Dear Colleagues,
What a challenging week for our nation. Last weekend, we learned of the horrific shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where one man’s virulent antisemitism led to the murder of eleven people. As the week progressed we saw the repeated demonization of immigrants and racist politic rhetoric coming from our national leaders. Next week, one of the ballot questions in Massachusetts seeks to roll back protections for transgender individuals.
The climate of division in our country right now is unlike anything I can remember in my lifetime. We have always been an imperfect country, but I have always felt that we aspire to be guided by a moral center. Dr. King famously said that, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Right now, it’s hard to maintain that sense of optimism.
At the recent community event on transgender rights, one of the panelists, considering some of the aforementioned issues, wondered aloud if we want to be a society that aligns itself with power or one that aligns itself with humanity? We should all consider this question as we engage in our work and challenge our students during this important inflection point for our nation.
I believe that our efforts to be guided by our District’s Core Values are more important than ever. Your efforts in the classroom each day to support our students’ social and emotional growth are critical.
I am sometimes asked if our curriculum is too focused on themes such as human rights and justice. Recent events provide more evidence that these areas are essential.
I close by sharing the draft of our Profile of a Graduate that we will be bringing forward to the School Committee for review and approval. This POG reflects the significant feedback we received from staff, students, and community members. I am particularly pleased that we have included the idea/expectation that students will not only respect human differences, but that they will challenge inequities.
WPS aspires to be a school system that develops the heads, hearts, and hands of its students by inspiring them to:
● Think Critically & Solve Problems
● Create & Innovate
● Engage Locally & Globally
● Communicate & Collaborate
● Respect Human Differences & Challenge Inequities
● Attend to their Physical, Social & Emotional Health
As we head into the weekend, please accept my thanks for your ongoing efforts to not only develop strong students, but to also support their growth into good people.
Best regards,
David Lussier
Calendar
11/12/18 – Veterans’ Day Observed – No School
11/20/18 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
11/21/18 – Thanksgiving Break Begins – Half Day
11/26/18 – Professional Development Day
11/27/18 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm – Town Hall
Baby News! Congratulations to Scott Marder (Sprague School Psychologist) on the birth of his son, Jake, on November 1, 2018.
Condolences to Jacqui Hennessey (Fiske Grade 1 Teacher) on the loss of her mother, Margaret Shellenback Hennessey, on October 25, 2018.
Wellesley Education Foundation – 2019 WEF Grant Applications Important Information:
Monday, January 7th – Deadline for 2019 WEF Grant Applications. Early April – Decision Notifications
- WEF funded over $259,000 in grants last year!
- Grants funded at all WPS levels – elementary, middle and high school.
- WEF has a grant history 2010-2018 for review.
We welcome your inspiring and innovative applications. Please start the process at https://www.
Educators Tab > Apply for a Grant tab
Lisa Hicks and Yolanda Tong, WEF Grants Co Chairs
wefgrantapplications@gmail.com
Fells Branch Library Reopening
All WPS staff is invited to the Fells BranchLibrary Open House on Friday, November 16th, from 12 noon to 1 pm. Light Refreshments Served.
Boston Marathon Entries Available
The Selectmen have recently adopted a policy on how invitational entries for the Boston Marathon are awarded.
The policy provides two entries each to police and fire in recognition of the major role they play in the success of the marathon annually. While they have run the marathon in the past, this policy clarifies the number of bibs available. New this year is the opportunity for other town employees outside of those departments to run the race. Attached is the approved policy, which sets aside two entries for employees or residents. Depending on the applications received, the policy sets out a method to choose those runners, who must agree to raise at least $4,000 for the Town’s War Memorial scholarship. The remaining entries go to charities that contribute to Wellesley, and they too must raise at least this amount for the charity that chooses them to run on their behalf.
Insurance Benefi
Health and Dental Insurance Benefits information is handled by the Town Hall Benefits Office. Inquiries should be directed to Joanne Liburd at JLiburd@wellesleyma.gov 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.