Dear Colleagues:
Happy Friday! I hope everyone found Monday’s professional development day valuable. Based on the feedback we have received so far, the themes of the day really seemed to resonate. In particular, the keynote by Catherine Steiner-Adair challenged us to consider ways we can harness the power of technology while also being mindful of its many potential pitfalls and unintended consequences. This is certainly true as we think about the degree to which we communicate with each other and parents in less personal ways, such as email and through social media. I know I also left the session thinking about my relationship with my smartphone! I especially appreciated the many colleagues who stepped forward to lead afternoon wellness sessions on a range of topics. I hope you felt energized by the time we dedicated to pause and take care of ourselves. I challenge all of us to think of more ways we can build these moments into our personal and professional lives. Finally, I want to give a huge shout-out to Joan Dabrowski, Chelsea Bailow and the entire Teaching and Learning team for their efforts to make this day possible.
Have a great weekend and thank you for all that you do for our students each day.
Best,
David
Calendar
12/13/16 – School Committee Meeting – 7 pm – Town Hall
12/26/16-1/2/17: Winter Break
1/7/16 – School Committee Meeting – 7 pm – Town Hall
Congratulations to Linda Buffum (Schofield Instructional Library Assistant), on the birth of her grandson, Cameron Michael Buffum, on November 24, 2016 (Thanksgiving Day!).
Town of Wellesley Affordable Housing Lottery – 139R Linden Street
A three (3) bedroom, newly constructed, affordable rental unit in Wellesley is being offered by lottery. The rent is $1826.00 per month and utilities are included. The information and application packet is available at the Planning Board office, the Main Library or may be downloaded from the srburtt or 781-235-4120.
Health Insurance Opt-Out Program Reminder:
Receive up to $4,500 per benefits year!
Did you know that you can receive up to $4,500 for opting out of the Town of Wellesley’s health insurance plan if you have coverage available elsewhere? You can receive up to $2,250 for an individual plan, or $4,500 for a family plan, per year, if you meet the following criteria:
- You are currently enrolled in a Town of Wellesley health insurance plan and have been a participant for 2 years immediately preceding the opt-out.
- You have health insurance coverage available elsewhere, most likely through a spouse.
- You sign up for the opt-out program using the application found online.
Please go to www.WellesleyMA.gov, click on the Human Resources page and go to the Employee Benefits link on the left for more details! Payments will be made in June of each year for the previous year and are pro-rated based on date of enrollment in the opt-out program. Offer ends June 30, 2018.
Ready for Retirement: For members retiring in 2017
The MTRS staff will be presenting our popular seminar, “Ready for Retirement,” across the Commonwealth in November and December. “Ready for Retirement” is a free, optional, two-hour program (4-6 p.m.) designed for members retiring in 2017. We’re reaching out to soon-to-be retirees before the retirement season starts so that when you begin the application process, you will know just what you need to do and when.
Topics include:
- the retirement application process and the benefit calculation formula,
- timelines and service expectations,
- first payment information,
- health insurance, tax and working after retirement issues, and
- cost-of-living adjustments after you retire.
Please note: Personalized account information and pension estimates are not offered during these sessions.
To attend, simply register online. We hope to see you soon!
LUDLOW, Thursday, December 8; Ludlow High School auditorium
All Benefits Information
Benefits information is handled by the Town Hall Benefits Office. All benefit 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.