Colleagues,
Today is one of my favorite days of the year because tonight, 389 members of the Wellesley High School Class of 2021 will receive their diplomas. I especially want to thank our high school team for all their efforts to host senior week activities amid changing COVID guidance from the state. Tonight, though, is really our collective capstone project as many of these students have been with us since their first days of school as children. They have grown under your expert care, love, and instruction. I know the foundation you have helped these students create will provide them with a firm footing wherever their journey takes them after graduation.
We will also be honoring a very special graduate tonight, who left Wellesley High School before graduation to enlist in the Army at the age of 17. Cosmo Uttero later landed on the beach at Normandy on D-Day, and helped turn the tide of the war. Cosmo can’t be with us in person tonight, but he will be watching the live-stream broadcast from his home in Florida when his name is called and he officially receives a Wellesley High School diploma. What an amazing story and source of inspiration for our graduates!
(Any of our staff members are most welcome to attend tonight’s ceremony at the high school track and field, with a new start time of 6pm.)
Thanks for all that you do for our students and for the role you have played in the lives of our graduates. Enjoy the weekend.
-David
Calendar
06/4/21 – WHS Graduation!
06/7/21 – Deadline: PAWS ESY Program Applications
06/8/21 – SC Meeting 6:30 pm
06/15/21 – SC Meeting 6:30 pm
06/17/21 – Last Day of Schools for Students!
06/18/21 – Last Day of Schools for Teachers!!
06/22/21 – SC Meeting 6:30 pm
Teach at P.A.W.S. this Summer!!!
We are looking for paraprofessionals to support students in the Extended School Year program at P.A.W.S. for preschoolers with identified special needs, ages 3-5. The hours are from 8:45-1:45, Monday-Thursday, July 6- August 5. Rates are $26.21-31.86 per hour (dependent on current Lane and Salary Step). Applications are due by June 7, 2021.
Teacher Leadership Opportunity: Equity Facilitator
The Offices of DE&I and Professional Development are seeking teacher leaders to join the District’s cohort of Equity Facilitators for Fall 2021. One opening exists at each of the following schools: WHS, Hunnewell, Upham and P.A.W.S. An overview of the responsibilities and expectations of the role are available here. This stipended opportunity is on School Spring, and interested internal candidates may apply here.
Please email curryc@wellesleyps.org with any questions.
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).
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.