of school websites. |
See what delicious food the School Nutrition Dept. will be serving in November here. |
|
GAME SCHEDULES - download arbiter live to your phone using the app store/google play.
_____________________________________
WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION - for high school and middle school students is now open.
Middle School -
DATE CHANGE -
*HIGH SCHOOL WINTER SPORTS INFORMATION NIGHT will be on 11/18 at 6:30pm and will be virtual. Team meetings will follow.
WINTER SPORTS START DATES - 11/30/26. Check the athletics website for practice / tryout schedules starting 11/16/26.
|
SPRING SPORTS REGISTRATION for high school students - opens 2/1/27.
*HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS INFORMATION NIGHT - will be virtual on 3/15 at 6:30pm and team meetings will follow.
SPRING SPORTS START DATES- 3/15/27 - check the athletics website for practice/tryout schedules starting 3/1/27.
FIND US ON THE SOCIALS
X - @WHawkSAthletics
Instagram - @WHawkSathletics
|
|
The Waltham Public Schools Fine & Performing Arts Department (FAPA) has a dedicated page where families and community members can stay connected to our vibrant arts programs. Visit: walthampublicschools.org/page/fine-arts
Here are just some of the events taking place in November:
November 4th: Band / String / Rock Band Concert at WHS at 7pm
November 18th at 4pm, 19th at 7pm & 20th at 7pm: Legally Blonde at WHS.
|
The Waltham Public Schools Music Department offers private after school instrumental and voice lessons for interested students in grades 1–12. Students can study privately on the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, saxophone, flute, trumpet, baritone, tuba, trombone, clarinet, French horn, percussion, electric bass, guitar, piano, ukulele and voice. (Please note that students in grades 1 & 2 are only eligible to study piano or violin. Students in grades 3–12 can study any other instruments except voice and ukulele. (Voice can only be taken in high school and ukulele in middle and high School) . Click on the link below to get more info and to register.
|
|
This month, the wonderful artwork from students at MacArthur Elementary will be on display in the City Hall showcase! |
|
The Waltham Public Library's Teen Room has some fun activities planned for November: Real Talks, Crafternoons, the Cozy Writing Cafe, a Career Talk, and even a Comedy Night! |
Attention middle schoolers - the Waltham Rec Dept's Chill Zone is open every Friday from 3 - 6pm for students in grades 6-8 to hang out, play games, participate in art projects and play sports. For more info, please see below:
|
Waltham Youth Basketball is now accepting registrations for the upcoming 2026 winter season for boys and girls in grades 1 - 8. Register for the in-town and travel programs. See the flyers below for more info.
|
|
The Waltham PAL League (Waltham Police Athletic League) is getting ready for the winter season and is offering soccer and basketball opportunities for children ages 7-14. See the flyers below for more info and to register.
|
|
617 Lexington Street
Office Hours 8:00am - 4:00pm
Vacation / Summer Hours 8:30am-3:30pm
Phone: 781-314-5524 or 781-314-5568 (Spanish)
Did you recently move?
*Change of Address ~
If you have moved within Waltham or need to update the address Waltham Public Schools has on file, you must provide the new address to your child(ren)’s school(s). To complete the update, you will need to provide the school with the following:
Proof of Residency ~
City of Waltham quarterly tax bill -OR-
Copy of Purchase & Sales or Deed for a new home purchase
Current Lease Agreement - Signed & dated within one year -OR-
*Please be aware that changes to your address may result in:
Your child(ren)’s school will provide you with this information and assistance.
If you are experiencing housing instability:
Please contact our McKinney-Vento office by email mkvliaison@walthampublicschools.org or 781-314-5425 to update your address and receive additional assistance. Families identified as McKinney-Vento are not required to change their child's school if they move as under this policy, your child is eligible to remain in their school of origin.
|
Children whose parent/legal guardian(s) are living in Waltham may enroll in Kindergarten with the Waltham Public Schools if they have reached 5 years of age on or before September 1, of the new school year.
Families are encouraged to complete the form below to be sure your child is on our list of expected students.
Kindergarten Registration information for the 2027-28 school year will be mailed home beginning in January.
We look forward to welcoming your child and working with your family throughout the registration process.
More information and future updates can be found on the Kindergarten Registration page:
|
Children whose parents or legal guardians reside in Waltham and will turn 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1st of the new school year are eligible to apply.
Parents are encouraged to apply as there are a limited number of spots still available in both the morning and afternoon programs.
Rolling admission to the morning session of the integrated pre-K program for children turning 3 after September 1st will be offered if space allows.
The Pre-K Application for the 2027-28 school year is expected to be posted in early November, 2026 and will remain open through January 15, 2027.
More information including the online applications for all Integrated Pre-K Programs can be found on the Pre-K Programs page:
|
The Waltham High School Preschool is open! This preschool program is a new full-day program located at Waltham High School, offering play-based learning in a warm, inclusive environment that supports kindergarten readiness, creativity, collaboration, and social-emotional growth. The program runs from 9:00am-2:30pm and offers 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day programming options for Waltham families with children ages 3 and 4. Through its connection to Waltham High School and Career & Technology Education pathways, students benefit from a unique community-centered learning experience. Families interested in integrated preschool services are encouraged to apply to the district’s Integrated Pre-K Programs.
For more information, including an Interest Form, can be found here:
|
Student Work Permit Applications and complete instructions can be found here:
All students residing in Waltham may submit an electronic copy of their completed Massachusetts Employment Permit Application to the Parent Information Center at PIC@walthampublicschools.org. A scanned document or a picture of the completed and signed forms are acceptable. **During the school year, Waltham High School students should turn in their completed application to their house office at the High School.**
All other students, and during the summer, permit applications should be turned into the Parent Information Center at 617 Lexington St.
The completed application forms may also be brought to the main office, or dropped in the gray mailbox by the flagpole, located at the main entrance of 617 Lexington Street.
Please note:
- Applications for students aged 14 or 15 MUST have a doctor's signature.
- Waltham residents who do not attend Waltham Public Schools MUST also provide their Birth Certificate with the completed application.
- The student must be present for the permit to be issued.
- The employer must sign the permit application PRIOR to Waltham Public Schools issuing the permit.
- A NEW permit application is required for each NEW employer.
- Please include your contact information in order for the completed permit to be returned to you, or to be notified that your permit is ready to be picked up.
Application forms are available at the Waltham High School Main Office or can be downloaded using the link below.
|
Get your latest info and highlights by following us on Instagram! |
Welcome to Waltham Public Schools! We serve more than 5,600 students from diverse backgrounds with courses and activities designed to prepare them for success in the 21st Century. Our vision is to provide a world-class education to ALL students by developing their heads, hearts, hands, and voices, and to inspire them to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, designers, builders, innovators and social entrepreneurs who make contributions to our diverse communities, nation, and global world. We strive to be the first choice of all families in the wonderful #OneWaltham community! |
|
|
