Superintendent’s Bulletin 10/13/2017

Dear Colleagues,

Last week I attended the EdLeader21 Conference in Atlanta with several members of our staff. It was a terrific conference that brought together school districts from around the country engaged in 21st Century Learning work. A few important themes stood out to me from the conference:

1. The importance of establishing a “Profile of a Graduate.” What knowledge, skills and habits of mind do we want all of our WPS graduates to have? This can be an incredibly effective process to clarify district/community expectations and to calibrate our practice. We will actually begin this process later this fall when Ken Kay from EdLeader21 joins us for our November PD day.

2. How often do students engage in performance tasks that mirror the type of problem-solving they are likely to face in the real world? I was struck by the degree to which students in some districts are engaged in addressing actual issues within their communities, creating a sense of ownership and passion that we know are the hallmarks of high-quality education experiences.

3. “What functions of a school can students perform?” This was the framing question that preceded a student panel discussion we attended. More and more schools are considering ways in which the students themselves can help run schools such as in technology support, running credit unions, monitoring energy use, etc.

In short, I was left feeling inspired that the traditional model of schooling is really beginning to change as educators and school partners work together to ensure that our programs and expectations are better aligned with the competencies that our students will need to be successful in college, career, and life. I’m very excited that WPS is part of this network of districts and thought partners looking to the future.

Thanks to each of you for the important work you do each day to support our students. Have a great weekend.

Best regards,

David Lussier

Calendar
10/16/17 – Lane Change 101 – 2:45 pm – Supt. Conf Room
10/18/17 – Lane Change 101 – 3:15 pm – Supt. Conf Room
10/24/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
10/30/17 – SC Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
11/10/17 – Veterans’ Day – No School

​​​​​​​Condolences to Deb Cohen (Bates Gr 3 Teacher) on the loss of her mother, Phyllis Cynamon, on October 6, 2017.

Working Toward a Lane Change and Have Questions About the Process?

Join us for a Lane Change 101 Session:

• Monday, October 16th at 2:45 pm
  or
• Wednesday, October 18th at 3:15 pm

Superintendent’s Conference Room (lower level of the Middle School)

Co-Hosted by Chelsea Bailow and Addie Doherty

This 30-minute information session will provide an overview of the steps you need to take to change lanes, as well as provide an orientation to WellesleyPD, the District’s professional development website.

Please click here to RSVP. Please note that lane changes are applicable only to those members of WTA Unit A.

More 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 Master’s degree, M+30, or M+60/Doctorate at the beginning of the next school year 2018-19, must send formal notification of intent (email is fine) to change salary lanes to Addie Doherty dohertya, no later than November 1, 2017. The notification should include: current lane, proposed lane, and the school year (2018-19) in which you hope to change lanes. This early notification deadline is required so that provisions for anticipated salary lane changes can 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.

Friends of Wellesley METCO Presents a Day at Franklin Park Zoo

Come one! Come all!

All Wellesley Public School students, teachers, staff and family members are invited to visit the Franklin Park Zoo on Sunday, October 15 from 1-4pm. Come tour the zoo and enjoy refreshments & entertainment at our private hospitality tent. There will be activities, raffle prizes and fun for all ages. Sponsored by Friends of Wellesley METCO, this fall social event is a great chance to connect with Wellesley METCO students and their families while enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the zoo.

Admission is just $5.00/person when tickets are reserved by October 9. Tickets purchased day-of will be regular price. For details and to purchase these heavily discounted tickets, visit FriendsofWellesleyMETCO. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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​​​​ 28TH Annual Wellesley Spelling Bee

Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00 PM

The Wellesley Education Foundation is buzzing away preparing for the Spelling Bee — which is an old school community spelling bee which brings the whole town together for an evening of fun and fundraising. Over 50 teams participate in the Bee and represent local businesses, law firms, alumni groups, community organizations, and school PTOs, as well as student teams from Wellesley High School and Wellesley Middle School.