Superintendent’s Bulletin: 10/25/19

Dear Colleagues,

Today marks the final day of MASS STEM Week 2019.  The theme of this year’s activities was “Picture Yourself in STEM.” Through the generous support of the Wellesley Education Foundation, we had a number of activities occurring in our District including Dr. Mark Siddall’s engaging presentations on scientific learning (his visuals of leeches will not soon be forgotten!). Additionally, there were forums on Women in Science, Aspiring Doctors, and a Robotics Workshop.

Part of the focus this year was on considering under-represented groups in STEM fields such as women and minorities.  And this is where we can play an important role in schools as we encourage and empower a more diverse group of students to picture themselves in STEM.  I fear we lose too many future innovators in these fields because we remain tied to traditional notions of who is suitable for these careers.  A new generation of scientists may have been inspired this week and I challenge us all to consider ways to maintain that momentum. 

Thanks for all that you do in support of our students and have a great weekend!

Best regards,
David

Calendar
10/21 – 10/25/19 – STEM Week
10/29/19 – School Committee Meeting – Police Station – 5:30 pm
11/1/19 – Deadline for Submissions of Letter of Intent to Change Lanes
11/6 & 11/7 – Flue Vaccine Clinic – 3:00-5:00 pm (see details below)
11/12/19 – School Committee Meeting – Town Hall – 6:30 pm
11/26/19 – School Committee Meeting – Town Hall – 6:30 pm

​​​Condolences to Sue Drayton on the loss of her husband, Jay Drayton, on October 17, 2019

​​​Salary Lane Change News
Letters of Intent to Change Lanes in SY2020-21 Deadline:   November 1st
All professional staff who expect to receive a Masters, M+30, or M+60/Doctorate at the beginning of the next school year 2020-2021, must send formal notification of intent to change salary lanes to Addie Doherty dohertya@wellesleyps.org, no later than November 1, 2019.  The notification should include:  current lane, proposed lane, and the school year (2020-21) in which you hope to change lanes.  This early notification deadline is required so that provisions for anticipated salary lane changes may 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.  

Flu Vaccine Clinic for WPS Faculty & Staff:  November 6 and 7th, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Wellesley Board of Health, 90 Washington Street
Bring your insurance card.
Indicate that you are from WPS
$5.00 donation to the Healthy Wellesley Fund is optional
You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment. 

Any questions:  Call Linda Corridan, RN  x 5710

  
2020 WEF Grant Applications 
Deadline:  Monday, January 6th    Decision Notifications:  Early April 

​​​​​​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.  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Renewing Your Educator’s License?
Information about requirements to renew your educator license is available on the WPS website.  Click here to go to the HR Licensure tab.  When you apply for your license on the DESE website under ELAR, the DESE will send you an electronic communication about what is missing from your licensure file in order to renew.   The HR licensure tab and your ELAR account are two tools to assist you with information about licensure renewal.  

WPS Internal Job Postings on District Website
For all Internal Job Postings, please go to “Internal Job Postings” under the Faculty tab of the District’s website.