Dear Colleagues,
This is our final bulletin of the school year as we adjourn for the summer in the coming week. This was a year in which we navigated through challenges on many fronts. Starting the year amid a resurgence of COVID felt like a giant step backward, particularly in light of the optimism we all felt last June. The concerns about academic loss in the community were further amplified by a broader concern that WPS had lost its way in supporting academic rigor. Our equity work was challenged in a federal lawsuit by those who believe that affinity spaces and bias-based reporting systems are discriminatory and may stifle free speech. We had to design a complex internal swing space plan to accommodate the Hunnewell construction project, which will begin in the coming week. And I believe we all saw the social and emotional implications of the pandemic play out in student behaviors at all levels.
What I choose to remember about the past year, however, is not these and other challenges, but how we came together to respond. I can point to our incredible nursing staff, who implemented new testing programs and even worked side-by-side with the National Guard. I can point to our school psychologists, whom we leaned on more than ever to help address the many mental health issues that are also surging right now. I can point to our classroom teachers, who had to regroup after our hybrid year and assess the status of our students and adapt our curricula in response. I can point to our school and district leaders, who had to straddle both supporting our staff internally, while engaging a nervous community.
This year, you have all shown incredible resilience and an enduring commitment to our students and each other. I have little doubt that next year, we will once again be tested, but as we head into a well-deserved summer break, please know that I don’t think there is a finer team of educators and staff working in any district, and I remain extraordinarily proud to call you my colleagues. Enjoy the summer break and I look forward to welcoming you back for the fall.
With sincere thanks and admiration,
David
Calendar
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
6/22/22 – Last Day of School for Teachers! Happy Summer!
WPS Summer Support Staff Needed
Wellesley Public Schools is offering summer support for students. The program begins on Tuesday, July 5th, and runs for four consecutive weeks. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday (Except Week 1) .
WPS is seeking applicants for several positions. To view the postings and apply for these internal positions, you must create your account in TalentEd. Please contact John Finneron if you have any questions regarding the summer program.
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.