Colleagues,
As we head into the long weekend in which we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it seems appropriate to juxtapose his message of racial unity and human rights within the context of present-day events. The coronavirus pandemic continues to rage across the country with a death toll approaching 400,000. We must also acknowledge the disproportionate impact of this virus along racial and socio-economic lines. As is so often the case, tragedies are frequently exacerbated by fundamental societal inequities.
Unfortunately, what otherwise may have presented a moment for the nation to come together with a joined sense of purpose and resolve to fight a common enemy, has morphed into yet another politicized moment, pitting Americans against each other and, ironically, extending the reach of the virus.
This toxic political environment reached a crescendo last week when a mob of the President’s supporters overran the Capitol with the intent of overturning the results of a free and fair election. Seeing the disparate treatment of this largely white group, when compared to the largely peaceful demonstrations in the name racial equity throughout the summer, seemed to only underscore the very essence of white privilege that we have so often discussed.
In the face of so much divisiveness and unrest, I wonder what Dr. King would say if he were here with us today? I have little doubt that he would call out these inequities. I also have little doubt that he would attempt to reframe much of the prevalent, self-serving narratives into a broader challenge to our imperfect nation to strive to be better. Not for some people, but for all people.
In one of his Letters from a Birmingham Jail in 1963, Dr. King wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
As I read Dr. King’s words, I am reminded of an eloquence seemingly lost today. More important this message, underscoring our connectedness as human beings, seems more important than ever. This is what I will choose to reflect on this weekend as I hope we can each consider ways in which we can help our nation heal.
Best,
David
Calendar
1/18/21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School
1/20/21 – Cohort A will follow Monday’s schedule due to holiday
1/26/21 – School Committee Meeting – Remote Online – 6:30 pm
2/2/21 – School Committee Meeting – Remote Online – 6:30 pm
2/9/21 – School Committee Meeting – Remote Online – 6:30 pm
2/15-2/19 – Winter Break
Congratulations to Nora Wilkins (Dept. Head of Science and Technology Engineering) on her appointment as the new principal of the Remote Learning School!
Approved SY21-22 WPS Academic Calendar
The School Committee has approved the 2021-22 WPS Academic Calendar. A pdf version as well as an accessible version are available on the District homepage (under Quick Links) for your use.
January Health Awareness Newsletter: Physical Activity in 2021
Click here for this month’s newsletter.
Human Relations Services
The Human Relation Services (HRS) can help. Wellesley Public Schools has contracted with HRS to provide up to ten free counseling visits for you and/or your family members. This program is designed to help you deal with stresses of life and work –including personal and family issues, drug or alcohol problems, and job related tension. It offers prevention and intervention to reduce these stresses and improve coping skills.
HRS is located at 11 Chapel Place in Wellesley and can be reached at 781-235-4950. This is a confidential service. Wellesley Public Schools is not aware of the names of employees or their family members who utilize this service.
Do you have a question for the WPS Human Resources Department? Email AskHR@Wellesleyps.org. The Human Resources Department is happy to assist you.
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.