Colleagues,
I hope you have had a productive week. It’s been some time since we’ve had a snow storm of this magnitude in December and I appreciate everyone’s flexibility in shifting to a remote learning day on Thursday. I recognize that this is not a perfect scenario, but I believe it is the best one for us this year. By the time to we get into June with (hopefully) an increasing distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, I believe everyone will be eager to break for the summer as early as possible. Equally important is our need to begin the WMS building project as soon as the year ends. This project will be a race against the clock to complete by the time school resumes again on September 1st. Any delay, particularly in the kitchen where all meals for WMS and the elementary schools are prepared, will have a significant impact on our opening. In short, if there was ever a year when we need the summer break to begin early, this is it.
Going into our short week next week, I also want to highlight a few key reminders. First, we will be collecting staff saliva samples on Monday and Tuesday of next week per our usual schedule. Please remember to participate! Also, you should have received an additional viral testing kit to use upon your return from the winter break. We will send out reminders, but please mark your calendars to collect your samples and return them on Monday, January 4th. (If you forget, you can still turn in a sample on Tuesday, January 5th.)
I also want to remind everyone of how important it is to adhere to safety guidelines over the holiday break. Limiting travel, social gatherings, and celebrating with members of your own household will be critical in stemming the tide of the pandemic right now.
Finally, please enjoy a well-deserved winter break. You have worked incredibly hard since the school year began and we have asked much of you under very difficult circumstances. Please know how grateful I am for your service to our community and kids.
Please stay safe and I look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
Best,
David
Calendar
12/22/20 – School Committee Meeting – Remote Online – 6:30 pm
12/24-1/1/21 – Year-end Vacation – No School
1/04/21 – School Reopens
1/05/21 – School Committee Meeting – Remote Online – 6:30 pm
Retiring?
Believe it or not, we are working on next year’s budget. Please let us know if you intend to retire some time this or next school year by sending an email to AskHR@wellesleyps.org with the date that you intend to retire. Thanks so much!
The Human Resources Department
Fraudulent Unemployment Claims (Update)
The Human Resources Office continues to get numerous unemployment claims every day. Many of these unemployment claims are fraudulent. Please be aware that Marissa Capone is helping our Human Resources Department gather more information about these claims. If she reaches out to you to inquire if you filed a claim, it is okay to respond to her.
If a fraudulent claim has been filed on your behalf, Marissa will provide you with additional information about how to report the fraud. Thank you in advance for working with Marissa so that we can properly report this fraud.
Human Relations Services
The Human Relation Services (HRS) can help. Wellesley Public Schools has contracted with HRS to provide up to ten free counseling visits for you and/or your family members. This program is designed to help you deal with stresses of life and work –including personal and family issues, drug or alcohol problems, and job related tension. It offers prevention and intervention to reduce these stresses and improve coping skills.
HRS is located at 11 Chapel Place in Wellesley and can be reached at 781-235-4950. This is a confidential service. Wellesley Public Schools is not aware of the names of employees or their family members who utilize this service.
Do you have a question for the WPS Human Resources Department? Email AskHR@Wellesleyps.org. The Human Resources Department is happy to assist you.
WPS Internal Job Postings on District Website
For all Internal Job Postings, please go to “Internal Job Postings” under the Faculty tab of the District’s website.