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School committee approves WMHS handbook updates, adds AI policy and tighter NHS eligibility
Summary
The School Committee approved revisions to the WMHS student handbook that added a personal-finance graduation requirement, tightened National Honor Society eligibility (3.7 on a 5.0 weighted scale and suspension disqualification), included DESE language for a Seal of Biliteracy, and added an AI-use policy; members asked that device references be generic rather than brand-specific.
Mr. Quigley presented proposed edits to the WMHS student handbook, focusing on changes that had been reviewed by school council and the district attorney. Key updates included a student handbook acknowledgement form for parents who opt out of student photos, addition of personal finance (AP or regular personal financial literacy) to graduation requirements for rising juniors, clarification of promotion and credit-recovery procedures (night school and summer school options), and updates to weighted GPA and National Honor Society standards.
On the National Honor Society, the handbook now references a 3.7 minimum on a 5.0 weighted scale and adds ineligibility for students who have been suspended (including in-school suspension). Mr. Quigley said this language reflects faculty-council recommendations and existing practice.
The handbook also adds DESE-required language for a Seal of Biliteracy and codifies updated wellness and health-education language. Mr. Quigley described additions relating to Saturday school, Edgenuity (an online learning platform used for students out for documented reasons), and a narrowed food-delivery procedure to reduce safety disruptions.
Committee discussion centered on the newly added AI policy. Emily Peters, earlier in public comment, had urged the district not to lock AI rules into the handbook and to pursue a community-driven advisory approach. Several committee members agreed the handbook should include AI expectations but also be flexible. "Because AI technology is rapidly evolving, school guidelines and expectations regarding the AI use may be updated as needed during the school year," Mr. Quigley noted; members suggested replacing brand-specific references to "Meta glasses" with a neutral description such as "glasses with a recording camera" or "recording devices" and confirming accessibility exemptions for assistive devices.
After discussion and questions, a motion to approve the handbook changes was made and carried by voice vote. Members said the document had been vetted by counsel and school council and that the AI language should be monitored and updated as needed during the year.
