Dear Colleagues,
I was thrilled to welcome you back on Monday to the 2022-23 school year! I always look forward to our all-staff kickoff, which I have greatly missed sharing with you in person for the past few years. Weren’t our student vocalists terrific with their musical tour through the 80’s? (Wish I still had my favorite parachute pants from high school!) Many thanks to Performing Arts Director Mike LaCava and colleagues Kevin McDonald and Chad Weirick for organizing this great start to our kickoff!
Our opening day for students went very well on Wednesday and I could feel the positive energy at each of my visits throughout the district. I want to give a special shout-out to our colleagues who have worked so hard to implement our Hunnewell Swing Space plan across four schools. This couldn’t happen without a great deal of coordination and collaboration. Go team!
As we continue to help our students find their footing this year, I ask that we each revisit the anti-bullying materials and resources posted on our WPS website. Additionally, please be sure to encourage students to report any incident of bullying, whether they are directly involved or they are aware of this happening to other students. No one should ever suffer in silence in our school community. Thanks for your help in promoting a “see something, say something “culture across our district.
Please enjoy a well-deserved long weekend!
David
Calendar
9/05/22 – Labor Day – No School
9/06/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
9/13/22 – School Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm
9/17/22 – Fiske Western Round Up – 10:00 am
Summertime Congratulations
Baby Joys!
Rebecca Robert (Schofield School Psychologist) on the birth of a baby boy, Jackson Robert
Hardy 2nd Grade teacher Felicia Moran on the birth of a baby girl, Isobel “Izzy” Moran
Hardy Teaching Assistant Maria Temple on the birth of a baby boy, Ross Temple
Bates’ school psychologist Kate Stanley on the birth of a baby girl, Claire Eloise Stanley
Wedded Bliss!
Fiske’s Alexandra Kritharas, (new) 1st grade teacher
Katie Roberts (Speech and Language Pathologist)
Hunnewell Demie Warner (Building TA)
Devin Ligon (PE Teacher) (9/16)
Happy Days!
Hardy Nurse Carol Sullivan retired
Lane Changes?
Please contact Jacqueline “Jackie” Meyers in the Human Resources Office for all your lane changes, questions and concerns. Her email is meyerj@wellesleyps.org and phone number is 781-446-6210 x 5622.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver, the U.S. Education Department is making it possible for many full-time public servants, including school district employees, to qualify for total federal student loan forgiveness or be closer to loan forgiveness. However, the opportunity only exists through October 31. Borrowers will have to consolidate their non-Direct Federal student loans into the Direct Loan program and submit a Public Service Loan Forgiveness form to certify their employment before the deadline. More information is available at https://studentaid.gov/
Are You Interested in After School Work?
The Fitness & Health Department is seeking teachers, paraprofessionals and teaching assistants who are interested in working in the Intramural Program at Wellesley Middle School. Responsibilities include running and monitoring the activity sessions immediately after school, Monday through Thursday. Specific assignments and activities vary and are organized by the WMS Intramural Coordinator.
If you are interested in learning more about this, please email Joanne Grant, Director of Fitness and Health, at: GrantJ@wellesleyps.org. The Job Posting can be found on the WPS website.
Coaches Needed for 2022-23 School Year
WMS Volleyball
WMS Girls Soccer
WMS Cross Country
Start date: 9/15/22
Please contact the Athletics Department at 781-446-6290 x 4614 or mcdonaldm@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.