Dear Colleagues,
I attended a Global Education Symposium last Saturday in Cambridge hosted by EF and wanted to share a few observations:
- The skills-based competencies that forward-thinking countries like Finland and Singapore have identified for their education systems map closely to our draft Profile of a Graduate.
- I was intrigued by the notion that we need to expand our thinking beyond traditional and singular notions of intelligence (“IQ”) to also include “EQ” and “CQ.” The idea of emotional intelligence is not new to us and I think is reflected in our comprehensive SEL work. CQ, on the other hand, refers to cultural intelligence. This third leg of the intelligence stool refers to:
- A deep desire to learn about other cultures
- Openness to other ways of thinking
- Knowledge of other cultures
- Ability to adapt when relating and working in multicultural situations
- Confidence and comfort level in multicultural situations
- (Source: https://culturalq.com/what-is-cq/)
As we begin the process of operationalizing our POG and building a new strategic plan around it, these are critical skills we need to consider.
- Finally, we should also be challenged to think about what it means for all of our students to be global citizens today. The current OECD definition of global competence states: “Global competence is the capacity to examine local, global, and intercultural issues; to understand and appreciate the perspectives and world views of others; to engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions with people from different cultures; and to act for collective well-being and sustainable development.”
As we head into the holiday weekend, I hope we each reflect on the service of the men and women of our Armed Services (and their families) who we honor on Sunday.
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
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.wellesleyeducationfoundation.org/
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 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@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.