Colleagues,
A few thoughts to share with you before you head out to enjoy the holiday weekend. First, I want to acknowledge the exemplary service of Jonathan Simon, as his 8+ year tenure as WTA President comes to an end. Jonathan and I have worked closely together for the past five years on too many issues to count and I have greatly valued his counsel and our collaboration during this time. Thank you, Jonathan, for being such a strong and important voice for our teachers.
Today, in one of their final activities, our Seniors heard from a Gold Star family member who lost his brother in Afghanistan. It was clear that few of our students were familiar with term “Gold Star Family.” As Mr. Ouellette described his brother Brian, a Navy Seal, and the ultimate sacrifice he made, I was reminded of how easy it is for us to be disconnected from wars being fought in foreign lands and the toll these wars have on the families who have lost sons and daughters. As part of the Fallen Heroes Project, our students felt the profound impact of just one such story, which could not be more important as we approach Memorial Day. And so I ask each of us this weekend to pause and reflect on the men and women who have given their lives in service of our country and honor those families who feel the burden of Memorial Day each day.
Thank you for what you do each day for our students and have a great weekend!
Best,
David
Calendar
05/29/17 – Memorial Day – No School
05/30/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
06/01/17 – Grad Course Reimbursement Requests Deadline
06/02/17 – WHS Graduation – 5 pm
06/06/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
06/20/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
Baby News!
Congratulations to Melissa Stango-Herald (Sprague Gr 2 Teacher) on the birth of her daughter, Madelyn Rose, born on Saturday, May 20, 2017.
WHS Graduation News
Wellesley High School Graduation is on Friday, June 2, 2017, Hunnewell Field, 5:00 pm.
If held outside, a ticket will not be necessary. In case of rain, the graduation will be in the GYM at Wellesley High School. Any faculty and staff planning to attend the graduation must email Mary Donahue (donahuem@wellesleyps.org) by Wednesday, May 24th, and request a ticket. Mary will send you the ticket and instructions by return mail.
Affordable Housing Lottery
Please click here for information on seven rental units available on a lottery basis at 978 Worcester Street. There is a local preference component which increases the odds of receiving the unit if you work for the Town or the School Department. The application deadline is July 5, 2017.
Graduate Course Reimbursement Guidelines/Deadline
Course reimbursement funding of $30,000 is available to distribute in FY18 among qualified teachers. This funding is for graduate course work done to obtain a master’s degree and/or a teacher’s professional license. Newly added benefits this year allow course reimbursement for specialists including physical therapists and occupational therapists to recertify their professional or allied health license. The Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning must verify in advance that there are no further in-district specialist courses available in order for the specialists to apply for course reimbursement. To apply for this course reimbursement, please send by no later June 1, 2017, your name, evidence of your enrollment in an applicable master/doctoral degree program, name and description of the course, evidence of course cost (a billing statement), proof of payment (i.e. credit card statement, canceled check or receipt of payment), and transcript to Valerie Spruill, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Human Resources, spruillv. You will be notified of the amount awarded to you some time prior to the first paycheck in September 2017. Please note: all information must be received by June 1, 2017 or you will be disqualified for reimbursement. All courses must have occurred in the summer of 2016, fall of 2016 and spring of 2017 and have been completed by June 1, 2017. Any courses taken prior to the summer of 2016 will not count for reimbursement.
Insurance Benefits Information
Health and Dental Insurance Benefits information is handled by the Town Hall Benefits Office. Inquiries should be directed to Joanne Liburd at JLiburd or by calling 781-431-1019 extension 2244.
WPS Internal Job Postings on District Website
Please be aware that we added a new feature called “Internal Job Postings” under the Faculty tab of the District’s website. We will post all of our internal jobs under this website tab. Therefore, you will no longer see internal job postings in the bulletin. This new way of posting will allow us to post internal positions any day of the week.