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WHS Principal’s Newsletter
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Dear Families,
Is it possible for the pace of these weeks to be increasing? It certainly feels like they are. The train here runs fast. The weeks leading up to a long break often seem filled with assignments and assessments as teachers try to get them in before the time away when students might forget things, but there’s also a lot of teaching happening so there’s a lot of new information and skills being learned.
This morning I got to sit in on a class where the teacher started his students with a challenge problem as their warmup. He literally told them, you only know how to do the first part of this, but I want to see what you can do trying to figure out the rest of it on your own. Don’t worry, it wasn’t being evaluated, it just gave the students the opportunity to engage in some collaborative, productive struggle. As teachers we regularly try to push students up to and just beyond their zones of proximal development. In this activity I saw the teacher actually using the activity as an attempt to pull the students from above it rather than push them up from below it. There are so many ways to help kids learn.
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We are delighted to share that WHS Coral Director, Dr. Kevin McDonald, has been named a semi-finalist for the CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence award. As an applicant, Kevin has advanced to Phase 2 of the application process—an exciting milestone that reflects his dedication to students and to high-quality music education. View the press release here! Finalists will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4–8, 2026. Selected finalists will each receive a $5,000 grant, divided evenly between classroom use and personal professional support.
The CMA Foundation transforms lives by investing in music education programs across the United States. Beginning in 2006 with passionate artists and industry professionals who first fell in love with music within the four walls of a classroom. Thanks to the teachers who believed in them, they were able to go after their dreams.
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Parent Nights
All parent nights are at 7pm on zoom unless otherwise indicated.
1/7/26 – GAP Year Presentation w/J2 Guides
1/21/26 – 8th Grade Parent/Guardian Night
*This event is in person: WHS Auditorium
Past Parent Nights click link to view recording:
Scheduling
Students will begin meeting with teachers about course recommendations for next year after February break. Course selection for the 26-27 school year will take place in March.
9th graders will prepare for course selection with counselors in seminar in January. 10th and 11th graders will have counseling seminar during the course selection window in March.
Coffee with The Director of Counseling
All meetings are from 9-10 am on Fridays in the Faculty Dining Room. Next Dates: February 13, April 10
All are welcome!
Academic Support Options
- Department Resource Centers
- Teacher Office Hours
- NHS Peer Tutoring
Seniors
Wellesley Scholarship Foundation application is now open and closes on March 1st. Please check in with your counselor with any other post-secondary questions. Testing Information
Happy Holidays & Welcome 2026!
WHS School Counseling Department
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This year marks the 11th year for Wellesley High School’s Class Advisory Gingerbread House Competition. All advisory classes at WHS participate in the half-day event, hoping to win “Best In …” categories such as “Most “Smart ” Home”, “Best Use of Foreign Materials”, or the “Best Vacation Gingerbread House”.
Several groups really took their builds to another level, as you can see in these photos!
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From December 8th through the 19th, we’re holding a school-wide food drive to support the Wellesley Food Pantry. This drive is part of a service mission through Project 351 and Project Bread to help combat food insecurity and support families in our community before the holidays.
You can help by donating non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and other pantry staples. This season, they are especially in need of unsalted chicken broth in cartons, unsweetened applesauce in cups, honey, and Dinty Moore beef stew. Every item truly makes a difference.
Collection bins will be located in front of the WHS Main Office.
Let’s come together as a school and support our neighbors during this season of giving.
Thank You, and Happy Holidays!
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Subscribe to Wellesley High School’s student news publication, The Bradford, using this link! We release three print editions each year and update our website regularly. Subscriptions play a crucial role in our organization and allow us to continue publishing articles. You can also help by purchasing our merchandise here. Thank you in advance!
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Ever wonder about the books teens are reading?
Ever read a popular YA book and wished you had someone to discuss it with?
The librarians at Wellesley High School host a monthly Book Club for parents where we read YA books and discuss. If you are interested in participating please email us at whslibrary@wellesleyps.org Upcoming dates and books:
February 3 – Scythe by Neil Schusterman (SciFi) March 10 – The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (novel in verse) The Wellesley Free Library will have copies available for check out.
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Dear Class of 2026,
This is a friendly reminder that the spring parking lottery will take place starting on January 2nd. Please note that all outstanding parking tickets must be paid by December 23rd in order to participate.
If you have unpaid tickets, you should have recently received an email detailing the amount owed. Please ensure payment is completed promptly to avoid any issues.
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Parents and Guardians,
The Junior Parking Raffle is now open! This is a chance for your student to win the coveted year long parking spot in the WHS lot for senior year. A year long, guaranteed spot that can save time, reduce stress, and make mornings much smoother for both students and families!
This raffle is also a primary fundraiser for the traditional junior boat cruise and our senior year.
Tickets are available today through December 19th when the first winner will be announced. Prices are: 1 ticket for $ 50, 3 tickets for $ 135, and 5 tickets for $ 200. To purchase tickets, please Venmo @Wellesleyhigh2027 and be sure to include your full name and email/phone number so you can be contacted if you win! All proceeds go directly back into the junior class fund to support upcoming events and activities. Thank you so much for your support! Here is a VIDEO to learn more! Best,
2027 class officers
Audrey Tushman, Amiah Vargas, Cooper Munro, and Dhiren Sivapala
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The Wellesley High School Council serves as the legislative branch of the school government. The Council is responsible for conducting open discussions and making recommendations on matters of school policy, school culture, curriculum, and other issues brought to its attention from its respective constituencies of the Student Congress, Faculty Senate, PTSO, local residents and the principal.
Please see the WHS School Council page on our website for the latest updates and information.
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Our list of clubs and enrichment programs for 2025-2026 has recently been updated.
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Tuesday, December 16 @ 6:30 pm: School Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 18@ 7:00 pm: WHS Choral Concert (WHS Auditorium)
Friday, December 19@ 6:00 am: Improv Troupe (WHS Little Theater)
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I’ve talked to a number of seniors this week who are awaiting word from colleges on their early decision and early action applications. This is an incredibly exciting and stressful time. What I try to do in these moments is be as patient as possible. I try to never ask kids and instead let them tell me. Like many of you I’m excited to hear news, and I know some of it won’t be the response our students wanted. Whether a student’s application is accepted or not is a step on their path that provides an opportunity for growth. The key is to remember it is actually the application that gets accepted or not. It is our job as a community to accept all of our children no matter what happens to their application. Thank you for partnering with us to do just that. If any of you think we can help support your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Never worry alone.
I hope you all have a restorative and restful weekend.
Best,
Jamie
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