Dear Colleagues,
On Thursday we welcomed new Commissioner of Education, Jeff Riley, to the Wellesley Public Schools. Jeff visited with students and staff at Wellesley High School and engaged in great conversations on student stress levels, diversity and equity, recruiting teachers, MCAS testing, and many other topics. What I find refreshing is that Jeff brings the perspective of a practitioner to his role. Most recently, he has been serving as the state-appointed “Receiver” for the City of Lawrence, overseeing an incredible turnaround for that district and its students. We remain hopeful that this perspective, coupled with feedback that he is receiving in his travels around the state, will result in changes at DESE that perhaps reduce some of the compliance burden we so often feel. We are also hopeful that the Department’s efforts will better align with our 21st Century learning work.
I also wanted to note the very powerful community conversation that took place Sunday night at Temple Beth Elohim on transgender equity. The panelists shared courageous stories from their own lives that helped educate audience members and also reinforced how important current legal protections are, which is why Question #3 on the November ballot is so important. Special thanks to our own Jacqueline Maxwell for helping to organize this event.
Finally, don’t forget two important events happening this weekend. First, our annual “Acatober” concert is happening on both Friday and Saturday night at Wellesley High School. This is typically sold out each year, so contact the Performing Arts Department to check availability if you don’t already have tickets. Also, on Saturday night, please consider attending the Friends of Wellesley METCO Adult Social being held at the William Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park. Registration is required through Friends of Wellesley METCO.
Enjoy the weekend!
Best regards,
David Lussier
Calendar
10/30/18 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm – Kingsbury Rm. WPD
11/01/18 – Deadline to Submit Notice of Intent for Lane Change
11/12/18 – Veterans’ Day Observed – No School
11/20/18 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
11/21/18 – Thanksgiving Break Begins – Half Day
11/26/18 – Professional Development Day
11/27/18 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
Flu Vaccine Clinic for WPS Faculty and Staff
Monday, October 22, 2018 3:00 – 5:00pm
Tuesday, October 23, 2018 3:00 – 5:00pm
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 3:00 – 5:00pm
Thursday, October 25, 2018 5:00 – 8:00pm
Monday, October 29, 2018 3:00 – 5:00pm
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, November 1, 2018 5:00 – 8:00pm
Wellesley Board of Health ~ 90 Washington Street
Bring your insurance card. Indicate that you are from WPS. A $5.00 donation to the Healthy Wellesley Fund is optional.
You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment. Any questions: Call Linda Corridan, RN x 5710
K-12 METCO Director – Wellesley Public Schools
Wellesley Public Schools seeks candidates to be responsible for the facilitation of the educational and socialization process of METCO students and the establishment of collaboration between parents, students and the school district. The position requires a person who is sensitive and experienced in meeting the needs of non-white students/families and who is able to help and guide them to succeed and benefit fully from their educational experience. The METCO Director will be required to provide staff/teacher training on cultural proficiency.
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field is required. Eligible for Massachusetts’ teacher, guidance and/or administrator certification preferred but not required.
For additional information about the position and to apply online visit the employment opportunities section of Wellesley Public Schools’ website at www.wellesleyps.org
Wellesley Public Schools is an Affirmative Action/EEO Employer
Dine. Dance. Celebrate! Friends of Wellesley METCO Adult Social – October 20th, 6:30 pm
Come join us for a fun-filled night, reconnecting with old friends and making new friends.
Saturday, October 20th, 6:30 – 10:00pm
William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park, 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester
Tickets: $10 per person in advance; $15 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www. friendsofwellesleymetco.org. Click on “Donate” and put “Adult Social” in special instructions.
STEM College/Career Discussion – Thursday, October 25, 2018 – WHS Library 7 pm
Join representatives from major corporations as they share advice for high school students on college and careers. Free. Open to all.
Please register at: www.wellesleyeducationfoundation.org
Sponsored by the Wellesley Education Foundation
Lane Change News: Letters of Intent to Change Lanes Next School Year Are Due by November 1st
All professional staff who expect to receive a Masters, M+30, or M+60/Doctorate at the beginning of the next school year 2019-2020, must send formal notification of intent to change salary lanes to Addie Doherty dohertya@wellesleyps.org, no later than November 1, 2018. The notification should include: current lane, proposed lane, and the school year (2019-20) in which you hope to change lanes. This early notification deadline is required so that provisions for anticipated salary lane changes may be included within the new fiscal year budget. Please note: The list does not carry forward. You must provide written notice each year until you have achieved the desired lane change.
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@wellesleyma.gov 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.