Dear Colleagues,
This was a difficult week for our nation and especially those working in schools. The senseless mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas has once again shattered the feeling of safety and security that everyone should feel when they walk through the doors of any school. I know it was jarring for everyone to return to school on Wednesday with a feeling of vulnerability. But return you did, as you supported our students, parents, and each other with caring words and embraces. As you have done throughout the pandemic, you have been called on to help make sense of tragedy and loss. I remain in awe of your commitment and that of our colleagues around the country. I know our community shares in that same sentiment. Someone shared the following words with me for our educators that I believe reflect our community’s thoughts right now regarding our WPS staff:
Thank you . . . .
Thank you for walking back into your schools today.
Thank you for putting your commitment to the education of your students ahead of your fear for personal safety.
Thank you for staying in a job whose description no longer matches its reality.
Thank you for staying after class to talk with the student you see struggling with the anxiety of life today.
Thank you for comforting your coworkers in the face of your collective horror.
Thank you for making sure evil does not triumph over the good that takes place in schools each day.
Thank you for caring, for educating, and for showing up.
You are the heroes we hope our children will emulate and want to become.
T H A N K Y O U
Thank you for all that you did this week to support our school community and please enjoy the holiday weekend. On Monday, please also reflect on the sacrifice of the men and women of our armed forces who have given their lives in defense of our country.
Best regards, David
Calendar
5/30/22 – Memorial Day – No School
6/01/22 – Tuition Reimbursement Submissions Deadline
6/03/22 – WHS Graduation – 5:00 pm
6/07/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
6/14/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
6/20/22 – Juneteenth – No School
6/21/22 – Last Day of School for Students! Half Day
6/21/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
Congratulations to Julie Kenerson, Grade 6 Social Studies teacher, for being featured in a recent WGBH article about her work to make sure that playgrounds are accessible to all children.
WHS Graduation – Class of 2022 – June 3rd @ 5 pm – Hunnewell Field
Yes, it’s almost here!!! There is limited outside seating available for faculty and staff. If you wish to reserve a space, please RSVP by emailing Andrea Ridge, the Phillips House Assistant, by Friday, May 27th.
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.
Affordable Housing Opportunity – 40 William Street
Please use this link to access information and an application regarding an upcoming lottery for affordable rental units at The Nines located at 40 William Street. 88 affordable units will be available. A portion of the units are coming online now, with the remaining units likely available in December 2022. Qualifying Town of Wellesley employees are eligible for a local preference, as well as Wellesley residents, and households with children attending the Wellesley Public Schools, including METCO students.
For those interested, there will be a Public Information Meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 6:30 pm. The zoom link and password can be found in the attached document.
Application deadline is July 25, 2022, and the affordable housing lottery will be conducted Friday, August 26, 2022 at 3:00 pm via zoom.
For more information please contact MCO Housing Services at 978-456-8388 or email us at lotteryinfo@
Coaches Needed for 2022-23 School Year:
Head Coach: WHS Boys Cross Country
Start date: 8/22/22
Head Coach: WHS Girls Basketball
Start date:11/28/22
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.