Dear Colleagues,
With teacher appreciation activities occurring throughout the district this week, I hope you felt the gratitude from our community for the work you do each day with our students. I want to echo that same sentiment, which was reinforced for me in so many ways this week. Listening to Cynthia Russell, Brandon Cox, and Dedra Moore describe to our PTO leaders the many ways that they are working to connect our Wellesley and Boston communities, I was reminded of why our METCO Program remains as important as ever. Watching the documentaries produced by our WHS Evolutions students, I was reminded of the innovative ways teachers, like Thom Henes, are using to build student agency and showcase student voice on critical topics. Listening to Principal Grant Smith describe how the Hardy staff are deepening their conversations around multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), I was reminded of the commitment of our educators to continuous improvement. Receiving feedback from parents whose students just returned from the Art trip to France and Spain reminded me of the doors to the world that Thom Carter has helped keep open, despite the many challenges of the pandemic. And finally, attending the WHS Step-Up concert last night and seeing our WMS and WHS students come together in an such an extraordinary choral performance, I was reminded of how our Performing Arts staff provide a vital path of connectedness to our students that both showcases their talents and the relationships they develop along the way.
With these and many other examples I could share, I end the week with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude for the work of our team and the difference you make in the lives of our students each and every day.
And of course, a special shout-out to all of our moms on Sunday!
Best regards,
David
Calendar
5/10/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm|
5/17/22 – Health Department Vaccine Clinic 4:00 – 5:30 pm|
5/24/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
5/30/22 – Memorial Day – No School
6/01/22 – Tuition Reimbursements Submissions Deadline
6/03/22 – WHS Graduation – 5:00 pm
Got Vaccines?!
The Health Department is hosting a Moderna vaccine clinic for Town employees at the Health Department, 90 Washington Street, on Tuesday May 17th, from 4:00-5:30pm. Please use this link to register. First, second and booster vaccines are available.
Tutors needed for K-12 WPS Academic Tutoring (April – June 2022)
Wellesley Public Schools will offer K-12 Academic Tutoring for WPS students in ELA, Math and Science, from April through June 2022
WPS is seeking applicants for Tutors (several positions available at the elementary and middle schools) $44.47/hour.
Please click here to apply to the internal posting. ** You must create your account in TalentEd to view the Internal Postings.
- Tutoring may occur before/after school and/or weekends and April break.
- Tutoring will be held in WPS schools during building hours and/or on WPS Zoom. Students are recommended for tutoring by teachers and administrators based on their classroom performance.
- Students will utilize their current school work during tutoring sessions.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Sandy Trach, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning trachs@wellesleyps.org with any questions.
Coaches Still Needed for Spring Season:
WHS Freshmen and Part Time Varsity Assistant Coach for Boys Volleyball
Season: Monday, March 21st through Friday, May 27th
Questions or to apply, please contact: Athletic Director John Brown brownj@wellesleyps.org or 781-446-6290, ext. 4614
Tuition Reimbursement Info and Deadline
Just a reminder that Unit A members seeking tuition reimbursement for graduate coursework in accordance with the Unit A collective bargaining agreement must submit the completed application for reimbursement, along with evidence of enrollment into a program and course cost, proof of payment and transcript, no later than June 1, 2022. The Tuition Reimbursement form can be found on the HR page of the WPS website.
The contract states:
Course reimbursement for graduate courses taken by staff who are without master’s degrees and/or who are seeking professional licensure as required by the Massachusetts Department of Education or when a specialist teacher’s immediate supervisor, subject to the approval of the Assistant Superintendent, verifies that there are no further in‐district courses available for recertification in that specialist’s field, that specialist may apply for tuition reimbursement. Any Unit A member for whom no DESE license exists, including but not limited to occupational and physical therapists, so long as that member maintains appropriate certification and/or licensure required to perform his or her duties, shall be eligible to apply for tuition reimbursement.
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.