Dear Sprague Families,

Welcome back!  I am sure stomachs are filled with butterflies, which means there is excitement in the air.  This is it….let’s make it a great year.

Thank you to the many families that offered their condolences and support during this difficult time for me.  I am grateful to you.

 

Please review the following carefully.  As stated in previous communications, all plans were subject to change based on collaborative district decisions with health and safety in mind.

 

Planned Tours for August 31st – Cancelled 

Once again, welcome to all of our kindergarten students/families and new students/families!  

  • Unfortunately, due to health and safety concerns with crowds and people in the building, I am sad to say that I have to cancel the planned tour for our kindergarteners and new families, which was scheduled for Tuesday, August 31st

  • Kindergarten teachers have been in communication with kindergarten families regarding plans to visit the classroom.  Please follow communications from kindergarten teachers for August 31st plans to visit the classroom

 

PTO Hosted Popsicle Party – Kindergarten and New Families

  • The PTO sponsored Popsicle Party will take place on Tuesday, August 31st at 3:00 pm on the Sprague playground

  • This event is for kindergarteners, new students, and their families only

 

PTO 

  • Thank you to Deb Buhler and Sneha Patel, PTO Co-Presidents, for all their behind-the-scenes support!

  • Of course, thank you to the remainder of the PTO parents for their active roles and continued support of Sprague

 

First Day of School Opening Ceremony – Cancelled

  • With a heavy heart, I have to cancel the planned first day of school Opening Ceremony

  • This difficult decision has been made based on the need for health and safety – even though outdoors, large crowds are less than desirable at this time

  • I am also disappointed, but agree with the importance of health and safety

 

New First Day of Schools Plans – Logistics

  • On the Sprague field, please look for a class sign with your child(ren)’s teacher’s name on it

  • The class signs will be set up by grade level starting with kindergarten closest to the baseball field and grade five closest to the Oak Street neighborhood

  • The class signs will be set up in a horizontal line

  • All Sprague staff will be outside and present to assist any student that may be in need

  • At approximately 8:30 am, classroom teachers will walk students into the building to begin the first day of the 2021-2022 school year!  We ask that you bid your child best wishes and have each independently enter the building with his/her classmates and teacher

  • I will host a different version of the Opening Ceremony once students and staff have entered the building

  • I look forward to the day when we can resume exciting events such as the Opening Ceremony

  • Having said this, thank you for your support and understanding always!

Building Logistics

 

First Day of School/September Dates

  • Wednesday, September 1, 2021 – ½ day for all students – dismissal at 12:00 pm

  • September 1 through September 10th – ½ days for all kindergarten students – dismissal at 12:00 pm 

  • Monday, September 6, 2021 – No School, Labor Day 

  • Tuesday, September 7, 2021 – No School, Rosh Hashanah 

  • Thursday, September 9, 2021 – Back-to-School Night (tentative date) 6:00 pm

  • Monday, September 13, 2021 – Full days begin for all kindergarten students 

  • Tuesday, September 14, 2021 – Walk-to-School Day

  • Thursday, September 16, 2021 – No School, Yom Kippur 

  • 2021-22 WPS Academic Calendar.Updated August 17, 2021.pdf 

Walk-to-School Days

  • Tuesday, September 14, 2021

  • Wednesday, October 6, 2021

  • Friday, November 5, 2021

  • Thursday, December 2, 2021

  • Wednesday, January 5, 2022

  • Tuesday, February 1, 2022

  • Friday, March 4, 2022

  • Thursday, April 7, 2022

  • Tuesday, May 3, 2022

  • Wednesday, June 1, 2022

COVID Practices and Procedures

Dear Members of the Wellesley Public Schools Community,

I write to provide you with an update on our COVID-19 mitigation efforts, as we move closer to the start of school on Wednesday, September 1st.  Yesterday, the State Board of Education provided the Commissioner of Education with the authority to require indoor masks for all students and staff across the Commonwealth for the month of September.  Similarly, the Wellesley School Committee approved this same directive last night, along with approving the WPS Administration’s other proposed COVID mitigation strategies.  (The Wellesley Board of Health approved a similar recommendation at its meeting on August 23rd.) WPS will revisit this masking requirement in early October and reassess its necessity with the Wellesley Board of Health and in consideration of any additional state/federal guidance.

The indoor mask requirement will go into effect on Thursday, August 26th, across all of our WPS buildings to help ensure that the increased school activities occurring this week are happening in a safe environment.   

Attached to this message is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that outlines the district’s COVID mitigation plans to start the year.  Our response in some of these areas is still being refined in light of this recent news from the state.  Our goal is to safely return to as much of our normal school operations as possible this year.  Thank you in advance for your support of our students and staff as we begin this new school year together. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. David Lussier

Superintendent of Schools 

 

I could use smiling faces from students whom I love deeply.  I look forward to that day.  Welcome back! 

Until then,

Leigh

 

 

Welcome Back – Updated Information and Details