Dear Colleagues,
I hope everyone had a productive week. As you likely know, the group Parents Defending Education (PDE) filed a federal lawsuit against WPS earlier this year. If you are unfamiliar with PDE, this is a Washington-based advocacy group targeting school districts around the country, particularly those engaged in equity work, which they typically classify as “critical race theory” among other things.
PDE challenged our District’s use of affinity spaces as well as our bias-based reporting process. With regard to affinity spaces, we affirmed that while the intent of these groups may have had a targeted focus, no one has ever been denied access to such an affinity space in the past and would never be denied access in the future. With regard to our anonymous, bias-based reporting procedure, PDE claimed that this would have the effect of silencing free speech within schools. (Ironically, PDE filed their suit on behalf of Wellesley plaintiffs, who wished to remain anonymous themselves.) Again, WPS reiterated its stance that this procedure would not prevent a robust exchange of ideas, even if unpopular, in schools.
In both cases, by affirming the implementation of our current practices, PDE essentially had nowhere to go with their case and sought to settle with the school district only months after filing the suit in court. While PDE is attempting to claim some type of victory in this matter, the fact that our district is able to continue supporting affinity spaces and bias-based reporting, is the clearest indication that we prevailed in this matter. I’m proud of our team for standing strong in the face of this challenge and incredibly grateful to our School Committee and Town leaders for their unflinching support of our Core Values.
Thank you for all that you do to support our students each day and enjoy the weekend.
Best regards,
David
Calendar
2/15/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
2/21-2/25/22 – February Break – no school
3/1/22 – Town Elections
3/8/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
3/13/22 – Daylight Savings Time Begins (Spring Forward!) – 2 am
Coaching Vacancy – Spring Season:
WHS Assistant Sailing Coach Vacancy
Season: Monday, March 21st through May 27th
Questions or to apply, please contact: Athletic Director John Brown brownj@wellesleyps.org or 781-446-6290, ext. 4614
Extended School Year (ESY) 2022: Help Wanted!
Wellesley Public Schools is hiring for the 2022 Summer ESY Program which runs from July 5 through August 4, 2022. Dates, hours, pay rates and openings are available on under the WPS Internal Job Postings and on School Spring. Please submit your application by March 31, 2022.
Questions? Please email:
Abby Kupris (PAWS): kuprisa@wellesleyps.
Ryan St. Aubin (K-5): staubinr@wellesleyps.
John DeLuca (Middle and High School): delucaj@wellesleyps.org
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.