Superintendent’s Bulletin 3/18/16

Dear Colleagues,
One of our great traditions in Wellesley is to honor our staff members who have served for 25 years in the Wellesley Public Schools.  In partnership with Wellesley College and the Wellesley Education Foundation, we recognize these individuals at a wonderful evening reception at Wellesley College and each honoree also receives a chair from the Wellesley Education Foundation as a token of our community’s appreciation.  Our “Chair” ceremony was held last night, where we honored six members of our team for their service.  I’d like to use my bulletin space this week to share a sampling of the remarks from last night:
Donna Chaff – Upham School – Music Teacher  Donna Chaff was the Music Teacher at Upham Elementary for the past 26 years.  During her years in Wellesley she also taught at 6 of the 7 elementary schools (except for Schofield).  She taught music for a total of 35 years including a stint in Athens, Greece.  In 2011, Donna was chosen as the Massachusetts recipient for the Society of General Music “Excellence in Music” award.  She recently retired from her position at Upham and is traveling with her favorite husband Bob (which is where she is at this moment!).
Beth Gillespie – Central Office Production Center Associate   A true Wellesley native, Beth Gillespie has deep roots in this community.  Born and raised in Wellesley, she married her high school sweetheart, Tom and settled in town.  Her two children attended Hardy Elementary, the same school Beth enjoyed as a youth.   Beth’s WPS professional career began in 1991 in Food Services in the Middle School.  In 2000 she transferred to her current position at the Central Office Production Center.  Beth’s positive attitude and diligent work ethic has helped provide our teachers and staff with the limitless paper materials needed to serve the students and families of Wellesley.
Jane Lord – WHS Global Marketing/Business Teacher   Jane Lord is a “business-ista”!  She is devoted to the field of business, education and is a follower of the latest business trends. She challenges her students to think critically and outside the box.    Jane’s love for business has motivated her students to study business in college.  Yearly, she will write more than 25 college recommendations.  Jane is devoted to the high school and its students.  She is a class advisor for two classes and has watched them dance freshmen year in the cafeteria through to their senior prom.  She is a favorite senior project advisor who cannot say no to her students even when we limit advisors to two students. Wellesley High School is fortunate to have Jane as a colleague, teacher and advisor.
Beth Watson – Secretary, Fiske School  Beth Watson also grew up in Wellesley and graduated from Wellesley Public Schools.  She has happily worked as Fiske School’s secretary for the past 26 years. The focus of her work is to ensure the students are safe so they can learn, and staff has the supports needed to be the best educators they can be.  Often times, when walking by her office, you will see Beth reading with a child and celebrating their accomplishments.  Other times, you will see Beth going down the hall to gather a child for early dismissal or to check that all duties are covered.  Beth Watson takes pride in her work and is dedicated to the success of the entire Fiske community.

Suzanne Chmielinski – WMS English Teacher   Suzanne Chmielinski began her career with Wellesley Public Schools at Bates Elementary School as a grade 4 teacher.  After two years she joined the Middle School to teach grade 6 ELA and Science, and she completed her career as a Grade 8 English teacher in 2015.  (Suzanne was introduced by Diane Campbell.)
Please join me in recognizing our colleagues for their outstanding work!
Best regards,
David

​​Calendar
  
03/22/16 – School Committee Meeting – 7 pm – Town Hall
03/25/16 – No School – Good Friday
03/31/16 – Deadline for C & I Proposals
03/31/16 – Deadline for WellesleyPD Course Proposals