Dear Colleagues,
Security was a significant theme for us this week. At both Schofield and the Middle School, the Wellesley Police Department conducted active shooter training with the staff. While this represents a scenario that is not easy to consider, as we saw in Washington this week, school shootings are becoming far too common. Through continued training on the ALICE protocol, our intent is to prepare staff on how to keep our students and each other safe during a crisis. We hope the realism added by the police will help all of us better internalize the factors to assess, for example, when deciding to leave the building or stay and barricade your classrooms. Trainings at all of our schools are scheduled during the coming weeks and we remain grateful to the Wellesley Police Department for their partnership to make these trainings possible.
Coupled with this training is the soon-to-be-completed security upgrades at many of our schools that began this summer. Proxy card entries, security cameras, improved PA’s and walkie-talkies, and improved doors and hardware are the main components of this package. Our goal is to improve our security but not turn our schools into fortresses. I believe we have found an appropriate middle ground in our approach.
On Wednesday, we encountered a non-hypothetical security threat as a student reported being approached by a stranger before school at Sprague. When some of our new security tools are operational later this fall, we will have a much stronger ability to assess this type of incident. However, this incident is also a good reminder that how we prepare students to handle this type of situation is as important as any facilities upgrade to our buildings. I appreciate everyone’s help in reminding students not to engage with strangers and to report any strange or suspicious behavior to staff/parents. Most of all, let us continue to assure our students that our schools remain safe spaces of learning.
Thanks to each of you for the work you do to keep our students safe each day. Have a great weekend everyone!
Best regards,
David
Calendar
09/21/17 – Rosh Hashanah – No School
09/26/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
10/09/17 – Columbus Day – No School
10/10/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
10/24/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
Attention Walkers!!!
You are invited to join the Wellesley Walkers for our Fall Walking Program beginning on Sunday, October 1, 2017. The kick off meeting is scheduled for September 27th at 3:30 p.m. in the Selectmen’s meeting room in the Wellesley Town Hall. The program will run through October 28th and is free, fun and filled with benefits. All program participants will be eligible for random prize drawings throughout the program.
Sponsored by the Wellesley Health Department and the Human Resources Department, the program is geared for individuals from all walks of life. If you are a serious walker, a casual walker or a walker “wanna be”, please consider joining the Wellesley Walkers for our Fall Walking Program.
Please let Cheryl Daebritz know at (781) 431-1019, ext. 2246 or cdaebritz if you are interested in participating and whether you will be attending the kick-off meeting. Those responding on or before Thursday, September 21, will be guaranteed a goody bag. All participants are eligible for the weekly raffle prizes.
Your body is the baggage you must carry through life. The more excess the baggage, the shorter the trip. Arnold H. Glasgow
The Education Department Presents
The Diane Silvers Ravitch Class of ’60 Lecture
Beyond the Bubble Test, Reforming How We Evaluate Learning and Teaching
Linda Darling-Hammond
Thursday, October 19 at 7:30 PM
Diana Chapman Walsh Alumnae Hall Auditorium
Generously supported by the Diane Silvers Ravitch ’60 Fund for Public Education and Wellesley College Education Department. Free and open to the public. For disability access disabilityservices@wellesley.edu.
Wellesley
www.wellesley.edu/events
Message from the Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) – Grant Applications
Welcome Back WPS Educators!
WEF announces a change to the grant application process. We have moved to ONE GRANT CYCLE for the 2017-2018 academic school year.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018 – DEADLINE for WEF Grant Applications
EARLY APRIL – Notifications for Grant Decisions
We thank you for your inspiring and innovative applications and look forward to funding many grants this coming year. If you have any questions, please contact us at: grants
Yolanda Tong and Judy Zimmerman
WEF Grants Co Chairs
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.