Hello! I apologize for the length of this missive. I was out last week due to my family being ravaged by the COVID bug and did put out this information. Please forgive me.
STEAM WEEK
October is the month of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) for Wellesley. The third week of each October is MASS STEM Week. Wellesley Public Schools acknowledges the importance of ARTS in STEM, so we celebrate STEAM. Beginning October 12th through the end of the month, Wellesley Public Schools will feature STEAM lessons, activities, and events to inspire our students, staff, and community. Upham will kick off the STEAM week with a dedicated all-school assembly on Friday, October 14, at 8:45 AM.
ALICE Training
To ensure schools are prepared to handle the threat of an intruder or active shooter proactively, all principals and teachers will be trained in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols.
ALICE stands for:
A-Alert is your first notification of danger.
L-Lock Down- Barricade the room. Prepare to EVACUATE or COUNTER if needed.
I-Inform- Communicate the violent intruder’s location and direction in real-time.
C-Counter-Create Noise, Movement, Distance, and Distraction with the intent of reducing the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately. Counter is NOT fighting.
E-Evacuate- When safe to do so, remove yourself from the danger zone.
With assistance from the Wellesley Police Department, we will conduct our annual ALICE training. Students are NOT involved in the training. This is STAFF ONLY. We will conduct the training on Wednesday, October 12, from 12:45 until 3:00. We ask that the playground be cleared of families and friends at this time. Thank you for your cooperation. We will be practicing with the students later in the year. If you have any questions, please reach out to the office.
Upham/Hunnewell Parade
On Monday, October 31 (Halloween), from 8:45-9:15, we will be conducting our Upham and now Hunnewell Halloween Parade. This is a long-standing tradition at Upham. The students and staff dress in “appropriate” Halloween costumes. The students and staff walk around the block (with WPD assistance) as parents take pictures and encourage the participants. We do have alternative activities for students and families that do not wish to participate. If you have any questions, please contact the office for more information. Hope to see you there!
Upham Bingo Night – Save The Date
Join us for a fun-filled family Bingo night in the Upham Gym on Monday, October 17th, from 6:15-7:45 pm.
Siblings are welcome, and all bingo supplies (including fun prizes) will be provided and sponsored by the PTO. In addition, the Upham 5th graders will be selling pizza, drinks, and baked goods to support their end-of-year activities. Come enjoy dinner, treats, and Bingo with your classmates!
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, October 10 – NO SCHOOL – Indigenous Peoples Day
Wednesday, October 12 – Walk to School Day/ALICE Training
Friday, October 14- STEAM Assembly 8:45-9:15
Friday, October 14 – K & 1st Grade Apple Picking Field Trip
Monday, October 17 – Upham Bingo Night, 6:15 PM
Wednesday, October 26- Parent Teacher Conferences
Monday, October 31- Upham/Hunnewell Halloween Parade 8:45-9:15
PARENT CLASS SOCIALS
2nd Grade – Saturday, October 15
5th Grade – Friday, October 14
Thank you for your support. Have a nice long weekend, and be safe.
Dare to Dream,
Mr. Dees