Colleagues,
On Monday morning, I joined other Town officials and community members for the annual MLK Breakfast event hosted by the World of Wellesley. Among the topics of discussion this year was Dr. King’s “Two Americas” speech. While not as well-known as his “I Have a Dream” speech, “Two Americas” is particularly poignant right now. The same issues of race and poverty of which Dr. King spoke, still represent lines of demarcation that shape the American experience in fundamentally different ways. The political polarization we have seen, particularly in recent years, is another example of competing ideologies of what “America” should represent.
I carried these thoughts of “Two Americas” into Wednesday, when we witnessed the inauguration of a new President. As I listened to President Biden’s remarks following the oath of office, I appreciated his words of unity and clear desire to bridge these “Two Americas” into one. This is obviously not the work of a single person nor will it be easy. This is our collective work as a nation and an effort we, as educators, are uniquely positioned to support. I close with an excerpt from President’s Biden’s speech that felt very much connected to Dr. King’s words and legacy. I hope these sentiments inspire you as much as they inspire me:
Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our “better angels” have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward. And, we can do so now. History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity. We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature. For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward. And, we must meet this moment as the United States of America. If we do that, I guarantee you, we will not fail. We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together. And so today, at this time and in this place, let us start afresh.
All of us.
Thanks for all that you do for our students each day.
-David
Calendar
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
2/23/21 – School Committee Meeting – Remote Online – 6:30 pm
Salary Lane Change Process Reminder
Effective November 1, 2020, a teacher must submit a Course Approval Form (CAF) if: 1) a course may lead to a lane change; or 2) a course is paid by District funds. Forms should be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the expected start date of the course. Course approvals are active from the date of approval through June 30th of the following school year (e.g., approved 1/20/2021 for a course starting 3/1/2021 would be active through 6/30/2022). Approvals are based on the course title and course description and cannot be exchanged for another course without prior written approval of the Superintendent or designee. A teacher has until June 30th of the following school year from the course completion date to submit the transcripts (e.g., course ended 4/1/2021 transcript must be submitted by 6/30/2022).
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.
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.