Dear Colleagues,

Our first week of SY2025-26 was a successful one! I enjoyed getting to welcome you all back during our all-staff kickoff on Monday. As always, our students set a great tone with their Red Sox inspired, Neil Diamond collection of songs. (Many thanks to Kevin McDonald and Chad Weirick for their support of our students!) Don’t forget that these same students will be performing the National Anthem at the Red Sox game next Wednesday’s (9/3). Please use this link to purchase tickets if you are interested in attending.

Thanks also to everyone who submitted materials for my kickoff slide show. I’d actually like to reference a few great summer vignettes from staff that didn’t make it into my final version:

This summer, WMS Social Studies Teacher Jonathan Rabinowitz participated in a Gilder Lehrman summer symposium at Gettysburg College focused on the US Supreme Court. Jonathan noted, “It was a great opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of my heroes (Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain on Little Round Top–see the pic) and even better to spend time with teachers from all 50 US states. This included one high school teacher from Brooklyn who spent his formative years at Wellesley Middle School. Small World!”

WMS Student Supervisor Andrea White shared her gratitude for the opportunity this summer to have facilitated the English Learner Program at Hardy Elementary School. She was especially appreciative to work alongside of terrific colleagues such as Dr. Méritès Abelard, the Director of the WPS Multilingual Learner Education Program, as well as teachers from Avon and Milford. 

WMS 8th Grade Science Teacher Chantal Bourel, shared that at the start of the summer, she welcomed home twin puppies, Hazel and Rhubarb. Then in July, she had the chance to attend a Yellowstone STEAM teacher workshop, where she explored geothermal features and wildlife while learning new ways to connect science to her classroom. Chantal added, “Both experiences reminded me of curiosity, discovery, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate the world around us. I’m excited to bring that curiosity and sense of wonder back to my students this year.”

I want to thank for new Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez, for making WPS one of his first district visits as he begins his tenure in this important role. Commissioner Martinez joined me at Wellesley Middle School and at Hardy Elementary School on opening day to meet students, staff and families. 

Finally, I want to reinforce the importance of starting our year by creating a strong sense of belonging for our students, staff, and families. As a community of learning, we can’t leave anyone behind. This is a moment in our country where many groups are feeling marginalized and extremely vulnerable. With a unified, unwavering voice, I hope you’ll join me in ensuring that in WPS, we affirm for each member of school community that you are welcomed, you are valued, and you belong.

Thanks for all that you do for our students, families, and for each other. Enjoy a well-deserved Labor Day weekend!  

Best, David

September 1 – Labor Day (Schools and Offices Closed)

September 2 – School Committee Meeting

September 16 – School Committee Meeting

September 23 – Rosh Hashanah (Schools Closed)

The Town of Wellesley offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support employees and their families.  Effective July 1, 2025, CMG Associates is the new EAP provider (see announcement). Employees may want to access the EAP because of emotional difficulties, life stress, family difficulties, concerns about substance abuse or other addictive behavior, legal or financial problems, or other personal issues. The EAP is completely free, confidential, and available at all times (day or night, weekdays, weekends, and holidays). Employees may call CMG Associates at 888-851-7032, or they may visit www.cmgassociates.com, click on the link entitled EAP Log-In, and use the User ID: WELL.

Email AskHR@Wellesleyps.org. The Human Resources Department is happy to assist you.  

For all Internal Job Postings, please go to “Internal Job Postings” under the Faculty tab of the District’s website. How to Apply for WPS Internal Job Postings as a New Internal Applicant